DATE: November 15, 2016 REPORT NO. CPREC Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Operations and Administration

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1 DATE: November 15, 2016 REPORT NO. CPREC TO: FROM: Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Operations and Administration Sandy Jackson, General Manager Community Recreation and Programs 1.0 TYPE OF REPORT: CONSENT ITEM [ ] ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION [ X ] 2.0 TOPIC: Bicycle Skills Park Project Update [Financial Impact None] (CPREC ) 3.0 RECOMMENDATION: A. THAT Staff Report CPREC regarding the Bicycle S k i l l s Park Project U p d a t e [Financial Impact none] B E RECEIVED; and B. THAT the Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute the revised Lease Agreement between The Corporation of the City of Brantford and the Brant Cycling Club Inc. for a portion of Waterworks Park. C. THAT the Bicycle Skills Task Force be DISBANDED as the mandate has been completed as outlined in Staff Report CPREC PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to provide City Council with an update regarding the outcomes of the various Community Funding Application(s) relating to the Bike Skills Park and Project Design and Implementation and to request an amendment to the original Lease with the Brant Cycling Club outlining a revised location for the Bike Skills Park. 5.0 BACKGROUND: On November 9, 2015 the Bicycle Skills Task Force brought forward a Bicycle Skills Park Project u p d a t e to Council f o r consideration. At their meeting

2 November 15, 2016 Page 2 on November 16, 2015, City Council approved the following recommendations: A. THAT the Bicycle Skills Park Project Update report BE RECEIVED; and B. THAT the preferred location of Waterworks Park (Appendix A) as the future site of the proposed Bicycle Skills Park be APPROVED; and C. THAT the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to place the lease agreement between the City and the Brant Cycling Club on the signing bylaw for the next available City Council meeting; and D.THAT the Bicycle Skills Park Task Force staff REPORT BACK to City Council on the outcomes of the various Community Funding Application(s) and Project Design Implementation. Within the November 9, 2015 report, the potential locations for the Skills Park were reviewed by staff and the Task Force to determine the best location based on trail and public access, property size and visibility. The Waterfront Master Plan was also reviewed in consideration of future development particularly for the Earl Haig location. Following a site selection review of park criteria by the Task Force, Waterworks Park was selected as the prime location. The bylaw authorizing the lease agreement of a 2.5 acre parcel of land within Waterworks Park between the City and the Brant Cycling Club was executed by City Council on November 16, 2015 (refer to Appendix A ). The lease agreement was a requirement in order to enable the Brant Cycling Club to pursue funding opportunities through the Ontario Trillium Foundation and secure the necessary capital funds to design and construct the bike park at no cost to the municipality. Due to the size of the City of Brantford the municipality is ineligible for Ontario Trillium Foundation grants. Upon execution of the lease, the design work was initiated by the Brant Cycling Club as this is not a City project. Staff are working with the Cycling club to provide guidance and assistance where required as they would any third party project on City land. 6.0 STRATEGIC PLAN CONTEXT: Brantford Community Strategic Plan Goal # 2- High Quality of Life and Caring for all Citizens Brantford Community Strategic Plan Goal #3 - Managed Growth and Environmental Leadership

3 November 15, 2016 Page INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: This report has been reviewed by the City s Planning and Engineering Departments, Legal and Real Estate Services Department and the Brant Cycling Club. 7.1 Environmental Policy Advisory Committee Consultation and Recommendations Further to the City staff review, Parks and Recreation staff were invited to attend the Environmental Policy and Advisory Committee (EPAC) meeting held on October 27, A Notice of Motion (see Appendix D ) was proposed and approved by EPAC at this meeting with regards to the location of the bike park and requesting Council s consideration for additional environmental work to be completed within Waterworks Park as outlined in the City s Forest Management Plan (2010). In order to implement the recommendations related to additional environmental work, additional fundraising or capital projects will be required. The following Recommendations are included in the full Notice of Motion (Appendix D ): THAT the following recommendations be forwarded to staff for consideration during preparation of their follow up report to Council regarding the Bike Skills Park: 1. That Council continue to fully support the Bike Skills Park of up to 2.5 acres in Waterworks Park as this is a low impact, integrated design with significant social, environmental, and economic benefits; provided it is located within an area designated as having low or very low conservation value within the park; and 2. That the City conduct an environmental assessment of the proposed area for the bike skills park and ecosystem to determine if there are any legitimate concerns of wildlife disruption, destruction of natural habitat, or other negative environmental impacts, and if so, identify appropriate alternatives to mitigate the impacts or recommend adjustments to the plan to avoid same; 3. That in consideration of the development of this natural area of the park, the City increase its ongoing efforts to enhance conservation value and role of the park in other areas, in particular: a. To provide resources necessary to undertake efforts to achieve the top priority recommendations of the Waterworks Park Module of the General Forest Management Plan, including funding an additional forestry crew in 2017 and: i. Conduct a tree inventory of Waterworks Park to be undertaken and completed in ;

