Ontario Hydro Corridor Lands South and North
of Highway 401 Wards 14 and 15
(Scarborough Wexford and Scarborough City Centre)
The Policy and Finance Committee:
(1)recommends the adoption of the Recommendations of the Policy and Finance Committee embodied in the
confidential communication (July 21, 1999) from the City Clerk respecting Ontario Hydro lands North and South
of Highway No. 401; and
(2)reports having requested the Scarborough Community Councillors to meet prior to the meeting of City
Council scheduled to be held on July 27, 1999, to give consideration to the issue of the Ontario Hydro Corridor
Lands, and forward recommendations thereon directly to Council for its meeting scheduled to be held on July 27,
1999.
The Policy and Finance Committee submits the following communication (June 1, 1999) from the City Clerk,
Scarborough Community Council:
Recommendation:
The Scarborough Community Council directed that the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee be advised that the
Scarborough Community Council reaffirms it previous position regarding the acquisition of land in the Hydro Corridor
north of Ellesmere, south of Highway 401, subject to reducing the amount of land to be acquired to two acres, as opposed
to the entire corridor; funding for such acquisition to be taken from the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund.
Recorded Vote:
Upon the question of the adoption of the foregoing motion by Councillor Tzekas:
Yeas:Councillors Altobello, Ashton, Balkissoon, Berardinetti, Duguid, Kelly, Mahood,
Tzekas -8
Nays:Nil
Decided in the affirmative by a unanimous vote of the members of Community Council present and voting.
Background:
The Scarborough Community Council, at its meeting on May 26, 1999, had before it:
(1)a communication (May 5, 1999) from the City Clerk, advising that the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, on
May 4, 1999:
(a)referred the Recommendations of the Budget Committee embodied in the communication (April 30, 1999) from the
City Clerk, to the Scarborough Community Council for review and recommendations thereon;
(b)requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to submit a report to the next meeting of the
Scarborough Community Council on how this acquisition fits in with the City's stated objective for pedestrian/bicycle
paths in Scarborough, and on whether the funds being requested could be better spent in Scarborough to achieve that
objective;
(c)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer, to submit a report to the aforementioned meeting of the Scarborough Community Council,
on the original intent of the Beare Road landfill reserve; and
(2)a communication (May 17, 1999) from Councillor Cho requesting that Scarborough Community Council defer this
matter to the meeting scheduled to be held on June 22, 1999, at 8:00 p.m. in order that deputants may be heard at that time.
The Scarborough Community Council reports having:
(1)approved Councillor Cho's request and deferred this issue for consideration at 8:00 p.m. on June 22, 1999; and
(2)directed that:
(a)the Budget Committee recommendations;
(b)the reports requested from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism; and
(c) the following motion by Councillor Kelly, be considered at that time:
"That the Scarborough Community Council recommend that an amount of money be committed to purchase park lands
north of Highway 401, equivalent to the amount expended in the Terraview-Willowfield community, funding for such
purchase to be taken from the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund."
--------
(Communication dated May 5, 1999, from the City Clerk
addressed to the Scarborough Community Council)
The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee on May 4, 1999:
(1)referred the Recommendations of the Budget Committee embodied in the communication (April 30, 1999) from the
City Clerk, to the Scarborough Community Council for review and recommendations thereon;
(2)requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to submit a report to the next meeting of the
Scarborough Community Council on how this acquisition fits in with the City's stated objective for pedestrian/bicycle
paths in Scarborough, and on whether the funds being requested could be better spent in Scarborough to achieve that
objective; and
(3)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer, to submit a report to the aforementioned meeting of the Scarborough Community Council, on the
original intent of the Beare Road landfill reserve.
Background:
The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee at its meeting on May 4, 1999, had before it a communication (April 30,
1999) from the City Clerk, advising that the Budget Committee on April 30, 1999, recommended to the Strategic Policies
and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the recommendations of the Corporate Services Committee
embodied in the communication (April 22, 1999) from the City Clerk, viz:
(1)the additional lands required to increase the developers 0.3 acres to one full acre be purchased by the City from the
developer, to be funded from the Beare Road Trust Fund; and
(2)consideration be given to fund portions of the Priority 2 and 3 lands north of Highway No. 401 in the three existing
communities of Wishing Well and North and South Bridlewood; and that this be funded on a proportional basis from the
Beare Road Trust Fund.
subject to adding the following:
"that the costs associated with the purchase of the lands be no more than the balance in the Beare Road Trust Fund."
