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WWOOOODDLLAANNDD BBEEAACCHH PPAARRKK MMAASSTTEERR PPLLAANN

TINY BEACHES ROAD TOWNSHIP OF TINY, COUNTY OF SIMCOE

prepared for

CORPORATION OF

THE TOWNSHIP OF TINY

January 2009

Woodland Beach Park Master Plan January 2009 Township of Tiny Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 BASIS OF THE MASTER PLAN ........................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 CONSULTATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................. 2

2.0 WOODLAND BEACH PARK ...................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ....................................................................................... 4

3.1 VEGETATION AND VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ............................................................................................ 4

4.0 PARK USERS ................................................................................................................................................. 9

5.0 PARK ISSUES ................................................................................................................................................ 9

5.1 ANALYSIS OF ISSUES ..................................................................................................................................... 9 5.1.1 Vegetation Restoration ............................................................................................................................ 9 5.1.2 Parking .................................................................................................................................................. 10 5.1.3 Facility Capacity ................................................................................................................................... 11 5.1.4 Cost of Upkeep ....................................................................................................................................... 11 5.1.5 By-law Enforcement ............................................................................................................................... 12 5.1.6 Facilities ................................................................................................................................................ 12 5.1.7 Park Access ............................................................................................................................................ 12 5.1.8 Pets and Animals ................................................................................................................................... 13 5.1.9 Erosion ................................................................................................................................................... 13 5.1.10 Beach Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 14

6.0 THE PLAN .................................................................................................................................................... 15

7.0 STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................................................................... 19

8.0 THE FUTURE .............................................................................................................................................. 19

9.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 22

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Key Plan of Study Area ................................................................................................................. 1 Figure 2. Existing Environmental Features ................................................................................................... 8 Figure 3. Woodland Beach Master Plan ..................................................................................................... 18

LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Comments from Information Session #1 ........................................................................................ 3 Table 2. Comments from Information Session #2 ........................................................................................ 4 Table 3. Ecological Land Classification Communities in the Study Area .................................................... 6 Table 4. Summary of Issues for the Master Plan ........................................................................................ 11 Table 5. Short Term Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 16 Table 6. Long Term Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 19

Woodland Beach Park Master Plan January 2009 Township of Tiny Page ii

LGL Limited environmental research associates ● John D. Bell Associates Landscape Architects

APPENDICES Appendix A. Information Session Notices Appendix B. Public Comment Forms Appendix C. Working Vascular Plant List Appendix D. Stewardship Principles Appendix E. Photographic Record

Woodland Beach Park Master Plan January 2009 Township of Tiny Page 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Woodland Beach Park (Park) is located in Part of Lot 27, Plan 670, Concession 2, fronting on Tiny

Beaches Road. The Park has a total area of approximately 0.81 ha (2.0 acres) with 115.0 m (377 feet) of

shoreline on Georgian Bay. Woodland Beach is one of five significant, municipally‐owned facilities

identified by the Township Official Plan. Woodland Beach, a community within the Township of Tiny,

surrounds the municipal park. A Township Fire hall is located in the eastern portion of the Township

property, east of the Park facility. A mixture of seasonal and permanent residential, commercial and

institutional uses is found around the Park. The area east of the Park forms the commercial core of

Woodland Beach. A key plan, identifying the location of Woodland Beach Park, is presented in Figure 1.

FIGURE 1 – KEY PLAN

Woodland Beach has experienced significant pressure from increased use, which has resulted in impacts

to both the ecological features of the Park, as well as to the level of enjoyment and access for local

residents. The Park provides residents of Woodland Beach, the Township of Tiny and other members of

the public with access to the waterfront.

The Park provides users with a landscape comprising shoreline, dunes and wooded areas. Given the

increase in use, and the sensitivity of the ecology, it is imperative that this Park have its future growth

guided by a Master Plan. Due, in part, to its wonderful location and accessibility, use of the Park has

increased over time.



This Master Plan provides the Township of Tiny and its residents with: 1) the rationale for this Plan; 2) a

summary of existing ecological conditions found in and around Woodland Beach Park; 3) details of the

consultation process used to gain input from members of the public; and, 4) a set of short and long term

objectives that can be used to provide a strategic direction for the Park into the future. This Master Plan

incorporates public comments, along with sound ecological, planning and landscaping principles aimed

at creating a sustainable and functional park that will become a showpiece for area residents. This Plan

seeks to develop a framework for the Park which may result in the creation of other, complementary

efforts, each seeking the same objective.

