Report
to/Rapport au:
Planning
and Environment Committee
and Council/et au Conseil
Submitted by/Soumis par: Chair/présidente Iola Price
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee/
Comité consultatif sur les forêts et les espaces
verts d’Ottawa
Contact/Personne-ressource: R.H.A. Tremblay
Committee
Coordinator/coordonnateur du comité
|
Ref N°: ACS2006-CCV-OFG-0001 |
SUBJECT: OTTAWA FORESTS AND GREENSPACE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE – 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
OBJET: COMITÉ
CONSULTATIF SUR LES FORÊTS ET LES ESPACES VERTS D’OTTAWA – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005
ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2006
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee recommend that the Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:
a) Receive the 2005
Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee as
detailed in Attachment 1; and
b)
Approve the objectives
contained in the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.
Que le Comité consultatif sur les forêts et les
espaces verts d’Ottawa recommande au Comité de l’urbanisme et de
l’environnement de recommander au Conseil :
a) de recevoir le Rapport
annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur les forêts et espaces verts d’Ottawa,
tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 1;
b) d’approuver les objectifs qui sont
présentés dans le plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.
City Council, 3 December 2003, reconfirmed its governance structure. This included the advisory committees, and the requirement for each to complete a workplan outlining proposed projects and activities for the upcoming year. The workplan is to identify each and every activity the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year, whether they have a budgetary impact or not. The item should be identified, a brief description of the project or activity should be noted, and the anticipated timing of the item should be provided.
The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the workplans of the Committees tie into that workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department. The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.
DISCUSSION
At its meeting of 30 January 2006, the Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace Advisory Committee approved its 2005 annual report and 2006 work
plan.
The mandate of the Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace Advisory Committee is to help safeguard the environment of the City
through the use of trees, forests and greenspace. The complete
Terms of Reference can be found at Attachment 3 of this report.
The
following departments were consulted and following comments were received:
Public
Works and Services
The
Public Works and Services Department worked with OFGAC to develop the workplan
objectives put forward by the Committee and worked closely with OFGAC members
on a wide variety of urban and rural forestry issues in 2005 such as the
development of the Good Forestry Practices By-law and the City of Ottawa’s
Trees and Foundation Strategy.
The
2006 workplan is a balanced approach to Committee involvement in community
consultation and visioning, new Committee initiatives and involvement in
priority issues the Department will address in 2006. These initiatives include the harmonization of the Municipal
Trees and Forests By-law for city-owned trees and the Trees and Forests
Maintenance Strategy.
Planning
and Growth Management
The Planning and Growth
Management Department will continue to work closely with OFGAC in 2006. The proposed workplan reflects the needs and
priorities of the Department in terms of providing advice and support on forest
and greenspace issues.
There
are no financial implications associated with this report.
Attachment 1 – 2005 Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
Attachment 2 – Proposed 2006 Workplan of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
Attachment 3 – Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
City Clerks Branch staff will forward the recommendations approved by the Planning and Environment Committee to City Council for ratification.
Attachment 1
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
2005 Annual Report
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
(OFGAC) provides advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council on trees,
greenspaces, open spaces and wetlands to help safeguard the environment of the
city.
OFGAC provides:
□
Input into
policies and budgets related to greenspace preservation and the management of
urban and rural forests;
□
Recommendations to
the city on how to meet its greenspace and forest-related objectives as
outlined in the Official Plan and other planning documents; and
□
Public awareness
of the role of greenspace and forests in protecting and enhancing quality of
life.
Over the past year, OFGAC has worked to have its mandated
provision of advice to Council on the importance of trees, forests, greenspace
and wetlands lead to a new way of thinking about planning and development that
will conserve these, our greatest natural assets. To fulfill this goal, OFGAC has focused its work in four areas:
Policy
and Planning Initiatives
OFGAC has worked and
will continue to work with the city on the development of the Greenspace Master
Plan, a Forest Strategy, a Biodiversity Strategy, all of which are vital
components of the Official Plan. These
documents are intended to provide the strategic framework for the preservation
of tree and forest cover to improve air quality and meet municipal Kyoto
targets, and enhance the visual, social and ecological environment of the City.
OFGAC also provided input to Community Design
Plans for Constance Bay, East Urban, Leitrim, Riverside South and South Nepean
Town Centre. The Committee participated
in the development of the Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive Natural Areas
By-law and reviewed the first draft of a bylaw for the Protection and
Maintenance of Trees and Forests on Municipal Properties. Members also participated in Public
Consultation Groups for the N/S and E/W LRT studies. Regrettably, OFGAC advice that the existing Walkley Road Service
Yard continue to be used for the N/S LRT has been ignored.
Emerging Issues and Requested
Advice Initiatives
OFGAC provided comments on 62 development applications
noting how the proposed development would impact our forests and greenspaces
and advocating the use of native plant material where appropriate. The Advisory Committee provided advice to
PWS (Transportation) on the draft Stormwater Management Plan and on the
potential to save the nationally endangered Butternut trees, as well as Black
Walnut, Red Oak and Black Cherry at the proposed Berrigan and Greenbank
Transitway and Park and Ride facility.
OFGAC and the Environmental Advisory Committee researched
and prepared a Cumulative Effects of City
Council Decisions on the Environment report and met with the city’s Chief
Corporate Planning and Performance Officer to discuss incorporating our
concerns and indicators into the Corporate
Services Community Impact Indicators.
OFGAC then participated in the review of the draft lists of Community
Impact Indicators for the Ottawa 20/20 and Environment Agendas. The new indicators will be part of the
City’s future annual reports.
Members of the Committee provided input to the 2005 and
2006 Capital and Operating Budgets, presenting the case for increased funding
in some cases and maintenance of funding for forestry and environmental
management programs.
OFGAC responded to a Councillor’s request to study pocket
parks, or roadside parks, and this preparatory work will lead to a 2006 work
plan project.
Outreach Initiatives
OFGAC hosted its 2005 Fall Forum, with eight presentations
by local experts, on October 1 in Kanata.