--------
(Communication dated April 30, 1999, addressed to the
Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee
from the City Clerk)
Recommendations:
The Budget Committee on April 30, 1999, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council,
the adoption of the recommendations of the Corporate Services Committee embodied in the report (April 22, 1999) from
the City Clerk, subject to adding the following:
"that the costs associated with the purchase of the lands be no more than the balance in the Beare Road Trust Fund."
Background:
The Budget Committee had before it a report (April 22, 1999) from the City Clerk advising that the Corporate Services
Committee on April 19, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee and Council, that:
(1)the additional lands required to increase the developers 0.3 acres to one full acre be purchased by the City from the
developer, to be funded from the Beare Road Trust Fund; and
(2)consideration be given to fund portions of the Priority 2 and 3 lands north of Highway No. 401 in the three existing
communities of Wishing Well and North and South Bridlewood; and that this be funded on a proportional basis from the
Beare Road Trust Fund.
--------
(Communication dated April 22, 1999, addressed to the
Budget Committee from the City Clerk)
Recommendations:
The Corporate Services Committee on April 19, 1999, recommended to the Budget Committee, and Council, that:
(1)the additional lands required to increase the developers 0.3 acres to one full acre be purchased by the City from the
developer, to be funded from the Beare Road Trust Fund; and
(2)consideration be given to fund portions of the Priority 2 and 3 lands north of Highway No. 401 in the three existing
communities of Wishing Well and North and South Bridlewood; and that this be funded on a proportional basis from the
Beare Road Trust Fund.
Background:
The Corporate Services Committee on April 19, 1999, had before it the following:
(i)report (March 22, 1999) from the Commissioner of Corporate Services responding to Council's directive to report on
the potential cost of the acquisition of Priority 1, 2 and 3 lands as identified in "Stormwater Management, Naturalization
and Open Space Opportunities Report" prepared by XCG Consultants Ltd., and recommending that the Corporate Services
Committee provide direction to staff on this matter; and
(ii)communications from the following persons addressed to Councillor Norm Kelly, Scarborough Wexford, expressing
their opposition to the purchase of the subject lands:
(a)(February 8, 1999) from Mr. Phil Egginton, President, South Bridlewood Community Association;
(b)(February 12, 1999) from Ms. Sheryle Saunders, President, North Bridlewood Residents Association;
(c)(February 15, 1999) from Mr. Robert Brown, President, Wishing Well Acres Community Association; and
(d)(February 23, 1999) from Mr. Robert Brown, President, Wishing Well Acres Community Association.
Councillor Michael Tzekas, Scarborough Wexford, appeared before the Corporate Services Committee in connection with
the foregoing matter.
--------
(Report dated March 22, 1999, addressed to the
Corporate Services Committee from the
Commissioner of Corporate Services)
Purpose:
To respond to Council's directive to report on the potential cost of the acquisition of Priority 1, 2 and 3 lands as identified
in "Stormwater Management, Naturalization and Open Space Opportunities Report" prepared by XCG Consultants Ltd.
Financial Implications:
No financial implications at this time.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Corporate Services Committee provide direction to staff on this matter.
Background:
In August, 1998, the City in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority retained XCG Consultants
Ltd. (XCG) to investigate opportunities for stormwater management, naturalization and open space planning purposes in
the Ontario Hydro surplus corridor lands in the West Highland Creek and Massey Creek watersheds and to prioritize
critical land parcels for acquisition. The study is divided into two areas, north and south of Highway 401.
The south study area extends north-westerly from Kennedy Road across Birchmount Road and Warden Avenue to
Highway 401 and is further divided into two sections. The first being part of the Dorset Park Community, between
Kennedy and Birchmount Roads and the second being part of the Maryvale Community, west of Warden Avenue and
extending north to Highway 401.
