AGENDA FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ...conservationhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/...AGENDA FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING June 25, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

AGENDA FOR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

AGENDA FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

June 25, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER ~ Moccio

2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4. DELEGATIONS

5. MEMBER BRIEFING

6. APPLICATIONS – Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses 6.1 Applications for June 25, 2015 ~ Kenny

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

7.1 Minutes – May 7, 2015 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

9. PRE-DISTRIBUTED CORRESPONDENCE

9.1 Letter from Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change re Halton-

Hamilton Source Protection Authorities

10. OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

11. REPORTS 11.1 Conservation Advisory Board (Minutes – June 11, 2015) ~ Topalovic 11.2 Foundation Chairman’s Report ~ Crump

12. OTHER STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS

12.1 Email Poll Results for Report – Canada 150 ~ Firth-Eagland Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150)

13. NEW BUSINESS

14. IN-CAMERA ITEMS FOR MATTERS OF LAW, PERSONNEL AND PROPERTY

RECESS

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NOTE: The second part of the meeting will be the Board of Director’s 2015 Annual General Meeting, at which time elections will take place for the following offices (members currently holding these offices are shown in brackets):

Chair (James Howlett)

Vice-Chair (Santina Moccio)

Members (5) of Budget & Administration Committee (B&A Committee): (The Chair and Vice-Chair sit on the B&A Committee) (Dan Bowman) (Lloyd Ferguson) (Duke O’Sullivan)

Chair of the Conservation Advisory Board (Maria Topalovic)

PART TWO OF MEETING

1. ELECTION OF 2015 CHAIRMAN ~ McDougall

2. ELECTION OF 2015 VICE-CHAIRMAN ~ McDougall

3. ELECTION OF 3 MEMBERS TO BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION

COMMITTEE ~ 2015 Chairman

4. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN TO CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD ~ 2015 Chairman

5. BOARD REPRESENTATIVES TO CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD

~ 2015 Chairman

6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Changes to the Christie Antique Show for Fall, 2015 ~ Stanidis 6.2 Request for Proposals – Architectural Design Services ~ Horvat - Visitor Washroom Facility at Webster’s Falls 6.3 Request for Proposals – Engineering Services for ~ Horvat Groundwater, Leachate, Gas and Private Wells Testing and Analysis at Former Smith Landfill Site

6.4 Upcoming Events ~ Costie


8. NEXT MEETING – Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Memorandum TO: Board of Directors FROM: Darren Kenny, Watershed Officer DATE: June 12, 2015 RE: Summary Enforcement Report – Development, Interference with

Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation 161/06 Applications for June 25, 2015

HCA Regulation applications approved by staff between the dates of April 25, 2015 and June 12, 2015 are summarized in the following Summary Enforcement Report (SER-5/15). RECOMMENDATION THAT the Board of Directors receive this Summary Enforcement Report SER-5/15 as information.

HAMILTON REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES APPLICATIONS

June 12, 2015

Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and WatercoursesApplications Report to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, June 25, 2015

The proposed works are subject to Ontario Regulation 161/06, and in particular Section 2, Subsection (1)

SUMMARY ENFORCEMENT REPORT SER 5/15

Application No. Date Received Date Permit Issued Review Days Applicant Name Location Application Description Recommendation/Conditions

A/F,C,A/14/63 September 11, 2014 May 26, 2015 40 South Side of Shrewsbury St and Alteration of a watercourse consisting of twin culvert and crossing installation in a Application approved subject to161 Meadowlands Blvd regulated area of Tiffany Creek standard conditionsPt Lt 51, Con 3City of Hamilton(Fomer Town of Ancaster)

F/F,C,A/14/78 October 15, 2014 May 7, 2015 109 Brock Rd Bridge Replacement of an existing road bridge in a regulated area of Flamborough Creek Application approved subject toPt Lt 7, Con 6 and the Hayesland-Christie Provincially Significant Wetland Complex standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Former Town of Flamborough)

SC/F,C,A/15/12 March 4, 2015 June 1, 2015 90 Marston St Alteration of a watercourse consisting of the replacement of an existing elliptical Application approved subject toPt Lt 30, Con 7 road culvert (Asset 123) in a regulated area of Upper Davis Creek standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Former City of Stoney Creek)

SC/F,C,A/15/14 March 19, 2015 June 3, 2015 40 44 Seabreeze Cres Construction of a new shoreline retaining wall in a regulated area of the Lake Application approved subject toPt Lt 9, BFC Ontario shoreline standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Former City of Stoney Creek)

A/F,C/15/16 April 8, 2015 May 7, 2015 25 Lower Lions Club Rd Replacement of an existing armourstone retaining wall with the road allowance of Application approved subject toPt Lt 48, Con 2 Lower Lions Club Road in a regulated area of Ancaster Creek standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Fomer Town of Ancaster)

F/A/15/17 April 10, 2015 June 11, 2015 13 Brock Rd Installation of services through directional drilling under Flamborough Creek Application approved subject toPt. Lt 7, Con 6 associated with the replacement of Brock Road Bridge 383 in a regulated area of standard conditionsCity of Hamilton Flamborough Creek and the Hayesland-Christie Provincially Significant Wetland(Fomer Town of Ancaster)


DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES APPLICATIONS

June 12, 2015

Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and WatercoursesApplications Report to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority, June 25, 2015

The proposed works are subject to Ontario Regulation 161/06, and in particular Section 2, Subsection (1)

SUMMARY ENFORCEMENT REPORT SER 5/15

Application No. Date Received Date Permit Issued Review Days Applicant Name Location Application Description Recommendation/ConditionsH/F,C/15/18 April 17, 2015 April 29, 2015 14 120 Meadowbank Dr Installation of an in-ground pool and associated fill placement and grading in a Application approved subject to

Pt Lt 21, Con 8 regulated area of Tiffany Creek and the Tiffany Creek Provincially Significant standard conditionsCity of Hamilton Wetland Complex

SC/F,C/15/24 May 19, 2015 June 5, 2015 18 155 Lewis Rd Installation of an in-ground swimming pool in a regulated area of Stoney Creek Application approved subject toPt Lt 7, Con 3 Watercourse No. 9 standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Former City of Stoney Creek)

A/F,C/15/26 May 22, 2015 June 4, 2015 10 1004 Mineral Springs Rd Replacement of existing septic tanks and plumbing to leaching bed in a regulated Application approved subject toPt Lt 38, Con 1 area of Sulphur Creek standard conditionsCity of Hamilton(Fomer Town of Ancaster)


MINUTES

Board of Directors Meeting

May 7, 2015 Minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Woodend Auditorium, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: James Howlett, in the Chair Dan Bowman Doug Conley Santina Moccio Duke O’Sullivan Robert Pasuta Maria Topalovic

Richard MacDonald, Foundation Chair REGRETS: Chad Collins, Lloyd Ferguson, Aidan Johnson, David Rodgers STAFF PRESENT: Sandy Bell, Rondalyn Brown, Lisa Burnside, Grace Correia,

Gord Costie, Chris Firth-Eagland, Bruce Harschnitz, Tony Horvat, Darren Kenny, Sara Kinnear, Don McConnell, Neil McDougall, Scott Peck, Joanna Sanche, Sofia Stanidis, and Mike Stone - HCA Staff

OTHERS: Richard Leitner – Media 1. CALL TO ORDER

At 7:10 p.m., the Chair called a 30 minute recess in order to secure quorum. At 7:12 p.m., the Chair recalls the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present.

