HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-055 - Kiwanis Park Fence
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Community Services
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Community Services Committee
May 1 , 2006
Denise Keelan, Interim Director of Aquatics and Athletics
Denise Keelan, Interim Director of Aquatics and Athletics (ext.
2706)
All
April 24, 2006
CSD-06-055
KIWANIS PARK FENCE
RECOMMENDATION:
That based on the Lifesaving Society Aquatic Safety Audit of Kiwanis Park and the
Region of Waterloo Health Department recommendation, a fence be constructed that will
surround the swimming area at the Kiwanis Park by the opening date this 2006 season.
That $43,000 be transferred from the Capital Contingency Fund to fund this project.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to advise Council on the impact of Ontario Health Regulation
565/90 as it pertains to the re-designation of the swimming area at Kiwanis Park to a "pool" and
to seek Council approval for funds to install fencing on site to meet the Regulation.
REPORT:
Kiwanis Park includes a 2.5 acre human-made waterfront and swimming area. The area is
subject to the Region of Waterloo Public Health's enforcement of the Ontario Health Regulation
565/90. In the summer of 2005, in light of numerous drownings throughout the province, the
Regional Public Health Inspectors became increasingly adamant that the swimming area be re-
classified as a 'pool' and therefore, be subject to fencing regulations which would ensure that
the swim area is locked during non-use hours. Currently the park gate at the entrance provides
the only deterrent to persons choosing to trespass when the park itself is closed. The City of
Kitchener continues to provide insurance for the park
The Region of Waterloo Public Health submitted a letter to the Kiwanis Club and the City of
Kitchener requiring the City to comply with the regulation and outlining the requirements of this
revised classification. Specifically, the "pool" must now be gated and fenced. This directive
allows the pool to be inaccessible when the park itself is deemed closed. The Region of
Report No. CSD -06-055
Waterloo Health Unit has insisted that, without such a feature, the pool would not be permitted
to operate in this and future summers.
Upon receipt of this directive, City staff approached the Ontario Lifesaving Society, known as
the provincial experts in this discipline. A request was made for a full aquatic Safety Audit of the
Kiwanis Park to be conducted by the safety management department of the Lifesaving Society.
A detailed inspection of the park and pool took place in late August, 2005 with the final report
being received in February, 2006. This report confirmed that a fence should be constructed to
restrict access to the pool during non-operational hours and members of the Kiwanis Club are in
favor of this recommendation.
The proposed fence would enclose approximately 10 acres of the surrounding pool area and will
be a 8 foot chain link fence (2 inch link size) hosting 6 pedestrian gates and 2 maintenance
gates. The construction of a fence will take approximately 2 weeks and the City is prepared to
comply for an end of May completion.
The Kiwanis Club, the Conservation Authority and Kitchener's risk management staff are in
agreement that the swimming area and surrounding grounds should be fenced and gated to
prevent usage when the park is closed. A fence would reduce the trespassers using the pool
and restrict the overnight partying that often results in broken glass in or near the pool areas.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost to construct the fence has been confirmed at $43,000. CSD staff and Finance
identified that $43,000 be transferred from the Capital Contingency Fund to support this project
based on the legislated safety requirement. This project was not included in final 2006 Capitol
budget as staff were still seeking confirmation of the fencing recommendations and the
requirements from the Lifesaving Society Safety audit; information which was not released to
staff until February of 2006. There will be no operating costs related to this recommendation.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Since August of 2005, the Kiwanis Park members and the City of Kitchener have been in
communication with regards to the construction of a fence. When approved by Council, all
interested parties will be notified in writing that a fence will be in place for the park operation this
2006 season.
CONCLUSION:
A fence surrounding the pool area at Kiwanis Park will increase the safety of the park and is a
legislated safety requirement.
Denise Keelan
Interim Director, Athletics and Aquatics
AP