With the assistance of the Tree Canada Foundation, the event was
carbon-neutral. More than seven
community groups sponsored the Forum, indicating our excellent relationships
with local and national associations.
The website, continually updated by our volunteer
webmaster, continues to provide information about Ottawa’s forests and
greenspaces and OFGAC’s
activities. In 2005, 56,000 pages were
viewed by users or 620 MB of information was transferred.
Completed the Native Trees and Shrubs Database and
distributed it to four peer reviewers.
Their comments will be considered in the final version, which should be
posted to the OFGAC website early in 2006.
The database will serve as a guide to encourage the planting of native
species.
Public interest in Ottawa’s urban and rural forests
remained high in 2005. Twenty people
sent comments, requests for information or complaints about treatment of trees
to the OFGAC website (the emails are forwarded to the OFGAC Chair who forwarded
them to the appropriate person in the City or OFGAC for action).
A proposal for a notable (heritage) tree program is being
developed and 43 submissions from the public identifying notable trees have
already been received.
OFGAC established contacts with and
respond to queries from the media, namely
the Ottawa Citizen, Nepean This Week, Weekly Journal, Orleans Star, and gave a number of interviews on trees and development
issues plus the Fall Forum. OFGAC arranged for several newspaper journalists of
various local papers to cover stories on the importance of trees, a potential
heritage tree program for the city, and the history of trees in Ottawa. Some headlines of the articles were: ‘Let's
preserve our heritage trees’; ‘Ottawa's trees will finally get the recognition
they deserve’; ‘Lots of community events are planned for this fall’; ‘City
group hunts "heritage" trees’.
Management Initiatives
OFGAC interviewed several candidates and recruited two new
full time and five reserve members for 2006.
A mentor-mentee system for new 2005 members was established in January
2005.
The Chair, Vice-chair and several members attended meetings
with city staff and EAC to discuss how to improve procedures relating to the
review of development applications.
OFGAC also provided advice to the City Clerk’s office on proposed
revisions to the bylaw governing the proceedings of its Advisory Committees and
also commented on revisions to the Advisory Committee Appointment Policy.
Appendix 1
Summary of Activities from 2005 Workplan
A Policy
and planning
·
OFGAC
subcommittee provided extensive comments to staff on the GMP
·
Attended
the public information meetings held in June 2005
Results/Current Status:
Work on the GMP was delayed by Council until after the Rural
Summit. OFGAC will continue to work
with staff on the GMP in 2006
·
Two presentations to Corporate Services
and Economic Development Committee recommending against the disposal and sale
of four lots on Ethier St in Orleans
Results/Current
Status: Council
agreed to add these four lots to five adjacent lots, an unopened road allowance
and a ravine to create a passive woodlot.
Preparatory work started with the community to raise the money required
to repay the development charges.
·
Reviewed and provided comments to staff
on first and second drafts
Results/Current Status:
The Strategy incorporates most of
OFGAC’s comments.
A4 Maintenance Standards for
Trees and Community Forests
·
No action as item is delayed by City
A5 Biodiversity Strategy
·
No action as item is delayed by City
A6 Special Planning Studies
·
Sat on Technical Advisory Committee and
reviewed final draft and recommended approval of it by Council
·
Presentation to Planning and Environment
Committee recommending approval of Phase 1
·
Recommended Phase 2 funding in Budget 2005
Results/Current
Status: Phase 1 report accepted and Phase 2 work funded. Study map used
in OFGAC display to publicise
its value as a planning tool. Extensive
use of the data in Phase 1 report in OFGAC
development reviews.
·
Attended meetings of the Public Advisory
Committee
·
Provided advice regarding the retention
of trees and forests in this large development
·
Reviewed Subdivision Plans, as the
implementation of the CPD unfolded
·
Promoted development of pathways and
green/blue linkages throughout the new community
·
Monitored plans for transit corridors
·
Presentation to Planning and Environment
Committee recommending additional greenspace retention via link corridors and
with that exception, recommending approval of the overall concept plan
·
Attended meetings of the Public Advisory
Committee
·
Provided advice regarding the role of
trees and forests in this large development
· Comments provided on retention of existing windbreaks, woodlots, forests, and significant trees
· Presentation to Planning and Environment Committee recommending retention of more of the provincially significant wetland
Results/Current Status: Recommendations for additional protection of wetlands not accepted. Development proposals being processed.
A6.4 Ottawa Design Study
· Participated on advisory committee and provided comments to consultant and staff
Results/Current Status: Waiting for staff to provide guidelines
document and schedule full public consultation.
A6.5 East-West Light Rail
· Attended five meetings in 2005
· Worked to have the study Terms of Reference modified to take into account community concerns
Results/Current Status: Terms of Reference accepted by Ministry of Environment
A6.6 North-South Light Rail
Activities
· Attended six meetings in 2005
· Promoted the preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective
Results/Current Status: The OFGAC recommendation that the Walkley Road service yard be used was ignored by the planners and instead a site has been chosen that is environmentally sensitive. OFGAC’s concerns that the comments of the Public Consultation Group have not been provided for verification and that the minutes of a PCG meeting not prepared or distributed have not been addressed.
A6.7 Nepean South Town Centre
· Attended six CDP meetings in 2005, reviewed the first draft proposal from City Staff and Consultant and presented proposed plan to OFGAC
· Reviewed satellite images of the natural features and promoted the preservation of greenspace, woodlots and promoted the retention of the natural features to the extent possible
· Prepared and submitted OFGAC's response regarding the proposed Transitway route to the Project Manager responsible for the Environmental Assessment Study
· Incorporated the EAs to the South-Barrhaven sub-committee's activities
Results/Current Status:
Report on 2nd and 3rd Open Houses written for
approval at January 2006 OFGAC meeting.
City has linked Barrhaven CDP, Southwest Transitway Extension EA, Jock
Subwatershed Study Phase 1, Greenbank Class EA, Nepean Town Centre, Berrigan Park
and Ride and Berrigan Rapid Transit Station studies – all of which will be
reviewed by OFGAC Working Groups as the years proceed.
