AYLMER, ONTARIO - the Town of Aylmer

Transcription

AYLMER, ONTARIO
Communities in Bloom, 2012
Come walk with us.
The back of the OLd Town Hall at dusk.
.....Come discover our community
Table of Contents
Mayor’s Welcome................................
Ongoing and New Activities................
Municipal Action Plan........................
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06
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Tidiness.............................................
Environmental Action........................
Heritage Conservation.......................
Urban Forest Management.................
Landscaped Areas..............................
Floral Displays.................................
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Our Parks........................................
Park Trail Map................................
Tour Route and Map.........................
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Our People.......................................
Our Sponsors...................................
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Material in this book has been limited to the judging
categories and sections.
Celebrating 11 years of CIB
Page 3
Welcome to Aylmer
CIB JUDGES
Diane Clasen and Hugh Skinner
On behalf of our Citizens and the Council of the Town of Aylmer, it is my
pleasure to welcome you to our community for the 2012 Class of Champions Competition for “Communities in Bloom”.
As you can tell from the items in this Profile Book, Aylmer is a small town
with many big town amenities. I hope that your short visit will give you
an overall taste of the culture and ambience of our community. Thanks
to the many volunteers, the citizens and our Town staff, you will see the
beauty and the variety of our home. I know that we will make you feel
at home right away.
We are of course not alone. Much of what we are is the result of a wider
community, one which is rich in diversity and rich in rural traditions. We
have long welcomed the Amish and Mennonite communities. They have
brought a wider perspective to our lives. We are also part of a larger mix
of farmers, those who love country living, and not too far away, large
urban communities. We have, however, maintained our unique flavour.
Aylmer is a compact community of neighbours who look after each other and their town. I hope you will have a pleasant and rewarding visit.
Jack Couckuyt
Mayor
Ontario, Canada
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Proud Heritage. Bright Future
Cutting the ribbon for the 125th
Opening Ceremonies
We are honoured to welcome CIB Judges,
Diane Clasen and Hugh Skinner.
Aylmer is a small, vibrant Southwestern Ontario town with outstanding spirit
and exceptional pride that is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2012. Having
recently lost our major industry (Imperial Tobacco) we are standing up to the
challenge of recreating a sound economic base. The ethanol plant that opened
in 2007, when the National Judges were in town, is now in full production
producing fuel from corn. We boast an active Municipal Government with vision
and energy that is determined to keep this town viable.
As well as attracting new businesses and industries we have recently constructed a new state of the art Fire Hall and we continue to pursue the possibility of enlarging our Old Town Hall Theatre and Library to meet the growing
needs of our community.
We are working through an aggressive 10 year Master Recreational Plan. This
plan has already seen the construction of a new Community Complex, a large
“community build’ playground and a skateboard park. We are proceeding with
the completion of a trail through our extensive park system and are actively
raising funds for a splashpad to be constructed close to our newly completed
‘pool house’. In the spring of 2012, we completed upgrading all of the playgrounds within our park system.
As you pass through town you will see a vibrant, welcoming ‘Mainstreet’ with
very few vacant storefronts. We pride ourseleves on being a full service community. As well, you will notice the upgrading of the asphalt layers on some of
our core area streets. In 2011, a non-judging year for Aylmer, we completed the
restoration of our historic bandshell and adjacent park.
Our greatest accomplishment that finally came to fruition in early 2012, was
the much anticipated and needed expanded Municipal Recycling Program! The
scope of this project is explained later in the profile book.
Aylmer is a multicultural community. At last count we had over 18 different Mennonite sects forming a large portion of our population. As well, we are proud
of our close relationships with the Amish, Asian, African, European and First
Canadians who have chosen to call Aylmer ‘home’. The process of integrating
these diverse groups is both interesting and challenging but I know that the
judges will see a unity of purpose and genuine respect throughout the community. This could not be realized without the dedicated pride and genuine efforts
of our citizens, schools, churches and community groups.
Judi Wright
Michelle Dykeman
Co -Chairs
Communities in Bloom, 2012
Page 3
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Communities in Bloom 2010
Ongoing Activities
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Tidiness
in the
Six Judging Categories
Heritage Conservation
BIA “Town Sweeper”
Twice weekly business garbage pick-up
Leaf Composting
Bulk item disposals
Club 7 Newspaper Drives
Environmental Leadership
Our Performing Arts Council brings in
Program “Creek Bank Cleanup
International Stars
Brigade”
Christmas Tree Depot
Environmental
Aylmer Horticultural Society
Actions
plants OTH gardens and Fair• Rotary “Audubon Park
ground entrance
• Ducks Unlimited for 28yrs
Hazardous waste drop off
Weedless Wednesdays kickoff • Wetland Susies
• Wild Turkey Federation
• Order of Good Cheer
Landscape
Business displays like MNR & • Stewardship Council ties
• High School ELP
MapleHurst
• ELP Marshquest
See the “Herondactyl”
• EESS Environment Club
Rotary Park tree planting
• “Greenwing Day”
Horticultural Contest
• Waterfowl Weekend
“Toboggan Hill”
• Carolinian Forest Festival
Basketball Court
• Water Conservation By-Law
New Banners
• Duncan Sinclair Wetland
Envirogreen overseeding
• Aylmer Area Community FounAylmer Parks’ policies
dation Bike Helmet Giveaway
Follow IPM techniques for
• New Playground Equipment in
weed control
Elgin Estates
Horticultural Society helps with
• Baptist Church Solar Panels
Aylmer Sign and Bathhouse
• Picnic Tables Painted by Local
Schools,Church groups and
Floral Displays
Community Living Class
Our Parks bloom!
• New Disc Golf Course was
Pine Street Resident Baskets
opened June 25, 2010
Business and school displays • New Recycling policies
Private residence tall grass
prairie wildflower garden
Bridge Hanging Baskets
Town’s Northern Gateway
Walk through our Parks!
Hanging Baskets in the Parks
Ontario, Canada
Page 6
125th flower display in Palmer Park
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Heritage Tree Guide Map
Rotary “Audubon” Park
Park Trails
Bike Heritage Guide
Heritage Committee
Museum and Library
Cemeteries add Columbaria
Plaquing of heritage homes
Palmer Park Bandshell
Town Booth at Home & Garden Show
Aylmer’s Corn Fest continues!
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Urban Forestry
Aylmer tree policies
Stormwater management
pond along Brook Line
Lion’s Park native trees
Imperial’s 15 acres of white
pine
Recreational Trail system
Catfish Creek Flood Plain
Rotary Park naturalization
CCCA Carolinian Forest
Carolinian Forest Festival
Labelling Heritage Trees
Chestnut Tree Council ties
Municipal Policies and Profile 2012
2012 is Aylmer’s 11th year of involvement in Communities in Bloom. It has
been a wonderful experience for the town.
CIB involvement is almost a given in this community. Committee members are
stopped frequently and asked about the judging dates and our state of ‘readiness’. The conversations almost invariably end with, ‘well, let me know what I
can do’! The citizens, businesses and staff of this town have done a great job,
and the town shines.
We are a family of 7100 people, in about 6 square kilometers, a compact
community where a two hour walk gives you the grand tour. I encourage
you to do just that. Our budget for 2012 is about $4,888,000 and the parks
budget is now 6.03%, a slight increase from the past few years.
Aylmer boasts a large parks and trail system - over 150 acres of beautiful
manicured lawns and gardens, along with natural areas ( we are one of the few
Aububon certified parks in Canada), many kilometers of paved trails along our
Catfish Creek , which winds through these parks. We preserve and acknowledge a large number of Heritage homes and buildings, including our own functioning Town Hall, which used to be a Post Office, and the famous “Old Town
Hall” Library where upstairs is a beautiful Theater with its unique Union Jack
ceiling, right next to a real community used and community restored Bandshell.
We are also a full service town. with a great range of businesses from big box
stores like Canadian Tire and No Frills to family businesses who continue to
thrive through many generations (such as Hill’s Pharmacy and Clarke’s Restaurant), complete with 5 banks and several credit unions, and just about every
service you can think of - furniture, clothing, computer, lumber, hardware, paint,
travel, bakery, flower, garden centers, insurance companies, farmers’ markets
We even have our own home grown internet/telephone/TV cable, natural gas,
school bus and newspaper/printing businesses. Add to that our 13 member police service, with state of the art training and equipment and incredibly
fast response times and our 21 member volunteer fire department which has
just recently moved into a new facility. This is truly a great small town with big
services. And there is the considerable diversity here too. For example, we
have the Ontario Police College nearby (just a few kilometers) with its high tech
police vehicles right alongside our Amish community with their horse and buggies. And our Mennonite Community is the largest in Ontario.
So think of Aylmer as the biggest little town with full municipal, retail and
volunteer services. A great place to visit and stay. A great old fashioned
town with a new fashioned attitude.
Our By-laws and Policies deal with
all manner of environmental, ecological
OUR FESTIVALS and EVENTS
and heritage concerns.
We have them for car idling, watering lawns, recycling, sidewalk
care, solid waste, pesticide nonuse, property standards, tree
planting and protection, recreation updates, park lawn maintenance, leaf collection, hazardous
waste collection, snow removal,
natural vegetation and more.