2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Chair asked members to declare any conflicts under the Board's Governance Policy. The Chairman declared a conflict of interest regarding his expenses.

Board of Directors -2- May 7, 2015

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The Chair requested any additions or deletions to the agenda. The Chair indicated that there is a new item under 14.1 – In Camera Items – Tiffany Falls. Chris Firth-Eagland informed the Board members that our lawyer, Amanda Jackson is present to discuss this agenda item. Amanda Jackson indicated the discussion should take place in camera. BD12,2099 MOVED BY: Robert Pasuta

SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio THAT the agenda be approved as amended.

CARRIED

4. DELEGATIONS 4.1 2014 Audited Financial Statements

James Howlett introduced Melanie Dugard from Grant Thornton. Melanie Dugard provided a presentation on the 2014 Audited Financial Statements. Melanie indicated that all is in place except for “formal approval” of the financial statements by the Board. Melanie reviewed prior period adjustments. She also indicated that it was a clean audit. Duke O’Sullivan asked for clarification of impact of not doing the adjustment and Melanie explained that it would result in a qualified audit. James Howlett thanked Melanie Dugard for attending. BD12,2100 MOVED BY: Doug Conley

SECONDED BY: Dan Bowman THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendation: THAT the Board of Directors approve the 2014 audited financial statements for the Hamilton Conservation Authority, Westfield Heritage Village, and Confederation Park.

CARRIED


5. MEMBER BRIEFING 5.1 2014 Operating Review Neil McDougall provided a PowerPoint presentation on the 2014 operating budget. James Howlett thanked Neil for his presentation. 5.2 Wildlife Management Advisory Committee – Recommended Protocols Mike Stone provided a PowerPoint presentation on the recommended protocols for Wildlife Management. Mike acknowledged the members of the Committee:

James Howlett Gord Costie Lisa Jennings Lesley McDonnell Rob Howe Mike Stone

Robert Pasuta asked if MNR is going to increase the 1 km range for relocation. Mike indicated that MNR will not be increasing the range.

6. APPLICATIONS - DEVELOPMENT, INTERFERENCE WITH WETLANDS, AND ALTERATIONS TO SHORELINES AND WATERCOURSES (Copies of the supporting staff report are available from the Authority's Administration Office)

Darren Kenny presented the report.

BD12,2101 MOVED BY: Doug Conley SECONDED BY: Duke O’Sullivan

THAT the Board of Directors receive the Summary Enforcement Report SER – 4/15.

CARRIED


7. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (April 2, 2015)

BD12,2102 MOVED BY: Robert Pasuta SECONDED BY: Doug Conley THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendation: THAT the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on April 2, 2015 be approved.

CARRIED

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES There was none.

9. PRE-DISTRIBUTED CORRESPONDENCE There was none.

10. OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

There was none.

11. REPORTS 11.1 Budget & Administration Committee (Minutes – April 16, 2015) Santina Moccio presented the minutes of the Budget & Administration Committee meeting held on April 16, 2015. Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1503 – HCA Generic Regulation Internet Mapping Tool BD12,2103 MOVED BY: Duke O’Sullivan

SECONDED BY: Dan Bowman THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:


THAT the option to provide a public interactive mapping tool for HCA regulated areas, hosted by Conservation Ontario, be accepted at an annual cost of $1,500.00.

CARRIED

Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1504 – Request from Town of Haldimand – Chippewa Trails BD12,2104 MOVED BY: Maria Topalovic

SECONDED BY: Doug Conley THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations: THAT the HCA Board of Directors agree to transfer the 9.4 hectares of Chippawa Trail corridor south of Haldibrook Road to Haldimand County for the purposes of developing and maintain a recreational trail at no purchase cost; and further THAT Haldimand County be responsible for any legal costs associated with the transfer of these lands.

CARRIED Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1506 – 4th Quarter Vendor Listing Report BD12,2105 MOVED BY: Duke O’Sullivan


THAT the Vendor Listing report for the 4th quarter in 2014 be received.

CARRIED

Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1507 – 2014 – Full Year Vendor Listing Report BD12,2106 MOVED BY: Duke O’Sullivan

SECONDED BY: Dan Bowman


THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:

THAT the Vendor Listing report for the full year in 2014 be received.

CARRIED

Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1508 – CAO and Vice Chair Expenses for 2014 BD12,2107 MOVED BY: Robert Pasuta


THAT the CAO and Vice Chair Expense report be approved.

CARRIED

Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1509 – 3 Month Financial Results BD12,2108 MOVED BY: Maria Topalovic

SECONDED BY: Doug Conley THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:

THAT the 3 month financial results be received.

CARRIED

Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1510 – 2015 – 1st Quarter Vendor Listing Report BD12,2109 MOVED BY: Doug Conley

SECONDED BY: Maria Topalovic THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:

THAT the Vendor Listing report for the 1st quarter in 2015 be received.

CARRIED


Resolution Number from Budget & Administration Committee Minutes – BA1511 – Employee Paid LTD Premiums BD12,2110 MOVED BY: Duke O’Sullivan

SECONDED BY: Doug Conley THAT the Board of Directors approve the following recommendations:

THAT all full time staff eligible for long term disability insurance (LTD) pay 100% of the premium for this benefit effective January 1, 2016.

CARRIED

Motion to Receive the Minutes

BD12,2111 MOVED BY: Maria Topalovic SECONDED BY: Robert Pasuta THAT the minutes of the Budget & Administration Committee meeting held on April 16, 2015 be approved.

CARRIED 11.2 Conservation Advisory Board (Minutes – April 9, 2015) Maria Topalovic presented the minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on April 9, 2015 and indicated that there were no motions requiring Board of Directors approval. Motion to Receive the Minutes

BD12,2112 MOVED BY: Doug Conley

SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio THAT the minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on April 9, 2015 be approved.

CARRIED 11.3 Foundation Chairman’s Report

Richard MacDonald reported on the following:

Total donations for April - $59,559


o $26,311 for the Hermitage ($25k of which was from a previously reported pledge)

o $20,000 for Maplewood o $6,400 came in the form of a boat donated at Fifty Point to be auctioned

off later in the summer o $2,528 for the EcoPark campaign o $2,500 for a bench in the Dundas Valley o $1,451 in undesignated funding o The remaining $369 came for Education, Westfield and Conservation Area

specific donations

Year-to-Date o Total Donations for our fiscal year-to-date (December 2014 to April 2015) -

$403,854

Grants to HCA o HCA will be receiving a federal employment grant for an ecology intern

which the Foundation will be matching with a grant of $5,000

Other Ongoing Grants to HCA: o Christie Ponds: $40,000 over 2 years o Staff Leadership Training: $7,150 o East Mountain Wetland Restoration: $250,000 over 5 years o Hermitage Restoration: up to $25,000 to match new donations o Westfield Visitor Centre Feasibility Study: $18,615

Event:

o Our AGM and Donor Recognition Evening will take place this coming Monday, May 11 at 5 p.m. All are welcome.

