1.
OTTAWA FORESTS AND GREENSPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT, 2007 WORK PLAN AND REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES FORÊTS ET LES ESPACES VERTS D’OTTAWA – RAPPORT
ANNUEL DE 2006, PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2007, ET MANDAT RÉVISÉ |
Committee recommendationS
That Council:
a) Receive the 2006 Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace Advisory Committee as detailed in Attachment 1;
b)
Approve
the objectives contained in the 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2; and
c) Approve the revised Terms of Reference, as detailed in
Attachment 3.
RecommandationS du Comité
Que le Conseil :
a) Reçoive le Rapport annuel de 2006 du Comité consultatif sur les forêts et
espaces verts d’Ottawa, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 1;
b) Approuve
les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2007, tel que décrit à
la pièce jointe no 2 ; et
c) Approuve le
mandat révisé, tel que décrit a la pièce jointe n03.
Documentation
1. Chair’s
report, Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee dated
25 April 2007 (ACS2007-CCV-OFG-0001).
2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 22 May 2007.
Report to/Rapport au:
Planning and Environment Committee
and Council/et au
Conseil
Submitted by/Soumise 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: Brenda Emond
Committee Coordinator/coordonnatrice du
comité
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Ref N°: ACS2007-CCV-OFG-0001 |
SUBJECT: OTTAWA
FORESTS AND GREENSPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT, 2007 WORK PLAN
AND REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE
OBJET: COMITÉ CONSULTATIF
SUR LES FORÊTS ET LES ESPACES VERTS D’OTTAWA – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2006, PLAN DE
TRAVAIL 2007, ET MANDAT RÉVISÉ
REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee recommend that the Planning
and Environment Committee recommend Council:
a)
Receive
the 2006 Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
as detailed in Attachment 1;
b) Approve
the objectives contained in the 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2; and
c) Approve
the revised Terms of Reference, as detailed in Attachment 3.
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 2006 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 2007, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe
no 2 ; et
c) approuve le mandat révisé, tel que décrit a la pièce jointe n03.
City Council, 6 December 2006, 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 with a brief description of the project or activity.
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.
There was no funding approved for the advisory committee 2007 workplans.
DISCUSSION
At its meetings of 22 January
and 23 April 2007, the Ottawa Forests
and Greenspace Advisory Committee approved its 2006 annual report and 2007 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 revised Terms of Reference can be found at Document 3 of this report.
The
following departments were consulted and following comments were received:
Planning,Transit and the Environment:
The Department
continues to work closely with the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory
Committee and benefited from their help and constructive advice in 2006 on
policy initiatives such as the Greenspace Master Plan and various development
proposals and community design plans.
The work program proposed for 2007 reflects several priority projects
for the Department including the Official Plan review and staff can support the
work plan with respect to the projects identified under the jursidiction of
Planning, Transit and the Environment.
The Department works closely with the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee in a shared goal to effectively manage the City's trees and forests.
The Department supports the objectives of the Committee’s
workplan, which includes several initiatives such as community outreach and
awareness of urban and rural forestry issues, that the Forestry Services
Division will also be pursuing in 2007.
There
are no financial implications associated with this report.
Document 1 – 2006
Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
Document 2 – Proposed
2007 Workplan of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
Document 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.
Document 1
Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
2006 Annual Report
Mandate, Introduction, Objective, Results
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 and retain the green
characteristics for which the city is renowned.
OFGAC provides:
Input into plans, strategies, policies, programs and budgets related to
greenspace preservation, biodiversity and the management of urban and rural
forests including remediation and new forest development;
recommendations to the city on how to meet its greenspace, biodiversity
and forest-related objectives as outlined in the Official Plan and other
planning documents; and
public awareness of the role of greenspace, wetlands and forests in
protecting and enhancing quality of life.
In
2006, OFGAC continued to work to have its mandated provision of advice to
Council on the importance of trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands lead to a
new, changed way of thinking about planning and development that will conserve
these, our greatest natural assets.
Providing a balanced viewpoint between retention of greenspace and
development becomes increasing essential as our city grows To fulfill this goal, OFGAC has focused its
work in four areas (see Appendix 1 for an abbreviated workplan):
Policy and Planning Initiatives
OFGAC has worked intensively with the city on the development of the
Greenspace Master Plan and the implementing Official Plan Amendment (Strategies
for Ottawa’s Urban Greenspaces) and recommended their acceptance to
Council. Work on the Forest Strategy
and Biodiversity Strategy has been suspended until 2007 due to lack of staff
resources for these two vital components of the Official Plan. As well, the draft Good Forestry Practices
in Sensitive Natural Areas bylaw, originally deferred at Council in October
2005, has moved forward with participation of OFGAC and will go back to
Standing Committees in early 2007 with OFGAC’s support. Together, these documents will provide the
strategic framework for the preservation of tree and forest and greenspace
cover to improve air quality and meet municipal Kyoto targets, and enhance the visual,
social and ecological environment of the City.
OFGAC provided input to Community Design Plans for South Barrhaven,
East Urban Phase 2, the South Nepean Town Centre and the Terms of Reference for
the CDP for Rockcliffe Airbase. The
Committee participated in the development of the bylaw for the Protection and
Maintenance of Trees and Forests on Municipal Properties and recommended its
passage to the Planning & Environment and Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Standing Committees (passed by Council and in force as of September 2006). OFGAC also provided comment to staff on the
Trees and Forest Maintenance Strategy report and the Trees and Forest
Maintenance Program and Quality Standards.
OFGAC supported the inclusion of these programs in the LRFP for funding
starting in 2008.
Members continued to participate in the Public Consultation Group for
the N/S LRT and the Public Advisory Group for the E/W LRT studies and made a
presentation to Corporate Services arguing for the retention of the Walkley
Road Service Yard. OFGAC also supported
the acceptance of the Urban Natural Areas Environmental Evaluation Addendum
Report at PEC. Other major initiatives
on which OFGAC provided comment were the Slater Street Escarpment plan, and
Urban Design Framework (guidelines for big box stores, parking lots etc.),
Community Indicators, Density Initiatives and the proposed Bill 51.
Emerging Issues and Requested
Advice Initiatives
OFGAC was part of a major undertaking by the City in regard to the
Goulbourn Wetlands, making two presentations to ARAC on the Wetlands workplan
and its recommendations and by participating in an extensive series of meetings
over the summer in an attempt to resolve the issues. OFGAC’s concerns that the compromise reached (to halt Official
Plan designation of Provincially Significant Wetlands) resulted in a Standing
Committee statement that this course of action would not be extended to other
areas of the City, an important clarification which will help to protect these
remaining vital natural areas which are continuously under threat.
OFGAC provided comments on 56 development applications noting how the
proposed development would impact our forests and greenspaces and advocating
the planting of native trees and shrubs where appropriate. The Committee continued its involvement in
the design of the proposed Berrigan/Greenbank Transitway and Park and Ride
facility supporting the retention of a maximum number of nationally endangered
Butternut trees, as well as Black Walnut, Red Oak and Black Cherry and drawing
the City’s attention to construction activities that were damaging trees not
destined to be removed.
OFGAC’s successful effort to have the four wooded lots on Ethier St. in
Orleans retained in City ownership resulted in two outcomes: the re-evaluation of the entire wooded area
and ravine and its designation as Urban Natural Area No. 191 (rated Moderate);
and, an agreement to add OFGAC to the list of reviewers commenting on proposed
disposal of City property. OFGAC
provided comment on approximately 70 proposed sales of city-owned land. The files have not progressed to the state
where the outcomes are known, but in 10 cases, OFGAC recommended either
retention of ecologically important land or the setting of conditions on the
sale (to retain trees).
