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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEtobicoke-Mimico Coalition 2012thk THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE - MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #1/12 H1 February 16, 2012 The Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on February 16, 2012. Irene Jones, Vice -Chair of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT BrianBailey ........................................................................................................ ............................... Member DeboraBielecki .................................................................................................. ............................... Member DennisBradley ................................................................................................... ............................... Member AngelaBrooks .................................................................................................... ............................... Member MarilynCampbell ............................................................................................... ............................... Member EddieColacchio .................................................................................................. ............................... Member AdamDeSouza ................................................................................................... ............................... Member JonGee .............................................................................................................. ............................... Member MarilynHagerman ............................................................................................. ............................... Member IreneJ ones .................................................................................. ............................... .....................Vice -Chair Susan Jorgenson ................................................................................................ ............................... Member Rosemary Keenan (on behalf of Bruce Haines) ................................................. ............................... Member JimLaird ............................................................................................................. ............................... Member JRLeo ................................................................................................................. ............................... Member SteveMcElroy .................................................................................................... ............................... Member ChrisMcGlynn .................................................................................................... ............................... Member DougMcRonney ................................................................................................. ............................... Member BobNoble .......................................................................................................... ............................... Member NatalieSalkauskis ............................................................................................... ............................... Member Joe Silva (on behalf of Boris Swedak) ................................................................ ............................... Member RudyWiens ........................................................................................................ ............................... Member STAFF ReneeAfoom- Boateng ................................................................................................. ...........................TRCA VinceD'Elia ........................ ............................................ ......................................................................... TRCA Janette Harvey ......................................................................................... ............................... City of Toronto ShannonLogan ............................................................................................................. ...........................TRCA RyanNess ..................................................................................................................... ...........................TRCA Alexandra Papaiconomou ............................................................................................ ...........................TRCA JoannaParsons ............................................................................................................ ...........................TRCA ChandraSharma ........................................................................................................... ...........................TRCA ChristineTu .................................................................................................................. ...........................TRCA 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 REGRETS H2 SuzanneBarrett ............................................................................. ............................... ..........................Chair CleveBattick ...................................................................................................... ............................... Member LaurelBroten ..................................................................................................... ............................... Member JohnCary ............................................................................................................ ............................... Member OwenRussell ...................................................................................................... ............................... Member JaniceEtter ......................................................................................................... ............................... Member GlenGumulka .................................................................................................... ............................... Member MichaelGusche .................................................................................................. ............................... Member PeterMilczyn ..................................................................................................... ............................... Member LeoO' Brien ......................................................................................................... ............................... Member GerriLynn O' Connor .......................................................................................... ............................... Member RandyMcGill ...................................................................................................... ............................... Member MarkTaylor ........................................................................................................ ............................... Member AllanThompson ................................................................................................. ............................... Member RES. #H1 /12 Minutes Moved by: Jim Laird Seconded by: 1R Leo THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4/11, held on November 17, 2011, be approved. CARRIED PRESENTATION 1. Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition 2011 Accomplishments TRCA staff provided a brief video overview of the 2011 accomplishments that were made possible due to the efforts of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition members and respective Project Teams. Members were thanked for their contribution. RES. #H2 /12 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition 2011 Accomplishments and 2012 Work Plan Update. To provide an update on the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition 2011 accomplishments and 2012 Work Plan. Moved by: Angela Brooks Seconded by: Natalie Salkauskis THAT a progress report on the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition (Coalition) 2010 -2012 Work Plan be received for information; 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H3 THAT the updated Work Plan as per the outcomes of the Working Session on Watershed Priorities at Coalition Meeting #2/11 on May 26, 2011, as appended be endorsed; AND FURTHER THAT Project Teams make regular verbal updates to the Coalition. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Work Plan 2010 -2012 was endorsed at Meeting #2/10 on November 18, 2010. An annual accomplishment report along with a presentation is provided to the Coalition at the first meeting of each year. Updates to the Work Plan are made when required, for example to respond to directions in the Watershed Plan Technical Update. 2011 Work Plan Accomplishments The following is a summary of 2011 accomplishments achieved across the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds: • Hosted 21 community events. • Engaged 7,486 volunteers. • Planted 7,659 native trees and shrubs with volunteers. • Planted 827 aquatic plants with volunteers. • Planted 2,200 native wildflowers with volunteers. • Removed approximately 3000 pounds of garbage from naturalized spaces with volunteers. • Released 1000 rainbow trout into Heart Lake with volunteers. • Restored and naturalized approximately 63,500 square meters of watershed. • Staff planted 6,810 native trees and shrubs. • Created and enhanced 3.1 ha of wetland. • Installed 1000 meters of trail along the Etobicoke Creek valley. • Completed 600 meters of natural channel design in the Upper Mimico Creek. • Restored 100 meters of shoreline in the Etobicoke Creek. • Completed Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Technical Update. • Planning began for the Applewood Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) Project in Mississauga. • Launched the electronic version of CreekTime Newsletter. • Initiated presence on social media - Twitter. • Developed Watershed Communication Materials— Brochures for Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks. • Initiated planning for an on -line Conservation Network. • Advocated for daylighting North and Jackson Creeks in the Lake Ontario Drainage Area. • Provided formal comments on the Toronto Official Plan update. • Advocated to expedite the implementation of Sherway Trail within the City of Toronto. • Provided advice to TRCA staff on planning and development issues in lower Mimico area. A detailed list of accomplishments by Project Team (as per the 2010 -2012 work plan approved at meeting #2 -10 held on November 18, 2010) is provided in Attachment 1. 