Minutes Trail Advisory Committee Monday, April 10, 2017 Lower Board Room 1310 Centre Line Present: Regrets: Staff: Bruce Bellchambers Dave Cavanagh Tony Davidson Yvonne Spradbrow Councillor Donna Ballantyne David Walsh Councillor Gerry Herron Mike Richardson, Recreation Manager Tania Goncalves, Deputy Clerk Call to Order The meeting commenced at 3:30 PM and Chair Yvonne Spradbrow called the meeting to order. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest There were no declarations of pecuniary interest. 1. Deputations and/or Invited Persons 2. Minutes The minutes of the Joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Trails Advisory Committee meeting held March 7, 2017 were received for information purposes. 3. Business Arising from the Minutes
4. Question Period 5. Correspondence for Discussion and/or Decision 6. Reports/Updates a) International Trails Day 2017 June 3 rd, 2017 Mike brought forward that International Trails Day is Saturday, June 3 rd, 2017. Mike advised that ORCA is requesting information on any events that the Township has planned in celebration of International Trails Day 2017. Tania brought forward a brief recap of events from 2016 as well as committee notes and recommendations following the 2016 events. Donna brought forward that in 2014 there was very little interest and attendance however, it could have been due to cold weather. Donna stressed the importance of advertising the events as soon as possible in hopes to increase attendance. Bruce noted that the Lakefield Trail Committee through Polarfest hosts a night hike including a bonfire and snacks. The cold weather doesn t seem to impact attendance however, people generally dress appropriately and the event is well advertised. Bruce brought forward that the Lakefield Trail Committee will once again be hosting a walk and education session with Matt and Tracy Logan of Logan Tree Experts in celebration of International Trails Day 2017. The focus this year will be the Emerald Ash Borer. The event was well attended last year with lots of community interest. Tania brought forward the idea of hosting a geocaching event. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at a location. Donna asked about the scavenger hunt that was hosted by the Lakefield Trails Committee and whether there was much uptake. Bruce brought forward that community members were requested to look for landmarks along the trail based on pictures and submit answers indicating the location of the specific landmarks. There weren t many formal submissions received however, community members may have participated but didn t formally submit responses. Dave C. noted that it would be advantageous to host our International Trails Day event on a different day than the Lakefield Trail Committee
event to maximize participation. Participants may choose to attend both events if held on different days. The Committee continued a general discussion regarding various ideas for International Trails Day including a fitness walk/fitbit challenge. Mike suggested that whatever event the Committee selects, he recommends it be hosted at the Ennismore Heritage Trail to showcase the new directional signage that was installed this year. Dave C. further noted that the Ennismore Heritage Trail is not very well known by the community at large and promoting it would be beneficial. Yvonne noted that hosting the event at the Ennismore Heritage Trail could allow for an evening event with a bonfire and refreshments. Committee members express their interest in pursuing a geocaching or scavenger event at the Ennismore Heritage Trail. Tania suggested that if geocaching is pursued that a new item be place on the trail to entice existing geocachers. Dave C. brought forward the need to make the event low tech for community members that don t use GPS or geocache. Mike suggested that clue sheets could be provided for those that don t want to use GPS. Donna noted the importance of advertising both the GPS and low tech options to attract a variety of participants. Tony suggested that a scavenger hunt could be organized in conjunction with the geocaching and that participants be requested to find Township pins. Dave C. further suggested that participants could be requested to find a variety of pins including a County of Peterborough pin. Tania noted that she would correspond with Peterborough County about making the event an official Peterborough County Canada 150 Passport event so that participants can have their passports stamped at the event. Bruce noted that the Lakefield Intermediate School is placing rocks along the Lakefield Trail with inspirational quotes. Perhaps Chemong Public or St. Martins School would be interest in doing the same. Participant could be requested to locate the rocks along the trail as part of the event. There was a general discussion regarding refreshments and promotions. ACTIONS: Staff to explore existing geocaching/scavenger hunt options for International Trails Day; coordinate with the County of Peterborough regarding the Canada 150 Passport; explore promotional opportunities including outreach to local schools and community members. b) Spring Inspections/Clean-up Days Committee members discussed dates for spring inspections and clean-up. The following was determined: Ennismore Waterfront Park April 22, 2017 at 11 AM
