Parks, Forestry & Recreation
Janie Romoff,
Acting General Manager
Minutes – Public Information Update
Park:
Date:
Time:
Location:
Woolner Park
June 26, 2014
7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
David Appleton Community Centre
Attendees:
Councillor Nunziata
Ed Fearon
Carol Cormier
Ward 11
Parks Branch
Facilitator
Attendees:
18
1.
Councillor's Office
Parks Branch
Introductions & Welcome – Councillor Nunziata
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2.
Jennifer Cicchelli
Donna Kovachis
Carol Cormier opened the meeting
Welcomed everyone in attendance
Introduced staff from Parks, Forestry & Recreation Branch and Councillor Nunziata
Councillor Nunziata welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending/
Advised that staff will review the process and status of the off leash area to date.
Explained this meeting was to determine if residents want to proceed with this location
on the Hydro lands and that if so she would make a motion at Council to waive the
Dogs of Leash Policy criteria and have the Off Leash Area proceed.
Review Assessment and Discuss any Changes for Conditions of use
1. Internal Review of the Application
 Requests Received by Parks Standards and Innovation
 Property Ownership Confirmed
 Consultation with;
o Capital Projects and Planning & Design Staff
o Community Recreation Branch including review of permit and program uses in the
Park
 Other Divisions are consulted where necessary
 Off-leash requests that cannot comply with the policy criteria are rejected
 Viable applications are forwarded to Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff for technical
assessment
2. Internal Assessment of the Application
 Technical assessment conducted by Parks and Forestry staff
 Applicants and Councillor are advised that the site is suitable and can move forward as is or
with adjustments or has been deemed unsuitable and cannot comply with the Policy
PIU Meeting Minutes – Woolner Park June 26, 2014
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3.
Criteria for Off-Leash Areas in Parks
The following criteria will be used in staff’s review of the suitability:
o Neighbourhood characteristics
o Compatibility with the park’s design, established uses, features and components
o Potential impacts on the park’s functionality, condition and natural environment
o Proportion of park to be taken up by the proposed off-leash area
o Proximity to residences and off-leash area exclusions
Off-leash areas shall not be established within the following areas:
o playgrounds
o splash pads and wading pools
o horticultural display areas or ornamental gardens
o skateboard bowls, tennis courts and other sports pads
o sportsfields and stadiums
o artificial or natural ice rinks, toboggan hills
o animal display areas
o campgrounds
o designated heritage, memorial, commemorative and ceremonial areas
o burial grounds
o areas posted prohibiting dogs
4.
Public Information Process
 Public meeting is held by Parks, Forestry and Recreation with the support of the Ward
Councillor to advise the community that the site meets the off-leash policy criteria
 Discussion and feedback from the community includes:
o Location
o Hours of operation
o Fencing, gates and or natural barriers to identify area
o Signage
o Tree protection
o Other amenities
 Feedback from public information meeting is considered and all possible options are
reviewed.
 A follow-up meeting is scheduled with the community if necessary.
 Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff present the approved off-leash area to the community.
5.
Site Monitoring
 Sites are monitored on regular basis by Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff and Municipal
Licensing and Standards, By-law Enforcement.
 Monitoring conducted through site visits to ensure compliance in collaboration between PFR
staff, Municipal Licensing and Standards By-law Enforcement, dog owner association contacts
& other community representatives
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6.
Summary of Assessment Findings Woolner/Hydro Corridor
This site does not meet the Policy criteria as assessed by Parks staff due to:
1. Close proximity to residences
2. No parking available
3. Property not owned or maintained by Parks.
Overview of site:
 Adequate land available for off-leash activities.
 Fencing would be required to contain off-leash activities.
 Parking available in area and on Foxwell Street, no designated parking lot.
 The hours of operation would be set to prevent disturbance to the neighbourhood.
 Approximately 1,205 licensed dogs in Ward 11.
 Commercial Dog Walkers would not be allowed.
 A designated off-leash area will assist with addressing the need for an area dedicated to dogs
in Ward 11.
 Refer to attachment 1 for list of sites assessed in Ward 11.
7.
Site Details
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Hours of Operation: 6 am to 10 pm.
Fencing: To be determined by compliance with Hydro specifications.
Signage: Code of Conduct and Conditions of use.
Benches and litter receptacles.
Double gated entrance gate and maintenance gate.
No commercial dog walkers.
Signage: Conditions of Use & Code of Conduct
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Comply with all signs & boundaries & carry a leash at all times.
The City of Toronto requires that all dogs must have a municipal dog license.
Dogs must remain in off-leash area so as not to trample or endanger plant material and other
park resources.
Dogs excluded from use of off leash areas: dogs identified under the Dog Owners Liability Act:
o
Pit bulls;
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Female dogs in heat;
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Any dog that has been issued a muzzle order by the Medical Officer of Health.