2012 Work Plan Update 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H4 Following the completion of Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watersheds Technical Update (Technical Update), a working session of the Coalition was hosted at Meeting #2/11 held on May 26, 2011 to review work plan priorities and team structure. Recommendations from this working session were approved at meeting #4/11 on November 17, 2011. An update to the 2010 -2012 Work Plan is required to ensure alignment with technical update and outcomes of the working session. An updated work plan and project team structure are provided in attachment 2. A membership list for each Project Team can be found in attachment 3. WORK TO BE DONE • All Coalition members to be assigned to a project team. Members can join more than one team if they wish. In cases where members have not selected a team, staff will assign an appropriate group for the member based on their experience and interest submitted with their original application to participate on the Coalition. • Coalition and Project Team members to work with and assist staff with the implementation of 2012 priorities as attached in the updated Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds 2012 Work Plan. • Subcommittees and Project Teams to develop their Work Plans and meeting schedules. • Project Teams make regular verbal updates to the Coalition. RES. #H3/12 Peel Channels Remediation Strategy — Spring Creek Pilot To update the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition on the Peel Channels Remediation Strategy and the pilot project on Spring Creek. Moved by: Angela Brooks Seconded by: Natalie Salkauskis THAT the staff report on Peel Channels Remediation Strategy and Spring Creek Pilot Project be received for information; AND THAT Chris McGlynn, Rosemary Keenan and Leo O'Brien be selected to represent the Etobicoke- Mimico Watersheds Coalition, assist TRCA staff, and provide input and direction towards the planning and implementation of the Peel Channels Remediation Strategy. CARRIED I.7eT•1;kd 30111 L, 1.1 Many sections of watercourses within Peel Region have been channelized with concrete lining or other hard bed and bank treatments. While this approach was intended to improve the conveyance capacity of the channel, current knowledge on the mechanisms of fluvial geomorphology shows that this approach is detrimental to the overall health of the stream and can lead to extreme erosion problems at the site or downstream of the channelization. The end of the design life of many of these channels is approaching (concrete lined channels typically are designed for 50 years) and with weather systems increasing in intensity within southern Ontario, some of these channels are being stressed beyond their current 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H5 structural stability and major failures have been witnessed, as was the case in downtown Brampton after the storm event on August 19, 2005. This project is intended to provide the Region of Peel and the local municipalities (City of Brampton and City of Mississauga) with a Master Plan Remediation Strategy that identifies where naturalization of channelized areas could occur without compromising the need for adequate flood control and protection for human safety and property. Through this process, benefits to the natural environment, potential reduction in long term costs for channel maintenance and increases in ecological services will be quantified, to the extent possible, and used to prioritize naturalization opportunities. Areas that experience flood control issues which can only be addressed through an engineered approach will necessarily be identified. In these cases, options to remediate through retrofitting with updated technologies may be recommended. As a first stage of developing the remediation strategy, a decision matrix (or screening tool methodology) needs to be proposed and tested for a subset of channelized areas in order to confirm the appropriate selection criteria of candidate sites for naturalization. Once a selection methodology is chosen and proven, it can be applied more broadly to the rest of Peel Region. Spring Creek has been identified as the subwatershed to base this initial work. Spring Creek is known to have issues of flooding, considerable amount of channelized watercourse, has been identified in the Etobicoke Fisheries Management Plan as a subwatershed with potential coldwater fish habitat and has high community interest to see ecological and hydrological improvements achieved. This project will include the formation of a Project Team made up of TRCA technical staff and led by a senior member of the "Research and Development' Team in the TRCA Ecology Division. The Project Team will have the benefit of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of TRCA, regional and local municipal staff, Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition and other agency members. RATIONALE The Region of Peel and associated local municipalities have the roles and responsibilities to plan for stormwater management, upgrades /repairs of related stream channel infrastructure and /or maintain many of the channelized portions of streams in their jurisdiction. As a means to try and reduce the safety risks around failures and fiscal burden of this aging infrastructure, TRCA recommended a project that facilitated this planning in concert with achieving ecological improvements to the extent possible. Implications of costs associated with the long -term maintenance and asset management of both options (naturalized vs. channelized) will be investigated to illustrate when potential reductions in costs for regional and local municipalities could be realized. The development of a strategic approach to naturalizing previously hardened channels will allow for appropriate budgets to be targeted and for pro- active treatment of channels. Without the strategy, regional and local municipalities will likely have to continue responding to channel failures after major storm events. This approach does not maximize the opportunities to improve the ecosystem function, amenity or aesthetic values of the affected stream channels and valley corridors, which this project aims to address. RES. #H4/12 Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan — Applewood, Mississauga 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H6 To update the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition on the Applewood Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan project. Moved by: Angela Brooks Seconded by: Natalie Salkauskis THAT the staff report be received for information; And FURTHER THAT Adam DeSouza, Rosemary Keenan and Glen Gumulka be selected to represent the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, attend the focus group session and assist TRCA staff on future planning and implementation for the Applewood Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan project. CARRIED BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in collaboration with the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel are leading the development of a Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) for the Applewood Community in Mississauga (located within Little Etobicoke Creek subwatershed). SNAP study area (pilot) SNAPS aim to accelerate the implementation of sustainable practices in existing urban neighbourhoods by taking an integrated approach to urban retrofits and employing innovative community engagement and social marketing techniques. The Action Plan will focus on actions to improve the natural and built infrastructure, but also seeks to find co- benefits and increases in overall quality of life. Lessons learned from the County Court SNAP in Brampton as well as other SNAPS currently underway will be applied. 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H7 The Applewood SNAP will specifically demonstrate implementation of Mississauga's Living Green Master Plan at the neighbourhood scale, along with advancing objectives of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Plan and other municipal management plans and strategies. The project will be led by TRCA, in partnership with the City of Mississauga, Region of Peel and community stakeholders. SNAP development will be guided by a Project Management (PM) Team chaired by TRCA with representatives from City of Mississauga and Region of Peel. The Applewood SNAP will follow a typical three phased planning process: Phase 1 — Scoping and Characterization (fall 2011 to spring 2012) Phase 2 — Analysis of Retrofit Options (summer 2012 to winter 2013) Phase 3 — Action Plan and Implementation Plan Development (2013) This project is currently in Phase 1 which includes scoping and characterization through technical and community assessment. The project team met with local Councillor Chris Fonseca (Ward 3) to identify key community leaders who will be invited to a focus group on Monday March 5, 2012 to identify top -of- mind interests /concerns and desired methods of communication. Preliminary review of demographic information has been completed and an assessment of technical baseline conditions, issues, and potential retrofit options through meetings with City, Region, TRCA staff and other experts is underway. A draft Sustainability Framework which summarizes local sustainability goals, indicators and working targets is being developed. Phase 1 deliverables will include a summary of key findings and emerging themes, supported technical briefs and baseline technical and community assessment. Phase 2 & 3 Work Plan will also be prepared with desired technical outcomes and approach, a community engagement plan, potential demonstration project(s), budget, roles and responsibilities and project management structure. RES. #H5/12 Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project To update the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition on the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project. Moved by: Leo O'Brien Seconded by: Steve McElroy THAT the staff report be received for information; THAT the West Etobicoke /Heart Lake /Spring Creek Project Team continue to assist the City of Brampton with data collection and the implementation of mitigation measures along Heart Lake Road to reduce the number of Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC's); THAT staff present findings from this project to the Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee; THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition (Coalition) assists with the implementation of key recommendations from the Project; 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 AND FURTHER THAT the Coalition assist with identifying other sites where a similar volunteer based study may be considered. AMENDMENT #1 RES. #H6/12 Moved by: Leo O'Brien Seconded by: Steve McElroy W THAT the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project Report be forwarded to Ontario Good Roads Association and request that they circulate to their membership. THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT the staff report be received for information; THAT the West Etobicoke /Heart Lake /Spring Creek Project Team continue to assist the City of Brampton with data collection and the implementation of mitigation measures along Heart Lake Road to reduce the number of Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC's); THAT staff present findings from this project to the Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee; THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition (Coalition) assists with the implementation of key recommendations from the Project; THAT the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project Report be forwarded to Ontario Good Roads Association and request that they circulate to their membership. AND FURTHER THAT the Coalition assist with identifying other sites where a similar volunteer based study may be considered. 