As a result of one proposed land sale review, OFGAC may provide
assistance to the City’s Affordable Housing group on how to integrate trees
into the overall design for a group home.
In October, OFGAC was made aware of the proposed disposal of a road
allowance leading to the Rideau River and intervened at CSED to note the
disconnect between a policy adopted the previous week by Council requiring
retention of city-owned waterfront access and the proposal to sell this
particular road allowance. CSED then
recommended and Council subsequently agreed to retain the Rideau River road
allowance at Armstrong Road.
OFGAC also supported two important land acquisitions: the land swap that led to the City acquiring
the two Nepean Woodlots (Urban Natural Areas No. 60 and 61) and the purchase of
a valuable wetland and adjacent forest on Fernbank Road in Stittsville.
OFGAC appeared before the Committee of the Whole with its perspective
on funding priorities for the 2006 Capital and Operating Budget, presenting the
case for increased funding in some cases and maintenance of funding for
forestry and environmental management programs.
OFGAC
continued its work on pocket parks by conducting a small public attitude survey
during Wildlife Week and by providing advice to Carleton University students on
a socio-economic study of the value of pocket parks in Somerset Ward.
Outreach Initiatives
OFGAC’s Web site < www.ottawaforests.ca > continually
updated by our volunteer Webmaster, continues to provide information about
Ottawa’s forests and greenspaces and OFGAC’s activities. It has proven to be a vital connection to
the public. In 2006, approximately
59,400 requests for pages were received and 7.4 GB of information were transferred. The
Marlborough Forest page was especially popular, receiving 666 hits in
November.
The Native Trees and Shrubs Database has been completed and a link to
it placed on the website in December.
Designed to serve as a guide to encourage the planting of native
species, citizens will be able to retrieve a complete write-up on 133 native
trees, shrubs and vines, or search for information on salt tolerance, light
requirements (sun or shade), water requirement and size (height and/or width)
at maturity. In its first month, it
received 2,221 hits.
Public interest in Ottawa’s urban and rural forests remained high in
2006. Thirty-eight 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 forwards
them to the appropriate person in the City or OFGAC for action). Questions
ranged from “is Manitoba Maple a native species in the Ottawa area and is it
invasive” (answers No and Yes), questions about ownership and management of
trees planted on lot lines between two private properties, to “How can I
control the invasive buckthorn” and “What caused those black spots on Norway
Maple leaves (Tar Spot fungus)”.
OFGAC initiated a series of Walks in the Woods that has proven to be
very popular with Ottawa residents.
Two-hour walks in the McCarthy Woods, Marlborough Forest, the
Arboretum/Preston Street, and Pine Grove Woods attracted a total of 171
participants. Guest tour leaders
included Seaton Findlay, author of Capital Woodlands; Erwin Dreessen, Poet’s
Pathway; Ken Farr, author of The Forests of Canada; Craig Huff, City Forester;
Shaun Thompson of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Dan Baker, Fiddlehead
Forestry; and, Astrid Nielsen, Dendron Resource Surveys.
An OFGAC member’s personal attendance at the Ontario Urban Forest
Council meeting in Toronto led to his appointment as a member of the OUFC
Advisory Board. OFGAC has met with the
Glebe Community Association’s Environmental Committee to discuss a possible
pilot project on heritage trees in their area.
OFGAC established contacts with and respond to queries from the media, namely the Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa Sun, Orleans
Star, CFRA, Radio Canada TV, and gave a number of radio, television or
print interviews on the importance of trees and greenspace, notable/heritage
trees, trees and development issues plus the Forest Walks.
OFGAC was invited to participate in the annual Christmas Forestry
Seminar and presented a talk on its history, role, and involvement in urban
forestry in Ottawa. At Councillor
Harder’s invitation, OFGAC brought its public information display to her annual
Ward meeting with constituents and we also attended and spoke at one Member of
Parliament’s open house on urban environmental and forestry-related
issues.
Management Initiatives
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, Recruitment Strategy
and timetable and the bylaw update and participated actively in the Chairs and
Vice-Chairs meeting with City staff.
OFGAC has recently gone through a visioning
exercise to evaluate our first five years and to ensure that we are “on
message” for the upcoming year. This
additional commitment by members to the Committee is an example of the
Committee’s determination to set relevant, trackable short and long term
objectives which address the evolving needs of Council and the changing face of
the landscape.
Appendix 1 — 2006 OFGAC Workplan in Summary
A:
Policy and Planning: Corporate Initiatives |
B:
Emerging Issues and Requested Advice |
C:
Outreach |
D:
Management |
A1 Greenspace Master Plan |
B1 Development Activities B1.1 Review Development Applications (Zoning
Changes, OP Amendments) B1.2 City Capital Works (incl. Transitway)
Impact B1.3 Surplus City Land Disposal |
C1 Communications C1.1 Media outreach and publicity C1.2 OFGAC Website C1.3 Community Outreach and Awareness |
D1 Committee Management; Activities to Run
the Committee D1.1 Training for
members |
A2 Forest Strategy |
B2 Presentations to PEC, ARAC, CSED and
others as appropriate |
C2 Networks C2.1 See list in longer version C2.2 Rural Summit |
D2 Governance Report review |
A3 Special Planning Studies incl.
Subwatershed Studies A3.1 Follow-up and Monitoring Implementation
Strategies A3.1.1 UNAEES A3.1.2 Riverside South CDP A3.1.3 East Urban CDP Phase 1 A3.1.4 Ottawa Design Study A3.1.5 N-S LRT A3.2 Ongoing Studies A3.2.1 E-W LRT A3.2.2 Rockcliffe Airbase A3.2.3 South Barrhaven |
B3 Inventories B3.1 Notable Trees B3.2 CITYGreen™ Forest Cover Evaluation |
C3 Database of Native Trees and Shrubs |
D3 Spatial evaluation of OFGAC activities |
A4 Plans and Standards A4.1 Maintenance Plans for Community Forests A4.1.1 Torbolton A4.1.2 Marlborough (incl. Long Swamp, Corkery) A4.1.3 Cumberland A4.1.4 Carp Hills A4.2 Maintenance Standards for Trees and
Community Forests |
B4 Requested Advice B4.1 Southern Corridor B4.2 Pocket Parks |
C4 Exotic Pest Management (including invasive
plants and insects) |
D4 Committee Member Recruitment for 2007 |
A5
Bylaws A5.1 Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive
Natural Areas A5.2 Municipal Trees and Forests Protection A5.3 Comprehensive Zoning |
B5 Wetlands and Natural Drainage B5.1 Wetlands B5.2 Natural Drainage and Ditching |
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A6 Capital Standards A6.1 Road design guidelines (incl.
streetscaping) A6.2 Transitway Design A6.3 Cycling Plan A6.4 Strategic Lighting Plan A6.5 Pedestrian Plan A6.6 Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines |
B6 Council Performance Indicators B6.1 Follow-up to EAC-OFGAC Evaluation of
Environmental Impact of 2004 Council Decisions B6.2 Community Impact Indicators |
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A7 Land Acquisition Through Municipal Act A7.1 Ethier St
wooded lots |
B7 Input to City Budgets B7.1 Consideration of OFGAC priorities for
Budget 2007 |
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A8 Land Trust |
B8 International Society of Arboriculture |
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A9 Air Quality and Climate Change
Strategy follow-up including
Adaptation Strategy |
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A10 Biodiversity Strategy |
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OFGAC 2006 Workplan
Report
A: Policy and planning
A1 Greenspace Master Plan
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
Results
OFGAC commented on all versions of the draft and in spite of the change
to consider only the urban area, recommended its approval at PEC in June with
the proviso that work begin on the rural GMP and that a land acquistion
strategy be initiated.