City Council on February 2, 3 and 4, 1999, amended and adopted Clause No. 12 of Report No. 1 of The Scarborough
Community Council and thereby directed staff to report to the Corporate Services Committee for subsequent submission to
the Budget Committee and Council on:
(a)the negotiation of the purchase of Priority 2 and 3 lands identified in the XCG Consultants report, between west of
Warden and south of Highway 401 provided that the purchase be subject to funds being available from the former
Scarborough Parks Reserve; and
(b)the potential cost of acquisition of Priority 1, 2 and 3 lands.
Norstar Development Corporation had an agreement of purchase and sale with Ontario Hydro whereby they are to acquire
all of the hydro corridor in the Maryvale Community (approximately six acres) and approximately twelve of approximately
eighteen acres of the corridor in the Dorset Park Community.
At its meeting held on March 2, 3 and 4, 1999, City Council approved the acquisition of Priority 1 lands (11.83 acres) from
Norstar Development Corporation, within the Dorset Park Community and lying between Birchmount and Kennedy Roads
at a purchase price of $6,000,000.00.
Of the remaining 6.34 acres of Priority 1 lands between Birchmount and Kennedy, Hydro has agreed to sell approximately
0.34 acres to Birchmount Kennels which operates an animal clinic and kennel on the adjoining property. The kennel
owners have been long term tenants at this location. Further study is required to determine the impact development of this
tract may have on the balance of the Priority 1 lands in this area. Purchase of this tract may also prove difficult because of
the adjoining commercial use and may require a complete buy out and/or relocation of the kennel operation. The City, by
virtue of an existing lease agreement between Ontario Hydro and the former City of Scarborough, controls approximately
4.75 acres which continue to be used for stormwater storage. The remaining lands which front Kennedy Road and extend
northerly adjacent to the leased stormwater ponds (1.25" acres) are the subject of ongoing negotiation with Hydro.
The Priority 2 and 3 lands south of Highway 401 and west of Warden Avenue are the subject of an OMB hearing initiated
by Norstar Development Corporation. The OMB hearing which also included the lands between Kennedy and Birchmount
Roads was adjourned on March 3, 1999, for a period of six months to allow Norstar to complete the sale of the 11.83 acres
of Priority 1 lands between Kennedy and Birchmount to the City.
Comments:
Norstar Development Corporation has no interest in selling the lands between Warden Avenue and Highway 401 and
wishes to complete the OMB hearing as soon as possible, in order to proceed with development.
Prior to the City negotiating the purchase of the corridor lands between Birchmount and Kennedy it had been the objective
of the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department to consolidate the parkland contribution from the entire
Norstar Development in both the Dorset and Maryvale communities in the Maryvale Community. The original
development would have generated a one acre park, large enough to accommodate a play structure and some landscape
elements for the local neighbourhood and would have fulfilled the Department's objective and community wishes. The
remaining development as proposed will generate a parkland contribution of 0.3 acres which is considered by Parks staff
too small to be of benefit to the community. Staff of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism have discussed the
acquisition of additional parkland with the developer, who has advised that while he does not wish to sell the entire six
acres, he would be willing to sell two or three lots to enhance the size of the park. However, nothing has been resolved to
date.
Parks staff have advised the Maryvale Community currently exceeds the former Scarborough Official Plan guidelines for
parkland, however, the area of the community bordered by Warden, Ellesmere and Highway 401 lacks a park.
Potential Cost of Acquisition:
As noted earlier, the acquisition cost of 11.83 acres of Priority 1 lands in the Dorset Community is $6,000,000.00. The
acquisition cost of all or a portion of the Priority 2 and 3 lands in the Maryvale Community would probably result in
similar per acre costs.
Conclusion:
Not applicable.