1.2 BASIS OF THE MASTER PLAN

The Township of Tiny Official Plan identifies Woodland Beach and four other facilities as municipal parks

that form part of the Township’s Open Space network (Section B3.2). The principal objectives of the

Open Space designation are:

To ensure that the use and development of open space lands is consistent with the ‘environment‐first’ philosophy of the Official Plan.

To ensure that all open space lands are used in a manner that recognizes their capacity for public use.

To ensure that the impacts of the use of the open space lands on adjacent land uses and the character of the surrounding neighbourhood are minimized.

To ensure that the residents of the Township have access to a properly planned and accessible open space network

This Master Plan addresses each of these objectives in a real and direct manner.

The Official Plan also notes that “It is also a policy of this Plan that, before any major changes in funding

or the level of service in each of the community parks are made, a long range plan be prepared for each.

Such a long range plan should review the current and proposed functions of the park and the type and

scale of the improvements required to ensure that the park meets the community’s needs and is cost

effective to operate.” (Section B3.4.4 ‐ Major Community Parks in the Settlements)

This provides the basis and clear policy direction for the preparation of this Master Plan.

1.3 CONSULTATION PROCESS

The development of Master Plans incorporates an open and collaborative process of communication

with members of the public. Combining this public input with sound ecological, planning and

landscaping principles results in the creation of a Master Plan that is both consistent with the objectives

of Township of Tiny planning policy as well as viable from a local stewardship perspective. To achieve

this end, two information sessions were held: one on July 26, 2007 and the second on September 15,

2007. Residents were notified via advertisements in the Midland Free Press, posting on the Township of



Tiny website, as well as providing Notices to area businesses for public posting. Members of the

Woodland Beach Homeowners Association also assisted notifying residents using their own networks.

Copies of the notices for Information Session 1 and 2 are presented in Appendix A.

Information Session #1 was conducted at Woodland Beach on Saturday, July 26, 2007. The format was

informal, with a question and answer period following a brief presentation on the purpose of the

meeting. Comment forms were circulated to those in attendance during this Session, with a request

that they be submitted to the Township for review as part of the Master Plan process. A total of 21

comment forms were received. A summary of the comments received is presented in Table 1. A copy of

the comment form is presented in Appendix B.

TABLE 1.

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS FOR WOODLAND BEACH – INFORMATION SESSION #1

Topic Issue/Comment

1. Ecology Restoration required

Natural vegetation ruined by heavy use

Storm water drainage has created problem

Need improved stewardship

2. By‐law enforcement Needs to be improved

Generally good

3. Parking Parking on weekends is a problem

Illegal parking on streets and on lawns during peak periods

Make parking permits available at general store

4. Facilities (ie. washroom, parking spaces, garbage)

Existing facilities are adequate

Destruction of facilities by non‐residents

Need additional garbage and recycling cans

Garbage pick‐up needs to be better

5. Access ATV’s, motorcycles ruin beach

Senior/handicapped access is difficult

6. Cost of Upkeep Residents pay, should enjoy the benefits

Destruction by non‐residents increases costs for residents

7. Pets Dogs must be kept on leashes

Need better ‘poop n scoop’ in place

8. New Structures Would like to see a play structure for children

Gazebo or outside meeting place desirable

Information Session #2 was conducted on Saturday, September 15, 2007 in the study area. This session

involved a workshop format, where the draft Master Plan was presented, followed by break‐out

sessions dealing with the environment and landscape architecture. Comment forms were again

provided to those in attendance, with a request that they be returned in September, prior to the Plan

being finalized. A total of five comment forms were received. A summary of the comments is presented

in Table 2.



TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS FOR WOODLAND BEACH – INFORMATION SESSION #2

Topic Comment

1. Parking Agree that the parking should not be increased

Pay parking is a good idea to fund future park operations

Open parking area could be delineated with boulders

2. Access Boardwalk is a great idea

Fencing should be installed to reduce public access

3. Maintenance Increased garbage pick‐up during July and August

4. Erosion Erosion from the former boat ramp needs to be addressed

5. Park Capacity Capacity can only be limited by parking

Picnic tables need to be in clearly defined areas and properly secured to the ground (i.e. chained and locked)

6. By‐law Enforcement Increased patrols during peak periods are needed

7. Stewardship Use information from “Caring for Our Beaches” workshop

2.0 WOODLAND BEACH PARK

2.1 PURPOSE

Woodland Beach Park provides an informal setting for users to access the shoreline of Georgian Bay for

recreational and/or other social purposes.

