Agenda Halifax Regional Trails Association Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, June 11, 2012 6:00 pm Host: Sackville Rivers Assoc, Sackville Community Centre, 45 Connolly Dr, Lwr Sackville

1. Call to Order 2. Welcoming remarks from host 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of previous minutes 5. Financial Report Reports and Old Business: 6. Capital Funding Committee Report 7. Maintenance Funding Committee Report 8. Events Committee Report 9. Active Transportation Report 10. NST report 11. Staff report

11.1 Capital Funding Agreement 2012/201311.2 Trail counts <- Click 12. Executive committee report

New Business: 13. Trails check list - Wendy McDonald 14. Trails are whose responsibility? - Wendy McDonald 15. Wayfinding and signage. - Wendy McDonald ( more in documentation below re 13, 14, 15) <- Click16. DNR Parks consultation http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/strategy/pdf/Strategy_Strategy.pdf page 60 Some background information is at the end of this document <- Click17. Information Any Other Business: Announcements: Next meeting August 13, Host Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association Adjournment

Draft Minutes Halifax Regional Trails Association

Board of Directors Meeting Monday, May 14, 2012 6:00 pm

Host: Halifax North West Trails Assoc., Trinity Anglican Church, 321 Main Ave., Fairview

Holly Woodill (Past President) called the meeting to order at 6:05. In Attendance: Don Ambler (Halifax Regional Trails Staff), Richmond Campbell (Woodens River Watershed Organization), Davena Davis (Halifax North West Trails Association), Jessie Debaie (Halifax Regional Trails Staff), Pal Euloth (Halifax Regional Trails Staff), Dick Evans (McIntosh Run Wilderness Association), Catherine Klefenz (Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Rails to Trails), Paricia Leader (Halifax North West Trails Association), Lorne Logan (Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association), Tanya MacLeod (Penhorn Lake Trail Association), Maureen Manuge (Halifax North West Trails Association), Piet Mars (Atlantic Sea View Trail Association), Cathy McCarthy (Friends of McNab Island), Bob McDonald (Halifax North West Trails Association), Wendy McDonald (Halifax North West Trails Association), Michael McFadden (Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association), Shirley McIntyre (Halifax North West Trails Association), Dawn Neil (Halifax Regional Trails Staff), Walter Regan (Sackville River Association), Jim Reid (Carols Corner Community Centre Walking Trails), Karine Renton (Halifax Urban Greenway Association), April Scutter (Lawrencetown Cole Harbour Trail Association), Bruce Smith (Halifax North West Trails Association), Bob Taylor (Friends of First Lake Society), Stanley Van Dyke (Musquodoboit Trailways Association), Dolly Williams (Preston and Area Trails Association ), and Holly Woodill (Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association). Regrets: Bill Wiggins, John Hawkins and Warren Ervine Introductions: Holly asked for members to introduce themselves and provide some comment on what has been done on their trail in the past week. Agenda Holly then asked for the approval of the Agenda. Walter moved and Catherine seconded approval of the agenda - passed Minutes Holly then asked for the approval of the previous minutes. Walter moved and Bob Taylor seconded a motion to approve – passed. Welcoming remarks Holly then asked for welcoming remarks from the host: Bob McDonald on behalf of the HNWTA described the uniqueness of their trail association in that they work with a whole series of community trails, many of which were constructed by developers. This has presented a number of challenges as they were developed in the absence of trail standards. He pointed out that the origin of the Association was largely due to Peter Bigalow and Paul Euloth Financial Report Bill Wiggins offered his regrets.

