Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting – November 14, 2024

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Shades of Hope Wildlife Rescue and Speaking of Wildlife

Allison from 'Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge' gave a presentation about the organization and its mission to rehabilitate sick, orphaned, and injured wild animals. The refuge has been in operation for 13 years and has cared for 48,000 animals from over 200 species. They also provided information on how the public can help support the organization’s mission by learning how to protect wildlife and their habitats, as well as options for donating or volunteering.

Krystal from Speaking of Wildlife joined Allison to discuss her organization, which is dedicated to providing a permanent sanctuary for non-releasable Ontario wildlife and delivering educational experiences that foster appreciation and respect for wildlife. Krystal even brought along Barnaby, a Wood Turtle and one of their wildlife ambassadors, for the Commission to meet.

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Accounts & Budgets

Accounts Voucher

The Accounts Voucher outlines the invoices received by the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission for the periods from June 7 to September 30, 2024, and from August 14 to November 4, 2024. This document includes details such as the date, invoice number, payee, description of work performed, and the amounts involved. The Accounts Voucher is included in every Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Agenda to ensure transparency regarding the expenses incurred by the Commission. The Commission approved the Accounts Voucher as presented.

Safestate Security Fuel Surcharge Verbal Report

The Deputy Clerk provided a verbal report regarding the Safestate Security’s fuel surcharge.  As outlined in the agreement approved by the Commission at the May 16, 2024, Lagoon City Parks and Waterways meeting, the Fuel surcharge description and amount is listed under Additional Charges and Fees section (2.3.d) within the agreement. The Commission approved to receive the verbal report as information and for staff to report further.

Items of Information

Infrastructure & Public Works Verbal Update

Staff presented the following verbal update:

• In 2024, Marge the Barge removed approximately 242 loads of aquatic weeds from the canals, totaling around 485 wet tonnes. In contrast, in 2023, staff removed 301 barge loads.
• The repair on the Clean Flo™ shed located at Laguna Parkway is now complete.
• All No Wake signs, navigational buoys, and water fountains have been removed from the waterways and stored away. Additionally, all boats and equipment have been taken out of the waterways, thoroughly cleaned, winterized, and are set to be shrink-wrapped in the next couple of weeks.
• The Clean Flo System^TM remains operational and will continue to operate until early December, weather dependent.
• The planting of cedar trees has been successfully completed at two Clean Flo™ sheds: the Beaver Trail Shed and Shed #3 on Turtle Lagoon, which is the most westerly shed on Poplar Crescent.
• Engineers have reviewed several potential options for noise mitigation concerning the water movers. A few options currently under consideration include:

1. Installing a restriction at the pump outlet to create a small amount of load on the pump. Pumps that are not under load do not operate in an efficient spot which often leads to unusual vibrations and frequencies coming from the pump assemblies
2. Dampening the sound from the floats at top of the units.
3. Installing vibration pads. Engineers are currently awaiting additional information to determine the most suitable type of pad for this application.

• Staff provided an update on the trimming and removal of trees at both the north and south beaches. Due to inclement weather and the softness of the ground, the contractor will proceed with tree removal and trimming at both locations; however, this may be delayed for a few days because of the weather conditions. 
• At the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 9, staff will present a report to Council detailing a tree planting plan in partnership with the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority, covering areas within the Township, including Lagoon City.
• Staff advised that approved dredging from 2023/2024 will be taking place over the next few weeks between the north footbridge and Old Indian Trail.

North Footbridge Verbal Update

The staff reported that the project faced some delays at the beginning due to settlement issues. This required the temporary closure of the canal and stabilization of the structure until temporary micropiles could be installed. Currently, the contractor is working on the permanent repairs, and the temporary micropiles will be removed over the next couple of weeks. Staff anticipate that the project will be completed by the end of November.

While the project is currently more than $100,000 under the 2024 budget, it is over the tender amount discussed at the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meeting on May 16, 2024.

Administration Salary and Wage Allocations

Staff provided a report outlining the yearly costs of staff who support the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission.   

Unfinished or New Business

Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission 2025 Meeting

The Commission approved to receive and adopt the 2025 LCPWC meeting schedule.

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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.