We also have permanent committees
dealing
with
heritage
and
the
environment.
Performing Arts Productions (7)
Aylmer Community Theatre (4)
Home and Garden Show
Canada Day Family Celebrations
and Fireworks
Strawberry Extravaganza
Aylmer Fair (our 166th)
Sweet Cornfest
Kinsmen Christmas Parade
Aylmer Foundation Lighting Ceremony
Cruise Night (car shows every Wed.)
Music in the Park (every Wednesday)
Relay for Life (4th year)
Page 7
Tidiness
Municipal Actions
Aylmer has several By-laws regarding
tidiness. Among these is a Property
Standards By-law, which establishes
minimum standards to which all properties in Aylmer must be maintained.
By-laws also prohibit the parking or
storage of commercial vehicles in residential areas and restrict the storage
of recreational vehicles in residential
areas.
Aylmer promotes tidiness
Under the Animal/Dog Control by-law
animal owners are required to remove
and dispose of any excrement left by
their animal on any property in the
Town of Aylmer, other than their own
property.
A sign by-law requires consideration
of placement of signs, marquees, awnings, etc. and maintenance of such
advertising. Finally, the Waste Collection by-law outlines waste collection
practices, the blue-box program and
restricts the accumulation of waste at
premises within the town.
One of our business entrances
Downtown Aylmer is always shiny clean.
Residents promote tidiness.
Ontario, Canada
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are encouraged to drop off all of their
unwanted hazardous and electronic
e-waste (ie. paints, oils, batteries,
computers etc.) at a convenient depot
where the majority of the items can
then be recycled. Residential streets
are swept on a weekly basis. Exceptional snow removal is provided within
hours after a snowfall in town.
The Town of Aylmer Public Works and
Parks & Recreation staff aspires to
maintain the Town in a pristine appearance throughout the year.
• Weekly pick-up of both Garbage
& Recyclables & twice weekly
for downtown businesses
• Annual Christmas Tree Depot
• Annual washing and cleaning of
all bridges within the town.
• Annual painting of all municipal
roadway and parking lot delineations’ (markings, parking stalls
etc.).
Composting is encouraged with compost bins made available to residents
at cost. Town staff collects brush and
yard waste twice annually and also provides an annual leaf pick-up program
that lasts a few weeks in late fall. Bulk
pick-up of large items is available once
each year.
• Annual municipal tree trimming
Also, once a year, residents of Aylmer
and surrounding Malahide Township
• Apply dust control suppressant
and pruning program.
• Annual signage maintenance
program, check the retroflectivity of all municipal roadway signage and replace, upgrade as
required.
as required for municipal graveled parking lot areas.
Aylmer Horticultural Society now decorates the OLd Town Hall entrance.
Business and Institutions
In the spring and summer months the
Business Improvement Association
(BIA) employs Patricia Posthumous to
manually clean the core area. A special
cart was built for Trish to move her supplies about town. She can be seen very
early each day, doing extra clean-up on
the sidewalks and street curbs. She always has a smile for passersby and enjoys greeting them with a cheery word.
She takes great pride in her work.
Visitors to town will regularly see merchants clearing their own section of
sidewalk of debris and snow, cleaning
their windows and maintaining the exterior of their buildings. Those businesses backing onto Catfish Creek have
also helped to maintain the cleanliness
of the bank. Non-approved notices and
posters are removed as quickly as possible from Town Property. Graffiti, which
has not been a problem downtown, is
also removed as it appears.
The BIA has provided attractive waste
baskets at strategic places throughout the core and further north on John
Street. It also assists established businesses who wish to improve their facade and signage through support and
grant program. Many businesses have
requested and provided space for the
Community Living designed and manufactured “butt pots”. They provide a
unique and fun way to deal with cigarette butts downtown, helping to keep
our streets clean, while adding a touch
of whimsey..
Tidiness
Community Involvement
The Aylmer and District Horticultural
Society ensures that the grounds of
the Old Town Hall are landscaped
and planted and a group of neighbours near Lions Park help maintain
the gardens in this large park.
Several organizations also contribute
to tidiness and environmental awareness. Club 7 is a youth group associated with the United Church and they
collect newspapers throughout the
town to be used by an insulation company. Funds raised by the program
support local community and church
programs. The Shrine Club collects
pop cans to help fund their projects.
East Elgin Secondary School has
an Environmental Leadership Program wherein students regularly
clean-up the Catfish Creek and
along the Lake Erie shoreline near
Port Bruce.
Patricia Posthumous cleans the
BIA area.
Several schools and churches collect pop can tabs to help purchase
wheelchairs. Area schools and organizations like Grassroots participate in Earth Day activities via area
clean-ups. The ELP Class at East
Elgin Secondary School has also performed watercourse and associated
slope clean-ups to assist the viability
of the water flow and habitat.
Volunteers on clean-up duty.
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Residential
Throughout the Town you can see the
work of the residents who take pride
in cleaning the boulevards, removing
grass from along the curb and generally keeping their properties in trim
and clean condition. Aylmer is fortunate to have so many responsible and
“green” citizens. This is truly a garden town! The residents of Aylmer
seem to take great pride in ensuring
that not just their properties, but their
town, is a clean and tidy place to live.
The Community Living Class and their
“butt” containers
Page 9
Environmental Action
MUNICIPAL ACTIONS
The Town of Aylmer has and continues to be extremely proactive when it
comes to environmental action. Listed
below are the municipal programs
that have been recently completed
and those that are being planned.
Additional/New Environmental Action Items include the following:
• New playground equipment for
Elgin Estates Park in 2012.
Composting Site
 Established the “Environmental
Advisory Committee” in 2012
Is now permitting, promoting and
encouraging blue box recycling
to all Multi-residential, Industrial, Commercial and Institutional
units within the Town. Is offering
free of charge, 95 gallon roll-out
carts, information packages, resident bags to any units wanting to
participate in the new program.
Developed & implemented an
extensive “Blue Box Promotion
& Education Program” which included, many mailout and handout printed materials, a booth at
the Aylmer Home & Garden Show
in April 2012 and presentations to
all the Town’s elementary schools.
Since the new recycling & waste
Solid Waste Management Program
Computers bound for recycling
We have implemented many of the
recommendations from the “Waste
Recycling Strategy” through the
Town’s new “Solid Waste Management
Program” which commenced May 1,
2012, including:
residential/ICI) of the program has
been fully implemented, the Town
will be looking to fully implement
public space recycling.
Implemented weekly pick-up for
The Town developed a “Waste Recycling
Strategy” for the Town of Aylmer (endorsed & adopted by Council June 2011).
blue box materials from bi-weekly
and greatly enhanced the types
of recyclable materials accepted.
Through
successful provincial
government funding opportunities,
the Town purchased and delivered
free of charge, new larger 22 gallon blue boxes with information
packages to all of its residents
prior to the new program launch.
Imposed new garbage bag limits
which includes 3 bags per week/
per residential household, down
from the previous 4 bag limit.
Imposed a partial pay/per use
system at $2.00 per/bag for any
bags over the new bag limits.
Ontario, Canada
Page 10
Once the next phase (Multi-
Developed and enacted a new
comprehensive “Municipal Solid
Waste Management By-Law” which
came into effect May 1. 2012.
Aylmer’s “at cost” recycling bin
program has been implemented
May 1, 2012, the Town has seen
on average a 800 - 1,000kg.
per/day increase in recyclable
goods being collected and a
900kg. per/day reduction of
waste going to landfill.
The Town endorsed and created an
“Environmental Advisory Committee” in 2012 which consists of Town
staff and members of the public.
Aylmer has been actively involved
with Waste Diversion Ontario, Stewardship Ontario, City of London and
other Elgin County Municipalities
with the Regional MRF (Material recovery Facility) Project since 2006.
The state of the art 22.4 million dollar facility for processing blue box materials
has since been constructed and held
its grand opening on October 14, 2011.
Aylmer became the first municipality to
sign an agreement with the City of London to utilize the new facility and began
shipping the Town’s blue box recyclable materials to the facility May 1, 2012
Wastewater Management Program
• The Town installed a new aeration
system in Cell #1 at the Town’s
Wastewater Treatment Lagoon Facility in 2011 at a cost of approximately $350,000 that has greatly
enhanced the lagoons overall process capabilities. The procedure
has also allowed for an overall 17%
reduction in energy costs (hydro)
used to operate the aeration system at the lagoons and has also attributed to improved effluent quality.
• Cell #4 which is primarily used for
overflow storage has been transformed into a natural marsh that
provides ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildfowl, birds, turtles, frogs
etc. By keeping the water levels at
an ideal level, the right combination of vegetation and water provides for ideal conditions which in
turn attract a vast number of wildlife species to the Lagoons facility.
• All areas encompassing the La-
goons are of natural vegetation
and mowing of all laneways etc. is
prohibited until mid to late June of
each year to ensure that the waterfowl nesting habitat is not disturbed.
Combined Sewer Separation
The separation of the
Town’s sanitary and
storm sewer system’s
is of great benefit in
many ways to the environment, the local
water ways (ie. Catfish
Creek Bradley Creek)
and also for the Source
Water Protection of
Lake Erie. These include the elimination
of raw sewage flooding
basements, overflows
and increased reserve
capacity and processing capabilities of the
Town’s Sewage Lagoons. This photo displays Cell #4 that has been
converted into ideal marsh conditions when
not being used for excess effluent storage.