Reports and Old Business: Capital Funding Committee Report Bill Wiggins offered his regrets. Maintenance Funding Committee Report (Attached) Walter Regan presented the maintenance committee report highlighting the fact that the call for the 2013/2014 proposals will be made at the June HRTA meeting. Active Transportation Report (Attached) Wendy MacDonald (alternate) presented the highlights of the last ATAC meeting (Attached). Walter Regan then summarized the outcome of the Active Transportation Plan Review Sub-committee meeting of ATAC that was held on May 9th, 2012 (Included with the ATAC Report attachment). Walter continued to encourage all to attend the RP+5 meetings but because without representation or interest the plan will melt away. Nova Scotia Trails Report Bob Taylor and Gwen Hochheimer are our representatives. Holly spoke for the NST. She noted that the AGM is scheduled for June 9th in Truro at the Agricultural College, Jenkins Hall in the Riverview Room. She encouraged everyone to attend. The mornings are devoted to the TCT meeting with the afternoon being for the NST. The biggest items on the agendas were the issues surrounding Government Interaction (between agencies?) and the completion of TCT gaps. Events Committee April Scutter reported that there was no particularly new news. There is a meeting coming up where one of the topics of discussion would be the “Trails Camp”. A couple of people wondered whether it necessary to hold a trail camp every year. Others suggested that, indeed, it was very important and that, perhaps, the content could/should be made more relevant. The committee will address the issues at the next meeting. Staff Report The Capital Funding Agreement for 2012/2013 was reviewed noting the changes highlighted in green, the addition of the Greenway Vision Statement in green and the Map highlighting the Greenway Corridor. Walter moved and Bob seconded a motion to accept the Capital Agreement. Bob Taylor spoke in support of the Greenway Vision and the concept of spines designed to connect communities, but moved (never seconded) to broaden the Vision Statement to include reference to expanding the spines to connect communities beyond our narrow municipal vision. As an example he cited the importance of HRM support to hooking up with Windsor along the soon to be abandoned Windsor RR Corridor. Discussion continued focusing on the addition to the agreement of the statements that the “Highest priority for funding will be given to active transportation greenways as identified in the HRM Greenway Vision Statement and map attached”. Of concern too was that the revised Capital Agreement also made clear that the evaluation criteria would prioritize projects based

on their potential function as a “public transportation alternative” (Criteria 1) as well as with the attachment of the Greenway Vision Statement to the agreement. While understanding the importance of Active Transportation, most felt that these changes were not in keeping with the community development model or the original vision of the HRTA and its members. It was felt that the narrowed focus would shut out future community groups. As pointed out in the Capital Committee Report at the AGM, the changes would also be a narrowing of the AT criteria set out in the HRM Active Transportation Plan that includes Active Destination oriented trips and active recreation. Paul made several points including the fact that the Greenway Vision as expressed in the map attached is hardly new and, in fact, does include most of the groups that had submitted capital proposals. He also pointed out that the change in focus was consistent with council’s and HRM staff’s direction. As well, he pointed out that many trail proposals and their supporting groups have been turned down early in the discussion stage. In response to a question about what would happen if the agreement was not signed, Paul responded that it would have to be returned to the Capital Committee for action that might include seeking approval of HRM staff. Dick moved and Michael seconded that the original motion to approve the agreement be amended to remove those sections highlighted in green (referring to priority of active transportation greenways based on criteria 1 of the Active Transportation Plan be removed and that the Greenway Vision Statement be removed. Paul noted that this might mean that the entire agreement would be rescinded and doesn’t know if the HRM would allow it. 15 groups present – 3 opposed – amendment passed. Don Ambler noted that in a report prepared by Hugh Millward (PERA) for HRTA, gap filling along the lines of the greenway vision, should be a primary objective. Call for the Question on the original motion – Passed (2 opposed, 1 abstention) It was recommended that the Greenway Vision Statement be revisited in order to clarify it. This was tabled for discussion at the next meeting. Continuation of the Staff Report Executive Committee Report An Executive meeting was not held in the past month. John Hawkins sends his regrets. It was noted that we continue to need a Vice Chair. Too, the HRTA website is hosted by Hostpapa and the member groups can added their pages at no added cost. This will be discussed by John at the next meeting.

