Letter of Understanding - Public Access to Duncan Mill

Greenbelt During Bayview Glen Day Camp

Hours of Operation

The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 18, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

The North York Community Council reports having requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report back to the North York Community Council on the MacMarmon Foundation=s actions with regard to the treatment of wildlife in this area.

The North York Community Council submits the following report (May 18, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to inform the North York Community Council of the understanding that has been reached between the Parks and Recreation Division of the City of Toronto and the MacMarmon Foundation (Bayview Glen School), as outlined in Appendix I, in order to give residents full access to the Duncan Mill Greenbelt.

Funding Sources:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Letter of Understanding regarding the April 14, 1997 License Agreement to operate Bayview Glen Day Camp at Duncan Mill Greenbelt be adopted as outlined in Appendix I;

(2)discussions be undertaken with officials of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Bayview Glen School, and the Parks and Recreation Division to consider watercourse initiatives on the Don River East affecting Duncan Mill Greenbelt; and

(3)appropriate City officials be directed to carry out all things necessary thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

In September of 1997, North York Council directed that the License Agreement to operate Bayview Glen Day Camp in the Duncan Mill Greenbelt, Resolution No. 97-11, adopted by Council on May 14, 1997, be reopened for negotiations between the licensee and community to find a solution for residents to pass through the parkland, while at the same time, protecting the safety of the children who attend the day camp. It was further directed that a member of the community be part of these negotiations.

Discussion:

Parks and Recreation officials conducted a series of discussions with Bayview Glen School camp officials, individual community residents, and held a public meeting on May 4, 1998, in order to determine an appropriate course of action to recommend to North York Community Council in this matter.

Residents expressed concern about the restrictions for daytime access to this parkland, while at the same time recognizing the day camp officials= concern regarding the safety of the children while playing in the valley land.

With the cooperation of Bayview Glen School, the Parks and Recreation Division was successful in reaching agreement with school officials regarding the day camp use of these valley lands, while at the same time giving full access to the area by community residents.

During the course of these discussions, officials of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority requested the opportunity to cooperate with the Parks and Recreation Division and Bayview Glen School in considering watercourse restoration initiatives on the Don River East affecting the Duncan Mills Greenbelt.

Conclusion:

Following extensive discussions with interested and concerned parties, a workable compromise has been reached.

Contact Name:

Gary W. Stoner, Deputy Commissioner

Parks and Recreation Telephone: 395-6190

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The North York Community Council reports having also had before it an e-mail communication (May 25, 1998) from Mr. Peter Honor, addressed to Councillor Minnan-Wong, requesting that the community be consulted before any further use of this greenbelt is undertaken by the MacMarmon Foundation and that the Foundation=s actions with regard to wildlife in this area be monitored by the Animal Control Division, North York, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

(A copy of Appendix I referred to in the foregoing report is on the file in the Office of the City Clerk, North York Civic Centre.)

Councillor Shiner, Seneca Heights, declared his interest in the foregoing matter in that his child attends a school in the area.