Inspection Team Yvonne and Mike Clean-up Team Ennismore Optimist Club Bridgenorth Rotary Trail April 22, 2017 at 8 AM Inspection Team Tony and Mike Clean-up Team BEL Rotary volunteers Lakefield Trail April 22, 2017 Inspection Team TBD Clean-up Team Lakefield Committee volunteers c) Smith Street Road Allowance Trail Update Mike provided the Committee with an aerial map of the Smith Street Unopened Road Allowance. It was noted that Mike, Bruce and Dave W. walked the road allowance to explore the existing condition and extent of work required to create a trail. It was noted that a portion of the road allowance would require the construction of a bridge/walkway over wetlands. It was also noted that ORCA would need to be consulted before any work commences on the project. The Committee agreed to engage ORCA to understand any potential requirements; allowing the Committee to be better prepared should any funding opportunity come forward. Mike also brought forward that underground service piping will need to be installed along the Smith Street Unopened Road Allowance to service the Lakefield South developable lands. It was suggested that any trail development work hold off until after Lakefield South is developed to avoid duplicate work and reconstruction of the trail. ACTION: Staff to coordinate a tour with ORCA of the Smith Street Unopened Road Allowance. d) Launch of the Selwyn ReLeaf 150 Program Mike brought forward the draft application form and planting diagram for the ReLeaf Selwyn 150 Program for review by the Committee. Mike noted that special consideration will be given to applicants that have been affected by Emerald Ash Borer or currently have ash trees on their property. The Committee asked various questions regarding acceptable planting locations and made some suggestion to clarify the planting diagram to include an example of a rural lot without a curb. Mike brought forward that the program will be launched April 18 th and close on May 12 th. Donna asked questions about planting some trees at the Paul J. English Chemong Lions Park by the ball diamonds to
provide some shade shelter. Mike noted that the local Guides/Brownies group will be planting at the park this year. ACTION: Tania to amend the Releaf Application Form and Planting Diagram to reflect the Committees comments. e) Various Events Tania provided the Committee a draft list of invitees for the various events taking place this spring/summer. The Committee provided some additional names/community group to be invited. Robert E. Young Recreation Complex Fitness Trail Friday, June 23 rd, 2017 1:00 PM Woodland Acres Park Wednesday, June 28 th, 2017 6:00 PM Ultimate Frisbee Park at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park Thursday, June 29 th, 2017 7:00 PM Selwyn Skate Park at Isabel Morris Park July 1 st, 2017 3:00 PM f) Healthy Kids Update Mike advised the Committee that funding was received from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Water does Wonders program for a water depot along the Lakefield Trail by the campground on Hague Blvd. The water depot is intended to make water more accessible and minimize the amount of sports drinks consumed by children. There will also be a depot installed at the Ennismore complex as previously discussed. 7. Other, New and Unfinished Business Dave C. suggested that it may be beneficial to have the Trails Committee share meeting minutes with the Parks and Recreation Committee and vice versa as a means of keeping everyone informed on each other initiatives. Yvonne noted that labels need to be added to the lost and found containers at the BEL Rotary Trail so people are aware of their purpose. Yvonne also brought forward that there are large amounts of dog droppings along the Trail. She suggested that we install a container with plastic bags for poop and scoop purposes. Bruce noted that the Lakefield Trail Committee has had issues in the past with dog owners using the bags provided and leaving
along the Trail. From an environmental standpoint, it s better to just leave the droppings. Bruce provided Committee members with the Lakefield Trail Newsletter for information. 8. Adjournment and Next Meeting The Committee s next regular meeting will take place on May 8 th at 3:30 p.m. The Trails Committee meeting adjourned at 5:15 PM.