New Business: Bluff Trail Parking Lot Wooden’s River Watershed Organization (Bluff Trail) noted that they have parking overflow problems resulting in illegal parking on the adjacent road. This is hazardous and the installation of “No Parking” sings hasn’t worked. A big part of the problem is when large walking groups (e.g., Volksmarch) use the trail. This is exacerbated when more than one walking group arrives at the same time. Their plans are to contact the various groups and to post schedules on the HRTA website in hopes that these will be checked by the various groups prior scheduling their own events. RP+5, HRTA position. Wendy recommended that we revisit our roll and position in the context of the RP+5 plan review. She noted that we really need criteria and standards. Wendy proposes that HRTA should have a formal facilitated review of HRTA (e.g., it’s roll and functions) to determine what works for each of the groups. There should be exit interviews with groups that have dropped away from HRTA (e.g., PERA?). We should look at communications and what works (e.g., partnerships). This should be discussed at the next HRTA meeting. Signage Bob brought up the subject of signage with reference to use, types and consistency. He recommended that there be more signs. For example, there should be signs indicating directions to trails. Too, there should be more interpretive signage. It was noted that the HRM is studying the issue of consistency, colours and rules (e.g., requiring HRM logo on HRM property). Don Ambler indicating that the studies are under the banner of “Corporate Communications” and that they are currently in progress. They hope to have these available this fall – 6 to 8 months. Bruce indicated that this might mean a delay of a couple of years. There was also discussion of the new (proposed) use of 3-1-1 phone contact that will be replacing the existing 490-4000 phone number. Ass the 3-1-1 number won’t be available for some time, posting it to a sign would not be advisable. Of course, this means that one probably should make new signs with the old number. Volunteer Development Bruce noted that when he goes on the trail he sees young people and families, but when he goes to meetings all he sees are ‘old’ people. He suggests that we commit money and more time towards getting people involved. Holly notes that this is currently a Nova Scotia Trails initiative. Announcements: May 17th - Dartmouth Waterfront Public Meeting – Draft Plan Presentation -Dartmouth Cove Comprehensive Plan May 26th - Sackville Rivers Association Bike Rodeo. June 7th - AGM Next meeting June 11. Host Sackville Rivers, Sackville Community Centre 45 Connolly Drive, Lower Sackville Motion to adjourn

Maintenance Committee Report

Halifax Regional Trails Association

May 14, 2012

1. The HRM/HRTA Maintenance Agreement has been signed except by on group Carroll’s Corner. A copy of the signed agreement is in circulation. All maintenance eligible groups have received electronic copies.

2. First maintenance cheques have been sent out. If you have not received you cheque, please check with Jessie. A chart indicating the groups’ allocations is on page 9 of the agreement. Carroll’s Corner did not receive a first cheque since the funding remaining in its account is more than the first cheque would have been. This is a newly established group getting used to the system.

3. For groups who have funds remaining in their accounts from 11/12. The amount of the remaining 11/12 funds and the amount of the 12/13 first cheque needs to be accounted for in the excel file used to submit for the second cheques.

4. Thank you to the groups who have sent in documentation regarding the request for the $1000.00 Health and Wellness maintenance funding. If your group has not made that request please do. No second cheques will be issued without the documentation.

5. All of the maintenance eligible groups have received copies of the maintenance templates that will be part of the 12/13 Maintenance Agreement. This provides trail contact information and outlines roles and responsibilities for community groups and HRM Municipal Operations for trails on HRM lands.

6. The call for 13/14 proposals will go out at the June meeting. At that time a September deadline will be set. All the information for submitting a proposal for HRM Maintenance and HRM Recapitalization are part of the current Maintenance Agreement.

7. Groups who have been allocated recapitalization funding can obtain their funds according to the procedure for capital funding that is found in Appendix 7 of the Maintenance Agreement.

Active Transportation Report Board Meeting May 14, 2012

Wendy MacDonald (Alternate) provided a report of the April 19th meeting. The highlights include:

• SWITCH – the target date is for Sunday, September 9, 2012. It is an initiative to open the streets for a set time to cyclists and other AT options. Dal, Citizens and Environment Unit are coordinating it.

• The AT Coordinator – Maria Jacobs • A review plan is underway - it is being carried out by a subcommittee of the

ATAC (see accompanying report below) • The Bike Week activities are coming soon. At least 40 events have been posted

on the HRM website. • The city is introducing the installation of “pucks’ at various locations in the roads.

This will enable bicyclists to trigger light changes. • There was feedback on the North South Bike Route Open houses. • A new bike map showing only trails (multi-use) that allow cyclists is being

produced. There was renewed discussion about the need for a trail map for HRM. This needs to be an HRTA decision.

• May 7, 2012 • Jacky Kennedy, Director of Canada Walks was presenter at a session that was

attended by about 20. Her focus was on the pedestrian, and walking is taken for granted and how other communities built on the walk 21 pre conference field work done by an International Team. Although Halifax participated, there has been no follow up. The Walking Charter (Walk 21 - The International Charter for Walking) has been signed by the Mayor perhaps the most significant detail.

• The ATAC has hired a summer student – Shawn Hofferman – a Dal Planning student.

Walter Regan provided a report of the Active Transportation Plan Review Subcommittee of the ATAC Meeting 09 May 2012 Paul, Maria, David, Clive, and Janet were present. Miles was not present. The group will be a sub-committee of the ATAC and present a report to them who will then present it to the RP+5 for review. The sub-committee will meet once a month. It will use the A/T study as a guide and make comments to go to the Regional plan Review. Their comments will go to the public for review – most likely in the late fall. Members discussed a large number of items and will see what goes forward as time goes by.

Halifax Regional Trails Association

Staff report

May 14, 2012

1. The HRM/HRTA Capital Agreement is ready for signing if the HRTA Board wants to ratify it tonight with a motion. The draft agreement was sent out a week ahead for the community review last week. HRM Regional Trail staff wants to make sure that AT as a priority moving forward and that it is clearly stated in the agreement and in the new proposal templates. At present it is our intention to continue supporting existing wilderness area trails, shared us rail trails etc.

2. Added to the 12/13 agreement is a Greenway vision paper. This greenway vision is still at the discussion stages, but staff would appreciate it if HRTA would consider carefully taking a lead and playing a role in bringing the network values to the table. In future HRM and HRTA will need making important decisions about the following: Windsor Hantsport Railway in HRM, Sackville Greenway plan that has just been presented to HRM Transportation Standing Committee, Municipal /Provincial negotiations regarding decision making for the abandoned rail corridor. At present the Eastern section is truncated and one of our groups is not able to obtain an Letter of Authority. Since HRTA is HRM’s partner we will need to be conversant on how to these high level decisions.

3. For Trail camp discussions this year, Staff is suggesting that we review the Municipal Trail policy framework : Regional Plan, Active Transportation Plan, the HRM Auditors Report on Community Trails and the April 22, 2008 report to HRM Council where HRTA was recognized as HRM’s partner in trails. As well at that time, it would be beneficial to invite Sandy Anderson ( DNR), Steve Vines and Carol Davis Jamieson (DHW) to speak on the Provincial Policy Framework for DNR and DHW. According to the HRM Auditor, the HRM trails community driven program is an alternate service delivery program where a contribution is made on a continuing basis. The funding requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The Provincial program is a grant program where ongoing sustainability like maintenance is not a priority. To clarify some of this, staff is suggesting that we make this the topic of discussing at Trail camp , so that HRTA members have a clear understanding of both systems.

4. The long awaited re- organization for HRM took place on April 1 as you know and Regional Trail staff is now part of Facility Development with a new manager and new colleagues. As the name suggests, the business of the department is building facilities. Time and energy for the first month has been taken up with understanding the priorities of the new business unit, the policies and procedures and meeting and explaining the Regional Trails Program to manager and other staff.

5. As we noted at the March meeting, there is a new Provincial Procurement Act in place that requires request for quotations and tenders to be on the Provincial Procurement web site.

Since we are in a new business unit, we will have a new procurement officer. Since we want to minimize the impact of this on the community groups, Staff has asked that procurement will arrange for written information to be sent to the trail groups or preferably for information sessions set up.

6. Provincial/ Municipal Acquired Rail Corridor discussions/ negotiations continue regarding the decision making process for the rail corridors in HRM. Not sure that there will be any resolution soon, but each partner, DNR, DHW and HRM have been tasked to write sections of a tool kit that will outline the processes to inform the community about new trail development and existing trail management.

7. HRM Active Transportation Plan is going under review this summer and fall. Maria Jacobs has been hired for the last 6 months of Hanita Koblents’ maternity leave and she will lead the AT plan review. A subcommittee from the HRM Active Transportation Committee has been struck. HRTA’s, AT Committee rep, Walter Regan will be attending the meetings that will take place once a month until next fall. A terms of reference and time line has been prepared and is being passed around the room.

