COUNCILLOR LAUDER, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THIS MEANS?
And why wasn't this UTRCA board meeting agenda item not discussed during the November 1, 2007 Woodstock council meeting?
This is odd.
The area that interests us is highlighted in blue below...
September 20, 2007
NOTICE OF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2007
TIME: 1:30 P.M.
LOCATION: WILDWOOD CONSERVATION AREA
- VISITOR SERVICES CENTRE
AGENDA: 1. Approval of Agenda
2. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
3. Confirmation of Payment as Required Through Statutory Obligations
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
- Tuesday, September 25, 2007
5. Business Arising from the Minutes
6. Committee of the Whole
(a) Property matter related to Tridon Construction
(deferred until November meeting) (Jeff Brick)
7. Business for Approval
(a) Administration and Enforcement - Section 28 Report
Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulations
(M.Snowsell)(Report Attached) (Document #68679)
(b) Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed
Areas – Town of Ingersoll (J. Brick) (Report Attached)
(Document #68681)
8. Standing Committees
(a) Joint Health and Safety Committee Minutes
(I.Wilcox)(Report attached)(Document #68319)
9. Presentations
(a) Conservation Services
(B.Glasman)
10. Delegation - None
11. Business for Information
(a) Fanshawe Pioneer Village Update
(S.Johnson)(Verbal)
(b) For Your Information
(To be circulated at meeting)
12. Communications
13. General Manager’s Remarks
14. Chairman’s Remarks and Concluding Comments
15. Other Business
16. Adjournment
The Landowner Recognition Event will follow adjournment.
________________________
Ian Wilcox, General Manager
/ses
c.c. Chair and Members of the Board of Directors
I.Wilcox C.Earl London Free Press
J.Brick C.Machan Stratford Beacon Herald
C.Tasker S.Musclow Woodstock Sentinel Review
B.Glasman B.Mackie
C.Harrington S.Shivas
T.Hollingsworth S.Johnson
M.Snowsell G.Inglis
J.Howley L.Trottier
MINUTES
UTRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2007
P.Huitema, Chair of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority called the meeting to order at
1:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2007 in the Wildwood Visitor’s Centre, Wildwood Conservation
Area. The following members and staff were in attendance:
Members: J.Baechler
M.Blackie
J.Boyce
J.Brown
J.Bryant
S.Clark
P.Huitema
E.Hunt
T.Jackson
C.Lauder
G.Marr
D.Mayberry
H.McDermid
M.Wearn
Staff:
J. Brick
J.Enright
B.Glasman
C.Harrington
T.Hollingsworth
S.Johnson
C.Merkley
K.Pugh
A.Shivas
S. Shivas
M. Snowsell
I. Wilcox
Solicitor: Grant Inglis
Regrets: A.Bannister
1. Approval of Agenda
D.Mayberry moved –J.Baechler seconded:-
“RESOLVED that the UTRCA Board of Directors approve
the agenda as circulated.”
CARRIED.
2. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
P.Huitema inquired whether the members had any conflicts of interest to declare relating to the
agenda. There were none.
3. Confirmation of Payment as Required
Through Statutory Obligations
The Chair inquired whether the Authority has met its statutory obligations in the payment of the
Accounts Payable. The General Manager replied affirmative.
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
G.Marr moved –J.Boyce seconded:-
“RESOLVED that the Board of Directors’ minutes dated
September 25, 2007 be approved as circulated.”
CARRIED.
5. Business Arising from the Minutes
There was no business arising from the minutes to discuss.
6. Committee of the Whole
(a) There being matters to discuss in the Committee of the Whole.
J.Boyce moved – D.Mayberry seconded:-
“RESOLVED that the UTRCA Board of Directors
adjourn to Committee of the Whole.”
CARRIED.
7. Progress Reported
(a) A property matter relating to Tridon Construction was deferred to the November meeting.
(b) A property matter relating to Burgess Park and Standard Tube lands, Woodstock was
discussed.
C.Lauder moved – J.Boyce seconded:-
“RESOLVED that staff be directed to draft correspondence to
the Chief Administrative Officer, City of Woodstock signed by
the Authority Chair stating that the UTRCA Board of Directors
have not had the opportunity of formally discussing this matter,
the Board would like to review more information and encourages
the City to consult with the Conservation Authority prior to making
a final decision; however the Board is reluctant to consider a
golf course at this time.
CARRIED.
8. Business for Approval
(a) Administration and Enforcement – Section 28
Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulations
(Report attached)(Document #68679)
The attached report was presented to the members for consideration.
G.Marr .Wearn moved – E.Hunt seconded:-
“RESOLVED that the UTRCA Board of Directors
concur with the actions taken by staff as outlined
in the attached report.”
CARRIED.
(b) Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for
Prescribed Areas – Town of Ingersoll
(Report attached)(Document #68681)
J.Brick and M.Snowsell outlined the report for the members’ consideration. Following a lengthy
discussion the motion was amended as follows:
M.Wearn moved – J.Baechler seconded:-
“RESOLVED that Board of Directors approve the Interim
Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas in
the Town of Ingersoll, to incorporate the revisions recommended
by the Town of Ingersoll and the Authority Solicitor, as Policy
to guide the staff review of Applications made under Section 28
of the Conservation Authorities Act;
That staff monitor the implementation of the Interim Policy for Erosion
Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll and
report back to the Board of Directors as appropriate;
That unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the Policy
will remain effective for a period of five years from the time of approval.”
CARRIED.
9. Standing Committees
(a) Joint Health and Safety Committee Meeting – September 13, 2007
(Report attached)(Document #68319)
The report was presented for the members’ consideration.
J.Baechler moved –G.Marr seconded:-
“RESOLVED that the UTRCA Board of Directors
approve the recommendations as outlined in the
Joint Health and Safety Committee minutes dated
September 13, 2007.”
CARRIED.
10. Presentations
(a) Conservation Services
B.Glasman, Coordinator of Conservation Services Unit noted that the unit is divided into three
sections, Communities for Nature, Forestry and the Clean Water Program.
B.Glasman and C.Merkley highlighted the Clean Water Program, J.Enright outlined the Forestry
Program and K.Pugh outlined the Communities for Nature Program for the members’ information.
11. Delegations – There were none.
12. Business for Information
(a) Fanshawe Pioneer Village Update
S.Johnson noted the success of the Fanshawe 1812 Re-enactment and Doors Open events held in
September. She advised the members that approximately 2,500 tickets have been sold for the
Haunted Hayrides event scheduled until the end of October. She stated that the capital campaign is
currently at $1.7 million.
She also noted that McCormicks Canada has booked the Village to celebrate its 125th Birthday. The
event will take place in September, 2008 and will be the largest rental event booked to date with
approximately 1,000 visitors.
(b) For Your Information
The report was circulated for the members’ information.
13. Communication
(a) Correspondence from the County of Oxford enclosing a resolution recommending that the
Board of Directors support a 2008 levy requirement increase of not more than a 3% of the 2007 levy
requirement for the County of Oxford.
(b) Correspondence from the Oxford Community Foundation extending an invitation to attend
the premiere event “Celebrate Oxford” scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 2007. The General
Manager requested the members to contact him if interested in attending.
14. General Manager’s Remarks
I.Wilcox reminded the members that the Budget workshop will be scheduled as discussed at the
previous Board meeting within the next few weeks. The members will be advised of the dates
accordingly, and an attempt will be made not to schedule the workshop on a Monday.
15. Chair’s Remarks and Concluding Comments
P.Huitema noted that he and the General Manager attended a Conservation Ontario Council Meeting
on October 24th in Toronto. He also attended the Climate Change Workshop held at the Four Points
Sheraton, London on October 4, 2007. The Workshop was well attended and very informative.
16. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. on a motion by
J.Baechler. Following the adjournment the members participated in the Landowners Recognition
Event at Wildwood Conservation Area.
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
I.Wilcox, General Manager P.Huitema, Chair
/ses
Att.
MEMO
____________________________________________________________________________________
A summary of staff activity related to the Conservation Authority’s Development, Interference of Wetlands
and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation (Ont. Reg. 157/06 under Ontario Regulation
97/04) is presented below. This report covers the period from September 13 to October 10, 2007.
Application # 81/07
City of London
Langarth Street/Emery Street – London
-permission required for rehabilitation of trunk sewer within ravine which outlets into Coves area
-detailed designs prepared by Dillon Consulting Limited
-site meeting conducted to verify scope of work and methodology
-staff approved and permit issued September 21
Application #94/07
Diane Bialek and Joyce Tonner
Part Lot 8, B.F. Concession – Township of South-West Oxford (Beachville)
-approval required for construction of residential dwelling and filling/grading associated with septic
system installation
-various building site location options considered by applicants in consultation with UTRCA
-detailed site plan and grading plan prepared by BOS Engineering & Environmental Services
-staff approved and permit issued September 20
Application #95/07
Fran and Jason Selinger
149 Wilson Avenue – City of London
-proposal to rebuild residential dwelling, located within proposed West London SPA
-detailed plans prepared in accordance with existing interim policies for construction in SPA’s
-staff approved and permit issued October 2
Application #101/07
City of London
Greenway Park – London
-approval required for development of off-leash park and mini soccer pitch within flood plain of
Greenway Park
-site plans prepared and submitted by Parks Planning & Design
-staff approved and permit issued September 14
To: Chair and Members of the UTRCA Board of Directors
From: Jeff Brick, Coordinator – Hydrology & Regulatory Services
Date: October 11, 2007 Agenda #: 7(a)
Subject: Administration and Enforcement – Section 28 Status Report –
Development, Interference of Wetlands and Alteration to
Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation
Filename: ::ODMA\GRPWIS
E\UT_MAIN.UTRC
A_PO.File_Centre_
Library:68679.1
Application #102/07
1610234 Ontario Limited
552 & 556 Wonderland Road – City of London
-permission required for development of self-storage facilities
-redevelopment of property included small portion of flood fringe in close proximity to Wonderland
Road
-detailed site plans prepared by AGM Engineering Ltd.
-staff approved and permit issued September 14
Application #104/07
Stratford House of Blessing
423 Erie Street – City of Stratford
-approval requested for driveway improvements at rear of existing facilities, with storm outlet to
watercourse
-site plans prepared by McNeil Surveying
-staff approved and permit issued September 13 after site meeting to verify scope of work
Application #107/07
Christine and Jimmy Siu
3858 Putnam Road – Thames Centre
-proposal to excavate sediments from portion of existing farm pond
-UTRCA aquatic biologists examined site to confirm scope of work and recommend mitigative
measures
-staff approved and permit issued September 14
Application #109/07
City of London
811 Wilton Grove Road – London
-permit required for site remediation and culvert replacement on small tributary of Dingman Creek
-detailed plans prepared by IBI Group
-staff approved and permit issued September 14
Application #111/07
McCormick Canada
600 Clarke Road – City of London
-proposal to expand shipping area within regulation limit, adjacent to a Pottersburg Creek tributary
-site plans and associated grading details prepared by Dillon Consulting
-staff approved and permit issued September 13
Application #119/07
Brian Morris
36-14 Cadeau Terrace – City of London
-application for construction of small deck extension (deemed “minor works” as per Board-approved
policy)
-staff approved and permit issued September 21
Application #120/07
Skyline Inc.
