witness statement of bruce johnson, o.a.l.a., mcip, rpp …...

Witness Statement ofBruce Johnson, O.A.L.A., MCIP, RPP

Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects

O.M.B. Case No. PL141318

Prepared for:

Bronte Green Corporation.

Prepared by:

Bruce Johnson, O.A.L.A., MCIP, RPPCosburn Giberson Landscape Architects

30 Centurian Drive, Suite 210,Markham, Ontario.

L3R 8B8

Date

August 27, 2015

WITNESS STATEMENT OF BRUCE JOHNSON - O.M.B. Case No. PL141318

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1.0. RETAINER

Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects were retained by Bronte Green Corporation inJune 2012 to:

1.1 Provide Landscape Architectural services including preliminary park conceptualdesign, trail design and detailing of community features and landscapes as a partof the design of the plan of subdivision and related applications filed inconjunction with the Merton Tertiary Planning Study and the resulting preferredoption.

1.2 Contribute to the creation of the Bronte Green Urban Design Brief as prepared byJohn G Williams Architect contributing conceptual park design and textdescriptions for parks and the pedestrian network and trails.

1.3 Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects prepared park facility fit plans, apedestrian trail plan, and a Conceptual Canopy Cover Plan dated January 2014.These plans were submitted to the Town of Oakville with the original zoning by-law amendment and draft plan applications filed by Bronte Green Corporation inMarch 2014.

1.4 An updated Conceptual Canopy Cover Plan (dated June 16, 2015) was preparedby Cosburn Giberson to address the updated draft plan (as of April 2015). Theupdated pedestrian plan forms part of the Urban Design Brief prepared byWilliams & Stewart Associates Limited. Updated facility fit plans have also beenprepared by Cosburn Giberson.

2.0. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1.1 I have 30 years of Landscape Architectural and related experience in LandscapeDesign, Parks Planning and Design, Landscape Construction Management, andCommunity and Urban Design in both private practice and the public sector.

1.2 Since January 2006, I have held a senior position with the firm of CosburnGiberson Landscape Architects, now serving as Principal Partner. In these roles,I have been responsible for the design and construction supervision of a varietyof parks and urban design projects; the creation of documents related to parks,community recreation and trails planning; and the forecasting and capitalexpenditure planning of community facilities, parks and trails. Our practiceprovides advice and services to both the public and private sectors.

1.3 From February of 1992 to December of 2005, I was in the employment of theTown of Ajax as a Landscape Architect and from 1996 as the Town’s Manager ofDesign Services. My responsibilities included: the creation, coordination andmanagement of park and open space planning (including Secondary Planning forgrowth in the community; Development Charges Background research; the AjaxWaterfront Management Plan, The Ajax Recreation Parks and Open SpaceStrategic Plan and the Vision 2020 Bicycle and Leisure Trail System Plan); themanagement and supervision of the detail design and construction of capitalworks within the parks and trails systems; the communication and coordination ofjoint initiatives with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the Toronto andRegion Conservation Authority; the provision of design assistance in communityplanning and civic design policies and initiatives; plans review for developmentapplications and the provision of staff recommendations on parkland dedication,


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the preservation of trees and natural landscapes, and issues andrecommendations for community design.

1.4 I have a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University ofToronto. I am a member in good standing with the Ontario Association ofLandscape Architects and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. I am aMember in good standing with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

1.5 My Curriculum Vitae is attached as Exhibit "A". My Acknowledgment ofExpert’s Duty is attached as Exhibit “B”.

3.0 OPINION AND REASONS

1.1 Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects Ltd. along with SGL Planning andDesign Inc. and David Schaeffer Engineering Ltd. have prepared plansdescribing the conceptual design of parklands, trails and open spaces for theBronte Green development on the site of the former Saw Whet Golf Course.

1.2 These Plans respond to the requirements of “Livable Oakville” and the provisionof parks for Bronte Green as summarized in the “Merton Tertiary PlanningStudy”. They will be subject to refinement in accordance with Conditions of DraftSubdivision Approval for Bronte Green.

