DECEIT BY OMISSION? - OH Park Bridge Documents Raise Questions
FOI Documents
In Chronological Order
Copies of email correspondence with attached documents
have been received pursuant to a Freedom Of Information (FOI) request
registered with the City of Mississauga in October 2022. Their content gives
rise to serious questions in regard to the rationale and validity of the City’s
decision to put the 2018-approved-and-funded and 2019-scheduled OH Park
Foot-Bike Bridge “on hold indefinitely and revisited in future”. Specifically:
1. The City of Mississauga’s January 25-February 15, 2021
Orchard Heights Park Public Engagement Survey Results, together with Councillor
Dasko’s May-June, 2021 “door knocking survey” confirmed that a majority of respondents were in
favour of the bridge. (See Sharon Chapman’s emails below)
On what basis was the subsequent May-June, 2021 Orchard Heights
Homeowners Association “in-house” OHP Bridge Survey (designed, conducted,
analyzed and reported on by a member of the OHHA Board) warranted?
On what basis was Councillor Dasko’s July 9,
2021 request to City of Mississauga Park Planning staff to pre-emptively “put
all plans for this on hold” warranted, given that the OHHA July 14, 2021 OHP Bridge Survey Report had
not been released for consideration and scrutiny by Orchard Heights residents?
2. Substantial flaws in the OHHA Board’s “in-house” July 14, 2021 OHP Bridge Survey Report were identified, documented and
communicated to the OHHA Board, Orchard Heights residents and Councillor Dasko
via Wolf Ruck’s September 4, 2021 post on the OHHA Facebook Group
Page. (See Orchard Heights
Park - Foot/Bike Bridge - OHHA Survey Issues)
On what basis were the OHHA Board’s “in-house” July 14, 2021 OHP Bridge Survey Report survey results deemed valid for
consideration and warranted in the City’s decision to put the OH Park Foot-Bike
Bridge “on hold indefinitely and revisited in future”?
3. On what
basis were the OHHA “in-house” July 14, 2021 OHP Bridge Survey Report majority CON survey results
deemed sufficient to outweigh the City of Mississauga’s majority
PRO January 25-February 15, 2021 Orchard Heights Park Public Engagement
Survey Results, together with Councillor Dasko’s May-June, 2021 “walk the
block” majority PRO survey results, resulting in the City’s decision to
put the OH Park Foot-Bike Bridge “on hold indefinitely and revisited in
future”?
4. Were the
City of Mississauga’s January 25-February 15, 2021 Orchard Heights Park
Public Engagement Survey Results, together with Councillor Dasko’s
May-June, 2021 “walk the block” survey results, confirming a majority of
respondents in favour of the bridge ever communicated to Orchard Heights
Residents by the City of Mississauga, Councillor Dasko or the OHHA Board PRIOR
to the subsequent May, 2021 OHHA Board “in-house” OHP Bridge Survey designed,
conducted and analyzed by a member of the OHHA Board?
If not, why was this information omitted?
5. Was
there ever a public information session convened by the OHHA Board and
Councillor Dasko PRIOR to conducting any surveys, wherein City planners and
officials were available to provide a comprehensive overview of the OH Park
Foot-Bike Bridge Project background, research and planning reflected in
the 2010-2018 City
of Mississauga’s official approved Master Cycling Plan, and to
address any concerns voiced by some Orchard Heights residents on the OHHA
Facebook Group Page?
If not, why was this information omitted?
6. Given
that 19% of respondents in the OHHA Board’s “in-house” July 14, 2021 OHP Bridge Survey Report were “NOT AWARE” of the
2018-approved-and-funded and 2019-scheduled OH Park Foot-Bike Bridge, and 11%
were “NOT SURE”, on what basis is a 9% CON majority of the remaining 70% of
respondents reported in the OHHA “in-house” survey results deemed valid, when
30% of respondents were unable to make an INFORMED decision?
7. Was
there any consideration given by the OHHA Board, Councillor Dasko and the City
of Mississauga Parks Planning staff to the OH Park Bridge
SWOT Analysis first shared on OHHA Facebook Group Pages
on February 5, 2021 and
updated regularly to date, which comprises a chronological overview of the
issues discussed to date by Orchard Heights residents on the OHHA private
Facebook Group Page in regard to the Pedestrian / Cyclist Bridge connecting
Orchard Heights Park in Mississauga and the Etobicoke Creek Trail and compiles
the PROS, CONS and potential REMEDIES pertaining to the OH Park Bridge?
