Title
APPOINTMENT - 9:30 a.m.
Lake Wabamun Ad Hoc Committee Update and Recommendations
Proposed Motions
1. That the Lake Wabamun Ad Hoc Committee update be received for information, as presented.
2. That Council approve the following recommendations from the update:
a) That Administration continue with its plan to develop a permanent boat launch on the South side of Lake Wabamun;
b) That all Parkland County undeveloped access points remain open until the South side boat launch is operational; following which they will be closed off with limited access;
c) That a Cosmetic Fertilizer Bylaw be developed for Council's consideration and approval; and,
d) That Parkland County Administration develop a comprehensive Public Engagement Plan for Council's consideration and approval that ensures the public are involved in an appropriate way at the appropriate time concerning the Committee recommendations.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions as presented.
Purpose
To present the Lake Wabamun Ad Hoc Committees update and recommendations for Council's consideration and decision.
Summary
Lake Wabamun is a large recreational waterbody situated with Parkland County, easily accessible by the growing Capital region population. Increasing use at the Lake, primarily related to boating access, has created some significant issues an challenges that increase year after year. A series of planning exercises have been undertaken over the years looking at how to best support and protect the lake and surrounding environment. These include the Lake Wabamun Boat Launch Study and most recently the Wabamun Lake Subwatershed Land Use Plan to name two significant County planning exercises. Recommendations have been made, but have been slow in progressing with the Boat Launch study; and the recently completed Subwatershed Land Use Plan will require time to implement.
In September an Ad Hoc Committee was formed with representatives from the municipalities surrounding Lake Wabamun, the Wabamun Watershed Management Council, TransAlta and the Province of Alberta. The focus of the committee was on addressing some of the more immediate issues including:
- Establishing a temporary boat launch for operation in 2017
- recommendations on the management and use of undeveloped access points
- identification of nutrient loading controls
- educating residents on these issues and the Committees collective approach to dealing with them
The Committee has prepared a report to present to Council for information, consideration and decision. The attached Administrative report highlights the work undertaken by the Committee, their analysis of the issues, proposed recommendations and timelines for next steps.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Healthy Communities - Parkland Communities create strong supportive cultures through design excellence and proximity to amenities, services and recreational opportunities.
Regional Strategy - Parkland County strives to meet the service needs of its residents by being a leader in collaboration with regional partners.
Environment - Parkland County provides leadership in environmental sustainability.
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0
Source of Funding: n/a
Other: