SUMMARY: MINUTES FOSS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING, APRIL 23RD, 2018

Summary: FOSS Steering Committee Meeting

APRIL 23, 2018

7:00pm, ROOM C-108, “C” BUILDING, HUMBER COLLEGE, SOUTH CAMPUS

ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO

SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL: MAY 26, 2018. Fun for the entire family.  Bird feeder/nesting platform/bird bath projects. Sparrow nesting kits and T-shirts for sale. Photography booth. Bird walks.  And much more. Check the blog for details. Sponsors and volunteers enthusiastically requested.

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT: FOSS thanks Dana B. of EcoSpark (www.ecospark.ca) for her informative talk about her organization’s goals/projects. Government cuts have increased the need for more citizen science volunteerism. Watch for more information about a future citizen science project for Col. Sam.  

COL. SAM PARK CLEAN-UP: FOSS would like to thank Alan Roy and all the volunteers who participated in both the April 15th (ice storm) and the re-scheduled April 28th clean-up days in the park.

PROBLEMS FROM OVER-SALTING: In addition to contacting park management about this matter, FOSS supports the New Toronto Residents’ Association for voicing similar concerns.

GREBE NESTING PLATFORMS: Thanks to President Brian K. for installing the platforms in the marina.

PROBLEMS CREATED BY THOUGHTLESS FISHERMEN/WOMEN: Fishing line, hooks, food/drink trash, etc. cast aside by some thoughtless fishermen/women cause grave danger to wildlife and curious children. FOSS is researching protection possibilities that may be available.

BARN SWALLOW NEST REPLACEMENT: The nests formerly located beneath the viewing stand have not yet been replaced. FOSS continues its lobbying efforts to have this situation corrected.

  2018 FOSS PHOTO EXHIBIT: Opening reception: October 11. Photos will be    displayed through November 9. Check the blog for updates.

OFF LEASH DOGS: Off-leash dog reports are the #1 complaint ($360 fine) made by park users. Commercial dog walkers (as well as the dogs in their care) must be licensed. Dog walkers must also have $2 million liability insurance. The maximum number of dogs allowed per walker is 6.

FOSS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: Check out FOSS on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. No personal Facebook account? You may still view the contents, but you will be unable to post comments.

ASSEMBLY HALL CULTURAL DAYS, FALL 2018: FOSS volunteers will lead nature photography sessions in Colonel Sam Park and facilitate children’s bird feeder and bird nesting material projects. Check the blog for updates.

DRUG/GARBAGE PROBLEMS AT COL. SAM: Discarded drug paraphernalia and litter are on-going detriments in the park, particularly in the North Creek area. Visitors are asked to notify the police at 416 808-2200 for drug infractions and 311 for trash build-up.

Trash problems may also be reported to cleanandbeautiful@toronto.ca

TWO-HOUR PARKING LIMIT ON SOUTH LOT AT COLONEL SAM: Vehicles are being marked and fines are being issued.

                                                                                          

        Sandra Hawkins, Secretary