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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 15, 2024 - Waterfront Advisory CommitteeTHE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA TRACKLESS LOUNGE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Monday, April 15, 2024 5:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 3. DELEGATIONS 4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held January 15, 2024 5. MATTERS OF BUSINESS A. Memo WAC-04/24 re Consideration of Paid Parking at East Beach B. Memo WAC-05/24 re Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group Funding for Coastal Resilience C. Memo WAC-06/24 re 2024 Beach Requests D. Memo WAC-07/24 re 2024 East Beach Season Opening Information 6. ADJOURNMENT THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES TRACKLESS LOUNGE 56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville, ON Monday, January 15, 2024 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: CHAIR RAINEY WEISLER COMMITTEE MEMBERS SERGE PIETERS MARNI WOLFE ASHLEY CARDINAL VAL DONNELL STAFF ATTENDANCE: CAO THOMAS THAYER CLERK MEAGAN ELLIOTT MANAGER OF PUBLIC WORKS / DRAINAGE SUPERINTENDENT STEVE ADAMS LPRCA REPRESENTATIVE PAUL GAGNON 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Weisler called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The Committee had a moment of silence in honour of the late Earl Shea. 2. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 3. DELEGATIONS 4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S) A. Minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held October 16, 2023 Moved by: Committee Member Pieters Seconded by: Committee Member Wolfe THAT the minutes of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held October 16, 2023 be approved as presented. CARRIED 5. MATTERS OF BUSINESS A. Memo WAC-01/24 re East Beach Bioswale Maintenance and Phragmite Control Moved by: Committee Member Wolfe Seconded by: Committee Member Cardinal 2 THAT Memo WAC-01/24 re East Beach Bioswale Maintenance and Phragmite Control be received for information. CARRIED B. Memo WAC-02/24 re Education Event – East Elgin Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Collaboration Nominated for Blue Flag International Award Moved by: Committee Member Pieters Seconded by: Committee Member Cardinal THAT Memo WAC-02/24 re Education Event – East Elgin Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Collaboration Nominated for Blue Flag International Award be received for information. CARRIED C. Memo WAC-03/24 re Waterfront Advisory Committee 2024 Meeting Schedule Moved by: Committee Member Donnell Seconded by: Committee Member Wolfe THAT Memo WAC-03/24 re Waterfront Advisory Committee 2024 Meeting Schedule be received for information; AND THAT the following meeting dates be the Regular Meetings for the Waterfront Advisory Committee for 2024:  Monday, April 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Trackless)  Monday, July 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Beach)  Monday, October 21, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Trackless) AND THAT the first meeting of 2025 be scheduled at the October 21, 2024 meeting. CARRIED 6. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Committee Member Cardinal Seconded by: Committee Member Pieters THAT the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting be adjourned at 5:50 p.m. CARRIED CHAIR CLERK MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 15, 2024 MEMO: WAC-04/24 SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PAID PARKING AT THE PORT BURWELL EAST BEACH BACKGROUND At its March 21, 2024 meeting, Council received BL-02/24 re Port Burwell East Beach – Paid Parking Options. Council passed the following two (2) motions: Motion One Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT Report BL-02/24 re Port Burwell East Beach – Paid Parking Options be received for information; AND THAT the report be referred to the Waterfront Advisory Committee for comment. Motion Two Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT staff be directed to investigate and report back on options for implementing an unloading zone for patron drop offs to the east beach and erecting signage to direct residents to the Pitt Street parking lot for beach overflow parking. DISCUSSION In accordance with Council’s direction, Report BL-02/24 is attached hereto for information and consideration by the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC). Correspondence received by the Clerk after the posting of BL-02/24 is also attached for consideration. Any comments or recommendations motioned by the WAC will be communicated to Council for further discussion and consideration. ATTACHMENTS 1. Report BL-02/24 re Port Burwell East Beach – Paid Parking Options, presented to Council on March 21, 2024. 2. Correspondence received through the Clerk RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-04/24 re Consideration of Paid Parking at the Port Burwell East Beach be received for information; AND THAT The Waterfront Advisory Committee provide comment, if any, to Council for consideration. REPORT MUNICIPAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO: Mayor & Members of Council FROM: Stephen Miller, By-Law Enforcement Officer DATE: March 21, 2024 REPORT: BL-02/24 SUBJECT: PORT BURWELL EAST BEACH – PAID PARKING OPTIONS BACKGROUND At its January 18, 2024 meeting, Council received Report BL-01/24 re 2023 By-law Enforcement Annual Report. Report BL-01/24 included some forward-looking ventures that staff were considering, including paid parking at the Port Burwell East Beach. The Report specifically stated: “By-law will also be investigating further creative options for revenue generation, including the possibility of paid parking at the beach