batawa: a sustainable rural community development ...batawa.ca/photos/custom/pdfs/tsw-report.pdf ·...

Submission to the

Trent Severn Review

Panel, September

2007

batawa: a sustainable rural community development opportunity on the trent

. . . beautiful by nature & design

2 . . . beautiful by nature & design

Introduction 1

Batawa’s History & Future 5

The Environment 6

The Batawa Community Plan 7

The Opportunity 10

To Conclude 13

Appendices:

“A Model for Sustainable Development In the

Community of Batawa”

“A History of Batawa: 2006”

“Mrs. Bata cobbles a new town” Globe & Mail,

18/08/06

TABLE OF CONTENTS


This is a pivotal moment for the Trent Severn Waterway and the community of Batawa. The Batawa Development Corporation is poised to launch a commu-nity development plan for this small shoreline community that will become a model for sustainable rural community development in Canada. But the truly unique opportunity that now exists is the opportunity for the BDC to walk hand in hand with the Trent Severn Waterway to design and im-plement a community plan that meets our shared goals and objectives, launch-ing the renewal of the Waterway and demonstrating its commitment to these new values. We understand that your panel will identify the potential that lies along the shores of the Waterway, in its historic, cultural, natural and built environment. You will see in the Batawa Plan immense potential and unique opportunities that exist perhaps no where else in the province do achieve planning and design excellence. Through the redevelopment of Batawa, we too want to protect and enhance the community’s cultural heritage and the important part that the Waterway plays in that heritage. Through LEEDs participation and with a sustainable focus, the Batawa Community Plan will ensure a secure future for the more than 2kms of natural environment that lie along the banks of the River in the Batawa Planning Area, creating a legacy for generations to come. But further still, this natural environment will become an integral, active part of resident’s and visi-tors’ daily lives. As your panel explores present and future outdoor recreation opportunities and needs, you will see in Batawa today several outstanding multi-season rec-reation amenities, including over 22 km of recreation trails and Eastern On-tario’s only alpine ski hill. As the Batawa plans becomes a reality, along with it will come new outdoor recreation opportunities, such as tree-top trekking, geo-caching, kayaking and canoeing, that will make Batawa a focal point for family outdoor recreation and outdoor learning. Most importantly, as our Chair, Mrs. Sonja Bata reminds us, “using a patient, long-term community partnership approach and sustainable development prac-tices,” we can realize a future for communities like Batawa along the banks of the Waterway and elsewhere that is economically and ecol-ogically sustainable. The Batawa Development Corporation is eager to work with your team to make that a reality. “By joining hands, our community has the unprecedented opportunity to design and build an exceptional rural community.” What a wonderful way to launch the revitalization of the waterway, while at the same time providing a road map for other shoreline communities to follow.

INTRODUCTION


A sustainable funding framework will be critical to ensuring these communi-ties can realize that potential. Leveraging private investment by providing com-plimentary funding that will support shoreline redevelopment initiatives and connectivity amongst these communities will be crucial. Trails, boardwalks, habitat creation and restoration, and joint marketing initiatives will all support the various sectors in their efforts to move forward. The Waterway must be seen as an important economic asset in the communities it weaves its way through, not a showcase of lost potential. It is a unique ecological, cultural and economic asset that requires sustainable funding support to maintain and en-hance.

Shared Values with TSW Review Panel:

