Arena & Indoor Recreational Facilities

As you know, the provision of recreational and cultural services in Pelham has been an issue for decades.

Last year, I wrote about a creative problem solving session in December 2012 where Council identified a way forward:
• stay focused on deciding what to do with Town facilities and the Town-owned-lands in East Fonthill (32 acres at Regional Road 20 and Rice Road);
• define the recreational and cultural services the Town needs now and for the future;
• develop the Town-owned-lands in East Fonthill in the best manner and in conjunction with other property-owner groups;

As part of achieving this, staff prepared an Executive Summary of all the recreational and cultural reports that various Councils received over the years. Staff informed Council that, “A review of all previous studies was undertaken which confirmed that no significant or meaningful financial work was completed, [thus] requiring additional financial analysis for both an arena and community centre.”

The Town hired LeisurePlan International last summer to develop a market analysis and business case study. So that they could develop a statistically significant report, LeisurePlan surveyed +1,000 residents about their recreation and culture habits and preferences.

After detailed analysis, LeisurePlan presented the Phase One results to Council on January 13 and 20.

Please click here for a copy of LeisurePlan's presentation to Council.
Please click here for a link to the video recording of LeisurePlan's presentation during our January 13, 2014 meeting (from ~0:10:00 to 01:23:00).

Arena Facilities:
The report suggests that there is not enough demand in the short / medium term for a twin-pad, but suggests "there may be sufficient demand...for a second ice pad in the time period just beyond 2023/24."

LeisurePlan recommends that the Town:
• replace the existing single-pad with a new arena facility within the next five years;
• design a new twin-pad facility and phase the construction – build one ice pad first (contingent on capital financing) and construct the second pad after 2023/24 (should the sustaining demand develop);

Please click here for a copy of LeisurePlan's Arena Facility Strategy Provision report.

Multi-Purpose Recreational Facilities:
Upon surveying all user groups and associations (14 in total), all service providers in Pelham (46 in total), and 1,091 residents, LeisurePlan recommends that the Town:
• provide a multi-purpose facility to accommodate demand for participation in fitness activities, walking/running on an indoor track, and gymnasium sports;
• provide multi-purpose program space;
• not provide an indoor pool facility due to lack of demand and to associated costs;

Please click here for a copy of LeisurePlan's Indoor Multi-Purpose Facility Provision report.

Over the next 5-6 weeks, LeisurePlan will complete Phase Two – examine the business case and various options associated with facility construction and operation.

When both Phases are complete, Council and I look forward to working together with you and your neighbours to review the options and finally move ahead on the future recreational facilities and needs for the Town.

Multi-Purpose Community Centre Provision Strategy

In addition to the Arena report, LeisurePlan International Inc. also presented to Council on Monday their final report on the Multi -Purpose Community Centre Provision Strategy.

Phase One of this strategy determined the magnitude and characteristics of the existing and potential future demand among community based recreation service providers and residents for indoor aquatic, fitness and gymnasium related programs, activities and facilities in the Town.

Upon surveying all user groups and associations (14 in total), all service providers in Pelham (46 in total), and 1,091 residents, the recommendations are to:
- provide a multi-purpose facility to accommodate demand for participation in fitness activities, walking/running on an indoor track, and gymnasium sports;
- provide multi-purpose program space;
- not provide an indoor pool facility due to lack of demand and to associated costs;

Please find a copy of the LeisurePlan presentation by clicking here.

For a complete copy of the LeisurePlan Multi -Purpose Community Centre Provision Strategy (which will be presented to Town Council on Monday, January 20) please click here.

Arena Facility Provisions Strategy -- Final Report

For your information, please find here a copy of the Phase 1 of the Recreation Facilities Reports -- the final report on the Pelham Arena.

This report is based on extensive analysis of current Arena usage, current demand that is accommodated elsewhere, expressed additional demand (like adding a second practice for all teams), and demand that may be required for the future as Pelham grows.

The report suggests that there is currently not enough demand in the short / medium term for twin pad, but suggests "there may be sufficient demand...for a second ice pad in the time period just beyond 2023/24."

The report recommends that the Town:
- plan for the replacement of the existing single ice pad with a new twin pad facility within the next five years;
- design a new twin ice pad and allow for a phased build -- building one ice pad during the next five years (contingent on capital financing), and construct the second pad after 2023/24 should the sustaining demand develop.