without the need for the front-end capital investment required through pay stations and similar infrastructure.” Council passed the following motion: Moved by: Councillor Chilcott Seconded by: Councillor Froese THAT Report BL-01/24 re 2023 By-law Enforcement Annual Report be received for information. Parking at Port Burwell East Beach has been challenging in years past, particularly in the summer months during peak utilization. Parking for the East Beach can fill up quickly on busy days, leaving many people looking for a place to park. This often leads to vehicle operators parking in no-parking zones, bottle-necking vital areas of traffic flow, and affecting the ability for emergency services to respond to the beach area quickly and effectively. Another consideration is upcoming capital investment at the East Beach. The Capital Budget, as adopted by Council, includes the following items in its 10-Year Plan: • PR-02 – Playground Equipment ($75,000) • PR-06 – Electric Charging Station ($20,000) • PR-11 – East Pier Rehabilitation ($325,000) • PR-13 – Beach Accessibility Improvements ($50,000) • PR-14 – Beach Shade Structure ($80,000) • FA-09 – Port Burwell East Beach Washroom Expansion ($575,000) This constitutes a potential $1.125 million in non-core upgrades at the East Beach, which are currently identified through the various Capital Items as funded by grants or the tax levy, and grants are not a guaranteed funding source. No user fees have historically applied as the East Beach has been a free parking beach. As Council has identified a willingness to consider cost recovery and creative funding mechanisms for Municipal functions, it follows that consideration of a paid parking structure at the East Beach be considered, whereby generated revenues can be directed to offset levy impacts and grant needs for non-core, beach-specific projects. The By-law Enforcement Officer has been investigating options related to beach parking regulation and how additional parking regulations can create turnover necessary to address traffic concerns. DISCUSSION Municipalities typically incentivize turnover in parking by implementing paid parking regulations. This ensures that vehicles remain parked for a defined period of time as vehicle owners are required to pay for the amount of time that the vehicle is parked. A barrier to this approach is the procurement of physical paid parking infrastructure (parking meters). Meters are costly to purchase, at approximately $8,000 - $9,000 per unit. Physical parking meters are also costly to maintain when they break down as parts can be difficult to obtain depending on the supply chain. Repairs are typically conducted by contracted persons with specialized knowledge of the inner workings of those machines which can also increase the costs of operating the machines. Further, if a machine requires full replacement, costs can become prohibitive. Physical parking meters are also subject to vandalism and, if not collected regularly, coins remaining in the machines can be subject to theft. The machines also have to be monitored at all times when parking is enforced to ensure that any technical glitches are promptly addressed to minimize potential revenue loss. These barriers have been why, historically, consideration of paid parking at the East Beach has not been seriously considered. Fortunately, as the technology has advanced, there is now an alternative to physical parking meters that allows municipalities to implement paid parking restrictions in the form of mobile parking payment applications. These applications allow municipalities to implement paid parking restrictions without all the drawbacks of the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of traditional parking meters. How do Mobile Parking Payment Applications Work? Mobile Parking Payment Applications work on a mobile phone, allowing users to pay for parking at their destination before they exit their vehicle. Users can simply download the application on a smart phone, set up a credit card, and purchase parking at rates set by the Municipality. Parking payment can also be made on any device connected to the internet at the mobile parking payment application provider’s website. If vehicle owners do not wish to download the application, QR Code or Tap Readers are strategically placed within a lot which, when scanned, bring users to a website and allow them to pay for parking without downloading the application. Vehicles that have paid for parking populate in a list in the enforcement application, which allows enforcement officers to determine if a vehicle has paid or not and if their time has expired. Vehicles that have not paid for parking or where the time has expired would be subject to enforcement. When time expires, the users are notified on their mobile device and can either remove their vehicle or top up their parking time by paying more. Economic Development / Technological Barrier There are opportunities for strategic partnerships with local businesses, where a vehicle owners may be uncomfortable with the use of technology. For persons that wish to pay in cash, strategic partnerships could be sought where parking users can pay in cash at a local business. The businesses that have chosen to partner with the Municipality would take cash for the parking session and enter the payment for the parking session on their account in the mobile parking payment application. This ensures that the parking session is logged, and the business is compensated for the payment they have made in the mobile parking payment application. Strategic partnerships with local businesses can serve to stimulate local business by increasing foot traffic in the businesses, and showcasing goods or services to visitors that may not have otherwise attended that location. This approach