SKATING TRAIL

In spite of requests from the community for a public meeting on the revised skating trail design, the Councillor's office is making it clear that there will be no more public discussion about this project. Below is a response from the Councillor Grime' executive assistant to such a request from a local resident. It explains the City's position.
Given that this new design is totally different from the concept designs already presented and encroaches on the meadow south of the Power House that was so hotly defended by the community when it was under threat from a skateboarding facility, it is surely advisable to allow the communuty a final say before it goes to tender and construction begins.

As you are no doubt aware the vision for an ice skating trail arises from the Moore George Report which was the master plan for the Lakeshore Grounds. This was more than a decade ago. In accordance with requirements for an environmental assessment , the City
of Toronto has held two public meetings in the last year in regards to the Proposed Ice Skating Trail.
The purpose of these meetings is for a community consultation to have input from the local residents regarding suggestions or concerns they may have for the proposal. Everyone in the Ward were invited to attend the public meetings, including those who had concerns regarding a previous proposal a skateboard park
During the first meeting the topic of discussion was a proposed location at the south end of the Power House in Colonel Sam Smith Park.
Following that meeting, where suggestions were made regarding the location, a second meeting was convened to suggest the location of the trail in the Woodlot to the North end of the Power House.
Once the public meetings had been convened the suggestions and information from the community input is considered in the final plans. The Project has been reviewed by the Provincial Ministry of the Environment, the TRCA and the community has had input. The majority of individuals who contacted staff or the councillors office were in favour of an ice skating trail in Colonel Sam Smith Park.
The project has been through all stages of the assessment process and has been approved by City Council
The Councillor has also taken the time to have staff meet with additional representatives of the community to hear their concerns and address the relevant issues wherever possible.
It is as a result of these many community meetings and the input from the consultation process that the final plan was shaped. Councillor Grimes has made every effort to exceed the city 's basic his legal obligations on this project. Many steps have been taken to concerns raised, such as the re-use of areas that are already paved, the movement of a large portion of the trail to the area south west of the power house, community involvement in the re-planting of the meadow etc.
The Councillor appreciates the input and suggestions that has arisen from the dialogue with the community, and many of them have been incorporated into the final plan.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MEETING PROBABLY POSTPONED DUE TO CITY STRIKE

Hi everyone,
As I'm sure you are all aware, negotiations between the City of Toronto and both union locals (79 and 416) are continuing. Both union locals, however, are in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2009.
Should a labour disruption occur prior to June 24th, the scheduled date of the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Facilities Study, please be advised that the public meeting will be postponed until further notice.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Thank you
Josie Franch (Giordano)
Sr. Public Consultation Co-ordinator
Public Consultation Unit
City of Toronto
Phone: 416-338-2859 Fax: 416-392-2974
TTY: 416-397-0831 Email: jfranch@toronto.ca
55 John Street, Metro Hall 19th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN PARK

It is important that members of FOSS attend the Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Study meeting being held at the Assembly Hall on Wednesday June 24 at 7 p.m ( See previous blog post ).
We understand that the plan is for storm water to be be pumped to a holding facility somewhere in Sam Smith. There has been talk about daylighting some of the creeks in the park and re-establishing the bigger swale as a pond/wetland area.
This will have a huge impact on the park and public input is required.

CCFEW BIRD WALK THIS WEEKEND

Don Burton will be leading a Bird Walk this Saturday, June 13th at Colonel Samuel Smith Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Spring migration is over. Now we can see the wide variety of birds that make the park their home for the summer. Notable among the nesting species is a pair of Red-necked Grebes which look to be intent on creating the second nest ever recorded in Toronto. This will be our last walk until September.
Meet in the south parking lot (where the road ends) at 9:00. Walks are held rain, or shine.
The photograph of the pair of red-necked grebes is by George Raikou who offers this comment .... "If they are the same two..last year they build their nest and had three eggs but the nest was lost . This year they are building the nest further in the bay. They like to put on a show just after mating."

LATEST SKATING TRAIL DESIGN

This is the latest concept design recently forwarded from Councillor Grimes' office for the skating trail projected to be built by December 2009. (Double-click on image for larger view). Note that parking spaces have been removed to accommodate this south-west design option. There is some intrusion into the meadow. The woodlot north of the Power House is not part of the design. We are told that funds have been set aside for plantings in the meadow and for the restoration of the understorey in the woodlot next year.
Please comment by clicking "Comments" below.

