D. Williams (Strategy and Innovation Specialist, CKL) provided an update and overview of the Healthy Environment Plan.
CKLEAC Chair P. Warren welcomed all guest to the meeting. Each guest was called upon to introduce their group or organization, and comment on the goals of the group, the activities and projects they are engaged in currently, and in the past, and challenges they have faced as an organization.
Councillor T. Richardson acted as moderator for the Round Table portion of the meeting.
R.Holy, Acting Director of Development Services provided an update on the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) noting it was to be posted to the City of Kawartha Lakes website by day’s end. R. Holy reported that $100,000.00 was budgeted for the Plan, consultants were being hired, and the timelines should fall within 12-18 months. In response to questions from various organizations, R. Holy confirmed that work already completed through the Environmental Action Bobcaygeon group and the Bobcaygeon Active Transportation Plan would be considered in the City's new ATMP. The City is also working on a Tree Preservation By-Law.
Councillor Richardson provided an opportunity for the groups to suggest topics for discussion.
Tree Canopy and Trails
A member of CKLEAC suggested the Tree Canopy and the potential for planting Native plants and trees, the Green Corridor, and the opportunities for bee gardens and pollinator pathways. Discussion ensued around the impact of climate change on Native Plants and the importance of seed sourcing, as well as the availability of lists and data on Native Plants and potential sources of information and knowledge including both the Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes and R. Smith from Parks and Recreation Division. Additional connections were made SSFC and the vast opportunities for collaboration in all sorts of areas including GIS, mapping, eco management and forestry.
Connectivity of Trail Systems
Members of Environmental Action Bobcaygeon communicated the need for connectivity of trails within communities. Kawartha Land Trust noted the additional importance of connectivity between various communities as well. Discussion ensued around the Trans Canada Trail, and the benefits of connecting the various trail systems as well as the natural areas in the area and the opportunities for many groups and private land owners to contribute.
Off Road Vehicle Use on City Roads
Environmental Action Bobcaygeon expressed their environmental concerns around the potential use of ORV’s on City Roads, and the relationship to the Active Transportation Master Plan.
Lake Management Plan
The Lake Management Planning Committee spoke on the importance of managing shorelines. Couchiching Conservancy provided insight on the example of Lake Dalrymple.
Housing Developments and Parkland
R. Holy, Acting Director of Development Services was asked to comment on the City’s policies around subdivision and housing developments providing greenspace and parkland and the cash in lieu options. R. Holy explained the criteria of the Official Plan and provided information on land use designations.
Partnerships and Collaboration
P. Warren noted the vast opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to form amongst the attending groups and variety of potential initiatives including Green Spaces, Trees, Green Shorelines, Trail Systems, and Lake Management Plans.
Walk Lindsay Advocacy Group suggested a great connection would be Walk Lindsay with the Kawartha Cycling Club. The groups could work together to ensure safe environments for both walkers and cyclists.
Walk Lindsay Advocacy Group also suggested a potential connection with the Transit system. Promoting the environmental benefits walking or using transit rather than driving, the potential for reduced bus fares or future shuttles, and the relief from congested parking.
Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes indicated their interest in collaborating with various groups and with projects outside of Lindsay as well. An idea was brought forward for the potential of trail networks including the possibility of using existing snowmobile trails and co-operating with private land owners to develop walking trail networks.
CKLEAC members contributed the potential for partnerships with Bee City and the promotion of pathways with other ongoing projects various groups may be involved in.