has been implemented in Galveston, Texas, and was mutually beneficial for the City as well as local businesses. It may be worthwhile to consider at a smaller scale in Bayham. Preferred Vendor and Cost Staff has reached out to Mobile Parking Application Vendors, and, if interested, Staff would recommend sole-sourcing to Honk Mobile as the Mobile Parking Payment Application provider. Costs would be $50 per month to administer the program including office software access to statistical reporting and the enforcement application. Included in the costs are signage as well as QR Codes and Tap Reader stickers. Honk would take a $0.35/transaction fee, which is agreed-upon when users complete a transaction. Honk would remit 100 percent of the Municipal fees collected for payment back to the Municipality of Bayham on a monthly basis. Honk Mobile are a Canadian Company based out of Toronto and have a proven track record of success in Ontario as they have strategic partnerships with the City of London and the City of Toronto and the Municipality of Central Elgin. Resident Discount Parking fees would need to be established by Council in a By-law, but there is an opportunity to offer permanent residents a discount. Honk has an option to offer residents of the Municipality of Bayham a yearly permit at a cost of $3.50 per vehicle. The $3.50 ensures full cost recovery in the operation of the program while allowing a discount for permanent residents who may already be subject to the tax levy, which currently pays for annual operations at the East Beach and, as noted earlier, is slated to be the primary funding mechanism for many upcoming beach improvements. Enforcement Staff are not recommending any changes to the current structure of the enforcement process or disputes. Any tickets issued would be disputed through the County of Elgin Provincial Offences Court and the ticket process would continue to be administered at the County Level. Enforcement revenue distribution is governed by way of Inter-municipal Service Agreement with the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Bayham receives all revenue associated with Parking Enforcement, save and except 10 percent, which is kept by the County to cover the costs of administration. Potential Revenue Implications There are approximately 150 spaces in the lots closest to the East Beach. Staff are proposing a daily rate of $20, and an hourly rate of $4 per hour. Staff did canvass other municipalities in the area that administer a paid parking program. Norfolk County has no day rate but sets an hourly rate of $4 per hour. Central Elgin have a daily rate of $20 and an hourly rate of $4 per hour. Norfolk County offer a discounted pass to residents at a cost of $35 per vehicle. If a daily rate of $20 is set, and all of the spaces are paid up at the day rate, the lot can generate a maximum revenue at a rate of $3,000 per day, $90,000 per month, and $360,000 May through August 2024. These numbers are based on a best-case scenario based on maximum utilization. It is notable that if Council opts to provide residents yearly parking passes at a discount, residents who utilize the parking lot would decrease the amount of revenue generated. Further, revenues are based on the day/time, where weekends (especially long weekends) are more heavily utilized than weekdays, and weather patterns will also impact beach parking revenue generation. In addition to the East Beach parking, Staff would recommend consideration of including the lot at the end of Pitt Street as well as Parking along Chatham Street within the scope of any rate-establishing by-law. If council decides to include those spaces it would amount to an increase of 108 spaces bringing the total number of paid spaces to 258. If Council desires and directs, all revenue from the implementation of paid parking can be allocated towards beach maintenance or the maintenance/rehabilitation of non-core infrastructure associated with the East Beach. Committee Input Council is also aware of the mandate of the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC), which covers such matters as East Beach parking as follows: “The Waterfront Advisory Committee will also receive information on and is responsible for providing general recommendations to Council regarding East Beach parking area amenities and matters regarding the East Pier.” Staff recommend referral of this Report to the April 15, 2024 meeting of the WAC for their input and recommendation prior to rendering a full decision; however, as the WAC is a Committee of Council, Council may proceed with a full decision without formal Committee input should Council desire it. If so, staff are seeking Council’s direction, specifically whether interest exists to consider this for a portion of the 2024 beach season as a pilot, or full implementation in 2025. If interested, staff seek further direction regarding areas subject to paid parking, applicable rates, and any formal direction of revenues into a reserve or reserves for use in support of beach matters. STRATEGIC PLAN 3.1: Quality of Governance > To undertake strategies and technology and knowledge capital investments that continuously improve a service-oriented governance approach in Bayham. Initiative(s): Continue to address and evaluate technology and communication opportunities 3.2: Quality of Governance > To continually demonstrate financial responsibility to the community. Initiative(s): Investigate options for moving services to full cost recovery 3.3: Quality of Governance > To strategically engage in partnerships, joint ventures and other collaborative activities that leverage the Municipality’s resources and capabilities in order to achieve enhanced efficiencies and benefits for the community and its residents. Initiative(s): Not