MORE SWAN PICS

FAMILY TIME IN THE PARK

WHIMBREL TIME AGAIN

Members of the Toronto Ornithological Club have been coordinating a Whimbrel Watch at Sam Smith Park from until May 28th. You should be able to find it at the southeastern headland throughout the day.

Highly recommend is checking the daily journey of the each of the five
Whimbrels which were satellite tagged on one of their main east coast
staging areas, coastal Virginia this spring at:
http://www.wildlifetracking.org/index.shtml?project_id=369.

The total number estimated to fly along the Atlantic/Great Lakes basin to Hudson Bay is believed to be about 22,000. Colonel Samuel Smith Park continues to be one of the best spots in the east to view these birds as they migrate from their wintering grounds in South America (Guyana) to the tundra lowlands of Hudson Bay.

RAINY DAY BIRDING SUGGESTION FROM WALT

What can you do on a rainy or snowy day when it is hard for some of us to get out and enjoy nature? Why not use the power of the internet to keep your eye on nature from the comfort of your own home? Here are a few of my favourite webcams to keep checking over the next few months, to watch the eagles and falcons, hatch, grow and fledge.

Hamilton Falconwatch...(4 eggs to be ready by Mother's Day)
http://falcons.hamiltonnature.org/

Eagles near Duke Farms (3 chicks already!!)http://www.dukefarms.org/page.asp?pageId=565

Various BC Eagle webcams (you can watch in our evenings, still daylight there!) http://www.hancockwildlifechannel.org/index.php?topic=cam-sites

Or...go to www.earthcam.com
and search for your favourite bird species! Enjoy!

Posted by Walt Balenovich

RARE (FOR ONTARIO) WESTERN GREBE IN PARK

If you were in the park for clean-up day last Sunday, you probably saw many birders with scopes and cameras. The bird they were chasing is the Western Grebe, a prairie bird that rarely pops up in Ontario. It has been in the waters off the western headland for a few weeks now, sometimes within feet of the shore, hanging out with red-necked grebes. It is an extremely elegant bird and easy to spot. A folk name for this fairly large bird is "swan-necked grebe"; if you see it, you'll know why. The bird is best known for its courtship display - two birds will rear up and patter across the surface of the water.
Check out the two grebe nesting platforms that TRCA have put in the bay. One is close to the spot where there used to be an observation deck, until it was burned. That vantage point is well used by wildlife photographers. It is about a meter from shore and is supported by four blue floats. Hopefully, red-necked or horned grebes will use it and eventually become park residents.

PLANT EXCHANGE

PLANT EXCHANGE: LEGS GARDENING EVENT OF THE SEASON
MAY 9, 2009

Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society (LEGS) is presenting their semi-annual Plant Exchange at the Assembly Hall, on May 9th, 9-1 pm. The Plant Exchange is designed to allow gardeners, the community, and locals to come out and exchange plants, seeds, and any unwanted tools. This is the true spirit of environmentalism: reuse, reduce, and recycle. The day is filled with plenty of activities and interest for everyone. For more information and to register for the talk, email: info@legsetobicoke.ca or call 416.347.5449.

ETOBICOKE GUARDIAN - PARK BIRDERS

SKATING TRAIL MEETING

Last Tuesday, Allen Valk and two other members of the FOSS executive were invited to attend a meeting at The Assembly Hall organized by Sheila Paxton, our Councillor's Executive Assistant. Irene Jones, former Councillor, and Brian Bailey from CCFEW were also present as well as City staff and skating trail consultants. The latest drawings were shown to us. They show the trail running through the woodlot north of the Power House and further east (closer to North Creek) than was indicated in the concept design we were shown last year. Trail level would be maintained by building retaining walls and by excavation to a height and depth of approximately one metre. Trees would be removed and additional trees and understory would be planted. It was made very clear to us that the City is determined to begin construction very soon and intend to have it up and ready for next Winter, in spite of significant community opposition.
FOSS members went over our concerns and explained the compromise solution we had previously sent to the Councillor. They can be seen in the previous post http://friendsofsamsmithpark.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-letter-from-foss-to-councillor.html
Sheila Paxton told us that she would take our views to the Councillor and City staff and get back to us, but indicated that changing existing parking agreements would probably be "impossible" and that it was very late at this point to make changes to the design. Oh for that Citizens' Management/Advisory Board!!!

