Item - 2015.PE2.4
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Parks and Environment Committee on February 25, 2015 and was adopted with amendments.
PE2.4 - Skating on Grenadier Pond
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Ward:
- 13 - Parkdale-High Park
Committee Decision
The Parks and Environment Committee:
1. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to report to the Parks and Environment Committee in the second quarter of 2015 on:
a. The best practices from other municipalities on testing, monitoring, and communicating the ice conditions on bodies of water, and the cost of implementing similar practices for the return of skating on Grenadier Pond.
b. What actions, at minimum, would be required to mitigate the City's liability.
c. A review of the designated Environmentally Significant Areas and Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and whether there are ways to enhance protection of the wildlife and natural environment.
Origin
Summary
Skating on Grenadier Pond has been a longstanding tradition in the Swansea and greater Toronto Community since Confederation. The Police Marine Unit monitored the ice conditions on the pond until 1996 when monitoring responsibilities were turned over to City. Monitoring continued until the newly amalgamated City stopped allowing activity on the pond in 2001 due to the staffing requirements needed to monitor and maintain ice thickness. Despite the lack of City approval, the century's long tradition of skating on Grenadier Pond continues, resulting in unregulated and potentially dangerous use.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-76301.pdf
Communications
(February 20, 2015) E-mail from Lenka Holubec, Member, Natural Environment Committee of High Park (PE.New.PE2.4.2)
(February 22, 2015) E-mail from Leslie Gooding, Representative, Natural Environment Committee, High Park Resource Group (PE.New.PE2.4.3)
Speakers
Leslie Gooding
Motions
That the report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation also include the following:
1. What actions, at minimum, would be required to mitigate the City's liability;
2. A review of the designated Environmentally Significant Areas and Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and whether there are ways to enhance protection of the wildlife and natural environment.