The Case for a Permanent Rock Island Fish & Wildlife Habitat Wavebreaker at LaSalle Park Marina
Trumpeter Swans like LaSalle Park MarinaTrumpeter Swans like LaSalle Park Marina
Photos Photos
Courtesy of H. SiebertCourtesy of H. Siebert
Protected from shore side predation and harassment, swans often spend the night inside the safety of LaSalle Park Marina ~ Photos Michael Manych June 2013
On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in less than 50 feet less than 50 feet
2014 Winter at LaSalle2014 Winter at LaSalle
Video: J BirchVideo: J BirchJanuary 23, 2014 January 23, 2014
2014 Winter at LaSalle2014 Winter at LaSalle
Photos: J BirchJanuary 23, 2014
TSRG Contention: TSRG Contention: “Trumpeter Swans “Trumpeter Swans need 200 metres need 200 metres takeoff”takeoff”
Fact: Fact: Less than 50 feet on Less than 50 feet on iceice
2014 Winter at LaSalle2014 Winter at LaSalle
January 2014 January 2014
Photos: Colleen Gravelle
Photos: Colleen Gravelle
TSRG Contention: TSRG Contention: “Trumpeter Swans “Trumpeter Swans have no predators”have no predators”
Fact: Bald Eagle Fact: Bald Eagle attacking and killing attacking and killing Trumpeter SwanTrumpeter SwanCoyotes have been Coyotes have been spottedspotted
On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in less than 50 feet less than 50 feet
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March 2014 and there is no Safe HarbourMarch 2014 and there is no Safe Harbour
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive Unregulated Daily Feeding ProgramUnregulated Daily Feeding Program
Video J Birch 30/01/14Video J Birch 30/01/14
On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in On Ice, Trumpeter Swans takeoff in less than 50 feet less than 50 feet
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March 2014March 2014
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive Unregulated Daily Feeding ProgramUnregulated Daily Feeding Program
Brief thaw 31/01/14Brief thaw 31/01/14Videos J BirchVideos J Birch
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until late March 2014late March 2014
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive Daily Feeding Program this far northDaily Feeding Program this far north
Example: 2 x 50kg of corn, little if any observed Example: 2 x 50kg of corn, little if any observed taggingtagging
Photo J Birch 06/02/2014Photo J Birch 06/02/2014
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive daily The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive daily feeding programfeeding program
Example: More cornExample: More corn
06/02/201406/02/2014
LaSalle has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March LaSalle has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March 20142014
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive Unregulated Daily Feeding ProgramUnregulated Daily Feeding Program
Often this feeding is Often this feeding is indiscriminate indiscriminate
Example: More corn simply Example: More corn simply tossed to the birdstossed to the birds
06/02/201406/02/2014
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
Hamilton Harbour and LaSalle has been frozen for 7 weeks Hamilton Harbour and LaSalle has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March 2014and will not thaw until March 2014
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive feeding The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an aggressive feeding programprogram
Example: More corn, no observed Example: More corn, no observed taggingtagging
Photo J Birch 31/01/2014Photo J Birch 31/01/2014
Current conditions at LaSalleCurrent conditions at LaSalle
Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until Hamilton Harbour has been frozen for 7 weeks and will not thaw until March 2014March 2014
The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an Aggressive The Trumpeter Swans are surviving only with an Aggressive Unregulated Unregulated
Daily Feeding programDaily Feeding program
Stopping between feedings to hand out Swan Coalition FlyersStopping between feedings to hand out Swan Coalition Flyers