4 November 15, 2016 Page 4 ii. Restoration of the high bench floodplain forest and restoration/protection of upland Sugar Maple Red Oak Forest to commence in 2018; iii. Restoration of the rare tree species populations of butternut, red mulberry, and the Kentucky Coffee tree to commence in b. To direct staff to develop a plan to conduct a wildlife survey per the Waterworks Park forest management report (2010), and the identification of any critical habitat for breeding, hibernation, or feeding, and report in 2017 for referral to the budget process for Based on these surveys, identify specific measures to protect or even create critical wildlife habitat, and the appropriate timing of these activities; c. To continue to support the diversity and balance of the ecosystem within Waterworks Park, enhance the connection of Waterworks Park with other natural areas through the restoration and maintenance of wildlife corridors that have been impacted by development. In order to implement these recommendations, additional staff and or contract resources will be required as outlined below: Item 2: Environmental Assessment of meadow: Plan B Natural Heritage has been contracted to complete a late season plant survey within the leased area of Waterworks Park. The results of this survey are outlined in Section 8.5 of this report. Item 3a) Additional staff or contracted resources will be required to complete the tree inventory, restoration/protection and replanting of the identified trees. Item 3b and 3c) Contracted services with applicable expertise will be required to complete the wildlife survey and restoration and maintenance of the wildlife corridors. This is not something that City staff have the ability and expertise to complete. With Council s approval and direction, staff will research these costs for consideration as an unmet need during the 2017 and/or 2018 budget process, in addition, staff will encourage EPAC and the Cycling club to pursue funding opportunities that could offset or cover these projects. 7.2 Consultation with Brant Cycling Club The Brant Cycling Club has provided a letter attached as Appendix B indicating that as a volunteer-led project with finite completion dates, an approved lease and a significant amount already invested into the Waterworks Park location, it is

5 November 15, 2016 Page 5 not feasible or realistic to consider other locations. The Club is fully supportive of ensuring all environmental concerns are considered at Waterworks Park during the design, implementation and operational phases. 8.0 ANALYSIS: 8.1 Funding In January 2016, The Brant Cycling Club made an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and were successful in obtaining a $150,000 grant to construct a bicycle-skills park for youth and young adults at Waterworks Park. The grant application emphasized the importance of fostering more active lifestyles; highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure for both unstructured and structured physical activities. The project period is from June 1, 2016 Aug 31, 2017 and construction must be completed within this timeframe. In addition to funding from OTF, the Brant Cycling Club has also received a $100,000 commitment from the Rotary Club of Brantford. The bike park development fits with the Rotary Clubs overall mission to support children and their development. Funding from the Rotary Club is contingent upon the location of the bike facility being at Waterworks Park allowing the Club the opportunity to contribute towards other park improvements over time. Other fundraising opportunities continue to be pursued by the Cycling Club to offset the cost of the project. 8.2 Bike Park Design and Implementation The Brant Cycling Club are undertaking the Bike Park project as a design/build contract and have retained Hoots Inc., an accomplished bike park and trail design/build company committed to the creation of bike facilities that meet the needs of communities and address the ongoing development of the sport. Jay Hoots is a leader in the design of community based bike parks and trail systems and has designed and constructed more than 50 national projects that include bike parks, trails and pump tracks. Hoots has experience with community involvement, as well as technical expertise designing skills features/ utilizing GIS and GPS mapping and has developed ongoing partnerships with experienced professional riders and landscape architects. The park will be professionally constructed to industry standards with safe bike skills progression in mind. 8.3 Community Input On July 22, 2016 the Brant Cycling Club facilitated a design workshop with Jay Hoots at TB Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre, for residents and park users to learn about bike parks, and provide input into the features most desired for the proposed skills park in Waterworks Park. The meeting was well attended with more than 94 participants. In addition to people providing input into the

