Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission Meeting - August 8, 2024

Infrastructure and Public Works Updates

• Staff advised that Harvesting is completed in the following canals: Cedar Lagoon, Windward Lagoon, Beaver Lagoon, Canoe Lagoon, Concord Pond, Leeward Lagoon, Gondola Lagoon (both east and west), the entrance to Lagoon City, and the crews are currently working in Harbour Lagoon and at the Marina.
• Staff advised that with the high water levels this year, they have not yet been able to harvest in Turtle Lagoon and Pike Lagoon. However, staff reported that with the recent drop in water levels, staff will attempt to return to Turtle Lagoon on Monday, August 12.
• As of August 1, Harvester and Scoop Dog have removed 79 Marge-the-Barge loads of Aquatic weeds (plants) from the waterways.
• East Concord/Laguna Clean Flo^TM House Shed repairs have been awarded to the contractor, and staff are awaiting a start date to be provided.
• The Township has received the LSRCA permit for the north foot bridge repair work and is awaiting a start date from the contractor.  Staff have issued a start work order for August 6, 2024, and will advise the public and the Commission when the work begins.
• The Private North and South beach revitalization work is completed. Staff will follow up on feedback received from the Commission.
• WeedsBGone has been in the canals and completed another round of treatments to the Clean Flo^TM system.
• Staff are still awaiting the required materials to arrive to complete the electrical upgrades to the power supply buildings for the water movers. Staff will provide updates once materials have arrived and the work is complete.
• Debris from the South Beach Kiosk area has been cleaned up and removed.
• The broken tree and fallen branches at the Private North Beach have been cut up and removed, and the fencing that was falling down is now secure.
• Hydro excavation near the tennis courts that are close to Pier One has been completed and cleaned up. 

Through Commission discussions, the following was also addressed

• Staff will investigate the possibility of grading the Private North beach.
• Staff advised that contractors are investigating the types of lights at the Footbridges to ensure the lighting chosen meets all the requirements for the area.
• Staff followed up on the high water in the canals and the harvester’s inability to get into Turtle Lagoon to cut the weeds underneath the water's surface.  It was advised that the area is still navigable  and high water levels are being monitored daily. Staff are also investigating contingency plans if water levels have not dissipated.   
• The Commission reported that one of the beach enforcement signs is missing. Staff advised that the sign will be replaced. 

Beach Bookings and Wristbands

At the July 11 meeting, the Commission discussed providing Pier One in Lagoon City temporary wristbands – one per room – for overnight guests over 15.  Since that discussion, staff has received complaints from the public regarding the private beaches being used by Pier One Resort for events and advertisements advising that wristbands would not be required. The Commission approved for staff to advise Pier One Resort to cease running programs on Township property until a Beach Booking Permit has been obtained and that the Chair, Ward 5 Councillor and staff meet with Pier One Resort to discuss the beach booking policy and wristband policy. Staff will report the communications with the resort and commendations at a future meeting. Lastly SafeState Protection and Security has been directed to enforce the Beach Booking Policy.

Open LCPWC Tickets

Staff reported that through the Report a Concern – online reporting tool -  there are currently three open tickets that staff are working to resolve.

Water Wisdom – Verbal Update

Staff are in correspondence with various agencies requested by the Commission to present at future Commission meetings.

Aquatic Testing – Verbal Update

Staff advised that aquatic testing is not scheduled for 2024, and in prior years, the Commission has completed weed testing through Wessuc Inc. to determine the classification of weeds within the canal system. Staff advised that no new information was gathered between the two tests completed by the Commission. It was reported that the estimated cost is $5,000, excluding HST.   

Guidelines for In-Water Works & Product Applications

Staff verbally updated the requirements for contractors who wish to work within the canal system, such as weed removal.  The Commission also discussed other educational opportunities to provide information and resources to the residents of Lagoon City. The Commission approved THAT In-Water Works be permitted with the consultation of the Infrastructure Department and that the educational opportunities be deferred to a later date.  

Remuneration for Council Liaison and Committee members

The Commission approved for staff to prepare a report regarding the remuneration of Lagoon City Parks and Water Waterways Commission, confirming how payment is allocated and the budget for members and council members and that the rate of remuneration be communicated when advertising for the position.

Canal Tour – Items for Discussion

On Jun 24, the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways attended a Lagoon City Canal Tour to view the various locations and topics:

• Short term rentals
• South Foot Bridge - Viewed the lights.
• Floating Island
• Clean-Flo™ House - Members discussed adding them to the Township GIS
• Shorewalls
  • Deteriorated walls
  • Concrete construction
• Take Off Area
  • The smell has been reduced in the area
  • The location works well for staff
• Water Fountain - Members discussed the potential to turn on the light
• Artwork on the Bridges - Members discussed the artwork's deterioration and whether and how they would replace it
• Names of Equipment - Members discussed the consideration of naming the new pontoon boat
• Shorewalls - Litigation matter discussion
• Running Lines - Members discussed running lines into the bay
• Kiosk Location - Members discussed the proposed future use of the
• Kiosk location
• Easement - The Director of Infrastructure advised the members of the easement across Pier One property to allow Township access to
• Township property
• North Foot Bridge

From these items, the Commission approved to bring the following items to the 2025 budget discussions:

• Community Engagement: Future plans and ideas for the Lagoon City, including beach improvements, future kiosk locations, beautification, and community art initiatives.
• Naming of the Clean Flo^TM houses will ensure proper identification and communication.

2025 Budget Discussions

The Commission discussed the 2025 Budget and capital projects the Commission would like to accomplish in 2025. The Commission approved for staff to investigate the following items:

• Proposed expansion of the Clean-Flo™ System
• The cost of a pavilion on the private North beach
• Beach cleaner equipment
• Mobi-Mat – Accessible Beach Access Mat

New Business

The Commission approved the following reports and direction

• Staff to inquire with the property owner regarding the expansion of the fencing adjacent to the shorewall at the road entrance to the Drinking Water Treatment Facility. 
• Staff prepare a report regarding amending the LCPWC procedure bylaw to address timelines regarding agenda submissions and minute distribution and add the heading, announcements, and inquiries to the LCPWC agenda.
• Staff report on clarifying the responsibility of legal fees associated with the LCPWC business.
• Staff will request that beach security report incidents on private beaches to the LCPWC Secretary, who will then forward the reports to the Commission for monthly review.

Private VS Public

The Commission and the Township remind residents that Private North Beach ends at the Lake Simcoe Shoreline, and there are no provisions or guidelines determining where boats can be anchored.

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.