Posted by Terry Smith

VIDEO HISTORY OF HOSPITAL GROUNDS

This is an interesting twelve minute video history of Lakeshore Physciatric Hospital and its grounds made by Rogers Television as part of their "Structures"program. It reinforces the concept of the whole site as being a place of education, healing and restoration and shows the long standing community involvement in its development.

SPRING CLEAN UP - 2009

Many thanks to all those who participated in yesterday's spring clean-up day in the park. It was a well attended event and the park is a much cleaner and pleasant place for your efforts. Special thanks to Alan Roy for his tireless efforts in ensuring the success and enjoyable atmosphere of these events.

Posted by Allan Valk, Chairperson, Friends of Sam Smith Park

CLEAN-UP 2009 - PHOTOGRAPHS

MEMBERS URGED TO SUBMIT POSTS TO FOSS BLOG

Have you got some interesting perspectives, news, facts, history , observations or concerns that you would like to express about the park. The FOSS blog needs posts, including photographs and short videoclips, from members. Please forward them to Terry Smith tz.smith@sympatico.ca for publication. Thanks.

PARK BIRD WALKS

CCFEW, with sponsorship from Birds and Beans, is hosting two upcoming bird walks in Sam Smith. The dates are April 25th and May 9th. Walks start at 9 a.m. - meet in south parking lot.

CCFEW AGM

CCFEW Annual General Meeting
Thursday, April 23rd, 7:00pm
Guest Speaker: Ken Sharratt

“High Park Community Advisory Council - history and growing pains”

The High Park Community Advisory Council is probably the most successful park advocacy organization in the city. What can we learn from their experience to apply in South Etobicoke? We have several large parks, but only one group focused on a specific park, the Friends of Sam Smith Park (FOSS). What can we do to foster community engagement and cooperation with the City in our parks?
Join us in the Community Room at LAMP, 185 Fifth StreetThursday, April 23rd, 7:00pm Everyone is welcome!

UNFORTUNATELY, THE PARK'S FIRST GRASS FIRE OF THE SEASON

Quick work by park users and some FOSS members this evening prevented this grass fire on second bay from spreading. Youngsters had been seen running from the scene. The fire department arrived ten minutes after the emergency call was placed, only to find that it had already been taken care of.

COYOTES

Friend of Sam Smith Park member Kathy Sims comments on coyotes in urban parks in this morning’s Toronto Sun. The article included the following advice from wildlife experts ......
- Never feed a coyote.
- Consider leashing your dog in areas frequented by coyotes.
- Don't encourage interaction with a coyote.
- Don't leave garbage, pet food, fallen fruit or bird seed where accessible.
- Consider making your cat an inside pet and keep an eye on small dogs.
- Spaying and neutering protects dogs from coyote interaction.
- Don't run from a coyote if approached; stand still and make noise, such as clapping hands
Follow this link to read the full-page article
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/04/06/9020171-sun.html

ONTARIO SPECIES AT RISK IN THE PARK

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources published its most recent Species At Risk In Ontario list in February 2009 (SARIO list). It can be viewed at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html

(Status definitions are given in the glossary at the end of the list) Habitat preservation for these species is one of the purposes behind the publication of the list.

There are a number of bird species on the list that I have observed in Sam Smith Park, especially resting and feeding during migration and in the naturalized areas that are most at risk from development. These birds include the Short-Eared Owl, the Golden-Winged Warbler, the Cerulean Warbler, the Hooded Warbler, and the Least Bittern. I am sure that there are many other species on that list, including amphibians, fish and reptiles that have been seen by others in Sam Smith.

Monarch butterflies are also on the list.

If you have been lucky enough to have seen any of these struggling species, please contact me (Terry Smith) at tz.smith@sympatico.ca

TREE SWALLOW NESTING BOXES

Tree swallow nesting boxes placed in the park to date have been very successful and are a big draw for park visitors. Unfortunately, there are always more potential tenants than nesting boxes and in a couple of weeks the annual struggle for occupancy will start all over again. It would be a great idea if FOSS members could increase the nesting capacity for these delightful birds by putting additional, simple-to-make boxes on stakes that are already in the park. Along the shore on third bay (east side) are a number of metal stakes that are ideal for this - see photo. Boxes are easily made from a 6' X 6" X 1" pressure treated board ($3 at Home Depot) and construction plans are available at http://www.coveside.biz/tree-swallow-house-plans.htm The clean-out side panel should be secured with a small screw to deter vandalism. Boxes should be placed facing any direction other than north and at about five feet. This would make a great school or interest project to do with your kids. If they were set up in the next few weeks, they would probably be occupied this year. If you need any help with this or want to discuss it, please contact Terry Smith at tz.smith@sympatico.ca.