1.3 My evidence is intending to address the following issues from the ConsolidatedIssues List of the Public Agencies:

Issue #61 - “Are the proposed parklands properly located and appropriate in sizeand configuration?”

Issue #47 “Has the preservation of the existing trees been appropriatelyaddressed?”

Issue #48 “Does the proposed plan provide adequate canopy cover?”

4.0 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM

1.1 The proposed parks system as illustrated in the Bronte Green Draft Plan ofSubdivision (“Draft Plan”) and private O.P.A. and Zoning By-law Amendment (theBronte Green Application) includes three tableland park spaces for thedevelopment area. These formalized parks accompany the various dedicatedopen spaces of the NHS and its associated buffers and Enhancement Areasillustrated in the Draft Plan.

1.2 The conceptual designs prepared for the proposed parks respond to parkprogram requirements elaborated by Oakville staff through meetings and e-mailcommunication and in response to the recommendations of the Parks,Recreation and Library Facilities Master Plan (PRLFMP) as expressed in section4.0 Guiding Principles, Section 6.0 Outdoor Recreation Facilities - Needs &Strategies and Section 7.0 Parkland and Trails – Needs and Strategies.


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1.3 Tree canopy for the proposed community has been examined for residentialstreet tree provision. This preliminary analysis has shown that the municipaltarget for canopy in the streetscape will be met.

The currently proposed draft plan meets the 20% canopy coverage for theResidential land-use type. This is based on a one tree per lot frontage andtwo trees per lot flankage layout. It is anticipated that medium-sized trees willbe installed in much of the residential area. Trees along open spacefrontages have been spaced at 14.0m spacing assuming varieties of largecanopy tree, per the Town’s Canopy cover design guidelines. Existing treebonus area has not been applied at this time to the calculation, as the extentof tree preservation/removals has not been determined.

Canopy cover for the mixed use blocks will be determined at the site planstage.

NHS enhancement, Parkland and SWM land-use types are anticipated tomeet or exceed the canopy cover targets, as has been the case in otherprojects we have worked on within North Oakville.

1.4 The largest facility, a Neighbourhood Park of 2.06 hectares, is located centrallywithin the development concept and connects directly to the environmental landsin the core of the district through the accessible open space of the north/southhydro corridor. This park space provides for park service within easy reach of theplan areas to the south and east of the central mid-block collector road.

1.5 Local Neighbourhood Parkettes of 0.30 and 0.15 hectares are proposed withinthe development concept to provide for local service and amenity. Located ataccessible street frontages within each of the sub-neighbourhood areas to thesouth and north of the NHS block that extends to Bronte Road, they will providepark services within comfortable walking distance of future residents.

1.6 The parkette to the north takes advantage of its position adjacent to the NHS toextend the sense of open space into the streetscape of the residential area. Thisconnectivity to the broader open space allows the scale of the parkette to bemore modest in context with its surroundings. The parkette provides the potentialfor physical connectivity to the open space and visual access to the NHS from itspositioning across from the terminus of local road “BB”. The block also serves toreinforce the open frontages of Street ‘V’ as it crosses the open space and offersthe potential of pedestrian linkage to the resource of the NHS.

1.7 The parkette to the south of the western arm of the NHS serves as a VillageSquare contributing to the diversity and distinctive quality of streetscape withinthe local area. The parkette will provide amenities and park services in a centrallocation to the sub-neighbourhood defined on the south by the northerly minorcollector road and the NHS to the north; and within easy reach of the open spacesystem of the NHS.


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1.8 The development of integrated systems of parks and open space along withenvironmental areas can be an important objective in community planning towardprotecting natural systems, sustaining ecological functions, and providingrecreational benefits to a developing community. The provision of parkland inconjunction with environmental features, as illustrated by the Bronte Green DraftPlan of Subdivision contributes to the preservation of local natural heritage.Parkland with direct connectivity to natural open spaces can create a platform forre-naturalization and environmental enhancement projects and interpretation ofthe adjoining natural features. This arrangement of land contributes positively tothe preservation and protection of natural features and helps sustain them withinthe framework of development.

