Community Services Committee

Committee Decision: THAT Reg White, Chair of the Friends of the Shakespearean Gardens, be heard.

Committee Recommendation: THAT the Stratford Invasive Plant Plan be adopted; Community Services Committee Minutes 4 July 22, 2024 AND THAT staff be directed to implement the recommendations contained in the Plan and to include sufficient resources and funding in the annual budget process for Council’s consideration. Members of the Committee and staff held a discussion regarding the following:  a member commenting that the endorsement and implementation of the plan is important due to the problems with invasive plants including in the TJ Dolan area;  with respect to an enquiry from a member regarding the budget for the item, the Director of Community Services advised that staff are looking at the financial impact of the implementation of the plan and its inclusion in the parks budget;  a member commenting that the Energy and Environment Committee has invested in getting the work done to address invasive species;  the work of the Committee being a successful but piece meal effort with the plan giving them a “plan of attack” to address the weeds;  there being a suggestion for a summer student position to assist in addressing this matter and getting funding through the summer student job program for the role;  the plan educating staff in identifying the invasive species present in the community;  there being a close relationship between the Committee and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority in implementing the plan; and  a member recognizing the Energy and Enviro

Committee Decision: THAT the Community Services Committee meeting adjourn.