1223 Richmond Street – City of London
-permit required for construction of front entrance canopy on apartment building
-plans prepared by J. Vincent, P. Eng.
-staff approved and permit issued September 24
Application #122/07
John Bagnall
437 Magnolia Crescent – City of London
-approval required for installation of pool within regulation limit
-site inspection confirmed extent of slope hazard, with pool located beyond slope hazard, within 15
allowance
-staff approved and permit issued October 5
Application # 123/07
Sifton Properties Limited
180 North Centre Road
-proposal to develop second phase of townhouse/condominium project, adjacent to wetland
-detailed site plan, grading/drainage plan and SWM report prepared by Development Engineering
(London) Limited, with provisions for discharge of rooftops to wetland via grassed swales to
maintain pre-development flow to wetland
-staff approved and permit issued October 5
Application #124/07
Wayne Wilson & Kelly Ince
154760 15th Line – Township of Zorra
-approval required for pond excavation within regulation limit
-detailed site plan prepared for property in question, with provision to use excavated material outside
regulation limit
-staff approved and permit issued October 3
Recommended by: Prepared by:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jeff Brick, Coordinator Mark Snowsell
Hydrology & Regulatory Services Land Use Regulations Officer
MS/ms
MEMO
____________________________________________________________________________________
Recommendation
That the Board of Directors approve the Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for
Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll as policy to guide the staff review of Applications made
under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act;
That staff be directed to continue to work with the Town of Ingersoll to study the causes and
potential solutions to flooding and erosion in the prescribed areas;
That staff monitor the implementation of the Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for
Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll and report back to the Board of Directors as appropriate;
That unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the Policy will remain effective for a
period of five years from the time of approval.
Background
In July of 2000, the Upper Thames watershed experienced a storm event that in some locations
matched or exceeded a 1:250-year event. One of the areas affected most seriously was the Town of
Ingersoll. With five significant tributaries draining into the South Thames River (Ingersoll Channel)
within the limits of the municipality, the infrastructure of existing bridges, culverts, roads and
developed properties was particularly vulnerable. Private properties, including several residential
properties were affected by significant flooding and erosion. In the aftermath of the July 2000 event,
Conservation Authority staff undertook an extensive inventory of erosion sites, compiling a record
of more than 170 locations. While many of these sites were undoubtedly experiencing signs of
erosion before the summer of 2000, the magnitude of the problem increased in many locations.
Working in cooperation with the Town of Ingersoll, the UTRCA has also assisted with stormwater
and drainage strategies, including a 2004 stormwater project, undertaken by Dillon Consulting
Limited. That study recommended a series of subsequent initiatives including geomorphology
assessment, flood management and stormwater quality investigations. Based on budget allocations to
date, Ingersoll appears to be committed to undertake these additional studies in an attempt to
develop a comprehensive strategy to address flooding and erosion concerns.
In the meantime, active erosion problems are continuing to put public and private property and
infrastructure at risk. One of the specific areas where residential properties have been affected is a
section of Skye Street which backs onto a tributary locally known as the Sutherland Drain (refer to
the attached Map 1). This area was the focus of recent media attention, with one resident expressing
To: Chair and Members of the UTRCA Board of Directors
From: Jeff Brick, Coordinator – Hydrology & Regulatory Services
Date: October 11, 2007 Agenda # 7 (b)
Subject: Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for
Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll
Filename: ::ODMA\GRPWISE\UT_
MAIN.UTRCA_PO.File_C
entre_Library:68681.1
frustration at the lack of direction or assistance from the Town or the UTRCA. It has been explained
to this landowner and the Town that the UTRCA does not have access to any provincial or federal
sources of funding to assist with this new urban erosion concern. Our Board Members will be aware
of funding for existing infrastructure to assist with initiatives such as the ongoing West London dyke
rehabilitation project but the Ingersoll situation described herein does not qualify for such funding.
Discussion
It has been suggested that some form of cost-sharing agreement be developed between the Town of
Ingersoll and affected property owners. To date, the UTRCA has offered technical assistance to the
Town and to private property owners in lieu of financial assistance for erosion control project
implementation. With the passing of time, some erosion sites are becoming critical, with the need to
act in the absence of an overall, guiding strategy for stormwater management and erosion control.
Staff are of the opinion that it is reasonable to offer technical assistance to landowners and the
Municipality to help deal with those problem areas where remediation should be undertaken
immediately. All such work will be subject to formal written approval from the UTRCA pursuant to
Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Standard requirements for approval will apply, with
the need for applicants to submit satisfactory details of the proposed remedial work. Where possible,
we will provide technical assistance in developing those plans and we will also help to determine
whether other environmental legislation applies. Critical reaches of the Ingersoll tributaries are
highlighted on the attached map. These reaches will in essence form the basis of a special policy
area, to address areas of concern in the absence of the final strategy.
Staff review and decision making for applications in the identified areas where this special policy
approach applies will be guided by the attached Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for
Prescribed Areas, October 2007.
Recommended by: Prepared by:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jeff Brick, Coordinator Mark Snowsell
Hydrology & Regulatory Services Land Use Regulations Officer
JB/MS/ms
Attachments - Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas
in the Town of Ingersoll, October 2007
Map 1
2001 Photographs – Sutherland Drain and Henderson Drain Erosion
Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas in the
Town of Ingersoll
October 2007
Background
The Town of Ingersoll is undertaking studies to assess and address broad flooding and erosion issues
in the Town. The study of the causes of the flooding and erosion and the development and
implementation of comprehensive plans to address the problems will take several years. There are
immediate erosion problems that are having significant impacts on a number of properties in a few
specific areas.