Richard MacDonald thanked the Board members for the opportunity to participate and reflected on his experiences. Robert Pasuta thanked the Foundation for the Westfield Heritage Village Feasibility Funding. He suggested that Richard could return in the future for a speaking engagement to describe his experiences abroad more fully. The Board members thanked Richard for all his work.

12. OTHER STAFF REPORTS/MEMORANDUMS

12.1 Upcoming Events

Gord Costie provided an update of the upcoming events that are included in the agenda package.


13. NEW BUSINESS 13.1 Nature Rewards Membership Duke O’Sullivan asked Gord Costie about the Nature Rewards Membership

process given that a new card runs 12 months from date of issue. Gord said we have a renewal procedure that reminds individuals when their card is nearing expiry. Neil indicated sales in 2015 to date are better that last year, but not as good as 2013.

13.2 City of Hamilton Surplus Lands Robert Pasuta relayed how last April he with Councillor Collins and Ferguson

pulled together a plan to pass a 100 acre property that the City got for tax arrears over to Westfield Heritage Village. This was passed at the General Issues Committee yesterday, 10 of 15 Councillors voted in favour to give the land to the Hamilton Conservation Authority for $2.00.

Chris Firth-Eagland explained how this will help Westfield Heritage Village to gain

more self-reliance. This will lead to Westfield Heritage Village attaining a critical mass as a Conservation Area and more than just a living museum. This property has interesting geological features and natural growth. Hats off to Councillor Pasuta.


BD12,2113 MOVED BY: Doug Conley SECONDED BY: Santina Moccio THAT the Board of Directors moves in camera for matters of law, personnel and property.

CARRIED During the in camera session, one legal matter was discussed. 14.1 Confidential Report BD/May 01-2015 – Verbal Discussion James Howlett led the discussion. Lisa Burnside provided her experience. Chris Firth-Eagland led group through a picture story of the event. Discussion took place in regards to appropriate next steps.

BD12,2114 MOVED BY: Santina Moccio SECONDED BY: Doug Conley


THAT the Board of Directors moves out of in camera.

CARRIED 15. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Woodend Auditorium, 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario.

16. ADJOURNMENT

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

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HAMILTON CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Conservation Advisory Board

MINUTES

June 11, 2015

Minutes of the Conservation Advisory Board meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Christie Lake Conservation Area Marina Pavilion, commencing at 6:15 p.m. PRESENT: Maria Topalovic, Chair Rob Booth Dan Bowman Kristen Brittain Lydia Cartlidge Frank Cucullo Joanne Di Maio James Howlett Donna Kydd Cheryl Larocque Chris Michels Duke O’Sullivan Robert Pasuta Morgan Pirie Marie Robbins John Shaw

REGRETS: John Barkovic, Mary Tice OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Correia, Gord Costie, Chris Firth-Eagland, Cari

Hobbs, Lisa Jennings, Judy Love, Lesley McDonell, Scott Peck, and Mike Stone - HCA Staff

OTHERS: Media – Richard Leitner 1. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Maria Topalovic welcomed all to the meeting and indicated that no regrets were received for the meeting. She thanked staff for hosting tours of the Christie Lake Ponds Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement Project site and the Christie Lake CA Forestry Works site that occurred prior to the start of the meeting.

2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were none.

Conservation Advisory Board June 11, 2015

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3. WELCOME OF NEW MEMBERS

Maria Topalovic welcomed Joanne Di Maio and Wayne Terryberry to the Conservation Advisory Board. On behalf of the other Board members, she expressed an eagerness to work with them both.

4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

CA1526 MOVED BY: Cheryl Larocque SECONDED BY: John Shaw

THAT the June 11, 2015 Conservation Areas Advisory Board meeting agenda approved.

CARRIED

5. DELEGATIONS

There were none.

6. MEMBER BRIEFING

6.1 Pond Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement Project Lisa Jennings presented an overview of the Christie Lake Ponds Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement Project. The presentation included: A history of the Christie ponds Seven fishing ponds constructed in 1970’s Stocked annually – (put and take fishery) Christie Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Plan, completed 2007

◦ HCA’s bi-annual monitoring of the lake and anecdotal observations ◦ Identified the need for spawning and rearing habitat for top predators

Issues associated with the ponds Ponds raise water temperatures by 3.75°C Filled with sediment Rich with nutrients leading to algae growth

◦ Increases in summer temperatures support the production of Cyanobacteria

Perched culverts are a barrier to fish migration ◦ Spawning and Rearing habitat is not accessible


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Goals of the Project Reduce water temperatures Restore natural channel form/function Restore fish passage and create spawning habitat Rehabilitate riparian buffers Improve species and habitat diversity A Summary of Restoration Work Completed in 2015 Ponds 2 and 3 were completed in February/March 2015 Restoration activities included:

◦ Excavation of pond fill material ◦ Construction of natural channel design ◦ Installation of bioengineering features to improve fish habitat ◦ Creation of floodplain wetlands

Details of the Construction Sequence Fill and grading of the pond area Conduct a fish rescue Construct wetlands Construct the natural channel Install bioengineering features

Next Steps for the project 2015/2016 Restoration Works

◦ Complete restoration works for Pond 4 – December 2015 ◦ Currently in agreement negotiations with DFO regarding Pond 5 –

January 2016 Post Monitoring Plan

◦ Fisheries and Benthic Invertebrate Assessment Pike spawning surveys Surface Water Quality

◦ Marsh Monitoring Protocol ◦ Photo monitoring ◦ Invasive species monitoring

Project Partners Hamilton Conservation Foundation Fisheries and Oceans Canada TD Canada Friends of the Environment RBC Blue Water Project Grant

Rob Booth inquired about the trees felled for the project that remained in the restoration site. Lisa responded that the felled trees provide habitat for various species, including sunning locations for turtles and hiding and foraging locations for fish.


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Dan Bowman commented on the apparent good water quality in the new channel observed while visiting the site. He inquired about why the works were completed in the coldest months of the year, the cost per pond and whether or not any negative feedback had been received regarding the project. Lisa responded that that the works were completed in the winter as it is a time that is least disruptive to CA operations, least disruptive to birds and amphibians, conforms to fisheries timing restrictions and that the works are more easily completed in frozen conditions. She advised that the average cost per pond ranged from $110,000.00 to $130,000.00 per pond. She noted that the majority of the cost is for fill removal and placement, culvert replacement and road works associated with the project. Lisa also advised that public consultation was utilized at the outset of the project to educate the public about the project. She indicated that only a few comments and questions were received from users of the ponds but when the intent of the project to improve the overall fishery of the lake was explained, the questions and comments generally were considered addressed. Jim Howlett inquired about whether or not a change in water temperature in the new channel compared with the pond had been observed. Lisa indicated that staff is currently monitoring water temperature and that a trend in the data should be available by next year.

