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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-020 - Donation of a Portion of Melitzer Creek in Bridgeport North Community1 R Community Services REPORT Report To: Community Services Committee Date of Meeting: March 3, 2008 Submitted By: Jim Witmer Director of Operations Prepared By: Peter Wetherup Parks Planner Wards} Involved: Ward 1-Bridgeport-Centre Date of Report: February 19, 2008 Report No.: CSD-08-020 Subject: DONATION OF A PORTION OF MELITZER CREEK IN BRIDGEPORT NORTH COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Kitchener accepts the donation of 0.47 acres (0.192 hectares} of land containing a portion of Melitzer Creek and a 15 metre buffer zone located at 214 Woolwich Street and described as Part 2 on a future 58R plan from Ms. Pamela Schlueter, on such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the City Solicitor; and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any required documentation to effect the transfer of title satisfactory to the City Solicitor. BACKGROUND: Melitzer Creek is a tributary of the Grand River which drains approximately 230 hectares of land within the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Kitchener's portion is located in the Bridgeport North community to the rear of properties on Woolwich Street and Sunbridge Crescent. The subject parcel is located at 214 Woolwich Street and is presently zoned agricultural (A1). REPORT: The Melitzer Creek Master Drainage Plan (Sept. 1989) recommended "that the lands within the Melitzer Creek Wetland, the wetland preservation zone and the Melitzer Creek Regional storm floodline be designated as open space" and "a 15 metre wide buffer strip adjacent to warm water streams" be established for protection. The subdivision development in Bridgeport North, being the Activa and South Staton lands, has been designed to incorporate Melitzer Creek and its tributaries as part of the stormwater drainage system. Report No: CSD-07-020 2 The street pattern proposed in the Activa subdivision (30T-04210) has been designed to allow for development of adjacent lands including the existing properties along Woolwich Street. The owners of 214 Woolwich Street are proposing a severance to create 3 parcels: 1) the existing home at 214 Woolwich St 2) Melitzer Creek and buffer zone 3) rear parcel for future development in association with Activa's subdivision (30T-04210) The owner has offered the parcel containing the portion of Melitzer Creek and the 15 metre buffer adjacent to the creek to the City in advance of the development of the rear parcel with the abutting subdivision. The City will be provided a maintenance easement across 214 Woolwich St for access to the creek parcel. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The owner Ms. Pamela Schlueter will convey the parcel to the City with the City assuming the legal costs (approximately $500.00) for the transfer. Monies to be taken from the Park Trust Fund. The parcel will become part of the open space inventory and be added to City maintenance schedules. COMMUNICATION: These lands have been identified in the Melitzer Creek Master Drainage Plan and the Bridgeport North Community Environmental Overview as areas of wetland preservation that should be protected and conserved. Subdivision development has been designed to incorporate these as open space opportunities. The owner Ms. Pamela Schlueter has approached the City with this donation offer in concert with the future subdivision possibilities. CONCLUSION: Staff is in support of the proposal to convey the portion of Melitzer Creek to the City of Kitchener. It fulfills the City's intent to protect and conserve the natural heritage features through public ownership. Jim Witmer Peter Wetherup Director of Operations Parks Planner