2.2 FEATURES

Woodland Beach Park currently offers users several unique and beautiful features:

Clean and safe access to Georgian Bay via a

sandy beach

17 paved parking spaces for “permit holders”

20 paved ‘open’ parking spaces

Manicured grounds Paved public parking

Picnic facilities Male/female washroom facilities

Fences to delineate parking areas and restrict

vehicular access

Municipally maintained garbage facilities

3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

3.1 Vegetation and Vegetation Communities

In order to chart a course for the future of the Park, it was necessary to determine what existed

previously and today. To accomplish this, the Park was surveyed for the variety and type of vegetation

present as well as the vegetation communities that exist. The survey was conducted using the provincial

standard Ecological Land Classification (ELC) protocol, which involves mapping the study area based on

the vegetation community type and extent. The results of this mapping are presented in detail below.



A total of four vegetation communities are found in the study area:

Open Sand Dune Eco‐site (SD01): This beach ecosystem is found west of the Woodland Beach

Park property, at the edge of Georgian Bay. As a dynamic beach, this ELC community is

constantly under change from various natural forces, including wind, water and sun. Incoming

wave action deposits sand, while wind and rain wash sand out to the water.

Balsam Poplar Treed Dune Type (SDT1‐2): This beach ecosystem is located between the open

sand dunes and the more wooded area of the Park. Site investigations confirm that this

community is heavily impacted by park users, which has resulted in the displacement of several

areas of vegetation. Immediately north and south of the Park, this vegetation community

showed far less impact.

Scotch Pine Coniferous Plantation Type (CUP3‐3): Occupying generally the southern and

western portions of the Park, this community was planted and shows obvious signs of human

intervention. With most points of access going through this area, it will continue to see impacts

from users until improved management practices are put in place. Very little ground cover

exists in this community due to the lack of defined route(s) between the beach and parking.

Dry‐Fresh Red Oak Deciduous Forest Type (FOD1‐1): Occupying the northern and eastern

portions of the Park, this area shows less impact that the coniferous plantation as it is not

subject to the same high level of cultural impacts found in the Scotch Pine plantation. Very little

ground cover exists in this community due to the constant impact of users and the lack of

defined route(s) between the beach and parking.

While each of the ELC communities have been impacted by human activity, some of the communities

are more sensitive than others. The SDT1‐2 and SDO1 communities should be considered the most

sensitive, while the CUP3‐3 community provides the greatest opportunities for enhancement.

A summary of Ecological Land Classification communities in the study area is presented in Table 3. The

vascular working plant list for this project is presented in Appendix C.


TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

ELC Code ELC Vegetation

Community Species Association Community Characteristics

TERRESTRIAL – NATURAL/SEMI-NATURAL SDO1 Open Sand Dune Active rolling sand hills formed through

shoreline and Aeolian processes. Tree cover ≤ 60% (SD). Tree cover ≤ 25%; shrub cover ≤ 25% (O)

SDT1-2 Balsam Poplar Treed Dune

Canopy: Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is abundant. Understory: Balsam poplar is abundant. Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) is occasional. Ground Cover: Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) and Riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) are abundant.

Active rolling sand hills formed through shoreline and Aeolian processes. Tree cover ≤ 60% (SD). 25% < Tree cover ≤ 60% (T) Cover comprised of savannah to woodland. Relatively stable sand (1). Dominated by balsam poplar (-2).

FOD1-1 Dry-Fesh Red Oak Deciduous Forest

Canopy: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is abundant. Understory: Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is dominant. Ground Cover: Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) and Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) are abundant.

Tree cover > 60 % (FO). Deciduous trees > 75 % of canopy cover (D). Moderately dry to fresh (1). Red Oak dominant (-1).



TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

ELC Code ELC Vegetation

Community Species Association Community Characteristics

TERRESTRIAL – CULTURAL CUP3-3 Scotch Pine

Coniferous Plantation Canopy: Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is dominant). Understory: Riverbank grape is abundant. Ground Cover: Canada bluegrass, red oak, smooth rose (Rosa blanda) and catchfly (Silene vulgaris) are abundant.