Contact Name:
Roly Mayr, Facilities and Real Estate, 396-4930, Fax 396-4241, rmayr@city.scarborough.on.ca
Frank Kershaw/Michael Schreiner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
--------
(A copy of the maps attached to the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the July 20, 1999,
agenda of the Policy and Finance Committee and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
--------
The Policy and Finance Committee also submits the following communication (June 28, 1999) from the City Clerk:
The Policy and Finance Committee on June 24, 1999, had before it the following communications:
(i)(June 1, 1999) from the City Clerk, advising that the Scarborough Community Council on May 26, 1999, during its
consideration of a communication (May 5, 1999) from the City Clerk respecting the possible acquisition of Ontario Hydro
Corridor Lands South of Highway 401, amongst other things, directed that the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee
be advised that the Scarborough Community Council reaffirms its previous position regarding the acquisition of land in the
Hydro Corridor north of Ellesmere, south of Highway 401, subject to reducing the amount of land to be acquired to two
acres, as opposed to the entire corridor; funding for such acquisition to be taken from the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund;
and
(ii)(June 24, 1999) from Mr. Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, providing information and outlining reasons
why funding for the acquisition of additional greenspace within the Hydro lands in Ward 14 should be provided from a
source other than the Beare Road Landfill Reserve Fund.
Ms. Linda Wheeler appeared before the Policy and Finance Committee in connection with the foregoing matter and filed a
copy of a map of the area.
The Policy and Finance Committee:
(1)deferred consideration of the aforementioned communications, and the following motion until its meeting scheduled
to be held on July 20, 1999:
Moved by Councillor Disero:
"That the Recommendation embodied in the following communication be amended by adding thereto the following words
"subject to the Agreement of the vendor", so that the Recommendation shall read as follows:
"The Scarborough Community Council directed that the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee be advised that the
Scarborough Community Council reaffirms its previous position regarding the acquisition of land in the Hydro Corridor
north of Ellesmere, south of Highway 401, subject to reducing the amount of land to be acquired to two acres, as opposed
to the entire corridor; funding for such acquisition to be taken from the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund, subject to the
Agreement of the vendor."; and
(2)requested the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to submit a report to the aforementioned meeting of the Policy and
Finance Committee respecting the Scarbrough Parks Reserve Fund.
--------
(A copy of the communication (June 24, 1999) from Ms. Lynda Wheeler, President, Terraview-Willowfield Residents'
Association, and a map of the area, attached to the foregoing communication from the City Clerk was forwarded to all
Members of Council with the July 20, 1999, agenda of the Policy and Finance Committee and a copy thereof is also on file
in the office of the City Clerk.)
The Policy and Finance Committee also submits the following communication (July 16, 1999) from the City Clerk:
Recommendation:
The Scarborough Community Council recommends that an amount of money be committed to purchase park lands north of
Highway 401, equivalent to the amount expended in the Terraview-Willowfield community, funding for such purchase to
be taken from the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund.
Background:
The Scarborough Community Council, at its meeting on July 15, 1999, had before it:
(1)a previously deferred communication (May 5, 1999) from the City Clerk, advising that the Strategic Policies and
Priorities Committee, on May 4, 1999:
(a)referred the recommendations of the Budget Committee embodied in the communication (April 30, 1999) from the
City Clerk respecting the acquisition of Ontario Hydro corridor lands to the Scarborough Community Council for review
and recommendations thereon, specifically "that the costs associated with the purchase of the lands be no more than the
balance in the Beare Road Trust Fund";
(b)requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to submit a report to the Scarborough Community
Council on how this acquisition fits in with the City's stated objective for pedestrian/bicycle paths in Scarborough, and on
whether the funds being requested could be better spent in Scarborough to achieve that objective;
(c)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, in consultation with the Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer, to submit a report to the aforementioned meeting of the Scarborough Community Council,
on the original intent of the Beare Road landfill reserve; and
(2)a joint report (June 1, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development Culture and Tourism and the
Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services responding to the aforementioned direction, and submitting for
information their report on the acquisition of Scarborough Ontario Hydro corridor lands for pedestrian/bicycle paths and on
the origin and status of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund.
The Scarborough Community Council reports having received the aforementioned joint report.
