December 17, 2020 · 0 Comments
By Peter Richardson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) presented its management plan for Island Lake to Council last Tuesday, with Laura Rundle and Eric Baldin in attendance to answer questions.
The 329 hectare property plays an essential part in Protecting the headwaters of the Credit and Nottawasaga Rivers and the existing plan, brought forth in 1997, offered a 20 year projection and was brought up for review in 2015.
The new plan is projected to be completed by the end of 2021 and is a priority in the CVC’s strategic plan, titled, “Our Future Taking Shape, 2020-2022.”
Island Lake is the second largest of the CVC properties and was created by the building of two dams, one at each end of the lake. It opened in 1970.
The usage of the facilities has grown from 75,200 visits in 2014 to 255,100 in 2019 and is consistently growing. The growth is attributed to the many activities offered, including the Maple Syrup festival, fishing Derbies, Canada Day fireworks and the amphitheater, hosting weddings, events and theatrical performances.
Deputy Mayor John Creelman opened the discussions with the statement that he was hearing strong views from the public not to try and offer further amenities in the park, but to maintain what existed.
He felt uncertain about any additions. Coun. Ralph Manktelow asked if they had developed a guiding statement yet, to which Laura Rundle said no but they are looking at things from cultural heritage, environmental, social economic and community perspectives. They will outline their objectives in the next few months.
Coun. Manktelow said that current development makes it a people place and wondered if future plans will continue this or move in a more natural spaces developmental direction? Laura replied that their role is to connect people to the natural environment and would remain so.
Coun. Fred Nix asked if the CVC was still contemplating purchasing the Brock Pit to the north of their lands. Eric Baldin replied that the CVC have talked with the pit owners and will continue to explore all of their possible options in regards expansion. Council moved to receive the presentation and endorse the engagement process going forward.