Discourage your dog(s) from chasing wildlife.
Pick up after the dog(s) and carry the dog(s) waste home to the Green Bin or use the receptacle
provided.
Dog(s) must be under voice or signal control and in sight at all times. If your dog does not
respond immediately retrieve your dog and leash it.
Leash your dog(s) immediately, if aggressive behaviour is demonstrated.
Respect other park users.
Be respectful of the neighbours and deter your dog’s barking.
Dogs that dig holes must have their owners fill them in immediately. Holes create safety hazards
for other users especially after dark.
Always carry a bag, a spare and one to share.
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9.
Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership
Responsible pet ownership is a key component to a successful off-leash area
 License your dog
 Pick up after your dog
 Educate yourself and train your dog
 Follow City by-laws and park policies
 Respecting other people, property and animals
 Keep your dog on a leash when not in a designated off-leash area
There was opportunity for meeting participants to:
 provide feedback and ask questions
 identify concerns and support
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Questions / Concerns
Resolution
Why was the original site not used?
Our previous community consultation showed the
residents were concerned with the proximity to the
playground and not in favour of this location.
I did not receive notice of the meeting why 5877 flyers were sent to the surrounding community
weren't we notified.
most impacted. The Councillor's office also sent out
notice to the community by email and included in the
Councillor's newsletter.
Have you looked at other locations?
Yes as shown in the presentation, several locations
were reviewed however many areas in Ward 11 are
within the flood plain or in close proximity to
residential homes.
How well will the off leash area be secured? The off leash area will be fenced and include a
Children still play in that area.
double gated entrance and maintenance gate.
What is the cost to rent this area from
The cost to rent this area is minimal.
Hydro?
Why not the area west of Jane St.?
Staff looked at the area west of Jane St. This area did
not meet the policy criteria due to the residences on
both sides of the park. Parking would also be a
concern on the west side of Jane St.
Is it possible to have an area for small dogs? Will ask design staff to review option for smaller dog
area.
One individual commented that she is a realtor in the
area and many of her clients look for neighbourhoods
with parks that offer off-leash areas for dogs. She
believes it increases the value of homes in the area
and is all for this location.
Attending members were asked to vote on
The vote was unanimous, all attendees in favour of
this location for an Off-leash area.
this location and proceeding with the project.
Do we get a choice of trees for shade? What Once the initial plan is prepared Parks staff will
about water and lighting?
forward to Hydro One for comment and approval.
When approval has been received staff will then
forward to the Councillor for review and circulation
to those attending this meeting.
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4.
Final Outcome of Meeting
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Councillor will propose a motion at Council to waive the provisions of the Off-Leash Policy
for areas in "proximity to residences" and "property not owned or maintained by Parks
Forestry and Recreation clause in the criteria for the Establishment of Off-Leash Areas part
of the People, Dogs and Parks – Off-Leash Policy
Upon Council approval Parks staff will consult with Hydro regarding the land lease, fence
type, Dogs off Leash area design and amenities.
Once the Off-Leash area design is approved by Hydro One, Parks staff will forward to
Councillor Nunziata for distribution to those attending.
Councillor Nunziata will follow-up on options for parking along Woolner Ave.
Councillor Nunziata thanks all for attending.
Carol Cormier Adjourned the meeting.
 Adjourned 8:15 pm
 Minutes – Jennifer LaBelle
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Attachment - 1
SUMMARY OF LOCATIONS REVIEWED
WARD 11
1. 199 John Street – too close to homes
2. 301 Rockcliffe – 2 areas reviewed – Build TO property for sale, other environmental issues
3. Terry Drive – too close to homes, no parking, not flat land, wet
4. Lions Park / Arena – TRCA, Ravine, Natural Heritage – small area
5. Denison Park – close to residential, small / restrictions with tree protection requirements
6. Black Creek Site West - Alliance & Jane St.- 2 areas reviewed
a. North side – close to residential
b. South side – restricted by TRCA and Forestry
7. Cruikshank Park – 2 areas reviewed –TRCA, Ravine, Natural Heritage
8. Gunns and Weston Road – close to residential, construction of new mall, no parking
9. Pelmo Park – drainage issues, TDSB adjacent school, ball diamond, hockey, close to homes
10. Woolner – not suitable at other areas as no existing agreements with Hydro
11. Smythe Park – Ravine, TRCA, Natural Heritage
12. Terragona and Gunns / Maple Clare Park – not suitable, not preferred location
13. Crawford Jones – Forestry – new plantings in area, TRCA, Ravine and Natural Heritage
14. Eglinton and Emmett / Eglinton Flats – heavily permitted / activities, TRCA, Natural Heritage and Ravine
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15. Raymore Park – TRCA, Ravine, Natural Heritage
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