A2 Forest Strategy
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
Results
Staff has presented two drafts. OFGAC commented on both drafts and gave
input. The Strategy has been put on hold until 2007.
A3 Special Planning Studies including Community
Design Plans
A3.1 Follow-up and Monitoring Implementation
Strategies
A3.1.1 Urban Natural Areas Environmental Evaluation
Study (UNAEES) Implementation
Objective
To provide advice to Planning and Environment Committee on the results
of the UNAEES and propose future directions and activities
Results
Review of staff report and support at PEC June 27 for the UNAEES Addendum Report.
(The Urban Natural Features Strategy due to be brought forward in July
to PEC has been postponed until 2007; when it is available, it will be reviewed
by OFGAC).
A3.1.2 Riverside
South Community Design Plan Follow-up
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
Results
Monitored and
completed development reviews for different phases within Riverside South.
Contacted the Riverside South Community Association to share information on the
natural features inventory OFGAC conducted earlier.
Schedule
presentation in 2006-2007 to the residents of the community. The preservation of natural features is
uncertain and needs to be pursued in 2007 and throughout the development
period.
A3.1.3 East
Urban CDP Phase I Follow-Up
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
Results
Comments provided to staff and presentation
made to PEC on Mer Bleue CDP.
A3.1.4 Ottawa Design Study Follow Up
Objective
Advice to Councillors and city staff on the Ottawa Design Study
Results
Participated in Slater Street Escarpment
workshop and reviews. Participated in
sessions reviewing Urban Design Framework guidelines for big box stores,
parking lots, development along traditional and arterial mainstreets, drive
through facilities, gas stations.
Attendance at the public consultations on Density Initiatives resulted
in the addition of parks and greenspace as two of the amenities that a
developer may provide in exchange for increased height or density in the urban
area.
A3.1.5 North-South
Light Rail
Objective
Preservation of greenspace and trees and an environmental perspective
as staff report is reviewed by Council
Results
Actively participated in the
Provincially-mandated Public Working Group for the purpose of selecting the
location for a maintenance and storage rail yard. Attended 8 meetings and reviewed numerous documents and
studies. Made a presentation to the
Joint Meeting of Transportation and Corporate Services & Economic
Development Committees, opposing the City’s proposed site for the NS LRT
Maintenance and Storage Yard. OFGAC
Recommendation not accepted.
A3.2 Ongoing Studies including
Community Design Plans
A3.2.1 East-West Light Rail
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective through Public Advisory Committee
participation
Results
Public Consultation
group got as far as determining what type of LRT will be used. Progress has been slow. EISs have to be done and presented to both Federal and Provincial
levels of Government for approval.
Postponed until Council decides what to do with LRT.
A3.2.2 Rockcliffe Airbase Redevelopment/CDP
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee
Results
Attended meetings of coalition of
neighbourhood groups, meeting with Canada Lands Company and two CLC Open
Houses; provided comments to CLC on draft 1 of CDP (contributed to coalition
comments); member of PAC and TAC and attended first meetings of these groups in
November. Greenspace and tree
preservation has been accepted as a major design component and objective by
CLC.
A3.2.3 South Barrhaven
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee
Results
A3.2.3.1 South Barrhaven CDP
Reviewed the proposed concept plans for the future development of
Barrhaven South and met with City Staff with their concerns. A formal response was presented to the
planner and included in the submission to PEC.
The Report on Proposed Design Guidelines was also reviewed and comments
submitted to the planner. The
identification of natural features and their preservation remains an issue to
be pursued in 2007.
A3.2.3.2 Southwest Transitway
Extension Environmental Assessment
OFGAC members met with city staff and determined that there are no
tree/forest issues.
A3.2.3.3 Jock River
Subwatershed Study Phase 1
The Jock River Reach 1 Subwatershed Study – Draft Final Report (3
volumes) was reviewed and comments formerly submitted to City Staff promoting
the preservation of riparian vegetation, significant greenspaces and blue-green
linkages.
A3.2.3.4 Greenbank Class
Environmental Assessment
Under review.
A3.2.3.5 South Nepean Town
Centre
Community Design Plan was reviewed and OFGAC
submitted comments to the planner.
A3.2.3.6 and A3.2.3.7 Berrigan Road Park and Ride and Transit
Station
Responded to Eastern Chapter of the Society of Nut Growers regarding
the preservation of an existing Butternut and Black Walnut Grove situated in
the middle of the route for the planned Transitway Extension. OFGAC met with the City’s Project Engineer,
the landscape architect and project consultant and presented an inventory of
nut trees on the site recommending that most of the Butternut trees be
preserved. The recommendation has been
accepted and the final landscaping details and a “nut theme” are planned for
2007. OFGAC met on site with City Staff and Consultants and provided
recommendations to improve construction conditions to conserve the trees.
A3.3 East Urban CDP Phase II
(Gloucester side)
Objective
Provide OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee
Results
Provided comments on the Mer Bleu Community
Design Plan to planner and PEC.
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
A4.1.1 Torbolton Forest
Results
Met with staff responsible for forest
management regarding residents concerns about thinning program. The Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee has
started a community program to collect seed from oaks to encourage re-seeding
with native hardwoods.
A4.1.2 Marlborough
Results
Participated in Marlborough Forest Advisory Committee meetings and
hosted a Walk in the Forest as part of the Outreach Program.
A4.1.3 Cumberland
Results
OFGAC received a presentation on the use of the forest by a trail
riding association and endorsed their proposal.
A4.1.4 Carp Hills/South March
Results
Staff have placed the update of the
Management Plan on their 2007 Workplan with implementation scheduled for
2008. OFGAC will participate.
A4.2 Maintenance Standards for
Trees and Community Forests
Objective
Standards of care for trees, forests and greenspace that are
appropriate for Ottawa
Results
Comments were provided on the following:
Trees and Forest Maintenance Strategy Report, Trees and Forest Maintenance
Program and Quality Standards. The
Strategy was presented at the August 28 OFGAC Meeting and OFGAC Supported the
Standards at PEC and ARAC (passed by these 2 committees and Council) and staff
will propose these programs for funding in 2008.
A5 Bylaws
A5.1 Good Forestry Practices in
Sensitive Natural Areas Bylaw
Objective
Passage of the bylaw in 2006
Results
OFGAC and staff have met all conditions for
passage. OFGAC has met with senior staff
members and Councillors to urge passage of the by-law. OFGAC has offered to develop information for
a draft staff report for use by Standing Committees and Council. Submission of bylaw to Council delayed by
2006 election.
A5.2 Municipal Trees and
Forests Protection
Objective
Passage of the bylaw in 2006
Results
Reviewed 2nd draft of bylaw and
supported its passage at PEC 13 June.
Passed at Council in July and is in force as of September.
A5.3 Comprehensive Zoning
Objective
Protection of greenspace for conservation and passive use recognized in
bylaw
Results
By-law draft received, the format is not user
friendly and so has not been reviewed in detail.
A6 Capital Standards
Objective
Standards documents and plans reflect protection of trees, forests and
greenspace philosophy and practice
Results
A6.1 Road design guidelines (incl.
streetscaping)
Participated in study group on Slater Street Escarpment.
A6.2 Transitway Design
See A3.2.3.7 report on Berrigan Transit Station.
A6.3 Strategic Lighting Plan
Presentation from staff in September; OFGAC member appointed to review
Strategy when presented in 2007.
A6.4 Pedestrian Plan (no further staff
action)
A6.5 Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines
(no activities)
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
A7.1 Ethier St. Wooded Lots
Results
Consultations with Councillor Monette on the potential to use this
provision to fund the retention of four wooded lots on Ethier St.,
Orleans. CSED recommendation and
Council decision was to retain the lots without using the special municipal
levy.