Barrels of More corn, no observed Barrels of More corn, no observed tagging tagging
Photo J Birch 31/01/2014Photo J Birch 31/01/2014
Trumpeter SwanTrumpeter Swan
Takeoff Distance is under 50 feet on iceTakeoff Distance is under 50 feet on ice
Takeoff Distance about 100 – 150 feet on Takeoff Distance about 100 – 150 feet on waterwater
If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would be openbe open
Video J Birch Video J Birch 29/01/1429/01/14
Note, Water quality and ice filled with bird fecesNote, Water quality and ice filled with bird feces
Note, Trumpeter Swans congregate near shore, not Note, Trumpeter Swans congregate near shore, not where the Marina would be when builtwhere the Marina would be when built
Note, Ice melts first near shore due to geothermal Note, Ice melts first near shore due to geothermal effect of shallow watereffect of shallow water
If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would be openbe open
Video J Birch Video J Birch 31/01/1431/01/14During brief thawDuring brief thaw
Green dotted line = 1 metre depth Green dotted line = 1 metre depth contourcontour
Southern limit of natural feeding zone Southern limit of natural feeding zone
If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would be openbe open
100 meters linear100 meters linear
200 meters linear200 meters linear
Light Blue Line = 100 Metres Light Blue Line = 100 Metres
Dark Blue Line = 200 MetresDark Blue Line = 200 Metres
Feeding & FreezingFeeding & Freezing
This harsh winter has tested many assumptionsThis harsh winter has tested many assumptions
TSRG Contention: TSRG Contention: The LaSalle Project will cause early and prolonged freezing. If The LaSalle Project will cause early and prolonged freezing. If the LaSalle Harbour freezes, the Trumpeter Swans will either the LaSalle Harbour freezes, the Trumpeter Swans will either die or be driven away. Besides, de-icers are unreliable.die or be driven away. Besides, de-icers are unreliable.
Fact: Hamilton Harbour & LaSalle have been frozen for over 7 Fact: Hamilton Harbour & LaSalle have been frozen for over 7 weeks now, yet the Swans remain – Why, because they are weeks now, yet the Swans remain – Why, because they are fed.fed.
If the Safe Harbour were in existence today, the water would If the Safe Harbour were in existence today, the water would be open. be open.
Unreliable ? Unreliable ? Air-O-Lator and many de-icing companies have Air-O-Lator and many de-icing companies have existed over 40 years. If they were not reliable, they’d be out existed over 40 years. If they were not reliable, they’d be out of business long ago.of business long ago.
We don’t care that they are feeding the Swans,We don’t care that they are feeding the Swans, we care that we care that TSRG appear to either misunderstand, or are not being TSRG appear to either misunderstand, or are not being entirely forthcoming about their apparent feeding program entirely forthcoming about their apparent feeding program and dire predictions.and dire predictions.Either way – We like the SwansEither way – We like the Swans
Photo: Air-O-Lator Corp
If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would If the LaSalle Safe Harbour were in existence today the Water would be openbe open
Example: HMCS Haida inside the Wavebreak at Parks Example: HMCS Haida inside the Wavebreak at Parks CanadaCanada
De-icing systems in place & effectiveDe-icing systems in place & effective
Photos courtesy Dr D W Bryant PhDPhotos courtesy Dr D W Bryant PhD
LaSalle Winter VisaLaSalle Winter Visa
Pier is tied up with docksPier is tied up with docks
Birds struggle for shelter from wind & Birds struggle for shelter from wind & waveswaves
Parking is reduced due to docks on Parking is reduced due to docks on PierPier
Vista is hindered due to docks on PierVista is hindered due to docks on Pier
LaSalle Safe Harbour is a Synergy ProjectLaSalle Safe Harbour is a Synergy Project
Significant Vista improvement to LaSalle PierSignificant Vista improvement to LaSalle Pier
Parking is freed-up as docks no longer stored on PierParking is freed-up as docks no longer stored on Pier
Birds gain shelter from wind & waves behind Birds gain shelter from wind & waves behind Bioengineered Wavebreak Habitat IslandBioengineered Wavebreak Habitat Island
Swans and other birds gain additional natural feeding Swans and other birds gain additional natural feeding habitat along perimeter of Wavebreak, where none habitat along perimeter of Wavebreak, where none exists todayexists today
Swan & Marina seasons do not overlapSwan & Marina seasons do not overlap
Swans gain protection from shore side predation & Swans gain protection from shore side predation & harassment, can shelter and loaf on docks behind harassment, can shelter and loaf on docks behind security gatesecurity gate
Swans & other birds gain protection by forcing Swans & other birds gain protection by forcing unregulated Public Trailer Launch boats from intruding unregulated Public Trailer Launch boats from intruding into the feeding shallows into the feeding shallows
Unregulated Public Trailer Launch boats are forced to Unregulated Public Trailer Launch boats are forced to exit South through Channel in the offseasonexit South through Channel in the offseason
De-icers would keep water open regardless of harsh De-icers would keep water open regardless of harsh winter providing safe refugewinter providing safe refuge
LaSalle Safe Harbour Proposal is entirely an Offshore BuildLaSalle Safe Harbour Proposal is entirely an Offshore Build
Wavebreak EA ESR Identified Preferred Alternative ConceptWavebreak EA ESR Identified Preferred Alternative Concept
Bringing to Burlington, Bringing to Burlington,
Ontario’s 400Ontario’s 400thth Safe Harbour Safe Harbour
On water circulation, plant On water circulation, plant growth & sedimentation: growth & sedimentation: Opinions of Water Quality Opinions of Water Quality Scientist Murray Charlton, and Scientist Murray Charlton, and Harbour & Watershed Harbour & Watershed Fisheries Management Plan Fisheries Management Plan Author Jim Bowlby OMNR as Author Jim Bowlby OMNR as highly unlikely to be highly unlikely to be problematic.problematic.
Reasonable probability Reasonable probability Water Clarity at LaSalle Water Clarity at LaSalle could reach RAP goals could reach RAP goals before the rest of Hamilton before the rest of Hamilton Harbour.Harbour.
Environmental Assessment Environmental Assessment StakeholdersStakeholders
The Agency Stakeholders involved :The Agency Stakeholders involved :
· · City of Burlington;City of Burlington;· Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO);· Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO);· Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR);· Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR);· Environment Canada (EC)· Environment Canada (EC)·· Hamilton Port Authority (HPA); Hamilton Port Authority (HPA);· Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan (RAP);· Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan (RAP);·· Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC)· Transport Canada;· Transport Canada;· Canadian Coast Guard;· Canadian Coast Guard;· LPMA;· LPMA;
Conservation Halton ;Conservation Halton ;· Hamilton Conservation Authority, who had deferred · Hamilton Conservation Authority, who had deferred
to to CH as being the relevant Authority in this CH as being the relevant Authority in this case;case;
Bronte Outer HarbourBronte Outer Harbouris shallow, LaSalle is not is shallow, LaSalle is not
Trumpeter Swans at Bluffers Park Marina Trumpeter Swans at Bluffers Park Marina Complex Complex And they breed there, but nowhere is there a And they breed there, but nowhere is there a 100metre dia.100metre dia.takeoff area takeoff area
Photos Photos
Courtesy of H. SiebertCourtesy of H. Siebert
Bluffers Park Marina ComplexBluffers Park Marina Complex
Trumpeter Swans are at Bluffers Trumpeter Swans are at Bluffers Park Marina Complex Park Marina Complex
And they breed there, but nowhere is And they breed there, but nowhere is there a 100metre diameter takeoff there a 100metre diameter takeoff area area
Green dotted line = 1 metre depth Green dotted line = 1 metre depth contour contour