Policy
Given the unique situation as described, the UTRCA has determined that a set of special policies for
the review of site specific erosion control mitigation measures is required. The Interim Policy for
Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll (“the Policy”) shall be
applied to properties in the area identified on the attached Map 1. The Policy allows for the review
and approval of erosion mitigation measures on a site specific basis where the normal approach
would be to require broader reach analysis of projects. The Policy is intended to provide some
protection for the active erosion sites in the interim while broader reach-based planning is
undertaken by the Town of Ingersoll.
Applications for approval under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act for projects where it
is deemed that it is appropriate to apply the policy, will be reviewed with regard for the following
guiding principles:
- The erosion mitigation is restricted to an isolated area;
- The erosion mitigation is proposed to protect against the further loss of property or to protect
against damage to property due to erosion from the adjacent watercourse;
- Potential environmental impacts from the proposed measures are avoided or mitigated;
- Approval of a project under this Policy does not limit or replace the need for other applicable
approvals;
- The measures that are proposed are understood to be interim in nature and given this, the
engineering design may be less rigorous than what would be required under normal
circumstances. The engineering design must still be deemed to meet minimum engineering
standards and have regard for geomorphological processes;
- Notwithstanding the previous clause, the UTRCA reserves the right to require more rigorous
engineering design due to the conditions of a site, the nature of the proposed measure or the
potential risk to private property, public property or the environment;
- Depending on the availability of UTRCA technical staff resources, technical design
assistance may be provided by the UTRCA to assist landowners with identifying the cause of
problems at their site and to identify interim measures to address the problems.
- Technical assistance by the Conservation Authority is provided in good faith and landowners
will be encouraged to obtain independent professional advice – at their expense and
applicants must execute a Release and Indemnity document (details outlined below).
Approvals granted under this Policy are subject to the following standard conditions:
- The UTRCA approval will explicitly indicate that the project is approved under the Interim
Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas in the Town of Ingersoll
- Landowner must execute a Release and Indemnity document (sample provided below) that
includes the following:
o Acknowledges that the approval is granted under the Policy;
o Acknowledges the interim nature of the works
This policy is subject to review and monitoring and may be revised or revoked by the UTRCA
Board of Directors. Unless otherwise revised or extended, this policy is valid until October
2012.
RELEASE AND INDEMNITY
Given in Connection with Section 28 Permit Application # ___________
In accordance with the Town of Ingersoll Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed Areas, Approved by the
UTRCA October 2007.
IN CONSIDERATION for the issuance of the permit in connection with the above Application, the undersigned Applicant, for
itself, himself, herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby releases and forever discharges
the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, its officers, directors, servants, agents and employees (the “Authority”) and
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of Ontario of and from all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, duties,
covenants, claims and demands whatsoever which the undersigned now has or hereafter can, shall or may have for or by
reason of or in any way arising out of any claim for loss, damage, injury or otherwise caused by or arising out of the flooding
or erosion of the land described as:
Legally:
Municipally:
Whether the same is caused by natural forces alone or a combination of natural forces and the operation of flood control dams,
devices or structures by the Authority and/or Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of Ontario and further the
undersigned agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Authority and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of
Ontario by any other party arising out of the permission granted by the Authority to the undersigned with respect to the
completion of interim erosion control works on the said lands above described.
THIS RELEASE AND INDEMNITY shall endure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, their respective
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
Dated at Ingersoll this ___________ day of ____________, 2007.
______________________
Applicant
Sutherland Drain – Skye Street, Ingersoll
Henderson Drain – Ingersoll
JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday, September 13, 2007
B. Glasman called the JH&SC meeting to order at _10:00__a.m. at the UTRCA Fanshawe Admin.
Building.
Members Present: B. Glasman D. Schofield
E. Stockmann B. Williamson
Minutes: C. Ramsey
Guests: S. Viglianti
Agenda: Accepted by B. Williamson Seconded by E. Stockmann
1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting: June 13, 2007
Motion : ___E. Stockmann__________ Seconded: B. Williamson ________________
“RESOLVED that the Minutes of the JH&SC meeting dated June 13, 2007 be approved.”
CARRIED.
2. Business Arising from the Minutes:
a) Eye Wash Stations – E. Stockmann reported that the deluge shower has been installed at
the Fanshawe workshop and that the eye wash fountains at Pittock and Wildwood have
been installed. The eye wash fountain has not been installed at Fanshawe yet.
Action item: Brad to discuss portable eyewash stations at the dams with coordinators
c) Lockout Policy – Eric gave an update on lock-out training. Some units have not been
trained and if Eric can not get to the unit meetings before, there is a possibility of doing
the training after the watershed management meeting in December.
Action item: Eric to send out an e-mail reminder to coordinators to find out when
their next unit meetings are. An option may be after the
Watershed Management Division meeting on Dec 6/07. .
