MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - JANUARY 26, 2016

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOVED BY: L. Malcolm SECONDED: H. Sharma

THAT the agenda be amended to include item 5(a);

AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. MINUTES, RECEIPT & ADOPTION OF

a) Minutes of the Parks, Recreation and Environment Advisory Committee meeting held November 24, 2015

MOVED BY: L. Malcolm SECONDED: R. Lapshinoff

THAT the minutes of the Parks, Recreation and Environment Advisory Committee meeting held November 24, 2015 be adopted as amended. CARRIED

4. CHAIR'S REPORT

The Chair, I. Brown, resigned as the Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Environment Advisory Committee effective immediately but will continue to be a member of the Committee.

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: R. Lapshinoff

THAT L. Malcolm be appointed as Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Environment Advisory Committee for the remainder of the meeting. CARRIED

5. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS

a) B. Neal, Westshore Parks and Recreation, Re: Possible Skate Park Locations

N. Donegani, Westshore Skatepark Coalition, spoke to the Committee in regard to the need for a skatepark in the Western Communities and presented an exploratory plan for a proposed skatepark.

The Coalition is hoping to find a location for a skatepark within the Western Communities and would like the Town's involvement in the planning and development of the skatepark; and to secure funds for the construction of the new skatepark. The Coalition would like to gain public awareness around skateparks and its many user groups.

The Committee discussed the safety of skateparks; graffiti; several smaller satellite skateparks; costs associated with maintenance; and the concern of losing green space.

The Coalition will be attending the Parks Master Plan Open House on February 3, 2016.

6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

a) Parks Master Plan – Open House and Workshop February 3, 2016

The Committee discussed the upcoming Parks Master Plan Open House to be held on February 3, 2016. It was requested that staff forward information regarding the online survey to Committee members.

b) Global Warming - Town of View Royal Corporate Energy Emissions Plan and Town of View Royal Community Energy Emissions Plan

The Committee discussed the Capital Regional District's Community Energy and Emissions Plan and the Town's Corporate and Community Energy Emissions Plans, specifically:

• actions that have or have not been accomplished;
• building upgrades, heat pumps and retro fits to improve energy;
• CRD incentive programs; and
• Town's emissions program checklist.

The Committee will bring ideas and opportunities forward to a future meeting.

c) Invasive Species Removal and Future Training Workshop for Volunteers

The Committee discussed the need to expand invasive species removal to other parks within View Royal. It was suggested to hold work sessions on Saturdays or alternating Saturdays and Sundays to bring out more volunteers; with a short training workshop being held at the beginning of the each work sessions as opposed to separate training workshops.

The Committee will be organizing an invasive species removal work party at Garry Oak Meadows Park in the near future.

7. REPORTS

7.1 STAFF REPORTS

The Parks Supervisor informed the Committee that a letter has been sent to the Capital Regional District regarding the repair of the stairs at Craigflower Creek Trail at Riverside Drive; trees have been planted and installation of fitness equipment and installation of water fountains in the Spring at View Royal Park; and the installation of the swing set at Mellor Park with a bench being installed in the near future.

7.2 COUNCIL REPORTS

a) Minutes of the Council meeting November 3, 2015

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: R. Lapshinoff

THAT the minutes of the Council meeting held November 3, 2015 be received. CARRIED

b) Minutes of the Council meeting November 17, 2015

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: H. Sharma

THAT the minutes of the Council meeting held November 17, 2015 be received. CARRIED

8. CORRESPONDENCE

9. BYLAWS

10. NEW BUSINESS

a) Draft Brochure for Portage Park, J. Hebb, Restoration Coordinator for Portage Park

J. Hebb, Restoration Coordinator, Portage Park, gave a presentation to the Committee regarding the draft brochure for Portage Park.

The presentation also included budget proposal; ecosystem; restoration project; and native garden signage in Portage Park. The Committee requested that the draft brochure and presentation be forwarded to them.

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: H. Sharma

THAT the meeting be extended to 9:30 pm. CARRIED

b) CRD Regional Parks – Draft Regional Trails Management Plan

The Committee discussed the Capital Regional District's Parks Draft Regional Trails Management Plan, specifically:

• redesign of Galloping Goose Regional Trail crossings at Island Highway and Wale Road;
• completion of E&N Rail Trail from Hallowell Road to Maplebank Road;
• possibility of washroom facilities at Portage Park;
• conflict between cyclists and pedestrians;
• enforcement on speed limits; and
• doggie bags.

Councillor Rogers noted that Council has made a request to the Capital Regional District to extend the deadline for submitting comments.

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: R. Lapshinoff

PREAC-01-16 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Capital Regional District install public washrooms in the Portage Park rest area. CARRIED

11. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION

12. TERMINATION

MOVED BY: I. Brown SECONDED: H. Sharma

THAT this meeting now terminate at 9:38 p.m. CARRIED

CHAIR _______________________

RECORDING SECRETARY _______________________