Title
Nature Conservancy of Canada - Request for Support
Proposed Motions
That Council:
1. Approve the Nature Conservancy of Canada's request of up to $121,500 towards the cost of developing a parking lot at Bunchberry Meadows to be funded through Restricted Surplus - Park Reserve.
2. Approve the Nature Conservancy of Canada's request for operational support at Bunchberry Meadows, starting in 2018, in the amount of $6,000 annually to be funded from Municipal Taxation.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration fully supports the motions as presented.
Purpose
Administration is seeking Council's decision and direction with regards to the Nature Conservancy of Canada's request for support.
Summary
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is in the final planning stages for Bunchberry Meadows, a project that would include a variety of primitive pedestrian trails, a developed parking lot, washrooms and garbage receptacles. The development would be located north of Tucker's Field, a parcel the County currently holds a Recreational Lease on through the Government of Alberta. As part of the Devonian Trail development, there will be additional work done to existing the trails within Tucker's Field, and additional amenities such as picnic tables, benches and garbage cans will be added to enhance user experiences.
Bunchberry Meadows will be a significant addition to the County and the additional pedestrian trails will be a great compliment to the Devonian Trail and Tucker's Field developments. Additionally, the developed parking lot will serve as a primary, year-round, staging area for those wishing to access the Devonian Trail and/or Tucker's Field. Currently, the Devonian Botanical Gardens parking area is closed during winter months, leaving Prospectors' Point as the only year-round staging area. During the public consultation for the Devonian Trail, residents identified potential parking concerns along Banksiana Road, particularly on the western edge of Tucker...
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