• Facilitator of economic opportunity & renewal

• Recreation asset, world-class destination

• Clean water, Renewable energy

• Important ecological asset and habitat

• Heritage recognition


In 1939 Thomas J. Bata brought his family’s international shoe empire to the shores of the Trent River, embedding the company’s Canadian roots along the banks of the river, influencing the world economy and playing a significant role in the 2nd World War effort. A community was built around the new shoe factory by the company, for its workers, that featured a public and catholic school, 2 churches, recreation hall, grocery, post office, bank, fire hall and ski hill – many of which remain today. At its peak, the Bata Shoe Factory employed more than 1,000 people. In 1999, after 60 years of production, the Bata Shoe Factory closed its doors. This greatly changed the face of this busy community of 110 households. Still home to one of Quinte West’s largest private employers – Invar Manufacturing - the community’s spirit remains strong. This small village is now poised to play an important leadership role in sustainable rural community development. In 2005 Sonja Bata, wife of Batawa founder Thomas J. Bata, purchased the Bata Ltd. lands (over 600 ha or 1,500 acres) and formed Batawa Development Corpo-ration (BDC). She has assembled a team of development professionals, and walked hand-in-hand with the community, to develop a sustainable commu-nity development plan that has been accepted by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED Neighbourhood Development Pilot Project. Since 2005, the BDC has successfully revived the Batawa Ski Hill, redeveloping the recreation asset by installing snowmaking and making sweeping improve-ments to the lifts, trails, property and operations. The result – in 2006/07 the ski hill experienced its most successful season ever, and pre-season pass sales in August 2007 have already reached 80% of the previous season’s sales, forecast-ing a successful year ahead. The BDC has recently submitted an official plan amendment application to the City of Quinte West for the Batawa Secondary Plan. This plan will feature LEEDs Neighbourhood Design principles, and when complete, will form the basis for application to the Green Building Council for LEEDs ND certification. Along the way, the BDC team tackled many obstacles that stood in the way of growth in the community. Great municipal support now exists for growth in Batawa. And recent funding announcements for infrastructure improvements brought $1.6 million to the community. This summer, ground was broken in south Batawa on a water and sewer rehabilita-tion project that will allow future growth and ensure great efficiencies.

BATAWA’S HISTORY & FUTURE

Milestones: 1939: Bata Shoe founded &

town of Batawa devel-oped.

1999: After 60 years of produc-tion, the Bata Shoe Fac-tory closes

2005: Sonja Bata purchased Bata Ltd. lands and formed Batawa Develop-ment Corporation

Feb 2006: Former Factory rezoned for residential development

Dec 2006: Major redevelop-ment began at Batawa Ski Hill

Jan 2007: $1.6 million COM-RIF funding announced to rehabilitate Batawa Waste Water Treatment Plant & Collection Sys-tem

May 2007: BDC Project adopted as a LEEDs (Leadership in Energy Efficiency & Design) Neighbourhood Develop-ment Pilot Project by US Green Building Council – one of just over 200 around the world.

July 2007: Infrastructure Im-provement Project com-menced in south Batawa

Aug 2007: Proposed Batawa Secondary Plan submit-ted to the City as an Official Plan Amend-ment.


Batawa is a beautiful and unique shoreline environment, complete with rolling drumlins, large stands of mature trees, and abundant wildlife, all leading the Ministry of Natural Resources to designate 328 ha of the 607 ha site in the Batawa Planning Area as a provincially significant ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest). This includes more than 2 km of Trent River shoreline. That presents a unique opportunity. Such an incredible landscape demands planning and design excellence. It also demands a level of stewardship that must result in nothing less than a sustainable community in all its forms. The BDC team met the challenge by applying LEEDs ND (Leadership in Energy Efficiency & Design: Neighbourhood Development) design guidelines to the Batawa Community Plan. The result, the Batawa Community Plan has been ac-cepted as a LEEDs ND Pilot Project by the U.S. Green Building Council in July 2007. Through Batawa’s participation, along with other projects around the world, new standards will be set for how a sustainable community will be planned and built. Our particular contribution will be to demonstrate how that is done in a rural setting. And the world will be watching. As the BDC team further develops and implements this plan, the participation of the Trent Severn Waterway team will be welcomed, as the waterway forms one of the most significant natural and cultural assets in this small community, and links the community to a much broader region. Our challenges will be to further develop the over 22 km of recreation trails on site. Our challenge is also to ensure that this community grows in such a way that its environmental footprint is minimal. The BDC team is now examining innovative technology that will minimize loads on infrastructure, and introduce unique means of treating waste water to demonstrate a minimal or net zero im-pact on the Trent River and surrounding watershed. Batawa will provide an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate stewardship in action, bringing teams of youth rangers to volunteer on projects, and creating a classroom setting in partnership with an academic institution that will put new ideas to the test.