Under the stringent C of A (Certificate of Approval) process conducted
and approved by the MOE (Ministry
of the Environment) prior to receiving
any authorization to proceed with all
sewer separation construction projects, all environmental impacts and
storm water runoff issues are dealt
with using extremely high standards.
As part of these high standards, storm
water retention ponds are required to
be constructed. These storm water
management ponds are specifically
engineered designed and MOE approved to provide for filtration, removal of silt, chemicals etc. before any
storm water enters the surrounding
waterways (Catfish, Bradley Creeks)
which empty back into Lake Erie.
Aylmer’s Four Lakes (Lagoons)
The Town of Aylmer has endorsed,
implemented and continues to support a multi-year, multi-phase combined sewer separation program which
includes the construction of separate sanitary and storm sewers, thus
eliminating combined sewers in the
problem areas in Town where they
exist. Also included in the scope of
work is the replacement of aged cast
watermains and full road restoration.
One of our four lagoons
Page 11
Bradley Creek Storm Management Pond is one
of four such ponds in Aylmer.
MUNICIPAL ACTIONS Cont’d
Our Famous Audubon Certification-
Storm Ponds
Rotary Park has continued to be certified through the Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary System (ACSS). To become
fully certified there are two phases of
the certification that you must pass first:
environmental planning and long range
plans. We were fully certified by the
fall of 2005. Many golf courses are
certified by the Audubon society, but
the town of Aylmer Ontario is the leading pioneer for a municipality to obtain
certification in a municipal green space.
Currently there are four strategically located storm management ponds within the Town of Aylmer. Furthermore,
relatively newly engineered, designed
and MOE approved storm interceptor manholes are being incorporated
into the Town’s storm water piping systems where deemed necessary as the
Town constructs them to ensure the removal of any harmful additives to the
environment such as various chemicals, salt, silt, and petroleum oils etc. Our Parks’ Manager, Thom Polland,
brought the project on line in the fall
of 2004 after reading some literature
on the Audubon society. Rotary park.
seemed to be a natural fit with the Society through our own in-house style of
environmental management practices.
Dr. Sinclair who has a long and diverse
career with Ducks Unlimited and the
Order of Good Cheer provided financial
support.
This type of manhole acts as a superior
filter of all storm water processed before
entering into the natural waterways.
By being certified through the
Audubon International Society the Town of Aylmer has
stepped onto the world stage
with respect to environmental
management, conservation and
preservation of the living world.
The “new” Brook Line Storm Pond
Stone with Audubon Insignia marks
entrance to Rotary Park
Town Naturalization Area
Ontario, Canada
Page 12
The Town of Aylmer has applied for and
has been very successful in obtaining
funding under the various Federal and
Provincial Government Infrastructure
Programs the last few years, with the last
project (Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer
Crossings) being constructed in 2011.
The program has eliminated a significant
percentage of the remaining combined
sewers within the Town of Aylmer. The
Federal Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Ministry of the Environment, Elgin/St. Thomas Health Unit and
the local Conservation Authority have
strongly endorsed the Town’s initiatives
when it comes to moving forward with
the separation of the Town’s combined
sewers and as witnessed by the recent funding received for such projects
in the past few years ($5,500,000.00
plus in funding). This type of project
has been deemed very viable and
very environmentally responsible by
all of the aforementioned agencies.
The Town’s Combined Sewer Separation Program continues to be a
very imperative and integral part of
the Town’s overall Waster Management and Infrastructure Renewal.
Note how natural vegetation is left
to grow along Catfish Creek.
Business Initiatives
Many businesses in Town practice
waste management, as well as water
conservation and energy conservation.
They are more diligent in recycling
packaging with garbage and recycling
pick-up twice a week in the core area..
More paperwork is being shreded and
many buildings are installing new efficient lighting systems or using fewer
of their existing lights.
A prime example would be the Aylmer
Express, which is the local newspaper and fine print business. The Aylmer Express reduces, re-uses and
recycles whenever possible. Highefficiency lights have been installed
throughout the plant thus decreasing
demand on the power grid.
Presses use ink made from
vegetable sources and have
run alcohol free for many
years. A chemistry-free computer to plate system resulting in zero toxic waste from
the plate making process has
also been installed.
The Aylmer Express is an FSC (Forest
Stewardship Council) certified printer,
and offers a full range of recycled and
environmentally responsible stocks
including reclaimed papers from environmentally-conscious mills. Outside
the plant, the Aylmer Express actively
and financially supports conservation
areas, community recycling initiatives
and other efforts to preserve and enhance the natural world around us.
The Aylmer Express creates paper
products that have earned the right to
display the CreatedGreen Logo
on its products. Such a logo can
only be displayed where raw materials, facilities, manufacturing methods
and policies are chosen to create the
minimum amount of impact on the
environment while still retaining the
integrity of the piece.
In keeping with recycling, the Mennonite Community Store is very well
used for those wanting to re-purpose
used household items, small furniture
and clothing. Stores such as The Elgin
Used Furniture Store provide an outlet
for previously unwanted furniture, keeping it out of landfill. In addition, there
are several free tire drop off locations
which manage and recycle used tires.
The Business Improvement Association is going to look into a program to
provide recycling along the mainstreet,
for shoppers and pedestrians. The
BIA has provided reuseable cotton
shopping bags, printed with the Mainstreet Logo free of charge. Many stores
promote the use of reuseable bags and
by simply asking customers “do you
need a bag?”, they have dramatically
reduced the use of plastic bags.
“Little” Bradley Creek has been subject to
systematic cleanup.
Catfish Creek Conservation
Authority
Aylmer is situated within the Catfish
Creek watershed and is therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the Catfish
Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA).
The CCCA has a mandate “to communicate and deliver resource management services and programs in order to
achieve social and ecological harmony
for the watershed”.
To help achieve their goals, the CCCA
supports Aylmer in many ways, including: flood plain management, woodlot
management, tree planting programs,
environmental education, and source
water protection.
Our Horticultural Society President, Arthur
Oslach, at work improving the environment
at the Fairgrounds.
The CCCA’s environmental program is
celebrated by townsfolk and includes:
a maple syrup festival in the spring, a
‘Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing
Derby’ in July, an annual Fred Eaglesmith Charity Music Festival, and a
Christmas Spirit Walk in December.
The crown jewel of CCCA owned lands
is the Springwater Forest. This forest has been described as one of the
best examples of Old Growth Forest in
Southern Ontario, and is only a short
bike ride out of town for all Aylmer residents.
Page 13
cont’d
McGregor Public School
McGregor students participate in a
litter-less lunch program called Boomerang, where all garbage produced
through lunches is sent back home.
Announcements have been made on
how students could reduce the amount
of garbage brought to school along with
a letter issued to the parents. Class
rooms feature GOOS (good on one
side) paper boxes for paper, which students and teachers are encouraged to
use.
The ELP works along Catfish Creek.
Each year the school participates in
Earth hour by shutting off their lights for
2 hours. Many take part in a week of
living without computers or television.
On Earth Day students are involved in
a park clean-up. This year’s class was
Mr. Dubois’ Grade Two Class.
McGregor is also working on adding
shade to the school yard by systematically adding trees to the yard. A new
tree will be planted this year to honour
retiring teachers. Trees are funded in
part through donations of used computer ink cartridges. The long-range
plans include improving drainage and
ground cover.
Even the school’s Scoreboard has a
garden!
For all these efforts, McGregor Public School and students have received
many “Green” Awards.
East Elgin Secondary School
One of the five stations at EESS erected
by the Environment Club deals with
protecting trees.
Ontario, Canada
Page 14
In the past few years. EESS has participated in every kind of environmental
program, from filtered drinking fountains, stainless steel drinking bottles,,
recycling of waste (including ink) to
maintaining flower beds, planting trees
and providing permanent educational
displays near outside gardens. The
school sets incredible examples for everyone.
The ELP (see next article) is
unique in the entire school system for its environmental leadership.
Environmental Leadership Program
The environmental leadership program is a program that is constantly working with and in our community to better the environment.
This program has been running for
12 years, this year being the 13th.
Created and taught by Duncan Sinclair, a teacher at East Elgin Secondary School, this program offers students 4 credits plus many different
certifications. This past year, the 22
grade 12 and 5th year students taught
many other students, from grades 4
-7 about being environmentally better.
Marsh Quest is a RAMSAR internationally recognized program that
Duncan has his ELP class run every year at the Herb Kebbel Wetland
at Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area.
This program teaches grade 4’s and
5’s about the importance of wetlands
and the diversity that can be found in
them. There are 9 stations that the
students circle to throughout the day.
The Activities are designed
to be fun, hands-on, and
linked directly to the Ontario
curriculum,allowing pupils to
learn about the diversity of
wildlife supported by a wetland and the role humans play
in their future. They range
from dip netting to looking
for insects, learning how to
bird watch with binoculars, to
an up-close look at wetlanddependent species at risk.