applicable. RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT Report BL-02/24 re Port Burwell East Beach – Paid Parking Options be received; 2. AND THAT Council provide direction regarding paid parking options in support of the Port Burwell East Beach. Respectfully submitted: Reviewed by: Stephen Miller, MLEO (c), GDPA, Thomas Thayer, CMO, AOMC Licensed Paralegal LSO By-Law Enforcement Officer Chief Administrative Officer Subject: Request to Table Paid Parking Option in Port Burwell To the Honorable Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Bayham Councillors From: Maureen O’Dwyer, resident of Port Burwell, Bayham Ontario I hope this letter finds you well. As a concerned resident of Port Burwell, I am writing to respectfully request that the option of implementing paid parking in our community be again be tabled for consideration later. I believe a pause of this consideration should be in place until needed healthy economic activity is consistent in Port Burwell Village. While I understand the need for revenue generation and the challenges faced by our municipality, I believe that introducing paid parking will have unintended consequences for our community. It is crucial to consider the broader impact on our community’s well-being and vibrancy. Here are my reasons for making this request: 1. Postpone any decisions related to paid parking until we have a clearer picture of our community’s stability. Let us focus on supporting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and enhancing our town’s appeal over the next several budgets in order to develop a plan to enhance our community based on needs and potential for sound, controlled growth. PROPOSED ACTION ITEM: I respectfully request the council to move to form a committee comprised of local residents and council to discuss the matter further. It is my wish to positively and respectfully work with the council. A community forum or survey could also provide valuable insights. This will affect the entire community in a physical and economic way, therefore a committee made up of residents and council is appropriate. While I understand the need for revenue generation there is a greater need to promote a Welcoming Atmosphere for Business and Residents: 1. Welcoming Atmosphere for Business and Residents: o Communities that offer free parking create a more inviting environment for both businesses and residents. Visitors feel encouraged to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions without the added burden of parking fees. o The proposed estimate of $4 per hour and $20 per day is very high for a small village visit. That can just about pay for ice cream for a family of 4. Ice cream that they may not buy from our local shops. o A warm and welcoming community fosters economic growth and encourages repeat visits from tourists. Paid parking, on the other hand, may deter visitors and negatively impact local businesses. o There are many ways to approach this. I have seen communities and parks that have voluntary parking payments which is seen as a kinder, gentler—even quaint approach. o Transparency of profits from the beach need to be further explored and decided upon up-front, which is a complex issue that takes time to study. 2. Paid parking is detrimental to local businesses as is demonstrated in other communities. The municipality can retain some income, but the local businesses are the people who really pay with their loss of paying customers. If people pay to park at the beach, they will be reluctant to move their car to explore the village center’s businesses, or pay more for the privilege of staying for a meal in town etc. When the beach time is up, they will likely go home, as is the case now in Port Dover. It is a contentious issue there, as the local businesses are united in saying it has harmed their income significantly. *Please see the attached article about Port Dover’s parking and local business. Paid Parking as a Tax on Families and Freedom: o Introducing paid parking effectively imposes a tax on families and individuals who wish to enjoy our beautiful beaches, historic sites, and local amenities. It adds an extra financial burden, especially for those with limited resources. ‘Enough is enough’ is the feeling in the public in regard to paying for simple privileges like a day trip to the beach. One of the reasons people come here is because it is free to park and explore, compared to the Provincial Park. That is the backbone of our village economy in Port Burwell. * If people are to pay, they may as well go to the Provincial Park. The park has more facilities, adequate washrooms and a much longer stretch of beach and picnicking areas (which means bring your own food). Our advantage in town is that we do not charge to park and that boosts business and future business growth. *Parking fees can influence the behavior of drivers and have a significant impact on traffic patterns. Here’s how parking fees might deter visitors and increase residential street congestion: 3. Deterrence of Visitors: High parking fees can discourage visitors from coming to certain areas, especially if they perceive the cost as too steep or if there are cheaper alternatives elsewhere (like Port Bruce). This can reduce the number of people willing to pay for parking, potentially affecting local businesses and tourism. Let’s not forget that visitors are potential residents and rate-payers. People who are attracted to life in small-town Ontario come here. Many of the visitors to Port Burwell were raised in the area and many might like to return. These folks might become our future neighbors and taxpayers. 