A7 Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive
Natural Areas By-Law
·
Attended
and spoke in favour of bylaw at June meeting in West Carleton with approximately
30 people and the Councillor in attendance.
Results/Current Status:
Initiative delayed due to Rural Summit; OFGAC will press for resumption
of approval process in the beginning of 2006 and continue to work with staff to
pass the by-law.
A8 Land Trust
·
Reviewed
the land trust situation in Ottawa
·
Presentation
on Land Trusts at Museum of Biodiversity
Results/Current Status: OFGAC concluded the best course of action is to bring together agencies interested or involved in land conservation and preservation. In 2006 OFGAC will continue to discuss the potential for a partnership among these organizations.
B Emerging Issues and
Requested Advice
B1 Review of Development and Zoning Change
Proposals
·
Provided comments to Planning staff on 62
development applications, with particular attention paid to: impact of building
placement on trees, forests, and greenspace; the adequacy and completeness of
the EISs; tree protection and preservation plans; proposed tree and shrub
planting plans (native vs. non-native species)
·
Presented OFGAC comments to Planning and
Environment Committee on four applications; noted to PEC and CSED that Advisory
Committee comments were sometimes ignored and/or not referred to in staff
reports
·
Met with developers to review plans that
proposed bisecting substantial woodlots and hedgerows
·
Refined and updated OFGAC procedures for
review of development applications and the template for providing comments to
planning staff
·
Participated with EAC in a meeting with
senior staff in the PGM Department to review Advisory Committee input into
staff reports in order to improve AC input to development reviews.
Results/Current Status:
Council direction that Advisory Committee comments be included in staff
reports and staff to consult ACs if comments are to be abridged. OFGAC presentations to PEC did not result in
significant amendments to zoning change or Official Plan amendment proposals.
· Created and presented a Heritage tree display for at the Alta Vista Reforestation Project planting day and other OFGAC outreach activities
· With the Fall Forum, requested public to nominate notable trees; 43 nominations received and information posted on the OFGAC website
· Presentation on heritage trees at OFGAC Fall Forum
· Corresponded with the Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance (OHTA) on its pilot
· Re-drafted the heritage tree proposal presented to OFGAC November 2004 to incorporate data received from the OHTA project and consulted with City of Ottawa Forestry staff on this revised proposal
Results/Current
Status: Have identified 43 local notable trees and will review
results of OHTA pilot. Heritage Tree
proposal redrafted and re-named and will be presented to OFGAC and other
interested parties in 2006.
Results/Current Status: Will consider merger with B2.1 in 2006 as the OHTA project incorporates heritage woodlots under the heading of arboreal remnants.
·
Advice and assistance to city staff as
needed as the evaluation proceeds
Results/Current
Status: Steering committee meeting scheduled for February 2006
B3 Management Plans for Community Forests/Liaison
·
Advised City during development or
updating of community forest master plans
· Established network of stakeholders
B3.1 Torbolton Forest
·
Attended annual Spring cleanup run by
Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee on May 14,
sought funds to hire dumpster for refuse collected
·
Assisted in the marking of rare plant
communities prior to Red Pine thinning in November
· Provided ongoing policy advice on community forest
Results/Current Status: Councillor provided funds for dumpster; rare plant locations marked prior to thinning and so their destruction avoided.
B3.2 Cumberland
· No activities.
B3.3 Marlborough
· Attended meetings; the MFCG needs a champion to interest more people in meeting regularly to deal with ongoing issues including money for snow removal and spring cleanup
B3.4 Carp Hills
·
Maintained OFGAC liaison and reviewed
development proposals
B4 Requested Advice
·
Pathways Project – reviewed City document
and provided comments to staff
·
Rural Summit – two members attended the
2-day event, and provided the OFGAC perspective on the need to preserve
greenspace
·
Capital Standards Review Initiative –
identified six initiative of interest to OFGAC and provided comments to City
staff
·
Protection and maintenance of trees and
forests on municipal property by-law – reviewed first draft and provided
information about impact of provincial Fences
Act on bylaw
·
Mud Creek and Jock River Watershed
Studies – reviewed and provided comments
·
Sensitive Marine Clay and Trees Report –
reviewed and commented on draft and final versions; provided comments and
recommendations to PEC
·
Stormwater Management Plan – reviewed and
commented on draft; provided information about the Forestry Services’ sensitive
marine clay report to the City staff engineer responsible for the Plan
B5 Air Quality and Climate Change Strategy
B5.1 Implementation Activities for AQ&CCS
· Liaised with City staff to review drafts of the action plan document
Results/Current
Status: No
further documentation received from staff
B5.2 AQ&CC Adaptation Strategy
· Liaised with City staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee to review drafts of the action plan document
Results/Current Status: No further documentation received from staff
B6 Where Will We Live
· Liaised with staff to provide OFGAC tree, canopy cover and greenspace-related advice
Results/Current Status: No further documentation received from staff; document used in OFGAC development reviews.
B7 Input to City Budgets
B7.1 Budget 2005
· Reviewed and analyzed 2005 budget documents to develop OFGAC priorities
· Attended Councillors' Ward meetings to outline OFGAC priorities
· Discussions with and emails/telephone calls to individual Councillors to promote OFGAC priorities
· Formal presentation of OFGAC priorities made at Council Committee of the Whole
Results/Current Status: All OFGAC priorities supported by
Council except Community Forests cleanups, parking lot snow removal, and
signage.
B7.2 Budget 2006
· Reviewed and analyzed 2006 budget documents to develop OFGAC priorities
· Attended Councillors' Ward meetings to outline OFGAC priorities
· Discussions with and email/telephone calls to individual Councillors to promote OFGAC priorities
· Presentation to Committee of the Whole on OFGAC perspective on the need to maintain trees, plant new trees, maintain community forests, fund the Trees and Foundation Strategy, subwatershed planning and environmental remediation
Results/Current Status: All of OFGAC Capital and Operating Budget priorities funded except Advisory Committee workplan funding and authority and funds to support Community Forests cleanups and winter snow plowing etc.