If not, why was this information omitted?
8. NOTE:
Since the Fall of 2021, virtually all of Wolf Ruck’s OH Park Bridge and Active
Living infrastructure related FB posts, shares and comments have been censored
(“Pending” or “Declined”) by admins of the OHHA Facebook Group Pages. This
paternalistic and undemocratic measure has stifled tax-paying Orchard Heights
Community residents’ free and open discussion of the PROS and CONS of
long-overdue, planned, approved, financed and promised CONNECTED, CONVENIENT,
COMFORTABLE and SAFE Active Living infrastructure, which affects the health,
safety and quality of life of Mississauga-Lakeview residents of all ages and
walks of life.
Perforce, relevant information has been posted and shared on alternative
platforms, namely, Orchard Heights
Walk Run Bike & Roll (blog), Orchard Heights Walk Run Bike &
Roll (private FB Group Page) and Lakeview Slow Rollers (public
FB Group Page).
In addition, an on-line Petition to
Build the Bridge has garnered 250+and-counting signatures to date.
Each submission automatically sends emails to Mississauga Mayor Crombie, Ward 1
Councillor Dasko and the Chair of Mississauga’s Cycling Committee.
CORRESPONDENCE & DOCUMENTS
Ref.1
Subject: FW:
Orchard Heights Public Engagement Summary - Follow up with Councilor Dasko
Attachments:Orchard Heights - Public Engagement Closing the Loop Summary.pdf
Good afternoon Councillor Dasko,
Further to our meeting on March 25th regarding
the Orchard Heights Park Public Engagement Survey, please find attached a copy
of the survey summary. Key messages and survey highlights are provided below
for your use in sharing with the community.
SURVEY
DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE:
The Orchard Heights survey requested resident feedback
on how they currently use their community parks (Ron Searle Park and Orchard
Heights Park) and potential future amenities for Orchard Heights Park. It was
also an opportunity to gauge support for
the pedestrian bridge proposed to connect Orchard Heights Park to the Etobicoke
Creek Trail.
• The majority of survey respondents were in favour of
the pedestrian bridge proposed to connect Orchard Heights Park to the Etobicoke
Creek Trail.
• Some
of the reasons expressed for supporting the bridge included, the ability to
expand daily walking and running routes while avoiding the busy traffic on
Dixie, improved cycling routes, improved connections to the Long Branch Go
station and improved trail connections to the waterfront trail.
• The results of this survey are consistent with the
outcome of the Councillor’s “walk the block” which also showed that the
majority of Orchard Heights residents support the bridge project.
• Survey
respondents’ most requested amenities/features for Orchard Heights Park were:
o Expanded
natural areas
o Small
walking Loop
o Seating
area
o Children’s
play feature
o Outdoor
fitness equipment
• Next step is to create an Orchard Heights Park
Concept Plan incorporating top requested amenities and features.
Survey Stats:
• The
online survey ran for 21 days, January 25 - February 15, 2021
• 867
post cards were sent to residents in Orchard Heights neighbourhood
• 164
online surveys were completed
• 110
comments were captured on the Orchard Heights Bridge project
• The
most preferred features of Ron Searle Park and Orchard Heights Park
o Open Green Space (145)
o Trees (142)
o Natural Area (137)
o Close to Etobicoke Creek (106)
• Most
requested amenities/features for Orchard Heights Park
o Expand natural areas (103)
o Small walking Loop (76)
o Seating area (58)
o Children’s play feature (51)
o Outdoor fitness equipment (49)
• Preferred
park experience for Orchard Heights Park
o Natural and green (71)
• Feedback
on the Orchard Heights Bridge Project through comments.
o 110 respondents
provided a clear comment on the bridge project.
o 57 respondents
supported the bridge project (52%)
o 53 respondents
did not support the bridge project (48%)Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sharon
Mississauga
Sharon Chapman BLA, OALA
Manager, Park
Planning
T 905-615-3200 ext.5370
Mobile 905-815-2715
sharon.chapman@mississauga.ca
City of
Mississauga | Community Services Department Parks,
Forestry and Environment Division
Please
consider the environment before printing.
