In terms of the wooded areas on the subject lands, the Region’s Environmental Planner indicated that
there is potential for residential development to occur within the existing woodlot provided that the
value of the woodlot is maintained or enhanced through appropriate forest management activities.
Both the Region’s Environmental Planner and Ecoplans suggest that the Township should undertake
an improvement cut of the woodlot to remove poor quality, declining, or hazardous trees regardless of
whether development occurs on the lands. The cost to complete the improvement cut in the woodlot
is approximately $2000 ($500 to mark the trees and $500-$1500 to oversee the cut). Revenues
received from the sale of the trees for firewood could offset this expense. Staff believes that removing
a portion of the trees from the subject lands can be completed in a way to have a negligible impact to
the surrounding area through use of tools already mentioned in this section and continued by groups
such as TWEEC. Staff recommends allocating funds to TWEEC for reforestation, tree planting, and/or
other environmental rehabilitation projects within the Township.
In conclusion, the proposed residential development on the subject lands conform to the policies in the
Township’s Official Plan and the Region’s Official Plan (ROP). In addition, based on research by
Ecoplans and consultation with the GRCA and Region, the subject lands do not contain significant
natural features that would preclude residential development. In addition, through the normal
development process, consultation with agencies such as the GRCA will ensure that appropriate
measures will be put into place to protect and conserve surrounding features.
Members of the public commented that development of the subject lands will reduce the amount of
open space available for use by the public. At the June 23, 2009 Public Meeting and in
correspondence, members of the public have expressed concern about this for a variety of reasons
(including environmental, recreational, spiritual, and educational), and stated that there are limited
opportunities for the public to access open space and parkland in Elmira and the Township of
Woolwich.
which is 20.6% percent of the overall area owned by the Township. This amount might
actually be less due to tree conservation plans, and new features designed to enhance and
connect open space. In addition, preliminary development options illustrate that lands
immediately north of the subject lands and connections to the Kissing Bridge Trailway
would be maintained as Open Space, if not enhanced.
Township, Map 2 illustrates the public parks and trails within proximity to the subject lands.
Map 3 illustrates public access points to the Kissing Bridge Trailway.