4. Residential Street Congestion: When parking fees are implemented in beach and commercial areas, drivers often seek free or cheaper parking options on nearby residential streets to avoid the fees. This behavior, known as “spillover parking,” can lead to increased congestion in residential areas, as more cars compete for limited street parking spaces. It can also cause frustration among residents who find their streets crowded with non-resident vehicles. 5. Shorter Parking Duration: According to a study, an increase in parking fees can lead to individuals parking for shorter durations, which might allow more people to use the same parking space throughout the day. This also leads to people spending less time due to cost. For example, visiting the beach but not going downtown and shopping or staying for a meal in local businesses. 6. Administrative Costs: Paid parking system requires significant investment for by-law officers, and the companies that provide the cellular payment technology will end up making the lion’s share of the profit. Local businesses downtown will suffer with loss of revenue. Cellular in Port Burwell is very unreliable and will create a large number of angry people that receive tickets, and a nightmare for administration stuck with complaints and reversing charges. This is the case in Port Dover (Norfolk). 7. COST of providing all Port Burwell residents with parking passes. I do not think local residents will feel they should have to pay parking fees—no matter how small ($3.50) is suggested, so added costs for materials and administration of distributing local parking permits for residents will be costly for the municipality @ $3.50 per person, which ultimately comes out of the taxpayer’s pockets. Again, parking on residential streets will be a huge concern as a result if there are no permits for locals, it is a complex issue. Summary: While on the surface parking fees can be used as a tool for revenue, and seem like an easy opportunity for revenue, they can also have unintended consequences such as deterring visitors and increasing congestion in residential areas. Port Burwell should not be tempted by the “quick financial fix” of parking revenue but consider the loss of revenue and change to the quaint, friendly atmosphere that is the currency of successful villages. It is imperative to balance the revenue generated from parking fees with the potential impact on traffic and local communities. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that council makes decisions that prioritize the well-being of our community. Together, as a committee we would have a renewed sense of investment in Port Burwell’s future which all Bayham residents are stakeholders in, and ensure that Port Burwell remains a welcoming and thriving place for residents and visitors alike. Sincerely, Maureen O’Dwyer, Resident, Port Burwell, Ontario *The following is taken from an article about paid parking in the once booming downtown and beach area community of Port Dover, Ontario: Please read the following article about how paid parking truly affects residents and local businesses: ‘It’s killing business’: Norfolk council backpedals on paid parking in Port Dover Article credit: J.P. Antonacci, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Hamilton Spectator Feb 19, 2024 ”… representatives of Port Dover’s business community came to town hall in Simcoe on Tuesday to urge councillors to abandon the idea altogether…” “It’s killing business in the beach area,” said Andrew Schneider, whose family owns the Erie Beach and Arbor restaurants. Schneider said 2023 was his worst non-COVID summer in the past two decades, with revenue down 23 per cent. Complaints, however, were way up from diners grumbling about having to pay to park. Having paid parking in some areas of town but not others “creates confusion and stress” for visitors, as well as for business owners who spend “hours each week” explaining the parking rules to frustrated shoppers, said Paul Morris of the Port Dover Board of Trade. “This is a huge, hidden and unreported cost of paid parking,” Morris told councillors, adding last summer saw a “worrying decline” in visitors dining and shopping by the lake. “People stayed away because they did not want to pay to park,” he said. Jenny Ball, owner of the Dover Cheese Shop on Main Street, said some drivers skirted paid spots by the beach and filled the free spots available uptown, crowding out her customers. Her shop saw a 20 per cent decline in sales last summer, which Ball attributed to the “hassle” of paid parking, as her customer traffic returned to normal after the pilot project ended. “It just has been a disaster,” Ball said. “Tourism is Port Dover’s industrial park, and the infrastructure we need is free parking,” Schneider said. MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 15, 2024 MEMO: WAC-05/24 SUBJECT: LONG POINT LITTORAL CELL WORKING GROUP FUNDING FOR COASTAL RESILIENCE BACKGROUND At its January 18, 2024 meeting, Council received a Presentation from Peter Zuzek and Sarah Emons regarding the Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group (LCWG). Council passed the following motion: Moved by: Councillor Emerson Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Weisler THAT the delegation from Sarah Emons and Peter Zuzek be received for information; AND THAT the Mayor be directed to provide a Letter of Support on behalf of the Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Bayham to support grant applications from the Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group. A copy of the presentation is attached hereto. DISCUSSION A pre-cursor to the LCWG was formed informally in summer 2023 to address mutual concerns in the areas of coastal processes and erosion, infrastructure threats, and disappearing coastal wetlands. The group has since been named and formalized at the LCWG. Bayham is represented on the LCWG by the CAO, Manager of Public Works, Manager of Capital Projects, Mayor, and Deputy