The Corporation of The Town of Cobourg

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

MINUTES

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Electronic Participation
Members Present:
  • Emily Chorley
  • Beth Bellaire, Chair
  • Dora Body
  • Miriam Mutton
  • James McGrath
  • Richard Pope
  • Trish Whitney
Staff Present:
  • Teresa Behan, Deputy Director, Community Services
Staff Absent:
  • Jodi Ware-Simpson

1.

The meeting was called to order at 1:03pm.

Moved by Dora Body

THAT the Agenda dated January 5, 2021 be approved as amended with the addition of an update on the Beach Survey under Reports.

Carried

There were no Declarations of Interest Declared by Committee Members. 

5.

Moved by Trish Whitney

THAT the minutes dated January 5, 2020 be adopted as presented/amended

Carried

Emily Chorley joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Beth Bellaire, Chair joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Dora Body joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Miriam Mutton joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
James McGrath joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Richard Pope joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Trish Whitney joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.
Teresa Behan, Deputy Director, Community Services joined the meeting at 1:00 PM.

6.

Presentation to Committee about our current climate crisis and included suggestions and recommendations;
a) Increase Number of Trees Planted.

     Discussed that this was passed in the budget.

b) Replace machinery, tools and appliances used by Public Works & Parks with electric

c) Replace lawn that is not in high traffic areas with white clover.

     Questions were raised about if this would be suitable for sports fields.

d) Move to 0 waste for Town events.

e) Installment of more electrical outlets for cars

Presentation to Committee that included 3 key recommendations;
1) Designate a committee to formulate a plan for remedial techniques to improve the water quality in the west harbour, with action plans implemented by the summer of 2021.

Questions were raised by the Committee about the dredging process in the Harbour and if it contributed to the issues.

A Staff Report was requested to outline the dredging process including how they water test.

The Committee has also requested to have Jennifer Leno from Water Pollution to attend their next meeting to explain the testing processes and to answer questions.

2) Design walkways from the canoe and sailing school compounds to the water’s edge that protect citizens who are launching their watercraft.

Action: The Parks Manager to price out the cost of a beach mat for the watercraft that is at least 8 feet wide. Jeremy previously received an estimate for a mat that he will send to the Chair.

3) Devise a means for safe entry into the harbour waters from the west harbour beach that is accessible to those wanting to use the harbour.

The Town has requested funding for an accessible dock and are hoping to hear back in March. An accessible dock was also included in the passed budget at council as a future placeholder.

Action: The Committee requested to keep these 3 recommendations on unfinished business.

7.

None

8.

Deputy Director Behan was no longer in the meeting to present information about the water levels but the Manager of Parks advised that there were no issues with the current levels.

8.2

The survey will be going live Tuesday, February 2nd and the Town will be promoting on all media outlets. An update should be available to the committee in March.

9.

10.

MOTION: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee endorses the Cobourg Horticultural Society’s project – Planting for a Greener Future – which will result in an increase in Cobourg’s urban canopy and enhance the biodiversity of our town by encouraging the addition of native trees and plants on private properties. The Committee urges Council to assist in any way possible.

Carried 

Action: Include Member Whitney's report with the motion to Council

Suggestions on what Council can do to help:

  • Increase flower beds and trees
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Education
  • Boulevard By-Law Clarification
    Action: Committee requested circulation of current by-law to group.

Motion to be postponed to be discussed at next meeting. The Committee needs a stronger understanding of the current protections and time to discuss what should be changed or added.

11.

12.

Moved by Member McGrath THAT the meeting be adjourned at 3:02pm.

13.

No Item Selected