LSCA Submission to Consultants

Below is LSCA response to last fall's PIC.  Copies of our response were also supplied to Council to keep them updated about community concerns.
Volume 1 LSCA

Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Open House, November 30th

The notification below was sent out by the municipality last week. This PIC is YOUR chance to respond to the Master Plan results to date. Remember that the information the Consultants are collecting will be used by Council to formulate its Action Plans for the Beach and other areas in the community. If you are in the area or able to attend please take the opportunity to do so.


LSCA will be notifying the consultants and council that this process is not appropriate for all rate payers as many are seasonal and have NO chance to respond to this stuff. This is not fair or reflective of the entire community.

The Lambton Shores Community Association

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Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Open House, November 30th

The Municipality of Lambton Shores has retained Monteith Brown Planning Consultants to assist with the preparation of a Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan. The Master Plan will provide the necessary public policy framework to manage and develop its parks, open spaces, recreation and leisure services, programs, events, facilities and amenities.

Through input provided by community groups, residents, Council, municipal staff and other stakeholders, the Master Plan will provide direction for decision making, policy development and capital investment through 2020.

A Public Information Centre is being held on November 30th 2010 at the Thedford Village Complex (109 Pearl Street, Thedford) from 3:30pm – 7:30pm. This open house-style meeting will provide residents the opportunity to review and comment on the draft Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan.

For further information, visit http://www.lambtonshores.ca/ or contact the Community Services Department at 519-243-1400.

Grand Bend Beach Survey On-Line

The Lambton Shores Community Association  would like everyone to take this opportunity to respond to the Consultants on this issue.  The information below is from the Municipality of Lambton Shores.  It is important to participate as the material from surveys and comments will be used to provide Council with recommendations for the future.

Grand Bend Beach Study Online SurveyThe Municipality of Lambton Shores is undertaking a Research & Consultation Initiative to determine how to enhance the Grand Bend Beach for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, and serve the community’s needs into the future. We are currently seeking input in order to determine the vision, creative ideas, and priorities for use of the Beach. Please take a few moments to complete the survey regarding the Grand Bend Beach (www.surveymonkey.com/s/GrandBendBeach).


Copies of the survey are also available at Lambton Shores Municipal Offices. Completed surveys are required by December 15 2010. For more information, please call the Community Services Department, 1-866-943-1400 or email Ashley Farr, Facilitator of Recreation and Leisure, afarr@lambtonshores.ca.

the Lambton Shores Community Association

Public Information Event!!!

The Recreation and Leisure Master Plan initiated by the Municipality is the subject of an upcoming Public Information Centre (PIC) on Sept. 21, 2010.


It is important that members who are able, drop in to the PIC during the times noted below to view the results of the first phase and possible recommendations from the Consultants.

It is also important that issues like beach usage be part of your questioning to the consultants during this PIC.

Any concerns you may have about the consultation, material presented or results should be written into comment forms available at this event.

It is our understanding that the issue of beach usage has been added to the list of items the Consultants are to examine.


It is important that our members take the opportunity to do this if possible, so our concerns are not overlooked.

Details:


Recreation and Leisure Master Plan Public Information Centre, September 21


· Port Franks Community Centre, 9997 Port Franks Road


· 4pm – 8pm


· Progress on the Master Plan to date, draft strategic directions will be available to view and comments will be welcomed.

Public Meeting Minutes

Lambton Shores Community Association Public Meeting

August 14th, 2010
Next meeting: Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, 10 am, Grand Bend Legion


I. Announcements:

a) New Comprehensive Registration forms were available and are on the website. It is necessary to have better addresses and contact information as the Corporation will need to provide advance notice for elections, annual meetings and so on.

b) The Crowns from the Legion have provided the meeting space free.

II. Executive Meetings-

Two previous meeting have been held with the complete executive and those minutes will be available soon.

III. Updates: Ed Fluter

A) Volley Ball: we were successful in reducing the Volley ball to the Not So Pro weekend and One weekend of PVB. There is no more this year.

B) PVB took up ½ of the North Beach and most of the parking in the lot next to the condos. Four Days later they sued the Municipality.