1:7a[d[(HTdO0f7 The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) partnered with the City of Brampton (CoB), Ontario Road Ecology Group (GREG) at the Toronto Zoo and local volunteers to deliver the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project. The objective of the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project was to better understand the Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC's) that were occurring within the study area - a 2.5 km stretch of Heart Lake Road between Sandalwood Parkway and Mayfield Road in Brampton, and to suggest mitigation measures to reduce the WVC's. This stretch of Heart Lake Road bisects a provincially significant wetland complex and is almost level to the wetland complex making it more susceptible to WVC's as wildlife migrate between natural areas on either side of the road as part of their natural breeding, feeding and hibernation processes. 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H9 This Project took place between May 9th, 2011 and October 31't, 2011. Data was collected by volunteers with the goal of observing and recording WVC's, any notable live wildlife along the road, species proximity to the road, alive /dead status and GPS co- ordinates. A group of students from the Ecosystem Management Technology Program at Fleming College, assisted TRCA with analyzing the data collected through the study to produce a report of the findings. The report provides an overview of the study and study area, outlines the number of monitoring sessions, number of volunteer hours, number of wildlife observed (dead and alive) and also provides recommendations for mitigation. KEY FINDINGS The wildlife observed over the course of the study period included various frogs, turtles, snakes and avian species. When analyzing the relative number of WVC's, amphibians ranked the highest followed by reptiles then mammals. It is also valuable to note that out of the total number of dead animals observed, there were several unidentified species due to the severity of the kill. The analysis of the data reviled a surprisingly high number of wildlife vehicle interactions along this very short stretch of road (2.5 km's). A summary of these findings is represented in the charts below: Pie chart showing breakdown of fatalities Pie chart showing breakdown of live sightings HLREMP: Fatalities Sighted May to Oct 2011 94 25 14 45 1] •Mai nnal •rm6 • Snpke •TURIe •Avian •Unknown 1044 A total of 1239 fatalities were observed: • 1044 frog /toads at 84.26 %; . 94 turtles at 7.59 %; . 45 mammals at 3.63 %; • 25 avian at 2.02 %; . 17 snakes at 1.37 %; and 43 HLREMP: Live Sightings May to Oct 2011 93 6 47 A total of 749 live wildlife were observed: • 514 frog /toads at 68.62 %; • 93 avian at 12.42 %; • 47 mammals at 6.28 %; • 46 turtles at 6.14 %; • 43 snakes at 5.74 %; and 6 „n4nn%Ain nT n An^/ •Mammal •fmg •Hake .Tide .Avian mpnknown 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H10 Key recommendations from the report are as follows: a.Tunnel and fencing systems should be strategically placed at high traffic crossing areas and guidelines of installation and maintenance should be followed. i.Silt fencing can be used or a more permanent solution is a concrete wall that cannot be dug under, or easily destroyed. ii.This type of barrier should be monitored and maintained on a regular basis. b. Pre - existing culverts along Heart Lake Road could be modified for use as wildlife pathways. c.lf culverts are not pre- existing at wildlife crossing hotspots, concrete box structures should be considered. To view the Final Report on the Heart Lake Road Ecology Volunteer Monitoring Project, please visit: http: / /www.trca. o n. ca/ the - living - city /watersheds /etobicoke -m im ico- creek /resources. dot. PROGRESS TO DATE ON STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS a) Mitigation Measures —City of Brampton The findings from this study were recently presented to Brampton's Environmental and Planning Advisory Council by TRCA staff. The advisory group has directed City of Brampton staff to explore ways of reducing the WVC's within the study area, including such measures as locating and clearing out the existing culverts along the stretch of Heart Lake Road and installing fencing to guide wildlife to the culverts. TRCA staff are currently working with City of Brampton staff to assist and provide direction for the implementation of the mitigation measure. b) Planning and Development The report findings have also been shared with TRCA and Region of Peel staff. It is our understanding that data and recommendations from this study will assist with development review and mitigation options in ecologically sensitive areas such as Heart Lake Road. This pilot study will also serve as an example for future monitoring and mitigation of wildlife causalities from vehicles in new developments within the City of Brampton and Town of Caledon. NEXT STEPS • TRCA staff and Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition members to present study findings to the Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee. • Etobicoke- Mimico Watersheds Coalition members to assist staff with identification of sites for volunteer monitoring. 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H11 RES. #H7/12 West Etobicoke Creeks Regeneration Project Update on the recently completed trail construction and erosion control project in Edward Scarlet Park (NE corner of the intersection Dixie Road and Courtney Park Drive) along the West Etobicoke Creek. Moved by: Eddie Colacchio Seconded by: Doug McRonney THAT the staff report on West Etobicoke Creeks Trail and Restoration Project be received; AND FURTHER THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition and the Green Sites Project Team support and assist staff in engaging corporate groups with the implementation of the multi -year restoration plan that has been developed for this site. CARRIED BACKGROUND West Etobicoke Creek is part of the Etobicoke Creek watershed that drains approximately 211 km' of land and flows a length of 60 km from Caledon, through Brampton and Mississauga and into Lake Ontario. Several reaches along the West Etobicoke Creek are highly degraded due to extensive urbanization and have been identified by the TRCA as requiring a comprehensive plan for the restoration of ecologic function, while also considering stormwater management issues and adjacent land use. In 2006, TRCA commissioned the "West Etobicoke Creek Regeneration Study'. The purpose of this study was to provide a basin -wide erosion assessment and guidance in identifying appropriate locations and criteria for restoration opportunities along the reach of Etobicoke Creek. The study provided TRCA with a comprehensive plan for restoring the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems along various reaches of West Etobicoke Creek, while also accommodating stormwater management and land use requirements. Regeneration options explored in through the study included: • bank stabilization and erosion mitigation measures; • natural channel design; • enhancement of riparian, terrestrial and aquatic habitat; • mitigation of stormwater inputs to the creek; • creation of wetland habitat; and • identification of trail alignment opportunities. Upon completion of the study, TRCA initiated the West Etobicoke Creek Regeneration project, a larger multi -year project encompassing several smaller projects focused on aquatic habitat enhancement of an 8 kilometer reach of West Etobicoke Creek from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) lands in the south to Highway 407 in the north. The Edward Scarlet Trail Construction and Restoration Project The Edward Scarlet Trail Construction and Restoration Project is one of the projects identified as part of the larger West Etobicoke Creek Regeneration Project. This project was implemented in partnership with the City of Mississauga and focused on a trail connection to the Etobicoke Creek Trail, a multi -year restoration plan for a reach of the West Etobicoke Creek in Edward Scarlet Park (south of GTAA along Dixie Road in Mississauga). Project implementation for this phase of work began in 2009. 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H12 Staff recently completed the construction component of this project including: • construction of 1000 meters of new trail from Dixie Road to Courtney Park Drive; • 50 meters shoreline naturalization works— removal of hardened bank and replaced with vegetated rip rap (see Image 1). • 100 meters of aquatic habitat enhancement (see image 2). Image 1 Image 2 NEXT STEPS • Implement the remaining components of the multi -year restoration plan including riparian plantings, slope stabilization plantings, meadow and wildflower restoration, small scale habitat creation and the installation of interpretive signage. • Staff to work with City of Mississauga and the Green Sites Project Team to reach out and engage local businesses to participate in the implementation of the restoration opportunities through the Partners in Project Green Corporate Tree Planting Program. 