1.9 The provision and location of tableland park facilities in conjunction with thehydro service corridor affords the opportunity for appropriate community accessto natural features for observation and interpretation while seeking to controlundue interference with the features themselves. The Fourteen Mile Creek ValleyLands of the NHS are primary environmental features of the area and theirpreservation and enhancement in the context of a diversified park system offersunique opportunities for interpretation and education thereby contributing to thequality of life for residents and visitors.

1.10 Tree inventory has been performed for the lands of the former Saw Whet GolfCourse. Typical of golf course landscapes the existing tableland trees arecontained in remnant hedgerow groupings augmented by planted hedge treesbetween golf holes. These existing areas of tree cover within the former golfcourse lands are often fragmented and discontinuous with the canopy of theadjoining areas of the natural heritage system. The planted vegetation on theformer golf-course lands is predominantly ornamental and exotic varieties. Theredevelopment of the golf course lands allows for increased public access andenvironmental quality through the establishment of areas for environmentalrehabilitation within buffer and enhancement areas.

1.11 Within tableland areas of the former golf course lands wholesale treepreservation will be limited by proposed grading and layout for future roads, lotsand blocks. Primary opportunities for tree preservation will be within the buffersand core of the Natural Heritage System (NHS) adjacent to the proposedsubdivision lands. High landscape value tree specimens found around theproperty perimeter and hydro corridor may be preserved in rear lots or edges ofblocks in areas where existing grade is likely to be preserved in the engineeringdesign.

5.0 PARK FACILITY DESIGN

1.1 Livable Oakville defines the nature of acceptable parkland dedication fordevelopment under section 28.10.8 and under section 17.1 defines function andrelies upon the evaluation of the PRLFMP for the programming of recreationalfacilities for proposed parks. Parklands and open spaces as expressed by theOfficial Plan are to be “a valuable resource to the community and contribute tothe quality of life in Oakville. These lands shall provide for an open space systemof parks and trails, and for a variety of recreational activity while having regard forthe Town’s natural areas”.


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1.2 The PRLFMP and Merton Tertiary Planning Study have provided the generalguidance to the provision of parkland in the Bronte Green Draft Plan ofSubdivision. The land use options developed as a part of the Merton TertiaryPlanning Study assessed a number of alternative park locations and determinedthe need for one centrally located Neighbourhood Park and at least oneNeighbourhood Parkette. The resulting “Preferred Plan” from the study shows acentral Neighbourhood Park and two Neighbourhood Parkettes, one each to thenorth and south of central mid-block collector road. The Bronte Green UrbanDesign Brief builds upon this and provides conceptual design and facility-fit forparkland within the Bronte Green Draft Plan of Subdivision.

Neighbourhood Park

1.3 The Neighbourhood Park as the major recreational feature of the district iscentrally located and is sized in accordance with the PRLFMP and Official Planpolicies for parks and open space. The design for the park responds to thecommunity needs identified in the PRLFMP and also to the context of itssurroundings. With respect to tree canopy, planting design for the park isintended to include a high percentage of native trees and shrubs with a range ofspecies that are indigenous to the local area. Plant selections will respond to thesurrounding ecology, extending and reinforcing the existing landscapes of theneighbouring valley systems, hedgerows and woodlands.

1.4 The PRLFMP identifies the current needs for structured recreational facilities inthe Town and the recommendations from the PRLFMP have informed theprogram for the park as recommended by Oakville Parks and Open Space staff(refer to e-mail document attached as Exhibit C).

1.5 From an organized sports-field perspective, the greatest need identified by thePRLFMP throughout Oakville is for soccer facilities for all age groups to answerthe requirements of current residents and sports groups as well as projectedfuture growth. The land dedicated for the 2.06 hectare Neighbourhood Park hasbeen configured to allow for the provision of an open uninterrupted recreationground capable of housing “mini” soccer facilities (tailored for younger agegroups) with ideal orientation and size. These structured facilities are supportedby junior and senior play facilities and shade structures.