A8 Land Trust
Objective
Promote idea of a land trust
Results
No activities in 2006.
A9 Air Quality and Climate
Change Adaptation Strategy
Objective
OFGAC Views are incorporated in the draft Air Quality and Climate
Change Adaptation Strategy
Results
Draft document being prepared by City staff
for circulation in 2007.
A10 Biodiversity Strategy
Objective
OFGAC participates in the development of this strategy
Results
In a presentation to Corporate Services, OFGAC supported the
development of a Biodiversity Strategy after the Forest Strategy is completed
in 2007. However, the project has
received special funding via EAC and will start in 2007 with OFGAC and the
Conservation Authorities as partners.
B: Emerging Issues and Requested advice
B1 Development Activities
B1.1 Review Development
Applications (OP Amendments , Zoning Changes, Subdivision and Site Plan
Proposals)
Objective
Advise city planners preparing reports to Director of Planning on
development proposals or Council on Official Plan Amendment proposals or zoning
changes.
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
Results
Two training sessions on how to conduct development review held with a
resulting increase in quality of reviews and pertinence of remarks. 114 development proposals were received and
OFGAC provided comments on 56 of them.
Development Reviews of the Chapman Mills and Fernbank areas resulted in
OFGAC recommending the preservation via purchase of two woodlots and a
wetland.
Reviews in other fast growing areas such as Riverside South, South
Pointe, Barrhaven South, Orleans, Navan and Mer Bleue focused on infill and raw
land development where there were concerns on the part of residents and/or the
potential to lose significant trees, hedgerows and woodlots.
B1.2 City Capital Works
Objective
City capital projects have minimal impact on trees, greenspace and
wetlands
Results
No paper received from City in 2006.
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.
Results
Developed a template to complete for standardized OFGAC review. 70 disposals were reviewed by OFGAC between
February and December; comments provided to RPAM and Councillors.
In about 10 cases there was cause to recommend city retention of the
land or to recommend conditions on the eventual sale because of forest and
greenspace considerations. No data are
available at this time on the outcomes of our recommendations.
B2 Presentations to Standing
Committees
Objectives
Articulation of OFGAC perspective and recommendations on issues
relating to trees, forests and greenspace (including wetlands)
Results
24 presentations made (Council, PEC, ARAC, CSED (see Appendix 2 at end
of document).
B3 Inventories
B3.1 Notable Trees
Objectives
Development of a notable tree recognition program for
Ottawa
Results
Workshop on selection criteria for notable
trees attended and process for
selection of trees in Ottawa described.
B3.2 CITYGreen™ - Forest Cover
Evaluation
Objectives
An up-to-date forest cover evaluation for the city in 2006
Results
Attended all meetings to review progress. One small area study completed by staff. Further work is anticipated in 2007.
B4 Requested Advice
Objective
Advice on issues/questions raised by Council, standing committees,
members of the public
Results
At the request of Councillor Stavinga, OFGAC supported the acquisition
of a sensitive wetland in Stittsville.
38 public enquiries to OFGAC through <ofgac@ottawaforests.ca>
were answered (see C1.2) in response to queries on the light rail project,
trees and development issues, invasive and intrusive tree species, tree cutting
issues and the City’s Trees in Trust program.
OFGAC supported Councillor Hume’s 100,000 tree program (TREE) and have
assisted him in advising the community via the website and through email.
B4.1 Southern Corridor
Objective
Retention of environmentally important lands in public ownership of
them and “green stewardship” of them
Results
On hold until the zoning issues are resolved by the OMB.
B4.2 Pocket Parks
Objective
Research and report on feasibility of smaller parks in Ottawa
Results
Conducted a survey during Wildlife Week to determine citizen attitudes
toward and amenities desired in pocket parks (trees 90%, cleanliness 67%, close to home 65%, shrubs 59%, place to sit 55%, size 50%, grass 43%, close to work 38% flowers 42%).
Provided advice to Carleton University students on an socio-economic
study of pocket parks in Somerset Ward.
B5 Wetlands and Natural
Drainage
B5.1 Wetlands
Objective
City decisions favour the protection of provincially and “regionally”
significant wetlands
Participation in community forums to promote wetland conservation
Results
Commented to ARAC on the City of Ottawa’s Wetlands Resolution Workplan
and participated as member of the Wetlands Working Group, providing the OFGAC
perspective on the importance of wetlands, especially relating to
Goulbourn. Commented to PEC and ARAC on
the final report of the Wetlands Stakeholders Resolution Workplan expressing
concern about the City decision to cancel OP designation of wetlands in that
area. Council clarified that the
decision applied only to lands in the “Flewellyn Road area of Goulbourn Ward”.
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
Results
Supported the Wetlands Resolution working group in having beavers
removed in problem areas in Goulbourn.
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
Results
OFGAC report provided to City staff working on Community
Indicators. No response from
Councillors to OFGAC’s request for comment;
project folded into B6.2.
B6.2 Community Impact
Indicators
Objective
OFGAC perspective on trees, forests and greenspace incorporated into
the Community Impact Indicators analysis in 2006
Results
Attended 4 meetings and focus groups with city staff to review proposed
indicators and present OFGAC view on importance of greenspace and forests
indicators; final report published in
August reflected some of OFGAC’s views.
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
Results
City budget material reviewed in preparation
for OFGAC presentations in 2007. Staff
presentation in November on 2007 budget and 4-year planning process.
B8 International Society of
Arboriculture Ottawa Meeting
Objective
Ottawa meeting of the ISA is successful
Results
OFGAC will assist with logistics for this meeting in April 2007 if
requested.
C: Outreach
C1 Communications
C1.1 Media Outreach and Publicity
Objective
Increased public awareness of the value of trees, forests, and
greenspace
Increased support for city tree, forest and greenspace initiatives
Results
The Ottawa Sun interviewed the chair about trees in Ottawa ; member
interviewed by local CTV about heritage trees. Other interviews were given to
the Ottawa Citizen, Orleans Star, CFRA and Radio Canada TV.
The Media & Publicity sub-committee merged with the Community
Outreach and Awareness sub-committee, and became the Outreach Sub-Committee.
C1.2. OFGAC Website
<www.ottawaforests.ca>
Objective
Public visits to OFGAC website increase awareness of the value of
trees, forests, and greenspace and support for city tree, forest and greenspace
initiatives
Results
The Site map was posted to ‘Google’ to
improve website index by search engines.
Volunteer Webmaster posted much new material, including details and
photos of OFGAC Walks in the Woods outreach events and OFGAC presentations to
Standing Committees. Based on a 3-month
sample, the Website received 59,400 requests for pages in 2006 and 7.4 GB of
content were transferred to readers.
In November, the most popular page (666 hits) was the Marlborough Forest Management
Plan and in December, the native Tree and shrub database received 2,221
hits. Email to the website resulted in 38 enquiries on trees,
forests, greenspace and wetlands which were answered or passed to the
appropriate staff person for a response.
