City of New Westminster REPORT Parks, Culture & Recreation Department To: Mayor Wright and Members of City Date: March 12, 2012 Council in Committee of the Whole From: __ G. Dean Gibson Doc#: 235054 Director of Parks, Culture & Recreation Subject: Boucher Institute Botanical Garden Proposal RECOMMENDATION THAT staff be directed to develop a licence agreement between the City and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine for the use of a portion of Westminster Pier Park for the purposes of creating and operating a demonstration botanical garden. =. ORIGIN/PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to: * Advise Council of a proposal received by the City from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine to create a demonstration botanical garden in Westminster Pier Park, and * Seek Council's direction to draft a licence agreement to enable the botanical garden project to proceed SUMMARY The locally based Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine has submitted a proposal to create a demonstration botanical garden in Westminster Pier Park. The proposal requires access to approximately 95 square metres of land located near the Lytton Square timber frame structure. The garden would be funded and constructed by the Boucher Institute and operated by students from the Institute as part of their professional training. Pending Council's acceptance of this proposal, a licence agreement will be drafted to formalize the terms and conditions associated with the use of the City’s lands and operation of the garden Doe # 235054 Page 1City of New Westminster March 12, 2012 BACKGROUND The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, located in downtown New Westminster, is Western Canada's only Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredited naturopathic medical school. Recognized for its small class size and collaborative model of learning, the Boucher Institute offers students a four-year post secondary program which culminates in a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) designation. The Boucher Institute is also a member of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), an organization created to propel and foster the naturopathic medical profession by actively supporting the academic efforts of accredited schools of naturopathic medicine. The Boucher Institute is additionally accredited in accordance with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) of British Columbia. The practice of naturopathic medicine is an evidence-based, coordinated approach to primary healthcare that is tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. In addition to conventional training in health sciences and diagnostics, naturopathic doctors employ individualized therapies to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to health and healing. In addition to treating acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic doctors emphasize disease prevention and personal responsibility for one’s own health. They treat the patient as a whole person, while symptoms of disease are seen as indicator of improper functioning, imbalance and/or poor lifestyle habits. The goal of naturopathic medical treatment is to address the underlying cause of disease and to avoid treatments that might induce further harm, either by producing unwanted side effects or by complicating the existing disease process. In 2010 representatives from the Boucher Institute approached the City with an idea to create a demonstration botanical garden project that would showcase a variety of medicinal plants that are used in the practice of naturopathic medicine. It was felt the garden would not only help to educate the public about naturopathic medicine, medicinal plants and gardening but also contribute to the urban landscape and create an attractive feature that would serve as a positive amenity for community members and visitors to New Westminster. Since that time, staff in the Parks, Culture & Recreation Department have been working with the Boucher Institute to help them further refine their botanical garden proposal, identify and evaluate potential sites, and develop a management model EXISTING POLICY/PRACTICE The City has a long standing practice of entering into licence agreements with community based organizations for the use of City facilities and park spaces for the provision of services that benefit the overall community. Specifically, the City had entered into agreement with organizations for the operation of community gardens in Port Royal and Simcoe Park Doc # 235054 Page 2City of New Westminster March 12, 2012 ANALYSIS During the course of the development of the Botanical Garden proposal, the project has evolved into a student lead initiative which in turn is supported by a Boucher Institute faculty sponsor. In January 2012, a complete project proposal was tabled by the Boucher Institute for consideration by the City (see Attachment “A’), Staff have met with the student project leader, faculty sponsor and the Boucher Institute President to review the proposal and are prepared to recommend that the City move forward and develop a licence agreement that will permit the creation of the Botanical Garden (also referred to as an “Educational Community Garden’). Salient points of the proposal include’ Rationale & Mandate: Through demonstrating a wide variety of medicinal plants, the garden will serve as an educational facility as well as. an aesthetically beautiful garden that will attract community members and visitors to New Westminster. The garden will be accessible for the community to enjoy and will provide a place for Boucher students to interact and engage in hands-on learning of botanical medicine. Location: An area comprised of approximately 95 square metres in Westminster Pier Park to be located behind the viewing deck on top of the Lytton Square timber frame structure. Within the site approximately 50% of the area will be comprised of the planted gardens in raised beds with the remainder of the site consisting of accessible walkways Site Rationale: The Westminster Pier Park site is supported by staff and the project applicants because of its proximity to the Boucher Institute and ease of access by the Institute's students to the site. The high profile nature of the park is desirable and the location in the park is such that the garden will serve as a point of interest and could be readily accommodated within the existing park design. Garden Design & Species Selection: A conceptual garden