CA1527 MOVED BY: Duke O’Sullivan

SECONDED BY: Frank Cucullo

THAT the information from the Pond Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement Project – Verbal Presentation be received.

CARRIED 6.2 Forestry Work Completed at Christie Lake Lesley McDonell presented an overview of the forestry work completed at Christie Lake Conservation Area. The presentation included:

An Overview of the Managed Forest Plans completed for HCA lands and

HCA’s participation in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. ◦ In 2007, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) developed a

Managed Forest Plan (MFP) for a number of forested areas on HCA owned lands.

◦ The MFP was developed by a professional forester, and allows HCA to participate in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) that is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).


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◦ The program provides 75% tax relief to property owners who complete a MFP and follow the management prescriptions contained in the MFP.

◦ The MFP is the base for tree marking and forest prescriptions in each stand.

◦ HCA’s MFP has been approved for almost 20 years.

The decision to manage HCA’s plantations. ◦ A professional forestry consulting company was hired to assess all of

HCA’s lands under MFP, which was 200 ha across the watershed. ◦ Christie Lake CA was a large portion of the assessment and totaled

almost 100 ha. ◦ As a result, approximately 50 ha are being row harvested using the

Ontario Tree Marking Guide developed by MNRF. ◦ Thinning a stand regulates the number of trees (density), which in turn

influences the growth rate, the quality and health of the remaining trees and ultimately the value of the final harvest.“

Why plantations require management.

◦ In the 1950, 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s, millions of trees were planted on private and public land by the Department of Lands and Forests and by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

◦ These plantations were usually conifers; red pine, white pine, Norway spruce and white spruce being the most popular species. Conifers were generally used because they are relatively fast growing and resistant to insects and diseases. However, the objective of the conifer plantations was to gradually create a new hardwood forest, because planting hardwoods was both expensive and often ineffective.

◦ Plantations are a monoculture with no ground cover. They are dense and acidic and there is little light penetration to the forest floor. However, they are good for owls.

◦ Plantations are not what would naturally occur, rather Carolinian forests are desirable for this region.

◦ Many hardwoods regenerate quite well naturally under the overstory of a conifer plantation once the plantation has undergone a thinning.

◦ With subsequent thinnings, more light reaches the forest floor and the hardwoods increase their rate of growth.

How the management of the plantations will improve forest health;

management will: ◦ increase species diversity, ◦ provide more food for various animal and plant species, ◦ allow for a natural change from plantation to mixed forest

Why it was decided to complete the selective row harvesting in the winter ◦ Less impact to the soil due to frozen conditions


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◦ Less impact to trails due to frozen conditions ◦ Avoids breeding bird season – less impacts to birds ◦ Less impacts to CA user groups

Details of the tree marking and row harvesting processes ◦ A professional forester marks trees based on health, habitat and rows.

Generally every 4th row is harvested. Trees marked included white pine, red pine and spruce.

◦ A large machine cuts trees with a chain saw, grips with metal tracks, pulls the cut tree along metal tracks, pushes extra limbs off and cuts in 8 foot sections, places all logs in small piles in the forest

◦ A forwarder then retrieves the logs and places them in a pile or on the logging truck.

◦ Following the harvesting there is a lot of slash left on the forest floor. There is not market for this pulpwood; therefore it is left at the CA.

◦ The Forested conducted weekly site visits to inspect for compliance tot he management plan and to answer questions of the contractors

◦ Very little damage occurred to the surrounding trees ◦ Benefits of the harvest include increased light to the forest floor, added

nutrients to the forest from slash decomposition and less competition. ◦ The site is recommended to be harvested in 10-15 years.

Details of the Restoration Plan for the site. ◦ The overall goal for the site is increased diversity ◦ 40 ha of land is available for underplanting ◦ Underplanting will be difficult due to slash ◦ Hand planting will be time consuming ◦ Remaining areas of the site will continue to be selectively row harvested

over many years to continue to thin the site.

Next Steps for the initiative ◦ Invasive species management

Oriental Bittersweet control Common buckthorn control

◦ Under planting Increase diversity Native species Mix of fast growing and shade tolerant deciduous, coniferous and

shrub species ◦ Completion of remaining harvest plots in winter 2015/2016

Cheryl Larocque inquired about the decision to harvest in rows and the potential for the area to appear less natural as a result. Lesley responded that harvesting in rows is easier for this scale of project and that in time through natural succession the rows will fill in and will no longer be apparent.


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John Shaw inquired about whether or not revenues generated from the harvest project were able to recover the cost of the services required for the project. Lesley advised that there are upfront costs such as the tree marking and prescription but that by the end of the project the revenues should balance with the costs associated with the entire harvest plan, which includes other areas of HCA lands. Dan Bowman inquired as to the plan for the forested areas immediately adjacent to the lake. Lesley advised that the areas will likely remain as is however maybe somewhat thinned to allow light to penetrate the forest to facilitate natural succession. Members inquired about a photograph of Oriental Bittersweet constricting a butternut tree in the presentation; inquired about the length of time for the Bittersweet to have that effect on a tree. Lesley advised that the Bittersweet could have this effect after just a few years as it is very aggressive. She also advised that HCA staff is working to manage Bittersweet in the Dundas Valley and at Christie Lake CA. She indicated that the presence of Bittersweet in the Valley is less than at Christie Lake CA and therefore an inventory and plan for the management of the Bittersweet at Christie CA is required. Members inquired about whether or not invasive species information in available on HCA’s website. Lesley advised that there is some mention on the website but that there are many excellent resources available that HCA’s website could link to rather than developing the material in-house. Donna Kydd inquired about the impact of removing all of the plantation trees eventually on species that prefer the upper forest canopy. Lesley advised that all of the plantation trees will not be removed for up to 40 years and that in that time newly planted trees will have reached a height that they will replace the plantation trees as the upper forest canopy. Donna also inquired about feedback from the mountain biking club that uses many of the trails at Christie Lake. Lesley advised that staff is consulting with the mountain biking club to continue to design trails and manage the area. She indicated that those she has spoken with have been supportive of the management of the area and expects that they will likely wish to participate in future restoration and/or trail construction efforts. Morgan Pirie inquired about plans for the slash material of small branches that is to remain on site. Lesley advised that the harvesting company did not want the slash material as there is a cost for its processing as pulp. Lesley advised that some may be taken to Westfield Heritage Village for some of their wood burning needs while the remainder will be left on site to decompose which is a good source of nutrients for the overall system.


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CA1528 MOVED BY: Lydia Cartlidge SECONDED BY: Wayne Terryberry

THAT the information from the Forestry Work Completed at Christie Lake – Verbal Presentation be received.

CARRIED

7. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIONS

There was none.

8. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

8.1 Minutes – Conservation Advisory Board (April 9, 2015) CA1529 MOVED BY: Dan Bowman SECONDED BY: Rob Booth

THAT the minutes of the April 9, 2015 Conservation Areas Advisory Board meeting be approved.

CARRIED

9. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

There was none.

10. NEW BUSINESS

10.1 Dundas Stormwater Management Stewardship Program Scott Peck presented an overview of the Stormwater Stewardship in Dundas Program. Details of the presentation included: Impervious Cover and Surface Runoff Impervious cover results in surface runoff 2-6x more runoff in urban environments compared to ‘natural’ environment History of Stormwater Management (SWM) in Canada: Up until ~1980s:


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Based on Roman aqueducts Efficient conveyance, end of pipe detention and controlled release of runoff Downstream flood and erosion control Problem: no ‘safe’ way to discharge 2-6x more runoff ‘New Era’ of SWM in Canada: Goal of conventional SWM was to manage and mitigate impacts of the 2-6x

more runoff Focus has shifted on preventing and attenuating the 2-6x extra volume of

runoff through LID source controls Low Impact Development: mitigate the impacts of increased runoff and

stormwater pollution by managing runoff as close to its source as possible through infiltration, evapotranspiration, harvesting, filtration and detention

Treat it where it falls De-centralized controls combined with conventional conveyance and end of

pipe controls Evidence of the ‘New Era’ of SWM: Google Ngram graph shows the number of times the term ‘SWM’ appears in

written books over the years. Large spike in the graph noted for the past few decades Even more drastic spike in the last few decades when graphically

representing a query of the keywords ‘low impact development’

Details of the Stormwater Stewardship in Dundas project ◦ Jointly funded by RBC and the MOE Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. ◦ Borne out of the Lower Spencer Creek Subwatershed Study ◦ A stewardship-focused SWM plan to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff

from single-family homes in Dundas ◦ To move it from a type of situation where all the water is conveyed quickly

through storm sewers and discharged into the Lower Spencer Creek to a situation where the volume of runoff is divided.

Some would be infiltrated into the ground, some detained on-site and some would still flow into Spencer Creek.

◦ Goal: Work with landowners and volunteers in Dundas to encourage, design, implement and demonstrate lot level retrofit initiatives to decrease stress on existing SW infrastructure and increase water quality in Spencer Creek

◦ Actions: Creation of Demonstration Site Outreach at community events Targeted outreach: door-to-door visits, mail-outs, site consultations

Demonstration Site at Dundas Valley Trail Centre

Features include:


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◦ Rain garden and buried overflow drainage lines ◦ Rainwater harvesting system with rain barrels ◦ Native plants and pollinator garden

Outreach Activities

Past Events: ◦ Children’s Water Festival ◦ RBC Blue Water Day Upcoming Events: ◦ Dundas Cactus Fest, EcoHouse tours, Greenbelt Harvest Picnic

Targeted Outreach Activities ◦ Urban stormwater runoff banner ◦ Invasive species table top display ◦ Stormwater runoff table top display ◦ Informational folders ◦ Presentations to RBC branches ◦ Site consultations

Members inquired about the City of Hamilton and City of Burlington’s implementation of LID techniques. Scott advised that the City of Hamilton is moving toward implementing LID’s; they have developed a guideline document for LIDS and are working with the development industry to implement LID’s. He indicated that LID’s are new and that the transition process will take time. Scott also advised that HCA is working to incorporate LID’s into HCA’s capital projects. Members engaged in a discussion about several Conservation Authority and municipal examples of LID projects and studies, including Etobicoke, Mississauga, Waterloo and Toronto municipalities and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Credit Valley Conservation. Members comments that with Climate Change, LID’s will be even more important. Donna Kydd inquired about the length of time that Royal Bank of Canada had been supporting environmental initiatives. Scott advised that he believed it to be approximately three years since the RBC Blue Water initiative had begun. CA1530 MOVED BY: Morgan Pirie

SECONDED BY: Wayne Terryberry

THAT the information from the Dundas Stormwater Management Stewardship Program – Verbal Presentation be received.

CARRIED

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11. OTHER NEW BUSINESS 11.1 Invasive Species Management

Kristen Brittan requested the Board and staff consider addressing invasive species management as a topic of interest for the Board, specifically Garlic Mustard. Staff advised that HCA is working on an invasive species management strategy that will speak to invasive species in general and plans for management. Staff expects to bring a report on the invasive species management strategy to CAB in the Fall. Staff indicated that they are working jointly with the new Superintendent for the Dundas Valley Conservation Area on various projects and that invasive species management will be a topic that is discussed. 11.2 Hamilton Burlington Trails Council At Morgan Pirie’s request, Wayne Terryberry provided an update on the Hamilton Burlington Trails Council (HBTC). Wayne indicated that Sunday June 7th, 2015 was the HBTC Community Trails Day. He indicated that the event was well attended by many organizations and members of the community. He advised that 120 delegates from Ontario and Canada were also present for the events of the Trailhead Ontario Conference on the following Monday and Tuesday. He indicated that HBTC has been asked to host the event again next year. Discussions are taking place to expand the event to a national Canadian trails conference. There is some discussion regarding alternating years between provincial and national trails conferences. 11.3 Jim Howlett Departure from CAB Jim Howlett advised that he will no longer be a member of the HCA Board of Directors or Conservation Advisory Board. He offered expressions of appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to work with the other Board members and staff throughout the years. Maria responded on behalf of the CAB and expressed appreciation to Jim for his years of dedication and commitment to the Authority, the community and the environment.

12. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the CAB is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., location to be determined.

13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting was adjourned.

Report TO: Board of Directors FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) DATE: June 10, 2015 RE: Email Poll Results for Report - Canada 150 Community Infrastructure

Program (CIP150) STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the HCA Board of Directors endorses the results of the June 8, 2015 Board of Director email poll which support the HCA grant submission for the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for the development of two rehabilitation projects in the Fifty Point and Westfield Heritage Village conservation areas. BACKGROUND The Federal Government announced on May 15, 2015, that it was launching a new $150 million national program as part of the planned activities to celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary. With a submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2015 and no Board of Directors meeting taking place between the announcement and submission deadline, an email poll was undertaken to determine support for the HCA staff recommended grant application. The results of the email poll are as follows:

Dan Bowman in favour Chad Collins in favour Doug Conley in favour Lloyd Ferguson in favour James Howlett in favour Aidan Johnson in favour Santina Moccio in favour Duke O’Sullivan in favour Robert Pasuta in favour David Rodgers vacation Maria Topalovic in favour

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STAFF COMMENT In accordance with the HCA governance policies, an email poll, even when unanimous requires ratification. The grant submission was completed on time, with two projects as per the approving email poll were included as follows:

1. Fifty Point accessible bridge and pathway improvements $300,000

2. Westfield School Building foundation and accessibility improvement $100,000 STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE

The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

Strategic Goal #3 – Conservation Area Experience

o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance conservation area infrastructure and natural heritage features within the context of approved master plans.

o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance the financial sustainability of our conservation areas.

o Strategic Objective – conserve cultural heritage assets on HCA lands in a sustainable manner.

AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The total eligible project costs are estimated at $400,000. Since the CIP 150 provides for up to a 50% contribution, HCA is applying for a maximum of $200,000 total eligible project costs. HCA’s half of the funding will come from a combination of HCA capital program funds, Hamilton Conservation Foundation grants and potentially other Foundation grants. CONCLUSIONS It is appropriate that the Board of Directors ratify the results of their email poll which endorsed the HCA CIP150 grant application.

Report TO: Board of Directors FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) DATE: June 4, 2015 RE: Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the HCA staff recommends to the Board of Directors: THAT the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) authorizes and endorses the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for the development of two rehabilitation projects in the Fifty Point and Westfield Heritage Village conservation areas. BACKGROUND The Federal Government announced on May 15, 2015 that it was launching a new $150 million national program as part of the planned activities to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has been allocated $44.4 million to be made available for qualified projects in this region. The program’s focus is on rehabilitation, renovation and/or expansion of existing community facilities. Projects may receive up to 50% of the total project’s costs. Improvements to parks, trails, community and recreational facilities accessible for use by the public are all eligible for funding. Applications for the projects must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 9, 2015, which is next Tuesday. The application must be supported by a resolution from the Board of Directors authorizing and endorsing the application. Projects cannot begin until a second Board motion to approve the specific project awarded is passed and a contribution agreement with the government is signed. The project (s) must not begin before April 1, 2016 and must be completed by March 31, 2018.

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STAFF COMMENT

1) This program does not restrict an applicant to only seek funding for one project. However, as the timelines for this application have been extremely short, the list of projects identified for submission had to already have been in the initial planning stage. With that proviso, staff was able to find two (2) projects that line up well with the goals of the program.

The projects recommended for submission are ranked by order of priority as follows:

1. Fifty Point accessible bridge and pathway improvement $300,000

2. Westfield School Building foundation and accessibility improvement $100,000 AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The total eligible project costs are estimated at $400,000. Since the CIP 150 provides for up to a 50% contribution, HCA is applying for a maximum of $200,000 total eligible project costs. HCA’s half of the funding will come from a combination of HCA capital program funds, Hamilton Conservation Foundation grants and potentially other Foundation grants. CONCLUSIONS It is appropriate that staff be authorized to submit an application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for the above listed projects.

Report TO: Board of Directors FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED & Sofia Stanidis, Business Development Coordinator PREPARED BY: DATE: June 7, 2015 RE: Changes to the Christie Antique Show for Fall, 2015

STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the HCA staff recommends to the Board of Directors: THAT the Board of Directors approve the Fall 2015 Christie Antique Show be renamed, for the Fall 2015 show only, to the “Christie Antique & Vintage Show”; and further THAT staff be directed to report back to the Board of Directors on the outcomes and future implications of the “one time” name change during 2015. BACKGROUND The HCA Executive Team met on April 29, 2015 to discuss the Christie Antique Show. It was decided at that time that action should be taken to re-format aspects of the show to remedy some concerns that have accumulated since acquiring the show in 2010. The existing dealer community continues to diminish either due to illness or age. The following chart outlines the dealer attendance for past shows:

SPRING FALL

2013 293 273

2014 291 263 2015 270 TBD

A number of surveys have shown that dealers cannot manage to transport and setup wares as they had done in the past. While operational changes such as early setup and trailer drop off have made it easier on them, it is still an issue for the majority of the dealers. The HCA is in a position that requires action in terms of dealer acquisition, while continuing to maintain the trust and support of the existing community. STAFF COMMENT In response to the noted areas of concern, the Marketing & Communications Department had issued a web-based visitor survey at the May 2015 show. We received 301 completed surveys, and in addition, senior staff have surveyed antique dealers during the past 4 shows and in particular on Saturday, May 25 with respect to the matter of vintage items. The information gathered has assisted in deciding what changes warrant the most focus. The survey showed that 40% of the public were looking for vintage items above other categories and had only spent, or planned to spend, under $500.00 per person. This information is comparable to the surveys conducted in 2013 identifying that this shift in the demographic is consistent. The source of the Christie Antique Show’s success is the broad selection and quality of wares, earning its “premier” status over competitors who have less strict admission policies. Although it is not strongly enforced, the current participation guidelines are as follows: The following items are NOT allowed at the Christie Antique Show…

Items younger than 50 years An item which is brand new or a modern reproduction of an older item New piece of art created from the remnants of an old object Modern media format of an old piece of music, art or film New handicrafts or art with a nostalgic or historic look Repurposed fragments of disassembled antiques

With the changes in demographics, buyer trends are moving towards the acquisition of a larger proportion of vintage items versus strictly antiques. Vintage ware has been an informal component of the show prior to the HCA taking ownership and this trend continues and is expanding to meet market (buyer) demands. The objective in renaming the 2015 show is to recognize the role of vintage items in attracting new vendors and supporting the tastes and trends of the purchasing community, ultimately helping the show remain relevant and financially viable for the vendors and the HCA. The rules of admission then would be modified in conjunction with the name change as follows:

These items ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Fall Christie Antique & Vintage Show:

Items younger than 30 years An item which is brand new or a modern reproduction of an older item New handicrafts or art with a nostalgic or historic look

These items ARE ALLOWED at Christie’s Antiques & Vintage Show:

New piece of art created from the remnants of an old object Repurposed fragments of disassembled antiques

** Exceptions can be made to the above rules based on rarity of an item or collectible e.g. new folk art. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

Strategic Goal #3 – Conservation Area Experience o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance the financial sustainability of our

conservation areas. o Strategic Objective – focus marketing activities to attract visitors to conservation

areas. o Strategic Objective – develop and explore new revenue generating opportunities.

Subsequently, the outcome of this plan supports the following HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018 goals.

Strategic Goal #5 – Organizational Excellence o Strategic Objective – promote a positive and engaging work environment to

encourage staff continuity, growth and development. o Strategic Objective – maintain and enhance a corporate philosophy focussed on

cost control, sponsorship, revenue generation, sustainable municipal funding and, customer service.

AGENCY COMMENTS Not applicable. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Not applicable.

CONCLUSIONS The Christie Antique Show is a significant asset for the HCA. The evolution of the show since the HCA acquired it has been an ongoing process of improving communications with dealers, show field capital improvements, site access, internal databases, and marketing strategies. Recognizing the role of vintage items in helping the show remain dynamic and competitive is a fundamental step in the shows evolution. The results of this “one time” name change will be returned to the Board of Directors during 2015, such that the implications of the changes can be considered in the context of how the show proceeds in 2016 and beyond.