Mayor. The CAO and Mayor are the staff and Council primary representatives. Since this time, the LCWG has made application to the Environment and Climate Change Canada Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative for funding to enhance coastal resilience to natural hazards and climate change risks on the north shore of Lake Erie between Port Glasgow and Long Point. A February 26, 2024 news release by the Municipality, entitled ‘Coastal Resilience Funding Initiative’ was posted on the website and is attached hereto. At this point, no funding has been received. If the application is unsuccessful, no further progress will be sought on the file. The funding is successfully received, it is expected that public participation will be sought as a component of the overall analysis and review conducted in support of any resilience strategy for the north shore of Lake Erie. During this consultation, it is further expected that the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) will be encouraged to provide comment. The WAC will be kept updated on this file and when, if applicable, Committee input is prudent to move the project forward productively and efficiently. ATTACHMENTS 1. LCWG Presentation, from January 18, 2024 Council 2. News Release – Coastal Resilience Funding Initiative, dated February 26, 2024 RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-05/24 re Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group Funding for Coastal Resilience be received for information; AND THAT The Waterfront Advisory Committee provide comment, if any, to Council for consideration. Long Point Littoral Cell Working Group Sarah Emons, B.Sc., M.Sc. Pete Zuzek, MES, CFM, P.Geo. January 2024 Long Point Littoral Cell Erosion Impacts Buildings and Infrastructure but also Supplies Sediment to Beaches Erosion from 1964 to 2020 at Long Point Due to Impaired Coastal Processes Working Group History Individuals concerned about coastal erosion, infrastructure threats, and disappearing coastal wetlands began meeting in the fall 2023 On December 8th, the term ‘Working Group’ was adopted to recognize the ongoing collaboration There are now more than 25 members (right) ECCC Funding Restoring and Protecting Coastal Areas Funding requests can range from $100,000 to $6,000,000, due February 15th Projects need to focus on local-level action Restore and protect critically important coastal areas Funding for restoring and protecting coastal areas - Canada.ca Framework for Submission and Draft Organization Chart Resilience Framework Scope Items Extensive community engagement Vulnerability assessment for roads, infrastructure, and buildings Bypassing sediment at harbours Restore beaches and dunes with nature Next Steps Requesting ‘Letters of Support’ from Working Group partners (example to right) Confirm Financial Support from partners In-kind staff support (e.g., participation in Working Group meetings and the technical work) Cash from Municipalities (contributions in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 are eligible) Coastal Resilience Funding Initiative At the January 18, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council, a presentation was made to introduce the Littoral Cell Working Group (LCWG). This group was formed in 2023 from individuals concerned about coastal erosion, infrastructure threats, and disappearing coastal wetlands. The LCWG has applied to the Environment and Climate Change Canada Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative for funding to enhance coastal resilience to natural hazards and climate change risks on the north shore of Lake Erie between Port Glasgow and Long Point. The deliverables of the project (if funded) would be: 1. Public consultation and engagement surrounding coastal erosion and resilience with stakeholders from across the Elgin/Norfolk Littoral Cell area. 2. Peer reviewed technical work to better understand how erosion and sand and gravel transport functions in the littoral cell. 3. The co-development of a Coastal Resilience Plan with members of a Working Group, Public Advisory Group and Technical Advisory Group. 4. Beach Building projects to create healthier and more resilient beaches using nature based solutions/natural vegetation. 5. A pilot Beach Nourishing project to move sand from an area where it is not needed/wanted to an area where beaches are suffering from erosion. This is regular practice in other parts of the world. More informed decisions when addressing the impacts of coastal erosion on our communities and infrastructure will be able to be made through completing technical work such as sediment budget and model for the coastline. In addition to the technical work, this project aims to establish the social, economic, environmental, and physical baseline for the coastal area within the littoral cell. These four dimensions of the coast must be considered when focusing on long-term sustainable approaches to increase coastal resilience. It is estimated a decision on the funding application will be received in June of this year. This grant does not contemplate the removal of the Port Burwell west jetty without the appropriate technical evidence. The Port Burwell west jetty is not municipal infrastructure. Please contact Sarah Emons at the Long Point Biosphere Region (conservation@longpointbiosphere.com) for further information on this initiative. DATED at the Municipality of Bayham this 26th day of February, 2024. Municipality of Bayham PO Box 160 56169 Heritage Line Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 Telephone: 519-866-5521 MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 15, 2024 MEMO: WAC-06/24 SUBJECT: 2024 BEACH REQUESTS BACKGROUND Prior to the April 15, 2024 meeting, Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) members were asked to