6 November 15, 2016 Page 6 design, many in attendance also voiced concern regarding the location of the bike facility within Waterworks Park, the potential degradation of the natural environment, and the potential for increased vandalism and related social issues. As a result of these concerns a second Ward 2 Community Forum was held on September 14, 2016 at TB Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre. This forum provided Ward Councillors with the opportunity to provide information about the proposed bike park and to hear from residents. Approximately 141 people attended the meeting; with many voicing opinions both in favour of and in opposition to the proposal. Supporters stated that a bike park would provide recreational opportunities for youth not currently offered nearby, promote and improve active lifestyles for families, increase use of trails and offer a connection to nature. Others thought the bike facility would detract from the natural park setting, negatively impact wildlife and promote increased vandalism and undesired use of the surrounding park and trails. Following the community meetings numerous letters were received by members of Council both in support of the bike park as well as in opposition to the location. 8.4 Preliminary Site Investigations Project management for the initial phase of the project/site work has been provided by J.H. Cohoon Engineering who has coordinated a topographical survey and geotechnical investigation for the leased area on behalf of the Brant Cycling Club. The detailed survey identifies that the area shown in the revised lease is 2.5 acres. The geotechnical report indicates that the leased and surrounding area of the park is underlain by thick fill of variable composition and buried brush overlying deposits of silt, sand and gravel. Seven test pits were excavated to depths between 3.2m and 5.3m within and adjacent to the leased property boundary. The native, undisturbed subgrade is more than 4m below existing grade. 8.5 Environmental Considerations Although today Waterworks Park is one of the City s largest natural areas, much of what is now parkland was farmed until the early 1900 s. In the 1930 s a depression work program resulted in the extensive plantations of ash, walnut and pine which are now in decline throughout the park. These declining trees are evident at the main park entry adjacent to the leased property. In addition, the meadow lands comprising the leased area and surrounding lands are considered to be highly disturbed - formerly used for brush dumping and subsequently capped with soil. The City s Waterfront Master Plan makes reference to a significant vegetation community within the general area of the Lease. As part of the process for this type of development, and in consideration of the concerns relayed by the community relating to impacts on the natural park environment, a consultant has

7 November 15, 2016 Page 7 been retained to initiate a scoped environmental assessment for the leased area and surrounding landscape in Waterworks Park. Preliminary site findings suggest that: The meadow site contains a prairie dominated by prairie dropseed; Prairie plant communities are considered rare in Ontario; The limit of the prairie coincides with the edge of the adjacent manicured grass area; The prairie constitutes significant wildlife habitat under the Provincial Policy Statement; Species at Risk may utilize the prairie (e.g. eastern meadowlark, bobolink); Some weedy plant invasion is evident within the prairie. Although plant data collection is underway, a final survey for flora and fauna will be completed in Based on the preliminary information outlined above, as well as concerns related to visibility and sight lines and in consideration of the concerns regarding protecting the meadow area, this report recommends that the location for the bike park be moved to the existing manicured grass and treed area next to the prairie (refer to Appendix A ). Staff has consulted with the Brant Cycling Club and has received a letter verifying their approval of the proposed change to the lease (see Appendix B ). 8.6 Design /Revised Location Utilizing input from the initial community session and in consideration of the revised lease drawing in Appendix A, Hoots Inc. have prepared a preliminary concept layout identifying a variety of bike skills features including a pump track, several types of dirt jumps, flow trails and obstacles (refer to Appendix C ). The design is intended for riders of all ages and ability allowing them the opportunity to build and develop skills and confidence. The park is being designed to blend in with the natural environment and will appeal to anyone who is interested in improving their cycling skills; however it is aimed predominantly at youth. All features are comprised of natural materials such as earth, stone and wood/log elements which are integrated into the surrounding landscape. This design; originally planned for the original leased area in the meadow, requires modification and refinement to fit within the proposed turf area (see Appendix A ). The revised design will account for the site s proximity to the adjacent prairie including any necessary mitigated measures (planting/fencing earthworks) and/or buffer(s). The design will also consider the adjacent shared use trail and identify methods to ensure bicycle / pedestrian traffic conflicts are addressed. A tree inventory/assessment of the adjacent small wooded area between the ball diamonds and the turf grass is in progress and may also be utilized as part of the revised design plan and has therefore, been included in the revised lease.