Ref.2
From: Sharon
Chapman <sharon.chapman@mississauga.ca>
Sent:
Thursday, July 8, 2021 12:19 PM
To:
Stephen
Dasko <Stephen.Dasko@mississauga.ca>
Cc:
Stefan
Szczepanski <Stefan.Szczepanski@mississauga.ca>; Kathi Ross
<Kathi.Ross@mississauga.ca>; Geoff Bayne <Geoff.Bayne@mississauga.ca>
Subject: Orchard
Heights Project Update
Good
afternoon Councillor Dasko,
Further to the email below regarding the results of the Orchard Heights Public
Engagement Summary, we are pleased to provide a copy of the concept plan for Orchard Heights (attached).
Consistent with the survey findings (summary below), the attached concept
plan prepared by Park Development, incorporates the following features in
addition to a trail connection and bridge:
a. Natural
areas / existing tree protection
b. Small
walking Loop with distance markings and tricycle track
c. Benches
for seating
d. Children’s
natural play feature
e. Outdoor
fitness stations
The concept features listed above work well with the proposed bridge and
turns an underutilized park space into a vibrant opportunity for this community
to be active, connect with neighbours, take advantage of improved trail
connections and enjoy the natural park setting.
|
|
My understanding is that the local ratepayer group had also done a survey and
their results were expected at the end of May. As you know, the survey results below indicated that the majority of
survey respondents were in favour of the pedestrian bridge proposed to connect
Orchard Heights to the Etobicoke Creek Trail.
|
|
the project. We are wondering if you have any feedback from the
local ratepayer survey that might help us to move forward.
Regards,
Sharon
Mississauga
Sharon Chapman BLA, OALA
Manager, Park Planning
T 905-615-3200 ext.5370
Mobile 905-815-2715
sharon.chapman@mississauga.ca
City of
Mississauga | Community Services Department Parks,
Forestry and Environment Division
Please consider
the environment before printing.
Ref.3
RE: Orchard
Heights Project Update
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for your email and update.
The bridge as you know
is one of a lot of contention in the community. Since the city’s survey the
ratepayers have initiated a survey and the majority was actually against the
bridge. I can share the data, also the ratepayer group will be coming back to me
shortly.
At the moment please
put all plans for this on hold.
Thank you, Stephen
Stephen Dasko
Councillor, Ward 1
T 905-896-5100| M 647-289-2922
stephen.dasko@mississauga.ca
www.stephendasko.ca
Join my monthly E-Newsletter at Stephendasko.ca
If you wish to be added, based on Federal anti-spam
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“Our Community is Our Home”
Ward 1
Mtssissauca
Please consider the environment before printing.
Ref.4
From:
Sharon
Chapman
Sent:
Thursday, December 2, 2021 9:05 AM
To:
Jodi
Robillos <Jodi.Robillos@mississauga.ca>
Cc:
Stefan
Szczepanski <Stefan.Szczepanski@mississauga.ca>
Subject: Orchard
Heights Briefing Note to Jodi - December 1 2021.docx
Hi Jodi,
Attached is a briefing note for the Orchard Heights Bridge project in
preparation for our meeting with Councillor Dasko tomorrow.
The briefing not outlines the project background
as well as two options for moving forward. Each option has process
considerations and risks. The options
covered include:
1. Option
#1 Delay the Project
2. Option #2 Cancel the Project
Let me know if you have any questions or need any additional
information.
Sharon
Ref.5
Park Planning
|
Prepared For: |
Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services |
|
Prepared By: |
Sharon Chapman, Park Planning |
|
Subject: |
Orchard Heights Bridge Project - Background and
Options for Moving Forward |
|
Date: |
December 2, 2021 |
Project Description and Purpose:
The proposed bridge would provide a new active
transportation opportunity and connect multi use trail systems in Mississauga
and Toronto via Orchard Heights Park and Etobicoke Valley Park. The
bridge crossing is identified as a connection opportunity in Mississauga’s
Cycling Master Plan.
Project Background:
• P&B Section 37 Report - On November
12, 2013, P&B brought forward a S37 Report to PDC for a Windcatcher Development
located on the southwest corner of Cawthra Road and Atwater Avenue with the
following recommendations and comments:
o That
$160,000 in S37 Community Benefits contribution be approved and that the owner
enter into a S37 agreement with the City of Mississauga.
o The Community Benefits contribution comprises
$160,000 towards cycling facilities in the neighbouring area.
o Written
confirmation was provided by the owner confirming the contribution towards
cycling faculties including but not limited to bike lanes in the neighbouring
area of the proposed development.
o Section 37 Agreement provisions:
■ Contribution of $160,000.
■ Contribution to be used towards cycling facilities in
the neighbouring area.
• The Orchard Heights Bridge project was initiated by
Councillor Tovey and Councillor Grimes in
2017.
• CMS
Transfer Report - On May 30, 2018,
CMS brought forward a Corporate Report with the following recommendations and
comments:
o That the City of Mississauga partner with TRCA to
share costs towards the construction of a bridge in Orchard Heights Park
(P-019) to a maximum of $160,000.
o That
funds held in S37 reserve fund collected from Windcatcher Development in the
amount of $160,000 be transferred to the Bridges & Underpasses Project
Number 17307 to fund the construction of a bridge in Orchard Heights Park in
partnership with TRCA.
o The
construction cost of the bridge is approximately $320,000. The TRCA will serve
as the project lead for the construction of the bridge. The City of Mississauga
can contribute 50% of the total project cost up to a maximum of $160,000.
• Arrangement
with TRCA / Toronto - agreement is verbal - there is no written agreement.
Original meeting were it was agreed to move the project forward was with Paul
Mitcham, C.Tovey, C. Grimes, Stef, Randy, and TRCA staff. The group verbally agreed to move forward with the
project with a 50/50 cost share split.
• Work
completed to date:
o TRCA hired consultants to undertake the required
studies to analyse creek geomorphology and propose the best location to site
the bridge.
o The
studies were completed in 2019.
o City
of Mississauga costs incurred to date are $26,950 in consulting fees in
addition to staff time.
o City
of Toronto/ TRCA costs incurred to date are $26,950 in consulting fees in
addition to staff time.
o Consulting
work is 70% complete. Various bridge lengths were investigated.
The final bridge design of abutments will be done contingent on final
bridge abutment locations and soil
Public Engagement:
o At the request of Councillor Dasko, an online survey
was conducted in the Orchard Heights neighbourhood to seek feedback on Orchard
Heights Park and the proposed Orchard Heights Bridge project. This survey was coordinated by Park Planning.
Survey results were as follows:
■ The survey ran from January 25 to February 15,
2021.
■ 867 post cards
were sent to residents in Orchard Heights
■ 164 surveys were
completed
■ 110 comments were captured regarding the bridge
project. 57 (52%) respondents supported the bridge project and 53 (48%)
respondents did not support the bridge project.
o Local
ratepayer group initiated survey:
■ Survey
timing was May 2021
■ On July 9, 2021 Councillor Dasko reported
that the survey results indicated a majority of residents were against the
bridge.
o Councillor Dasko initiated survey:
■ The Councillor conducted his own door knocking survey.
■ Results of this survey were in favour of the bridge
by a slight margin.
Option #1 - Delay the Project
• Option
Details:
o Postpone the Project until after the municipal
election scheduled for October 24, 2022
• Process
Considerations:
o TRCA
/ Toronto - There is no timeline associated with the project. The project can proceed at a later date if required.
Discussions with TRCA and City of Toronto will be required to ensure they
are up to speed on
project delays and new anticipated timelines.
o S37 - No process impact to S37 funds.
o Public Notification -
Public notification that the project will proceed would be required closer to
the time of construction. This notification would include an update on the park
improvement plans for Orchard Heights Park.
Risk Considerations
o Construction
costs will escalate and additional funding may be required. Original project
costs of $320,000 were established in 2018.
o No risk to S37 funds - funds can still be used if
there is a project delay.
o There
is current documented community support for the bridge as a result of the
public engagement outcome. Community
support may change by the time the delayed project gets underway (change may be
more in favour or less in favour).