The following persons appeared before the Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:
-Theresa Dorgan;
-Dave Wheeler representing Lynda Wheeler, Terraview-Willowfield Residents' Association;
-Elio Baldassarre;
-Lister Tennant;
-John Guzzi;
-Brenda Albuquerque-Boutilier;
-Joan Nicholson;
-Katarzyna Tota;
-Wayne Hall, North Bridlewood Residents' Association;
-Sheryle Saunders, President, North Bridlewood Residents' Association;
-Marika Bandera, Dorset Park Community Ratepayers' Association;
-Elaine Brown;
-Phillip Egginton, Past President, Bridlewood Community Association; and
-Barbara McCarron.
--------
(Joint Report dated June 1, 1999, addressed to the
Scarborough Community Council from the
Commissioner of Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism and the Commissioner
of Works and Emergency Services)
Purpose:
To report as requested on the acquisition of Scarborough Ontario Hydro corridor lands for pedestrian/bicycle paths, and on
the origin and status of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund.
Financial Implications:
None.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Council Reference:
In referring the Budget Committee's recommendations (April 30, 1999) respecting the acquisition of Ontario Hydro
corridor lands (priority 2 and 3) to Scarborough Community Council, the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee on
May 9, 1999 requested that the following reports also be submitted to Scarborough Community Council:
(1)the Commissioner of Works & Emergency Services report on how the proposed acquisition fits with the City's stated
objective for pedestrian/bicycle paths in Scarborough, and on whether the funds being requested could be better spent in
Scarborough to achieve this objective; and
(2)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer &
Treasurer, report on the original intent of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund.
Discussion:
Acquisition of Ontario Hydro Corridor Lands for Pedestrian/Bicycle Paths:
A 1998 report prepared for the City of Toronto by Victor Ford and Associates entitled "Inventory of Cycling Trail
Opportunities in Rail and Hydro Corridors", reviewed all rail and Hydro corridors lands in the City. The study report
ranked potential trail corridors in two groups. Group 1 projects were considered most easily doable and Group 2 projects
were considered doable but with more significant constraints or barriers to overcome. The former Warden Hydro Corridor
lands north of Highway No. 401 were ranked as a Group 1 project. The corridor lands south of Highway No. 401 were
ranked as a Group 2 project because there are several mid-block crossings which make it difficult to provide route
continuity.
The 1998 Study did not identify priorities for trail implementation, however, the next phase of this work, to be completed
in time for consideration as part of the Year 2000 Capital Budget process, will identify such priorities, based on the needs
of a City-wide network of off-street trails and on-street bicycle routes. This assessment will be undertaken in conjunction
with pertinent City staff, representing the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Urban Planning and Development
Services and Works and Emergency Services Departments, as well as with representation from the Toronto Cycling
Committee.
Although we are not able to comment at this time whether the funds being requested could be better spent in other areas of
Scarborough to achieve the City's pedestrian/bicycle trail objectives, based on a preliminary review, it would appear, at this
time, that the lands north of the 401 offer greater potential to form an integral part of a future route network. This is
primarily due to the opportunity which they offer to connect with the Finch Hydro corridor, which could, over the longer
term, provide east-west trail access across the northern part of the City. To help achieve greater route continuity, it is very
important that the Hydro corridors not be severed where they offer such opportunities.
Origin and Status of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund:
Metro Toronto opened the Beare Road Landfill Site in 1967 with the approval of Scarborough Council. The 80.5-hectare
site, originally with a capacity of 3.3 million tonnes, received solid waste through 1988. Metro and Scarborough agreed to
expand the Beare Landfill's capacity by 635,000 tonnes in 1971 and 5.4 million tonnes in 1974. The latter resulted in the
creation of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund.
Under the terms of the 1974 agreement, Metro issued $750,000.00 in debentures to cover the cost of developing a downhill
ski facility at Beare Road. This accommodated Scarborough's desire, first expressed in 1971, to improve the site for
recreational purposes. Metro would design the facility and manage disbursements from the trust account; Scarborough
would lease the property as of 1978, undertake construction, and assume any excess costs. Any payments would be
refunded to Metro if Scarborough failed to build the facility according to the development plan (Clause No. 1 of Report
No. 12 of the Works Committee, adopted by Metro Council on October 22, 1974).