The report's author from LeisurePlan International will presented tonight to Pelham Town Council on Monday, January 13 at 6:30 PM at Pelham Town Hall.
This arena report is phase-one of reports on recreational facilities; LeisurePlan will report shortly on the demands for other facilities (community centre facilities) with a business case analysis of financial sustainability.

Review Designs for Downtown Fenwick Revitalization

Just before the Christmas break, residents and business owners were invited to see the latest plans to revitalize Downtown Fenwick.

You will recall that while Council budgeted funds to revitalize Downtown Fenwick in 2013, staff ran into delays with design, with added work (properly attaching the storm sewer to Church Street) and with coordinating with the utility’s schedules. Last September, because of these challenges, Council decided to postpone the revitalization until 2014.

Council made this decision after receiving a staff report outlining the project’s complexities. In essence, to properly deal with the storm sewers and to tie them correctly into adjoining streets, construction crews will have to dig fairly deep. Second, the requirement to bury the hydro lines and other overhead utilities meant that the Town must work closely with Ontario Hydro; Hydro had said they could not undertake that work until 2014.

In early December, Council approved $4.0 million budget to reconstruct the roads, bury the hydro lines, and make the Downtown more pedestrian friendly.

The consulting engineers met with the public on December 19 to review the nearly-final designs. While the event was well attended for the time of year (just before the Holiday) I spoke to a few people that would have liked to attend the open house and review the plans.

Well, now the Town has posted the plans on our new website at www.pelham.ca/current-construction-projects. What do you think about the streetscaping elements? What are your thoughts about the proposed locations of the hydro transformer boxes? Do the road sections make sense?

While there is still another, final stage of design work to be completed, now is the time to suggest any last improvements.

The tenders for the general contractor will go out in February; I hope that the first stages of construction can begin in March or April.

Council has directed staff to ensure as little negative impact on Downtown businesses and on traffic as possible. And, having learned from other major projects in recent years, Council is also looking for a clear process to keep businesses and the public informed about construction progress and a clearly defined person in charge to approach with any concerns.

We look forward to your feedback on the latest designs. With your help, the Town can ensure that the revitalization of Downtown Fenwick can be the best possible for now and for many years to come.

Yet More Improvements in 2014!

Last week, I wrote about some of the major improvements planned for the Town in 2014, including “Uptown Fonthill” Reconstruction, Downtown Fenwick Revitalization, Peace Park improvements, East Fonthill Roads / Services, and Port Robinson Road reconstruction.

As Council continues to focus on maintaining and improving infrastructure, we also budgeted for other important improvements.

Roads & Sidewalks:
First, the Town will complete the reconstruction of Highland Avenue next year. (It was great to see the southern-portion of Highland finally being paved last week!)
The Town will also continue reconstructing Effingham Street – next year from Metler to the south (approx. 550 meters)
Some urban roads will be resurfaced: Vinemount Drive, Berkhout Terrace, and Sunset Drive. In these areas, a contractor will mill-off the old road surface, repair the base road, curbs, and sidewalks (as needed), and resurface the road.
Balfour Street (Welland to Chantler), Brady Street, Cream Street (from Memorial to Canboro and Chantler to Webber), Maple Street (Kilman to Metler), Metler (Cream to Centre), Moore Drive, Sawmill Road (Moyer to Maple), and Tice Road (Victoria Ave to Balfour), will be resurfaced by receiving a single surface treatment. In addition, Effingham (Roland to Sixteen) will receive the missing top-coat of asphalt.
Finally, as well as our annual sidewalk maintenance program, Council also approved the construction of a sidewalk on Church Street, from the train tracks to Martha Court.

Parks & Recreation:
At the request of Pelham Minor Baseball, the Town will be rehabilitating the existing limestone infield at Harold Black Park Diamond #2 with clay baselines, grass infield, and a pitching mound. We also budgeted to replace the rusted backstop and infield fences at Centennial Park Diamond #1 and at Harold Black Diamond #1.
Following this year’s improvements to Marlene Stewart-Streit Park (Riehl Skatepark and Pool House upgrades), Council budgeted funds to reconfigure and build a proper parking lot.
Finally, Council approved the next phase of the rail trail – from Balfour to Centre Street – on the abandoned rail line that will link with Centennial Park.

Other Improvements:
Instead of counting on majority landowners to involve the community and complete the studies, Council earmarked funds take-over and restart the East Fenwick Secondary Plan process.
So that we can be as prepared as possible for flooding that future storms may bring, Council budgeted to carry out a watershed master plan study.
Regional Council approved funds to construct a dog park on the former landfill on Centre Street (just north of Hwy 20); following the property’s rezoning, all we will need to proceed will be $10,000 donated by the community.

I look forward to working together with you on these and other improvements in 2014.

Budgets Mean More Improvements in 2014

Since Town Council approved our 2014 Capital Budget last week and Regional Council is set to approve our 2014 Operating, Capital, and Rate budgets this week, I wanted to inform you about some major improvements planned for Pelham next year.

“Uptown Fonthill” Reconstruction:
Regional Council’s 2014 Capital Budget includes $4.0 million (including nearly $1 million from the Town) to reconstruct Regional Road 20 from Peachtree Park to Lookout Street, and to reconstruct Haist Street from Canboro Road to RR20. The works will include adding bikelanes, adding new sidewalks, upgrading the watermain, road reconstruction (including a turning lane to Haist Street North), and a new traffic signal. Regional staff hopes to begin work in early-spring and be done in early-September. Because of significant developments between Haist and Lookout on Hwy 20, I refer to this area as “Uptown Fonthill.”

Downtown Fenwick Revitalization:
While Council budgeted funds to revitalize Downtown Fenwick in 2013, staff ran into delays with design, with added work (storm sewer to Church Street) and with utilities. In 2014 we budgeted $4.0 million to reconstruct the roads, bury the hydro lines, and make the Downtown more pedestrian friendly. The consulting engineers will meet with the public on December 19 to review the final design with the hope that work can begin in early-spring. Council directed staff to ensure as little negative impact on Downtown businesses as possible.

Peace Park:
Council earmarked funds to landscape and improve Peace Park so that the overwhelming success of the Fonthill Bandshell, the Farmer's Market, and Summerfest can grow. The plan includes tiered seating (for lawn chairs) around the Bandshell, fully-accessible internal pathways, enhancing the cenotaph, and opening-up the park for more multi-use activities. Council directed staff to ensure these improvements do not interfere with the June start of the Bandshell.

East Fonthill & Port Robinson Road:
As you know, the Town has been planning for growth and development in the East Fonthill area for several years. This area includes +450 acres from Regional Road 20 and south along Rice Road, past Merritt Road. The area could accommodate 5,000 people over the next 20-25 years and includes significant commercial / mixed use lands along Hwy 20. Council insists on a great development that is walkable, cyclable, fully integrated to Downtown Fonthill and existing neighbourhoods, and adds to our small-town feel. The Town will reconstruct Port Robinson Road from Station Street to Rice Road next summer and will begin constructing services and internal roads in late-summer / early-fall.

I look forward to working together with you on these and many other improvements in 2014.

Busy Christmas Season in Pelham

Except for the North Pole, I cannot imagine the Christmas Holiday Season being busier anywhere else than in Pelham! Businesses, service clubs, volunteers, and artists fill nearly two months with Holiday activities.

The Christmas “kick-off” began with Holiday Gift Showcases and Downtown Strolls in early November in both Fonthill and Ridgeville. (These shops are continuing with wonderful displays for the Holidays. Please check them out!)

Bev Sneath, renowned artist and teacher, hosted her annual Art Studio Open House on the second weekend in November. And, the Fonthill United Church held their annual Homes for the Holidays House Tours in mid-November.

Thanks to the dozen elves who lovingly decorated the Town with fresh, seasonal garland, wreaths, sashes, and bows last week; it looks wonderful and enlivens the Town!

Now that we are into December, Temperanceville (historic models of Pelham buildings) is on display in Peace Park. In addition, the Fonthill United Church will be hosting Lessons, Carols, and Cookies on December 4 (from 2:00 to 4:00 PM).

And, the Turkey Raffles have begun – Fonthill Firefighters Association held one last Friday, and Fenwick Firefighters will host one on December 6.

Building on the Pelham Business Association’s celebrations in the past, key Town volunteers with the Christmas in Pelham committee will host an Outdoor Christmas Market on Friday, December 6 from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. What some have dubbed “Winterfest”, the event “Under the Arches” will feature gift and food vendors, “Christmas Cheer”, a visit from Santa, and Christmas Caroling in Downtown Fonthill. Watch for the special light display! Then, the next day, from 10:15 AM to 1:00 PM, Downtown Fonthill will feature horse drawn wagon rides, Santa, and youth carolers from throughout Pelham. Please plan to be there!

Also on December 7, please volunteer at the Fonthill or Fenwick Lions Halls and / or place non-perishable food items at your door for the Annual Pelham Food Drive from 9:30 AM. This door-to-door campaign not only do we help those less fortunate, but it also draws the community together.

A tremendous event of fellowship and fun will be the annual Senior’s Christmas Dinner, hosted by the Fonthill & District Kinsmen at Old Pelham Town Hall on December 10.

And, the Fenwick Lions will host the Annual Santa Claus Parade in Downtown Fenwick and in Centennial Park on Saturday, December 14. A great family event!

Unfortunately I could not include all the Christmas in Pelham events here. Please watch our local media for more information or check out www.pelham.ca for full event details. And, I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Holiday.

Should We Appoint or Hold A By-Election?

As you know, Larry Clark resigned from Town Council effective November 5 because he and his family will be moving back to British Columbia in February. He served as Councillor since 2010 and will be missed for offering a common-sense approach while representing Ward One residents. Council accepted his resignation “with regret” on November 4.

During our November 18 Council meeting, we will officially declare the seat “vacant.” Later that evening, during our Committee meeting, Councillors will discuss a report outlining the options to fill the seat.

Vacancies like this have occurred three times in Pelham’s history. The first was in 1972 when a Councillor died while in office. Since the vacancy occurred within 90 days before the next election, Council followed the Municipal Act and did not fill the vacancy.

The second time was in 2008, when Malcolm Allen was elected to the House of Commons. With two-years remaining in the term, Council appointed the candidate who placed third in Ward One in the 2006 Municipal Election – James Lane.

The third time was in 2011 after Debbie Urbanowicz resigned for personal and health reasons three-months into our current, four-year term. At first, a majority of Councillors voted to call for applicants and vet them behind closed doors. However, because of the strong, negative community reaction, Council agreed to hold a by-election. That’s how Councillor Rybiak was elected in June 2011.

Essentially, the Municipal Act provides two options to fill a Council vacancy:

First, Council may hold a by-election. Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old and reside in the Town. (In March 2011, Staff estimated the cost for a by-election at approximately $8,000.)

Second, Council may appoint an “eligible” person within 60 days of declaring a seat vacant. An eligible person consents to the appointment and meets the above criteria for election.

Some Councils simply appoint the candidate who came next in the previous election; in this case, following his 2008 appointment, James Lane came third in the 2010 general election and second in the 2011 by-election.

Other Councils call for applicants and interview candidates in full, public view; the voting also occurs in full, public view. The City of Toronto used this process in October when they appointed Peter Leon to replace Doug Holyday (who was elected to the Ontario Legislature in August).

Before our discussion next Monday, I am very interested in hearing your views; please call me or email me at mayordave@pelham.ca. You may also want to speak to your Councillors directly; please click here for their contact info on the Town of Pelham website.

As Volunteers Aspire For Better They Inspire Others

Last Wednesday, Council and I hosted the Town’s Annual Volunteer & Community Corporate Recognition Ceremony at Lookout Point Golf Club. It’s one of my favourite events of the year because we recognize the dedication and hard work of hundreds of Pelham’s volunteers.

Volunteers work to beautify our Town – as part of Communities in Bloom, or the Horticultural Society, or those that have “adopted a road”, or the Downtown Beautification Committee.

Other volunteers organize Pelham’s significant public events – from the Fonthill Bandshell Concerts, to Biketoberfest, to Fenwick’s 160th Anniversary Celebration, to the Canada Day Celebrations, to Summerfest.

Volunteers – like coaches, convenors, team managers, and score keepers – in every sport from figure skating to soccer, ensure that our children and youth practice skills, enjoy sport, and learn how to play fair.

Others work to ensure that our Town progresses and moves forward including those serving on the Library Board, the Active Transportation Committee, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

And members of Pelham’s service clubs work to enhance community – from supporting our parks to our teams to local charities.

We presented the “Peer Award” as a special way of recognizing outstanding individuals.  Each community-based group or organization in Pelham nominates one of their most exemplary volunteers.