Option #2 - Cancel the Project
• Process
Considerations:
o TRCA / Toronto - Cancellation will require discussion with TRCA and
City of Toronto.
o S37 -
P&B have confirmed that S37 funds will stay with the City in the event that
this project is cancelled. Further discussion with T&W is required to
advise that the funds would be available for another active transportation
project. Corporate Finance has confirmed that regardless of whether T&W
needs funds or not, the best approach is for CMS to return money via WIPS, if
T&W needs the funds for another active transportation project, they will
request funds through WIP. This process allows for both return of funds and
potential request for funds get approved by Council.
o Public Notification -
public notification would be required to confirm project cancellation.
• Risk
Considerations
o TRCA and /or City of Toronto may not support project
cancellation. There maybe political
implications for Councillor Grimes.
o TRCA/
Toronto may expect City of Mississauga to reimburse TRCA for costs incurred to
date being $26,950 in consulting fees in addition to possible staff time costs
(staff time considerations tbc).
o City
would lose funds spent to date being $26,950 in consulting fees in addition to
possible staff time costs.
o
o P&B have confirmed that there
is no risk to losing the S37 funds. Cancellation of the project does not result
in funds going back to the Developer. Funds will stay with the City and can be
reallocated to another active transportation project.
o There
is documented community support for the bridge as a result of the public
engagement outcome. Members of the
public who support the bridge (over 50%) may question why the project is
cancelled.
Orchard Heights Neighbourhood Survey:
Key Findings
The Orchard Heights survey requested
resident feedback on how they currently use their community parks (Ron Searle
Park and Orchard Heights Park) and future amenities for Orchard Heights
Park. It was also an opportunity to gauge
support for the pedestrian bridge proposed to connect Orchard Heights Park to
the Etobicoke Creek Trail.
Through a neighbourhood mailing and an
online survey, residents were asked to:
• Provide
input on what type of park amenities are needed for Orchard Heights Park
• Share
ideas on what type of park experience residents wanted at Orchard Heights Park
• Provide
feedback on the Orchard Heights Bridge project
The online survey ran for 21 days from
January 25 to February 15, 2021.
Highlights of the engagement include:
• 867
post cards were sent to residents in Orchard Heights
• 164
surveys completed
• 67%
of respondents were between 36-64 years
• 35%
have children between the ages of 0-12 living at home
• Many
respondents did note that they had grandchildren who visited them frequently
• 59%
of respondents had lived in the area for 21+ years
• 110
comments captured on the Orchard Heights Bridge project
• How
often do you visit your community park?
• Do
you visit this park during the winter? Why?
• What
are the best features of these community parks?
• Please
choose your top three choices for possible future amenities at Orchard Heights
Park
• What
type of experiences do you want to have at Orchard Heights Park?
• Is
there anything else you would like to tell us about Orchard Heights Park or the
Orchard Heights bridge project
• Please
tell us about yourself (optional)
o How old are you
o Do you have children
o How long have you lived in
Mississauga
Frequency of visits to community parks
o 51% identified that they visit
daily
o 26% identified that they visit
weekly
• Most
preferred winter activity for existing parks
o Walking, dog walking, skating and
tobogganing are the most preferred activities
o 89% of respondents visit the community
parks during winter.
• The
most preferred features of Ron Searle Park and Orchard Heights Park
o Open Green Space (145)
o Trees (142)
o Natural Area (137)
o Close
to Etobicoke Creek (106)
• Most
requested amenities/features for Orchard Heights Park
o Expand natural areas (103)
o Small walking Loop (76)
o Seating area (58)
o Children’s play feature (51)
o Out door fitness equipment (49)
o Dog park (Leash free area) (38)
o 9-hole disk golf course (24)
o Additional suggestions included: bridge to connect to
Etobicoke trail, soccer goal posts, basketball courts, community garden,
fire pit, naturalized areas, and bocce ball court.
• Preferred
park experience for Orchard Heights Park
o Natural and green (71)
• Feedback
on the Orchard Heights Bridge Project. Although there was no specific survey
question about the bridge, the following feedback was received through the
comments.
o 110 respondents provided a clear a
response as to whether they supported the bridge project or not. 57 respondents supported the bridge project. 53 respondents did not support the bridge project.
o More
information on the impact (traffic, parking, crime stats, and increased
pedestrian traffic) of the Dixie Mall development would assist some residents
in feeling more comfortable with the bridge project.
o Those
that support the bridge wanted to connect to other parks, and trails.