1.6 The PRLFMP also notes geographic deficiencies in tennis court provision andsuggests that courts be provided in the Great Lakes Boulevard area (Bronte) andPalermo West Area. Tennis has been included as a part of the program for thispark placing it within reasonable distance of those need areas and also providingthe recreational amenity for future residents of Bronte Green. The PRLFMP alsosuggests that water play facilities be considered for neighbourhood parks toprovide “equitable distribution” of levels of service at reasonable distances toresidents throughout the community. This was reflected in the facility request forthe Bronte Green parkland from Town staff (Exhibit C) and has been included asa component of the Neighbourhood Park facility-fit concept.

1.7 Along with the supply of active recreation facilities, the PRLFMP also discussesthe provision of passive recreational opportunities within the parks and openspace system. The Neighbourhood Park is of sufficient size to permit the designof the program of active facilities and features along with passive open spacebeyond the limits of the programmed spaces. The proposed location of theNeighbourhood Park in conjunction with the existing hydro corridor also serves to


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accentuate and expand the sense of open, unstructured space for the park. Thisrecommended park program is demonstrated in the Conceptual Facility Fit Planas described in Section 2.1.8.1 – Neighbourhood Park of the Bronte Green UrbanDesign Brief.

Neighbourhood Parkettes

1.8 The Neighbourhood Parkettes are centrally located within the sub-neighbourhoodareas of the proposed residential development. Programming for these localfacilities is based upon the PRLFMP. With the neighbourhoods of the plan areadefined by the environmental open spaces and road pattern, this distribution ofparks means that areas for family recreation are conveniently available to allfuture residents. The suggested park programme for neighbourhood parkettesreflects local use with no structured active recreation facilities or fields. The parkconcepts suggest that the main feature of the parks be an activity core focusedon playground facilities supported by shaded sitting areas and landscapeenhancement of native plant materials. The balance of the park spaces are leftas modest open greens for free play and unstructured recreation. The northernParkette offers physical and visual connections to the neighbouring valleylandand woodlands beyond: its design should have a natural emphasis including thechoice of and introduction of native trees to reflect and complement the qualitiesof those adjoining NHS features. The recommended program for the parkettes isdemonstrated in the Conceptual Facility Fit Plans as described in Section 2.1.8.2– Village Greens of the Bronte Green Urban Design Brief.

Conclusions

1.9 Parkland within the Bronte Green Draft Plan will be placed in association withnatural features and with strong connections to the open space core of thecommunity.

1.10 Parkland will be distributed to provide facilities and amenities within comfortablewalking distance of new residents.

1.11 Parks will be located at visible areas within the community to reflect theimportance of parks to the streetscape and community structure and to affordvisual access and security.

1.12 Design of parks will be complementary to the character of the surrounding openspaces and established community areas in the core of the local community.

1.13 Planting design for parks will reflect a predominant use of native species of treesand shrubs as a component of contributing to canopy cover for the community.

1.14 Adjoining environmental landscapes will be protected and extended through thedesign of parks.

1.15 The Neighbourhood Park will be centrally located with access from a collectorroad.

1.16 The Neighbourhood Park will provide for an element of structured, activerecreation as recommended by the PRLFMP.


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6.0 TRAIL NETWORK

1.1 Livable Oakville through Section 8.10 and the Active Transportation Master Plan(ATMP) recommends trail connections along the major transportation corridors inthe vicinity of the Bronte Green Draft Plan including boulevard multi-use trails tocomplete the system in the area of Bronte Road and Upper Middle Road.

1.2 The Plans encourage the implementation of an integrated trail network withinnew planning areas through their urban design and general policies. As noted inthe ATMP, the Region of Halton through its Halton Region Transportation MasterPlan - “Road to Change”, Section 7.2 also encourages “Active Transportation”and the creation of local trails connecting to a planned network of region-widetrails achieved through cooperative efforts with local municipalities. The followingis an excerpt from section 3.1 of the document:

1.3 The Urban Design Brief in support of the Bronte Green Draft Plan of Subdivisionincludes a Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Plan in response to Town and Regionalobjectives.