submit any topics on which they would entertain discussion at said meeting. This Memo addresses three (3) such topics of request:  The CoastSnap app  Potentially opening up Erieus Street  Signage at the Beach pertaining to shelf ice & updates to the Parks By-law DISCUSSION CoastSnap CoastSnap is an app downloadable through various app stores for your smartphone. It is a citizen-led science project that uses photogrammetry to track how the coast is changing over time due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities and other factors by converting photographs into usable data to inform coastal change. The key to photogrammetry is ensuring that the photos used are from the same location. To facilitate this, participating beaches install a phone cradle and CoastSnap signage at a specific chosen location. Users of the app can insert their phones in the cradle and take photos and then share with the centralized database. The technology behind CoastSnap is then capable of creating time-lapse videos and tracking the precise changes in the position of the coastline over time. CoastSnap, if used at the East Beach, can provide photographic information to help measure erosive processes affecting the East Beach and harbor area. This is particularly of interest because of the Littoral Cell Working Group (LCWG)’s proposed study on coastal resilience, outlined in Memo WAC-05/24. A downside, however, is the viability of a cradle installation and the potential for ongoing damage and vandalism. The Municipality at its Beach and various parks each year has to address and mitigate damage associated with vandalism. This applies to portapotties and signage and general, but also to the first aid kit and safety equipment at the East Beach. There is a cost and time consideration involved in addressing this every year, and it can be expected that any cradle purchased and installed in support of CoastSnap will be damaged. This will undoubtedly affect the effectiveness of the project and is another cost to the Municipality’s annual beach maintenance budget. Erieus Street Erieus Street is half opened and is accessible off of Brock Street to the north. The open section dead-ends adjacent to 7 Erieus, and the unopened section continues south to intersect with the unopened Hagerman road allowance, which is currently a component of the Port Burwell East Beach parking area and eastern turn-around. A request from a WAC member was brought forward regarding Erieus Street and the potential of opening the southern half to act as a second egress point for East Beach parking. Opening and upgrading this section of the Erieus Street road allowance is a significant project requiring engineering and design with slope stability considerations to ensure the road allowance is safe and constructed to municipal standards. The slope on this stretch is substantial and uneven as it slopes to the southeast rather than the south, which means slope reconstruction may be required to ensure a smooth travelled surface. The slope may pose concerns from Public Works staff with respect to safe maintenance and snow clearance, if applicable. There would also be concerns regarding drainage on that slope. Runoff draining down the road allowance would arrive in the Beach turn-around, which would then have to have its own drainage upgraded to recognize additional impervious surface and swifter overland drainage. Currently there is no consideration from Council or its 10-Year Capital Plan to open the southern portion of Erieus Street to act as a second egress point for beachgoers. Costs for such a project are unknown at this time, but high-level estimates may be over $250,000 for effectively a seasonal egress point during peak times. Signage The Municipality has received inquiries about additional signage, specifically about shelf ice, in recent years. Signage is commonly operationalized through the Public Works budget, and is chiefly allocated to signage related to core critical services such as Roads. No direction has been provided to date with respect to winter signage regarding the dangers of shelf ice. Additional signage at the East Beach has to be considered from multiple angles. First, in this instance, there is the consideration of public safety; however, the East Beach is off- season and use-at-your-own-risk in fall and winter months so there is the question of whether the cost is worthwhile given the low usership at the time of year. Second, there is the cost to create and install/remove the signage annually. The Municipality, as noted earlier in this Memo, is subject to instances of vandalism every year to its signage in recreation spaces around Bayham. It is expected that this signage would be no different, and would come at the additional staff cost each year to install and remove. Third, there is a consideration about over-signing the East Beach in general. Much of the existing signage is in place to satisfy requirements of the Blue Flag program, or to identify regulations on Beach usership. The requested signage is neither, and addition of further signage runs the risk of over-signing a popular Bayham destination. In respect to signage related to revisions to the new Parks By-law No. 2023-061, specifically prohibitions on barbecues and tents/enclosures in accordance with previous recommendations from the WAC, Public Works and By-law staff have been in discussion about this signage and expect new signage in place prior to the May long weekend. RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-06/24 re 2024 Beach Requests be received for information. MEMO WATERFRONT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO: Waterfront Advisory Committee FROM: Thomas Thayer, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: April 15, 2024 MEMO: WAC-07/24 SUBJECT: 2024 EAST