3. New Business:
a) Workplace Inspections
Inspections took place at the following Conservation Areas:
• Fanshawe C. A. – Administration Building
On June 29, 2007 the following structures were inspected: Administration office, north end
dam offices, conservation services portable, ESA/Parks portable (Brandon Williamson)
• Admin. Building upper floor – no hazards
• Admin. Building lower floor – no hazards
• North end dam offices – no hazards
• ESA/parks portable – no hazards
• Conservation services portable – emergency lights not working
On July 26 and 30, 2007 the following structures were inspected: Administration office,
north end dam offices, conservation services portable, ESA/Parks portable (Brandon
Williamson)
• Admin. Building upper floor – no hazards
• North end dam offices – no hazards
• Admin. Building lower floor – emergency lights in the boiler room not
working
• ESA/parks portable – no hazards
• Conservation services portable – no hazards
On August 29, 2007 the following structures were inspected: Administration office, north
end dam offices, conservation services portable, ESA/Parks portable (Brandon Williamson)
• Admin. Building upper floor – no hazards
• Admin. Building lower floor – no hazards
• North end dam offices – no hazards
• ESA/parks portable – no hazards
• Conservation services portable – no hazards
• Fanshawe C.A./ Parks
On August 26, 2007 the following structures were inspected: Campground and Day Use
Area – buildings, washrooms, pavilions, pumphouses (Damian Schofield and Steve
Musclow)
• D washroom – no hazards
• B washroom – no hazards
• A washroom – 1 light tube missing, 4th shower missing handle, 4th toilet from
end – toilet paper holder broken
• E washroom – bag of powder on floor with no label
• Laundromat – no hazards
• Pool shed – eye wash container broken
• Rechlorination building – no hazards
• F3 pumphouse – no hazards
• F5 pumphouse – loose plywood board hanging in ceiling
• UV building – no hazards – closed for season
• Beach pavilion – bulb out in emergency lights, drain pipe on south end patio
• door broken loose, wasp nest in the credit card slot in payphone
• Quad washroom – NW washroom has loose metal plate behind toilet
• Watson Porter pavilion – no hazards
• Front gate – emergency light out over door
• Lunchroom/ kitchen area – no hazards
• Stock room – electrical panel blocked, general housekeeping
• Gator bay – no hazards
• Park office/ registration – no hazards
• Pittock C.A.
* On July 26, 2007 the following structures were inspected: Pumphouses and bathrooms
(Laura Cobb, Bill Austin)
• Pumphouse #4 – fire extinguisher over charged
• Pumphouse #1 – no hazards
• Pumphouse #2 – no hazards
• Pumphouse #3 – no hazards
• Day use bathroom – no hazards
• 1st bathroom – light out in woman’s side, light out on men’s side pathway
• 3rd bathroom – no workplace labels on cleaners
• 4th bathroom – no hazards
• 2nd bathroom – light out on men’s side
• Wildwood C.A
* On August 2, 2007 the following structures were inspected: all applicable buildings (Craig
Machan, Diana Wasmund)
• Office – no hazards
• Gas shed – WHMIS label missing on 3 gas cans
• Workshop – 2 lights out, missing WHMIS label, unknown substance
• Driveshed – no hazards
• Visitor Centre – unstable book shelf, loose hose – trip hazard, corroded
batteries
• Gatehouse – light out
• Washroom C – hose trip hazard, improper chemical storage
• Pool – no hazards
• Beach washroom – improper chemical storage
• Marina – no hazards
• Thomas Orr Dam
* On September 11, 2007 the following structure was inspected: Thomas Orr Dam (Eric
Stockmann, Stewart Cahill)
• Operations building – fire extinguisher hasn’t been inspected since May 2005
• Deck – no hazards
• Mitchell Dam
* On September 11, 2007 the following structure was inspected: Mitchell Dam (Eric Stockmann,
Stewart Cahill)
• Operations building – fire extinguisher hasn’t been inspected since March
2005, MSDS sheet for “Krak” is missing, no records of testing emergency
lights
• Deck – no hazards
• Pittock Dam
* On August 30, 2007 the following structure was inspected: Pittock Dam (Eric Stockmann,
Stewart Cahill)
• Operations building – lights burnt out on second level and in tunnel, no
records of testing emergency lights
• Control Building/ Generator building – emergency exit lights burnt out/ no
records of testing, lights burnt out in control room, guard used ot prevent
access to the generator fan and belts does not completely prevent access,
generator exhaust is not guarded
b) First-Aid / Accident Reports:
• Wasp stings to upper body, neck, hand, forearm, biceps
• Wasp stings to left side of forehead
• Sprained ankle
• Bee sting to left eye
c) Workplace Procedures for Approval
• no procedures were brought forward for approval
Health and Safety Specialist Update
C. Ramsey gave an update on the fall arrest equipment training course to see if anyone was
interested. She commented that she will be pursuing her professional (Canadian Registered
Safety Professional) designation in 2008 and that she had been invited to attend an IAPA
networking session later that day. C. Ramsey discussed the issue that no smoking signs need
to be placed in all vehicles. The committee discussed whether having Benadryl or other
medication available to staff is appropriate since we seem to have a high number of multiple
wasp stings this year. The committee discussed it and decided to bring it up to the
coordinators.
Action item: B. Glasman will bring the medication discussion to coordinators
Action item: C. Ramsey to do research into wasps, see if there is any information for
staff such as preparedness posters
Action item: Motor Pool staff to install “no smoking” signs in all UTRCA vehicles
d) Coordinator Update
B. Glasman commented that his 2 year term as JH&SC Management Co-chair is up in
December and that Chris Harrington, Coordinator Research and Planning will replace him on
the JH&SC.
4. Other Business:
E. Stockmann discussed replacement of the fuel tank at Wildwood and that upon further
inspection by the TSSA, the tank is still too close to the building and it needs to be moved 12
inches. This will be completed in the fall as soon as the fuel level in the tank permits moving
it. E. Stockmann has received his Licensed Site Operator certification and can now perform
minor maintenance and proper fuel inventory record keeping on behalf of the Authority.