Questions ranged from is Manitoba Maple a native species in the Ottawa
area and is it invasive (answer - No and Yes), questions about ownership and
management of trees planted on lot lines between two private properties, what
caused those black spots on Norway Maple leaves (answer Tar Spot fungus), how
to control the invasive buckthorn (answer - pull it out)
C1.3 Community Outreach and
Awareness
Objective
Engage 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
Results
Developed the “Walk in the Woods” series of 2-3 hour guided walk with
local expert every two months starting in June:
McCarthy Woods [50 participants including local Councillor McRae–
partner with Author of Capital Woodlands and Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s
Capital: Poet’s Pathway initiative];
Arboretum and Preston Street area The Distinguished & Distressed,
[40 participants – partner with Eastern Ontario Model Forest and Canadian
Forest Service – Ken Farr Author of The Forests of Canada];
A Forest in the Fall – Marlborough Forest [46 participants – Sean Thompson:
Ecologist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Craig Huff: Forester, City of
Ottawa); and
The Crowning Jewel of Ottawa – [35 participants NCC Pine Grove Woods –
Dan Baker: Fiddlehead Forestry, Astrid Nielsen: Dendron Resource Surveys Inc.].
Developed a public relations strategy.
Presented a talk on OFGAC: its mandate and objectives, activities and
accomplishments to the annual Christmas Forestry Seminar; participated in the
3-day annual Wildlife Festival at Billings Bridge, reaching thousands of
visitors; attended Councillor Harder’s annual Ward meeting with the OFGAC
display.
C2 Networks
Objective
Increased cooperation and information exchange between and among OFGAC
and other tree- and greenspace-oriented community groups and Advisory Committees
Results
Maintained ongoing relations with other forestry groups including:
Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Canadian Institute of Forestry, Urban Forest
Network, Ottawa Valley chapter of Canadian Institute of Forestry and Ontario
Woodlot Owners Association.
Reciprocal membership established for EAC and RIAC. Maintained ongoing relations and regular
exchange of information with environmental groups such as Greenspace Alliance,
Friends of the Jock River, Fletcher Wildlife Garden (OFNC), etc.
C3 Native Trees and Shrubs Database
Objective
Database of native trees and shrubs on the OFGAC web site
Fact sheets on selected native species
Memorandum to PEC on city use of native species and PEC adoption of
OFGAC proposal on use of native species
Results
Data base with information on habitat requirements and characteristics
of 133 native trees, shrubs and vines completed and launched on the
website. Searchable product table also
developed on tree size, light requirement, water requirement, salt tolerance
using information from the database.
Very positive comment received from professional foresters and
horiculturists and 2,221 hits in its first month on the website.
D: MANAGEMENT
D1 Committee Management
Objective
Timely production of agendas, delegation of tasks to OFGAC members,
review of OFGAC position papers before transmission to appropriate authorities
Results
OFGAC deadlines met, comments were provided to staff and Councillors on
a timely basis; OFGAC was recognised as a positive force and contributor to the
City.
D1.1 Training for Members
Objective
Knowledgeable and up-to-date OFGAC members
Results
Two
training sessions given to OFGAC members on how to conduct and write
development review; several sessions on tree identification given by the city
forestry staff prior to OFGAC meetings. Eastern Ontario Model Forest tree
identification workshop publicised and attended by an OFGAC member; tree
identification lessons given during the Walks in the Woods.
D2. Governance Report Review
Objective
Timely review of 2006 Governance review report and incorporation of
OFGAC objectives for the outcomes in it
Results
Comments on governance needs and possible changes to advisory committee
bylaw sent to Committee Services staff;
attended Chairs and Vice Chairs meeting to discuss changes in Governance
Procedures.
Re-drafted OFGAC Terms of Reference and Mandate Statement.
Met with chair of Health, Recreation and Social Services and a member
of Secretariat Services staff to discuss ways of improving the AC advertising
and member recruitment process.
D3 Spatial Evaluation of OFGAC Activities
Objective
Spatially analyze where OFGAC focused its effort in 2005
Make recommendations regarding improvements in its effectiveness
Results
Built a computer with monitor from donated parts that will be used as a
part of the OFGAC display and serve as a repository for OFGAC media.
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
Results
See D2 re recruitment process. Council decision means no recruitment for
2007.
Appendix 2 — OFGAC Presentations to Standing Committees
Council
Leitrim (jointly with the EAC) - Damage to adjacent wetland,
contaminants in groundwater – 27 September
Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Wetlands - Comments on Working Group Workplan – 9 March
Wetlands - Comments on WG recommendations and wetlands impact elsewhere
– 22 June
Municipal Tree Protection Bylaw - Support bylaw passage – 22 June
Bill 51 - Support conservation land easements – 24 August
Tree Maintenance Support staff proposal – 28 September
Morris Island - Fund infrastructure repairs – 26 October
Corporate Services and Economic Development
6350 Fernbank Road - Support
acquisition of wetland – 17 January
2006 Budget -Support for trees, forests and greenspace maintenance and
protection –7 March
Ethier St Woodlots - Support retention in city ownership, UNA status –
16 May
N/S LRT Maintenance Yard - Use existing Walkley Road site – 16 May
Biodiversity Strategy - Support in 2008 – 17 October
Nepean Woodlots Acquisition - Support land swap and acquisition of two
UNAs – 17 October
Sale of Access to Water - Retain road allowances to river edges in
public ownership – 17 October
Planning and Environment
5350 Fernbank - Support acquisition of wetland – 24 January
Grange Park Sale - Fund other parkland acquisition when parks sold – 28
March
Mer Bleue CDP - Delay approval of CDP – 9 May
Leitrim/Findlay Creek Subdivision - Wetland damage, contaminants – 13
June
Municipal Tree Protection Bylaw - Support bylaw passage – 13 June
Greenspace Master Plan - Support GMP; Develop and fund implementation
strategy – 27 June
Bill 51- Support conservation land easements – 22 August
Leitrim - Delay zoning change;
Save part of UNA 108 – 12 September
Tree Maintenance Strategy - Support staff proposal – 26 September
TREE - Support Councillor Hume proposal – 28 November
Document 2
2007 Workplan
MANDATE
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, promote a sustainable, biodiverse landscape and promote the protection and conservation (wise use) of trees, forests, natural systems and greenspace by:
Providing input into plans, strategies, policies, programs and budgets related to greenspace preservation, biodiversity and the management of urban and rural forests including remediation and new forest development;
Recommending ways in which the City can meet its greenspace, biodiversity 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 and rural forest includes individual city trees and other vegetation as well as woodlots and forests within the City of Ottawa.
Greenspace is land, water and wetlands that are in
their natural, undeveloped state as well as a 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ottawa Forests
and Greenspace Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
·
Providing
advice and guidance to Council, through the Planning and Environment Committee
and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, on City policies, programs,
by-laws, regulations and budgets related to forest and greenspace protection
and management;
·
Assisting in
the development of policies, programs and bylaws that would have an impact on
trees, forests and greenspace including wetlands;
·
Providing a
forum for citizens interested in forests and greenspace to raise issues and
concerns and to have those concerns heard by Council;
·
Advising 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;
·
Identifying
issues that may have an impact on trees, tree cover or natural systems
biodiversity and recommending ways to minimize the impact
·
Advising on
the introduction of windbreaks, the shading of transportation corridors, the
greening of streets, roads, parks and conservation areas, the preservation of
tree cover, and forest management in the City;
·
Promoting and
facilitating cooperation with local community groups and environmental
organizations on education and other initiatives related to forest and
greenspace management;
·
Conducting
advocacy on behalf of issues relating to Ottawa’s forests and greenspace;
·
Providing
advice to Council on the protection, management, acquisition and conservation
of greenspace and other environmentally sensitive areas in Ottawa;
·
Working to
reduce the burden on the City’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);
· Liaising 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 as summarized in the following table.