Another program that the ELP students participate in is the Carolinian
Forest Festival, where there are 32
stations that teach grade 6’s and 7’s
about the diversity in our forests. This
year the students built a fascine made
of willow branches and other brush to
help strengthen a part of the Catfish
Creek in Archie Coulter conservation
area, as well as digging up and taking
out tires from the streams and lakes in
Aylmer and the area surrounding. This
program has been supported by the
community for many years and it has
been a great learning experience for
the students that have taken part in it.
The program has 32 sponsors
from our community, including
Ducks Unlimited, Catfish Creek
Conservation Authority, Order of
Good Cheer and the Aylmer and
Area Community Foundation.
Residential
Aylmer residents are actively engaged
in participating in 3-R initiatives. It is
estimated that over 1,742 tonnes of
waste was diverted from local landfills
in the past year by residents participating in Blue Box programs, organic and
hazardous waste collection.
Many residents also compost their yard
waste and kitchen scraps. A large number of compost bins have been bought
by Aylmer residents from the Town at a
reduced rate. Annual yard waste, bulkitem and hazardous waste collections
are held by the Town with great public
participation in each.
At least one resident has installed a tall
grass prairie wildflower garden, with
over 50 native species that are acclimatized to hot and dry conditions, thus
reducing the need to water such a garden.
Since the south half of Aylmer is located on a sand plain, many other residents are also utilizing native plants in
their flower beds or are practicing xeriscaping principles in their gardens.
The Aylmer Bsptist Church has
become the first in the area to
place solar panels on its roof!!
Now that’s environmental leadership!
Carolinian Forest Festival
The Carolinian Forest Festival (CFF)
started in 2008 and is a three day
event that teaches grade 6 and 7 students the importance of the Carolinian
Life Zone, forest ecosystems, species
at risk, stewardship, conservation, and
climate change through hands-on, interactive activities linked to the Ontario
Curriculum. The goal of the CFF is to
allow students to connect and relate
to their local natural environment while
motivating behavioural changes and
encouraging students to become good
land stewards.
The Carolinian Forest Festival will be
held again in 2012 at Jaffa Environmental Education Centre and Springwater Conservation Area, which is just
southwest of Aylmer. Over 70 local volunteers are required per day in order to
make the festival a success.
ELP students help organize, run and
provide instructional material for the
CFF. Over 1,500 students are expected
to participate from across Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties. The festival is
a partnership with Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, Elgin Stewardship
Council, and other area stewardship
councils. ELP students played a major
role in the organizing, running and providing instructional material each year
for the CFF.
One of many trees planted along the west
side of the track
Other Environmental Youth
Programs
Three unique environmental programs
for youth have become annual events
in Aylmer. These events include: a
Waterfowl Weekend sponsored by the
Environmental Leadership Program;a
Greenwing Day hosted by Ducks Unlimited; and the Jakes Day, hosted by
the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Each program offers a fun approach
to the establishment of environmental
awareness by including aspects of fishing, hunting, conservation and hands
on displays of birds of prey, reptiles,
amphibians and dog trials. Each program typically has over 100 youth in
attendance.
Page 15
Municipal Actions
Cultural Heritage Policies
Natural Heritage Policies
Another policy of Aylmer’s Oficial
Plan is to encourage the restoration,
protection and maintenance of the
Town’s archaeological and heritage
resources, including but not limited
to historic sites and buildings and
structures of historical and/or architectural value.
It is a policy of the Aylmer Official Plan
(OP) to encourage the protection, conservation and maintenance of the natural heritage landscape in Aylmer for
the long term. The OP uses the Parks
and Open Space designation to afford
protection to the natural heritage features, as well as policies prohibiting development and site alteration on lands
within or abutting these features unless
it can be demonstrated through the
preparation of environmental impact
studies that there will be no negative
impacts on the natural features and
their ecological functions.
In Aylmer, natural heritage features are
generally limited to the valley lands associated with Catfish Creek and Bradley Creek and significant woodlands,
most of which have been incorporated
into the public park system. Latest mapping indicates that there are no locally
or Provincially Significant Wetlands
(PSWs), Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) or Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) within
Aylmer.
All new development or redevelopment
permitted by the policies and designations of the OP shall, as far as possible,
have regard to heritage features. It is
a policy of the Town to use all relevant
legislation and programs whenever
possible to encourage the preservation
and enhancement of heritage features
and to develop a greater awareness of
the value of heritage conservation in
the community.
When appropriate and necessary the
Town will use the provisions of the
Ontario Heritage Act to conserve, protect and enhance the Town’s heritage.
The Town circulates development applications to the Ministry of Culture for
identification of any potential impact on
areas containing registered archaeological sites or lands of archaeological
potential. Development on lands containing significant archaeological resources shall avoid the destruction or
alteration of such resources.
The Old Central Hotel had a heritageapproved facelift this year.
•
Restored 2012
Ontario, Canada
Page 16
lThe Old Town Hall (now a library and stage) and the “new” Town Hall (old Post Office).
Aylmer Recreation and Leisure
Time Master Plan
Aylmer does not have a natural and
cultural heritage management plan per
se, but a Recreation and Leisure Time
Master Plan is in place.
Such a plan recognizes parks and open
space lands as a valuable resource in
the Town of Aylmer, ensures that an adequate and equitable supply of parks,
open space, and trails and the full range
of leisure opportunities are available
throughout the Town.
It encourages the joint use and management of parks and other recreation
and leisure time facilities with other
agencies including school boards and
the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority. The plan provides strategies for the
provision, distribution and development
of parkland, trails and leisure facilities in
the Town of Aylmer to the year 2016.
Historical Flavour of the Core
Commercial Area
One of the Land Use Policies of the
OP is to enhance the historical flavour
of Aylmer’s Core Commercial Area.
This is done by ensuring that public improvements are sensitive to the
heritage character of the area, ensuring that essential heritage features are
conserved, incorporated or maintained
when new uses or development are
proposed to a heritage feature, supporting incentives to the private sector
for heritage conservation, ensuring that
the Zoning By-Law imposes both minimum and maximum heights and setbacks in order to maintain compatible
and complementing streetscape characteristics within the core and, in particular, adjacent to established buildings of traditional two- and three-storey
construction at the building line.
Our new Community Improvement Plan (2012) subsidizes
businesses downtown who wish
to restore heritage facades.
Heritage Property Designation
The Ontario Heritage Act through
Municipal By-Laws enables municipalities to designate properties
of cultural heritage value or interest. Once a property is designated, it
gains public recognition as well as a
measure of protection from demolition
or unsympathetic alteration. Designation helps to guide future changes to
the property so that the heritage attributes of the property can be maintained.
Aylmer features five properties, including the Old Town Hall, that have been
designated under the Ontario Heritage
Act. A heritage conservation agreement between the Town and the Ontario Heritage Trust is also in effect at
the Old Town Hall to further protect the
heritage features of the property and to
encourage good stewardship. As the
agreement is voluntary, it recognizes
the intention of both parties to protect
the heritage character of the Old Town
Hall.
The downtown maintains its heritage
character
Page 17
Rotary Park – A Certified Audubon
Co-operative Sanctuary
Rotary Park marks its distinction as an
Audobon Certified Sanctuary
Rotary Park has been designated as a
certified Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary for maintaining a high degree of
environmental quality in Environmental Planning, Wildlife Habitat Management, Resource Conservation, Waste
Management, and Outreach and Education. Such certification is granted by
the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
(ACSS), the educational division of
Audubon International.
Rotary Park is the 1st property in
Ontario, 2nd in Canada, and the
46th in the world to be certified in
the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Business and
Corporate Properties.
Biking and walking trails are clearly
marked
The certification is the culmination of
a multi-year work program and commitment on the part of the Town of Aylmer staff, lead by Municipal Parks and
Property Manager Thom Polland. Rotary Park is a naturalized and passive
park with a butterfly garden, blue bird
boxes, purple martin house and a memorial tree planting program. The park
achieved certification effective January 10, 2006. Parks staff continue to
maintain and improve upon the criteria
that resulted in certification.
Recertification
has
been
achieved every year.
Promotion of Heritage - Programs,
Documents and Traditions
The Town of Aylmer promotes natural
and cultural heritage conservation
through various means. One of the
components of the Town’s Community
Goal (Mission) Statement is preserve
our heritage and the natural environment. This starts with the Town motto,
which is Proud Heritage, Bright Future.
One program that the Town promotes is
Hike or Bike Heritage Aylmer with signs
throughout Aylmer, a map on the Town
website and a booklet in the Town office for self-guided tours. The Town also
keeps on file and on the Town website a Register of Properties of Cultural
Heritage Value or Interest, which is the
official list or record of cultural heritage
properties that have been identified as
being important to the community. Aylmer also maintains the Old Town Hall,
which is designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act
The basement of the present
Town Hall (a heritage building)
was renovated in 2010 so that
the foundation could be maintained properly. The bandshell, an “art deco” structure
was also restored through citizen funding. These were major cost items (over $500,000)
and show the commitment of
our community to heritage.
The Old Town Hall Theatre boasts the famous
Aylmer Community Theatre volunteers. What a
group of actors and back-stage workers!
•
Newly renovated Bandshell and
Palmer Park
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Page 18
Aylmer-Malahide Museum
The Aylmer-Malahide Museum, now in
its 35th year, is open to the public from
March to November of each year and
accepts research inquiries throughout
the year.