C Outreach
C1 Communications and Publicity
·
Maintained OFGAC web site – www.ottawaforests.ca – informing viewers of events and providing up to
date information on issues concerning greenspace, forests, wetlands, and
individual trees; 56,000 website pages viewed
·
Distributed brochures and other hand-outs
at Alta Vista Re-forestation, Fall Forum, Wildlife Festival, Land Trust
meeting, National Forestry Week at the Museum of Biodiversity
·
Liaised with Councillors and others for
tree planting in Ottawa 150th Birthday Celebrations (one planted at
the Rockcliffe Park Community Hall)
·
Tree planted at the Fall Forum (donated
by Minto/Tree Canada) to mark carbon neutrality of the event
·
Photographed Hearts Desire Forests in
Spring 2005 with the trilliums in full bloom
·
Launched a search
for notable trees throughout Ottawa and obtained over forty nominations for
consideration
·
Obtained free
publicity for OFGAC and trees in Garden Calendar columns and Our Town weekly
list in the Ottawa Citizen in August, September and October, and in
Neighbourhood News of The Orleans Star, as well as many other community papers
·
Maintained contact list of concerned
citizens
C2 Networks
Bog-to-Bog
Canadian Institute of Forestry, Ottawa Valley Chapter
Canadian Urban Forestry Network
Eastern Ontario Model Forest
Environmental Advisory Committee
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Friends of the Jock River
Friends of Petrie Island
Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital
Marlborough Forest
Ottawa Field-Naturalists Club
Tree Canada Foundation
Other Community Associations
·
Attended and reported on EAC meetings
·
Maintained ongoing relations with other
forestry-related groups (see above list)
·
Maintained ongoing relations with
environmental groups (see above list)
· Received professional comments on the draft database, updated and further distributed for final professional peer review
· Printed copies for OFGAC interim review
· Developed tables (products), using data in the database, ranking trees and shrubs for salt tolerance, water requirements, and ultimate size
Results/Current Status: Database and products printed and distributed to OFGAC and four external peer reviewers for review and comment.
C4 Exotic Pest Management
·
Informed OFGAC (via periodic distribution
of material, and updates at OFGAC meetings) about exotic forest pests and their
potential effects on Ottawa trees and forests, with particular emphasis on the
most current invasive threats (ongoing)
·
Prepared notes for the OFGAC website and
printed material: general information on exotic forest pests, as well as on
specific current exotic pests threatening urban trees and forests in Canada –
Exotic pests as threats to urban trees and forests; Asian Long-Horned Beetle
(ALHB); Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – in collaboration with OFGAC’s Outreach
Subcommittee
·
Liaised with City of Ottawa staff on
exotic pest management protocols, contingency planning, and
educational/outreach programs (ongoing)
·
Networked with other citizen and
professional groups on exotic forest pests
Results/Current Status: Information on exotic pests is now available on the OFGAC website for general public use; city staff may make use of OFGAC professional expertise; there have been no reports of ALHB or EAB in Ottawa (yet).
D MANAGEMENT
D1 Committee Management (Administrative
Activities)
·
Coordinated meetings by setting meeting
dates and locations, preparing agendas, reviewing first draft of minutes, and
working with OFGAC staff coordinator
·
Established priorities
·
Distributed Action Items list to members
within one day of each monthly meeting
·
Spoke on behalf of OFGAC with media;
reviewed external communications
·
Met with staff and Councillors
·
Coordinated OFGAC subcommittees and
working groups
·
Developed annual workplan and annual report
Results/Current Status: 2005 Annual Report and 2006 Workplan
prepared for OFGAC and Planning and Environment Committee review and approval.
D2 Committee
Member Recruitment for 2006
· Reviewed and updated selection criteria
· Critical review of submitted applications
· Reviewed and updated interview questions and circulated to Councillors for approval
· Interviewed and selected candidates (with Councillors)
Results/Current Status: Two new full time and five Reserve members appointed for 2006. New members for 2005 were successfully integrated into the committee via a mentoring initiative.
D3 EAC-OFGAC Environmental Impact of 2004
Council Decisions
· Reviewed first six months’ Council minutes from 2004 and 6 months of Planning staff delegated decisions on development proposals
· Assessed the environmental impact using pre-determined criteria
· Prepared written report, presented to OFGAC and forwarded to Council liaison members and selected staff
· Budget 2005 – 24 January 2005
· Budget 2006 –5 December 2005
· Urban Natural Areas Environmental Evaluation Study – 11 January 2005
· Carp Watershed –8 February 2005
· South Riverside Community Design Plan –8 March 2005
· East Urban Community Design Plan – 28 June 2006
· Leitrim Community Design Plan – 28 June 2005
· 5309 Bank Official Plan Amendment and Zoning change – 28 June 2005
· 3530 Strandherd – 12 July 2005
· Trees and Foundations Strategy in Areas of Sensitive Marine Clay in the City of Ottawa – September 26
· 15 and 18 Colonnade Zoning change and site plan – 22 November 2005
Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee
· Two presentations on sale of 4 wooded lots on Ethier St. in Orleans – 4 October and 1 November 2005
Transportation Committee
·
Country Club Village service road
through a Provincially Significant Wetland – 18 May 2005
Additional activities
undertaken during the year and not identified on 2005 Work Program
·
Attended
three meetings in 2005
·
Created
a sub-committee to review all proposals and studies for South Barrhaven
·
Incorporated
the UNAEES for all natural features within South Barrhaven for review
·
Prepared
OFGAC's response on the CDP; forwarded to staff
Results/Current Status: South Barrhaven and Nepean CDPs consolidated
to facilitate reviews.
A6.9 Constance Bay Community Design Plan
·
Participated on steering committee and
provided written comments on the first draft CDP
Results/Current Status: OFGAC comments being reviewed by city
planner.