C) Not So Pro: They ran another noisy tournament on the north Beach, the weekend of July 25th, which took up a total of 5 days from set-up to tear down and ¾ of the North Beach. Both parking lots were full by 8 am each morning. The LSCA has submitted a number of pictures and a complaints list to Council.

D) The Association Lawyer (John Judson) has turned research surrounding our case to Dave Lyon who is an expert in the field of Municipal law. We are expecting an opinion very soon. We have been asked to assist with the identification of property owners on the beach matched to a roll map and will do so.

IV. Financial Report: Robert Green

An account has been opened under Lambton Shores Community Association, May 27th, 2010;
Checks and cash deposited was 9444.09
-Received an additional $600.00 for a total slightly over $10,000.00.
The lawyer, Learners received $5000.00 as a retainer for work.

The incorporation fees are $1200-$1400.00 and are due next week. Our current balance is $5042.14.

V. Incorporation: Pat Henry

- were Incorporated as a Not For Profit (NFP) organization June 17th, 2010
- Objectives are to promote and protect our members
- Gives us legitimacy and credibility
- Incorporation established rules & by-laws for the corporation, responsibilities and rules for the Board of Directors
- We have liability protection for the Board
- The timing of some meetings and notice of meetings are established

- This is why we need the expanded membership forms (found on the website or requested) so everyone can received adequate notification of the above. This is esp. important with so many seasonal members and residents

VI. Communications and Activity: Sharon Weitzel

- we are participating in the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan for the Municipality
- have submitted a Concerns and Complaints list to the Municipality and that has been forwarded to the Consultants (will be on the website)

- encourage people to provide us with ideas, concerns etc. or they can submit them on them on own
- email and other addresses were provided to attendees
- Council has added in the category of beach usage
- Reviewed our Mission Statement and Objectives (on the website)
- Read the Eccleston letter to Council (on the website)

VII. Political Action:

- Voting Information

Last Day for Candidacy Nominations - Fri. Sept. 10 at 2 pm
Voting - by mail by Thurs. Oct. 14

–or ballot to Municipal Office by Mon. Oct. 25

Mail in ballot – very convenient but to be eligible you and every voting age member of your family at your home must be on the voters list. Check with the municipality to be sure.

Ballots – Self addressed postage paid envelopes with ballots will be mailed to you up to Sept .13, and should be returned no later than Oct. 14

Updated List of Candidates and Ward Map – in hand out package
and from www.lambtonshores.ca

Contact Information
Lambton Shores Municipal Office
7883 Amtelecom Parkway PO Box 610
Forest , Ontario N0N1J0
519-786-2335 1-877-786-2335

VIII. Committee for Good Governance: Ernie Lewis

-has been a seasonal resident for 20 years and was more focused on environmental concerns till now

- have been drawn into the issue of municipal sewers and the lack of communication and so on from the municipal government

- want to know the issues across the municipality and have set up a series of town hall meetings in preparation for the upcoming elections

-in gathering together like yourselves as a group of citizens, governments take notice

Note: see their website at : http://www.cfgg-ls.ca/events.html

XI. Discussion:

-we should make an attempt to broaden our membership (executive will look into ways to do this)

-if we go to council meetings should pass out membership forms or flyers

-some residents were unfamiliar with Plan 24 (see Eccleston letter which will be on the website soon)

-LSCA membership (email and phone list) probably represents more than one person for each contact, (we will do a survey to find out a more accurate number)

Eccleston Letter to Council

During an informal discussion not too long ago, we were informed by a councilor for Lambton Shores that he was unaware of the Eccleston Covenant.  This may seem hard for some to believe however, with the large number of seasonal and new residents flowing in and out of Plan 24 and Grand Bend, the Lambton Shores Community Association believes this to be a valid concern.

To ensure we are all on the same page please read the letter below.-LSCA

Eccleston Council July2010

Not So Pro concerns submitted to council

The material below was sent in to council after the infamous Not So Pro event.  Concerns and issues from residents were documented with photos and written material.  Council will be addressing our material at the Sept. 7th Council meeting.  We did not request a delegation.

In addition it was suggested to forward our material through the municipality to  the Consultants.  They are  working on a response for Council  to earlier consultations and to feedback on the first Draft report.  This was done.  The Municipality has also requested the issue of "Beach Usage"  be added to the document and consultation.

