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Home My WebLink AboutHumber Watershed Alliance 201346k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 Page G1 April 16, 2013 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Maria Augimeri ............................ ............................... Member Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member Mark Chambers ........................... ............................... Member lainCraig ................................ ............................... Member Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member Ron Hingston ............................. ............................... Member Michael Hoy .............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Marilyn lafrate . ........................... ............................... Member Barblmrie . .............................. ............................... Member Marisa Jokelainen ......................... ............................... Member Sam Keenan ............................. ............................... Member Annette Maher ............................ ............................... Member Lisette Mallet ............................. ............................... Member Volker Masemann ......................... ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Roy Murray ............................... ............................... Member EricMysak ............................... ............................... Member Gerri Lynn O' Connor ................... ............................... Chair, TRCA Emily Pennington .......................... ............................... Member Debbie Schaefer .......................... ............................... Member Deb Schulte .............................. ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Matthew Smith ............................ ............................... Member Rolande Smith ............................ ............................... Member Katie Stammler ............................ ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Petra van Limburg- Meijer . .................. ............................... Member Matthew Volpintesta ...................................................... Member G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 April 16. 2013 Barry Westhead ........................... ............................... Member Dawit Worku .............................. ............................... Member GUESTS ............................... Staff Secretariat Christian Bode ........... ............................... Societe d'Histoire de Toronto Peter Mitchell ............ ............................... Toronto Food Policy Council Janet Wong ............. ............................... Regional Municipality of Peel STAFF Gaspar Horvath ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Lana Phan ......................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Lisa Turnbull . ............................. Project Manager, Project Management Office Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Gary Wilkins ............ ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber WELCOMING REMARKS Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair of Toronto and Region Conservation, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their commitment and interest in participating on the Humber Watershed Alliance. PRESENTATION (a) The Warriors' Raid - Brule- Wendats 1615 -2015, 4001" Anniversary event Christian Bode, Vice - President of Societe d'Histoire de Toronto made a presentation on this 2015 event now in its planning stages. The event will celebrate the 400" anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's presence in Ontario. Members found the presentation to be very informative and requested that the presentation be circulated to them through TRCA. CORRESPONDENCE (a) Magazine article from "Municipal World - March 2013" titled, Living Landmarks: Designating Heritage Trees RES. #Gi/13 Moved by: Deb Schulte Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the above correspondence be received ............................ CARRIED 16. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 G3 RES. #G2/13- TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE: 2013 -2015 To introduce members to the Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance. Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Rolande Smith THAT the Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance 2013 -2015, dated November, 2012, be received ........... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND On December 20, 1997, the Authority approved the Humber Watershed Management Strategy and companion document titled: Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber and A Call to Action - Implementing Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber. Objective 25 of Legacy states: "Create a Humber Watershed Alliance to facilitate implementation of the Humber Watershed Strategy. Model the Alliance after the Humber Watershed Task Force, with representation from residents, interest groups, agencies and elected officials." In December, 1997, the Authority adopted resolution #A98/97 establishing the goals, membership, organization and terms of reference for the first Humber Watershed Alliance. Since 1997, the Humber Watershed Alliance has completed five terms. Their general mandate is to respond to the Humber Challenge (below) and follow the guiding principles set out in Legacy. The same guiding framework is in the updated watershed management plan titled Pathways to a Healthy Humber. Humber Challenge: To protect and enhance the Humber River watershed as a vital and healthy ecosystem where we live, work and play in harmony with the natural environment. During the previous terms of the Alliance, significant accomplishments were made including: • The designation of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River; • Publication of "Crossing the Humber" - the Heritage Bridge Inventory; • Development of urban agricultural initiatives on TRCA lands; • Publication of a book to celebrate the Canadian Heritage Rivers designation; • Development of two Report Cards which examine the health of the Humber River watershed; • Construction of fishways to restore migratory fish populations; • Construction of pedestrian trails and bridges; • Habitat