design has been prepared for the Boucher Institute by the landscape architect firm that has also designed the Westminster Pier Park. The project proposal highlights the plant species which are intended to be included in the garden. Selected species are appropriate for our local climate and are primarily perennials. The species list has been reviewed by the City's Horticulture Manager to ensure the selections do not contain any invasive species or varieties that may pose health risks to the general public. The garden infrastructure will be constructed by qualified landscape construction trades in accordance with detailed plans as prepared by the landscape architect and approved by City staff. Doe # 235054 Page 3City of New Westminster March 12, 2012 Risk Management: The legal interests of the City will be addressed through a formal licence agreement. The Boucher Institute will be required to provide evidence of appropriate liability insurance related to the activities taking place within the gardens. Project Funding: This initiative will be self funded by the Boucher Institute through their own internal fund raising efforts and ongoing maintenance of the site will be undertaken by the students of the Institute It is likely that donor plaques to recognize financial contributors to the garden will be incorporated into the site. Beyond providing access to the City's lands & irrigation water source and periodic removal of green waste, there are no ongoing financial or other resource obligations required of the City. Timeline: Pending appropriate levels of fund raising, construction of the garden is intended to commence shortly after the opening of the Westminster Pier Park. Next Steps Pending Council's interest in continuing to pursue this matter, staff will work with the City’s solicitor to draft a licence agreement that outlines the related terms and conditions to be associated with the creation of the garden and use of City lands. It is contemplated the licence term will be five years and the annual licence fee will be set at a nominal rate. This agreement will be presented to Council for consideration and, pending required public notification, the lease can be executed, SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS » Financial Impact - This initiative will be self-funded by the Boucher Institute through internal fund raising efforts and ongoing maintenance of the site will be undertaken by the students of the Institute. Beyond providing access to the City's lands & irrigation water source and periodic. removal of green waste, there are no ongoing financial or other resource obligations required of the City. The expense of preparing the licence agreement can be accommodated within the current Parks, Culture & Recreation Department budget. » Social _ Impact — The proposed Botanical Garden will serve as an important feature for the Westminster Pier Park that will not only act as an esthetic amenity but will also support educational opportunities for Boucher Institute students, local school children and the general public. Doe # 235054 PageCity of New Westminster March 12, 2012 > Environmental Impact - Designed as a demonstration project, the Botanical Garden will serve to educate others as to the role and benefits of medicinal plants and the possibilities available for private gardens. OPTIONS 1. Direct staff to develop a licence agreement between the City and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine for the use of a portion of Westminster Pier Park for the purposes of creating and operating a demonstration botanical garden based on the project proposal presented by the Boucher Institute. 2. Direct staff to develop a licence agreement between the City and the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine based on other terms and conditions as specified. 3. Do not consider the Boucher Institute proposal further. Option #1 is recommended INTERDEPARTMENTAL LIAISON The City's Solicitor has been consulted with respect to the City’s ability to enter into a licence agreement with an associated fee that is less than market rate. CONCLUSION The proposal submitted by the Boucher Institute is a positive example of how the City can partner with the community and local organizations for the social, environmental and financial benefit of all. Locating the botanical garden as Westminster Pier will help to further activate the park throughout the year. Approved for Presentation LU “INL G. Dean Gibson Paul Daminato Director of Parks, Culture & City Administrator Recreation Doe #235084 Page 5City of New Westminster March 12, 2012 ATTACHMENT “A” Boucher Institute Educational Community Garden in Pier Park: Proposal Doc # 235054 Page 6Boucher Institute Garden Group | 1 Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal ‘Attn: Dean Gibson New Westminster Director of Parks, Culture & Recreation dalbsonenewwestcity.ca Boucher Institute Educational Community Garden in Pier Park: Proposal The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Garden Committee proposes a Botanical Garden in the Pier Park of New Westminster, BC. Through demonstrating a wide variety of medicinal plants, the garden will be an educational facility as well as an aesthetically beautiful garden that attracts ‘community members and visitors to New Westminster. Our intention is to make the garden accessible for the community to enjoy as well as have a place for Boucher students to interact and engage in hands on learning of botanical medicine. We will blend a community focused garden with an educational focused garden. COMMUNITY FOCUSED GARDEN The garden would be an attraction for multiple community groups = Wheelchair accessibi * Potential field trip for school groups and youth groups to learn about medicinal plants and gardening. "Attraction for seniors groups and gardening groups "Attraction for local residents and visitors/tourists of New Westminster + Relaxing environment and educational garden for students of Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, West Coast College of Massage Therapy and Douglas College EDUCATIONAL FOCUSED GARDEN The garden would be a year round, hands-on learning experience: * Plant species identification through-out all the seasons ‘Growth cycle observation and plant flowering patterns * Garden maintenance education and experience for the Boucher population * Aplace for Boucher students and faculty to incorporate hands on learning into Botanical Medicine classes. 