Stakeholder Forum: Exploring Vision Themes

Stakeholder Forum:
Exploring Vision Themes, Principles,
Directions and Strategies
Urban Strategies Inc | Savanta | Archaeological Services Inc | Strategy Corp
Background to the Project
The challenge of access to our
lakefront
Council Priority is “to develop a
waterfront enhancement strategy”
Work carried out to date:
2010 Niagara Waterfront
Revitalization Study
Procurement Process
Work Plan
Interviews with Mayors,
Municipal staff, Municipal
Advisory Group
The Opportunity
Support and build on existing projects
and plans
Build partnerships
Explore opportunities of mutual
interests
“It is literally true that you can
succeed best and quickest by helping
others to succeed.”
—Napoleon Hill
The Goal:
A Lakefront
Enhancement Strategy
that articulates a
vision and set of
strategies that can
provide more
opportunities for
people to experience
the Lakefront in
meaningful ways.
New linkages
Improved trail
connections
Wayfinding
Public
awareness
Ecosystem and
environmental
enhancement
Enhancement
of destination
attractions
New
access
points
Participation
and
partnerships
Sustainability
goals
Enhanced
recreational
and cultural
opportunities
Enhancement
of existing
assets
Improved
water
quality
A Two Phased Approach
Phase 1 - Lakefront Enhancement Strategy
Phase 2 - Waterfront Strategy
7 Lakefront Municipalities
117 km of Lakefront
Where we are Today in the Work Plan
Stakeholder Forum
Today we want to explore the development of a ‘vision’ for
the lakefront enhancement strategy that can best align the
goals and actions of many interested stakeholders.
Our Agenda
1:00- 2:00 Presentation
• What you’ve told us so far
• Review Policy – informs the development of vision themes
• Place based analysis – informs the understanding of opportunities &
challenges, projects and priorities
2:00 – 2:45 Room Discussion: Your Perspectives
• What is exciting, compelling or inspirational
• What is challenging
3:00 – 4:00 Breakout Groups
• Refining the vision and principles
• Exploring the themes and priority strategies
4:00 – 4:30 Report Back
What We’ve Heard so Far
Broad support for enhancing public access and enjoyment
of the lakefront.
Protect and enhance existing lakefront assets and develop
criteria to guide strategic acquisition of new assets.
Region’s role as coordinator and financial provider, and
opportunities for partnerships around areas of mutual
interest are key.
Aim high, demonstrate regional benefits such as regional
economic, cultural, environmental and quality of life.
LES needs to be rooted in the Regional Mandate.
Inclusive of all municipalities and expanded to a Waterfront
Strategy.
A clear vision, methodology, criteria and policy are needed
to guide enhancement and acquisition.
Strategy needs to be equitable and fair.
Current capital budget allocates $10 Million for
enhancement projects to 2022 so there is a need to
carefully manage expectations.
Statistics and information for comparison purposes will
help ground the Strategy.
Region should lead the vision, develop and report on a
monitoring process, coordinate with other initiatives, and
participate as a partner in LES projects.
A one size fits all approach won’t work, the north and south
shores have differing challenges and opportunities
Policy Review
Regional Policy Plan Themes
Section Four: Economic Development and Tourism
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The policies in this Plan are designed to support the continued growth and
development of Niagara as a tourist destination while maintaining those special
qualities that make the Region attractive both to tourists and to residents
Objective 4.B.2: To protect, manage and enhance the natural ecosystem corridors of
the Niagara Escarpment, the Twenty Valley, Jordan Harbour, and the Lake Ontario
waterfront and their immediate environs
Policy 4.A.14: The Region shall seek to secure appropriate public access where land that
is owned by a public agency or a public utility is determined to be surplus to that
agency’s or utility’s needs and has the potential to enhance the quality and
attractiveness of the trails and scenic drives shown in the map entitled “The Greater
Niagara Circle Route and Related Trails”
Policy 4.B.10: Shoreline protection measures may be included in area development
plans for maintaining long term stability along the Lake Ontario shoreline which will
assist to facilitate “Smart Growth” initiatives in maximizing area land use and
development opportunities
Regional Policy Plan Themes
Section Seven: Environmental Policies
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Policy 7.A.2.9: Development and site alteration shall not have significant adverse
impacts on ground water quality or quantity
Objective 7.A.5.1: To maintain and, where possible, improve public access to open
space along Niagara’s shorelines
Objective 7.A.5.2: To maintain Niagara’s shorelines in as natural a condition as possible
and promote environmental protection, restoration and enhancement
Policy 7.A.5.2: The Region shall support public acquisition of property along Niagara’s
shorelines for environmental and recreational purposes
Policy 7.A.5.5: Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in the dune areas
along the Lake Erie shoreline unless they are in compliance with other policies in this
Plan and it has been demonstrated that they will not have a significant negative impact
on the natural features and ecological functions of the dunes or on adjacent properties.