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Report TO: Board of Directors FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED BY: Tony Horvat, P. Eng. Director Capital Projects &

Strategic Services PREPARED BY: Tony Horvat, P. Eng., Director, Capital Projects &

Strategic Services Sandy Bell, Manager of Design & Development

DATE: June 10, 2015 RE: Request for Proposals - Architectural Design Services

Visitor Washroom Facility at Webster’s Falls STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the staff recommends to the Board of Directors: That this information be reviewed as project background information, as HCA staff will provide a recommendation to hire a specific consultant at the Board Meeting. BACKGROUND The Spencer Gorge-Webster’s Falls Conservation Area has spectacular waterfalls, escarpment views, extensive natural habitat supporting rare species and vegetation communities, trails and cultural heritage features. The Area provides both local and out of town visitors, of all ages and abilities, a memorable and educational experience, while also balancing protection of sensitive natural environments. These lands are owned and managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA). In 2013, the HCA approved an updated master plan for these lands. The plan identified the need for a permanent washroom facility to provide adequate services to visitors in the area of the main entrance and parking lot located at 28 Fallsview Road. To date all toilet facilities have been provided through the placement of portable toilets in the area

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with the total numbers adjusted by the season. There are no municipal water or sewage services available to the site. This is a very popular conservation area with current visitations estimated at 80,000 annually. The average weekend day visitations are approximately 350 people per day with peak visitations over 500. The attached map illustrates the location of this 65.6 hectare Conservation Area which includes Spencer Gorge (Tew’s Falls, and Webster’s Falls), the former Webster’s Park and the Greensville Optimist Community Park. An additional site plan detail shows the proposed location of the facility. For this work, the HCA requires architectural design and engineering services from a single, qualified firm or a joint consulting team with experience and expertise in designing similar types of projects. Due to the location and the overall role of the HCA in the community, this facility should be architecturally distinct while harmonizing with the surrounding environment. The facility must be accessible and utilize wherever possible, green, sustainable design and technologies and robust materials. It is anticipated that the funding request for the construction of the washroom will form part of the HCA 2016 capital budget submission. STAFF COMMENT HCA staff have invited several firms to submit proposals. Design services shall include but not be limited to:

Schematic Design Design Development Contract Documents

Final construction drawings and specifications package will be produced that will be inserted into a standard HCA bid package for public tender. Proposals shall include the following:

A description of the understanding of the project and the envisioned design concept and approach as well as why the firm should be selected;

Identification of personnel who will participate in the design project including their role and experience with similar types of projects;

Proposed project schedule and tasks as they relate to the scope of work; Personnel time allocations and fee rates for the proposed project schedule and

tasks. Proposals are due on June 19, 2015.

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HCA staff will review the proposals received based on the following criteria: Corporate History and Experience 20% Assigned Personnel Experience and Time Commitment 15% Project Understanding and Approach 25% Schedule and Fees to Complete the Project Tasks 40% The scoring shall be kept confidential. A report recommending the best overall proposal submission shall be submitted for approval to the HCA Board of Directors with the intent to award the project by the end of June. It is anticipated that the scope of work will be completed by October 30, 2015. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

Strategic Goal #3 – Conservation Area Experience o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance area infrastructure and natural

heritage features within the context of approved master plans. AGENCY COMMENTS Niagara Escarpment Commission has approved the master plan for this area which includes the proposed washroom building. A building permit application will be submitted to the City of Hamilton once the design and drawings are produced to the satisfaction of HCA. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS No legal implications. Funding will be sought for construction in 2016 CONCLUSIONS This information has been provided as background to this project and process.

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HCA staff will provide a report at the next HCA Board of Directors report with a summary of the proposals received and a recommendation for contract award.

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Report TO: HCA Board of Directors FROM: Chris Firth-Eagland, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) RECOMMENDED Tony Horvat, P. Eng., Director Capital Projects &

Strategic Services PREPARED BY: Tony Horvat, P. Eng., Director, Capital Projects &

Strategic Services DATE: June 10, 2015 RE: Request for Proposals - Engineering Services for

Groundwater, Leachate, Gas and Private Wells Testing and Analysis at Former Smith Landfill Site, 675 Jerseyville Road West, Hamilton (Ancaster)

STAFF RECOMMENDATION THAT the staff recommends to the Board of Directors: That this information be reviewed as project background information, as HCA staff will provide a recommendation to hire a specific consultant at the Board Meeting. BACKGROUND The Hamilton Region Conservation Authority (HRCA) owns a property at the upper limits of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area that was once an unlicensed landfill for inert construction materials known as the ``Smith Landfill Site`(SLS). The property has been capped and allowed to regenerate as a natural passive conservation area with no formal trails, activities or public access. The former SLS is located on Part of Lot 36, Concession 2 in the former Town of Ancaster. The landfill is bounded to the north by the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, to the east and west by agricultural lands and to the south by Jerseyville Road West. A location plan and topographic map are attached.

The property was operated as a sand/gravel pit from the 1960’s through to about 1996. Between 1980 and 1996 the site operated as a landfill for construction materials deemed as inert at that time by MOE. These materials included brick, concrete, wood, gypsum board, asphalt shingles, etc. In 1997 the HRCA purchased this site as part of a larger land holding by the owner, and with the assistance of the owner, completed capping and rehabilitation of the site. Throughout the site history a variety of studies and monitoring/testing was undertaken. The last study was completed/dated April 2000. In 2015 the MOE has requested that the HRCA undertake a new monitoring study at several locations quarterly over the period of about one year. This contract is to cover installation of 2 mini-piezometers, water and gas sampling as outlined in the recent request from the Ministry of Environment. It is anticipated that this work will be completed by the summer of 2016. STAFF COMMENT HCA staff have invited four firms to submit proposals. The firms will be required to undertake the following work:

1. New (2) Mini-Piezometers and One (1) Existing Well

a) Install a mini-piezometer downgradient of the landfill over the crest of the buried escarpment, near the portion of the tributary of Sulphur Creek that is closest to the site. Undertake groundwater monitoring on a quarterly basis – approximately July 2015, October 2015, January 2016, and May 2016.

b) The minimum of parameters to be tested is as attached to this report. The consultant may propose additional test parameters to address anticipated issues.

c) Install a mini-piezometer northwest of the site over the crest of the buried escarpment in an unimpacted area. Undertake groundwater monitoring on a quarterly basis – approximately July 2015, October 2015, January 2016, and May 2016. The minimum list of parameters to be tested is as attached. The consultant may propose additional test parameters to address anticipated issues.

d) Select one (1) existing well that is located within the buried waste material and collect and analyze leachate on a quarterly basis – approximately July 2015, October 2015, January 2016, and May 2016. The minimum list of parameters to

be tested is as attached to this report. The consultant may propose additional test parameters to address anticipated issues.

e) Compare the groundwater and leachate tests to one another and to previous studies results, assess the potential impacts to groundwater and creek from the landfill and summarize all test results and findings in a report.

f) Provide recommendations about potential future sampling based on the findings of this study.