2007
OFGAC Workplan Summary
A:
Policy and Planning: Corporate Initiatives |
B:
Emerging Issues and Requested Advice |
C: Outreach |
D: Management |
A1 2008 Official Plan Review |
B1 Development Activities ·
B1.1 Community Design Plans ·
B1.1.1 Rockcliffe Airbase ·
B1.1.2 South Barrhaven ·
B1.2 Development Applications
(OP Amendments, Zoning Changes, Subdivisions) ·
B1.3 Surplus City Land
Disposal, Road Closures |
C1 Communications ·
C1.1 Media outreach and publicity ·
C1.1.1 OFGAC Web site ·
C1.1.2 Multi-media and Event
Display ·
C1.2 Community Outreach and
Awareness ·
C1.2.1 Walk in the Woods
series ·
C1.2.2 Councillor Open Houses
and Other events |
D1 Committee Management ·
D1.1 Committee Leadership ·
`D1.2 Training for members |
A2 Greenspace Master Plan A2.1 Implementation of Urban GMP A2.2 Development of Rural GMP |
B2
Presentations to PEC, ARAC, CSED and others as appropriate |
C2
Networks and AC Cross
Attendance |
|
A3 Forest Strategy |
B3 Inventories B3.1 CITYGreen™ Forest Cover Evaluation |
C3
Notable Trees |
D3 Committee Member Recruitment for 2008 |
A4 Special Planning Studies incl. Subwatershed Studies ·
A4.1 Follow-up and Monitoring Implementation Strategies ·
A4.1.1 UNAEES ·
A4.1.2 Riverside South CDP ·
A4.1.3 East Urban CDP Phases 1 and 2 ·
A4.1.4 South Nepean CDP ·
A4.1.5 Greenfields Development guidelines ·
A4.2 Ongoing Studies |
C4 Exotic Pest Management (including invasive
plants and insects) |
|
|
A5 Plans and Standards · A5.1 Maintenance Plans for Community Forests · A5.1.1 Torbolton · A5.1.2 Marlborough (incl. Long Swamp,
Corkery) · A5.1.3 Cumberland · A5.1.4 Carp Hills · A5.1.5 South March Highlands ·
A5.2 Maintenance Standards
for Trees and Community Forests |
B5.2 Natural Drainage and Ditching |
|
|
A6 Bylaws A6.1 Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive Natural Areas ·
A6.2 Comprehensive Zoning |
B6 Council Performance Indicators B6.1 Corporate Plans ·
B6.2 Community Impact
Indicators |
|
|
A7 Capital Standards A7.1 Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines A7.2
Strategic Lighting Plan |
B7 Input to City Budgets ·
B7.1 Development and
expression of OFGAC priorities for Budget 2007 ·
B7.2 Consideration of OFGAC
priorities for Budget 2008 |
|
|
A8
EIS Guidelines Revision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A10 Biodiversity Strategy |
|
|
A1 2008
Official Plan Review
An
updated Official Plan that increases protection for trees and ecologically
valuable land (forests, wetlands, greenspace etc.).
Commence
an internal OFGAC review to identify sections of the 2003 Official Plan for
updating.
Review
and provide comment on proposed OP modifications.
Ensure
retention of natural areas sections, enhancement where identified.
Review
for compliance with Provincial Policy Statements requirements.
Objective
Provision of advice to PEC[1] and city staff during the implementation of this plan.
Activities
A2.2 Development of Rural GMP
Activities
Provision of advice
to ARAC1 and city
staff during the development of this plan in accordance with time lines and
opportunities provided for public consultation; interaction with RIAC.
Report
or presentation to Council on completion of the plan.
A3 Forest Strategy
Objective
A
Forest Strategy that provides the framework for the management and conservation
of municipal forests and other important wooded areas in Ottawa
Activities
Provide
advice to P&EC, ARAC 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.
A4
Special Planning Studies including Subwatershed Studies
A4.1
Follow-up and Monitoring Implementation Strategies
A4.1.1
Urban Natural Areas Environmental Evaluation Study (UNAEES)
Implementation
Objective
The UNAEES Implementation Strategy is approved and
funded by Council.
The process of acquiring ecologically valuable land,
as identified in the UNAEES is commenced.
Activities
Provide
advice to PEC on the implementation of the UNAEES report and propose future
directions and activities.
A4.1.2 Riverside South Community Design Plan
Objective
Future
development in Riverside South follows the principles outlined in the CDP.
Retention
of significant trees and forests and best use of greenspace in this community.
Activities
Review
and comment on subdivision plans and stormwater management proposals with close
attention to preservation of hedgerows, significant trees, wetlands and
greenspace.
A4.2 Ongoing Studies
LRT
That if the LRT issue is revived prior to the end of 2007, OFGC will reconsider its involvement.
A5
Plans and Standards for Forests and Trees
A5.1
Maintenance Plans for Trees and Community Forests
Objective
Network of
stakeholders is established and consultative meetings with interested parties
are productive
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 and advice to City during
development or updating of community forest master plans
A5.1.1
Torbolton Forest
Activities
Advise the Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee on
its community program to collect oak seeds for native hardwoods regeneration.
Attend meetings of Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee and provide OFGAC
and ecological perspective.
Advise on the rare plant inventory and management of
those plants.
A5.1.2
Marlborough
Activities
Attend
meetings of Marlborough Forest Advisory Committee and provide OFGC perspective
A5.1.3 Cumberland
Activities
Provide
OFGAC perspective to staff (and Council as needed) on issues arising in regard
to this forest.
A5.1.4 Carp Hills
Activities
Advise
staff on the development of the
Management Plan.
A5.1.5 South March Highlands
Activities
Advise
staff on the development of the
Management Plan
A5.2 Maintenance Standards for Trees and
Community Forests
Objective
Standards
of care for trees, forests and greenspace that are appropriate for Ottawa are
implemented. Development of
rationalefor appropriate funding for 2008 Budget
Activities
Support appropriate funding levels in 2007 to ensure
standards of care are implemented and develop rationale for full program
funding in 2008.
A6 Bylaws
A6.1 Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive Natural
Areas Bylaw
Objective
Passage
of the bylaw in 2007
Activities
Continue to meet with senior staff members and
Councillors to urge passage of the by-law.
Reiterate OFGAC’s offer to develop information for a draft staff report
for use by Standing Committees and Council.
A6.3 Comprehensive Zoning
Objective
Protection
of greenspace for conservation and passive use recognized in bylaw.
Land
immediately adjacent to watercourses and UNAs, UNFs and RNFs is zoned for
low-rise development with appropriate buffers and setbacks built in.
Environmental
Protection and other protective zoning designations reflect true ecological
boundaries, not only land-ownership boundaries.
Activities
Review the 2007 draft of this bylaw and match zoning
maps against ecological boundaries.
Comment on zoning proposals for forests, greenspace
and ecologically important areas.
Advocate for zoning that affords appropriate levels of protection to
ecologically important land.
A7 Capital Standards
Objective
Standards
documents, strategies and plans reflect protection of trees, forests and
greenspace philosophy and practice.
A7.1
Stormwater Management Planning Guidelines
Activities
Review
strategies and reports as they are made available by staff and comment to staff
and the appropriate Standing Committee.
A7.2 Strategic Lighting Plan
Activities
Review
strategies and reports as they are made available by staff and comment to staff
and the appropriate Standing Committee.
A8
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines Revision
Objective
The
1998 EIS Guidelines are updated and improved to 2007 standards.
Activities
Review
other city’s and country’s EIS and environmental assessment guidelines and
bring these to the attention of city staff.
Review
drafts of the new guidelines and provide OFGAC’s perspective on the adequacy of
them in regard to the assessment of impacts of development of trees, forests,
greenspace, wetlands, biodiversity.
Identify
tools for implementation, opportunities and barriers.
A9 Air Quality and Climate Change Adaptation
Strategy
Objective
OFGAC
perspective in regard to role of trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands in
adaptation to climate change is incorporated in the Adaptation Strategy
Activities
Liaise
with City staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee to review drafts of
the action plan document
Provide
OFGAC perspective on content of the document and strength of actions described
in it.
