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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-114 - Donation of Woodlot Lands in Grand River South Community ) R Community Services Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Community Services Committee December 3, 2007 Greg Hummel, Interim Director of Operations Peter Wetherup, Parks Planner (ext. 2403) Ward 2 - Chicopee-Grand River November 20, 2007 CSD-07-114 DONATION OF WOODLOT LANDS IN GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Kitchener accepts the donation of 8.4 acres (3.4 hectares) of land containing a woodlot located at Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive and described as Part 1 of 58R - 15345 from Deerfield Homes Ltd., on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any required documentation to effect the transfer of title satisfactory to the City Solicitor. BACKGROUND: The woodlot is located at the intersection of Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive in the Grand River South Community. It is zoned P-2 and is part of the multiple residential site located at 7 Upper Mercer. REPORT: The Grand River South Community Plan states "the Community Plan recognize, and encourage public ownership of, the following significant natural resources comprising the Community's Natural Heritage System:..... and the upland woodlot at the southwest corner of Zeller Drive and Woolner Drive". During the subdivision process, the sub-divider chose to retain the woodlot in private ownership and include it in the proposed multiple residential block as a private open space component. The multiple residential block has been acquired by Deerfield Homes Ltd and they have approached the City about conveying the woodlot at no cost to the City for public purposes. Report No: CSD-07-114 2 As part of the conveyance, a public access to the woodlot, over an easement, will be developed as part of the residential site development. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The owner, Deerfield Homes Ltd, will convey the parcel at no cost to the City of Kitchener and will construct the access at their cost. The woodlot will become part of the open space inventory and be added to the City maintenance schedules. COMMUNICATION: The City's desire to acquire the woodlot was addressed in the Grand River South Community Plan and as part of the subdivision processes for these lands (58M-392). The owner, Deerfield Homes Ltd, has proposed the conveyance through the site development process. CONCLUSION: Staff is in support of the proposal to convey the woodlot to the City of Kitchener. It fulfills the original intent of the Grand River South Community Plan to acquire the natural heritage features into public ownership. Greg Hummel Interim Director of Operations AP