Deep appreciation to Peer Award recipients:

• Michael Andrus, Knights of Columbus;
• Roxanna Bowman, Pelham Farmers’ Market;
• Tom Boyce, Pelham Cares;
• Gary Chambers, Fenwick’s 160th Anniversary;
• Doug Gaylor, Fonthill Lions Club;
• Leo Giovenazzo, Canada Day Committee;
• Bill King, Communities in Bloom Committee;
• Andrea Keus, Pelham Soccer Club;
• Cora-Ann MacKinnon, Niagara Centre Skating Club;
• Joseph Marchant, Pelham Active Transportation;
• Gladys Recchia, Fenwick Lioness Club;
• Norm Recchia, Fenwick Lions Club;
• Linda Roach, Fonthill Lioness Club; 
• Heidi TeBrake, Pelham Art Festival;
• Madeline Wallace, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council;
• Diane Weeks, 613 Royal Canadian Army Cadets;
• Jim Wellington, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613;
• Loraine Woods, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613 Ladies Auxiliary.

We also honoured our Corporate Citizens – those businesses that give money, resources, product – to all facets of our community. We especially honoured the Lazy Loon Restaurant with a Corporate Peer Award for their generosity to so many charities and commitment to improving our Town.

Thanks to Joseph Veloce, Olympian and special guest speaker, and Taylor Wallace and Jessica Wilson, singers and song writers, for inspiration and entertainment. And, thank you Perry Wakulich for designing and creating a wonderful and new Peer Award.

I offer deep thanks to each of the Town’s volunteers and corporate citizens for giving of themselves to help other people and to make Pelham a vibrant, creative and caring community for all.

Final ANSI Boundary Protects Fonthill Kame!

I was jubilant when I received the letter and the map.

After nearly four-and-a-half years, the Ministry of Natural Resources recently issued the final ANSI (Area of Natural & Scientific Interest) boundaries for the Fonthill Kame-Delta. This final ANSI boundary includes most of the former area and increases the protection from 930 acres to 993 acres.

You will recall that the “Fonthill Kame-Delta” is our rare, 75-metre-tall landmark that was formed by retreating glaciers 13,000 years ago. The Kame boasts the highest point in Niagara and the headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek. It’s the “hill” in Fonthill and Shorthills and the “ridge” in Ridgeville. The Kame’s microclimatic and soil conditions create an ideal environment for tender fruit production.

MNR identified the Fonthill Kame as provincially significant in 1976 and as a Provincial ANSI in 1988. This designation restricts development for reasons of heritage, science or education.

In May 2009, MNR recommended significantly reducing the ANSI’s coverage to “representative samples.” Pelham Council, Niagara Regional Council, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, scientific experts, dozens of Pelham residents, Tim Hudak, MPP, and Minister Jim Bradley, St. Catharines MPP, voiced opposition to these changes.

As a result, in early 2010, Pelham received a strong commitment from Donna Cansfield, MPP, Minister of Natural Resources:  “Please let me assure you that it is our intention to maintain and, where feasible, enhance the current ANSI boundary.”

Despite that assurance, in 2011, MNR proposed reducing the ANSI to “Swiss-cheese” by failing to protect huge portions of the Kame – especially those areas that are under direct threat of new or expanded development. Again we expressed our significant concerns.

In June 2013, MNR informed Council about proposed improvements to the ANSI boundaries and the plans to expand the ANSI. Both Pelham and Regional Councils acknowledged these 2013 improvements but sought MNR’s rationale for not including the entire Kame.

In their letter, MNR clarified that the parts of the Kame not included in the new ANSI boundaries “…have been extensively disturbed or impacted by various land uses and development.” The two major areas now excluded are the Chestnut Ridge subdivision and the Lafarge Pit.

To better preserve the ANSI area, MNR suggests that the Town and Region incorporate the new ANSI boundaries in municipal planning policies and in all planning decisions moving forward.

I believe that these protections are great news for Pelham and the Region! I appreciate MNR living up to the goal of maintaining and enhancing the former ANSI boundary.

In the past I have asked you to write to the Minister to encourage ANSI protection; now, I invite you to write to Minister Orazetti and thank MNR for protecting the Fonthill Kame:

Hon. David Orazietti, MPP
Minister of Natural Resources
Whitney Block, 6th Floor, Room 6630
99 Wellesley St. West
Toronto ON   M7A1W3
minister.mnr@ontario.ca

Please click here for a copy of the Ministry of Natural Resources letter and a map of the final boundaries.