Municipal Official Plan Themes
Erosion control
Hazard lands
Road allowances
Parkland dedication
Trails enhancement
Cultural heritage
Dune areas
Servicing
Water quality
Tourism
Municipal policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Wainfleet
Policy addressing the reduction of conflict between landowner
and non-landowner use of the shoreline
The municipal structure features a ‘Lakeshore Built Up Area’
Port Colborne
Using Community Improvement Plans to redevelop
industrial lands along the lakefront for community uses
Have incorporated a dune stabilization program within their
Sherkston Shores Secondary Plan
Municipal Policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Fort Erie
Policy addressing encroachment on public road allowances
Policy which requires lands identified as natural hazard lands
(including water lots) to be dedicated to the Town as a
condition of development
Grimsby
Policy regarding provision of Waterfront Trail and Niagara
Wine Route signage on Main Street
A vision for a new major public waterfront park through the
development of the Winston Neighbourhood SP
Municipal Policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Lincoln
Policy strengthening the desire to co-ordinate a linear system
of parkland along the shoreline
Policies focused on additional public access to natural
landscapes for heritage education and stewardship initiatives
St. Catharines
Parkland acquisition priorities that focus on linking,
connecting and extending the City’s green space network
Policies which only permit development and site alterations if
no negative impacts on water quality
Municipal Policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Policies stating that the future of any surplus Canadian Parks
Services lands should be subject to negotiation by council
Policy to petition senior levels of government for physical and
financial assistance in stabilizing the shoreline.
Welland
Policies in support of preserving and celebrating cultural
heritage value of Welland Canal
Created Welland Recreational Waterway Master Plan to
support local economic development & conservation
Municipal Policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Thorold
Policy to maintain regionally significant natural areas as open
space
Secondary Plan for Port Robinson, on Welland Canal, includes
protection of sensitive watercourses and open space plans
Niagara Falls
Trails expansion is supported by Trails and Bikeways Master
Plan and use of Section 37 funds for trails improvements
Strategies to create a world-class tourist destination based
on a Tourist Area Development Strategy & public consultation
Municipal Policy
Municipalities are tailoring their Official Plans and Secondary Plans to
support their aspirations for their Lakefronts/Waterfronts
Pelham
Strong policies in support of fishery habitat. Twelve Mile
Creek designated as ‘significant fishery habitat’
Cash-in-lieu of parkland is only considered when a
development parcel does not include suitable land
West Lincoln
Policies to establish a continuous trail system that links parks
and neighbouring municipalities
Municipality will partner with NPCA & other agencies to
consider acquisition of abandoned rail lines for public trails
Potential Lakefront Enhancement Vision Themes
Potential Lakefront Enhancement Vision Themes
Place Based Analysis
opportunities, challenges, potential projects & strategies
Ecosystem & Natural
Heritage
At the centre of a very large market
Within 125 mile radius
access to $9 million+
consumers
Peace Bridge is the 2nd
largest port of entry on the
US Canadian border
NYS Transportation MP
The Niagara region is
within 500 miles of 55%
of the U.S. population
and 62% of the Canadian
population
NYS Transportation MP
Significant natural and agricultural areas protected
by the Greenbelt
Greenbelt lands
represent
approximately 40%
of the Region
With 4900km of watercourses, water is a prominent
feature throughout Niagara Region
Niagara River and
watershed were identified as 1
of 43 AOCs (Areas of Concern)
by the International Joint
Commission
Drainage Tributaries within the Watersheds
Lake Ontario
12 key drainage tributaries
natural core areas structured around water
Lake Erie
7 key drainage tributaries
natural core areas scattered
Lake Ontario
64 km of lakefront shoreline
74 meters above sea level
cold water lake 12-20 Celsius in July
86m average depth (2nd shallowest great lake)
Lake Erie
71 km of lakefront shoreline
174 meters above sea level
warm water lake 20-22 Celsius in July
19m average depth (shallowest great lake)
Shoreline Development Patterns
Lake Ontario – North Shore
primarily agricultural uses along the
water’s edge
3 urban areas on the waterfront
Lake Erie- South Shore
primarily low density residential along the
water’s edge
3 urban centres on the waterfront
Water Contamination and Vulnerability
Lake Ontario
Moderate areas of high groundwater susceptibility
Moderate septic system problem areas
source: NPSPA assessment report
Lake Erie
Large areas of high groundwater susceptibility
Large septic system problem areas
Wainfleet Boil Water Advisory Area
How can the LES better address the impact of rural lakefront
areas on water quality and public safety through programs
focused on improved monitoring of the integrity of the wells,
cisterns, and septic systems?
What existing or
new programs or
organizations could
help improve water
quality and public
safety?
Posted Beach Days - Closures 2010
Definition of ‘posted’ beach day
Beach is posted with red warning sign indicating
water is not safe for swimming due to E. coli
levels or factors such as floating debris, oil,
excessive weed growth, bad odors and general
turbidity
Number of beach postings
On average Niagara Region’s beaches were
closed for 35% of the bathing season
source: 2010 beach monitoring report
How can the LES better enable the use and safe enjoyment of
existing lakefront assets? What new tools and mechanisms are
needed to improve our existing beaches?
Soil Erosion
Average Erosion Rates
Lake Ontario: 0.3m to 2.5m per year
Lake Erie: 0.15m to 0.7m per year
Shoreline Regulated Area Definition
Extents of the Shoreline Regulated Areas are
determined by extending inland from the
currently mapped shoreline to the greatest of
either the shoreline erosion or shoreline flood
hazards.
Grimsby
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-lake
What types of conditions would make erosion control a priority?
Should future assets be assessed with this risk and cost in mind?
Niagara-on-the-lake
Key Natural Heritage Assets
Lake Ontario
assets - ANSIs (creeks), Fifty Point and Parks
Canada Conservation, significant fish spawning
habitat, 4/5 ANSIs provide public access
low proportion of natural heritage areas, low
degree of east-west linkages, residential/ag
encroachment issues, habitat fragmentation
Lake Erie
assets – ANSIs, diverse range of natural
heritage features and unique habitat areas,
high proportion of natural areas with habitat
linkages
highly privatized shoreline
Pleasant Beach, Port Colborne
Can LES result in enhanced protection of important natural
heritage areas while providing sensitive access, education and
awareness opportunities?
Sixteen Mile Pond, Lincoln
Economic Development,
Tourism & Recreation
Primary Lakefront Destinations
Lake Ontario
several clusters of regionally known
destinations
Lake Erie
dispersed municipally known destinations
large amount of golf courses/campgrounds
Key Cultural Heritage Assets
Lake Ontario
121 Historic sites
196 Municipally Designated properties
310 Municipally Inventoried
62 Total Archaeological Sites
Lake Erie
19 Historic sites
39 Municipally Designated properties
4 Municipally Inventoried
50 Total Archaeological Sites
Grimsby Beach
Fort George
Can the LES help to build awareness of key cultural assets along
the lakefront? Can relationships between cultural activities and
the natural environment be further promoted to enhance the
visitor experience?
Point Abino
Peace Bridge
Accessible Open Spaces (public and private)
Lake Ontario
20 Waterfront Open Spaces
1 federal conservation area, 1 provincial
conservation area, 2 regional conservation areas,
2 federal open spaces, 13 municipal parks, 1 golf
course
Lake Erie
18 Waterfront Open Spaces
4 regional conservation areas, 1 regional
beach, 1 provincial park, 7 municipal parks, 4
campground, 1 golf course
Long Beach Campground
Nickel Beach
Should the LES monitor existing recreational use sites on the
lakefront and assess their potential to contribute to the vision
and enhanced public access and enjoyment?
Niagara Golf Course
Sherkston Shores Campground
Key Beaches
Lake Ontario
2610m of beachfront
12 key beaches
(public and private)
Lake Erie
3060m of beachfront
20 key beaches
Beach Days
Polar Bear Dip, Fort Erie
The Region’s beaches are home to several major festivals and
events which attract thousands of participants and spectators
Dragon Boat Festival, St Catherines
Magilla Schaus Memorial, Pleasant Beach
Lake Erie Shoreline
Can the LES help to reduce tensions between public access and
private ownership along the lakefronts through a range of
targeted projects, strategies, and increased public awareness?
Lake Erie Shoreline
Regional Trail Networks
Lake Ontario
well developed trail network
east-west travel close to water
some north-south trail to water connections
key trails: Waterfront Trail, Niagara Circle
Route Trail, Bruce Trail, Trans Canada Trail
Lake Erie
limited trail network
east-west travel far from water
limited north-south trail to water connections
key trails: Waterfront Trail, Niagara Circle Route
Trail, Friendship Trail, Gordon Harry
Conservation Trail , Trans Canada Trail
Can the LES help to improve and expand the trail network to
create additional opportunities to experience the lakefront on
foot and by bicycle?
