HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-18-020 - Grand River Access Memo of Understanding AgreementREPORT TO: Council & Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING: March 19, 2018
SUBMITTED BY: Denise McGoldrick, Director Operations, Environmental Services
(519-741-2600 x 4657)
PREPARED BY: Mark Parris, Landscape Architect, 519-741-2600 x4397
WARD(S) INVOLVED: 1, 2
DATE OF REPORT: March 12, 2018
REPORT NO.: INS-18-020
SUBJECT:Grand River Access Point Improvement Project – Authorization to
Execute a Memo of Understanding and Related Agreements
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the General Manager, Infrastructure Services be authorized to execute, on
behalf of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener a Memo of Understanding and
related agreements with the Regional Tourism Organization 4 - a branch of the
Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport - with said agreement to be satisfactory to
the City Solicitor.
BACKGROUND:
In 2014, the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO) created the Grand River Access
Point Standards Manual intended to be an on-going, multi-million dollar re-investment to
develop signage, facilities and access points to improve the market readiness of the
Grand River.
The Manual initiated public engagement, private interest groups and individuals under a
stewardship asset management model to continue the redevelopment of Grand River
access points. Various organizations such as the Grand River Conservation Authority
(GRCA), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and Department of Fisheries and
Oceans (DFO) have also contributed to the on-going project.
In 2016/17, the RTO completed the first significant infrastructure improvement west of
Elora/Fergus, at a location known as Wilson’s Flats. The RTO partnered with the local
community groups, contractors GRCA, MNR and DFO to create the demonstration
Grand River Access site.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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REPORT:
The RTO have partnered with the Stanley Park Optimist Club of Kitchener to improve
two Grand River Access Points within the City of Kitchener. The locations selected are
two existing Walter Bean Grand River Trail Access Points, with the following
information:
2500 Shirley Dr. (Ward 1) - Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area, Stormwater
Management Facility and Walter Bean Grand River Trail Access Point
650 Otterbein Rd. (Ward 2) – Walter Bean Grand River Trail Access Point
The purpose of the Memo of Understanding is to establish the City of Kitchener’s role to
review and approve all relevant information involved in the redevelopment of both City
locations.
The role will allow city staff to ensure the balance of Grand River Access and Walter
Bean Grand River trail use, mitigate potential conflicts with existing site use, and
confirm maintenance / life-cycling requirements once complete.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic
vision through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The City of Kitchener is not committed to financial contributions for the capital costs of
access re-development at this time.
Operations and maintenance considerations will be evaluated through the Grand River
Access Point design process and any financial implications will be considered through
the annual budget process for the City of Kitchener.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – A copy of this report will be posted to the City’s Council agenda webpage.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Cynthia Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure
Services
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Appendix ‘A’ – Aerial Image of 2500 Shirley Dr. (Ward 1)
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Appendix ‘B’ – Aerial Image of 650 Otterbein Rd. (Ward 2)
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