5. Next Meeting:
The next meeting has been scheduled for October 24, 2007, at the Fanshawe at 9:00 a.m.
6. Adjournment: 11:05a.m.
_____________________________
E. Stockmann, Worker Co-Chair B. Glasman, Management Co-Chair
1
FYI OCTOBER 2007
519-451-2800 www.thamesriver.on.ca
Trailing through the Swamp
The Friends of Ellice and Gads Hill Swamps, the Rotary Club
of Stratford, and the UTRCA have teamed together to pursue the
idea of a hiking trail at Ellice Swamp. The Rotary Club of Stratford
has offered to find funding for the project, while the UTRCA and
the Friend’s Committee are researching a possible location and
access for the trail.
The best option for the trail follows the abandoned rail bed on
UTRCA property. This portion of the rail bed was purchased by
the Stratford Field Naturalists and donated to the UTRCA. The
6 km trail would take hikers through marsh, swamp thicket, and
wooded swamp. The open marsh area is an excellent area for bird
watching.
Contact: Steve Sauder, ext. 275
Communities for Nature
A busy fall tree planting program is anticipated starting October
13 and continuing during the first two weeks of November. Projects
will be completed in St. Julien Park, Stoney Creek and Westminster
Ponds in London, on two Dingman Creek properties, on one
Oxbow Creek property, in Woodstock’s Burgess Park, at Ingersoll’s
Smith’s Pond, in Dorchester’s Scout camp on Hamiliton Road,
at South Perth Centennial School, and along Stratford’s Waldie
Drain. Approximately 1500 students will participate.
Contact: Karen Pugh, ext 252.
Another Season Has Come and Gone!
Our campgrounds and day use areas closed on Sunday, October
14 for another year. We were fortunate enough to have Mother
Nature on our side right up until the end! Thanksgiving weekend
was beautiful and many took advantage of the sunshine to visit
our parks one last time before the cool fall air moved in.
Staff will spend the next few weeks shutting down the operations,
which includes tasks such as draining water lines, winterizing
facilities, and cleaning up campsites. Seasonal staff will finish
their work terms with us by the end of the month. We couldn’t
have done it without such a dedicated group of people.
Fall and winter work plans are under way with emphasis being
placed on hazard tree management in all three Conservation Areas.
Drinking water systems training and 2008 budget development
will also be a focus for staff, not to mention taking some well
deserved holidays.
It won’t be long until we are changing our signs to welcome our
campers and visitors again in 2008.
Contact: Jennifer Howley, ext. 265
Memorial Forest Dedications
Over 200 people attended the annual George Furtney
Memorial Forest dedication service at Fanshawe CA on Sunday,
September 30. In addition to local visitors, people came from
Kincardine, Toronto, Sarnia, Mississauga, Alymer, Goderich,
and Newmarket.
There were many favourable comments on the park itself and
the beautiful setting for such an occasion. Judy Bryant brought
greetings from the City of London, Karen Pugh spoke on behalf
of the UTRCA, and Dave Pizzey represented the Logan and Evans
Funeral Home. Thanks also go to the Fanshawe CA staff who work
hard on pre-event details to ensure the day runs smoothly.
Jane Boyce, UTRCA Board Member and Chair of the Friends of Ellice
and Gads Hill Swamp, Tara Tchir, UTRCA Ecologist, and Bill Mackie,
UTRCA Superintendent of Support Services and Properties, review
trail options.
2
The City of Woodstock Memorial Forest dedication service
also took place on September 30. Thanks go to Councillor Connie
Lauder for representing the UTRCA at this event at Pittock CA,
which was attended by 75 people. Some people come to this
service every year to take part. Thank you to the Pittock staff who
ensure the preparation work is always well done, and to the staff
of R.D. Longworth Funeral Home.
Contact: Karen Pugh, ext. 252
Joining the Show
The UTRCA had a display and information at the 14th Annual
Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, September 11-13. The show
was promoted as the fall focal point for commercial farm families to
access new technology in a professional outdoor environment.
Staff met landowners to promote the Clean Water Program,
the 60th Anniversary of the UTRCA, and Drinking Water Source
Protection. Staff also helped with plastic mulch demonstrations
(see article elsewhere) and guiding walks on the Heritage Trail.
Contact: Steve Sauder, ext. 275
Another Benchmark
Two new Rotary Club of London West benches were installed
near the trail entrance of Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills
Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) at the Wellington Road
Tourist Information Centre. The benches are part of the following
trail development projects at this ESA:
• wheelchair accessible boardwalk to view Saunders Pond,
• entrance kiosks with information about the ESA,
• trail system with walking loops around Saunders Pond and
Spettigue Pond,
• side trail to the recently designated Dr. Saunders Cabin Site.
The Rotary Club of London West has been a major partner
of Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills ESA for many years. On
Sunday, October 14, the new viewing benches were dedicated in
recognition of the efforts of two Rotarians, Past President Norm
West and Past District Governor Gord Campbell, who worked to
help preserve this environmentally significant area.
Trail redevelopment at Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills ESA was
the largest issue during the development of the new master plan
for this area. More than 80 recommendations for the protection
and enhancement of this natural jewel are being followed to
improve access for people while continuing to protect the area’s
ecological integrity.
Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills ESA is owned and managed by
the City of London and the UTRCA. The ESA is approximately
240 hectares in size and is a Provincially Significant Wetland. More
than 750 species of plants, 230 species of birds, and 20 species of
mammals have been identified in this ESA.
Contact: Steve Sauder, ext. 276
Doors Open Sifton Bog
Doors Open London gives citizens of London and the
surrounding area an opportunity to visit heritage sites in London.