In 1982, Scarborough cancelled this agreement, terminated its lease of the Beare Road site, and explicitly relinquished any
claim to funds in the trust account (Clause No. 1 of Report No. 46 of the Board of Control, adopted by Scarborough
Council on September 20, 1982). In return, Metro was to use the trust account to develop a regional downhill ski facility at
Beare Road, with all development plans and activities for the site being reviewed by Scarborough staff (Clause No. 8 of
Report No. 10 of the Works Committee, adopted by Metro Council on October 1, 1982).
Metro undertook preliminary work on the ski facility into the early 1990s before abandoning the project. The facility made
its last appearance in a budget document in the 1992-1996 Metro Parks Capital Works Program, when inflation and
program changes had pushed cost estimates to $12,500,00.00. Beyond economics, the viability of the project was impacted
by solid waste management planning (which, beginning in 1988, explored interim landfilling options in the Beare Road
area) and by the Province's 1990 park planning initiative in the Rouge watershed.
As plans emerged for the Rouge Park, Metro officials acknowledged that a ski facility at Beare Road would likely be
rejected by the Province, given the project's incompatibility with other land uses in and around the park and the range of
possible environmental impacts. The Commissioner of Parks and Property noted that while Metro was not legally obliged
to develop the ski facility, this did not "diminish the original intent or spirit behind the [project], which was to provide
something of benefit to the community in return for permission to place additional refuse on the site." The Commissioner
urged consideration of other uses at or enhancements to the site or surrounding areas in the context of the Rouge Park plan:
"The Ski Hill Trust Account Funds could help in a number of ways in implementing the plan, such as land acquisition,
landscape regeneration, the development of trails and other facilities, and so on, to the benefit of residents of Scarborough
and beyond. I would suggest, therefore, that the funds in the Ski Hill Trust Account be considered in discussions about
management structure and funding arrangements for the Rouge Park. The funds may provide to be a very useful
contribution towards the park by Metropolitan Toronto and, as such, it would be premature to relinquish or otherwise
dispose of the funds until that potential has been explored fully" (Clause No. 7(d) of Report No. 10 of the Parks, Recreation
and Property Committee, as adopted by Metro Council on August 11, 1993).
The Metro Solicitor subsequently advised that "there exists no legally binding obligation on the Metropolitan Corporation
to utilize neither the original corpus of the fund, nor the interest accumulated thereon, for the purpose of the development
of a ski facility at that site, nor, for that matter, for the development of any successor park facilities, such as the Rouge
Park, in that area" (Clause No. 22(g) of Report No. 37 of the Management Committee, adopted by Metro Council on
September 15, 1993).
Use of funds in the trust account continues to be entirely at the discretion of Council. Despite its name, the Beare Road Ski
Facility Trust Fund is not a trust fund within the meaning of the Trustee Act, which defines municipal responsibilities in
respect to the management of trust funds. Regardless of the source of funds, the Act requires that the municipality pass a
by-law approving acceptance of the arrangement setting out the terms of the trust and the obligations undertaken by the
trust. The by-law outlines the intent and purpose of the trust and the responsibilities of the trustee. No such by-law was
passed by Metro Council in respect to the Beare Road account.
Furthermore, Metro Council did not adopt, and Toronto City Council has not adopted, a policy on the use of funds in the
trust account. However, Metro twice rejected using the account for operating expenses in connection with the Rouge Park
Alliance and Metro's Solid Waste Management Division (Clause No. 6 of Report No. 7 of the Financial Priorities
Committee, adopted by Metro Council on March 7, 1996 and Clause No. 6 of Report No. 5 of the Environment and Public
Space Committee, adopted by Metro Council on May 7 and 8, 1997).
In 1994, Scarborough City Council asked Metro to use the trust account to purchase the Glen Eagles site for inclusion in
the Rouge Park, with any remaining balance being "retained for use within Rouge Park with priority given to the landscape
rehabilitation and development of the Beare Road Landfill Site" (Clause No. 24 of Report No. 9 of the Administrative and
Finance Committee, adopted by Scarborough Council on March 30, 1994). No action ensued until the Province approved
the Rouge Park Management Plan in 1994 and Metro Council conditionally endorsed a management structure for the Park
in 1995.