2. Landfill Gas a) Determine if existing landfill gas probes BH9501, BH95-2 and BH95-3 are

suitable for measuring gas levels on a quarterly basis – approximately June 2015, September 2015, December 2015, and March 2016 – and undertake measurements.

b) If existing landfill gas probes are not usable – install a new gas probe within the waste materials and undertake quarterly measurements – approximately June 2015, September 2015, December 2015, and March 2016.

c) Compare the gas tests to previous studies, assess the potential impacts from the landfill and summarize all test results and findings in a report.

3. Private Water Wells

a) Undertake a door to door private water well survey at 569 Jerseyville Road, 675 Jerseyville Road West, and 719 Jerseyville Road West. Obtain water samples and undertake testing.

b) Compare the well water tests to any previous studies, assess the potential impacts from the landfill and summarize all test results and findings in a report.

The proposals shall account for and include:

i. Review existing information, studies and correspondence.

ii. Upon contract award, meet with HCA staff on site and examine existing site and review study plan.

iii. Undertake field work to verify and locate proposed piezometers, and suitability of existing gas probes and existing leachate well.

iv. Undertake the works as outlined above.

v. Produce a draft report and meet with HCA staff to review test results, conclusions

and recommendations.

vi. Produce a final report (3 hardcopies and 1 digital copy) for use by the HCA to respond to MOE requests.

All work to be based on the following schedule:

Fri May 22 HCA staff send out Request for Proposals 2:00 pm Wed Jun 24 Proposals Due from Consultants at HCA Thurs Jun 25 HCA Staff recommendation on Consultant Selection Fri Jun 26 Consulting Contract Awarded Jul 2015 to Jun 2016 Field work, sample acquisition and lab testing Fri Jun 24, 2016 Consultant submits draft report to HCA Mon Jul 8, 2016 Final report submitted to HCA staff Wed Jul 27, 2016 HCA Staff report submitted to HCA Board of Directors Thurs Aug 5, 2016 Presentation to HCA Board of Directors Tues Aug 9, 2016 Report submitted to MOE

HCA staff will review the proposals received based on the following criteria: Corporate History and Experience 15% Assigned Personnel Experience and Time Commitment 15% Proposed Work Plan for this Project 15% Total Cost for this Project 55% Scoring shall be kept confidential. It is anticipated that the scope of work will be completed by August, 2016. STRATEGIC PLAN LINKAGE The initiative refers directly to the HCA Strategic Plan 2014-2018:

Strategic Goal #3 – Conservation Area Experience o Strategic Objective – Maintain and enhance area infrastructure and natural

heritage features within the context of approved master plans. AGENCY COMMENTS This work is being undertaken at the request of the Ministry of the Environment. LEGAL/FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS This scope of work has no legal implications.

Funding for the work is available in a reserve account 91-1212-27-9000 which currently has a balance of $141,442.65. This account was created by the HCA using funds from the original owner as part of the purchase of the property in order to deal with any future environmental issues. CONCLUSIONS This information has been provided as background to this project and process. HCA staff will provide a report at the next HCA Board of Directors report with a summary of the proposals received and a recommendation for contract award.

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Minimum Parameters to be tested and analyzed Anions Cations Cond(theoretical) Relative Error TDS (theoretical) Alkalinity (as CaCO3) Bicarbonate (as CaCO3)-calculated Carbonate (as CaCO3)-calculated Langelier Saturation Index pH of Saturatuion Conductivity Nitrite (as N) Nitrate (as N) Nitrate and Nitrite (as N) TOC(uv/persulf) Ammonia (as N) Fluoride (probe) Bromide Chloride Ortho-Phosphate (as P) Sulphate Hardness (as CaCO3) Cyanide Mercury Phenols Selenium Total Dissolved Solids E.Coli Total Coliforms HPC Aluminum Barium Beryllium Boron Cadmium Cobalt Copper Iron Lead Magnesium Manganese Molybdenum Nickel Phosphorus Potassium Silicon Silver Sodium Strontium Sulphur Thalium Tin Titanium Vanadium Zinc Zirconium Dimethyl phthalate

Diethyl phthalate Di-n-butyl phthalate Butyl benzyl phthalate Bis(2-ethlhexyl)phthalate Di-n-octylphthalate

UPCOMING HCA EVENTS

Summer Kick Off Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28 11:00a.m. – 8:00p.m. Wild Waterworks Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8 What better way than to start your summer than a day at Wild Waterworks?! Splash around and enjoy a day filled with contests, games and giveaways! For more information, visit www.wild-waterworks.com, phone 905-547-6141 or email [email protected]. Canada and the American Civil War Sunday, June 28, 12:30p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 With close economic and cultural links, the United Province of Canada was affected in many ways by the American Civil War. Visit the village and discover both sides of this story. For more information, visit www.westfieldheritage.ca, phone 519-621-8851 or email [email protected]. Canada Day Celebration Wednesday July 1, 11:00a.m. – 8:00p.m. Wild Waterworks Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8 Celebrate Canada at Wild Waterworks with flags, pins, stickers and cake! Service persons receive free entry and those wearing red and white will receive $3.00 off admission at the gate. Join in the fun with Canada themed games and contests! For more information, visit www.wild-waterworks.com, phone 905-547-6141 or email [email protected]. Canada Day Wednesday, July 1, 12:30p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 Tour through the village and discover what life was like in early Canada. Visit the historic buildings, gardens and forests, stroll on the boardwalk or take a hike on the trails. This is a great opportunity for new Canadians to experience the history of Canada. For more information, visit www.westfieldheritage.ca, phone 519-621-8851 or email [email protected].

Family Fishing Week July 4-12 Valens Lake and Fifty Point Canadian residents can enjoy the fun of fishing in Ontario without a licence during the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend! For more information on fishing, please call Valens Lake at 905-525-2183 or Fifty Point at 905-525-2187. Summer Sundays July 5, 12 & 26 and August 9, 16 & 30 12:30p.m. – 4:00 p.m.. Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Village in summertime. Why not bring a picnic and find a shady spot under a sprawling maple? Tour the historic buildings, meet costumed interpreters and enjoy the historical fashion show at the Bandstand at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit www.westfieldheritage.ca, phone 519-621-8851 or email [email protected]. John Burns Memorial Fishing Derby July 11 Valens Lake Conservation Area 1691 Regional Road 97 (R.R.#6), Flamborough, Ontario N1R 5S7 Catch the Big One and win great prizes for children and adults. Prizes for the largest northern pike, largemouth bass and, for children, panfish. Bait and boat rentals are available. Runs from sunrise to 2 p.m. For more information call 905-525-2183 or 519-621-6029 or email [email protected]. The Printer’s Devil Sunday July 19, 12:30p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0 Visit the Seth Fothergill Print Shop to learn about the work of a printer. Discover the life of an apprentice, the technology of printing and the importance of print shops to large and small communities. For more information, visit www.westfieldheritage.ca, phone 519-621-8851 or email [email protected]. Winter Wonderland Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26 11:00a.m. – 8:00p.m Wild Waterworks Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8 Celebrate the holidays in July with Santa, decorating, candy canes, cookie decorating and contests! For more information, visit www.wild-waterworks.com, phone 905-547-6141 or email [email protected].