It features a permanent exhibit and
collection of local aboriginal artifacts.
Temporary exhibits are scheduled
throughout the year and this year have
so far included exhibits to celebrate
the “Queen’s Jubilee” and “Nurses and
Doctors”.
Once a month the Museum,offers
“Memorable Mondays”, when instructions and demonstrations of specific
artifacts take place. Some of these
offerings have included the “Diamond
Jubilee”, “Planting Time”, “Back to
School”, “Fans and their Language”
and “Beautiful Books and Bookmarks”.
The museum also publishes several
‘of interest’ pictures and stories from
their archives in the Aylmer Express
newspaper. Of special interest were
“Palmer Park and the Bandshell”, “Historic Images from 1887-2012” (to mark
Aylmer’s 125th celebration) and “The
Career I Chose” based largely on contributions from Pauline Foster Roberts.
Christmas Tour of Homes of Distinction
each year.
The Museum participated in a major
way in ourt 125th Celebrations by
having displays throughout the various events.
In 2005, the Museum was recognized
with a National Community in Bloom
Award for Outstanding Teaching Museum. The museum promotes adaptive
reuse of historic buildings as it is currently situated in an early 1900’s warehouse.
A Heritage Celebration by a Resident.
Aylmer Cemeteries
Aylmer has three recognized cemeteries that form visible and tangible links
with people who made history in Aylmer. An historic Anglican cemetery
(see photo below) is located in the
northwest corner of Queen and Water
streets on private property. The last
burial took place in 1892 with only a
few gravestones remaining.
The longest serving cemetery is the
Aylmer Cemetery located just south of
Town on the east side of Imperial Road.
Across the road from the Aylmer Cemetery is the Roman Catholic Queen of
Peace Cemetery.
The famous Union Jack Ceiling in
the Old Town Hall Theatre.
The museum further promotes natural
and cultural heritage by providing daily
reports to the Tundra Swan Migration
Hotline while the swans are migrating through the area, and by hosting a
An historic Anglican Cemetery.
The Aylmer and Malahide Museum
The Elgin County Branch of
the Ontario Genealogical Society has transcribed the inscriptions of the gravestones
in all three of Aylmer’s cemeteries and has produced
an online database to track
ones ancestors. Decoration
Day, a day to remember the
dearly departed through floral tributes at their gravesite
is promoted in the Town of
Aylmer by local florists and
garden centres each year.
Remembering the Monteith Family’s
contribution to our downtown Park.
Page 19
Cont’d
Local Businesses
Cultural heritage conservation is practiced by many individual businesses in
town and by the Business Improvement
Association (BIA).
Library Staff in the 125th Parade.
Signs have the heritage “feel”.
Many of the commercial buildings,
particularly those locally owned, have
recently or have plans to, restore their
building façade as a beautification project.
The BIA provides small grants to encourage this practice.This has included
the former Trader’s Bank/Royal Bank
building, now owned by Hamilton Ward
and Cathers Insurance, the Hill’s Pharmacy building, and the restoration of
the Clarke’s Restaurant sign.The Central Hotel has recently repainted its facade.
The BIA has an historic sign program,
which is noticeable on many of the
storefronts of the businesses in the
Core Commercial Area. The BIA has
also provided the many historiclooking benches and garbage cans
in the Core Commercial Area, which
helps superimpose the historic feel of
downtown Aylmer.
The adaptive reuse of historic buildings. For example, the Capital Theatre
is now an unusually large clothing store
and the Carnegie Library now features
the offices of State Farm Insurance,
Aylmer Video is in the Aylmer Steam
Laundry and the Aylmer-Malahide Museum is in an early 1900s warehouse.
Aylmer Library
The Aylmer Branch of the Elgin County
Public Library is located on the main
floor of the Old Town Hall, and is an
example of the adaptive reuse of an
historic building. (State Farm Insurance is another example).
The Library features an extensive local history section and was recently
awarded the Angus Mowat Award of
Excellence. This award recognizes innovation and creativity in programs and
service delivery. To achieve the award
the Aylmer Branch partnered with the
Thames Valley District School Board,
(Summers’ Corners) to create a blueprint and toolkit for public library tours
that improve the literacy of students,
especially those at-risk, ESL students,
poor attendance students, and those
with learning disabilities
The Library has been recognized with
another Public Library Service Award,
and the (Ontario) Minister’s Award
for Innovation, for their work with DeBrigj, a local low German radio station.
Together they provide the low-Germanspeaking community with information
concerning the library, geared to meet
their particular needs. It is very rare for
a library of this size to be given such
prestigious awards so close together.
The library recycles books by having
an on-going book sale throughout the
year.
Residential
Many owners of older buildings in Aylmer continue to proudly restore and
renovate their properties in an effort to
maintain the heritage of Aylmer. A stroll
through some of the older neighbourhoods in town will attest to the pride
Aylmer residents have for their heritage
homes. One resident has embarked in
a multi-year project of stripping 120
Downtown with its heritage style lampposts and garbage containers.
k sign
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Page 20
Old Carnegie Library is now State Farm
Insurance.
One of the many benches
provided by Mainstreet Aylmer
years worth of paint from the wooden
elements on the exterior facade of his
house, completing in situ repairs, and
repainting the woodwork in a historic
palette associated with Italianate houses of the time period.
The AHC, through funds provided by
the Town of Aylmer, has recognized
thirty-five such properties. The Heritage Committee plans on recognizing
an additional two properties before
the end of the year 2013
A Heritage Aylmer pamphlet, completed in association with Aylmer
Communities in Bloom, entitled
‘Hike or Bike Aylmer’ is available for
all to experience the unique historical area(s) of the town.
Heritage Tree Guide
Aylmer Heritage Committee
The Aylmer Heritage Committee (AHC)
is the successor to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Heritage Committee is to advise council on issues
relating to the conservation of heritage architecture and items of historical
significance, to undertake educational
activities, and to increase public knowledge and appreciation of the benefits
of heritage conservation. The committee is comprised of ten municipally
appointed volunteers and one honourary member. Two honourary members
were recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Citizenship in 2009
for over twenty-five years of volunteer
service to AHC.
In honour of Aylmer’s 125th Anniversary in 2012, AHC with the assistance
and support of the Aylmer Museum
and a local photographer, compiled a
calendar recognizing several selected
stained glass windows. This calendar
was made available to the public with
all proceeds going to the publication of
the project.
The Aylmer Heritage Plaque Program
is recognition of a property of cultural
heritage value or interest, which the
owners (past or present) have preserved, conserved, restored or otherwise maintained through time. A bronze
plaque with the date of construction of
the building is awarded to the property
owner and is generally affixed to the
structure in a prominent location, sympathetic to the design of the structure.
The St. Thomas Field Naturalist’s Club
has compiled a guide of the oldest, tallest, largest and rarest native and exotic
tree species growing on public and private land Elgin County. Aylmer comprises part of the East Elgin mapping
initiative. Recognized heritage trees
are marked with a small plaque attached to the tree, the majority in view
of the public.
Heritage frescoes are preserved in the
facade of the old school building.
One of the heritage trees in Town, a
large Eastern Cottonwood, is among
Ontario’s largest trees. The Aylmer
Communities in Bloom Community has
started photographing Aylmer’s Heritage Trees in an effort to provide an update to the guide and to catalogue the
condition of Aylmer’s Heritage Trees.
Aylmer Fair
The Aylmer Fair celebrates its 166th
year. The fair is run by the volunteerbased fair board. New traditions have
been started by the fair board in 2010
with a re-establishment of a Home &
Garden Show and an Annual Strawberry Festival which was part of the
125th celebrations this year.
Settlement Stories Quilt Trail
Aylmer Fair Participant
The 2012 ‘Settlement Stories Quilt
Trail’ is a project of the Mennonite
Community Services (MCS) with
funding from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation. The trail honours the
MCS culture and its place here and
at the same time relates the settlement stories regarding the shaping
of the Mennonite community and its
culture. The Amish community is included as well.
QR codes are inserted on each block
and there is an ongoing attempt to
attach an oral history in Low German.
Aylmer receives two of the many
Settlement Quilts from MCS
Page 21
Urban Forestry
Municipal Actions
The Town of Aylmer supports and promotes the planting and use of trees in municipal parks, woodlots and right of ways
and is very active when it comes to urban
forestry of which some of the programs/
initiatives are listed below.
The Town currently follows “Tree Planting
& Protection Standards” as developed by
the Parks & Recreation Department which
includes for the following;
The Park’s Department keeps
a list of proven tree species and also
promotes the use of native trees as a first
option.
Frisbie Golf among the trees
The Town will only remove live
trees if necessary due to unavoidable construction activities, or pose safety issues
whereby there will be a minimum one-forone replacement and where feasible a two
for one replacement. All replacement trees
will be planted in areas to ensure that any
future possible alterations and/or removals
are avoided.
The Town has planted
2,315 trees from 2002
to 2012 (an average of
210 trees per year).
The Town of Aylmer has in the
past and continues to work with the local
conservation authority on several reforestation, tree planting and creek rehabilitation
projects & initiatives.
The Cottonwood Tree
The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is under agreement with the
Town of Aylmer, whereby the conservation
authority manages all municipal owned
woodlots.