The trust account has typically been drawn on by Metro and the new City of Toronto for parks purposes at or in the vicinity
of the Beare Road Landfill Site:
(a)about $220,000.00 was expended in 1984-88 on electrical work, consulting fees, aerial surveys, and soil, noise, and
gas studies connected with the Beare Road ski facility;
(b)$1,300,000.00 was allocated in 1995-99 for trail and vegetation management work in the Rouge Park ($300,000.00 in
Clause No. 2 of Report No. 5 of the Environment and Public Space Committee, adopted by Metro Council on April 5,
1995; $500,000.00 in Clause No. 14 of Report No. 4 of the Environment and Public Space Committee, adopted by Metro
Council on April 9, 1997; and $500,000.00 in Clause No. 1 of Report No. 3 of the Strategic Policies and Priorities
Committee, adopted by Toronto City Council on March 2, 3 and 4, 1999);
(c)up to $2,000,000.00 was committed in 1999 from the trust account and the sale of City properties to the purchase of
the Glen Eagles site for inclusion in the Rouge Park (Clause No. 1 of Report No. 4 of the Corporate Services Committee,
adopted by Toronto City Council on April 13, 14 and 15, 1999); and
(d)$1,000,000.00 was allocated in 1998, on the recommendation of the Budget Committee, to the Highland Creek Trail
Extension project (Clause No. 23 of Report No. 6 of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, adopted by Toronto
City Council on April 29 and 30 1998).
With the above expenditures and commitments, there is currently about $2,200,000.00 in the Beare Road Ski Hill Trust
Fund.
Conclusions:
This report comments on how the proposed acquisition of certain Ontario Hydro corridor lands fits with the City's stated
objective for pedestrian/bicycle paths in Scarborough, and whether the funds requested could be better spent elsewhere in
Scarborough to achieve this objective. The origin and status of the Beare Road Ski Facility Trust Fund is also described.
The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the City Solicitor have been consulted in the preparation of this report.
Contact Names:
Frank Kershaw , 392-8199; Wayne Reeves, 392-1901, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Ann Rexe, 396-7156, Daniel Egan, 392-9065, Works & Emergency Services
The Policy and Finance Committee reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it report and
communications:
(i)confidential report (July 9, 1999) from the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer responding to a request from the
Policy and Finance Committee on June 24, 1999 respecting the Scarborough Parks Reserve Fund, a copy of which was
forwarded to all Members of Council under confidential cover;
(ii)(July 19, 1999) from Councillor Raymond Cho, Scarborough-Malvern, strongly urging the Committee to keep the
Beare Road Trust Fund monies for the improvement of this locale and the future greening of this wasteland community, as
it was originally designated to do; and advising that he is strongly opposed to the use of the Beare Road Trust Fund to
establish parklands in communities that are far distant from the site where the money was originally intended to be used;
and
(iii)(July 20, 1999) from Councillor Sherene Shaw, Scarborough Agincourt, requesting that if consideration is given to
purchasing any of these category 2 and 3 lands north of Highway 401 in the three existing communities of Wishing Well
and North and South Bridlewood, the acquisition of lands in Ward 17 receive equal consideration and also be supported
specifically in the North Bridlewood community.
The following persons appeared before the Policy and Finance Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:
-Mr. Keith Drachenberg;
-Ms. Joan Nicholson and filed a written submission respecting the foregoing matter, and a petition signed by residents
requesting that the City purchase, for park use, all of the land of the corridor south of the 401;
-Ms. Sheryle Saunders, President, North Bridlewood Residents Association;
-Ms. Brenda Albuquerque-Boutilier;
-Ms. Ruth Jorgensen;
-Mr. Wayne Hall;
-Mr. John McKenzie and filed a written submission;
-Mr. James Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, who gave an overhead slide presentation and filed a written
submission;
-Mr. Lister Tennant;
-Mr. Phil Egginton, Past President, Bridlewood Community Association;
-Mr. David Wheeler; and
-Councillor Mike Tzekas, Scarborough Wexford.
-Councillor Mike Tzekas, Scarborough Wexford.