Respondents mentioned the connection will provide a safe route for children to
access the Etobicoke Creek Trail, provide a more direct connection to the Go
Train station, and elevate the neighbourhood’s appeal.
o Those
that opposed the bridge project had concerns about increased pedestrian traffic
and crime, were unsure of how the Dixie Mall redevelopment would affect their
neighbourhood, wished to preserve the quiet neighbourhood.
The following comments are representative
of feedback received in the survey, specifically as to why residents did or did
not want the bridge.
104. My
comments depend on whether this park would be meant mainly for OH residents use
or open to the public which would attract many cars/traffic from outside. For
us, I would like to see this area expanded with more open space for children
& families to enjoy. A key factor
present should be the pedestrian bridge to be in place so that the walkers,
joggers, strollers, bikers & dog walkers can continue their outdoor
experience on the creek side trails already in existence on the Etobicoke side.
Playground equipment & nearby park benches would attract young families and
a leash free dog park would be great if it could be accommodated. At this time,
the park seems too overgrown (dark) & not open/welcoming for resident use.
(Rumours abound about drug exchanges etc. currently happening). Perhaps the
absence of a car parking lot down below would address any issues of “unwelcome”
visitors & encourage more OH residents to use it. The bridge is long overdue & will be welcomed by
young & old alike. And, sorry, but I just don’t buy the age old excuse that “the Aldeiwood area has a
really high crime rate & they will all come over the bridge to rob
us". Baloney - that is just a scare tactic to try to keep OH residents
from voting for it. Many of the homes on the other side are in a higher
price range now than ours are so perhaps they have to worry that we might be
coming over to rob them! Our
neighbourhoods have returned to young growing families & this park area
could contain an abundance of ideas that would provide a really great
recreational & family oriented oasis for us. One of my favourite memories that spurs on my wish
for the bridge was a stroll that I was taking once and actually experienced the
salmon spawning- swimming up Etobicoke Creek from the Lake & trying to leap
the small waterfall part way up. You could almost reach out & touch
them as they swam by. I never would have
known this happens from our current park as you can’t see this area from our
side. So add a possibility of
outdoor education classes/experiences for our children to the plus side of
having that bridge. Sorry for the very long response but I am REALLY in favour of this bridge!
105. Just build the bridge...! I
want to see this badge. It would be great
to connect to the Lake and Toronto trails with greater ease. We have waited so
long for this to happen.
140. This project was never approved by
the OHHA membership, in fact it was shot down several
times. Then Jim Tovey brought it our AGM. According to the opener above he went ahead with it anyway. Shame on his legacy. I am certain media outlets would
love to hear about the way this has been handled. With the looming Plan Dixie project
and the massive increase of inhabitants we do not need an access point for even MORE traffic through our neighbourhood!
141. It would be wonderful to extend our daily walks by being able to
walk along the creek on the Etobicoke side down to the waterfront without having to deal with the ever increasing
traffic and noise on Dixie. This would also allow for a much safer and pleasant bike route for us.
143. The bridge will only exacerbate and strain the tranquility we here in Orchard Heights are able to enjoy. The park is currently
frequented by teenagers parking to have sex in their vehicles, smoke pot in the open, and often
party in the woods. Opening up our neighbourhood to the
Etobicoke side is a HUGE mistake and will invite cut through traffic,
especially with the new Dixie Mall development. NO way this should be built.
144. I've seen
empty drug packages
and drug dealers
in the
parking lot. There are often cars parked driver side window to driver side window doing deals through their open windows. It’s not safe for unaccompanied women. I only go there if I'm in a group. Security cameras would be welcome. No need to build a leash-free area since residents already use the space and the
rest of the
neighbourhoood for their
off-leash dogs. I often find unwelcome unsupervised
leash-free dogs on my front yard. I’d welcome a bridge because it will increase traffic to
that area and possibly scare a way the drug dealers. It would be nice to have pedestrian
access to Sherway Gardens. Maybe if we have more strangers around, it would motivate people to keep their dogs and kids in their back yards instead of unsupervised
and loose on the streets!
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