The Batawa community is already engaged, participating in collective compost-ing, awareness activities and energy saving initiatives such as Project Porchlight, recently implemented as well in the Ottawa Carleton Region.

THE ENVIRONMENT


Batawa Development Corporation is poised to develop a model green rural com-munity, complimenting the existing village and providing a model for ideal rural community development, including the following elements:

• Mixed use community (residential, commercial/industrial, recrea-tion, open space)

• Pedestrian-oriented • New Urbanism, Smart Growth principles will apply • New economic opportunities • New destination for boaters • A focus for infrastructure improvements and environmental protec-

tion of water resources in this community • Potential customer base for new renewable energy projects • Cultural and special events, enhancing boaters/visitors’ experiences

and quality of life for local residents

The built environment will include:

BDC Lands include 1,500 acres, with planned growth over only 415 acres. Town Centre: mix of commercial, retail, office, residential (including 75

units in the converted factory) and community facility – with a com-munity centre, fire hall, Lion’s Club, Catholic Church and Catholic elementary school already in place.

Business Park: 22 highway commercial and industrial lots over 42 ha. Live / Work Units: 50 lots/units over 12.6 ha with lots ranging in size

from 790 sq m. to 5,600 sq. m. Low Density Residential: 140 homes over 18.5 ha. Recreation: multi-season recreation amenities centering around the ex-

isting alpine ski hill and network of trails.

THE BATAWA COMMUNITY PLAN


This is not more shoreline development. This is intensification within an existing community that has maintained, and will maintain, a green buffer between it and the shore. This is an ecological response to the development demands that you have recognized are being placed upon our communities. Under the direction of Sonja Bata, this community will develop:

• Strong, architectural elements of distinction • A strong response to environmental threats reflecting current en-

vironmental concerns • Leading-edge energy efficiencies • Economic opportunities and a renewal strategy, directly compli-

menting the goals of the TSW • A community plan that reflects an ideal rural character • A “recreational hub”, building upon current opportunities to ski,

skate, cycle, hike, etc through private investment.


Batawa Development Corporation (BDC) is poised to develop a model sustain-able rural community, resulting in:

• Heritage renewal of a shoreline community, strengthening the TSW cor-ridor

• Revitalization of community providing new economic opportunities through residential, recreational, commercial and industrial development

• Enhancement of existing and development of new recreational ameni-ties, adding to the TSW’s role as a world-class recreation destination

• Sustainable community development promoting a clean environment and customer base for renewable energy production

• Preservation of important species and habitats • Model of sustainable, energy-efficient community development through

the LEEDs ND Pilot Project The BDC has developed a draft town plan (attached) that establishes, in very broad terms, the planned growth and development of the community. Working in partnership with the Trent Severn Review Panel and its team, we envision adding detail to this plan, providing a model for other small communities along the Trent to use to create active, vibrant communities that bring the banks of the Trent to life.

THE OPPORTUNITY


Our planning team proposes the following elements to achieve our shared goals and values: 1. A Riverfront Boardwalk on the west bank of the river, connecting

the Batawa Lock to the village of Batawa and its amenities, the trail network and other attractions. Seasonal kiosks located along the boardwalk would promote activity along the waterway (bike rentals, food vendors, etc.) and enhance its atmosphere.

2. Further trail development to enhance the existing 22km network of trails within the Batawa planning area, including smaller loop trails within close proximity of the boardwalk and waterway, providing opportunities for boat-ers to enjoy moderate to advanced levels of activity, and to enjoy the natural assets of the Waterway.

3. Further development of four season recreational amenities in the village that focus on outdoor recreation.

4. A Lookout Tower or platform that will provide visitors with a vista of the Trent River Valley and the surrounding drumlins, all connected to the exist-ing trail network.

5. Interpretive plaques along the boardwalk that recount the history of Batawa and the Trent Severn Waterway.

6. Picnic opportunities along the banks of the Trent at Batawa, providing boaters and land travelers with a rest stop.

7. Boutiques and restaurants and services developed along the riverfront in both the Village Centre and Business Park, providing both economic activity and tourist attractions. Restaurants will be encouraged to feature patios with views of the river.