The Town is currently working
with the Environmental Advisory Committee to develop an official “Municipal Tree
Policy” to be adopted by Council in early
2013.
Strolling through Kinsmen Park
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Page 22
TOWN TREE INVENTORY
Sweet gum
Sassafras
Balsam Fir
Eastern Cottonwood
Osage Orange
Horseshoe chestnut
Papa
Bald Cypress
Little leaf Linden
Sycamore
Red Maple
Debra Maple
Chinese Kousa Dogwood tree
Emperor Japanese Maple
Fat Albert Blue spruce
1000 white pine
200 white ash
200 hickory
200 butternut
100 tulip
100 Sycamore
100 tulip
5 red maples
5 Ohio buckeye
3 blue beech
2 Kentucky coffee
10 button bush
25 white cedar
6 American larch
2 white beech
10 silver maple
2 hop hornbeam
10 honey locust
3 concolor fir
1 Serbian spruce
2 blue atlas cedars
1 worplesdon sweet gum
Paperback maple
I pyramidal English oak
Dawn redwood
Maid tree of China
20 Empress Trees.
10 balsam fir steen/balmoral
2 northern red oak 2011 kin/opt
1 paw paw 2011 police
1 Cucumber tree 2011 police
1 Chinoak 2011
1 white oak Palmer Park 2011
11 spruce planter boxes
Eastern red bud April 19/12
Burr oak April 19/12 bear park
49 wire basket mixed coniferous
1 red oak Rotary Park. April 2012
5 baby blue spruce Palmer 1 baby blue spruce
2 tulip trees residential
1 sunset native maple residential
Urban Forestry
Tree Planting and Protection
Standards
Aylmer has developed Tree Planting
& Protection Standards. These standards encourage and support the continued tree planting and maintenance
of existing and new plantings.
It recognizes that street trees are
priceless assets in the reduction of
carbon dioxide/monoxide levels and
such trees act as noise & visual buffers. Furthermore, street trees moderate climate conditions through shade,
wind, snow levels and provide shelter
and food sources to wildlife. Lastly
street trees provide aesthetic value
through colour and form to the Town.
The Tree Planting and Protection
Standards allow the Parks Department to review any proposed tree to
ensure the cultivars are acceptable
and will perform in the area being proposed.
The Parks Department keeps a list of
proven tree species and promotes the
use of native trees as the first option. The Parks Department has planted
2-3 yr. seedling to large mature stock
throughout the parks and naturalized
areas. Our policy is we do not remove or cut down a healthy tree; we
make every effort to preserve the tree
unless there is the potential to harm
public safety and property.
Trees are staked to the prevailing wind
for a couple of years until the tree has
rooted deep enough to anchor itself
without guy wires.
Guying of the trees is done several
different ways, with wooden stakes &
burlap wooden stakes with wire and
garden hose around the trunk of the
tree.
Mulching is done around the trunk
of the tree to a depth of three to four
inches graded away from the trunk
and leveled not mounded. Mulch is
added as required.
Trunk protection is done by putting a
three to four foot section of perforated
big o drainpipe around the trunk. As
the tree grows, the trunk separates the
big o preventing bruising of the trunk.
Aylmer has a strong tree preservation and protection policy. Town trees,
which include those along the boulevards, parks and other town owned
land are inspected on an annual basis
for hazards. The Town also conducts
mild tree removals due to increased
early awareness of stresses, disease
and general conditions. Yearly pruning
and shaping in the parks and in the
trees downtown have increased our
tree’s overall health and vitality.
The Town encourages a one down two
up planting program when it is necessary to remove trees with the second
tree to be planted in one of the parks.
One of Aylmer’s Woodlots is 50
Acres.
The Town also encourages the planting of a wide variety trees. This leads
to a diversity of tree shape and form
and also mitigates the spread of disease or other pathogens. Tree root
moisture is retained with the application of mulch around trees planted on
public lands. Staking of newly planted
trees along with rodent/stem protection are implemented to maximize tree
establishment.
Town Managed Woodlots
Aylmer manages a 50 acre woodlot
at the north end of town and a 5 ha.
woodlot at the south end of town in the
Ward McKenna Conservation area.
Management of the woodlots is done
in conjunction with the Catfish Creek
Conservation Authority (CCCA) and
in accordance with Best Management
Practices.
Logging of the woodlot at the north
end of town took place in 2012 by the
CCCA with saleable logs going to a local mill and other wood set aside for
firewood at a local campground and
for the CCCA Maple Syrup Festival.
The Town receives a percentage of all
profits realized through management
of the woodlot.
Path leading to Steen Park
All our Parks have many trees
Page 23
Urban Forestry
Promoting Carolinian Canada
Over 3,000 native trees have been
planted along the Catfish Creek flood
plain to link with and replicate a variety of forest communities. In Steen
Park native Sycamore, Tulip Tree and
Blue Ash and Walnut trees have been
planted to mimic the valley conditions
of hundreds of years ago.
Over 3,500 trees have been planted in
Rotary Park alone including such species as Kentucky Coffee Tree, Tulip
Tree, Butternut, Walnut, Redbud, White
Ash and Sugar maple. Portions of the
park are no longer being actively managed to allow nature an opportunity to
provide valuable open grassland habitat through natural succession. Some
dead and dying trees are purposefully
left standing in Rotary Park in order to
develop into important bird and animal
cavity trees.
In Lion’s Park, hundreds of native
tree species and landscape plantings
have been utilized to compliment and
link with the adjacent Ward McKenna
Woodlot. Four habitat communities
(stream, wetland, upland hardwood
forest and urban park) are preserved
under public ownership at the park.
Planting in town parks is always ongoing. For example, a portion of Rotary
Park was made available to the Forests
for Life/Elgin Stewardship program as
a pilot for native tree planting and seed
recuperation. Parks staff is also working with the Canadian Chestnut Council
and the Elgin Stewardship to promote
the chestnut tree propagation program
Town Arboretum and Memorial
Trees
Aylmer maintains an arboretum in Steen
Park and offers memorial tree planting
in Rotary Park. Both the arboretum and
memorial area contain several dozen
trees consisting of a mix of specimen
trees both native and introduced. There
are over 200 trees in the Memorial Tree
area.
Ginkgo Trees
The Ginkgo Tree is Aylmer’s town tree.
Gingko bilboa is a unique species of
tree with no close living relatives and
is one of the best-known examples
of living fossil. The tree is long-lived
and can reach heights in excess of
30 metres (100 feet). The tree is both
disease and insect resistant. Planting
of Ginkgo trees has been integrated
into the public spaces and is also on a
number of residential lots throughout
town.
Trees are plentiful in all parks and
along paths.
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Page 24
Memorial trees in Rotary Park
Urban Forestry
Business & Institutions
The Business Improvement Association encouraged the placement of
ornamental trees along the mainstreet
to provide a more pleasing streetscape
along with shade and noise insulation.
In conjunction with the Catfish Creek
Conservation Authority, the BIA endorsed the planting of hundreds of
seedlings along the Creek bank, behind
the businesses that front the northside
of Talbot Street East, between John
and King Streets. Presently, the BIA is
discussing further improvement to this
area.
Residential
Many businesses, institutions and residents have incorporated the planting of
trees in their landscapes. This includes
many of the schools in Town where native trees such as Tulip Tree, Redbud,
Maple and Oak have been incorporated into the landscape.
Other Volunteer Efforts
Members of the Canadian Chestnut Council and the Elgin Stewardship Council are working in conjunction with Town Parks Staff
to
promote the chestnut tree propagation
and
recovery
program.
Aylmer is located in the heart of the
Carolinian Canada Life Zone, which
is a unique region of wetlands, forests
and tallgrass savannas with more endangered species than any other region in Canada. Carolinian Canada
makes up only about 1% of Canada’s
total land area, yet is has a greater variety of plant and animal species than
any other Canadian ecosystem. Such
an ecosystem, assuming it is healthy,
is not only a great place for wildlife but
for people, too.
Note the trees along Catfish Creek in
Kinsmen Park
Trees line all our trails.
Springwater Conservation Area
The people of Aylmer and area have
been instrumental in assisting CCCA
through park user fees and in-kind donations in acquiring one of the largest
remaining Carolinian Forests in Southwestern Ontario. The old growth characteristics that exist in the Springwater
area provide valuable interior forest
habitat for dozens of rare and threatened species.
Environmental Leadership Program/
Horticulture Program
In Rotary Park naturalization projects
have been completed with the help of
students in the East Elgin Secondary
School Environmental Leadership Program and Horticulture Program. The
same students also participate in the
Forests for Life/Elgin Stewardship programs and in 2009 planted a portion of
Rotary Park with native trees.
This shows the scope of residential tree planting.
Page 25
Landscape
Municipal Actions
Recreation and Leisure Time
Master Plan
“Steps to the Ducks” in Kinsmen Park
In 2004 the Town of Aylmer completed
a Recreation and Leisure Time Master
Plan that provides a strategy for the
provision of parks and recreation facilities and services to the year 2016.
The Master Plan guides the provision,
distribution and development of parkland, trails and leisure facilities in the
Town of Aylmer. The use of each park
(passive recreational, sports recreation, playground, etc.) is outlined in
this document. A schedule for the construction, maintenance and renewal of
playground equipment is also outlined
in the Master Plan.