LONE KYAKER PHOTOGRAPHED IN PARK BY GEORGE RAIKOU

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 10/09 MEETING

In our discussion the members agreed that we will continue to provide meeting minutes to members of FOSS through email and for members without computers at the next general meeting. We will not be posting our minutes on the BLOG. Our general meeting are well advertised and are open to both member and non members. We encourage everyone to attend!

Clean Up April 19/2009 Allan Roy will be holding his annual clean up. Members of FOSS and CCFEW will support Allan Roy. Posters will be put up by members. There will also be an information table with membership renewal forms. Membership will be renewed at Clean up Day or one can get the membership application from the FOSS BLOG and send money $5 and application to

FOSS

64 Fourth Street.

Toronto, M8V-2Y3

Col. Sam Smith Park Art show will be held in late September to showcase our Gem of a Park. We encourage the community to get drawing,painting for our show. We are looking for Volunteers to help out with the show. Please contact FOSS

CCFEW’s general meeting will be held on April 23/09. Guest speaker will be a representative from Friends of High Park

Mimico 20/20 Vision will hold a 3 day conference April 7, 8 and 9/09

Breakfast of Champions sponsored by Lamp will be held on April 17/09 at 7.30 a.m.

Posted by Liana

NEW SKATEPARK LOCATION CHOSEN

At Tuesday's meeting this week, the Community Working Group presented to residents their consensus choice for a location in Ward 6 for the skateboard facility. This is the same project proposed without adequate community consultation three years ago for the wetland/meadow area south of the Power House in Sam Smith Park . It is interesting to note that the site evaluation criteria for this current location search include "impact on the environment, safety, accessibility, proximity to services, compatibility with neighbouring uses", the very same issues raised by the community in the fight to stop it being built in the park!
The preferred site is the parquette on Eighth Street, north of the Lakeshore. The 10,000 square feet facility would require 41 % of the site's footprint. (Amos Waites' was the second site on the workgroup's list). Before technical assessment of the site is conducted, adjacent residents will be consulted. Skateboarders and others in the audience and on the workgroup appeared to be, for the most part, happy with the choice.
The fight against the skatepark in Sam Smith was always about common sense and proper process. It is refreshing to see these important elements applied this time.

FOSS MEETING

Next meeting for Friends of Sam Smith Park scheduled for Tuesday March 10 at 7p.m. at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, rm. 302. We will be discussing the upcoming park clean-up day and other issues.

All are invited and welcome.

RESIDENT SNOWY OWL

This is a great shot by George Raikou of the snowy owl that has delighted us all winter. He is on his favourite daytime perch on the boat docks. It is almost guaranteed that he can be found there every day, safe from harassment by dogs and people, waiting for the night's hunt.

COYOTES SEEN IN PARK

There have been recent reports of up to three coyotes in the park. They have been seen all over, particularly on and around the island in the pond. In light of what's been happening in the east end with coyotes taking cats and small dogs, it is advisable to make sure your dog is leashed and kept close. If you live close by, you might also consider keeping your cat indoors. (These are actual photos of some of the coyotes, one with a fawn-coloured coat and the other near the island. They were recently taken by local residents.)

ADD TO TORONTO'S CANOPY - PLANT A TREE IN YOUR BACKYARD

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), an award-winning environmental non-profit program whose Backyard Tree Planting program provides subsidized tree planting for Toronto residents, wants people to know that this simple act provides one of the most effective ways Toronto homeowners can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change on an individual level.

Visit http://www.leaftoronto.org/backyard-tree-planting-program or call 416 413 9244 to inquire about the Backyard Tree Planting program today! LEAF staff will be happy to assist you with details on how you can take part in the program. Yard consultations start in March and continue through to the end of November. Planting happens in spring and fall.

NEW DOG-WALKING BLOG

Maria Doyle and Frida the Dog have started a Sam Smith Park Dog Walkers’ blog. They want an official off-leash area on the filtration plant lands.

For more information, go to …….

http://colonelsamdogs.blogspot.com/

TATSU'S

TATSU's, the bakery and coffee shop on Lakeshore, one block west of Kipling on the north side, is a great place to go for breakfast at the weekend. They have entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1.oo p.m on both days featuring jazz from Humber students, poetry readings and presenting authors. At the moment, a local artist, Megan Williams, has her watercolours of Sam Smith Park displayed on the walls. Check it out.

