Terms of reference discussed for Downtown Masterplan Task Force
Posted Nov 26, 2009 By Dianne Pinder-Moss
Email
Print
Tweet ThisEMC News - Almost six weeks after outlining his vision of a Downtown Master Plan for Smiths Falls, councillor Chris Cummings has embarked on the next step in the process.
Favouring a "home grown solution" to issues facing the downtown, the councillor presented draft terms of reference for a Downtown Masterplan Task Force (DMTF) at Monday evening's Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting of town council.
Cummings proposed that the mandate of the task force would be to assist council and staff "with their efforts to create a master plan for the downtown." That would take various forms, according to the terms of reference put forward, including:
- Reviewing past studies that have been presented to council "that relate to a long term vision of the downtown core",
- Conducting public meetings and encouraging delegations "of all stakeholders" regarding the vision of downtown Smiths Falls,
- Reviewing recommendations with regards to current traffic conditions and the future of parking meters and municipal lots, as well as the impact of possible revenue opportunities,
- Evaluating the advantages/disadvantages of tax incentives under the Heritage Act for heritage designated properties "and how this could improve" the downtown district,
- Discussing and advising how the waterfront "and its development" fit into the downtown core,
- Developing "a priority list" of municipal capital projects such as streetlights, benches, garbage cans and sidewalks.
"We have a great downtown," Cummings said in presenting the draft. "I think we can go a step further" with a master plan, in his view, helping to "forge that future."
Conceding that it would probably be an "ambitious" plan, the councillor volunteered to serve as the chair of the task force.
RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL
Cummings earned praise for his efforts from several members of council.
"This looks great - a great start," councillor Dawn Quinn said of the proposed terms of reference. She added that she would be willing to help him with the task force.
Councillor Rob Peters was pleased to see that, along with members of council, representatives of the Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce, The Smiths Falls Core Stores Group and owners/landlords of downtown properties being suggested as possible members of the task force, Cummings had also made mention of "any other interested party appointed by council."
Peters said he had recently spoken to some developers "that have some future interest" in the downtown.
"I think it is important that they (developers) are in there" as part of the task force process, he stated. "...There's no question landowners are key to the success of any project."
Councillor Jack Traynor agreed, saying that's where he felt the Downtown Smiths Falls Street Smarts Action Plan, which was completed in 1999, "fell apart."
Quinn noted, however, that there are a number of landlords and property owners in the downtown core that have "no idea" of the downtown core.
"They just collect the rent," she said, adding that the big challenge for business owners was to "make sure these ideas (listed in the draft terms of reference) happen."
Commenting on what was being proposed by Cummings, Councillor Robin Hawe said he was glad to hear a "home grown" solution was being advocated.
"The passion will be there with local stakeholders," he remarked.
It was suggested by councillor Ken Graham that the wording of the terms of reference be revised to say the development of a "recommended" priority list.
"Council will decide (based on financial and other considerations) what is a priority and what is not," he said.
Calling staff "important resources," mayor Dennis Staples asked Cummings whether he saw a role for staff on the task force.
"Staff will be in it from the beginning," the councillor replied.
Town CAO Wayne Brown suggested that some time be spent on defining the roles of the task force to avoid some "nightmare" situations council had faced previously with committees.
"I think this is a wonderful idea but it needs to be set up properly so people know going in what the expectations are," he said.
While noting that he would make it clear to task force members in his role as chair that "by no means anything brought forward is a done deal," Cummings also said he had "no problem" with tightening up the terms of reference in that regard.
Over the next few weeks, members of council will have an opportunity to give further input on the draft and recommend any changes. Any revisions will be reviewed by council at its regular council meeting on Dec. 7, at which time Cummings hopes the terms of reference will receive formal approval.
Pointing out at Monday's meeting that a task force "just by its name has an end date," Cummings foresees the DMTF being in existence for six months.
Under the draft presented on Monday evening, it was proposed that the task force present its recommendations to council at the first COW meeting in June 2010.
Cummings acknowledges there's going to be a lot of work associated with the task force and that it will be an "in depth process."
Regardless, the councillor is ready to "roll up my sleeves and got on with it."