A6.10
East Urban Community Design Plan
§
Provided comments to staff
§
Presentation to PEC
A6.11
Carp Watershed Study
§
Provided comments to staff
§
Presentation to PEC
A6.12
Elgin Street Study
·
Provided comments to staff
A6.13
Patio Design Guideline Study
· Provided comments to staff
A6.14 Rideau Street Study
· Provided comments to staff
·
Attended
three meetings in 2005
·
Reviewed
the Class EAs for Greenbank Road from Malvern to Cambrian
·
Reviewed
the individual EAs for the Southwest Transitway Extension from Strandherd to
Cambrian
·
Prepared
OFGAC's response on both EAs noted above
·
Incorporated
the EAs to the South Barrhaven sub-committee's activities
·
Initiated
site visits to proposed Berrigan and Greenbank Transitway Park and Ride and
obtained Project Manager and Consultant agreement for the on-site
identification of Black Walnut and endangered Butternut trees for retention
where possible
·
Worked
to have the Project Manager and Consultant prepare a Tree Preservation and
Planting Plan for the Berrigan site
Results/Current Status A10-A15: Various results. Comments, presentations
and motions to Standing Committees, staff, site visits sometimes resulting in
changes to proposals.
A:
Policy and Planning
|
B: Emerging Issues and Requested Advice |
C: Outreach |
D: Management |
A1 Greenspace Master Plan |
B1 Review of Development and Zoning Change
Proposals |
C1 Communications and Publicity and OFGAC
Website |
D1 Committee Management; Activities to Run
the Committee |
A2 Land Acquisition Through Municipal Act |
B2 Inventories ·
B2.1 Heritage Trees ·
B2.2 Heritage Woodlots ·
B2.3 CityGreen Forest Cover
Evaluation |
C2 Networks |
D2 Committee Member Recruitment for 2006 |
A3 Forest Strategy |
B3 Management
Plans for Community Forests ·
B3.1 Torbolton ·
B3.2 Cumberland ·
B3.3 Marlborough ·
B3.4 Carp Hills |
C3 Database of Native Trees and Shrubs |
D3 EAC-OFGAC Evaluation of Environmental
Impact of 2004 Council Decisions |
A4 Maintenance Standards for Trees and
Community Forests |
B4 Requested Advice (Southern Corridor, Mud Creek;
Sawmill Creek; Greens Creek etc) |
C4 Exotic Pest Management |
|
A5 Biodiversity Strategy |
B5 Air Quality and Climate
Change Strategy ·
B5.1 Follow-up to AQCC
Strategy ·
B5.2 Adaptation Strategy |
|
|
A6 Special Planning Studies ·
A6.1 UNAEES(NSUP) ·
A6.2 Riverside South ·
A6.3 Leitrim ·
A6.4 Ottawa Design Study ·
A6.5 East-West Light Rail ·
A6.6 North-South Light Rail ·
A6.7 South Nepean Town Centre |
B6 Follow-up to Where Will We Live Report |
|
|
A7 Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive
Natural Areas bylaw |
B7 Input to City Budgets ·
B7.1 Budget 2005 ·
B7.2 Budget 2006 |
|
|
A8 Land Trust |
|
|
|
Attachment
2
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee 2006 Workplan
OFGAC’s mandate
Provide advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council through the Planning and Environment Standing Committee (P&EC) that helps safeguard the environment of the City through the use of trees, forests and greenspace; provide input into tree, forest and greenspace preservation and management-related policies and budgets; recommend ways in which the City Council can meet its greenspace- and forest-related objectives as outlined in the Official Plan and other planning documents; and promote public awareness of the role of trees and greenspace in enhancing quality of life.
·
Provide a forum for citizens interested
in trees and tree cover to raise issues and concerns
·
Provide advice and guidance to Ottawa
City Council, through the P&EC, on the city’s tree and forest management
related policies, programs, by-laws, regulations and budgets
·
Advise on areas where the introduction of
trees and tree cover would be beneficial to the environment or where their
removal would have a negative impact on a site or ecosystem
·
Identify issues that may impact on trees,
canopy cover, or natural ecosystems and making recommendations to minimize the
impact
·
Advise on the introduction of windbreaks,
shading of transportation corridors, greening of streets, roads, parks,
conservation areas and the preservation of places of recreation and tree
canopy, and forest management in the City
·
Promote and facilitate cooperation with
local community groups and environmental organizations on education and other
initiatives related to forest and greenspace management.
·
Conduct advocacy on behalf of issues
relating to Ottawa’s trees and tree canopy.
·
Provide advice on the protection,
management, acquisition and conservation of greenspace and other
environmentally sensitive areas in Ottawa.
·
Work to reduce financial pressure on the
City of Ottawa’s Environmental Resources Areas Acquisition Fund by promoting
partnerships with developers (in the form of land bequests and conservation
development) and with other stakeholders in the form of land trusts and
conservation easements.
·
Liaison with other City of Ottawa
Advisory Committees as appropriate.
OFGAC focuses its work in four areas: Policy and Planning; Emerging Issues and Requested Advice; Outreach; and, Management
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace
Advisory Committee Workplan Matrix – 2006[1] |
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A: Policy and Planning |
B: Emerging Issues and Requested Advice |
C: Outreach |
D: Management
|
A1 Greenspace Master Plan |
B1 Development Activities |
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A2 Forest Strategy |
B2 Presentations to Standing Committees |
D2 Governance Report review |
|
A3 Special Planning Studies |
B3 Inventories |
D3 Spatial evaluation of OFGAC activities |
|
A4 Management Plans and Standards for Forests and Trees |
B4 Requested Advice |
|
D4 Member Recruitment for 2007 |
|
|
||
A6 Capital
Standards |
B6 Council Performance Indicators |
|
|
B7 Input to City Budgets |
|
|
|
A8 Land Trust |
|
|
|
A9 Air Quality
and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy |
|
|
|
A:
Policy and planning
Objective
Advice to P&EC
and city staff during the development of this plan in accordance with time
lines and opportunities provided for public consultation
Report or presentation to Council on completion of the plan
Activities
Propose
an appropriate definition of greenspace.