This year the doors were open at more than 50 sites in London on
the weekend of September 22 & 23.
More than 700 people visited Sifton Bog ESA during the
Doors Open weekend. UTRCA staff and members of the Sifton
Bog Master Plan Local Advisory Committee greeted visitors and
introduced them to the unique forms of life found in the bog.
Some of the highlights included seeing Pitcher Plant and Cotton
Grass, viewing Painted Turtles through spotting scopes, and using
dip nets to find bugs in Redmond’s Pond. Staff also explained plans
for the future based upon the draft master plan for Sifton Bog.
Contact: Steve Sauder, ext. 276
Rotarian Ken Wilmot presents the dedication plaques for the new
benches at Westminster Ponds.
Visitors viewed Redmond’s Pond from the floating platform.
The UTRCA’s Brenda Gallagher converses with a local landowner at
the Outdoor Farm Show.
3
Grub for Grubs
At a recent Conservation Services meeting in Toronto,
information on a new threat to reforestation efforts was brought to
the forefront. White grubs (specifically Japanese beetle, European
chafer and June beetle) have been hindering reforestation efforts
by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. These grubs
are the same species that we find in our lawns causing problems
with the grass. The grubs eat the fine root hairs of trees, killing
the tree. The susceptible tree species are White Pine, Fraser Fir,
Red Pine, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Tamarack, European
Larch and White Cedar. Established trees over 2 metres tall and
hardwood species are more resilient to white grubs.
Signs of infestation include lack of ground cover and bare
patches of soil. A heavy infestation would have more than 25
grubs per square metre. A tree that has died due to grubs will have
almost no root system when it is dug up.
At this time there are
no sites in the Upper
Thames watershed
known to be affected
by white grubs.
Contact: Jay Ebel,
ext. 242
Horses in the sugar bush
The Fanshawe Sugar Bush will be horse logged in mid
November. The bush was marked to provincial standards in
July and the sap lines and taps were removed by the Kinsmen in
August. The Kinsmen operate the Sugar Bush in partnership with
the UTRCA, and produce maple products on site.
Art Shannon, who has done horse logging for the UTRCA
before, will use his team to log the bush. Logging with horses
minimizes the impact on the surrounding vegetation. The sugar
bush has not been actively managed in many years and is in need
of thinning in order to improve the quality of the trees there. The
total area to be logged is approximately 11 acres.
Contact: Jay Ebel, ext. 242
Corridor Plan Approved
On September 10, the City of London Planning Committee
approved the Phase I Thames Valley Corridor Plan Report. UTRCA
staff prepared the document and chaired the Corridor Advisory
Committee for Phase I. The results of this phase include:
• compiled background information,
• mapped corridor limits for the London Thames valley,
• a vision for the future.
P h a s e I I w i l l
i n c l u d e t h e
development of policy
recommendations for
the City of London
O ffi c i a l P l a n . A
large component
o f c o m m u n i t y
consultation will be
included in Phase II.
Contact: Steve
Sauder, ext. 275
Two Tree initiatives come together
Over the past two years the UTRCA has been experimenting
with direct seeding as an alternative to planting seedlings, and
planting seedlings in plastic mulch as an alternative to using
herbicides. In 2007 we decided to merge the two techniques by
planting tree seed directly into plastic mulch. After the first growing
season the results look very promising.
Horses were used to log the UTRCA Montain property in 2003.
Above: White grubs next
to a pen for scale.
Left: Grubs have eaten
the fine roots of this
newly planted seedling.
(Photos courtesy
Nottawasaga Valley
Conservation Authority)
The Thames
valley corridor in
London, just west of
Wonderland Road.
4
In May, two strips of plastic mulch were laid at the Woodstock
Outdoor Farm Show agroforestry demonstration area. Slits were
cut into the plastic mulch and five red oak acorns planted in each
slit. Five acorns were used to ensure seed germination at each
location. The slits were then held open using a 15 cm steel staple.
Seed germination was excellent in all but one each location,
germinating anywhere from one to five seedlings.
At some point in the future the most dominant seedling will be
selected and the others clipped, leaving one tree per plant location.
The black plastic mulch holds soil moisture, warms the soil and
provides vegetation control, all of which are added benefits in
growing tree seedlings. The warm, moist soil probably accounts
for the very rapid, uniform germination that was experienced this
year. This fall we laid three additional strips of plastic mulch and
plan to experiment with other species such as black cherry, burr
oak and bitternut hickory.
Contact: John Enright, ext. 243
Lots to talk about
On October 10 and 11, Chris Earl, Steven Musclow, Damian
Schofield and Craig Machan attended a conservation areas
workshop entitled “Providing Greenspace on a Shoestring.” The
event was hosted by the Land Management Committee of the
Greater Golden Horseshoe General Managers Committee, in
conjunction with the Provincial Working Group on Conservation
Areas.
The two day workshop included sessions on business in
conservation areas, risk management, enforcement issues, customer
service and fleet management. The workshop also provided staff
with an opportunity to network and build relationships with staff
from other Conservation Authorities.
The workshop was a great success, with approximately 90 people
from across Ontario. UTRCA staff found it very informative and
relevant to the issues faced by Conservation Area Superintendents
and their staff.
Contact: Craig Machan, 519-284-2931 ext. 425
Special Events Wrap up
It was a busy year for special events at our three Conservation
Areas. Our event schedule began prior to the parks opening in early
April and will continue late into October after the parks close. We
had many repeat events in 2007, such as fireworks displays, a Civil
War re-enactment, fishing derbies, dragon boat festivals, trail runs,
and cross country runs.