Vision 2012 EA ESR Identified Preferred Alternative ConceptVision 2012 EA ESR Identified Preferred Alternative Concept
100 meters linear100 meters linear
200 meters linear200 meters linear
Trumpeter Swans at LaSalle Trumpeter Swans at LaSalle would have more than would have more than 100metre 100metre diameter takeoff areas and 200 diameter takeoff areas and 200 meter as wellmeter as well
Halton Region Boating Feasibility & Capacity Halton Region Boating Feasibility & Capacity Study Study
PIC December 5 2013PIC December 5 2013Confirms Market DemandConfirms Market Demand
Key Takeaways Key Takeaways There are currently 1445 slips in Halton There are currently 1445 slips in Halton Current shortage of slips 830 Current shortage of slips 830 All Marinas running at 96.8% capacity (95% All Marinas running at 96.8% capacity (95%
considered full capacity)considered full capacity) Need for 2,400 more slips over next 20 yearsNeed for 2,400 more slips over next 20 years Quantifies user demographicsQuantifies user demographics Average Boating participant family income $40 – Average Boating participant family income $40 –
$79,000$79,000 14.5% of population minimum boating participation 14.5% of population minimum boating participation
in areain area Participation rises to 17.4% by 2020; to 19.6% by Participation rises to 17.4% by 2020; to 19.6% by
2030 2030 Need for 4 more Area Safe Harbours over 20 yearsNeed for 4 more Area Safe Harbours over 20 years
Market Demand validates LaSalle Safe Harbour CaseMarket Demand validates LaSalle Safe Harbour Case LaSalle Project is Halton Area’s most refined LaSalle Project is Halton Area’s most refined
proposalproposal
Helps to replace Habitat LostHelps to replace Habitat Lost
Hamilton Harbour & Watershed Fisheries Management PlanHamilton Harbour & Watershed Fisheries Management Plan
LaSalle Safe Harbour concept proposal in LaSalle Safe Harbour concept proposal in Harmony with the Harbour Fisheries PlanHarmony with the Harbour Fisheries Plan
Ministry of Natural Resources Reps Confirm proposal can Complement its Harbour Fish Species Habitat Goals
Use mixed stone & rock aggregate in the design:
attractive for spawning by Cisco (lake herring);
lake whitefish;
walleye;
pike;
smallmouth bass;
largemouth bass;
muskie,
a variety of smaller species (minnows, darters, sunfish, etcetera) and;
habitat for a variety of other species, including American eel.
BackgroundBackground Hall Coastal Canada Ltd: 'A Study on Wave Agitation Levels at
LaSalle Park Marina' ~ November 2001
Findings: unacceptable wave action and damage occurs within the MarinaRecommends Remedies
Dillon / ShorePlan Conduct Environmental Assessment on LaSalle Wavebreak
Process Detailed Study of Problem, Consultations and Options
1. All Floating Caisson replacement; 2. Rock Spit / Concrete Caisson hybrid;3. Full Rock Fish & Waterfowl Habitat Wavebreaker;4. or do nothing
ESR Findings Problem confirmed
Recommendation Permanent Full Rock Fish & Waterfowl Habitat Wavebreaker Island
Every Safe Harbour Built :Every Safe Harbour Built :
Has been Municipally Driven;
Has been Partnered;
Has received 3rd Party Co-Funding;
Has brought lasting tangible community benefits.
There are no examples of a Safe Harbour that has been Built by a Marina or Boat Club alone
Burlington is a waterfront community. Boating is part of a vibrant waterfront community
The Safe Harbour Project ProposalComplements City’s Strategic Objectives
Enhances:
Burlington’s Business Community BIA’s Recreation & Leisure Tourism Community & prosperity initiatives City Asset at No net cost to the City Environmental Opportunities
- improves Fish & Waterfowl Habitat
Burlington is the only Community on Lake Ontario without a Safe HarbourBurlington is the only Community on Lake Ontario without a Safe Harbour
Burlington is a waterfront community. Boating is part of a vibrant waterfront community.
So too are the Swans, a vibrant part of a waterfront community.
There is no reason not to celebrate both the Swans and the Marina.
Thank you for your consideration, and for Council & Staff’s continuing efforts on this proposed project
We seek Safe Harbour