Review
drafts of GMP when and as provided by staff for comment
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
Advice to P&EC and
city staff during the development of this strategy in accordance with time
lines and opportunities provided for public consultation
Report or presentation
to Council on completion of the strategy
Activities
Provide
assistance with sampling procedures
Review
other municipalities’ data and successes
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
To provide advice to
Planning and Environment Committee on the results of the UNAEES and propose
future directions and activities
Review draft final
report (2005 site evaluations) and comment to staff and P&EC
Monitor City
activities related to 2005 draft staff recommendation to P&EC that the City
use the results of UNAEES as the basis for urban-core land acquisition
Time frame
2006
Objective
Implementation
of the Riverside South Community Design Plan follows principles in the CDP.
Retention
of significant trees and forests and best use of greenspace in this community
Activities
Provide advice
regarding the saving of trees and forests in this large development through
review of subdivision plans
Monitor
plans for transit corridors to protect important woodlots
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
Implementation
of the East Urban Community Design Plan follows principles in the CDP.
Retention
of significant trees and forests and best use of greenspace in this community
Activities
Provide
advice regarding the saving of trees and forests in this large development
through review of subdivision plans
Monitor
plans for transit corridors to protect important woodlots
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
Advice to Councillors and city staff on the Ottawa Design Study
Activities
Provide comment to staff and Council on elements of the Design Study as they are received
Attend January 2006 public consultation and report back to OFGAC on future needs
Time Frame
2006-2008
Preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective as staff report is reviewed by Council
Continued comment on staff and consultant proposals for placement of lines and service yard
2006
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective on preservation of greenspace and trees through Public Advisory Committee participation
Activities
Provided input into the Terms of Reference and attend 4-5 meetings in 2006
Provide OFGAC advice on best route for the
East-West LRT
Participate in development of the EISs
Provide OFGAC advice on direction the City should take in choosing
the most effective, economical and environmentally sensitive transportation
system
Promote the preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective
Time Frame
Ongoing
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective on preservation of greenspace and trees to Public Advisory Committee
Activities
Attend PAC/visioning meetings in 2006
Promote the preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective including innovative design to minimize environmental impact
Time
Frame
December 2008
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee
Activities
Attend city-led and community meetings in 2006
Review of and comment on consultant and staff reports on sub-activities A2.3.1 to A2.3.7 below
Promote the preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective
Time
Frame
December 2008
A3.2.3.1 South Barrhaven CDP
A3.2.3.2 Southwest Transitway Extension Environmental Assessment
A3.2.3.3 Jock River Subwatershed Study Phase 1
A3.2.3.4 Greenbank Class Environmental Assessment
A3.2.3.5 Nepean Town Centre
A3.2.3.6 Berrigan Road Park and Ride
A3.2.3.7 Berrigan Road Transit Station
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee
Activities
Attend city-led and community meetings in 2006
Review draft design plans
Promote the preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective
Time
Frame
December 2006
A4 Plans and
Standards for Forests and Trees
A4.1 Maintenance Plans for
Trees and Community Forests
Objective
Advice
to City during development or updating of community forest master plans
Establish
network of stakeholders
Activities
Hold
consultative meetings with interested parties where necessary
Advise
on the development or updating of management plans for community forests.
Provide
a forum for public input into these management plans as they are developed
Provide
ongoing policy advice on community forests
Time frame
In accordance with staff timetable
A4.1.1 Torbolton Forest
A4.1.2 Marlborough
A4.1.3 Cumberland
A4.1.4 Carp Hills/South March
Objective
Standards of care for trees, forests and
greenspace that are appropriate for Ottawa
Activities
Consultation with and advice to city staff during the
re-drafting of the draft Maintenance Standard
Report or presentation to Standing Committee(s) of Council
on completion of the Standards
Time
Frame
2006
Objective
Passage of the bylaw in 2006
Activities
Attend public consultations as needed
Liaison with Rural Bureau and Rural Task Force
Participate in re-drafting text as needed
Presentations to Standing Committees as needed
Time
Frame
December 2006
Objective
Passage of the bylaw in 2006
Activities
Attend public consultations as needed
Liaison with Rural Bureau
Participate in reviewing and drafting text as needed
Presentations to Standing Committees as needed
Time
Frame
December 2006
Objective
Protection of greenspace for conservation and passive use recognized in bylaw
Activities
Attend public consultations as needed
Reviewing and commenting on draft texts as needed
Presentations to Standing Committees as needed
2006
Standards documents and plans reflect protection of trees, forests and greenspace philosophy and practice
Attend public meetings and meetings with staff to review draft texts and provide OFGAC perspective
A6.1
Road design guidelines (incl. streetscaping)
A6.2
Transitway Design
A6.4 Pedestrian Plan
A6.5 Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines
Ongoing
A7 Land Acquisition Through the Municipal Act
Objective
Purchase
of appropriate land using either the Special Services Levy or Local Improvement
Charge (as described in the Ontario
Municipal Act) for the acquisition of parks and greenspace
Activities
Monitor
development proposals and respond to community requests for assistance to use
the Ontario Municipal Act for
greenspace acquisition
Assist local community to use 4 wooded
lots on Ethier St, Orleans as first test case
Involve Councillors about Community
requests as necessary.
Look at UNAEES sites as candidates for
acquisition
Work with staff to develop a policy for
urban land acquisition
Prepare reports for Council
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
Promote
idea of a land trust.
Activities
Meet
with parties interested in the development of a land trust for Ottawa.
Form
a network of interested groups in the Ottawa area (Greenspace Alliance, OFNC,
etc.).
Liaise
with Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
Attend
the Ontario Land Trust annual gathering in 2006 (subject to availability of
sponsor funding)
Work
with City staff to develop the foundation for an Ottawa Land Trust.
Contribute
to development of operational guidelines so that a land trust can be formed
quickly should the funds become available.
