Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting - July 11, 2024

Chair Position

The Commission approved to appoint Commissioner Kal Johnson as chair for the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission for one year.

Infrastructure and Public Works Updates

• Staff are working with electrical contractors to complete the electrical upgrades to both power supply locations due to the new ESA requirements. Engineers are still working on the noise mitigation measures for the south water mover.
• Staff are working with the lighting contractor to determine what downward lighting options are available for both footbridges (north and south).
• The repairs for the north footbridge are tentatively scheduled to commence on July 18. Staff have already informed all property owners upstream about the possibility of intermittent height restrictions during the project. Additionally, staff have reached out to adjacent property owners to advise them of the project and potential encroachment on their properties. This proactive communication is aimed at ensuring everyone is well-informed and reassured.
• Aquatic Weed spraying is set for Tuesday, July 16, with a rain date of July 17. Residents are reminded not to use the water for 5 days after not to use the canal waters for any irrigation as the herbicide may have a negative effect on lawns and gardens.
• Aquatic Weed harvesting has begun, and staff are off to a great start. Harvey the Harvester and Scoop Dogg have been busy  harvesting in Cedar Lagoon, Windward Lagoon, Gondola Lagoon East, and Canoe Lagoon, and currently in Concord Pond. At this time, 20 barge loads of weeds have been from the canals.
• Staff received fencing quotes for the south footbridge and the area along Simcoe Road, and the successful contractor has been notified. The timeline for this to commence is estimated to be around four weeks.
• East Concord/Laguna Clean Flo House quotes have been received by staff and are currently being evaluated;  the contractor will be notified once the evaluation is complete. Staff will get an estimated time for that project to start and update that progress at the next Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meeting.
• The floating island has been removed and disposed of from the canal system.

South Beach Alternate Entrance

Staff provided a report regarding a resident request to open the gates at the south beach alternate entrance between September 15 and May 15. As well, the agenda provided a letter from a residents regarding historical information on the Commission decision to close the gate in prior years.  Staff advised that if the gates are opened, the Commission must install bollards to prevent vehicles from entering the south beach area at an estimated cost of $825.00 each. Staff also identified that some grading work is needed to address water accumulation, and vegetation and trees will need to be trimmed. The report outlined that no additional financial liability is expected; however, there is an increased risk due to the proximity to public areas. The Commission approved to receive the report as information.

Beach Access for Pier One

The Commission discussed various approaches for guests at Pier One in Lagoon City to access the beach. The Commission approved amending the wristband policy to ensure that the Marina and Hotel in Lagoon City permits the issuance of temporary wristbands—one per room—for overnight guests over the age of 18 to use the private beaches.

Additional Approved Follow up Items

• For staff to provide information on the last time the aquatic plants found in the Lagoon City canals were tested to find out the organic makeup.
• For Staff to follow up on the status of the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority’s (L.S.R.C.A) research project.
• The Commission approved for staff to investigate cleaning up the north and south beaches, includes trees, no wake signs and debris. The Commission also approved for a request to Council to direct OCWA to clean up the palates and debris at the Lagoon City Water Treatment Plant.

Similar to Council Highlights, the document will be accessed through our Stay Informed page and the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission page.  Remember to subscribe to the L.C.P.W.C. page to get notified by email when the highlights are posted. 

Don't forget that you can access the agenda and watch the meeting on our Civic Web Portal.