MINUTES

3. Trail Mapping Project

3.1 Jones Pond Access from Marine Drive

Three residents were in attendance to explain their point of view regarding the right-of-way access to the Jones Pond Trail off Marine Drive as depicted on the draft trail maps published by TETC last summer. This item refers back to a letter sent by the residents to TETC in late October outlining their objections and asking for the removal of this entry point on the maps.

The Committee acknowledged that some updating of trails in the Jones Pond area was needed as the GPS proofing was done prior to the trail changes made by the developer last summer. With regards to the right-of-way off Marine Drive, Shirley confirmed that this was based on information provided and confirmed by the town to TETC. According to the town, the right-of-way is intended to protect traditional access to Jones Pond from Marine Drive as well as a historical connection with Torbay Road. This right-of-way reflects a policy adopted by the town that traditional access points and trails affected by new development must be either maintained or replaced by the developer.

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Residents of the area explained their position namely that the right-of-way is not needed as its historical use has disappeared; that it crosses and infringes on private property and will bring unwanted traffic, both pedestrian and motorized, on the properties in question; that the surveys do not correspond with what is actually on the ground; and, in summary, that the right-of-way is no longer valid and should be removed from the maps. The residents indicated that this issue had been the subject of numerous discussions and letters with the town and the provincial government over the past year and asked for TETC’s help in getting this difficult and frustrating matter resolved.

Ralph Tapper agreed to bring the residents’ concerns back to Council for review and direction. Ralph will report back at the next meeting.

3.2 Impact of Motion Lane Development on East Coast Trail

Rodolphe raised safety concerns regarding the close proximity of four lots in the new Motion Lane Development to the cliffs. He pointed out that the buffer indicated on the draft Municipal Plan map for the area is quite narrow and that Council should carefully evaluate the long-term safety implications of placing the lots so close to the edge, both in terms of the impact on the East Coast Trail and on the property boundaries. Given the local erosion rate, it is possible that the trail may not be there in a time frame as short as 20 years. Rodolphe agreed to draft a letter to Council on behalf of TETC outlining these concerns for their consideration and recommending further investigations.

3.3 GIS Software

Rodolphe agreed to do a demonstration of the capabilities of the GIS software for Council some time early in the year.

The new software which was acquired by TETC will be donated to the town. We will try to arrange for training for Cathy on the new software.

3. Torbay’s Green Living Initiative - Update & Report on Auction

Copies of Cathy’s report were distributed. The project is proceeding very well and participation by the schools is outstanding.

The 4^th TETC auction took place on December 3 and was a huge success. The final figures will not be known for a few weeks. While we do not expect to clear as much as last year, everyone agreed that this was the most enjoyable auction night to date. The music from Gallows Cove Band, the local ambiance, the participation of HTHS students, the wide array of gifts and an impressive abundance of desserts all made for a fun evening. Providing desserts rather than a full meal allowed us to charge much less than in the past and was reflected in higher attendance.

We will need to examine what we might do differently next year to increase our overall profit.

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3. Planning for Rock Garden Project

Planning for this project is beginning and we have already received many names of residents who are interested in participating and helping get this off the ground. Myra Maynard will head up the project for now until a formal planning committee has been constituted.

Dawn Chaplin has been doing some preliminary checking on land ownership in the area to determine what, if any, land issues might arise.

Madeleine pointed out that the proposed rock garden fits easily under the ‘community naturalization’ section of the EcoAction Green Living Initiative Project. We will therefore be able to access project funds for the purchase of materials, trees, plants, etc, needed for the rock garden as long as the expenditures take place before the end of the EcoAction project in September 2007.

3. Proposed Mink Farm in Portugal Cove - Update

The provincial Department of Environment & Conservation has requested our permission to release to the proponent a copy of the letter we sent to the Minister outlining our concerns with the proposed mink farm. The town has not received a similar request as far as we know. After some discussion, the Committee agreed that we would not give our permission. Madeleine will notify the department.

3. Meetings Attended by Members

7.1 SAM Meeting, Nov 17-19, Springdale

Shirley and Madeleine attended the SAM meeting on behalf of the town. A brief report and travel expense claim was sent to the town. The minutes will be circulated when they are available.

TETC will be receiving a copy of the documentary DVD on the provincial wetland stewardship program that was prepared by EHJV for presentation to the Stewardship Conference in Corner Brook last July. This is an excellent resource which can be used to better inform residents and interested groups about the program and its importance to our province and to Torbay in particular.

The next SAM meeting will take place in Carmanville in June. The fall meeting will take place in Labrador City. As our draft 2007 budget with the town did not take into account the extra travel expenses that will be needed for the Labrador trip, we have asked the town to consider this when reviewing our budget.

7.2 Municipal Plan Review Public Consultations, November 29

The meeting was well-attended by Committee members. The bypass road was the focus of much discussion. Plan Tech thanked TETC for its submission which was taken into consideration in the preparation of the new draft Plan.

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7.3 Lieutenant Governor Greenwing Award Ceremony, November 28

Madeleine attended the ceremony on behalf of the Committee. This is a new award sponsored by Ducks Unlimited.

3. Other Business

8.1 Gully Project Funding Application

We will be preparing an application to the Rotary Club for the funds needed to build the two wheelchair-accessible trails from each school to the Gully. However, we first need to get an idea of the cost of building these trails, ie we need a detailed construction plan. Madeleine will touch base with Green Leaf Consultants to get a cost estimate for the construction plan.

8.2 TETC Christmas Social

The TETC Christmas Social will take place on Wednesday, December 13 at 8pm at Shirley’s house. All Committee members are invited as well as special guests. Invitations will be sent by email. Shirley and Madeleine will take care of refreshments.

8.3 Town of Torbay Christmas Social, December 7

All members are invited to the town’s Christmas Social which will take place in the Council Chambers on Thursday, December 7 beginning at 4pm.