Time frame
2008
OFGAC Views are incorporated in the draft Air Quality and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Liaison with
City staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee to review drafts of the
action plan document
Provide OFGAC
perspective in regard to role of trees, forests and greenspace in adaptation to
climate change
December 2006
B:
Emerging Issues and Requested
Advice
B1.1
Review Development Applications (Zoning Changes, OP Amendments)
Advise
city planners preparing reports to Director of Planning on development
proposals or Council on zoning change or Official Plan Amendment proposals
Provide an OFGAC perspective (relating to potential impact on trees, forests, and greenspace) to Council, city planners and Real Property and Assets Management (RPAM) on proposals to develop, sell or change the use of land in Ottawa
Provide
training to new members on OFGAC participation in the City’s development review
process
Review
development proposals, site plan drawings, zoning change proposals and Official
Plan Amendments and comment on the potential impact on trees, forests, and
greenspace
Review
Environmental Impact Statements and Wetland Impact Statements prepared by
consultants for developers, commenting on matters relating to trees, forests,
and greenspace and completeness of the Statements
Review
tree protection plans provided by the developer and comment on their adequacy
Review
tree planting plans provided by the developer and comment on the suitability of
the trees for the site
Review
Community Design Plans with reference to greenspace connections
Follow
up with Planning Staff on OFGAC-EAC meeting on development reviews to address
OFGAC concerns with process
Time frame
City capital projects have minimal impact on trees, greenspace and wetlands
Review of
capital projects at the early planning stage and provision of advice to city
engineering staff on ways to minimize or eliminate impact on trees, greenspace
and wetlands
Time Frame
Ongoing
B1.3 Disposal of City Surplus
Lands
Objective
Lands in
municipal ownership with forest, greenspace or wetlands value are retained by
the city in their natural state.
Activities
Review proposals by Real Estate Services to sell land that is deemed surplus to City needs
View satellite images or aerial photos of the land
Recommend sale or retention based on forest, greenspace or wetland characteristics
Articulation
of OFGAC perspective and recommendations on issues relating to trees, forests
and greenspace (including wetlands)
Review of background material
Preparation of written texts to be delivered either by email in advance or in person
Ongoing
Objectives
Development of a notable tree recognition program for Ottawa
Activities
Establish criteria for notable trees taking into account the work
of the Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance (OHTA), and in consultation with the Arts
and Heritage Advisory Committee, Local Architecture Conservation Advisory
Committee, Heritage Ottawa
Meet with NCC and City forestry staff to promote concept of a
program for Ottawa
Develop publicity and outreach program to obtain tree nominations
from citizens, organizations, corporations, and government agencies
Begin research on and for suitable trees (i.e., history and
provenance), including groups or stands of trees
2006
Objectives
An
up-to-date forest cover evaluation for the city in 2006
Activities
Advice
and assistance to city staff as needed as the evaluation proceeds
Working
with volunteers to do ground-truthing as needed.
Time
frame
2006
Objective
Advice
on issues/questions raised by Council, standing committees, members of the
public
Activities
Respond
to requests for advice from city staff, Councillors, and community and
environmental groups
Monitor
implementation of Official Plan, Environmental Strategy, etc
Host
or attend public meetings on planning and “green” issues
Liaise
with other groups on an ad hoc basis
Respond
to public concerns over issues like tree cutting, greenspace loss, etc.
Ongoing
B4.1 Southern Corridor
Objective
Retention
of environmentally important lands in public ownership of them and “green
stewardship” of them
Activities
Sit
on Ward Councillor’s committee on Southern Corridor lands
Provide
OFGAC perspective when future of these lands is debated
Presentation
to Planning and Environment Committee if required
Time
Frame
2006
B4.2 Pocket Parks
Objective
Research
and report on feasibility of smaller parks in Ottawa
Activities
Determine
the scope of the study
Find
examples of best practices locally, nationally and internationally
Determine
local issues and draft an issues paper
Identify
potential sites for pocket parks
Time
Frame
2007
B5 Wetlands and Natural Drainage
B5.1 Wetlands
Objective
City
decisions favour the protection of provincially and “regionally” significant
wetlands
Activities
Discussions
with EAC and other environmental organizations on best practices for wetland
identification and preservation
Monitoring
land development proposals and city land sales to provide comment that leads to
wetland conservation protection
Participation
in community forums to promote wetland conservation
Time
Frame
2006
B5.2 Natural Drainage and Ditching
Objective
Natural
drainage channels are preserved to the maximum extent possible
Ditching
activities strike a balance between protection of wetlands and protection of
farmlands
Activities
Review
of subdivision proposals and proposed ditching activities
Provision
of advice to staff, Rural Bureau and Councillors
Time
Frame
Ongoing
B6 Council Performance Indicators
B6.1
Follow-up to EAC-OFGAC Evaluation of Environmental Impact of 2004 Council
Decisions
Objective
Transmittal of environmental evaluation that provides Councillors with the two committees' perspective on the impact of council and Planning staff 2004 decisions
Activities
Transmit report again to selected staff and selected councillors for comment
Transmittal of final document to PEC and then Council
Promote the use of environmental indicators to Corporate staff
Time
Frame
2006
B6.2 Community Impact Indicators
Objective
OFGAC
perspective on trees, forests and greenspace incorporated into the Community
Impact Indicators analysis in 2006
Activities
Review
draft environmental, smart growth and neighbourhood indicators and provide
comments from OFGAC perspective
Attend
focus group for all ACs to comment on and “choose” the entire range of
indicators for the Corporate Plan Agendas
Monitor
output from Corporate staff on indicators to ensure OFGAC concerns are taken
into account
Time
Frame
Ongoing
B7 Input to City Budgets
B7.1 Consideration of OFGAC Priorities for Budget
2007
Objective
OFGAC perspective on priorities considered and accepted by City Council in 2007
Activities
Review and analysis of 2007 budget documents to develop OFGAC priorities
Attendance at Councillors' candidate election meetings to outline OFGAC priorities
Discussions with individual Councillors and candidates to promote OFGAC priorities
Preparation for formal presentation of OFGAC priorities at Council Committee of the Whole in 2007
Time
Frame
2006
C:
OUTREACH
Increased
public awareness of the value of trees, forests, and greenspace
Increased
support for city tree, forest and greenspace initiatives
Activities
Distribute
brochures and other hand-outs
Liaison
with Councillors and others for tree planting in Ottawa 150th
Birthday Celebrations
Photograph
Ottawa forests and greeenspaces, including streetscapes for the web site and
displays
Establish
contacts with and respond to queries from media
Maintain
contact list of concerned citizens
Time frame
2006
Public visits to OFGAC website increase awareness of the value of trees, forests, and greenspace and support for city tree, forest and greenspace initiatives
Maintain and regularly update OFGAC web site www.ottawaforests.ca
Timely posting of OFGAC agendas, minutes and presentations on the website
Respond to or re-direct public enquiries received via the website
Ongoing
Engage
and educate both the general public and professional community with respect to
forests and greenspace in the City of Ottawa to expand
the informed segment of the population that is supportive of sustainable
forestry and knowledgeable about the environmental, economic and social values
the forests and greenspace in Ottawa play
Conduct
an inventory of the users and their respective uses as a preliminary step
towards identifying and planning activities to engage and educate forest and
greenspace stakeholders in the City of Ottawa
Use the
knowledge to ensure effective and efficient transfer
knowledge regarding sustainable forestry and the environmental, economic and
social values the forests and greenspace in Ottawa play.