A10
Biodiversity Strategy
Objective
OFGAC
perspective in regard to role of trees, forests, greenspace and wetlands in the
preservation and enhancement of native biodiversity is incorporated in the
development of the draft Terms of Reference as mandated by the CSED and Council
in October 2006.
Activities
Participate
in the development of the Terms of Reference for the Biodiversity Strategy and
subsequent writing of the Strategy.
B:
Emerging Issues and Requested
advice
B1
Development Activities
B1.1
Community Design Plans
Objective
Community Design Plans are models of sustainability,
reflecting a perspective that respects the environment and preserves trees,
greenspace, wetlands to the maximum extent possible.
B1.1.1 Rockcliffe Airbase Redevelopment
Activities
Provide
OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee (PAC) in the development of the
Community Design Plan.
Promote
an environmental perspective and the preservation of greenspace including the
adjacent Urban Natural Area and the retention of mature trees on the site.
Attend
all PAC meetings and sit as an alternate on the Technical Advisory Committee
B1.1.2 South Barrhaven
Activities
Promote
an environmental perspective and the preservation of greenspace.
Identify
natural features to be preserved.
Provide
OFGAC perspective to Public Advisory Committee.
B1.2 Review Development Applications (OP
Amendments, Zoning Changes, Subdivision proposals)
Objective
OFGAC
perspective (relating to potential impact on trees, forests, greenspace and
wetlands and impact on native biodiversity) is provided to Council and city
planners.
Activities
Review
development proposals and provide comments to city planners preparing reports
to Director of Planning on development proposals or Council on zoning change or
Official Plan Amendment proposals.
Appear before PEC or ARAC to provide verbal and written comments on an
as-needed basis.
B1.3
Review Proposals to Sell Surplus Land, Close Roads, Change Land Use
Objective
Real
Property and Asset Management (RPAM) staff are advised of OFAC’s views on
disposals and closures or proposed changes to the use of city-owned land.
Lands
in municipal ownership with forest, greenspace or wetlands value are retained
by the city in their natural state.
Activities
Review
disposal/road closure proposals and provide comment to RPAM on a timely basis.
If
data available, determine outcome of OFGAC’s 2006 advice.
Appear
before CSED to provide verbal and written comments on an as-needed basis.
B2 Presentations to Standing Committees
Objectives
Articulation
of OFGAC perspective and recommendations on issues relating to trees, forests
and greenspace (including wetlands) and impact on native biodiversity.
Activities
Review
of background material
Preparation of written texts to be delivered either
by email in advance or in person to Committee of the Whole, ARAC, PEC, CSED,
Transit or other Standing Committees as necessary
B3 Inventories
B3.1 CITYGreen™ - Forest Cover Evaluation
Objectives
An
up-to-date forest cover evaluation for the city in 2007 updates the 1995
analysis of canopy cover and demonstrates the economic value of trees and
greenspace in Ottawa
Activities
Attend meetings to review progress. Comment on results from an OFGAC
perspective; report to OFGAC.
B4 Requested Advice
Objective
Provision
of timely and accurate advice on issues/questions raised by Council, Standing
Committees, Councillors and members of the public
B4.1
Pocket Parks
Objective
A
report on the feasibility and proposed location of smaller parks in Ottawa
Activities
Follow-up
to OFGAC survey that determined citizen attitudes toward and amenities desired
in pocket parks.
B5
Wetlands and Natural Drainage
B5.1
Wetlands
Objective
City
decisions favour the protection of provincially and “regionally” significant
wetlands
Participation
in community forums to promote wetland conservation.
Greater
appreciation by citizens of Ottawa on the value of wetlands to Ottawa’s
wellbeing.
Activities
Participate
as member of Wetlands Resolution Group when re-constituted.
Participation
in community forums on wetlands and articulate OFGAC perspective on the value
of wetlands to the entire community.
Monitor
land development proposals and city land sales and provide comment that leads
to wetland conservation/protection.
Post
information on wetlands and their value on the OFGAC Web site.
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
proposals for ditching and diversion/conversion of streams and provide comment
to staff and Council.
B6
Council Performance Indicators
B6.1
Corporate Plan Review
Objective
Revisions
to Corporate Plans include OFGAC perspective on trees, forests, greenspace
(including wetlands) and native biodiversity.
Activities
Attend
consultations and review and provide comments on draft of revised Corporate
Plans
B6.2
Community Impact Indicators
Objective
OFGAC
perspective on trees, forests and greenspace incorporated into the Community
Impact Indicators analysis in 2007
Activities
Review
and comment on staff reports as they are made available and attend
consultations as they are called.
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 analyze 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
for 2008 budget.
B7.2
Consideration of OFGAC Priorities for Budget 2008
Objective
OFGAC
perspective on priorities considered and accepted by City Council in 2007-2008
Activities
Review
and analysis of 2008 budget documents or budget directions to develop OFGAC
priorities
Attendance
at Councillors' meetings to outline OFGAC priorities
Discussions
with individual Councillors promote OFGAC priorities
Preparation
for formal presentation of OFGAC priorities at Council Committee of the Whole
in 2007-2008
C: Outreach
C1 Communications
C1.1 Media Outreach and Publicity
Objective
Increased
public awareness and appreciation of the value of trees, forests, and greenspace
(including wetlands)
Increased
support for city tree, forest and greenspace (including wetlands) and
biodiversity initiatives
Activities
Respond
to media requests for interviews / comments following OFGAC media relations
policy.
Identify
opportunities to profile OFGAC and / or OFGAC areas of interest through local /
national print, television and radio outlets.
Create profile for OFGAC’s areas of interest by leveraging local /
national environment-related events (Ottawa’s annual tree planting, Clean Air
Day, etc) and writing articles on forests and greenspace issues for
distribution to local / national media outlets, as appropriate.
C1.1.1
OFGAC Web site <www.ottawaforests.ca>
Objective
Public
visits to OFGAC Web site increase awareness of the value of trees, forests, and
greenspace and support for city tree, forest and greenspace/wetlands and
biodiversity initiatives
Activities
Maintain
and regularly update OFGAC’s Web site < www.ottawaforests.ca
>.
Timely
posting of OFGAC agendas, minutes and presentations on the Web site.
Posting
of City Forestry Service information (or redirection to city Web site as
appropriate).
Respond
to or re-direct public enquiries received via the Web site.
C1.1.2 Multi-media and Event Display
Objective
The creation of custom,
interactive media (print, electronic, etc.) for delivering current, high
quality information on Ottawa area forests and greenspace issues
Activities
Continually update and create
a new material for the OFGAC table display boards
Develop a generic OFGAC
PowerPoint slide show that can be customized according to audience and subject
matter.
C1.2 Community Outreach and Awareness
Objective
An
engaged Ottawa-area community, informed of the environmental, economic and
social values of the forests and greenspaces of Ottawa.
C1.2.1 The Walk in the Woods Series
Activities
Conduct
six “Walk in the Woods” events. Four walks have been planned to date: March –
Vanier Sugar Bush; April – Spring flowers;
June – Landscape Planning;
August – McKay Lake Carver-Caldwell Conservation Area
C1.2.2 Councillor Open Houses and Other Events
Activities
Attend
Councillors’ Open Houses with the OFGAC display to promote the value of trees,
forests, greenspaces, wetlands and native biodiversity to the City of Ottawa.