8. There is no movement on the signage plan. Since we are in a new business unit, it remains to be seen whether a signage plan will be in the works.

9. Congratulations to all the groups who have conducted their AGM’s and sent the a copy of the new directors and a financial statement to the Fairbanks Centre. If you have had your AGM and you have not sent your information in please do. Thanks

Halifax Regional Trails Association Review At the May 14 HRTA Meeting, there was discussion on many issues that affect the day to day planning and implementation of HRM trails…past, present and future. At this current time of major review of the planning tools, functional plans and programs within HRM, (RP+5, AT, Open Spaces, etc. ) it makes sense to review the Community Development model of trails and the relationship with the many partners that exist at all levels of government. The volunteers at the grassroots level need consistent and enhanced tools to deliver a quality trail experience for their communities. The last time a major review of HRTA(T) was done was in 2003. Many groups are still involved, others have left after completing a trail and others are looking forward to completing new trails. We learned that the Trails Coordinator is currently turning away requests from other groups or individuals to join the trails development team. It is also obvious that new trail is being planned by corporate players through development agreements, and Councillors are requesting that trail be developed in their districts. A different suite of HRM resource staff are used for the development of these trails. Standards are needed across the board. The public embraces the concept of keeping active on trails, whether for transportation or recreation. However, it is often difficult to locate the trails in relation to transit routes or neighbourhoods as many are unsigned or hidden along a greenway, out of sight. The dog walkers are another user group who want more trails in their neighbourhoods! A Map with all multiuse trails in HRM would help inform the public and to integrate the preferred access points for the many reasons trails are used. A comprehensive Wayfinding and Signage programme would support this. In his declaration for Bike Week 2012, the Mayor talks about the Physical Activity Strategy, http://steppinguphalifax.ca/about/the-physical-activity-strategy/ Trails are talked about! As a result of discussion at the May 14 HRTA Meeting: It is recommended that a facilitated review of the community development model of trail development be implemented at this time, using external resources from the RP+5 team and/or others. W McDonald, Board member, Halifax North West Trails Association, incorporated in 2003 May 17, 2012 Abbreviations: HRTA- Halifax Regional Trails Association AT - Active Transportation RP+5 - HRM Regional Planning 5 year review

Support documents from Wendy MacDonald re June 11 HRTA BoD meeting Hello all, I am resending this message for consideration, by staff and others, on the upcoming HRTA Agenda. I know there are many important items to be considered. At Chebucto Community Council...they have something called the Status Sheet, where items are parked until dealt with. Lets create an HRTA Status Sheet going forward. Then the items that have still to be finalized, passed, discussed, sent to a higher body, community consultation or other.....are still on the agenda and do not fall off, never to be seen again...as has happened with these three items....one way back from 2006 and then again in 2008 and then again in.......you can see my frustration. Updates or progress on a Status Sheet give hope for future action...... We have a great example being built in our trails region today! The checklist would have changed the process somewhat and also saved $$ for HRM and others. There will be others. This is a busy time for trails groups. We look forward to seeing the upcoming Agenda and the minutes for the May meeting in time to consider before Monday. Wendy McDonald HNWTA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 12:48 PM Subject: 1. Fw: DRAFT Trails Checklist accepted by HRTA, Aug 11/08 2. Trails filter for all projects 3. Wayfinding and Signage for HRM Trails Hello all, I understand that the HRTA Executive will be meeting prior to the October HRTA Meeting, 2011. I am forwarding three items for consideration after discussion with Staff recently. Each HRTA Meeting usually has a busy agenda and does not allow much dialogue. The Exec may be the place for this, I hope so. 1. Reconsideration of the need for a Checklist//Trails Tool as passed by HRTA back in 2008. After presentation by HNWTA and Gordon Ratcliffe, at CCC in 2006 and a request for a Staff Report resulted in no action -Staff did not respond to next steps when asked by CCC and/or HNWTA. You will know that in particular in the urban setting, where the trails may be 'built by others' and not always to standard, HRM is inheriting maintenance problems. The use of such a tool to guide developers, planners, community development officers and even HRTA members may help prevent throwing good HRM maintenance money after bad. This Checklist, created as part of the HNWTA Regional Trails Plan by Gordon Ratcliffe with input from many, will now need updating and review again by HRTA members. I recall that mention was made about culverts, universal signage and other concerns I include the memo sent in 2008 following acceptance - you will know how to proceed at this point but lets not wait any longer to implement a tool for