Regional Trails

1.4 The Bronte Green Draft Plan anticipates local connections to some of the notedregional routes along the arterial roads at its edges. Bronte and Upper MiddleRoads are shown in the Regional “Road to Change Plan” as a C-4 Urban class ofroad with boulevard multi-use trails as anticipated in the Oakville ATMP. Theexisting trail routes of the Fourteen Mile Creek Trail to the northeast of BronteGreen are anticipated to connect to this system. The Bronte Green PedestrianCirculation & Trails Plan notes the valley trail system and illustrates a system ofinternal trails and on-road bikeways for local active transportation includingconnections through the local park spaces and the hydro corridor as encouragedby the ATMP.

Local Trail Network

1.5 The Bronte Green Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Plan illustrates a schematiclinkage for local area trails based upon the work of the ATMP and the Regional“Road to Change Plan”. Trails are suggested throughout the central openspaces of the plan, potentially connecting the planning area to the surroundingtrail network. This system of trails also serves to connect the localneighbourhood areas within the district to the Neighbourhood Park, and thebroader system of trails planned for the arterial roads. The suggested networkwill allow the municipality to build a trail system that connects the Bronte GreenPlan of Subdivision to the established trail systems to the north and to BronteVillage and the waterfront through local and arterial roads to the south.


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Recommendations

1.6 The proposed local trail system will be developed as an interconnected system ofgreenway and road-based trails.

1.7 The proposed local trail system will respond to the recommendations of theATMP and Region of Halton Transportation Master Plan.

1.8 Greenway trails will be established throughout the open space core of the BronteGreen Draft Plan. These trails will connect the sub-neighbourhood areas of theresidential community and make essential connections to the public uses of theNeighbourhood Park, local parkettes and the broader system of regional trails.

1.9 Trails will connect to the proposed retail and mixed-use areas within the plan aswell as the existing commercial developments within the Town offering analternative to automobile use for residents.

1.10 The Town should consider options for connection of the local trail system to theFourteen Mile Creek Trail.

6.0 SUMMARY OPINIONS ON ISSUES

Issue # 61. “Are the proposed parklands properly located and appropriate in size andconfiguration?”

1.11 The Official Plan and the PRLFMP do not provide specific parameters for thelocation of parkland. Objectives for the design of parks for the Bronte Green DraftPlan of Subdivision are provided in Section 2.1.8 of the Bronte Green UrbanDesign Brief. Parks have been located and designed to be responsive to thegeneral requirement for a Neighbourhood and two Parkettes as expressed in theMerton Tertiary Planning Study and Draft preferred O.P.A.

1.12 The Park Conceptual Facility Fit Plans include the park program elementsrequested by Town of Oakville staff and clearly demonstrate that park program isaccommodated in the proposed parkland. The parkland is appropriately locatedin the Bronte Green Draft Plan of Subdivision relative to convenient walkingdistances for residents and in context with Pedestrian Circulation & Trails Plan.

Issue #47. “Has the preservation of the existing trees been appropriately addressed?”

1.13 A full review of tree preservation is to be done once the technical details ofengineering and grading have been completed. For the purposes of the BronteGreen Application it is understood that the vast majority of trees within thetableland outside of the NHS will be removed. Many of these trees are ofornamental, non-native varieties. Preservation of existing trees may be possibleat the boundaries of utility corridors or within the park spaces of the plan pendingdetailed review of engineering grading and servicing plans.

Issue #48. “Does the proposed plan provide adequate canopy cover?”

1.14 Preliminary street-tree design for the proposed draft plan will meet themunicipally requested 20% canopy coverage for the Residential land-use type.


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6.0 DOCUMENTS TO BE RELIED UPON

1.1 Plans as prepared by Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects Ltd. & SGLPlanning Associates Inc., including the updated Draft Plan and the updatedConceptual Canopy Cover Plan. A copy of the updated Conceptual CanopyCover Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit D. A copy of the updatedNeighbourhood Park Facility Fit is attached hereto as Exhibit E. A copy of theupdated Village Squares Facility Fit is attached hereto as Exhibit F.