Explore
events and activities such as workshops, recreational outings, roundtable
discussions, speaking engagements, and attending exhibitions and assess them
based on feasibility and effectiveness in meeting the
objective.
Develop
and test a plan of action and schedule of events over the course of the year
Ongoing
Canadian Institute of Forestry, Ottawa Valley Chapter
Canadian Urban Forestry Network
Environmental Advisory Committee
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee
Marlborough Forest Advisory Committee
Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Friends of the Jock River
Friends of Petrie Island
Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital
Ottawa Field-Naturalists Club
Tree Canada Foundation
Ottawa Horticultural Society
Ontario
Horticultural Association
Society of Ontario Nut Growers (Eastern Chapter),
Ottawa Botanical Garden Society
Ontario Woodlot Association
Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance
Ottawa Stewardship Council
Local Community Associations
Objective
Increased
cooperation and information exchange between and among OFGAC and other tree-
and greenspace-oriented community groups and Advisory Committees
Activities
Attend
and report on EAC, PRAC, ARAC meetings
Maintain
ongoing relations with other Advisory Committees, forestry groups,
environmental groups etc.
Time frame
Ongoing
Objective
Database
of native trees and shrubs on the OFGAC web site
Fact
sheets on selected native species
Memorandum
to P&EC on city use of native species and PEC adoption of OFGAC proposal on
use of native species
Activities
Update
database taking into account comments of four peer reviewers
Investigate
the cost of making the database searchable/interactive
Promote
public awareness of the database and its capabilities
Create
specific fact sheets and lists on native species using the information in the
database
Develop
a local suppliers list
Develop
a written OFGAC policy on the use of native tree and shrub species
Develop
a seminar on native trees and shrubs to give to city planners during a seminar
session
Time frame
2006
D: MANAGEMENT
Objective
Timely
production of agendas, delegation of tasks to OFGAC members, review of OFGAC
position papers before transmission to appropriate authorities
Activities
Coordinate
meetings by setting meeting dates and locations, preparing agendas, reviewing
first draft of minutes, and working with OFGAC staff coordinator
Set
priorities
Speak
on behalf of OFGAC with media; review all external communications
Liaison
with staff and Councillors
Coordination
of OFGAC subcommittees and working groups
Development
of annual workplans and annual reports
Time frame
2006
Objective
Knowledgeable and up-to-date OFGAC members
Work with City Forester to present a mini-course on tree identification
Identify other training needs
2006
Objective
D4 Committee Member Recruitment for 2007
Objective
Recruit and have appointed candidates with excellent qualifications and a commitment to the trees, forests and greenspace of Ottawa
Activities
Review and update selection criteria
Critical review of submitted applications
Review and update of interview questions and circulate to Councillors for approval
Interview and select candidates (with Councillors)
Time
Frame
November - December 2006
Attachment
3
OTTAWA
FORESTS AND GREENSPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
(OFGAC) provides advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council, through the
Planning and Environment Committee. Its
mandate is to help safeguard the environment of the City through the use of
trees, forests and greenspace by:
·
Providing
input into policies and budgets related to greenspace preservation and the
management of urban and rural forests;
·
Recommending
ways in which the City can meet its greenspace and forest related objectives as
outlined in the Official Plan and other planning documents; and
· Promoting public awareness of the role of greenspace and forests in protecting and enhancing quality of life.
DEFINITIONS
The urban forest includes individual city trees (and
other vegetation) as well as woodlots and forests within the City of Ottawa.
Greenspace is protected land
and water that is in its natural, undeveloped state as well as a supporting
network of land in private and public ownership that has been developed only to
the extent consistent with natural systems protection, recreational uses, or
agricultural and forest production.
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
ORGANIZATION
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee shall have a citizen membership of between 9 – 15 with a minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community.
Both the Planning and Environment Committee and Ottawa
City Council shall approve all appointments to the Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace Advisory Committee.
In addition, the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee shall also have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:
· 1 staff representative from the Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department (non-voting).
·
In addition,
staff resources from other branches/departments may be invited or required to
attend committee meetings (i.e. the
Environmental Management Unit of the Development Services Department) (non-voting).
· A minimum of 1 member of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as a liaison (non-voting).
The process for choosing membership for the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee will follow the approved Appointments Policy.
LEAD
DEPARTMENT/REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The lead department for the
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee is the Transportation,
Utilities and Public Works Department.
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee reports through the
Planning and Environment Committee to Ottawa City Council. For issues affecting rural forest areas in
the City, the OFGAC will report through the Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Committee to City Council.
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
must report annually to City Council through the Planning and Environment
Committee (timing to be determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee Coordinator
and City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the current year and on
the Committee’s workplan for the following year.