Tree cover > 60 percent, but planted (CUP). Coniferous trees > 75 percent of canopy cover (3). Community resulting from, or maintained by, anthropogenic-based influences.

SDO1

SDT1-2

CUP3-3

FOD1-1

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Project

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Prepared By:

Verified By:

Vegetation Community Boundary

Open Sand Dune EcositeSD01

Balsam Poplar Treed Dune TypeSDT1-2

Dry - Fresh Red Oak Deciduous Forest Type

FOD1-1

Scotch Pine Coniferous PlantationType

CUP3-3

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Woodland BeachMaster Plan

Existing Conditions

Property Boundary



4.0 PARK USERS

Presently the Park is used by many groups, including those residing in the following locations:

1. Community of Woodland Beach

2. Greater Township of Tiny

3. Simcoe County

4. Greater Toronto Area

While a municipal park is always considered a public use, the term public can mean many things. The

public can include the businesses and residents immediately adjacent to Woodland Beach, the

community of Woodland Beach, the Township of Tiny, or the general public. Public uses should not

exclude one or more groups from accessing the Park for any reason. However, in this instance, the

provincially approved Township Official Plan provides some direction on the meaning of ‘public’.

5.0 PARK ISSUES

The Park has several issues that need to be addressed in order to be maintained as a sustainable facility

for the local population. The issues identified most frequently by those surveyed include: vegetation

needs to be restored and/or re‐established (ecology); parking (ie. in‐park and outside); capacity of the

facility; cost of upkeep; by‐law enforcement; facilities (i.e. washrooms, picnic areas, garbage cans,

recycling cans, etc.); access; pets/animals; and, erosion.

Each of these issues has its own inherent interests and limitations. The list is provided in order, based on

responses received from the public, as well as background research and generally applied planning and

ecological principles.

5.1 Analysis of Issues

In general, those who provided input want the park to remain essentially unchanged. The public want

to see the beach and dune ecology restored and some easy and straightforward management tools put

in place towards achieving a sustainable natural park that residents and visitors alike will be proud of.

55..11..11 VVeeggeettaattiioonn RReessttoorraattiioonn

Vegetation in the Park beyond the beach has a full tree canopy cover, but a lack of defined routes for

beach and/or parking access has resulted in the destruction of most ground cover. This lack of

groundcover has lead to increased erosion, introduction and growth of non‐native vegetation and a

general disregard for the quality of natural features at this Park.



Original Beach Ecology

55..11..22 PPaarrkkiinngg

Parking was identified as a significant issue by most of those who provided comments. The number of

parking spaces is sufficient for local residents. However, improper use of parking in the Park and illegal

parking on Township streets during peak periods has resulted in over‐crowding of the Park and a variety

of impacts to the local area, including safety of access.

As the Park is meant to provide Township residents with access to the beach, priority should be given to

residents using this facility. The Township has already provided permit parking along the adjacent

Township road, with a total of 17 spaces being provided for the general public. However, high levels of

use, lack of respect for the facilities provided and other factors have resulted in the public parking area

being used at over‐capacity. Improved design and delineation of approved parking spaces, including the

installation of barriers to keep vehicles off of grassed areas, will limit outside use of the Park and will

allow the natural vegetation to re‐establish over time.

Another recommendation is to install a “pay as you go” type metered parking system in the public area.

This would involve a single coin‐operated parking ticket dispenser system being located within this

public parking area. With improved by‐law enforcement, vehicles not displaying valid tickets would be

ticketed and/or towed. Township residents displaying valid parking permits would be exempt from

paying for this parking. This would both discourage the use of non‐traditional parking spaces as well as

limit the number of non‐residents using this facility.



55..11..33 FFaacciilliittyy CCaappaacciittyy

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) developed a set of criteria for the carrying capacity of beaches,

based on the scale of development proposed. In this instance, a park is identified as a Level 2 use,

having a low intensity of use, with basic facilities. While this document is somewhat dated (dated early

1990’s) it provides a framework for setting beach capacity and a useful reference in the preparation of

this Master Plan. This information is presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4.

DRY BEACH CAPACITY

Intensity of Facility Development Approx. Allocation of Dry Beach Per Person

1. High, a major attraction with full facility service: usually in development zones

9 sq. metres p.p.