Land Management
Public road access to the Lakefront
Lake Ontario
east-west movement is linear and close to
water’s edge
clusters of un-opened public ROWs / under
designed fire lanes
encroachment issues
Lake Erie
east-west movement is convoluted and at
times, far from water’s edge
fewer un-opened public ROWs
grading issues at some potential access points
encroachment issues
Public Lands along the Shoreline
Lake Ontario
48% of shoreline is public
Lake Erie
32% of shoreline is public
Lincoln
How can the LES support the use and activation of ROWs that
terminate at the lakefront, considering a range of amenities that
encourage public use?
Fort Erie
Wainfleet
St Catharines
How can the LES support the enhancement of existing assets for
increased public use and enjoyment? Can these assets be grown
through the strategic acquisition of adjacent properties?
Grimsby
DND Lands, Niagara-on-the-Lake
DND Lands, Grimsby
Should large public and private lakefront land holdings be
monitored and assessed to understand their potential to
contribute to the vision and create new lakefront destinations?
Lakewood Beach Site
Grimsby Site
Areas of Major Change
Lake Ontario
Winston Neighbourhood SP
Prudhommes SP
Port Dalhousie Development
Water Treatment Plant
Niagara-on-the-Lake Dock Area SP
Lake Erie
Lakewood Beach Development
East Waterfront SP
Sherkston Shores SP
Crystal Beach Gateway Development
Gateway Neighbourhood SP
Port Place Development
Crystal Beach Gateway
Can the LES encourage the use of a range of planning and policy
tools to secure new lakefront land assets through Municipal
Official Plans, CIPs, Secondary Plans, Waterfront Development
Frameworks, etc.?
Prudhommes SP
Winston Neighbourhood SP
Education & Awareness
Should the LES focus on attracting, establishing and recognizing
partnerships to improve public access to the lakefront and
lakefront amenities through easements, use agreements,
governmental partnerships?
Should the LES
promote the
development of a
comprehensive
education and
awareness program to
promote public
knowledge,
awareness,
stewardship, and
participation in the
vision and to assist in
the solicitation of
funding support?
How can we educate the public on key water quality issues and
beach safety issues? Should the LES aspire to innovative
accreditation programs like Blue Flag?
Can the LES incorporate additional wayfinding and signage,
interpretive plaques and monuments on existing and new trail
segments in order to better convey how and where to access and
enjoy the lakefront?
In the long-term, should the LES promote the creation of a
Lakefront Enhancement Centre where education and stewardship
programs could be offered?
There are a range of
challenges associated with
private ownership of the
lakefront such as
encroachment issues,
monitoring and testing issues,
stewardship issues associated
with seasonal use, difficulty
in maintaining and enforcing
environmental standards on
private lands, etc.
Should the LES promote
public access through the
Right of Passage Bill?
Let’s Hear From You!
Your Perspectives
1. What is exciting,
compelling or inspirational
about this initiative?
2. What is challenging?
Draft Vision Statement
The Lakefront Enhancement Strategy will guide municipal and
regional partnerships and decision-making to provide
opportunities for the public to experience the lakefront in
meaningful ways, resulting in the enhancement of existing
waterfront assets, and the creation of new opportunities for safe
public enjoyment of the lakefront.
Preliminary Principles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Focus the Strategy on the following four themes: ecosystem and natural
heritage; economic development, tourism and recreation; land
management; public education and awareness.
Prioritize enhancement projects and activities in areas where safe public
enjoyment and gathering can be achieved.
Encourage partnerships between the Region, area municipalities, other
agencies, and senior levels of government to address areas of mutual
interest and benefit.
Understand the potential to improve the performance of existing
lakefront assets.
Evaluate the potential for the expansion of existing assets, and the
acquisition of new assets, particularly in areas of major change and
growth.
Potential Role the Region Could Play
Region should:
• Lead the vision
• Update Regional Policy Plan
• Develop the LES Grant and Incentive
program and associated marketing
and communications strategy
• Support, advise, and coordinate with
other initiatives, including continuity
across municipal boundaries
• Evaluate Proposals for LES grants and
incentives
• Participate as a partner in LES
projects.
• Maintain a GIS database on LES
projects
Breakout Group Discussion
1. Have we appropriately
captured the Vision and
Principles? Is there anything
you would add or change?
Breakout Group Discussion
2. Have we appropriately
captured the vision themes?
• Ecosystem & Natural
Heritage
• Economic Development,
Tourism & Recreation
• Land Management
• Public Education &
Awareness
Breakout Group Discussion
3. What would you consider
priority projects or strategies?