1. LOCATION AND SIZE * Please see attached blueprints. ‘BOUCHER GARDEN_March 2011 plans’ © This area outlined in the above mentioned attachment was recommended to The Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine by New Westminster Parks, Culture & Recreation Parks for the implementation of Boucher Institute's Educational Medicinal Garden. This area is a great space and Boucher Institute would like to use it for the garden Boucher Student Representative ~ ulie Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAIL: icahill@binm org Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bll Reynolds, EMAIL: wmreynolds@binm.oreBoucher Institute Garden Group | 2 Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal 2. LANDSCAPE ARCHIETECT © PWLpartnership’s Bruce Hemstalk and colleagues Peter Liaw and Karin England. 3. TIMELINE FOR BUILDING © Obtain an agreement in principle by February 2012 * Have a detailed design by March 2012 * Fundraising begins January 2012 + Inanticipation of fundraising construction will begin after Pier Park opens, estimate of April 2012 and will be completed approximately 4 months from the start of construction. Public opening will be shortly after the completion of construction. This. timeline is contingent on being able to attain the necessary funds by this time. 4, GARDEN DESIGN ‘© Please see attached ‘PWL 2011 11 29 SITE PLAN BOUCHER GARDEN ‘© Highlights of the design: ~ Raised beds with aesthetically pleasing sandalwood colour stack wall from ‘Abbotsford concrete ~ Sponsorship acknowledgment/plaques on the raised beds (no advertising) = Storage tool box by KNAACK 5. PLANTS: © We will grow Zone 6-7 plants that are able to withstand the winters of Vancouver. We will plant mainly perennial plants that do not require replanting each year. Some of the botanicals will include: Photo Common Name Latin Name Oregano Origanum vulgare Astragalus Astragalus membranaceous Boucher Student Representative —Julle Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAIL: |cahll@ binm org Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bll Reynolds, EMAL: wmreynoids@binm.orgBoucher Institute Garden Group Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal ‘Common Name Latin Name Thyme Thymus vulgaris Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia Barberry Berberis vulgaris Garlic Allium sativum Wild Indigo Baptisia tinctoria Boucher Student Representative — Julie Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAIL: cahll@binm.ovg Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bill Reynolds, EMAIL: wnreynolds@binm.orgBoucher Institute Garden Group Boucher institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal Common Name Latin Name Chinese Rhubarb Rheum palmatum off. B Lemon Balm Melissa off. Fennel Tenet nae Lavender Lavendula off. Peppermint Mentha piperita Boucher Student Representative —lulle Cahill ND, CAND (2043), EMAIL: jcahill@binm.ore ‘Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bill Reynolds, EMAIL: wereynalds@binm orgBoucher institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal Boucher Institute Garden Group Common Name Latin Name Marigold Calendula off. Chamomile Chamomilla recutita Arnica Arnica montana Passionflower Passiflora incarnate Raspberry Rubus idaeus Boucher Student Representative ~ Julie ahi ND, CAND (2023), EMAL: cahill@.binm ong Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bill Reynolds, EMAIL: wmreynolds@binm.orgBoucher Institute Garden Group Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal ‘Common Name Latin Name Sage Salvia off. Valerian Valeriana off. ‘Ashwagandha Withania somnifera 6. BUDGET FOR GARDEN - To be provided in whole by Boucher Institute © Pwlarchitecture fees: Estimate of $8 500 © Hardscaping fees including labour, materials and equipment: Estimate of $31 000 * Plant fees: Donation of plants by Innisfree Farm, owned and operated by Chanchal Cabrera MSc, FNIMH, AHG (Medicinal Herbalist) and Boucher Institute’s faculty chair of Botanical Medicine, * Other sources for funding will potentially include local businesses as well as grants for community projects. ‘© Ongoing maintenance fees: Labour to be done by Boucher students on a volunteer basis. Other maintenance costs to be provided by Boucher Institute. 7. GARDEN UPKEEP ‘+ Maintenance of plants/garden area: To be provided in whole by Boucher Institute. © Green Waste removal/compost: To be provided by the City of New Westminster via Green Waste bin. Boucher Institute will be responsible for proper use and security of the bin which will remain on Boucher institute's site. © Irrigation: The city will provide access to their irrigation lines at the edge of Boucher Institute's site. Boucher Insitute will have a battery operated irrigation control at this, location and be responsible for building and maintaining the irrigation in Boucher Institute's site. The City of New Westminster will provide the water used in the garden. ‘Boucher Student Representative — Julie Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAL cahill@binm org Boucher Faculty Representative - Bil Reynolds, EMAIL: wmnrevnolds@ binm.orsBoucher Institute Garden Group | 7 Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal © Tool storage: A small tool area will be incorporated into the hardscaping of the garden. See attached garden design blueprints. 8, SPECIAL REQUEST © We understand that the two trees located in the front corners of our garden plot are no longer an issue as they have been dropped from the design of Pier Park. 9. INSURANCE © Boucher Institute is covered by Partners Indemnity Insurance Brokers which will be able to extend our Commercial General liability to the City of New Westminster's Pier Park Boucher Student Representative ~Julie Cahill ND, CAND (2013}, EMAIL: icahill@binm.org ‘Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bill Reynolds, EMAIL: wmreynolds@binm.orgBoucher Institute Garden Group | 8 Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal APPENDIX I: Site location and size of Boucher Institute's Medicinal Garden in Pier Park (designated by dashed red lines). Boucher Student Representative ~ lulle Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAIL: icahill@ binm org Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bll Reynolds, EMAL: wmreyrolds@binm. orgBoucher Institute Garden Group Boucher Institute Educational Garden in Pier Park: Proposal APPENDIX II: Garden Design Boucher Student Representative ~ Julie Cahill ND, CAND (2013), EMAIL: jcahil@binm.org Boucher Faculty Representative ~ Bll Reynolds, EMAL: wmreynolds@binm or