Terms of Reference
Waterfront Development Committee
(Revised – November 30, 2009, Ratified by City Council – December 14, 2009)
Background
By resolution in Committee of the Whole on December 12, 2005, the Waterfront Development Committee (The Committee) was established to act in an advisory capacity to City Council on the development of the City of Thunder Bay waterfront. The ‘waterfront’ is considered to be all lands abutting Lake Superior and its tributaries within the boundaries of the City of Thunder Bay.
Objectives
- To provide advice and recommendations to Council concerning the planning and development of the Thunder Bay waterfront.
- To consult with specific user groups and interested parties in order to facilitate a coordinated flow of information with stakeholders.
- To recommend to City Council strategies that will enable the waterfront to be development to its full mixed use potential.
- To provide City Council and City Administration with advice concerning public interest issues and approaches to keeping the public informed about waterfront projects.
- To provide City Council and City Administration with advice concerning whether the approved vision and design principles are being met.
- To act as ambassadors for waterfront development in the general public.
Assumptions
It is assumed that it is in the best interests of the community at large and the City to have development of the waterfront lands that is deliberate and vigorous and responsive to the needs of the community.
Membership and Responsibilities
The Committee is comprised of four Members of Council plus the Mayor (ex-officio), effective with the 2010 Council, appointed by resolution of Council plus five members of the community at large appointed by Council.
Reporting directly to City Council, the City Manager will have executive oversight responsibility for waterfront development projects and provide direction to the General Manager of Community Services and others as required regarding allocation of resources and adherence to strategic objectives. The General Manager of Community Services will be the key administrative resource to the Waterfront Development Committee. The City Manager or the General Manager – Community Services, will direct additional staff resources to support the Committee, as needed. Voting on motions and questions before the Committee and the general proceedings of the Committee is in accordance with the general procedural rules for Council and its Committees.
All appointed members have one vote each. The voting members of the Committee select a Chair and Vice Chair annually. Quorum for meetings requires at least six voting members, not including the Mayor (ex-officio) to be present. The City Clerk’s representative is the Clerk to the Committee and provides administrative support including coordinating the distribution of agendas and minutes, correspondence to and on behalf of members, and booking of meeting rooms, etc.
Meeting Schedule
The Chair will call regular meetings with dates set in advance. Prior to a meeting there will be a formal call for agenda items with the agenda and important materials circulated in advance. A formal parking lot will exist for unresolved agenda items for ongoing reference with regular report backs, etc.
Deliverables
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The Committee will meet with stakeholder groups to promote the vision, gather input, and make recommendations to City Council on priorities for projects and initiatives for the Thunder Bay waterfront.
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The Committee will make recommendations on public communication strategies.
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The Committee will review design and development proposals for Prince Arthur's Landing at key stages in the implementation plan and advise Council as to any issues of potential public concern or potential deviations from the approved vision.
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To evaluate potential uses of the Pool 6 lands and make recommendations to City Council.
Term of the Committee
The term of the Waterfront Committee will conclude with the term of Council and be subject to renewal under the terms of Policy 03-03-08.