Turf Management Programs
New water feature in Palmer Park
Aylmer practices both Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and Plan Health
Care (PHC) as part of the sustainable
practices used to improve the environment and conserve resources in the
parks system. Sports fields are cut
twice a week, as required, to a standard height of three inches. Wear and
tear of the fields is checked at the time
of mowing and promptly addressed.
Fields are rolled in the spring with aeration, top dressing and overseeding taking place in the spring and fall where
required. Watering of turf grass is not
done as it is believed grass dormancy
is a natural process in Southwestern
Ontario. A slow release granular fertilizer is spread on the sports fields in the
spring and fall. Turf grass and passive
parklands are cut at a standing height
of three inches unless weather conditions dictate otherwise. Aeration and
overseeding occur in such areas on an
as needed basis.
Some areas of the parks are passively
managed and are being naturalized.
Such areas are also augmented with
the planting of native plants and trees
(e.g. Rotary Park). In accordance with
Ontario’s cosmetic pesticides ban,
herbicides are not used in the park
system. Since 2007 Aylmer has used
Envirogreen Lawn Seed to over-seed
or establish turf cover. Envirogreen is a
specially formulated seed mixture designed to meet environmental management/IPM requirements and is ideal for
a more natural, low maintenance turf
especially where chemical restrictions
are in place. The resulting turf has a
good wear tolerance, good shade and
drought tolerance, a good density, lower growth rate than other turfs and a
good heat tolerance.
First Impressions
Aylmer is accessed from the north,
east, south and west along County
Road 73 (north-south) and Highway 3
(east-west). Service club signs have
been installed and maintained at the
north, east and west parts of town. A
landscaped northern gateway was installed in 2006 and is now being maintained by Community Living Elgin. As
one comes closer to the downtown,
an increase in the amount of available
benches, historic-themed light posts,
planters, hanging baskets and banners
is noticeable.
Water Fountain in Lions’ Park
BIA benches and CLC butt holders
Ontario, Canada
Page 26
Lions Park
Town Parks (see pp.30-33)
A History of Disc Golf
The founder and creator of disc golf is
Ed Headrick he created the disc and
sport in 1976, he also invented the baskets and modeled the course like a golf
course with rules and courtesy of play.
The Town of Aylmer started laying the
foundation in 2007 for a professional
course in Steen Park. There were several site visits and tours with our Designer Dan Smith and Thom Polland Parks
manager to layout a course in the park.
Our course has been used daily from
the day we finished and we see a
steady user base from all over the area
using the course for tournament and
league play. The only cost to a player
is their own discs; the course is free
and follows with the Town of Aylmer’s
Parks & Recreation mission statement.
“We are committed to provide a balanced recreation and leisure services
system that supports opportunities for
physical, social and cultural activities,
town spirit, appreciation and beautification of the natural environment”
Industrial Park. Holiday lights, garlands,
wreaths and bows, cornstalks and hay
bales are provided and encouraged by
the BIA for festive seasons.
Residential
It is obvious that residents have pride
in their properties and pride in their
community.
Several gardens in Aylmer were featured this year in the Aylmer and District Horticultural Society Garden Tour.
Tour participants and past garden contest entrants are noted through town
and outlying areas by a white sign with
horticultural society logo on it.
Residents have adjusted to the Comprehensive Water By-Law, which was
passed by the Town in 2009. The regulations are effective during the months
of July and August when the weather is
hot and when precipitation can be sporadic often causing lawns to go into a
period of dormancy. External watering
is permitted on even calendar days to
residential addresses ending in 0, 2,
4, 6, and 8 and odd calendar days to
residential addresses ending in 1, 3, 5,
7, and 9.
Particularly noteable is the number of
busineses that landscape their properties, making them both inviting and
uniquely identifiable beyond their corporate logo. Examples include the Ministry of Natural Resources’ grounds,
Tim Hortons on John Street,the Aylmer
Legion, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Esso
Service Station, McDonald’s, Maplehurst Village Condominiums, West
Talbot Village, State Farm Insurance,
West Elgin Mutual Insurance, Imperial Road Animal Hospital, Natural Resource Gas, Enns Textiles, The Badder
Group, and Elgin Innovation Center
The Healing Garden in Balmoral Park
was designed, installed and maintained
by a key group of volunteers and master gardeners. The Garden features
several benches, a bubbling rock fountain and a mass planting of annuals and
perennials designed for quiet reflection
The Business Improvement Association (BIA) has provided historic looking
benches and waste receptacles in the
core area and the Integrated Grain Processors Co-op (IGPC) has provided for
the installation of benches and waste
units at the entrances leading into the
Landscape
Bob Fulton working Lions Park
Obelisks and Bird Houses...
.Another key group of volunteers help
maintain the flower beds in Lions Park.
Ten years ago Henry and Ann Peynenburg volunteered time to plant and
keep Lions Park well groomed. Nine
years ago Marj Rimnyak and Bob Fulton decided to take over. The view
from their back yard is the Park. They
have spent many hours caring for this
area and have received many great
comments.
Marj notes that “this gives us
ambition to continue” and that
this is “donating volunteer hours
to the town. We are proud of this
park and the work we do in it.”
Page 27
Floral Displays
Since the beginning of our Communities in Bloom participation,
11 years ago, the town has seen an annual increase in the use of plants
to enhance the appearance of homes, businesses and industry. Examples include the recently developed northern gateway and each year there are more
gardens planted by businesses and residents.
MUNICIPAL ACTIONS
Aylmer has an overall landscape and
maintenance plan which incorporates
all of its parks and public areas. Indeed, this year’s “planting” list includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hanging baskets on the main Street
70 hanging baskets
30 bridge boxes
90 sweet potato vine
140 Gazanias
600 plants around Cenotaph
12 flats Bidens
10 flats of begonias
25 flats of petunias
400 other plants
various grasses
6 large geranium urns
This is only a very partial list! The hanging baskets line the downtown core, the
Catfish Creek Park System, John Street
bridge and Pine Street West. These
baskets are provided by the Town and
watered by Aylmer’s Park Department
staff on a daily basis with fertilizing every second day. The cost of the baskets
is offset through public donations of $25/
basket (see Donors list on last page).
Aylmer’s Park Department staff plant
and maintain several gardens in the
park system. One goal of the Parks
Department is to maintain a healthy
balance of annual and perennials in all
of the flowerbeds. All staff, including
summer part-time are fully trained.
Maintained flowerbeds may be observed in key locations including Optimist, Kinsmen, Balmoral, Palmer
Bandshell, and Lions Parks along with
the Centotaph, Old Town Hall/Library
and the present Town Hall.
Local citizens have partnered with the
town to plant and tend to the flower
gardens in Lions Park and the Healing Garden, which is found in Balmoral
park.
Be sure to see the Parks
section near the back of this
book.
The Healing Gardens in Balmoral Park
Businesses maintain beautiful Gardens.
Ontario, Canada
Page 28
Residents of Pine Street West
hang and maintain their own floral
The Pine Street Gang water their baskets.
baskets.
Floral Displays
BUSINESS AND INSTITUTIONS
The latest addition to the downtown
core were more large, recycled plastic
planter boxes, making a total of eleven.
The purchase and propagation of such
planters was a joint project between
the Town and the BIA.
The Town Parks Department Staff plant
and maintain the planter boxes. Rather
than strictly flowers, some of the planter boxes contain plants known more for
their foliage than their bloom.
The Aylmer & District Horticultural Society hosts a garden tour every year
alternating locations between in town
and out of town. This year the garden
tour was held June 24 featuring 5 gardens in town.
RESIDENTIAL
Many residents of Aylmer have planted
and take great pride in their gardens.
One in particular is a Tall Grass Prairie
Wildflower Garden planted by a resident on Oak Street. The garden features over 50 species of prairie plants
and pays homage to the Ontario prairie
which occupies less than 2 percent of
its original range.
As the photos show (see right and
below), there are many, many homes
where great care is given to natural
landscaping and floral statements.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
On Pine Street West, the citizens of that
street have purchased, and maintain,
hanging baskets all along their street.
Baskets this year are an aesthetically
pleasing pink and purple combination.
Residents around Lions Park and
Charles Court also maintain large
gardens and keep adding to them every year. There are many examples
throughout the town: one need only
drive along any of our streets to witness the care taken in showing our
green thumbs!
Gardens on the Horticultural Tour
Business displays
BIA ribbons and Town Boxes
A backyard garden overlooks Catfish Creek. Note the stone wall
along the banks.
Page 29
Our Parks
See Parks Map on pp 34-35 for
the full layout of our Parks!
Palmer Bandshell Park
• located at the Northeast corner
of Center Street & Sydenham
in downtown Aylmer.
• a great spot to stop for lunch or
Swimming pools in Balmoral
take a break under the shade
canopy of our large mature
trees.
• Park (acreage .30)
Balmoral Park
• located between John Street
Crystal Park
• situated in the South part of
Ward McKenna conservation
area with unpaved walking
trails connecting the park and
the storm water management
pond.
• is a multi-use park with some
amenities.
• Park (acreage 1.23)
Estates Park
• is located in the West part of
town at the end of Sinclair
Crescent
& Myrtle along Catfish creek in
downtown Aylmer.