COME HELP DESIGN NEW INTERPRETIVE SIGNS FOR THE PARK

Colonel Sam Smith Park

Interpretive Signage Meeting

Monday, February 23, 7:00 pm

in the East Room of the Assembly Hall,

1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive
(Kipling Ave. & Lake Shore Blvd. W.)

It has been a couple of years since the badly damaged interpretive signage at Sam Smith Park was finally removed. A group of students from Sir Sandford Flemming College have been working on new signs. This is an opportunity for community members to provide their feedback on the students’ work.

After several aborted attempts to replace the old signs, it looks like the project is finally close to becoming

MARCH 3RD - SKATEPARK MEETING

SNOWY OWL PHOTOGRAPHED AT POWERHOUSE

TODAY'S "ONTBIRDS" RARE BIRDS REPORT FOR SAM SMITH PARK

Hello Ontbirders,

We made a quick visit to Colonel Samuel Smith Park today to see if we could relocate the young male King Eider reported yesterday. We re-found in quite easily just off the rock point south-west of the eastern most bay. It was quite close and was actively feeding on what appeared to be mussels.
As we were leaving we also found a first year male Harlequin Duck in the next bay south-west of here near the point. As luck seemed to be on our side we checked the marina and re-found the Snowy Owl which we had missed on several earlier occasions.

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT THE PARK'S BEAVERS FROM DAN BROOKES, LOCAL ZOOLOGIST

The parks people clean out all the opportunistic (what we call disturbance-adapted) plants growing along the margins of the inlet in Col. Smith Park - this is so there can be better viewing access to the water. As a result, the beavers have to come out of the water and eat young trees. This makes the parks people angry because they are trying to grow the trees, so they begin thinking about beaver removal. During a brief warm spell in December, I think, I photographed a beaver chowing down on some cattails. He was in the water, feeling nice and calm, and warm (getting out of the water would have chilled him), so he let me get within about 5 metres. Now, he'll come out of the water to eat if he has to, but in the water, he's safe from humans and dogs, so all we have to do so people can see a beaver up close is let some natural shoreline vegetation exist.

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHS

A photographer called Karin has posted a beautiful series of winter photographs of the park. They can be viewed at

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569608706wMEEPN?start=12

SKATEPARK WORK GROUP

The Citizens’ Work Group to select a new location for the skateboarding facility had its first meeting on December 10^th, 2008. The link below provides the minutes for that meeting. Note that Sam Smith Park will not be considered as a possible location.

http://lura.ca/files/Ward_6_Skate_Board_Park_CWG_Dec_10_2008_Meeting_Notes.pdf

HOW THE CITY HURTS YOUR BRAIN

Follow the link to an interesting article from the Boston Globe on the importance of building and maintaining natural areas in urban settings.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/01/04/how_the_city_hurts_your_brain/

CCFEW BIRD WALK - SAM SMITH

Saturday, January 3rd

9:00 - 11:00 am, Colonel Sam Smith Park

Leader: Andrew Keaveney

This is a change from the usual pattern. Normally we do all the winter walks at Humber Bay, and we have not done a January walk for the past couple of years.

Meet in the south parking lot (where the road ends) at 9:00

Walks are held rain,or shine!

"FEARLESS" - BRYN CHRISTOPHER

The last part of his video was filmed on a cold morning at third beach a few weeks ago. Bryn Christopher is a well-known soul singer from England.

FOSS MEETING NEXT TUESDAY

There is a FOSS meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. at LAMP, room. 302. We will be discussing the current status of the proposed skating trail, the proposal for a nature centre in the power house and other issues.
Everyone is welcome.

RESPONSE FROM MOE ABOUT SKATING TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Allen Valk, Chairperson of Friends of Sam Smith Park, today received the following response from John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment, responding to FOSS's support for CCFEW's request for an Environmental Assessment of the Skating Trail project. CCFEW's request is denied. A City arborist's report is pending.