2. Moderate: a minor beach attraction with basic facility service, usually in access zones

23 sq. metres p.p.

3. Low: an incidental beach attraction with rudimentary facility service, wherever beach exists and invites use.

46 sq. metres p.p.

Dimensions taken from the Master Plan drawing (John D. Bell Associates, 2007) suggest that the

dimensions of the beach area are approximately: 88 m long (north‐south) by 33 m wide (east‐west).

This provides a total dry beach area of 2,904 m2. When applying the Moderate density, this works out

to 127 (126.6) people. Given that 20 open parking spaces and 17 permit parking spaces are available,

this provides for 37 spaces. Assuming that, on average, three people per vehicle, fully used parking

spaces would provide for 111 persons, or 87% of the total capacity. When local residents, who access

the park via walking or bicycle are added in, the park would be over‐capacity during peak periods. Add

to this illegal parking on Township roads, and capacity is further exceeded.

Using this general reference tool demonstrates that this facility is over‐capacity during peak periods,

primarily during summer long weekends. This over‐capacity would lead to increased impacts to the

existing vegetation, sand dunes and facilities located in the park and adjacent beach.

55..11..44 CCoosstt ooff UUppkkeeeepp

Several comments received noted that Township residents pay for the upkeep of this Park, but are not

generally responsible for littering and the general destruction of the area. Introducing the paid parking,

as mentioned in 5.1.3, would lead to fewer non‐resident users of the Park, which would likely reduce the

level of upkeep required. In the end, the Township would not be forced to raise local taxes to maintain

appropriate levels of maintenance.



55..11..55 BByy--llaaww EEnnffoorrcceemmeenntt

While most people agreed that current levels of By‐law enforcement were adequate, this enforcement

could be used in a more effective way by increasing levels during peak periods (i.e. summer weekends).

Regular patrol of Woodland Beach by by‐law enforcement officers has lead to the issuance of parking

infractions.

55..11..66 FFaacciilliittiieess

Most comments noted that the current level of facilities is adequate for Township residents and new

facilities should not be introduced as they will result in higher user levels. Some suggestions for

improvements included installing and anchoring more garbage and recycling bins at defined access

points, as well as providing more picnic facilities in designated areas.

Example of Current Facilities

55..11..77 PPaarrkk AAcccceessss

Reducing the number and location of current access points as well as improving access for seniors

and/or the physically‐challenged were the primary comments. Reducing the number of access points

and better defining those that remain using wood chips, or similar natural material, would go a long way

to improving the quality of the natural features found in the Park. These access points should be well

signed and clearly visible to park users. Conversely, fencing off former access points as well as

ecologically sensitive areas will assist the enhancement of the Park over time.



Provision of improved access for seniors and/or the physically challenged is a more difficult and

expensive issue to address. As sand is predominant in this area, a boardwalk, or other form of raised

walking platform would be required to allow strollers, walkers and wheelchairs access to the beach.

Current Park Access

55..11..88 PPeettss aanndd AAnniimmaallss

Pets should only be permitted on this public property if they are leashed and their owners are practiced

in the proper disposal of pet droppings. By‐law enforcement could focus on pet owners during peak

periods to improve compliance with this rule.

Some comments received noted that the Township does not permit the disposal of pet droppings in the

regular garbage. As part of this Master Plan, the Township should provide some form of disposal

containers for pet droppings, in order to address this issue.

55..11..99 EErroossiioonn

Inadequate storm water facilities have created soil erosion in several areas of the Park. The primary

area of erosion is located at the southern side of the entryway to the paved public parking area. The

source of this water seems to be roadside drainage from areas east of the Park. At present, the water

outlets to the Park in an uncontrolled fashion, which has lead to rills and gullies leading down‐gradient

to the beach.



Erosion within Park

To control erosion, an ex‐filtration pipe is recommended to be installed under the municipal road, with

connections to existing municipal storm sewers. This pipe would provide a settling area for surface

water drainage, which would be encouraged to infiltrate into the ground for filtering prior to re‐

emerging along the beach and entering Georgian Bay. Erosion is a serious issue and should be

considered a priority issue by the Township.