restoration including reforestation and wetland creation; • Community events to celebrate accomplishments and acknowledge partners; • Heritage appreciation through hikes, monuments and building restoration; and G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 April 16, 2013 • Promotional materials such as brochures, posters and e- bulletins. The Terms of Reference for our watershed subcommittees have proven to be a valuable mechanism to convey to the watershed subcommittee members and potential members the purpose of the subcommittees and the expectations of TRCA. At the end of each term, the Terms of Reference are reviewed by staff, following consultation with the watershed subcommittees and others, to refine the Terms of Reference for the next time period. The following changes have been incorporated in the attached Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance: • The Terms of Reference are valid for three years (2013- 2015). At the end of the second year, membership may be renewed for one year, as approved by the Authority. • Alignment with TRCA's vision for The Living City and strategic plan, including the importance of climate change mitigation and adaption as important elements of watershed management, and the promotion of sustainable communities and a culture of conservation (e.g. energy and water conservation, near urban agriculture). • The transition from individual watershed report cards to the development of The Living City Report Card, which will address jurisdiction -wide issues as well as individual watershed indicators and targets. • Potential to provide a number of forums /opportunities for the members to work collaboratively with members of other watershed subcommittees, agencies or groups regarding TRCA jurisdiction -wide issues. FUTURE BENEFITS The Humber Watershed Alliance will benefit the TRCA by assisting with the following actions: • maintaining and enhancing contacts within the community regarding watershed management issues; • building capacity within the general community to deliver watershed management products and services; • advocating the values of the Humber River watershed; • providing a framework for meaningful community involvement in watershed management; • acting as a united voice for addressing issues relevant to the municipal, provincial and federal governments; • providing leadership in watershed management; • contributing a level of service that addresses regional needs and opportunities; • supporting the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto and the delivery of the Living City Campaign. 16. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 FINANCIAL DETAILS G5 The development and implementation of watershed strategies is a core deliverable of the TRCA. Funding support is available from TRCA's capital and operating budgets and from the Conservation Foundation through the Living City Campaign. Staff and the Alliance members will seek additional funds from external sources to support the work of the Humber Watershed Alliance. RES. #G3/13- SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Establishing the subcommittee structure of the Humber Watershed Alliance. Moved by: Deb Schulte Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the following proposed subcommittee structure for the Humber Watershed Alliance, 2013 -2015, be adopted ........ ............................... CARRIED Claireville Subcommittee The Claireville Subcommittee will assist TRCA with the planning and implementation of activities that are consistent with the goals, objectives, policies and guidelines of the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan. The Claireville Subcommittee will: (a) Assist with the development and implementation of specific environmental restoration, heritage and public use activities including, but not limited to, the following activities: • Natural heritage management (ie. habitat restoration, reforestation, wetland enhancement); • Public access and parking; • Siting and installation of pedestrian trails; • Property maintenance including fencing and litter clean up; • Organization of a fishing derby event; • Interpretive signage. (b) Promote and assist with the establishment of partnerships that will advance the implementation of the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan and improve the health of the Humber River Watershed; (c) Foster communication and education on Claireville Conservation Area issues, projects and initiatives through public meetings, workshops, displays, publications and community -based special events; (d) Assist in obtaining financial and in -kind resources to implement natural heritage, human heritage and public use projects; G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 April 16. 2013 (e) Assist with monitoring activities to determine: • The effectiveness of habitat management activities; • Information on flora and fauna; • Public use impacts; • Future management requirements. Heritage Subcommittee Members of this subcommittee may be involved in the following projects: • Plan and implement cultural and heritage initiatives to complement the Canadian Heritage Rivers designation for the Humber; • Assist in the organization of events celebrating the Humber's designation as a Canadian Heritage River; • Assist with the planning and implementation of heritage - themed interpretative trails /guided walks; • Assist in the creation and data input for a web -based inventory of significant heritage buildings on TRCA land. Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee Members of this subcommittee may be involved in the following initiatives: • The Living City Farm at Kortright. Assist with establishing, operating and event planning; • Participate in planning First Nations Centre; • Humber Tourism Trail; • Assist in planning a trail from Boyd Park to Pine Grove; • Maintain the information boxes at the William Granger Greenway. Nashville Management Plan Subcommittee Members of this subcommittee may be involved in the following initiatives: • Assist with the identification of outstanding project issues and suggest appropriate ways of resolving them; • Provide background and monitoring information; • Ensure that appropriate staff and members at their respective municipality /agency /association are adequately informed; • Provide comments, advice and suggestions throughout the development of the plan; • Assist with plan implementation. 16. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 G7 Oak Ridges Corridor Park Subcommittee Members of this subcommittee may be involved in the following initiatives: • Establish subcommittees to guide activities (ie. financial /fundraising, education /outreach, built heritage, restoration, monitoring, trails), as required; • Assist with the development of an educational and community outreach program in conjunction with the Town of Richmond Hill; • Assist with securing heritage structures and investigate their future use and maintenance requirement; • Assist with the development and implementation of habitat restoration and community - based monitoring activities; • Seek funding to support the implementation of the management plan. Lower Humber Subcommittee Members of this subcommittee may be involved in the following initiatives: • Assist with amphibian and reptile monitoring and reporting; • Develop and implement community -based events that protect /restore natural and cultural heritage and celebrate the accomplishments of partnership projects; • Work with the Don, Etobicoke - Mimico watershed groups on projects of common interest in the City of Toronto; • Provide community -based input to large planning projects such as environmental assessments; • Prepare regular articles on Lower Humber activities for inclusion in the Humber Advocate newsletter; • Assist with the development and implementation of community action sites (Mt. Dennis/Weston) and Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plans in the Jane and Finch community. G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 April 16. 2013 BACKGROUND The approved Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated November, 2012, states that: • The Humber Watershed Alliance will undertake its work through the active involvement of its members on at least one subcommittee, community action site or stewardship group; • Subcommittees will be established on an `as required' basis and will be dissolved when their work is substantially complete. These subcommittees will be established to deal with specific actions or projects as determined by the Humber Alliance and TRCA staff; • Subcommittees, community action sites and stewardship groups will be generally limited to 3 -4 at any one time. This will ensure the necessary focus and effort required, while serving to limit, to a reasonable level, the demands on the Humber Watershed Alliance members, TRCA staff and other agencies; • Community action sites and stewardship groups may be active even after the Humber Alliance has completed its term; • A subcommittee Chair and Vice -Chair will be appointed for each subcommittee; • The subcommittee Chairs will be responsible for implementing their work plans as approved by the Humber Alliance and report to the Alliance on a regular basis; • The subcommittee Chair and Vice -Chair shall be a member of the Alliance. Subcommittees will meet regularly, usually monthly, except for those months when the full membership meets which is quarterly. The Chair of each subcommittee, with input from the other members, will confirm their meeting schedule. April 16, 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 RES. #G4/13- SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Establishing the membership of each Humber Watershed Alliance subcommittee. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Lisette Mallet G9 THAT the following proposed subcommittee membership for the Humber Watershed Alliance, 2013 -2015, be adopted ........ ............................... CARRIED CLAIREVILLE SUBCOMMITTEE Dianne Douglas Michael Hoy Marisa Jokelainen Mike Mattos Matthew Smith Lynn Short Chris Svirklys HERITAGE SUBCOMMITTEE Heather Broadbent Bert Duclos Bob Hulley Lisette Mallet Madeleine McDowell Debbie Schaefer Rolande Smith G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 April 16. 2013 BOYD /EAST HUMBER SUBCOMMITTEE lain Craig Ron Hingston Gaspar Horvath Marilyn lafrate Brian Pittman Sid Preece Deb Schulte Matthew Volpintesta Barry Westhead NASHVILLE MANAGEMENT PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE Nick deBoer Patti Foley Jerry Gorman Barb Imrie Sam Keenan Bob Mitchell Petra van Limburg- Meijer Deb Schulte Chris Svirklys Barry Westhead Richard Whitehead ril 16.2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 G11 OAK RIDGES CORRIDOR PARK SUBCOMMITTEE Greg Beros Jim Bradley Sharon Bradley Mark Chambers LOWER HUMBER SUBCOMMITTEE Maria Augimeri Yuestas David Sarah Doucette Gaspar Horvath* David Hutcheon Annette Maher Volker Masemann Mike Mattos Madeleine McDowell Roy Murray Eric Mysak Emily Pennington Gord Perks Katie Stammler Dawit Worku Lana Phan * Sebastian Viana *denotes staff secretariat G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 ADril 16. 2013 BACKGROUND Section 6 of the approved Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance states that: Members will contribute to the work of the Humber Watershed Alliance, prepare effectively for, and participate in, at least one subcommittee, community action site or stewardship group. Based on the interests that each member expressed the following subcommittees are suggested: • Claireville Subcommittee • Heritage Subcommittee • Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee • Nashville Management Plan Subcommittee • Oak Ridges Corridor Park Subcommittee • Lower Humber Subcommittee Each member has been tentatively assigned to one subcommittee. Members are asked to review the membership proposed for each subcommittee and if a change is required, staff will accommodate the request. Members can participate in more than one subcommittee should they wish to do so. Please advise Lia Lappano if this is the case. Each subcommittee will appoint and Chair and Vice -Chair from amongst its members. It is their responsibility, with input from the other members, to confirm their meeting schedule and report to the Alliance on their progress on a regular basis. Members are reminded that they are required to attend regular evening meetings of the whole Humber Watershed Alliance approximately four times annually in addition to subcommittee meetings to be held approximately six times per year. Members who are unable to fulfill their commitments will be replaced by the Authority after missing three consecutive meetings without notice. ADO 16, 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 G13 RES #G5/13- SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR THE HUMBER ALLIANCE A schedule of meeting dates is proposed for the Humber Watershed Alliance 2013 -2015. Moved by: Marilyn Iafrate Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the proposed meeting dates for the Humber Watershed Alliance scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following dates be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the meetings be held at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre, unless otherwise noted ......... ............................... CARRIED 2013 DATES #1/13 Tuesday, April 16, 2013 #2/13 Tuesday, July 16, 2013 #3/13 Tuesday, October 15, 2013 #4/13 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 2014 DATES #1/14 Tuesday, April 15, 2014 #2/14 Tuesday, July 15, 2014 #3/14 Tuesday, October 21, 2014 #4/14 Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Optional 31" year to be confirmed at a later date 2015 DATES #1/15 Tuesday, April 21, 2015 #2/15 Tuesday, July 21, 2015 #3/15 Tuesday, October 20, 2015 #4/15 Tuesday, December 1, 2015 RATIONALE A schedule of meetings is proposed to assist the Alliance. A random sample of municipalities were contacted to avoid choosing meeting dates that may conflict with municipal council meetings within the Humber River Watershed. Tuesday evenings are proposed. Meetings of the entire membership will be held quarterly. TRCA can provide meeting space to the Alliance on a regular basis at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre. This location is central to the watershed and easily accessible. However, the Alliance is encouraged to have meetings at various locations throughout the watershed. Suggestions for other meeting locations are welcome. G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 ADM 16.2013 RES #G6/13- HUMBER WATERSHED REPORT CARD Release of the Humber Watershed Report Card, 2013 Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance promote the Humber Watershed Report Card within their networks; AND FURTHER THAT they help to implement actions prescribed in the watershed report cards .............................. ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND Toronto and Region and Conservation has a long history of producing watershed report cards. In the recent past, TRCA developed report cards for the Etobicoke, Mimico, Humber, Don, Rouge, Duffins and Carruthers watersheds. TRCA watershed report cards have been an important tool for communicating local watershed condition to a broader audience by reporting on various environmental indicators and presenting technical data in a clear, consistent and informative manner which is understandable. In addition, they have also allowed TRCA and other Conservation Authorities (CAs) to better target programs and measure environmental change over the years. New Conservation Ontario Watershed Report Card Guidelines In 2009, Conservation Ontario led a review of Ontario watershed report cards in consultation with all 36 CAs. The findings of this review revealed inconsistencies in the way that CAs were collecting, analyzing and reporting local technical data; thus, preventing a broader application of this important information. As a result, Conservation Ontario has finalized a standardized set of indicators and evaluation framework for watershed report cards to be employed by all CAs to improve consistency and broader use of information. They also provided all CAs with a design template to present the report cards which reinforces many of the important messaging and visuals that are common and unique to all CAs. The new guidelines by Conservation Ontario prescribe: • Timing, frequency and release of report card • Indicators Grading Communication products and branding The following table lists the indicators to be reported on under the four resource categories for TRCA report cards. ril 16. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 G15 Surface Water Forest Conditions Groundwater Stormwater Quality Quality Management" Total Phosphorous % Forest Cover Nitrate and Nitrite % Urban Areas with Stormwater E. coli % Forest Interior Chloride Management Control Benthic % Riparian Zone (Quality and Quantity) Macroinvertebrates Reforested "Additional indicator added by TRCA 2013 Release of Watershed Report Cards In March 2013, TRCA released watershed report cards following guidelines prepared by Conservation Ontario for the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks, Humber River, Highland Creek, Rouge River and Duff ins Creek watersheds, and the waterfront. These report cards were launched simultaneously, and were part of an e- launch organized by Conservation Ontario during Canada World Water Week. Conservation Authorities from all over Ontario released their report cards as part of this launch. To access the Humber Watershed Report Card and other TRCA report cards, visit: www.trca.on.ca /reportcards. To access the complete collection of Conservation Authority report cards across the Province, visit: www.watershedcheckup.ca Humber Watershed Report Card: Summary of Results The Humber Watershed received an overall grade of "D" or "Poor." Stormwater Management received the lowest grade, "F" or "Very Poor" as only 38% of the urban areas in the Humber watershed have stormwater management controls, which results in degraded water quality of watercourses due to increased run -off that carries contaminants into the watercourse after storm events. The highest grade that the Humber received was a "C" or "Fair" grade for Surface Water Quality, with the urbanized portions of the watersheds receiving poorer grades compared to the rural ones. With only 17% forest cover in the watershed, Forest Conditions earned a "D" or "Poor" grade. Groundwater Quality was not reported on in the Humber due to insufficient data for this round of reporting. RES #G7/13- HUMBER BAY LANDFORM STUDY UPDATE Moved by: Barry Westhead Seconded by: Lisette Mallet THAT the verbal report given by Lisa Turnbull of TRCA's Project Management Office, be received for information ............... ............................... CARRIED G16 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 AD0116. 