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H13 RES. #H8 /12 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Meeting Schedule A schedule of 2012 meeting dates is proposed for the Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed Coalition. Moved by: Debora Bielecki Seconded by: Dennis Bradley THAT the remaining 2012 meeting dates for the Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed Coalition scheduled from 6:30 — 9:00 p.m. on the following dates be approved: Meeting #2 -12 — Thursday May 17, 2012; Meeting #3 -12 — Thursday September 20, 2012; Meeting #4 -12 — Thursday November 15, 2012; AND FURTHER THAT that meetings be held throughout the Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds. CARRIED RATIONALE A schedule of meetings is proposed to assist the Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed Coalition. Meetings will be held on the the third Thursday of the month, four times per year at 6:30 p.m. RES. #H9 /12 Moved by: Seconded by: Chair's Committee Project Team Verbal Updates Marilyn Hagerman Brian Bailey Key responsibilities have been to review the agenda and work with staff to clearly lay out the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Work Plan (brought forth during today's meeting). Planning & Policy Team • Along with the Don Council members, the Planning and Policy team met with City of Toronto staff on January 5`h, 2012 to provide input to the review of the Official Plan. There was a lively discussion and various suggestions were made. • Members are keeping a close eye on the South Mimico area. As a result of the recent development occurring in the Lower Mimico area, the team is working with TRCA to come up with process to be more aware of new development projects and environmental assessments to provide feedback /insight /advice as required. • Sent letter to Councillor Grimes copying Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to promote working with the developer for the proposed land on sale to restore Jackson Creek (buried). The letter was accepted from both Grimes office and TDSB. The property has not been sold as of yet. Communications & Marketing Project Team • Have not met since the last Coalition meeting in November 2011. Continuing and upcoming projects are as follows: 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H14 • trail maps; • student and youth engagement; • conservation network; • church group workshop; and • water week. West Etobicoke /Heart Lake /Spring Creek Project Team • Have not met since the last Coalition meeting in November 2011. There was a group visit arranged to visit the medicine wheel garden. Heart Lake Road Ecology project has been featured quite a few times in the Brampton Guardian. South Etobicoke Project Team • Have not met since the last Coalition meeting in November 2011. • Suzanne Barrett, Brian Bailey and Vince D'Elia met with Councillor Milczyn. It was agreed that a motion would be brought forward to City of Toronto Council requesting the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to grant the City of Toronto permission to construct the trail on their lands. It was planned to be brought forth on February 6`h, 2012, but unfortunately it was not. Suzanne has been in touch with Councillor Milczyn's Assistant, and it will be dealt with shortly. • Signage will be installed shortly. Lower Mimico Project Team • Have not met since the last Coalition meeting in November 2011. A subcommittee of the team working on the Golf Tournament Fundraiser are continuing to plan the event which is scheduled for May 10, 2012 (deferred from August 2011). Currently there are 13 golfers signed up and the goal is 70 (ultimate goal is 140). All funds raised will go to the restoration efforts within Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds. The cost to golf for the day is $180 (will receive a $40 tax receipt). Non - golfers can attend the dinner reception for $70. A request was put forth to Coalition members to promote through their networks and participate in the event. Co -op students from Fleming College have scanned the Etobicoke valley from Eglinton Avenue to Rathburn Road to identify restoration efforts. They also developed signage for West Deane Valley corridor —aimed to be completed by April 2012. RES. #H10 /12 Information Items Moved by: Rudy Wiens Seconded by: Jon Gee • City of Mississauga GTAA Trail Signage —verbal update • Etobicoke - Mimico 2012 Spring Events • Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011 -2015 — Etobicoke Creek 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 • Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2011- 2015— MimicoCreek • Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council to Diane Stevenson, Manager, Policy and Strategic Planning, City of Toronto in regard to the Toronto Parks Plan, dated December 15, 2011. H15 • Letter from Suzanne Barrett, Chair, Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition to Diane Stevenson, Manager, Policy and Strategic Planning, City of Toronto in regard to the Toronto Parks Plan, dated December 19, 2011. • Letter from Suzanne Barrett, Chair, Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition to Peter Milczyn, Councillor, Ward 5 Etobicoke- Lakeshore, City of Toronto, in regard to the Sherway Trail Project, dated January 30, 2012. Letter was also sent to: • Minister Laurel Broten THAT the above information items be received. CARRIED RES. #H11 /12 Information Items Moved by: Adam DeSouza Seconded by: Steve McElroy • Letter from Renee Afoom - Boateng, Planner II, Planning and Development, TRCA to Stephen Schijns, Manager, Infrastructure Planning City of Toronto in regard to the Gardiner Expressway Environmental Assessment East of 427, dated January 14, 2012. THAT the above item be referred to the Planning & Policy team. CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Etobicoke Waterfront Stormwater Management Facilities Study Municipal Class Environmental Assessment This is an opportunity for Coalition members to be involved in the Environmental Assessment process to advocate the opportunity to improve water quality. RES. #H1/12 Information Items Moved by: Brian Bailey Seconded by: Marilyn Hagerman 16, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #1/12 H16 THAT the above item be referred to the Planning & Policy team and a letter be sent to the City. CARRIED Seedy Saturday Event — Saturday February 25, 2012 An event sponsored by Seeds of Diversity is being held in Mississauga on Saturday February 25, 2012 for inspiring gardeners. Workshops will be held throughout the day. 1".11riQPL111 [U 0 ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:58 p.m. on February 16, 2012. Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management /ap Brian Denney CAO /Secretary- Treasurer k` 4VTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE- MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #2/12 H17 May 24, 2012 ............................... Member The Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on May 24, 2012. Suzanne Barrett, Chair of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ............................... Member PRESENT ............................... Member BrianBailey ..................................................................................... ............................... Member SuzanneBarrett .......................................................... ............................... ..........................Chair CleveBattick ................................................................................... ............................... Member DennisBradley ............................................................................... ............................... Member JohnCary ....................................................................................... ............................... Member EddieColacchio ............................................................................. ............................... Member AdamDeSouza ............................................................................... ............................... Member JonGee .......................................................................................... ............................... Member Marilyn Hagerman ........................................................................... ............................... Member Irene Jones .............................................................. ............................... ..................... Vice -Chair Susan Jorgenson ........................................................................... ............................... Member JimLaird ......................................................................................... ............................... Member JRLeo ............................................................................................. ............................... Member RandyMcGill ................................................................................... ............................... Member ChrisMcGlynn ................................................................................ ............................... Member DougMcRonney ............................................................................. ............................... Member Joe Silva (on behalf of Boris Swedak) ............................................ ............................... Member RudyWiens ..................................................................................... ............................... Member STAFF Gail Anderson ....................................................................... ............................... Region of Peel ReneeAfoom- Boateng ............................................. ............................... ...........................TRCA CindyBarr ................................................................ ............................... ...........................TRCA VinceD'Elia .............................................................. ............................... ...........................TRCA Scott Laver ............................................................................ ............................... City of Toronto BrianMoyle ......................................................................................... ............................... TRCA Alexandra Papaiconomou ........................................ ............................... ...........................TRCA JoannaParsons ........................................................ ............................... ...........................TRCA ChandraSharma ...................................................... ............................... ...........................TRCA REGRETS DeboraBielecki .............................................................................. ............................... Member AngelaBrooks ................................................................................. ............................... Member LaurelBroten ................................................................................... ............................... Member MarilynCampbell ............................................................................ ............................... Member OwenRussell ................................................................................. ............................... Member JaniceEtter .................................................................................... ............................... Member GlenGumulka ................................................................................ ............................... Member 24, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #2/12 H18 MichaelGusche .............................................................................. ............................... Member Rosemary Keenan (on behalf of Bruce Haines) .............................. ............................... Member SteveMcElroy ................................................................................. ............................... Member PeterMilczyn ................................................................................... ............................... Member BobNoble ....................................................................................... ............................... Member LeoO'Brien ..................................................................................... ............................... Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor ....................................................................... ............................... Member OwenRussell ................................................................................. ............................... Member Natalie Salkauskis .......................................................................... ............................... Member MarkTaylor .................................................................................... ............................... Member AllanThompson ............................................................................. ............................... Member RES. #H1 /12 Minutes Moved by: Jim Laird Seconded by: Cleve Battick THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1112, held on February 16, 2012, be approved. CARRIED RES. #2/12 PRESENTATION: City of Toronto Natural Etobicoke — Mimico Trails Program Moved by: Irene Jones Seconded by: Chris McGlynn Scott Laver outlined the City of Toronto Natural Environment Trails Program. With over 300 kilometres of natural trails within the City of Toronto, the City has undertaken to map, plan, restore and erect signage for the trail users. The program has been successful and is well used by cyclists, hikers and dog walkers. THAT the presentation by Scott Laver, Natural Environment Specialist, City of Toronto be received; AND FURTHER THAT Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition members provide input on the Natural Environment Trails Program. CARRIED RES. #3/12 CreekTime E- Newsletter Moved by: Jim Laird Seconded by: Cleve Battick THAT members of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition and respective Project Teams be encouraged to contribute content, images and stories about their nature experiences in the Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds to the monthly e- newsletter by submitting articles; 24, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #2/12 H19 THAT members of the Coalition share CreekTime e- newsletter to their various networks; THAT a copy of this report be circulated to the Project Teams for their consideration; AND FURTHER THAT staff forward a link of CreekTime to Councillors, Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament in the Etobicoke and Mimico watershed requesting that they promote the E- Newsletter through their networks. Background February 2011 marked the launch of Etobicoke - Mimico's monthly online newsletter — CreekTime. The electronic newsletter provides articles based on a theme as well as updates on activities in the watershed. Staff reviewed the progress in March 2012 (one year review) and decided that a quarterly newsletter focused on themes pertaining to a particular season would allow for a more meaningful newsletter. Effective for spring 2012, CreekTime will become a quarterly e- newsletter. Coalition and project team members are encouraged to submit articles of their experience in the Etobicoke - Mimico watersheds. As of date, the following articles have been written by: • Marilyn Campbell (Coalition Member), Water Week, March 2012 • Michael Bielecki (Lower Mimico Member), Fore! Take a Swing at Protecting the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks, January 2012 • Dennis Bradley (Coalition Member), The Power of Solar at Islington United Church, December 2011 • Janette Harvey (Staff Liaison), Natural Environment Specialist, September 2011 • Janette Harvey (Staff Liaison), Invasive Species Profile: Giant Hogweed, September 2011 • Marilyn Hagerman & Dennis Bradley (Coalition Members), Green Awakening, July 2011 • Bob Noble (Coalition Member), Herons Return to Heart Lake, June 2011 • Marilyn Campbell (Coalition Member), East Meets West: Mimico Waterfront Linear Park to Meet the Martin Goodman Trail, June 2011 • Jim Mackiewicz (Lower Mimico Member), Bird Migration in Etobicoke Creek Watershed, May 2011 • Andrea Luksts (Heart Lake Secondary School Teacher), Heart Lake Secondary School Goes Solar!, March 2011 • Erik Christensen (MCI Student), A New Course: A New Experience, February 2011 Staff thanks everyone noted above for their contribution to CreekTime. 24, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #2/12 H2O If you are interested in submitting an article, kindly send to Joanna Parsons by email at jparsons @trca.on.ca. CARRIED RES. #4/12 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Meeting #4/12 Moved by: Chris McGlynn Seconded by: Doug McRonney THAT Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Meeting #4/12 be changed to Thursday November 22, 2012. CARRIED RES. #5/12 Project Team Updates Moved by: Irene Jones Seconded by: Dennis Bradley To provide Project Team Updates to Coalition members. THAT the following Project Team verbal updates and minutes be received for information: • Chair's Committee; • Planning and Policy Team; • Communications Team; • Brampton Etobicoke Creek Team; • Lower Etobicoke Creek Team; • Lower Mimico Creek Team; • Charity Golf Tournament; AND FURTHER THAT Project Team updates be brought back to the Etobicoke- Mimico Watersheds Coalition. 6.1 Chair's Committee Chair's Committee met to finalize the agenda items for the May 24, 2012 Coalition Meeting. 6.2 Planning & Policy Team met May 3, 2012 and had a presentation with Steven Shins regarding the Gardiner Expressway. Mr. Shins promised feedback around the issues of storm water management. Concern was expressed regarding the development around the lower Mimico Creek. Vince D'Elia is working on a database of development projects within the watersheds and is hoping to present it at a meeting of the Planning and Policy Team. In regards to the Sherway Trail, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is waiting on final information from the Ministry of Transportation. 24, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #2/12 H21 Concern was expressed about the erosion on the creek bank at the Woodbine Golf Club. Chandra Sharma promised a site visit to see if TRCA can assess the problem and offer solutions. 6.3 Communications & Marketing Team Joanna Parsons will continue to work on the Conservation Network website. Next project will be the writing of trail guides for different areas in the watershed. 6.4 Brampton Etobicoke Creek The Brampton Etobicoke Creek group has had the following successful events: • Community event which highlighted the teachings of an aboriginal elder; • Buckthorn eradication day at Heart Lake Conservation Area; • Bird watching hike; and • Spring Creek channel naturalization project and community survey. 6.5 Lower Etobicoke Team The Lower Etobicoke Team has been working on the following projects: • Garlic mustard pull; • Charity golf tournament; • Bird festival in Sam Smith Park; • Facilitating the Sherway Trail connection; and • Applewood SNAP. 6.6 Lower Mimico Team The Lower Mimico Team met with Vince D'Elia, Jannette Harvey and Fleming College students on March 27, 2012 reported on improvements including plantings, building bird boxes, and closing off areas from off -road vehicles. Success of the Heart Lake Ecology Monitoring program has led to the City of Brampton cleaning out culvers and erecting fencing to facilitate safe movement of wildlife across the Heart Lake Road. 7.1 Report on the Golf Tournament was made by Sonia Kurmey. Sonia Kurmey, a resident of Heathercrest, was the chair of the charity golf tournament planning committee. The golf tournament was hosted May 10, 2012. There were 52 golfers, 20 dinner guests for a total of 72 participants. Preliminary results show that $2,500 was raised. CARRIED 24, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #2/12 H22 TRAINING Erosion Sediment Control on Construction Sites Brian Moyle, Manager, Enforcement and Compliance, Planning & Development, TRCA Overview of the common measures used, legislation and impacts, sediment topography, construction activities and initiatives TRCA is involved in. A copy of the presentation will be circulated to members. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 7:40 p.m. on May 24, 2012. Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management /cb Brian Denney CAO /Secretary- Treasurer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY INDEX TO MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE - MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #3/12 September 20, 2012 Page Charity Golf Wrap Up Report and 2013 Fundraising H25 City Of Brampton — Current Environmental Initiatives H24 Conservation Network H26 Kennedy Valley Trail and Restoration Project H26 Meeting Minutes #2/12, held on May 24, 2012 H24 New Business H28 Presentation — Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee H24 Project Team Updates H27 Toronto and Region �i Conservation for The Living City- MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE- MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #3/12 H23 September 20, 2012 The Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on September 20, 2012. Suzanne Barrett, Chair of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. =1114.111 BrianBailey ..................................................................................... ............................... Member SuzanneBarrett .................................................................................... ............................... Chair DeboraBielecki .............................................................................. ............................... Member DennisBradley ............................................................................... ............................... Member JohnCary ....................................................................................... ............................... Member EddieColacchio ............................................................................. ............................... Member AdamDeSouza ............................................................................... ............................... Member JaniceEtter .................................................................................... ............................... Member JonGee .......................................................................................... ............................... Member Susan Jorgenson ........................................................................... ............................... Member Rosemary Keenan (on behalf of Bruce Haines) .............................. ............................... Member JimLaird ......................................................................................... ............................... Member SteveMcElroy ................................................................................. ............................... Member ChrisMcGlynn ................................................................................ ............................... Member Doug McRonney ............................................................................. ............................... Member BobNoble ....................................................................................... ............................... Member LeoO'Brien ..................................................................................... ............................... Member KimSellers .................................................................... ............................... Member Joe Silva (on behalf of Boris Swedak) ............................................ ............................... Member MarkTaylor .................................................................................... ............................... Member AllanThompson .............................................................. ............................... Member RudyWiens ..................................................................................... ............................... Member STAFF CindyBarr ................................................................ ............................... ...........................TRCA VinceD'Elia .............................................................. ............................... ...........................TRCA Jannette Harvey ..................................................... ............................... City of Toronto ChrisMoore ...................................................................... ............................... TRCA JoannaParsons ........................................................ ............................... ...........................TRCA ChandraSharma ...................................................... ............................... ...........................TRCA REGRETS Gail Anderson ....................................................................... ............................... Region of Peel CleveBattick ................................................................................... ............................... Member AngelaBrooks ................................................................................. ............................... Member LaurelBroten ................................................................................... ............................... Member MarilynCampbell ............................................................................ ............................... Member Marilyn Hagerman ........................................................................... ............................... Member IreneJones .............................................................. ............................... .....................Vice -Chair OwenRussell ................................................................................. ............................... Member 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H24 GlenGumulka ................................................................................ ............................... Member MichaelGusche .............................................................................. ............................... Member RandyMcGill ................................................................................... ............................... Member PeterMilczyn ................................................................................... ............................... Member GerriLynn O'Connor ....................................................................... ............................... Member OwenRussell ................................................................................. ............................... Member Natalie Salkauskis .......................................................................... ............................... Member RES. #6/12 Minutes Moved by: Jim Laird Seconded by: Deborah Bielecki THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/12, held on May 24, 2012, be approved. CARRIED RES. #7/12 PRESENTATION: Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee Moved by: Rosemary Keenan Seconded by: Doug McRonney RECOMMENDATION THAT the presentation by Janet Horner, Executive Director, Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee be received. CARRIED The GTA is home to the second largest food processing cluster in North America. Combined with the approximately one million acres of farmland in the Golden Horseshoe, which includes the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara and the Holland Marsh, the area is one of the foremost food and farming clusters in the world. Over the coming months and years, the GTA AAC will continue to work with the newly created Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance to implement the Action Plan. September 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H25 RES. #8/12 CITY OF BRAMPTON — CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Moved by: Leo O'Brien Seconded by: Adam DeSouza THAT the report regarding the City of Brampton current environmental initiatives be received for information by the Coalition; AND FURTHER THAT the Coalition continue to provide input and support the efforts of the Brampton Environmental Planning Advisory Committee. CARRIED Current strategic projects that are underway and that will be seeking stakeholder or community input include: Brampton Grow Green: Brampton's vision as a sustainability leader in areas of municipal responsibility related to public health and safety, corporate operations and services, community planning and services, and environmental protection and conservation. Sustainable Community Design Guidelines (SCDG), Phase 1 — will guide the planning and design of sustainable developments at a range of scales from Secondary Plan Areas to large scale community plans (Block Plans or Tertiary and neighbourhood plans) to site plans. SCDG, Phase 2, Measuring the Sustainability of Development — partnering with the City of Vaughan and Town of Richmond Hill, this phase focuses on the preparation of sustainability metrics (i.e., quantitative performance targets that new development applications will be reviewed against as part of the planning process) that quantify, where appropriate, the qualitative principles outlined in the SCDGs. Stormwater Management Retrofit & Enhancement Study — Planning, Design & Development Committee and Works & Transportation departments are preparing a city- wide strategy for retrofitting the City's existing stormwater management facilities and development lands. The study is to identify opportunities to meet Provincial water quality targets as set out by Provincial policies and guidelines, and explore opportunities to work towards achieving a zero increase in mass loadings of contaminants of concern. Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strategy (NHEMS) - will define a comprehensive environmental management framework to provide corporate, stakeholder and community direction by identifying goals, objectives and short, medium and long term actions to protect, manage and monitor the City's Natural Heritage and Open Space Systems, Urban Forest and Green Infrastructure. September 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H26 RES. #9/12 Charity Golf Wrap Up Report and 2013 Fundraising Moved by: Chris McGlynn Seconded by: Kim Sellers RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the staff report on the 2012 Etobicoke and Mimico Charity Golf Event be received for Coalition input and support; THAT the organizing committee for the 2012 Etobicoke and Mimico Charity Golf Tournament be thanked for hosting a successful event; THAT the members of the Coalition assist with identifying a signature fundraising event for the Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds; AND FURTHER THAT four members of the Coalition volunteer to participate on the planning committee for the 2013 fundraising event. MOVING FORWARD Community engagement and awareness through watershed events is an important goal of TRCA's watershed groups. Signature events hosted in other watersheds include Manulife Paddle the Don (Don Watershed), Sunny Days Dinner and Auction (Duffins and Carruthers Watershed) and Rouge Days (Rouge Watershed). The objective for the Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds is to have an event that appeals to the many people who work, play and /or live in the watersheds who have different interests and backgrounds. As part of any event, the goal is to increase TRCA's presence within the local community and to raise much needed funds to support watershed stewardship programs and restoration projects. To achieve these objectives, and to initiate timely planning for a future event, staff presented three options for Coalition's consideration and after a vote it was clear that: Option #2: Dragon Boat Festival For over a year, staff have investigated hosting a Dragon Boat Festival at Heart Lake Conservation Area as a viable way to raise money to support the work in the watersheds. Parks and Culture department at TRCA hosted a dragon boat festival seven years ago at Heart Lake CA sharing proceeds with Heart and Stroke Foundation. Following a preliminary site visit last fall, Heart Lake was determined to be the ideal location to host such an event. Currently there is no non - competitive dragon boat festivals organized within the Region of Peel. An event management company would be retained to help with logistics of the day including course set up and take down, as well as providing the equipment and staff to run the event day. An entry fee per team would cover the costs associated with hiring the external company. Teams would be required to raise a set amount by the participants in the boat that could range between $50 - 60 (for example $1200/20 participants be $60 /participant). The event would be held in the fall. 