Thank you for your letter of September 30, 2008 which supports the request made by the Citizens Concerned about the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW) for a project specific regulation designating the proposed outdoor skating track in the City of Toronto (City) as an undertaking to which the Environmental Assessment Act applies.
The Ministry of the Environment has completed its review of the request made by CCFEW and has determined that the proposed outdoor ice skating track does not warrant the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA).
This decision has been made on the basis that the City's proposal is consistent with the City's Official Plan policies, the strategies of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and that the proposal does not violate any existing EA approvals.
As you may be aware, the proposed skating track has been the subject of a number of design and planning exercises that have included numerous opportunities for interested persons and organizations to make their concerns known. The City has advised that further opportunities will be provided for area residents and organizations to participate in the detailed design process and programming of the facility. I am satisfied that the City has provided the opportunity for residents and organizations to make their concerns with the proposed outdoor skating track known and that additional opportunities will be available to participate in the detailed design of the skating track.
With regard to the potential environmental impact of this proposal, the City has confirmed that an arborist's analysis will be completed in the near future, and together with a report, will be brought forward for the consideration of Etobicoke York Community Council. Working with the TRCA, City staff will identify methods to mitigate the impact of the proposal on the existing vegetation and wildlife. I am satisfied that the City will conduct an appropriate assessment of the potential environmental effects on the skating track proposal.
As a result of the foregoing, concerns regarding the use and development of the site are best addressed at the municipal level, and I would encourage your continued participation with City staff as they proceed to the detailed design stage for the outdoor skating track. Additional opportunities will be provided by the City for questions to be asked and for the City to respond to any concerns raised. A regulation designating the City's proposal as an undertaking to which the requirements of the EAA applies is, therefore, not necessary. Should you require further assistance, please contact Mr. D. Jeffrey Dea, Project Officer with the ministry's Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, at 416-314-7213 or bye-mail atjeffrey.dea@ontario.ca.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR OVAL PLAYING FIELD

Jorge Ture has told us that the work shown is related to the installation of an automatic water system to improve the surface of the oval for cricket and Aussie-rules football.

FORMATION OF NEW WATERSHED ACTION GROUP

Sam Smith Park is part of the watershed area covered by this action group. As a FOSS member, please consider going to this meeting and signing up.
Want to make a valuable contribution to the environment?
Please join us for the inaugural meeting of the
SOUTH ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY
ACTION AREA
Tuesday December 2, 2008 @ 7pm
Etobicoke Civic Centre, Community Room #1
The Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition, a watershed group of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), would like to share some of the environmental projects in this area and invite you to join the South Etobicoke Community Action Area Group.
Initiatives include:
Trail Construction and Signage
Centennial Park Master Plan
Healthy Yards Program
Valleyland Restoration
Fish Barrier Mitigation on Etobicoke Creek
Marie Curtis Park and Arsenal Lands Implementation
Please confirm your attendance with Joanna Parsons:
jparsons@trca.on.ca or by phone at 416-661-6600 ext.5575
Click here for the meeting agenda (pdf)

COMMUTER FERRY TERMINUS AT SAM SMITH?

*** Ruth Grier informs us that City Council squashed the idea this week ***

There has been recent discussion at the TTC about offering a downtown commuter ferry from both the western and eastern limits of the city to the ferry docks. Colonel Samuel Smith Park and Humber Bay have been suggested as potential sites for the western terminus. At this time, it looks like there is going to be a hold on exploring this idea any further. One can only imagine the extensive parking and service facilities that would have to be built for such a venture.

National Post article on the subject …

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/11/24/ttc-likely-to-scuttle-commuter-ferry-idea.aspx

SAM SMITH SOUL!

UK singer/songwriter Bryn Christopher, an up and coming soul recording artist from Birmingham, had an extremely chilly time last night filming his latest video in Sam Smith Park on third beach.

POWER HOUSE NATURE CENTRE

"You complain about lack of recreation space now you want to turn over rec space to education….. "
"You completely miss the point of locating a nature centre in the power house, and that is, that this location is ideal for teaching children about the importance of the natural environment because of its close proximity to a naturalized park and wetland setting--a rarity in this city."

These two comments on a previous post about FOSS’s proposal that the Power House be used as a Nature Centre as Councillor De Baeremaeker recommended in his report on the Power House and adjacent, environmentally sensitive areas, “A Place for Nature; a Place for Youth”, suggest that some further explanation be offered. Below is the text of a recent letter that was sent by FOSS's Power House/Nature Centre Committee to the Minister of Education, the two Boards, their Trustees and Science Coordinators. Hopefully, the ideas contained in it are convincing, timely and appropriate.