8. A series of floating docks adjacent to the gateway to the Batawa village, connected to the Boardwalk, providing boaters with an opportunity to stop and enjoy the village, and residents an opportunity to access the water.

9. The plan will include design guidelines that will demand excellence in building standards, reflecting upon the TSW in a progressive and attractive manner.

10. (Option) Re-aligning Highway 33 further west through the Batawa Plan-ning area, in an exchange of land with the BDC, to bring development to the river’s edge, making this stretch of road shorter, safer and providing a greater buffer between the road and shoreline.

11. The installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Highway 33 and Plant Street, promoting pedestrian access to the riverfront, including kayak and canoe launching.

12. An organic marketplace in the Community Core, providing boaters, travel-ers and residents with a convenient access to food and products that meet the latest demands of the marketplace and health conscious indi-viduals.

13. A Safety Village, complete with streets, lights, vehicles and structures, all in miniature, that will provide the opportunity for children and visi-tors to be schooled in urban, rural, farm, wildlife and water safety.

12 . . .

We have many innovative ideas in the planning phases. And a project of this magnitude will be implemented in a phased manner. But we have identified as our top priority to engage in a consultative relationship with the Trent Severn Waterway team to ensure that our shared goals are achieved. Further, develop-ing the trail system and riverside boardwalk are an immediate priority to our team, and easily achieved through cooperation. The Trent Severn Review Panel will be advocating for the Waterway’s future. The BDC recommends the following elements form a part of your recommenda-tions and action plan for the future: • Management Plan: include community development, recreation, environ-

mental protection, research, coordination of all stakeholders (federal, pro-vincial, municipal, community), asset management

• Document and enhance the history of the Trent Severn as an integral part of Ontario’s Heritage, supporting projects that demonstrate that heritage and promote community passion & pride.

• Promote eco-tourism along the Trent Severn corridor to promote economic development, tourism, healthy lifestyles and quality of life for Trent Valley residents.

• Seize the opportunity to promote renewable energy production, but not at the expense of the TSW’s other important features such as navigability.

• Ensure water quality. • Support and encourage green community development projects through pol-

icy: • One development review process for different types of planning ap-

plications as suggested in your discussion paper • Community Improvement Areas that support environmental initia-

tives, • Priority given to green projects in partnership with planning authori-

ties • Revitalization of existing settlement areas along the Trent River Val-

ley • Promote linkages between the Trent Severn

and existing communities • Trail and parkland development and linkages

along the Trent Severn, including enhance-ment of Lower Trent Trail

• Encourage joint marketing and heritage promotion activities to increase awareness and develop a strong identity for the canal and its communities – “best kept secret”

• Stay “ahead of the curve”. Be a leader in innovation, conservation.

13 . . .

The Trent Severn has always had a strong influence on community development, drawing communities together from north to south along its corridor, and defin-ing a unique “riverside” community identity that remains strong. Your panel has asked the following:

How do we protect and present the waterway’s cultural heritage?

Strengthen & revitalize the shoreline communities along the TSW at the planning and partnership level. Support projects that seek to highlight and enhance the waterway’s role in local heritage in a sustainable way.

How do we assure the future of the Waterway and the natural environ-ment?

Play an active role in community planning along its shoreline, supporting projects that protect and enhance the natural environment.

How can the waterway contribute to the present and future outdoor recreational needs of Canadians and particularly the growing and di-verse population of the Greater Golden Horseshoe?

Promote eco-tourism. Create & enhance linkages between shoreline communities and amenities and the TSW. Support sustainable residen-tial development projects that attract migration from the Greater Golden Horseshoe within defined limits that respect the carrying capacity of the Trent.

How can the waterway contribute to economically sustainable commu-nities, including the role of renewable energy?

Support sustainable development projects and promote a vision that will encourage these projects. Develop joint marketing initiatives. Through these projects and activities develop a customer base for renewable en-ergy projects, and take the lead in utilizing these energy sources.

The Batawa Development Corporation is poised and eager to work with your team to plan and build a bright future along the shores of the Trent.

CONCLUSION

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