regular session. Present: Mayor Strauss, Councillors Bauman, Martin and Weber. Councillor Weber
chaired the meeting.
DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None.
A03-2009: Public Information Report: Review of Victoria Glen Lands
Laurel Davies Snyder, Economic Development & Tourism Officer addressed Council and members of
the public stating that the public meeting to discuss surplus property is not required under the
Planning Act but was scheduled to determine public interest in the property.
Ms. Snyder provided some background information about the property which encompasses 3 parcels
owned by the Township for a total of 1.03 hectares or 20% of the total area of the Glen. A description
of the land was given stating its use for hiking, walking and education the area is also connected to
the Kissing Bridge Tail. Parcel 1 is located to the north of the unopened road allowance (1.58 acres),
Parcel 2 is located to the south side of the unopened road allowance (0.94 acres) and Parcel 3 is
located adjacent to Regional lands and total 0.03 acres. Parcel 1 and 2 and the unopened road
allowance are zoned Residential – One Unit Medium Density (R-2A) and Parcel 3 is designated
Residential – Mixed Medium Density (R-4).
Ms. Snyder outlined the issues identified to date including; adjacent parcels owned by the Region, the
connection to the Kissing Bridge Trail, environmental features and the unopened road allowance. Ms.
Snyder explained the 5 concepts that were developed to generate discussion, obtain input and identify
key issues. A Notice of Public Meeting was circulated to homeowners with 150 meters of the subject
lands on May 26, 2009, on May 30
appropriateness of proceeding with declaring the lands surplus and bring forward a recommendation
report for Council’s approval.
Councillor Weber thanked the audience for attending the meeting and called the first delegation.
Ken Reger: Ken Reger, Elmira presented a letter from Mary Lou McKee, stating her objection to
declaring the lands surplus. The park was established as a reservoir park in 1914, which grew into a
natural forest area. Mr. Reger reported that the park is used as an educational resource by teachers at
Riverside School. He expressed his concern that if the park were altered this would affect the birds
and wildlife in the park. Mr. Reger asked that Council redesignate Victoria Glen as parkland.
Cheryl Fisher: Cheryl Fisher spoke to the history of Victoria Glen Park, also known as Reservoir
Park, stating that the 8 acre tract of land was first purchased from Menno Snyder for $2000 by public
vote in 1914. In 1948 the area was rezoning residential at a time when there was a severe housing
shortage in Elmira at the end of the war. Ms. Fisher stated that in 1947 the local Board of Trade and
Public Utilities Commission and citizens cleaned up the park, to have it re-established parkland,
however the area was rezoned in 1948 under By-law 805. Ms. Fisher reported that as other streets in
the area were developed including William Street, Sunset Place and Snyder Avenue North, Victoria
Glen remained. In 2002 when the Zoning By-law was reviewed the land’s designate remained
residential. Ms. Fisher asked Council to designate the area parkland. She stated that Victoria Glen is
advertized second on the Township website under parks. She thanked Council for their dedication