8 November 15, 2016 Page 8 Preliminary findings suggest that the area is dominated by invasive understory species including Buckthorn, Lilac, Manitoba Maple and White Mulberry. The remainder of the forest cover in the inventoried area is predominantly Black Walnut, Hackberry and Kentucky Coffee Tree ranging in condition from fair to good as well as Scots Pine in conditions from dead to fair and fair condition Balsam Poplars. The size composition of the canopy ranges from newly planted and self-seeded trees to a maximum diameter at breast height (DBH) of 55cm however the majority of the trees fall in the range of saplings to 36cm DBH. In recent years, staff have been working on clearing and thinning invasive vegetation and undergrowth in this area. This process will continue in order to improve visibility and sight lines to/from the parking lot, trail and sports fields and may accommodate components of the bike park as is feasible and reasonable. 8.7 Construction / Approvals The Brant Cycling Club have indicated that they would like to begin site grading works by the end of 2016 in order to prepare the subgrade prior to full construction in However, it will be challenging to meet this timeline which is dependent on weather conditions as well as the Club obtaining all necessary approvals and permits. It is anticipated that construction could then start as early as possible in the spring of 2017 with a completion date of no later than Aug 31, 2017 to meet the deadline for the Trillium funding grant. Hoots Inc. will be coordinating both the design as well as the construction of the park. The Planning Department have advised that as the site is within a GRCA regulated area, GRCA approval of the bike park development plan is required. The Cycling Club will pursue this approval as part of the construction preparation work. Prior to construction starting, other required approvals may include: A site alteration permit; obtained from the Engineering Department; and any other required permits; Proof of insurance (naming the City as additionally insured) and WSIB for the General Contractor and any additional trades that might enter the site; Soil test results indicative that contaminate free fill and or soil will be transported /utilized on site; Submission of a refined design for the skills bike park including a cost estimate for the entire project. Construction drawings and/or site, grading plans and other details sufficient to describe the final bike park facility, including site preparation, access, security and staging plans;

9 November 15, 2016 Page 9 Final construction schedule for the project and contact information for the site supervisor, project manager and general contractor. The final design must be approved by Parks staff prior to commencement of construction. 8.8 Amendment to the Lease The current Appendix A to the Lease must be replaced by a revised Appendix A outlining the new leased area. The Lease will be amended to include the revised location for the Bike Skills Park. 9.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no capital costs to the municipality relating to this project. The Brant Cycling Club has secured the necessary capital funds to supply and install earthworks, landscaping and construction of the new bike park including all features, signage and associated amenities, within the leased area of Waterworks Park. As noted in the Bike Skills Task Force Report on November 9, 2015 and upon completion of the project, annual operational and maintenance costs will be undertaken by the City of Brantford. In addition to extending the existing routine mowing and garbage collection already taking place within Waterworks Park on a weekly/biweekly basis, routine inspection and repair of the bike park features will also be undertaken. It is anticipated that this will occur on a biweekly basis by trained volunteers/users, as well as by Parks staff. It is anticipated that the park will be in use from April until November. Staff report CD indicated: Staff anticipates that additional unknown operational funding will need to be considered for the regular maintenance of the facility. The maintenance costs of this type of park will be higher than a typical city park; however these costs would be governed by the frequency of usage and final design. Based on initial estimates, the annual operating costs are anticipated to be approximately $25,000. This estimate is based on costs for similar, unsupervised community facilities (skate Park, splash pad) as typical benchmarks; however a clearer cost will be determined upon completion of the final design. This amount has been included in the 2017 Parks operating budget.

10 November 15, 2016 Page CONCLUSION: The Brant Cycling Club has secured a $150,000 Ontario Trillium Fund Grant and a commitment from the Rotary Club of Brantford for an additional $100,000 to develop a bike skills park facility in Waterworks Park. The Club has further initiated a design/build process to construct the project independently, retained a project consultant to develop preliminary drawings, undertaken community consultation and initiated technical investigations. Final design and construction includes shifting the location of the bike park features out of the meadow identified in the lease, to the adjacent turf area and acquiring all necessary approvals. This requires a revised lease agreement as outlined in the resolutions included in this report. Parks and Recreation staff remain supportive of this community based initiative in Waterworks Park which will promote and improve active lifestyles for youth and families, provide recreational opportunities not currently available in the municipality, encourage cycling, trail safety, an increased appreciation of nature and multi-use of the City s extensive trail network. Brian Hughes, Director of Park Services Sandy Jackson, General Manager, Community Programs and Recreation In adopting this report, is a by-law or agreement required? If so, it should be referenced in the recommendation section. Bylaw required [ x ] yes [ ] no Agreement(s) or other documents to be signed by Mayor and/or City Clerk [ x ] yes [ ] no Is the necessary by-law or agreement being sent concurrently to Council? [ ] yes [ x ] no Appendices: Appendix A : Bike Park Current Lease Area Appendix B : Letter from the Brant Cycling Club Appendix C : Proposed Bike Park Features; Preliminary Concept Layout Appendix D : Notice of Motion Environmental Policy Advisory Committee