• has a creative play structure,
• a great spot to rest after enjoy-
• quite a family orientated neigh-
ing a day of shopping in the
downtown.
• host to spectacular rock gar-
dens and our ever-growing
healing garden, walk along our
paved walking trail and discover our beautiful urban park.
benches, trees.
bourhood green space.
Elmview Park
• is located in the Northwest end
of town off of Elm Street
• this is a naturalized green
Centennial Park
• located in Southeast Aylmer at
the end of Alexander drive,
space connecting to Rotary
Park with a grass pathway
along catfish Creek.
• currently being evaluated for
some new landscape features
and amenities.
• “Toboggan Hill” just built from
road construction dirt.
Kinsmen Park
• is located on the West side of
Myrtle Street North of Catfish
creek
• the park is home to our tenCottonwood Park
• has yet to be developed near
Dingle Street.
Ontario, Canada
nis courts, a new creative play
structure (installed 2005), a
large pavilion and horticultural
displays.
• also contains a paved walking
trail along Catfish creek.
Page 30
Lions Park /Ward McKenna
Conservation Area
• is located in the Southern part
of Aylmer
• it is well treed with large well
manicured landscaped areas,
a pavilion and play structure.
• unpaved walking trails run
through the woodlot and the
storm water management
pond.
Our Parks
Rotary Park
• is located on the West side of
Elm Street South of Lawrence
Crescent
• this is a naturalized and passive
park with a butterfly garden,
blue bird boxes, purple martin
house and our memorial tree
planting program.
• has been designated by Audu-
bon International as a Certified
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
• Park (acreage 5.3).
Optimist Park
• is located off of Elm Street next
to Kinsmen Park on the Northwest side and runs along Catfish creek.
• contains a lit ball diamond, pa-
vilion, creative play structure,
paved walking trail and horticultural displays.
• Park (acreage 11)
Town
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Operated Recreation
Facilities
3 outdoor pools 1main.1 kiddie,1 diving well, change rooms, showers, fully
staffed during pool season.
2 lit softball diamonds
1 lit hardball diamond
1 full size soccer pitch
2 lit tennis courts
1 multi-purpose asphalt pad with one
basketball stand.
1 full size outdoor basketball court
(unlit)
1 skate park ( unlit)
1 disc golf course 9 baskets & 18 tees.
2 ice pads.
A paved 8 ft wide walking trail connecting all the southside parks along
Catfish Creek total length to-date 1.58
Kilometers (1580 meters).
Historical walking tours downtown
Aylmer.
1 turn of the century fully serviced
playhouse (old town hall)
Steen Conservation Area
• is located south of Spruce
Street between Murray and William Street
• contains a full size soccer pitch,
Picnic Area in Balmoral Park
a lit ball diamond, a paved walking trail going over two scenic
footbridges, and an ornamental
tree arboretum well under way.
The “Centerpiece”
For many years the old Black Willow
thrived despite its 45 degree trunk. Our
Parks Manager suggested a blue heron
sculpture when the tree succumbed to
storm damage and a local arborist paid
for the carving of this “herondactyl”.
•
Basketball court in Crystal Park
Containers ARE used
Page 31
Follow the
Park Trails
(in gray) all
through our
Town from
West to East!
Ontario, Canada
Page 32
Page 33
The Judges’ Tour 2012
Page 34
Communities In Bloom - Aylmer
The tour outlined below includes stops that have local supporters or experts in attendance who will be awaiting your
arrival (Bold Italics), and locations that we believe you will be interested in seeing (italics). As well, we are prepared to
entertain any requests that you might have. Several local gardens have been selected for short visits.
August 1, 2012
12:00pm – pick up in London and have lunch
1:00 – drive by MRF (Materials Recycling Facility) on way to Aylmer
2:00 – proceed to Aylmer tour of Police College Grounds, Elgin Stewardship Council Observation area, David Luthy and The Amish Heritage Library
3:30 – arrival in Aylmer; walking tour of Mainstreet and Old Town Hall Theatre
4:00 – proceed to Town Offices for Judge’s Welcome Reception
5:00 – travel to Clovermead Apiaries for BIA After Five Reception
6:30 – return to Aylmer for dinner, followed by travel to Pinecroft and a well deserved rest!
August 2, 2012
7:15 - breakfast at Pinecroft
8:30 – drive to Springwater Conservation Area
8:45 – visit Aylmer Communal Lagoons System for tour and demonstration
9:45 - proceed to Aylmer Cemetery , Queen of Peace Cemetery
10:00 - drive into Aylmer; Fire Hall; stop at Fred and Ruth Kristoff’s, Arthur and Sonja Oslach’s
10:15 - proceed to Aylmer and District Museum, winner of CIB Teaching Museum Award; transfer to horse drawn wagon
11:00 - leave museum via Fairgrounds and Mill Stone
-visit to Wayne and Linda Lewis’ home and the Giant Cottonwood Tree and Ginko Rotary/Audubon Park
11:30 – travel to Rotary/Audubon Park - walking tour
12:00 - transfer to Optimist Park and tour of Parks system which includes wood carving, disc golf, Healing Gardens;
-stop at Pavillion for CIB celebration!
- travel north on John St., continue tour through walking trails to Steen Park
1:30 - visit local outstanding Local Floral Displays recognized by the CIB Committee
2:15 - Heritage Cemetery, Veteran’s Memorial Garden
2:45 - Northern Gateway and site of Ethanol plant, Steelways
3:00 - Beech St. Industries
3:15 - East Elgin Secondary School - Memorial Garden, Environmental Leadership Program , Horticulture Program
3:30 – tour of Community Gardens
4:00 - East Elgin Community Complex and horseshoe pitch
4:30 - Lion’s Park, Thom , Marj and Bob
5:00 - return to Pinecroft, dinner and deliberation
Page 35
Our People
Town Council and Staff
Mayor
Jack Couckuyt
Deputy Mayor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Gerry Richer
Councillor
John Vandermeersch
Administrator
Clerk
Director of Finance/Human Resources
Director of Planning & Municipal Services
Director of Operations
Manager of Parks and Property Manager of Public Works Operations
Manager of Water Operations
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Manager of E.E.C.C.
Judi Wright
Members of the 2012
Aylmer Communities in
Bloom Committee
Cr. Judi Wright - Co Chair
Peter Barbour
Michelle Dykeman - Co-chair
Arthur Oslach
Mayor Jack Couckuyt - Community
Profile
David Lapointe
David Dykeman - Tour Co-Ordinator
Marj Rimnyak - Celebration Co-Ordinator, Secretary
Jennifer Reynaert
Carol Player - Celebration
Nancie Irving
Diane Mott - Reception Co-Ordinator
Lisa Pelton
Sonja Oslach - Reception
Danial Dale
Cr. Arthur Oslach - Horticultural Rep
Rod Tapp
Rod Tapp - Staff Rep - Director of
Operations
Thom Polland
Fred Wilson
Bill Berry
Thom Polland - Staff Rep - Manager of
Parks and Property
Community Living Elgin - Our Delivery
Team
Andre Reymer
Sam Taylor
Theresa Klachan
One of the baskets provided and
maintained by Pine Street
Residents
Ontario, Canada
Page 36
Our Sponsors
Basket Donors
Sponsors
Aylmer Valu Mart
Johnson’s Meats
Springwater Packers
The Lion’s Park Crew
The Pine Street Crew
EECC Canada Day Celebrations
EESS GAABA
EESS ELP
EESS Tech Crew
EESS Environmental Club
Town of Aylmer
Aylmer and District Hort. Society
Aylmer Garden Centre
Aylmer Express
SEE ALSO THE SPONSORS ON
THE BACK COVER
Carol McLay
David Dykeman
Wendy Crocker
Don and Judy Durkee
Jeanne and Johnny Jung
Bruce and Penny Tolmie
Pat Johnston
Murray and Jean Stephens
Greg and Avril Currie
Lynn Johnston
The Kaldis Family
Marg, Dennis and Cathy Beaudoin
Ruth and Mildred Connor
Becky Waite
Sue Brown
Keith and Anne Howe
Mary Rommel
Jason and Lisa Collard
Marietta Roberts
Doug and Lynda Avram
Rose Vaughan
Wendell and Cindy Graves
Barbara Thurston
Judith and Ian Cameron
Diane Lazenby
Marg and Dunc Sinclair
Kim Wilcox and Claire Tuthill
Judith and Jack Couckuyt
Judi Wright
This Booklet was edited and
designed by Jack Couckuyt.
Contents are based on materials and/
or photos submitted by Don Durkee,
Judi Wright, Thom Polland, Rod Tapp,
David Dykeman, Michelle Dykeman,
Sonja Oslach, Marjory Rimnyak, Diane
Mott, and Jack Couckuyt.
Back: Diane Mott, Marj Rimnyak, Rod Tapp, Jack
Couckuyt, Sonja Oslach, Dave Dykeman
Front: Carol Player, Judi Wright, Michelle Dykeman,
Arthur Oslach. Absent: Thom Polland.
Most of the photographs were taken by
David Dykeman and Jack Couckuyt.
Page 37

AYLMER, ONTARIO - the Town of Aylmer

Transcription

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