use by all - whether rural or urban - there may be other tools out there now but back in 2006, Gordon's team did not find one. For the record, many of the trails that HNWTA has inherited on the HRM lands, are showing up repeatedly as maintenance issues for HRM. By implementing a Trails Tool asap, perhaps funds can be saved - several new urban trails will be built, by others, in the next building season. It will save HRM funds to be on these files! ----- Original Message ----- From: <wmcdonal@staff.ednet.ns.ca> To: "Paul Euloth" <eulothp@halifax.ca>; "Jessie Debaie" <debaiej@halifax.ca>; "Don Ambler" <amblerd@halifax.ca>; "Dawn Neil" <neild@halifax.ca> Cc: "Gordon Ratcliffe" <grla@eastlink.ca>; "Warren B. Ervine" <ervine@istar.ca> Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 12:02 PM Subject: DRAFT Trails Checklist accepted by HRTA, Aug 11/08 Paul Euloth and HRM Trails Staff, Attached is the DRAFT Trails Checklist, pdf format, as moved and accepted by the members present at the August 11, 2008 HRTA Meeting. It was first presented to the HRTAT membership two years ago but not officially accepted at that time. Thank you for encouraging us to bring it back to the HRTA membership for ratification. It is their wish that this Checklist be forwarded to the appropriate HRM Staff for further review and input prior to the creation of the FINAL document, to be used by these same staff and others. These staff could include Parkland Planners at all levels, Community Planning staff as well as the Community Development Officers in all HRM Planning offices who work directly with the developers at the construction stage but would not exclude other staff who are involved with trail maintenance and engineering, parkland acquisition, etc. Their input, suggestions and feedback will be valuable as this document is revised to a final state. The Councillors currently in place for Districts 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18 have seen the DRAFT document, as presented to Community Council in Oct/06. In fairness, it could be forwarded to other district Councillors as an information item. May I suggest that a time-line be attached to this review so that the revisions will proceed in a timely manner. We are willing to discuss the document with any of the above mentioned staff or elected officials, based on our local experiences. Perhaps your introduction to the document would mention its origin from the Regional Trails Report completed by Gordon Ratcliffe as requested by HNWTA and funded by HRM. The report is housed on the HNWTA website at www.halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca but is a large file.

Please keep the HRTA members advised of the progress on this document. We look forward to the early acceptance of this document in a FINAL format so that new trails being constructed by development agreement and other means proceed in a safe, sustainable manner. HRTA members will want to make use of it in their planning, design, construction and acceptance of new trails. Wendy McDonald, Halifax North West Trails ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Trails are whose responsibility? All of us as HRM residents - the taxpayers!! Again in the urban setting, it appears that Trails are coming under several jurisdictions - Planning, Parks, Community Development and are influenced by Halifax Water activity, Transit and new Terminus building and AT liaison, and so on. There may/may not be a staff person assigned to plan or decide on trails in any one of these project areas. And then there is HRTA. Current trails requiring remediation/maintence on an ongoing basis as a result of lack of oversight by HRM include Old Coach Road, Starboard or Cabin Lake, Belchers Marsh Trails, etc etc.(All built by others). As an Urban group of volunteers, we have attempted to keep track of new development in our area. Some opportunities have slipped past such as the waterline and a link to Larry Uteck - Sobeys got there first before the AT Trail! There may be other waterlines in Bedford South coming that we should be aware of to advocate for Trail (extension). The Bayers Lake Business expansion is another example perhaps of the Trails lens being a little cloudy....we are doing our best given the circumstances. My point is - please create a filter that pulls out Trails so that the local group, if there is one, is on the alert as to development opportunties where input and local information can be shared by community. (See #1 in the checklist) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Wayfinding and Signage - Please consider seriously a Wayfinding and Signage Project to enable the public, the users, to find the trails, pathways and other access points to AT, Trails and walking routes around HRM. If accepted, we would be willing to consider piloting such a project as a part of the Open Space Functional Plan or AT review or wherever it fits in the scheme of things for the Regional Plan +5. Our Trails currently have few signs, funding cancelled by HRTA! We know that some groups have spent a large amount of HRM $$ on signage plans - a global look at the topic would save everyone some $$ and expedite installation of signs and wayfinding info - just last night 2 folks lost on trails- perhaps signs wouldn't have helped here but it could have.....Its not about ignoring local groups, its about sharing the trails and some common elements. These 3 topics are put forward for consideration by HRTA and others. Feel free to contact me,