11 November 15, 2016 Page 11 APPENDIX A : Bike Park Current Lease Area

12 November 15, 2016 Page 12 APPENDIX B : Letter from the Brant Cycling Club

13 November 15, 2016 Page 13 APPENDIX C Proposed Bike Park Features; Preliminary Concept Layout

14 November 15, 2016 Page 14 APPENDIX D Notice of Motion EPAC WHEREAS the proposal to build a bike skills park in Brantford is consistent with Brantford s Strategic Plan Goals to ensure a high quality of life and caring for all citizens and to demonstrate managed growth and environmental leadership; and WHEREAS an active City shapes the built environment to promote opportunities for active living and implementing Active City design principles help improve the health and safety of the residents by increasing physical recreational activity and use of active transportation; and WHEREAS bike skills parks offer a risk management solution to public liability for unauthorized jumps and other makeshift efforts in uncontrolled locations within municipalities; and WHEREAS the bike skills park offers an opportunity for youth and residents of all ages to indirectly connect with nature within an urban environment, which supports long term environmental goals; and WHEREAS many communities and conservation areas in the Province are promoting the concept of cycling and supporting alternative forms of the activity for children; and WHEREAS the bike skills park is fully funded by the proponents and the recent controversy has put some of that funding in jeopardy; and WHEREAS the city staff recommended three potential sites for the bike skills park, and Waterworks Park was determined by the Bike Skills Park Task Force to be the best location based on an objective and thorough assessment of the features and attributes of each location; and WHEREAS Waterworks Park has a total area of approximately 220 acres and the proposed bike park development is up to 2.5 acres; and WHEREAS the proposed design principles include integration with the natural environment, the exclusive use of all natural materials, and use of the park will be non-motorized biking which minimize the environmental footprint of the bike skills park; and WHEREAS in order to manage the sustainable development and growth of Brantford, any decision to develop natural areas should be made in consideration of the social, environmental, and economic benefits and impacts; and WHEREAS the 2010 Waterworks Park Module of the General Forest Management Plan prepared by Morrison Hershfield rated the conservation value of the ecosystem in the proposed area of the bike skills park to be low to very low (the lowest two of five possible rankings); and WHEREAS the bike skills park offers significant social and environmental benefits, concerns of environmental damage, disruption of wildlife, and destruction of natural habitat have also been raised; and WHEREAS EPAC s mandate is to provide recommendations and advice to Council on environmental issues; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT EPAC recommends: THAT the following recommendations be forwarded to staff for consideration during preparation of their follow up report to Council regarding the Bike Skills Park. 4. That Council continue to fully support the Bike Skills Park of up to 2.5 acres in Waterworks Park as this is a low impact, integrated design with significant social,

15 November 15, 2016 Page 15 environmental, and economic benefits; provided it is located within an area designated as having low or very low conservation value within the park; and 5. That the City conduct an environmental assessment of the proposed area for the bike skills park and ecosystem to determine if there are any legitimate concerns of wildlife disruption, destruction of natural habitat, or other negative environmental impacts, and if so, identify appropriate alternatives to mitigate the impacts or recommend adjustments to the plan to avoid same; 6. That in consideration of the development of this natural area of the park, the City increase its ongoing efforts to enhance conservation value and role of the park in other areas, in particular: a. To provide resources necessary to undertake efforts to achieve the top priority recommendations of the Waterworks Park Module of the General Forest Management Plan, including funding an additional forestry crew in 2017 and: i. Conduct a tree inventory of Waterworks Park to be undertaken and completed in ; ii. Restoration of the high bench floodplain forest and restoration/protection of upland Sugar Maple Red Oak Forest to commence in 2018; iii. Restoration of the rare tree species populations of butternut, red mulberry, and the Kentucky Coffee tree to commence in b. To direct staff to develop a plan to conduct a wildlife survey per the Waterworks Park forest management report (2010), and the identification of any critical habitat for breeding, hibernation, or feeding, and report in 2017 for referral to the budget process for Based on these surveys, identify specific measures to protect or even create critical wildlife habitat, and the appropriate timing of these activities; c. To continue to support the diversity and balance of the ecosystem within Waterworks Park, enhance the connection of Waterworks Park with other natural areas through the restoration and maintenance of wildlife corridors that have been impacted by development.