At the foot of Kipling Avenue and just south of Lakeshore Blvd. West is Colonel Sam Smith Park. It encompasses approximately 160 hectares divided roughly in two, with a rather raw spit of land that juts into Lake Ontario and a more sedate former psychiatric hospital grounds covered in mature trees. Friends of Sam Smith (FOSS) is a community-based organization mandated to protect, enhance and preserve this Lakeshore Grounds/Colonel Sam Smith Park.

The Sam Smith Wetland Creation Project was established at this site at the cost of 8.4 million dollars, by a number of government agencies, a trust, and the MTRCA. It was created using the MTRCA Remedial Action Plan based on rubble disposal, leading to a detailed naturalization of the site. It includes spawning and refuge areas for fish, amphibian ponds, foraging and hibernating habitat for reptiles, mammal habitats, and foraging, nesting and loafing areas for birds based on shrub, meadow, mature canopy and aquatic vegetation communities. Many animal communities have located themselves in this complex ecosystem, including beaver, fox, and mink. There are many ways in which site studies could be integrated into the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum in particular and other curriculum strands as well.

Kathleen Wynne, the Minister of Education for Ontario, has promised that all 32 recommendations of a working group she commissioned on Environmental Education, which reported in June 2007, would be implemented in all grades "as a priority". The report stresses that students should receive systems training in how interlinking parts of ecosystems function. This study stated that "opportunities must be provided to introduce students to outdoor education experiences" ("Shaping Our Schools, Shaping our Future", p.15).

While we realize that many of our outdoor education centres are closed, and bemoan that fact, we think that this site deserves careful consideration for students at any age/level, because of its unique characteristics. The site is easily accessible by public transit and might well be the first introduction for many students to studies involving Lake Ontario.

We think Col. Sam Smith Park is a showplace for the process of habitat construction and ecosystem development and could provide very successful learning opportunities for school groups from the TDSB and the TCDSB. Thus, we are proposing the development of a nature-interpretive centre at this site. We sent a letter to our local MPP, Laurel Broten, asking for some advice as to how we might pursue this concept and she responded positively to the idea and suggested we contact the school boards.

As an added component there is the Power House here, part of the historically significant former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, which is very usable as a Nature Centre. It has modern washrooms, a large meeting room that could be subdivided, and a room designed for food preparation. The city, which maintains and administrates the Power House through Parks and Recreation, currently is programming its use to limited times during the summer, which frees up the facility for school use throughout the other three seasons.

Friends of Sam Smith Park would love to provide a tour of the grounds and/or answer any additional queries you might have about the opportunity for establishing a Nature Centre at Col. Sam Smith Park. We ask only that you explore this site -- hoping, of course, that you see the excellent possibilities for accessible outdoor education that we do.

FIRST SNOWY OWL SEEN TODAY

A Snowy Owl was seen today on the boat docks. This is very early for these visitors from the tundra who occasionally show up along the northern shores of the Great Lakes during winter to feed on rodents in habitats that somewhat resemble their home. This is their idea of migrating to warmer lands to the south! There are reports that lemming populations in the far north are very low this year. It is part of a normal cycle of population growth and decline that effects the availability of their regular diet. We should see more of them in the months to come.

MORE ON THE NEW GARBAGE RECEPTACLES

Jem Cain's letter to Connie Pinto at the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. We await her response.

On Friday the City delivered 24 trash and recycling barrels to the park road along the lakefront in Col. Sam Smith Park. They are huge, almost 8 feet tall and 5 feet across. They will be buried to a depth of 5 feet.

In an effort to get more information a call was put in to the Councillor's office on Friday. Unfortunately the gentleman has not received a return call.

Myself and several people in the community have a number of concerns.

The barrels are so big that a back hoe or large auger will be needed to dig the pits for the containers. How large will the equipment be that will empty the plastic liners that go inside the barrels? How often will they be emptied? How much disturbance will this create to the wildlife that makes the park their home?

The flip top lid appears to be easily opened. Raccoons easily open my garbage cans and I bungee cord them shut. Will they be able to open the flip top and climb inside and be unable to escape?

There is a history of significant vandalism in the park including arson which has resulted in the complete destruction of the observation deck beside the marina, several grass fires and burning the portable toilets so that the only remainder is burnt plastic that scars the asphalt. Understandably, the City will no longer install portable toilets in Sam Smith Park because of the number that have been burned to the ground.

We are concerned that that accelerant will be poured into these bins and they will be set alight, making a spectacular fire.