55..11..1100 BBeeaacchh MMaaiinntteennaannccee

Beach maintenance activities are required to provide a usable area for sunbathers. Beach maintenance

activities may include augmentation of beach material, removal of live or dead plant or animal material,

debris or mechanical raking. These activities may lead to erosion of beach materials, removal of riparian

vegetation beyond existing beach boundaries and introduction of deleterious substances from

improperly maintained equipment. The Township is required to maintain the beach on a regular basis

to uphold the recreational features that it offers.

The area where beach maintenance activities are to be conducted should be clearly delineated so that

there are no impacts to adjacent areas. Beach maintenance activities should be carried out in

accordance with federal and provincial legislation including the Fisheries Act. The Department of

Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) have prepared an Operational Statement to permit beach maintenance

activities without the need to secure an Authorization for Works or Undertakings under Subsection

35(1) of the Fisheries Act, provided several conditions are met. These conditions include:



it is the maintenance of an existing public or community beach and does not include creating a

new beach;

maintenance activities do not include expanding the current size of the beach;

new beach material will not be placed below the ordinary high water mark; and,

the measures to protect fish and fish habitat prescribed in the Operational Statement are

followed.

In the past, the Township has provided a Notification Form to DFO for all beach maintenance activities

as a precaution.

6.0 THE PLAN

A Master Plan is intended to be an easily understood, workable document that will be used by people of

all backgrounds and abilities. As such, a Master Plan must be developed both in the public interest and

based on public input. This Woodland Beach Park Master Plan was created for the people of the

Township of Tiny.

The public interest is defined by the Township of Tiny Official Plan and reinforced by many of the

comments received from the public. The public, in this instance, is considered the residents of the

community of Woodland Beach and those residing in other areas of the Township. The public, including

those residing outside of the Township should not be excluded from using the park, nor can they be, but

rather the facilities and benefits of the Park should focus on the needs and values of Township residents.

Other facilities, including Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, Awenda Provincial Park and others, are

available to the general public and are managed accordingly.

Given that the Park should be focussed on the needs of the Township residents, and more specifically

those of Woodland Beach, the Master Plan process was based on input received from this public at

Information Session #1. Comments received from this Session, and recommended ways to address the

issues, are presented in Table 5.


TABLE 5. ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Topic Implementation

1. Ecology Clearly define public areas

Install barriers (i.e. sand fencing) around sensitive areas such as the SDT1‐2 community to allow regeneration

Install French drains at all locations of concentrated surface water run‐off to control storm water

Enlist help of local residents and ratepayer associations to provide stewardship role

Use Master Plan as guide for stewardship

2. By‐law enforcement Consider increasing frequency of by‐law enforcement during peak periods in summer

3. Parking Install improved signage

No additional parking spaces and/or areas are recommended

Install “pay as you go parking” for non‐residents

Parking permit holders are exempt from paid parking

Better define and delineate approved parking areas

Improve resident access to parking permits

4. Facilities (i.e. washroom, parking spaces, garbage)

Maintain current facilities

Install more picnic tables in clearly defined areas

Install and anchor garbage and recycling bins at clearly identified locations

Improve parking ‘design’

Continue daily garbage pick‐up during summer

5. Access Prohibit motorized vehicles from the park

Upgrade fencing in specific locations to limit the points of access to the beach

Install woodchips along paths from designated entrances to ‘highlight’ entry points

Install garbage and recycling bins at each designated entrance to further encourage access at these locations

Clearly sign designated entries

Boardwalk needed to provide improved access from designated access points to the beach

6. Pets Improve signage in park to keep pets on leash and to use proper methods of disposal for droppings

Provide containers for disposal of pet droppings

7. New Structures Not recommended as this would impact on the park ecology

Maintenance costs would rise



TABLE 5. ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Topic Implementation

8. Erosion and Sediment Control An ex‐filtration pipe is recommended to be installed under the municipal road, with connections to existing municipal storm sewers to channel surface drainage and encourage it to infiltrate into the ground for filtering prior to re‐emerging along the beach and entering Georgian Bay.

9. Beach Maintenance Clearly define area of beach to be used by sunbathers

Conduct beach maintenance activities in this area in accordance with provincial and federal legislation including the Public Beach Maintenance Operational Statement

The Master Plan for Woodland Beach Park is presented in Figure 3.