We are recommending that the community take this opportunity to respond to the DRAFT Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan, either through the Municipality's Community Services staff or through the Lambton Shores Community Association.
NSP Letter 072010

NSP Tournament072010%5D

Not So Pro 1 - Public 0

These are shots of the beach on the weekend Not So Pro was set up.  There doesn't look like there is much room for the rest of us. These pictures have been included in a letter/complaints list to council which has also been forwarded to the Consultants who are working on the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan.

Consultants Report for the Municipality's Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan

As part of our community role for our members, the Lambton Shores Community Association is attending local meetings for the  Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan .  The municipality has begun a study and consultation of this topic.  As well LSCA is submitting material for the Consultants to consider and add to the Plan recommendations.  The Municipality has also recommended to the Consultants that the topic of "Beach Usage"  should be added to the final document.

As soon as material is forwarded we will post it here as well.

Below is the first DRAFT document from the Consultants. You can read from the window below as well as print selected material or all of it if you wish. - LSCA

Lambton Shores - DRAFT Phase One Discussion Paper - V2[1]

Municipal response to LSCA

On June 15, 2010 the Lambton Shores Community Association went on record with the Municipality of Lampton Shores with a letter of request and a delegation.  The letter below is the official Municipality response.-lsca
LSMunicipal Response to LSCA062010

June 15 Council Minutes

Lambton Shores Municipal Council minutes from June 15th are here for every one's information.  Note the details from the LSCA presentation and the Not So Pro presentation.  The Mayor's clarification on the last page is helpful, as well.-LSCA

16 June 152010

LSCA presents to Council

Below are the introduction to Council by  LSCA President, Ed Fluter and the LSCA material presented to council on June 15th.  It is expanded from the original letter and has updated  material including our Mission statement. - LSCA

Presentation to the Municipal Council of Lambton Shores %233 June 15-10




Lambton Shores Community Association Delegatin

Letter to Council from the Association

Below is the Lambton Shores Community Association's (LSCA) letter to council.  This letter will be on the June 15th Agenda for Council to consider.  The Lambton Shores Community Association has also been granted a delegation.  LSCA will be on the agenda at 3 pm sharp. -LSCA

Letter to Council 0610 Final-2

From the June 7th Council meeting

Note the Staff recommendation at the bottom of this report.-LSCA

DCS 35 2010 Summer Events[1]

Evening Lake

Residents say: NO beach volleyball

Residents say: NO beach volleyball

Interview and photo by Casey Lessard


What are your main issues with volleyball on the beach at Grand Bend?

This is not a volleyball issue. I am a strong proponent of volleyball and other sports. My career was as a physical educator and coach. I love volleyball and sports and the benefits of sports. This issue is about commercializing our beach, a beach that has been designated for public use. It’s my feeling and our feeling – I represent a fairly large segment of the population right now – that no commercial activity should take over any portion of any of our beaches.

Beach volleyball is big business. If you have John Morrison of Not So Pro owing the City of Toronto $328,000 (including, according to the Globe and Mail, $113,000 for three months rent), you have to know this is big business. Even if it weren’t a huge potential for business, it’s still a for-profit activity on our beach. More...

Open letter to residents

Open letter to residents


Beach volleyball
Letter to Editor-Lakeshore Advnce

It was proud moment for me last week to be asked to participate with two other members of our community, in a bid to persuade our Council to alter its stance on the use of our Grand Bend beach. As many of you know, an independent entity calling itself PVB Enterprises struck a deal with Council to use a section of our beach as a venue for its summer volleyball schools and tournaments with an open-ended time frame from May – mid September, for the next 10 summers.

This deal was struck (to a large extent in secrecy behind closed doors) with no concerted effort on the part of council or PVB to get a timely "feel for public opinion."

In an effort to pinpoint and get "a fix" on their actions, Council was asked among other points, to address 3 specific items in the agreement.

How they determined that "this was in the public interest?"

What the clause, "PVB is to refrain from interfering with the enjoyment of the beach" means in practice?

That "PVB will hold and pay for a $2 million liability insurance policy to be in place at the signing of the contract."
The response of councillors? Mute silence. We were courteously thanked for our input, dismissed and the "formal" council meeting began oblivious to our concerns and questions.