A new event that took place at Fanshawe Conservation Area
and Fanshawe Pioneer Village was “Fanshawe 1812: The Invasion
of Upper Canada.” Fanshawe CA staff worked very closely with
Pioneer Village staff to make this event a huge success, attended
by hundreds of spectators.
Contact: Michelle McDonald, ext. 279
Top: Laying the plastic mulch.
Bottom: Success! Oak seedlings begin their reach for the sky.
Top: The Civil War Re-enactment at Wildwood CA is a popular event.
Bottom: Dragon boat festivals were held at Pittock and Fanshawe.
5
Greening Camp Bel
Approximately 25 local Guides (under the leadership of UTRCA’s
Karen Mortimer), Cubs and Scouts planted 156 new conifer trees
at Camp Bel in Dorchester on Saturday, October 13.
In 1988, Bert Elgin Langford allowed the use of his 60 acre farm
for scouting activities. When he passed away in 1990, he left his
property to the Ontario Boy Scouts of Canada. The property was
named with his initials.
White spruce, white pine and Colorado blue spruce were planted.
The trees will act as a buffer to help improve water quality (the
camp is close to the Thames River and to the Dorchester Swamp,
a Provincially Significant Wetland), will create wildlife habitat and
nesting opportunities, and will provide a visual and sound barrier
to the neighbouring houses and future development.
The project was funded by the TD Friends of the Environment
Foundation and the Middlesex Stewardship Council.
Contact Karen Pugh, ext. 252
Creating a Climate for Change
On Thursday, October 4, the UTRCA hosted the “Creating a
Climate for Change in the Upper Thames Watershed” workshop at
the Four Points Sheraton in London. The workshop attracted 130
participants and represented the final phase of a project designed
to examine the effects of climate change on flooding and drought
in the upper Thames River watershed.
The workshop agenda was developed to appeal to both
participants interested in the details of the hydrologic and socioeconomic
models, and those interested in learning about initiatives
being undertaken locally and in other areas of Southwestern
Ontario.
Partners in presenting the workshop included researchers from
the University of Western Ontario’s Institute for Catastrophic Loss
Reduction, the University of Waterloo, and Environment Canada.
In addition, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the
Clean Air Partnership, the City of London and author Leslie Garrett
all provided thoughtful and motivating presentations. Participants
were treated to an after dinner presentation entitled “No Going
Back: The Science of a Warmer World” by Dr. David Pearson,
Professor of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University and Project
Director for Science North.
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation provided
support to present the workshop and to cover the cost of producing
proceedings.
Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, ext. 226
Recognizing Former Landowners of
Wildwood Lands
The UTRCA will be recognizing former landowners of what is
now Wildwood Conservation Area on Tuesday, October 23. A new
sign recognizing these former landowners’ contribution to flood
protection will be unveiled as part of the event. The UTRCA Board
of Directors and representatives of the former property owners’
families will be involved in unveiling the sign.
The UTRCA is pleased to recognize the contributions of the
former property owners of Wildwood Conservation Area lands
as part of the Conservation Authority’s 60th anniversary. This
year also marks the 40th anniversary of the official opening of
Wildwood Dam.
The construction of Wildwood Dam and Reservoir as a flood
control structure and summer flow augmentation system was
seen as a priority when the UTRCA was formed in 1947. In
1948, the authority named the projected dam and conservation
area as Wildwood after the post office that was once located
there. It was anticipated that the dam would also create a large
outdoor recreation area for camping, boating and other outdoor
activities.
The project was shelved in 1948 due to the fact that people in the
Wildwood area were not sure that they wanted it. There was also
concern that this was something new in the Province of Ontario
and there were no precedents to judge the idea against, and the
municipalities had differences in opinion about the cost sharing
of this project.
The project was revived in 1956 when the provincial government
increased funding to 50% for capital projects. The UTRCA was
seeking an additional 25% funding from the federal government
for the construction of the dam. After considerable negotiation, all
funding was in place by 1960. A meeting was held in September
1961 with the UTRCA and municipalities affected by the project.
All municipalities approved the project and the closing and
relocation of roads was discussed at the meeting.
6
In December 1961, the UTRCA met with property owners
to outline the land acquisition procedures. Each property was
assessed separately by three independent appraisers. From these
appraisals, the appraisers came forward with fair market value. The
property owners were also given an additional 10% for forceful
taking. All properties were offered an additional bonus per acre if
arbitration was not required. Only one property was involved in
significant litigation. The 37 former property owners owned about
3,000 acres of land at Wildwood Conservation Area.
The sod-turning ceremony for Wildwood Dam took place on
June 4, 1963. The final inspection of the completed project took
place on November 23, 1965 and the official opening of the
Wildwood Dam took place on June 15, 1967. The total cost of
the project was $3,118,949.
The UTRCA is pleased to recognize the 37 former property
owners and their families for their significant contribution to
conservation in the upper Thames watershed. The UTRCA also
wishes to thank Ron Lang of Ottawa for his help in contacting
former landowners.
Contact: Steve Sauder, ext. 275
Top: Construction of the Wildwood Dam on Trout Creek.
Bottom: A recent aerial view of Wildwood Conservation Area, with the
dam at the top right.
On the Agenda
The following items will be presented at the UTRCA Board
of Directors’ meeting on October 23rd, 2007. Board meeting
minutes are posted on the Downloads section our website, at www.
thamesriver.on.ca.
• Administration and Enforcement - Section 28 Report (Fill,
Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulations)
• Interim Policy for Erosion Control Mitigation for Prescribed
Areas – Town of Ingersoll
• Conservation Services Presentation
Contact: Susan Shivas, ext. 222