1.2 Town of Oakville Parks, Recreation and Library Facilities Master Plan(PRLFMP) As prepared by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants dated October2012.

1.3 Liveable Oakville – The Official Plan of the Town of Oakville.

1.4 Town of Oakville Active Transportation Master Plan. As prepared by MMMGroup in association with Stantec and Transactive solutions dated September2009.

1.5 Halton Region Transportation Master Plan 2010-231 and Appendix F-2. Asprepared by Dillon Consulting in association with GHD and AECOM datedSeptember 2011.

COSBURN GIBERSON LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

_______________________Bruce Johnson, O.A.L.A., MCIP, RPP

23711009.2

1982 Bachelor of Landscape Architecture University of Toronto

Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Ontario Professional Planners Institute 2006 – Present Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects Partner, Landscape Architect and Planner – Bruce rejoined CGLA in 2006 and is involved in the full design process for community developments; including parks planning, subdivision, recreational facility, open space and environmental design. Bruce has extensive experience in planning and design gained from both public and private practice. 1992 – 2005 Town of Ajax Manager of Design Services - Parks planning in the context of community design and planning policy for over fourteen years of service. Working with consultant and public agency teams, Bruce actively contributed to the community and urban design development for secondary plans and individual community neighbourhood areas. He has also steered a number of parks and trails strategic planning exercises along with creating detail designs and managing capital construction for a wide range of parks, trails, open spaces and civic landscapes including developing the designs for Phase 1 of Ajax Sportsplex in partnership with local sports and user groups. 1989 – 1992 Cosburn Giberson Landscape Architects Landscape Architect – Bruce provided conceptual and design development, presentation drawings, working drawings, contract documents, and contract administration for a wide range of park and development-based projects for the firm. Working under the direction of the partners Bruce did extensive work in parks and trail detail design. 1987 – 1988 Brian Clouston and Partners - England Junior Landscape Architect – Based in Chester, Huddersfield and London, Bruce participated in a wide range of Landscape, Architectural and Planning projects in Great Britain, Europe and Malaysia. Providing technical support and conceptual design, Bruce had the opportunity to work on large private residential projects, Industrial and Business Park designs, Hotel Developments, Recreational Resorts and New Towns. 1986 -1987 William E. Coates and Associates, Guelph, Ontario Landscape Technologist – Bruce provided technical support and drawing production for a variety of landscape projects including, residential, parks, Parks Canada rehabilitation projects and quarry reclamations.

Bruce Johnson Partner, Landscape Architect, Professional Planner

EDUCATION:

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

COSBURN GIBERSON LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

EXHIBIT ‘C’

From: Frank Loconte [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: January 10, 2014 11:36 AMTo: '[email protected]'Cc: Janis Olbina; Charles McConnell; Kirk Biggar; Bruce Cosburn; 'Stephanie Fraser';'[email protected]'Subject: Bronte Green - preconsultation comments

Hello Paul,

As requested at our last pre-consultation meeting Parks requested a facility fit plan for the three proposedpark blocks. I have itemized the program elements for each park. I have also attached the Town’sstandard template for these types of facilities.

Neighbourhood Park:-2 tennis courts – see attached template-1 full basketball court – see attached template-1 mini soccer field – see attached template-1 playgound area (junior and senior) – approx. 600 sq. m-1 park shelter/shade structure – approx. 20’x20’-1 splashpad – approx. 400 sq.m- 2.4m wide trails

Village Square (Parkette):-1 playground area – approx. 350 sq.m-1 park shelter/shade structure – approx. 20x20’-2.4m wide trail

One additional comment is regarding the northern parkette, it is only accessible by private road. Shouldthe private road become a public right of way then this parkette location would be acceptable. Otherwise,it will have to be moved adjacent to a public road right of way.

Frank Loconte, OALA, ISALandscape ArchitectParks and Open SpaceTown of Oakville | 905-845-6601 ext.3158 | f: 905-338-4188 | www.oakville.ca

Vision: To be the most livable town in Canada

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.oakville.ca/

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