Successful resolution

Guelph Tribune
Editorial
Sep 11, 2009

The new conceptual plan for upgrading the parking lot in Goldie Mill Park near the Guelph Youth Music Centre, which was endorsed this week, appears to be a big victory for the passion that Guelph residents bring to civic affairs, especially when environmental issues are concerned.

The first chance that people had to weigh in on the issue came at an outdoor meeting hastily called by Ward 2 councillor Ian Findlay, which took place in the parking lot late in the afternoon of Aug. 5.There were groans from the crowd when a city planner said tender bids had already been received from contractors for the project, which involved cutting down big, healthy trees to make room for an expanded parking lot. But the people didn’t roll over. They kept expressing many objections, long past when the meeting was supposed to end. When a revised plan presented by staff at a subsequent meeting on Aug. 13 failed to satisfy people, a focus group of residents chaired by Findlay was set up to try to resolve the issue along with city staff. They met about twice a week for a month to come up with the new plan, which is detailed in today’s Tribune.

The fears expressed Aug. 5 –about the trees, about excessive lighting, about whether a storm sewer is really needed, about whether so many extra parking spaces are really needed –have all been addressed. The people who stood up to city hall on this issue should be proud.

Focus group approves new draft plan

After 5 meetings and much discussion, the following revised [draft] plan was approved by the focus group on September 9th.
Goldie Mill Parking Lot draft revised plan- 09.09.09

The group is still discussing lighting options for the site and has requested more information on the landscaping plan, particularly as it pertains to the entrance area of the Guelph Youth Music Centre.

River Systems Advisory Committee (RSAC) Submission – Goldie Mill

Hello Helen,

Here is the submission from River Systems Advisory Committee (RSAC) on the Goldie Mill project. Hugh Whitely, a committee member, sent the attached submission to me as well. I am forwarding it on to you.
I am not planning to attend either meeting this week. Should you need further RSAC input please let me know.

In formulating plans for the re-design of the Goldie Mill parking lot, the River Systems Advisory Committee recommends that:

1) a permeable surface be considered for the parking lot;

2) careful consideration be given to storm water management. A good option would be for storm water drainage from the site to be directed to a vegetated infiltration facility (rain garden) with underdrainage. This location could provide a good opportunity for the management of storm water through infiltration and could be a working example of the use of this kind of passive design feature. An oil/grit separator would be a second option.

3) the configuration of new tree plantings around the parking lot enhance viewsheds of the park and Mill from the surrounding roads and neighbourhood, and promote a pedestrian entryway that leads people towards the Mill site. The two Austrian Pines do not add much value to the local landscape. If they are to be replaced, the use of native shrubs and trees of sufficient size should be used.

The River Systems Advisory Committee is willing to provide assistance during the re-design process should it be needed.

Regards,
Jeremy Shute

Chair, River Systems Advisory Committee

Minutes and documents

We have added pages for Meeting Minutes and City Documents.

Revised Plan

The revised site plan that was presented by staff at the August 13 public meeting  is available here in PDF format.