Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting - September 12, 2024

Presentations, Receiving of Petitions and Deputations

Weeds B' Gone Presentation

Nick DeMarco from Weeds B' Gone presented the 2024 Sonar Scan Results report. The report included an overview of the positive results of the Clean-Flo^TM System and enhanced Bioaugmentation treatments strategically applied throughout the seasons. According to the sonar scanning, there has been a significant reduction in the muck at Concord Pond, Turtle Path, and Pike Lagoons over the past seven to eight years, leading to a considerable increase in water depth since the program's implementation. Nick also highlighted the consistent improvements in the muck density from 2023 to 2024 in Beaver Trail & Willow Crescent Lagoon, and the enhancements in Gondola Lagoon with the addition of nutrient Granules and Nutrient Sponges. Finally, Nick outlined opportunities for the future expansion of the system in other lagoon areas. The Commission approved receiving the presentation as information.

Listen to Presentation

Accounts & Budgets

Beach Cleaner Quotations

Staff presented a report regarding purchasing a beach cleaner for the 2025 budget year as requested by the Commission at the August 8 Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission meeting. Staff was able to seek out two quotations for the purchase of a gas-powered walk-behind beach cleaner that would be used to sift large debris out of the sand and keep the private north and south beaches looking clean.  The costs received were as follows:

• H. Barber and Sons—$20,142.00, CAD, plus shipping and taxes.
• Oneida New Holland - $24,400.00, CAD plus shipping and taxes.

The costs do not include debris disposal, staff or contractor time, and/or maintenance, which would require $50,000 to be budgeted. The Commission approved receiving the report as information, deferring the decision to purchase the Beach Cleaner, and moving the item to 2025 budget deliberations.  

Items for Information

Infrastructure Update

• Staff advised that as of September 10, they have completed two rounds of harvesting through the canal with help from Harvey the Harvester, Scoop Dogg and Marge the Barge. From now until the Thanksgiving long weekend, staff will monitor the canals daily and harvest the areas as required.
• Staff advised that as of September 1, Marge the Barge had removed 183 Barge loads from the canal system. With an estimated six to seven barge loads in each bin, at an estimated weight of 10 to 11 tons per bin, staff have estimated that over 280 tonnes were removed in July and August.
• Staff advised that the fencing at the south footbridge and the area along Simcoe Road is complete.
• Staff advised that the contractor is completing the East Concord/Laguna Clean Flo^TM House Shed repairs, including weed removal at the shed’s base and door repairs.  
• Staff are still waiting for the required materials to arrive to complete the electrical upgrades to the power supply buildings for the water movers. Staff will provide updates once the materials have arrived and the work is complete.
• Weeds B’ Gone attended the canal system on August 27 and completed another round of treatments. Listen to the presentation to hear the progress that they have made within the canal system.
• Staff advised that the repairs on the north footbridge have begun and are expected to be finished within 3 to 6 weeks.

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) Canal Research Project

Staff provided a proposal from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. The proposal aims to conduct a research project to study water quality, sediment nutrients, and aquatic plant biomass at six sites within Lagoon City. The goal is to verify anecdotal evidence, pinpoint potential nutrient sources for the canals, and determine if a management strategy can be devised. The Commission agreed to postpone the discussion of this item to a later meeting when a representative from the conservation authority can speak to the proposal.

Budget Items for Consideration for the 2025 Budget Year

Staff provided a follow-up regarding the 2025 Budget and capital projects that the Commission would like to consider for the 2025 budget. Staff investigated the following:

Mobi-Mat – Accessible Beach Access Mat

Staff priced the (5ft x 100ft) mats at an estimated cost of $9,000 each.

Pavilion at the private north beach

Staff provided the estimated price for a 30ft x 25ft pavilion, similar to the one found at Lovely Day Beach at $200,000. The pricing does not include permitting fees or other fees required by the Township or the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority (LSRCA) or any engineering or site preparation.

Clean-Flo™ Shed Signage

In order to facilitate clear communication regarding the Clean-Flo™ Sheds in Lagoon City Parks and Waterway assets, the Commission suggested that the names of the sheds be displayed on the outside. This way, residents, Commission members, and staff will be able to easily identify and refer to specific sheds. The staff has approximated the cost of creating and installing each sign to be between $200 and $250.

Bridge Artwork

Staff estimate that replacing the artwork at the footbridges will cost between $300 and $400 per sign.

Mid Sized Excavator

Staff estimate the cost of a 7.5-ton, mid-sized excavator to handle the weeds at the offload site at $185,000. The Township and the Commission may be able to share the purchase of this equipment.

Clean-Flo™ System Expansion

Staff are investigating a four-year plan with Weeds B’Gone to strategically expand the system throughout the canal system. Staff will follow up with the Commission on pricing for the expansion over the next four years.

2025 Draft Budget Discussions

The 2025 Draft Budget was presented to the Commission for discussion. The Capital items for 2025 include some of the following items:

• Constructing footbridge fencing,
• Expanding Clean-Flo™ System,
• Gondola Lagoon noise solutions, and
• Mobi-Mats

 The Commission asked for the following amendments to the budget:

• Increase Advertising Budget for 2025 community engagement
• Add 50,000 to the 2025 Budget for the Beach Cleaner
• Remove the following capital items
  • Construction of Pavilion at the budget price of $200,000
  • Artwork at footbridges at the budget price of $10,000

The revised budget will presented at a Special Lagoon City Parks and Waterways meeting that will be scheduled prior to September 30, 2024.

Unfinished or New Business

Concrete Blocks at Laguna offloading site

Councillor Bell provided a concern to the Commission regarding the placement of concrete blocks at the Laguna offloading site and the potential liability concern of snowmobilers hitting these blocks when they are driving on and off the ice. Staff advised that the concrete blocks are on private property and that the property owner requested they remain on site. The Commission approved receiving the concern as information. Councillor Bell advised that she will bring this concern forward at a future Council meeting.

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.