Wendy McDonald Halifax North West Trails

Notes re: DNR Parks Consultation for June 11 HRTA BoD meeting Hi Stan & John: Further to Stan`s comments the Minister always said that DNR would implement all of the Natural Resources Steering Panel and its various Expert Panel`s recommendations. In the Expert Panel on Parks (Feb 2010), the recommendation for trails ARCs is to formally designate such trails and that the Trails Act, Parks Act etc...should be reviewed...shared use should also be reviewed...with preference to active transportation uses except in remote areas. How do you want to deal with these issues at HRTA....do we want a motion, a resolution.... Cathy McCarthy Friends of McNabs 06/07/12, Stanley Van Dyke <stanley.vandyke@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Cathy, I am glad that the Parks Consultations will be discussed at the HRTA meeting on Monday, but in the meantime . . . My understanding is that on each of the Park's Consultation days, DNR staff meet in the morning, invited stake holders meet in the afternoon and public consultations are held in the evening. I was told that we were invited because we were recorded as a participant in one of the earlier phases of the natural resources strategy, or because [they] believed we might have an "interest in, or be affected by, the Nova Scotia Provincial Park system. There were only 10 participants at the stake holder session I attended at the Ramada Inn on Thursday PM. It was pretty much the same structure as the evening - with the three questions , ideas for improvement and how to make it sustainable. We were divided into two tables. The five at our table were myself, (Musquodoboit Trailway, Holly (Cole Harbour), Bernie Hart (Shubenacadie Canal Commission), Bob White (Ramblers Bicycle Club) and a young women I wasn't introduced to. The other table included several that I didn't know, but I believe that at least a couple (Warren and others) were from the Friends of Taylor's Head. It is interesting that you mentioned "Abandoned Rail Corridors". In Part 6 (Provincial Parks) of "The Path We Share" document it is stated that the current provincial park system entails . . . . "and 1,500 km of rail corridor". I had not previously heard of the rail corridors and Provincial Parks used in the same breadth. Anyway, there were four of our five that brought up the concept of including them as linear Provincial parks, noting that many are currently being (successfully) managed by volunteers. The fifth agreed with the concept of a linear park for the reason you suggested - wildlife corridors. And, by recognizing them as a kind of Provincial Park it would be easier for us to go forward as non motorized trails. Anyway, I'm looking forward to our discussions on Monday. Stan Chair, Musquodoboit Trailways Association

TRAIL COUNTS These projects will encourage use of this crucial active transportation trail. Use is already very high. The preliminary estimates of use below are from two locations on the trail and do not include the much busier Joseph Howe Drive section. Overall annual use is almost certainly two to four times higher than the counts in the table below. While the counts must be calibrated1

and the Joseph Howe section must be included in future counts, we can say with confidence that the total annual count is likely at least 50,000 users and perhaps twice that.

Totals Halifax/Crown Dr.

Counter Lakeside Counter July 3,754 7,603 August 2,487 6,674 September 4,152 7,316 October 1-26 2,619 4,763 Subtotals 13,012 26,357 1 The infrared beam counter at Crown Drive is counting low because two or more people walking abreast often get counted as one. We need to quantify the extent of this and adjust the counts accordingly. On the other hand, users doing a round trip or going past both counters will get counted more that once.

1 The infrared beam counter at Crown Drive is counting low because two or more people walking abreast often get counted as one. We need to quantify the extent of this and adjust the counts accordingly. On the other hand, users doing a round trip or going past both counters will get counted more that once.