No wonder there is community unrest, and suspicion of Council's motives. Did Council conduct a poll, was there a survey done that allowed them to conclude their agreement was in the public interest?

Based on the crowd of concerned citizens jamming the fire hall in Thedford at this council meeting, I think it's safe to say PVB has already interfered with our enjoyment of the beach. And finally, what formula was used to determine that $2 million of liability insurance was sufficient, or too much?



Why not $5 or for that matter $10 million…..after all we are talking about thousands of people on our beach throughout the prime summer months….and not just this year, but for the next 10 summers?

Citizens of the Greater Grand Bend area don't let a group of politicians and self serving entities decide the fate of OUR beach, OUR natural gem. Make your views known to Council.

Robert Green
Robert Green & Associates

Sunset on the Beach

Communication Key

Communication key


Municipal council


BY LYNDA HILLMAN-RAPLEY - Lakeshore Advance
Posted 2 months ago


The problem with communication ... is the illusion that it has been accomplished ~George Bernard Shaw:

When it comes to transparency and communication- taxpayers want an open and clear view as to how their money is being spent, how their municipality is being run. We vote people in hoping their motivation is to do what's best for everyone. When we think that is not happening and there are too many unanswered questions-reaction is in high gear.

This is an election year and we are going to see a whole lot of grandstanding. At the end of the day, whatever motivates candidates and incumbents should include the desire to encourage and foster stakeholder participation and openness in the decision making process.

But as in any government, that process may take time and leg work. Sometimes the answers are not instantly available. It makes little sense to give part answers---it makes little sense to call public meeting when there is no current information. That does not mean there is no transparency. Transparency means the municipal decision making process is open and clear to the public. When they have the answers--they should reveal.

That is expected and in most cases demanded by tax payers. Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhance public trust. That is not new. If you live in Ontario you should be content that your council conducts its business in a public, accountable and transparent manner through the Municipal Act, 2001, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Provincial Offences Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act the Health Information Protection Act and the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act.

If you are not content that is happening---you have until Sept. 10 to file.

PVB requires Sand not Beach

PVB Enterprises require Sand not Beach


 Lettter to the editor- Lakeshore Advance


Dear Sir,

As a seasonal resident in Grand Bend, I am greatly disturbed to learn of the proposed permantent allocation of portions of North Beach to PVB Enterprises.

PVB's reported goals, to promote health and fitness, are admirable; but the cost - elimination of beach area for non-structured activities is too great.

The loss of areas of North Beach will negatively impact all beach goers who come to Grand Bend to enjoy impromptu activities such as: baseball catch, football catch, frisbee, soccer, kite-flying, digging in the sand or playing tag.


At the Bejing Olympics, 17,000 tons of sand were moved into Chaoyang Park Stadium for the Beach volleyball competition.


Any flat area in town, when covered with sand, would suit the requirements of Beach Volleyball.

PVB require SAND for their sport not BEACH.


Brian Bell

Dear Grand Bend beach lovers

Dear Grand Bend beach lovers...

Beach volleyball

Letter to the Editor -Lakeshore Advance

 As a long-time resident of Grand Bend, having lived and had a business here for over 40 years, I have seen a lot of decisions that the Council has made for the "betterment" of the town. The recent decision to allow a businessman from Markham to set up a private business on the beach is unacceptable. Although a volleyball summer camp for our kids is a good idea, by allowing a private business to be set up for 5 months from 8 am to 9 pm 7 days a week from the condos north will severely limit the amount of beach available for public access. The beach has always been and should continue to be accessible by all for the public's gain, not private gain.

Grand Bend is known for its beach. My parents came to the "Bend" for the beach, as I have, my children, and now my grandchildren do. If we don't protect our most valuable asset to remain for the public's use, we are risking selling off what makes Grand Bend, Grand Bend. The beach should be for the people - today's and tomorrow's generations to continue to come and enjoy.

This is our beach for all to enjoy. Not for private profit!

Please if you care for OUR beach, please come to the meeting at the Grand Bend school

May 1st at 9:00 am and lets make our voice heard.