I know they have similar containers in Cherry beach and the stench near them in the summer is terrible.

Unfortunately, many of us have seen evidence of the wildlife being tormented. There was a beautiful big bird house with multiple openings that was erected about five years ago, that was bashed to the ground within weeks. You could see the wreckage of the nests near where it fell.

We see crushed eggs, and this spring some kids reported that they saw youths throwing rocks at the nesting ducks, and I have heard other anecdotes of cruelty to the wildlife. Sadly, if someone were cruel enough to put a feral cat, or other animal in these bins - they would never be able to escape.

Despite the best efforts of the parks staff, the City cannot keep the few garbage/recycling wire baskets they have in the park emptied now. The containers overflow and litter blows throughout the park. In the summer I often take down my home garbage bags and fill them and leave several bags beside the overflowing litter baskets

We wonder why these huge barrels are necessary? The wire baskets the City currently uses allows raccoons and fox to escape when they forage for food. When they are trapped we can see and hear them, and we tip the basket to allow them out and then stand it back up. Will these bins allow animals access in but trap them so they cannot escape? In a passive park will the installation and maintenance of these bins cause disturbance to the wildlife that lives there? With the history of vandalism will these bins present more opportunity to vandalize the park?

I would appreciate anything you can find out.

Thank you,

Jem

FALL VISITORS

Look for the exotic Hooded Mergansers (or "hoodies") in the ponds and bays of the park. They pass through in Spring and Fall and rest for a week or two on their journey.

NEW GARBAGE SYSTEM FOR PARK

Twenty-four enormous in-ground litter and recycling receptacles have appeared in the park. They have a three feet high, above-ground part and a six feet deep section to be sunk in the ground. They are about four feet wide. It is assumed that they will be installed where the mysterious white wooden stakes started appearing in the last couple of weeks.

Obvious advantages are that there are a lot of them and they cannot be tipped over. Their large capacity should prevent overfill and blowing garbage, particularly around the parking area.
One wonders, though, about lingering smells if they are emptied only when full. People have complained about this when they have been installed in other Toronto parks. Also, the lids are not spring-loaded or lockable; are they designed well enough to stop unfortunate park critters from being attracted by the smell and falling in?

SAND PILES IN POWER HOUSE PARKING LOT

People have been asking why there are three truckloads of sand in the Power House parking lot. Jorge Ture has advised us that it will be used to topdress the sports field.

NEXT CCFEW MEETING - SOME ITEMS OF INTEREST TO FOSS MEMBERS

The next CCFEW Planning Meeting is Monday, November 10th, 7:30pm at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street. These monthly meetings are used mainly to discuss current issues, projects and policy positions. They are always open to anyone who is interested in attending.

Items on the agenda this month include:

• The proposed ice skating trail at Sam Smith Park
• Revised 51 Lake Shore Drive development proposal
• New skateboard park planning process
  
• 2175 Lake Shore Blvd W development application (Humber Bay Shores)
  

SAM SMITH PARK DEFINITELY OFF ANY SKATEPARK LIST!

At the Skatepark Community Meeting last night, Councillor Grimes confirmed publicly that Sam Smith Park will not be on any list the new Community Working Group comes up with as a possible location for a skateboarding facility. Up to now, we had only heard from his staff.

At the meeting, many of the comments from the floor were requests for transparency and trust during the process. It is expected that the twelve member working group, which will hold its first meeting on December 4th, will offer a progress report to the community at another public meeting in January. Of special interest will be the site selection criteria they come up with and the weighting that will be given to each. It was promised that the group members eventually chosen will make their e-mail addreses and phone numbers available so that there can be ongoing, two-way feedback between them, acting as our representatives, and the public.

If you were unable to attend the meeting last night and wish to apply to be on the group or wish to offer a comment, you can e-mail LURA consultants at brandall@lura.ca or call 416 660 3755.

It is interesting to note that the preliminary list of selection criteria offered by City staff at the meeting last night would have precluded Sam Smith Park from the short list of possible sites two years ago. Two of the criteria, which we were told are standard for the City when choosing a site for a skateboarding facility, state that "the skatepark must be visible to passers-by" and "the skatepark must be compatible with other park uses and natural areas". As you recall, those were the two most important issues the community raised in opposition to a secluded skatepark in a meadow next to wetlands!

What a lot of trouble, time and energy could have been save two years ago if staff and politicians had not ignored their own sensible policy! What a lot of skateboarding could have been enjoyed!