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H27 The following members volunteered to sit on the organizing committee of this event: Adam DeSouza Rosemary Keenan Chris McGlynn Bob Noble Leo O'Brien Mark Taylor The Etobicoke - Mimico Coalition will solicit more ideas for fund raising. CARRIED RES. #10/12 Conservation Network Moved by: Allan Thompson Seconded by: Steve McElroy RECOMMENDATION THAT the staff report and presentation on the Conservation Network, be received; THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition provide input on the Conservation Network; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Coalition and project teams be encouraged to join the Conservation Network and help promote within their own networks. CARRIED RES111/12 Kennedy Valley Trail and Restoration Project Moved by: Bob Noble Seconded by: Brian Bailey RECOMMENDATION: THAT the staff report on the Kennedy Valley Trail and Restoration Project be received; THAT the City of Brampton be thanked for their partnership to address the all - terrain vehicle issues in the Etobicoke Creek valley at Kennedy Park and for the commitment to financially contribute towards the development of the West Etobicoke Creek Trail link from the Brampton — Mississauga boundary to Kennedy Valley Park; AND FURTHER THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition chair request the City of Brampton to expedite the approvals for the trail and transfer of funds to the 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H28 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to ensure timely implementation of the trail and restoration work. CARRIED RES. #11/12 Project Team Updates Moved by: Irene Jones Seconded by: Dennis Bradley To provide Project Team Updates to Coalition members. THAT the following Project Team verbal updates and minutes be received for information: • Chair's Committee; • Planning and Policy Team; • Communications Team; • Brampton Etobicoke Creek Team; • Lower Etobicoke Creek Team; • Lower Mimico Creek Team; AND FURTHER THAT Project Team updates be brought back to the Etobicoke- Mimico Watersheds Coalition. 7.1 Chair's Committee Chair's Committee met to finalize the agenda items for the September 6, 2012 Coalition Meeting. 7.2 Planning & Policy Team supported the letters to the Premier of Ontario and the Prime Minister of Canada regarding Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures) and Bill C -38. 7.3 Communications & Marketing Team Team met to see the beta version of the Conservation Network website. 7.4 Brampton Etobicoke Creek The Brampton Etobicoke Creek group has no new items. An invitation to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. 7.5 Green Site Team The Lower Etobicoke Team has been working on the following projects: • Working on permeable parking lots with University of Toronto students; • Fall planting with Partners in Project Green members and Credit Valley Conservation; and • Working with Credit Valley Conservation on Greening Corporate Grounds. 7.6 Lower Etobicoke Team No update available at this time. A webinar meeting will be held on September 26, 2012. 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 7.7 Lower Mimico Team H29 No update available at this time. A webinar meeting will be held on September 25, 2012. CARRIED RES. #12112 New Business 1. Natural Trails — Adam DeSouza attend the City of Toronto Natural Trails meeting. City staff are in the process of mapping and collecting data on people using the trails and are soliciting input. It was suggested that the information be passed on to the South Mimico and South Etobicoke Teams. 2. Waterloo Students — a member of the Coalition has observed University of Waterloo students measuring flows of the creeks after rain events. Chandra will look into it and report back to the Coalition. 3. Bill C -38 — Steve McElroy asked about the changes to Environmental Assessments. Chandra Sharma will check with the government about the deadlines attached to these. 4. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Lyme Disease Report — Allan Thompson asked if it would be prudent to send this report on to the Health Units of Peel Region, City of Toronto, York Region and Durham Region. Chandra Sharma said she would check with members of the TRCA to see if this had happened already. 5. Move! Transportation Expo — Kim Sellers handed out postcards with the information for this expo. More can be found at http: / /ebw.evergreen.ca /move /. 6. Sierra Appeal — Rosemary Keenan asked if the Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed team would be interested in organizing a tree planting event with Sierra. Vince D'Elia and Joanna will follow up. 7. Emerald Ash Borer — John Cary asked what the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority were doing about the possibility of a huge loss of trees due to the emerald ash borer. Vince D'Elia will update the Coalition at a future meeting. 8. Marie Curtis Park — Jannette Harvey gave information about the forest restoration and invasive species control in the park. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 7:40 p.m. on May 24, 2012. Adele Freeman Brian Denney Director, Watershed Management CAO /Secretary- Treasurer 20, 2012 Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition #4/12 H30 /cb THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY INDEX TO MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE - MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #3/12 December 13, 2012 Page Draft Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Report Cards H32 Meeting Minutes #3/12, held on September 20, 2012 H31 New Business H35 Partners in Project Green People Power Challenge H33 Presentation — Peel Spills Response and Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition 2010 - 2012 Accomplishments H31 Project Team Updates H33 Toronto and Region �i Conservation for The Living City- MINUTES OF THE ETOBICOKE - MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION #4/12 H30 December 13, 2012 The Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on December 13, 2012. Suzanne Barrett, Chair of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. SuzanneBarrett .......................................................... ............................... ..........................Chair CleveBattick ................................................................................... ............................... Member DennisBradley ............................................................................... ............................... Member EddieColacchio ............................................................................. ............................... Member AdamDeSouza ............................................................................... ............................... Member Irene Jones .............................................................. ............................... ..................... Vice -Chair Rosemary Keenan ......................................................................... ............................... Member ChrisMcGlynn ................................................................................ ............................... Member RandyMcGill ................................................................................... ............................... Member DougMcRonney ............................................................................. ............................... Member PeterMilczyn ................................................................................... ............................... Member BobNoble ....................................................................................... ............................... Member LeoO'Brien ..................................................................................... ............................... Member KimSellers .................................................................... ............................... Member JoeSilva ........................................................................................ ............................... Member MarkTaylor .................................................................................... ............................... Member RudyWiens ..................................................................................... ............................... Member X41092 CindyBarr ............................................................................................... ...........................TRCA CaseyCook ............................................................................................. ...........................TRCA VinceD'Elia ............................................................................................. ...........................TRCA Jannette Harvey ..................................................... ............................... City of Toronto JoannaParsons ....................................................................................... ...........................TRCA ChandraSharma ..................................................................................... ...........................TRCA REGRETS GailAnderson ....................................................................... ............................... Region of Peel BrianBailey ..................................................................................... ............................... Member DeboraBielecki .............................................................................. ............................... Member AngelaBrooks ................................................................................. ............................... Member LaurelBroten ................................................................................... ............................... Member MarilynCampbell ............................................................................ ............................... Member JohnCary ....................................................................................... ............................... Member JaniceEtter .................................................................................... ............................... Member JonGee .......................................................................................... ............................... Member MarilynHagerman ........................................................................... ............................... Member MarkHead ...................................................................................... ............................... Member Susan Jorgenson ........................................................................... ............................... Member GlenGumulka ................................................................................ ............................... Member H31 MichaelGusche .............................................................................. ............................... Member JimLaird ......................................................................................... ............................... Member TimManley ..................................................................................... ............................... Member SteveMcElroy ................................................................................ ............................... Member AndreaMcLeod .............................................................................. ............................... Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor ....................................................................... ............................... Member OwenRussell ................................................................................. ............................... Member Natalie Salkauskis .......................................................................... ............................... Member JessicaSkup .................................................................................. ............................... Member BorisSwedak ................................................................................. ............................... Member AllanThompson ......................................._...... .............................................. Member RES. #13112 Minutes Moved by: Bob Noble Seconded by: Cleve Battick THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/12, held on September 20, 2012, be approved. CARRIED RES. #14/12 PRESENTATION: Peel Spills Response Moved by: Rosemary Keenan Seconded by: Doug McRonney THAT the presentation by Deborah Bayne and Craig Noble, of Angus GeoSolutions Inc. (AGSI) be received. CARRIED In 2006, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) completed an assessment of chemical and oil spills in the Greater Toronto Area. This assessment showed the Mimico and Etobicoke Creeks, both within the Pearson Eco- Business Zone, were prone to spills. To begin dealing with the issue, TRCA has partnered with the Region of Peel on the development of a web -based spill response system. The proposed web -based tool would allow staff to determine a spill's destination, or trace where a spill may have originated, utilizing sewer and topography data modelled in a web -based system. Tracing Spills - the proposed system will allow first responders to locate, track and intercept spills. As opposed to the current system for responding to spills, which involves a combination of paper and digital maps, along with employee knowledge, the proposed web -based system could take the guess work out of responding to spills by identifying quickly the spill's direction so responders can contain it before it enters the creek. H32 Likewise, by tracing the potential sources of a spill, the proposed web -based system could also assist responders narrowing where a spill originated. Overall, the goal of the system is to speed up response times and improve the health of local streams. Development of the tool began in the fall of 2007 with the generous financial support of the Region of Peel and a $225,000 grant from GeoConnections Canada. The system is proposed to be operational in early 2013. RES. #14/12 PRESENTATION: Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition 2010 - 2012 Accomplishments THAT the presentation by Joanna Parsons, Casey Cook and Vince D'Elia be received. Moved by: Chris McGlynn Seconded by: Doug McRonney CARRIED RES. #15/12 DRAFT ETOBICOKE - MIMICO WATERSHEDS REPORT CARDS THAT the draft Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds Report Card be received for information and input; AND FURTHER THAT the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition provide comments to staff regarding the draft Humber Watershed Report Card by December 21, 2012. Moved by: Chris McGlynn Seconded by: Doug McRonney CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2009, Conservation Ontario led a review of Ontario watershed report cards in consultation with all thirty six conservation authorities. The findings of this review revealed inconsistencies in the way that conservation authorities were collecting, analyzing and reporting local technical data; thus, preventing a broader application of this important information. At the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition Meeting #4/11 it was presented that Conservation Ontario had finalized a standardized set of indicators and an evaluation framework for watershed report cards. These were to be used by all conservation authorities to improve consistency and broader use of information. Conservation authorities were provided with a design template (attached) to present the report cards which reinforce many of the important messaging and visuals that are common and unique to all conservation authorities. The new guidelines by Conservation Ontario prescribe H33 • timing, frequency and release of report card; • indicators; • grading; and • communication products and branding. Moving forward, the next round of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) watershed report cards will follow the guidelines prescribed by Conservation Ontario. Report Cards will be prepared for all nine watersheds (Etobicoke, Mimico, Humber, Don, Rouge, Highland, Petticoat, Duffins and Carruthers), including the waterfront, and are scheduled to be completed along with all of the other conservation authority report cards. TRCA will continue to produce watershed report cards every five years with possible watershed updates produced in the interim. RES. #16/12 PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN PEOPLE POWER CHALLENGE Moved by: Irene Jones Seconded by: Kim Sellers THAT the Partners in Project Green People Power Challenge program details be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition members promote the People Power Challenge among their networks. BACKGROUND Building on the success of the 2011/2012 People Power Challenge, TRCA staff have re- launched the program for the 2012/2013 year. This year long competition is designed to engage employees in organizational sustainability by encouraging them to submit suggestions, make pledges for environmental action, and get involved in environmental campaigns. To register, please visit: www. partnersinprojectgreen .com /ppc20l3 Ca173IC7 RES. #17/12 Project Team Updates Moved by: Irene Jones Seconded by: Randy McGill To provide Project Team Updates to Coalition members. THAT the following Project Team verbal updates and minutes be received for information: • Chair's Committee; • Planning and Policy Team; Ian Communications Team; c Brampton Etobicoke Creek Team; o Lower Etobicoke Creek Team; c Lower Mimico Creek Team; AND FURTHER THAT Project Team updates be brought back to the Etobicoke- Mimico Watersheds Coalition. 8.1 Chair's Committee Chair's Committee met to finalize the agenda items for the November 22, 2012 Coalition Meeting. 8.2 Planning & Policy Team There was a request that members attend the public Consultation Sessions in regard to MMAH Glenorchy Lands & Urban River Valleys Growing the Greenbelt protection by January 4, 2013. Sierra Club of Peel Region informed the Coalition that they will be making a formal submission and a copy of their report will be share with the Coalition. . 8.3 Communications & Marketing Team Team announced that the Conservation Network website would be launched in 2013. 8.4 Brampton Etobicoke Creek Held an October 2012 meeting and discussed the results of the road monitoring and possible mitigation plans. Heart Lake meadow underwent extensive restoration during the summer of 2012. Spring Creek Channel study staff update was provided. 8.5 Green Site Team The Lower Etobicoke Team has been working on the following projects: • Moving forward on two permeable parking lots; • Fall planting with Partners in Project Green members and Credit Valley Conservation was attended by 230 people and planted 500 trees and shrubs; and • TD planting had 300 people attend. 8.6 Lower Etobicoke Team Heathercrest planting had 68 people attend and 678 trees and shrubs were planted. 8.7 Lower Mimico Team No update available at this time. 8.8 Dragon Boat Festival The organizing team met. There have been two responses to the Request for Proposal. The internal review of these proposals is now in process. The Living City Foundation is on board and have suggested that the event actively seek UP sponsorship. Joanna Parsons met with TRCA Marketing and has come with several possible logos. The hope is to have 20 to 24 teams (30 teams is the top number). The date of the event is September 14, 2013. CARRIED RES. #18/12 New Business 1. Coyote — Human Interaction within the watersheds — There has been several incidents of coyote -human interactions within the watersheds. The City of Brampton has installed signage in an effort to educate hikers of the possibility of sighting coyotes. Chandra Sharma will communicate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and TRCA staff to arrange for a public information session for area residents. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:40 p.m. on December 13, 2012. Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management /cb Brian Denney CAO /Secretary- Treasurer