BEACH SEASON OPENING INFORMATION BACKGROUND The operational season for the Port Burwell East Beach is generally considered to be the May long weekend through the Labour Day long weekend. Staff are responsible for preparation of the East Beach in accordance with Council’s established level of service and Blue Flag requriements. This seasonal preparation often begins in April This Memo covers season opening preparation information for the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC)’s information. DISCUSSION Eclipse and Beach Cleaning East Beach seasonal preparation began early in 2024 due to the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. In respect of the eclipse, the East Beach was identified by municipal and County staff as a prime viewing location in Bayham, and to facilitate the orderly influx of visitors seeking to attend the East Beach, preparations had to take place beforehand. Some beach cleaning as conducted prior to April 8, and the washrooms were cleaned and opened for the day. Portapotties were also brought in for the day, but have since been removed. The eclipse provided an opportunity for staff to get ahead of some of the Beach cleaning and washroom preparation responsibilities before the official opening of the season, which will lessen the staff time required for same as we enter into May. At this time, it is expected that early-season bioswale maintenance will be conducted by Public Works staff and summer students. This will be occurring in May and June. The East Elgin Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) will be assisting at the end of the season with clean-up efforts, similar to 2023. 2024 Beach Contractor The Municipality’s beach facilities cleaning contract is expected to be the same as in 2023 for garbage receptacles, portapotties, and the physical washroom facility, with the same schedule for attendance and cleanings. This has been accounted for and approved in the 2024 Operating Budget. Beach Water Testing Beach water testing commences in May and ends in September. Under Blue Flag requirements, we are to test a minimum of five (5) times for streptococcal bacteria. This is done once each month from May through September and processed through a lab in London. Southwestern Public Health also tests weekly at the East Beach for e.Coli. This has been ongoing for many years successfully. The overall costs for water testing are minimal, and we expect no changes to frequency and process for 2024. Staff supply Swim, Drink, Fish (SDF) with a rolling four years’ worth of testing data every time a Blue Flag application is submitted, which is considered as a primary component of the application to ensure the Beach is suitable for Blue Flag status. Signage As noted in Memo WAC-06/24, Parks By-law signage in respect of beach restriction changes from By-law No. 2023-061 (excerpt attached) is currently ongoing internal staff review and is expected to be erected at the Beach before the May long weekend. Blue Flag Application Update In November 2023, staff, at the direction of Council, made application through SDF for Blue Flag status at the East Beach for the 2024 year. The application timeline is generalized below: Date Step in Process January-March (current year) SDF reviews applications and reaches out to applicants to confirm information or request additional, missing information if applicable March SDF invoices applicant ($1,250). SDF may follow up with any additional questions or clarification on item March/April SDF advises if application and award is being recommended to the international panel April/May Applicant advised if successful May/June If successful, announcement can be made public. Applicant is sent a Blue Flag for the year. At this time, the Municipality has been invoiced and has paid same, but we have not received any updates regarding recommendations for status, etc. Given the above-noted table, we would expect feedback shortly. If successful, staff would expect a flag-raising to be scheduled for late May or early June, depending on when 2024 status can be made public. This is similar to 2023. ATTACHMENTS 1. Excerpt from By-law No. 2023-061 regarding Beach Restrictions. RECOMMENDATION THAT Memo WAC-07/24 re 2024 East Beach Season Opening Information be received for information. Excerpt from By-law No. 2023-061 Section 3 – Beach Provisions 3.1 On any Beach Area within the Municipality, no person shall: 3.1.1 use any type of barbeque or device for the purpose of cooking or reheating food except where that barbeque or cooking device is contained within the beach house, or municipally approved/licensed refreshment vehicle. 3.1.2 erect a tent or structure that is greater than 10’x10’. 3.1.3 erect a tent or structure which has more than 1 opaque side and which affects the view of the shoreline without written municipal approval. 3.1.4 use, possess or deposit glass containers or bottles. 3.1.5 use a generator or other such devices that are powered by gas, diesel, propane or any other fuel. 3.1.6 set, permit, or maintain a fire. 3.1.7 discharge or permit to be discharged any fireworks, unless written municipal approval has been obtained. 3.1.8 play or practice sports in an area not set aside for that purpose, such as but not limited to: football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, spikeball, handball, golf except any other activity deemed by the Director of Public Works to be dangerous to the public safety 3.1.9 use a recording device to record persons, without that persons explicit consent 3.1.10 play or permit to be played any music containing profane or abusive language 3.1.11 sell, or offer, display, distribute or rent, expose or advertise for sale any merchandise or services without written municipal approval. 3.1.12 urinate or defecate except in washroom area.