Sincerely,
Paula Taylor
a very concerned resident, business owner and beach lover

Councilor apologizes

Councilor apologizes for lack of communication


BY LYNDA HILLMAN-RAPLEY-Lakeshore Advance

 I'm writing today to acknowledge and apologize for the lack of communication about the licensing of the Pro Volleyball (PVB) program on Grand Bend's North Beach. During a delegation to Lambton Shores' council on April 19th, I listened with interest to Ed Fluter's concerns about the lack of communication from the municipality and his belief that the $1500 annual rental fee is far too low. I now also understand that area residents are concerned about potential parking congestion, excessive noise and impediments to the comfortable, spontaneous use of the North Beach for non-structured, family-based activities.

My goal is to do the right thing for residents, businesses and guests in our community. This is a tall order that can only be accomplished through collaboration. I therefore invite all interested parties to attend a PVB-hosted information meeting at the Grand Bend school at 9:00 a.m. on May 1,st. to learn more about PVB's vision for volleyball on the North Beach.

Following the information meeting and further pubic input, I'll encourage council to take another look at both PVB's business plan and the contents of the license with Lambton Shores. With thanks to Ed Fluter's delegation, I feel better informed about resident's concerns and will work to incorporate them into the resulting solution. You can Email your comments to johndehondt@hay.net.


John Dehondt
Ward 1 Councillor
Lambton Shores

Blocking Beach VolleyBall

Blocking beach volleyball

Residents dig their heels in

By BY LYNDA HILLMAN-RAPLEY-Lakeshore Advance

It's not that some of the people in Grand Bend's Plan 24 don't love volleyball-- quite the contrary. The negatives, they say, for the proposed operation "seem to outweigh the positives."

Over the net, others are thrilled with the benefits and opportunities this program will bring.

In late 2009 Professional Volleyball (PVB) came to Lambton Shores council with a proposal to set up a volleyball school on Grand Bend's north beach, comprising of approximately 2,430 square meters. This is a municipality- owned beach in a residential area.

From the very beginning, there were full intentions the people affected would be notified. Communication would be key. With that in mind, the group of residents says that never happened until they got a letter from PVB last week. PVB came to council in late 2009 and were greeted with open arms as this being something good for the businesses and plus for the economy.

As spokesperson for the group, Ed Fluter, a former Grand Bend municipal councilor told a group of 100 attending last week's council meetings that he was not only representing the beach front owners, but "all the residents of the community, the extended community, the businesses in the community and the beach users in general."

300 residents, including 25 businesses signed a petition.
Fluter listed two major concerns, one being the licensing by the municipality to run a "for profit" program.
"Our concern is that this commercial company from Markham, which has the potential to make a considerable amount of money will use 2,430 square meters or more of the north beach at little or no charge, install 15 semi-permanent courts to run their youth and adult programs. In addition, says Fluter, they have been given the right to run five weekend tournaments (two on long weekends) along with the right to acquire alcohol licensing for these tournaments.

"The program will be allowed to operate seven days a week, 10-12 hours a day for five of the prime summer months for the next ten years, with an option to renew," said Fluter.

Concerns

Fluter told council communication about this program has been abysmal or virtually non-existent both by the municipality and PVB. "We are incensed that council sanctioned this program before there was any information or input from the community.

The second concern, says Fluter, is the 'for profit' commercial activity, in spite of the marketed benefits, not be allowed on any of the public beaches. Fluter says Grand Bend pays the lion's share of taxes in the municipality and are opposed to a company coming in and using one of the prime pieces of real estate (that being the beach) for a nominal rent, little overhead, no taxes and a potential to make large profits.

Flluter also takes issue with PVB having concession (food and beverage and an option for liquor license) rights.