7.0 STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Community stewardship is possibly the single biggest opportunity available to the Township to ensure

protection of Woodland Beach into the future. Stewardship opportunities, including partnerships with

interested organizations, should be considered by the Township. Local groups could perform many of

the short‐ and long‐term priorities identified in this Plan, including:

garbage pick‐up

monitoring of ecological protection measures

reporting to Township officials if a problem occurs (i.e. policing)

organizing ‘clean the beach’ events and related fund‐raising activities to generate funds for the

Township to implement initiatives faster

generally spread the word encouraging local residents to support the sustainability of the Park

The stewardship role would not involve patrols or enforcement activities that could lead to confrontation with beach users. For health and safety reasons, volunteers would also require proper training. In addition, The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation recently published a number of papers

addressing the preservation of coastal ecosystems, such as that at Woodland Beach Park. A copy of the

general stewardship principles is presented in Appendix D. These principles should be followed to

achieve a sustainable facility into the future. They are also affordable and realistic.

8.0 THE FUTURE

Table 6 provides a summary of the potential impacts, mitigation and net effects if control measures

proposed for residential properties are implemented.

TABLE 6. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WOODLAND BEACH MASTER PLAN

Issue Recommended Solution Implementation

1. Ecology Clearly define public areas.

Install barriers (i.e. sand fencing) around sensitive areas.

Enlist help of local residents and ratepayer associations to assist with Park stewardship (not enforcement).

Install ex‐filtration pipe, as delineated in the Master Plan (Figure 3).

Immediate

Implement “pay as you go parking” for non‐residents.

Within 2 years





2. By‐law enforcement Consider increasing frequency of by‐law enforcement during peak periods in summer.

As budget permits

3. Parking Improve resident access to parking permits.

Install improved signage.

Clearly define public parking areas.

Immediate

Improve parking ‘design’ to reduce improper parking.

Maintain current parking capacity.

As budget permits

4. Facilities (i.e. washroom, garbage)

No new structures or facilities are recommended.

Install and anchor garbage and recycling bins at clearly identified locations.

Continue daily garbage pick‐up

during peak summer months.

Immediate

5. Beach Access Prohibit motorized vehicles from the park.

Upgrade fencing to limit the points of access to the beach.

Clearly define paths from designated entrances to ‘highlight’ entry points.

Install garbage and recycling bins at designated entrance.

Immediate

6. Pets Provide disposal facilities for pet droppings.

Immediate

7. Signage Install improved and advanced signage.

Install signage to identify sensitive ecological areas, where public is not allowed (i.e. nature stations).

Clearly define paths from designated entrances to ‘highlight’ entry points.

Install clear signage for pet owner disposal of droppings.

As budget permits





8. Erosion Control An ex‐filtration pipe should be installed under the municipal road, with connections to existing municipal storm sewers.

As budget permits

9. Beach Maintenance Clearly define area of beach to be used by sunbathers.

Conduct beach maintenance activities in this area in accordance with provincial and federal legislation including the Public Beach Maintenance Operational Statement.

Immediate



9.0 REFERENCES

Chapman and Putnam 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 2. Map 2715, Scale 1:600,000

Hoffman, D.W., B. C. Matthews and R. E. Wicklund. 1964. Soil Survey of Simcoe County Ontario. Report of the Ontario Soil Survey.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG‐02. North Bay, Ontario. 225 pp.

Planning Partnership. 2001. The Township of Tiny Official Plan. Adopted September 11, 2000, approved April 24, 2001.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2005. Provincial Policy Statement.

Natural Resources, Ministry of. Natural Heritage Information Centre website (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/nhic.cfm). Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough.

Natural Heritage Information Centre. 1997. Southern Ontario Vegetation Communities List. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/communities/comm_list.cfm. Last revised January 1997.

Newmaster, S.G., A. Lehela, P.W.C. Uhlig, S. McMurray and M.J. Oldham. 1998. Ontario Plant List. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Forest Research Information Paper No. 123, 550 pp. + appendices.

Oldham, M.J. 1999. Natural Heritage Resources of Ontario: Rare Vascular Plants. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 56 pp.

Riley, J.L., W.D. Bakowsky, P.W. Ball, D.M. Britton, P.M. Catling, C.A. Campbell, W.J. Crins, K.L. McIntosh, S.M. MacKay‐Kuja, M.J. Oldham, A.A. Reznicek, D.A. Sutherland, and S. Varga, 1989. Distribution and Status of the Vascular Plants of Central Region. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreational Areas Section, Central Region. Richmond Hill, Ontario. 110 pp.

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