REPORT ON COUNCIL
November 10, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. 12:36 p.m. and 1:04 p.m. – 4:19 p.m.
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:18 p.m. – 8:11 p.m.
All Members of Council present
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 1:04 p.m. – 2:33 p.m.
PHRAGMITES CONTROL: Results of investigation by the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) have shown that “Roundup” applied by a licensed applicator is the most effective control measure for Phragmites (Common Reed). Cutting, mulching, covering with black plastic and pulling are generally ineffective. Spraying after frost has no effect since the plant becomes dormant. SSEA recommended that landowners preserve existing natural vegetation on their properties as it is more resistant to invasive species and that they learn to recognize invasive species and act quickly to prevent their spread when they appear. “Providing landowners with information on identifying Phragmites, options for controlling it, and general information on shoreline stewardship best management practices can help establish a coordinated approached to preventing the spread of invasive species.”
Council authorized the use of “Roundup” applied by a licensed applicator as a control measure for Phragmites on Township-owned property and directed staff to contact neighbouring municipalities “as a cost saving measure for best practices” and to “investigate whether the Phragmites could be classified as a noxious weed.” (That designation would give the municipality authority to require private landowners to control it.)
SSEA found Phragmites at many points along the shore of Tiny Township, both on municipally owned land and on private property. Their Report mentioned four stretches of publicly owned beach as having established stands Phragmites, namely Wahnekewening (one large patch), Cawaja (five patches), Jackson (seven patches), and Woodland (seven patches).
The full report is available at tiny.ca / Council Agenda / Committee of the Whole Agenda – 2008 / COW 19 November 10, 2008 / Complete CWC Agenda / F Staff Reports to Council / 3 Public Works / b) Public Works Report PWR-029-08 re: SSEA Survey and Control of Phragmites.
ACCESS CONTROLS TO PROTECT BLUEWATER BEACH DUNES: As a result of concerns raised by the members of the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee, Council directed staff to place a post and board fence at the throat of the boardwalks at Trew Avenue and Nicole Boulevard and posts at the Pinnacle Avenue entrance to restrict access by motorized vehicles.