After Fluter spoke, Ward 1 councilor John Dehondt said the unexpected opposition "blows him away." He asked council to reconsider the request for this program to come in. He did not get a seconder for that motion. Mayor Gord Minielly said there is a process to follow and PVB has scheduled a public meeting for May 1. This will come back to council May 3.  ...click for more

Letters to Council -May 2010

The letter below was sent to council in early May. When Council sends replies those will be posted as well.-LSCA



Council May310

Beach should not be commercial

Beach should not be commercial


Beach volleyball

Letter to the Editor-Lakeshore Advance

I have been operating a business in Grand Bend for nearly 15 years at what point did the beach become available for commercial usage? I love to take my art students on beach excusrion but would rather have a perminent location on the beach for them to use. Or I could set up my ware there ... I would require 20 sq ft. so what would that cost me about $300.00. for all dayIn fact I would prefer to go to exersize with Beth and Shelly at the beach instead of the pavillion. they only require 30 by 40 feet for one hour three a week. What do you think a dollar a day would be more than generous.

Teresa Marie

PS I pay 1500.00 for 15 ft or wall space on river road

April 19, 2010 presentation to council

This first presentation to council was prior to the formation of the Lambton Shores Community Association.  It is representative of the community issues that led to the formation of LSCA.


Volleyball Presentation April 19 2010

April Letter to Council

April 16, 2010


To all Lambton Shores Council members:

I own 38 Hill St. in Grand Bend. This week I received a letter about Volley Ball on the Beach this summer. Initially I was not disturbed by this. I had no objection to a family volley ball league.

However, in checking out the website for this company, I discovered that he claims you are allowing them to set up 15 courts for nearly the whole summer!

Last year the noise from the volleyball tournament on the North Beach was quite disruptive. The volleyball courts last summer took up so much of the beach there was hardly any room for the people.

I found some material from the ‘Not So Pro” Beach Volleyball Tour (also linked to PVB Canada) that has been on the Grand Bend Beach other years.

From their website: “and it's not just Beach Volleyball - we've got a great DJ pumping the tunes all weekend, after-sports Beach Parties in the evenings, a huge beer tent for food and beverages, and during your time off from playing, there are lots of fun and outrageous social games to win great prizes.”

This is one thing on the main beach and quite another when it is surrounded by a residential area, as it is on the North Beach. This was unacceptable for those of us subjected to the noise last year. According to the website, this year they will be operating 2 nights per week and every weekend!!!!

The material below is from the website of PVB Canada:

League Play - The North beach of Grand Bend will house 15 Olympic grade beach volleyball courts this summer facilitating adult programing from June 2 - August 18, 2010.

We are looking for energetic male and female adult athletes looking to make beach volleyball a weekly activity throughout the 2010 summer. 4-on-4 and 6-on-6 leagues will be offered. Following league nights league members will be afforded meal and drink specials through local Grand Bend Pubs and Bars.

It is the sheer scale of this endeavor that has me most upset. On the same website are detailed dates and registration for a 5 weekend series of tournaments. Council approved a DRAFT agreement. The website for PVB Canada does not make it appear that way.

I must offer my strongest objections to this use of the north beach.

Who is responsible for the noise and or clean-up? As we have lost parking, where will these new arrivals park? The path to the beach was also blocked or very awkward and difficult for parents and children during last year’s tournament. The noise from the courts was intrusive. It was also very crowded as there was less space for everyone. The loss of beach on the south beach side has pushed more people to the north beach.

I submit that allowing PVB Canada to use the North Beach all summer is an incompatible use of the beach and detracts from and interferes with the family friendly image that the new south beach development is encouraging.

If renters don’t return every year, the village and I both have a problem. This format of volleyball also does not seem compatible with the concept of environmental stewardship and the goals of a Blue flag beach.

From the Municipality of Lambton Shores Official Plan:

Section 18 Lakeshore
OBJECTIVES

18.2

To promote public accessibility of the lakeshore.
To preserve the unique qualities of the lakeshore environment within the Municipality.
To ensure the long term stability of the beach area by ensuring all uses have regard to sound resource management policies

I am dismayed that there has been no public notification until the letter from PVB Canada arrived. It does not detail the scale intended by the operator like the website does.

There is apparently little or no concern for the residents or land owners in the village or for those of us most affected by council’s decisions. There must be a better process to keep us informed.

I can be reached at this email address or by phone 519-273-0918.

Sincerely;

Sharon Weitzel
38 Hill St.
Grand Bend, On



R.R. 2

TAVISTOCK, ON

N0B 2R0

Council Minutes from March 07 2010

Below are the March minutes that document council's approval of the PVB group.  See page 2 section 3.3


07 March 092010