Attend other events such as Wildlife Week at
Billings Bridge to promote the value of trees, forests, greenspaces, wetlands
and native biodiversity to the City of Ottawa
C2 Networks and Advisory Committee Cross
Attendance
Objective
Increased
cooperation and information exchange between and among OFGAC and other tree-
and greenspace-oriented community groups and other Advisory Committees
Activities
Maintain
ongoing relations with other tree-, forestry- and greenspace-related groups
Frances
Coates – Environmental Advisory Committee
Bill
Grant – Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee
Iola
Price – Rural Issues Advisory Committee
Peter
Hall – Canadian Institute of Forestry, Ottawa Valley Section
Guy
Brassard, Mark Rowsell – Canadian Urban Forestry Network
Mark
Rowsell, Martha Copestake, Peter Hall – Eastern Ontario Model Forest
Iola
Price – Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Nicole
Parent – Friends of the Jock River
Peter
Hall – Friends of Petrie Island
Iola
Price – Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital
Pieter
Leenhouts, Bill Grant, (Sandra Garland) – Marlborough Forest Advisory Committee
Jackie
Oblak – Torbolton Forest Advisory Committee
Iola
Price Ottawa – Field-Naturalists Club
Peter
Hall – Tree Canada Foundation
Pieter
Leenhouts – Ontario Woodlot Association
Guy
Brassard, Deborah Ironside – Ontario
Heritage Tree Alliance
Mark
Rowsell – Ottawa Stewardship Council
All
members – their community associations
C3
Notable Trees
Objectives
Development of a notable tree recognition program for Ottawa
Activities
Discuss and establish criteria for notable trees or stands of
trees taking into account the work of the Ontario Heritage Tree Alliance
(OHTA).
In consultation with the Arts and Heritage Advisory Committee,
Local Architecture Conservation Advisory Committee, Heritage Ottawa, begin
research on and for suitable trees (i.e., history and provenance), including
groups or stands of trees.
Meet with NCC and City Forestry staff and city Heritage 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.
Develop a pilot project with a community association.
C4 Exotic Pest Management
Objectives
Advise to PEC,
ARAC and staff on exotic forest pests and diseases that could threaten Ottawa’s
trees and forests during development of the city’s forest services protocol.
Increased
public awareness of exotic invasive forest pests and their potentially adverse
impact on Ottawa’s trees and forests and timber industry.
Activities
Inform
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).
Prepare
material for the OFGAC Web site 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.
Liaise
with City of Ottawa staff on exotic pest management protocols, contingency
planning, and educational/outreach programs.
Network
with other citizen and professional groups on exotic forest pests.
D: MANAGEMENT
D1 Committee Management
D1.1 Activities to Run the Committee
Objective
OFGAC
deadlines are met and comments provided to Councillors and staff on a timely
basis.
Timely
production of agendas, delegation of tasks to OFGAC members, OFGAC position
papers are reviewed and approved prior to onward transmission.
OFGAC
recognised as a positive force and contributor to the City.
Activities
Develop
agendas, review draft minutes prior to distribution to members.
Review
OFGAC position statements and other material prior to distribution to Council,
staff and the public.
Attend Chairs and Vice Chairs meetings and present
OFGAC perspective on issues relating to the Advisory Committees.
D1.2 Training for Members
Objective
Knowledgeable,
effective and up-to-date OFGAC members.
Activities
Investigate
the potential to provide media training for OFGAC members.
D2. Bill 130 Impact Review
Objective
OFGAC
perspective on the 2007 staff report on impact of Bill 130 on City procedures,
changes to Advisory Committees and other issues is transmitted to Council and
staff.
Activities
Review staff report when released, comment on
possible changes to Advisory Committee status,
D3 Committee Member Recruitment for 2008
Objective
Recruitment
and appointment of 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)
Document 3
REVISED TERMS OF
REFERENCE
Mandate
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, promote a sustainable, biodiverse landscape and promote the protection and conservation (wise use) of trees, forests, natural systems and greenspace by:
Providing input into plans, strategies, policies, programs and budgets related to greenspace preservation, biodiversity conservation, preservation and restoration and the management of urban and rural forests including remediation and new forest development;
Recommending ways in which the City can meet its greenspace, biodiversity conservation, preservation and restoration 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 and rural forest includes
individual city trees and other vegetation as well as woodlots and forests
within the City of Ottawa.
Greenspace is land, water and wetlands that are in their natural, undeveloped state as well as a 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.
Responsibilities
The Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
Providing advice and guidance to Council, through the Planning and Environment Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, on City policies, programs, by-laws, regulations and budgets related to forest and greenspace protection and management;
Assisting in the development of policies, programs and bylaws that would have an impact on trees, forests and greenspace including wetlands;
Providing a forum for citizens interested in forests and greenspace to raise issues and concerns and to have those concerns heard by Council;
Advising 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;
Identifying issues that may impact on trees, tree cover or natural systems biodiversity and recommending ways to minimize the impact;
Advising on the introduction of windbreaks, the shading of transportation corridors, the greening of streets, roads, parks and conservation areas, the preservation of tree cover, and forest management in the City;
Promoting and facilitating cooperation with local community groups and environmental organizations on education and other initiatives related to forest and greenspace management;
Conducting advocacy on behalf of issues relating to Ottawa’s forests and greenspace;
Providing advice to Council on the protection, management, acquisition and conservation of greenspace and other environmentally sensitive areas in Ottawa;
Working to reduce the burden on the City’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);
Liaising with other City of Ottawa Advisory Committees as appropriate.
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 Forestry Division of the Public Works and Services Department (non-voting).
· In addition, staff resources from the Environmental Sustainability Division of the Planning and Growth Management Department, and others from this Department on an as required basis (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 Public Works and Services Department (Forestry
Division). 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.
2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PLAN and
revised terms of reference
RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2006, PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2007
et mandat revisÉ
ACS2007-CCV-OFG-0001
Ms. Iola Price, Chair, Ottawa Forests and
Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC) presented the report. She advised that, in 2006 and for 2007, the
committee divided its activities into four areas or themes:
Ø Policy and Planning;
Ø Emerging issues and requested advice;
Ø Outreach;
Ø Committee management.
Ms. Price then proceeded to enumerate the
many issues in which OFGAC had participated by providing advice to the City
from a citizens’ point of view. Some of
these included (but were not limited to):
The Community Design Plans (CDP) for
Barrhaven South;
The East Urban Community (Phase 2);
The Terms of Reference for the Rockliffe
Airbase CDP (CanLands).
Ms. Price drew attention to the fact that
OFGAC had helped ensure the passage of the by-law for the Protection and
Maintenance of Trees on Municipal Properties, and would actively be
involved in putting the Good Forestry Practices in Sensitive Natural Areas
by-law back on track for passage in 2007.
She also advised that the website, www.ottawaforests.ca,
continues to draw visitors and the native tree and shrub database is a big hit,
as is the Marlborough Forest web page.
The OFGAC also plans to be active participants in the Official Plan
review, the Rural Greenspace Master Plan and on development plans for Riverside
South, South Nepean and the East Urban Community as these roll out.
The complete text of Ms. Price’s submission
is held on file with the City Clerk.
Councillor Jan Harder thanked Ms. Price and
the OFGAC for all their work caring for the environment. The Councillor felt that this contributed in
giving the citizens of Ottawa greater hope for the future.
Moved by J. Harder
That the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory
Committee recommend the Planning and Environment Committee recommend that
Council:
a)
Receive the 2006
Annual Report of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee as
detailed in Attachment 1.
RECEIVED
b)
Approve the
objectives contained in the 2007 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.
CARRIED
c) Approve the revised Terms of Reference,
as detailed in Attachment 3.
CARRIED
[1] PEC = Planning and Environment; ARAC =
Agriculture and Rural Affairs; CSED = Corporate Services and Economic
Development