2013 RES #G8/13- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the following information items be received for information: • Forest Health and Emerald Ash Borer; • West Nile Virus; • Lyme Disease Prevention Update; • Canada Goose Management Program Update; • Enbridge Pipelines Inc .......... ............................... CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Bindertwine Park in City of Vaughan I. Craig reported that the entrance gate at Bindertwine Park is never closed causing a great deal of vandalism within the park. MOTION Moved by: lain Craig Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support the Kleinburg Ratepayers Association in asking the City of Vaughan to close the entrance gate at Bindertwine Park every evening and not be reopened until a suitable time the following morning. THE MOTION WAS ................ ............................... WITHDRAWN Councillor lafrate and members of the Kleinburg Ratepayers Association will meet in the near future to try and mutually resolve this matter. GARY WILKINS On behalf of the Humber Watershed Alliance, I. Craig made a presentation to Gary Wilkins to thank him for his years of dedication and commitment to the Alliance and to wish him well on his impending retirement from TRCA. ril 16.2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/13 DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for one litre of pure maple syrup. The winning ticket belonged to Matthew Smith. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:45 p.m., April 16, 2013. Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management /L. Brian E. Denney Secretary- Treasurer G17 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 Page G18 June 18, 2013 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member lainCraig ................................ ............................... Member Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Sarah Doucette ........................... ............................... Member Bert Duclos .............................. ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member Ron Hingston ............................. ............................... Member Bob Hulley ............................... ............................... Member Barblmrie . .............................. ............................... Member Marisa Jokelainen ......................... ............................... Member Annette Maher ............................ ............................... Member Volker Masemann ......................... ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Bob Mitchell .............................. ............................... Member Roy Murray ............................... ............................... Member Gerri Lynn O' Connor ................... ............................... Chair, TRCA Emily Pennington .......................... ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Rolande Smith ............................ ............................... Member Katie Stammler ............................ ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Matthew Volpintesta ...................................................... Member Barry Westhead ........................... ............................... Member GUESTS Janet Wong ............. ............................... Regional Municipality of Peel G19 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 STAFF David Burnett .. ............................... Manager, Provincial and Regional Policy Mary -Ann Burns .... ............................... Planner, Planning and Development Sonia Dhir ........... ............................... Project Manager, Humber Team Adele Freeman . ............................. Director, Watershed Management Division Gaspar Horvath ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Matt Kenel ........... ............................... Project Manager, Humber Team Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Kasey Livingston .... ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Laurie Nelson ........................ Senior Manager, Development, Planning and Policy Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair of Toronto and Region Conservation, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their commitment and interest in participating on the Humber Watershed Alliance. A. Freeman introduced the newly -hired Humber Watershed Specialist Victoria McGrath who has replaced Gary Wilkins. RES. #G9/13 - MINUTES Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the minutes of meeting #1/13, held on April 16, 2013, be approved...... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Living City Policies D. Burnett and L. Nelson of TRCA's Planning and Development made a presentation on the draft Living City Policies which are currently in the consultative process. The highlights of the presentation included: • purpose and objectives; • developing the policies; • current and future trends; June 18, 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G20 • legislative foundation; • roles and responsibilities; • principles. (b) Twitter Demonstration S. Dhir gave a brief instructional exercise on how to twitter. Members were given the following four hashtags which they can use once they create a Twitter account for themselves: • #HumberWatershedAfliance • #HumberRiver • #WatershedChampion • #TRCA Members were encouraged to use this very popular social media to promote the Humber River. (c) Growing Good Food Ideas Video S. Dhir showed the Growing Good Food Ideas Video which was produced by Power Line Films and which highlights TRCA's urban agriculture portfolio. (d) TRCA Stewardship Programs K. Livingston showed a video featuring TRCA's stewardship programs. CORRESPONDENCE (a) Letter from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, dated June 7, 2013, re: congratulating the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance on the implementation of the plaque program. RES. #G10/13 Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Marisa Jokelainen THAT the above correspondence be received ............................ CARRIED G21 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18, 2013 ELECTION OF CHAIR - HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE lain Craig was nominated by Heather Broadbent. lain Craig accepted the nomination for the office of Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance. RES. #G11 /13 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF CHAIR OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Jerry Gorman THAT nominations for the office of Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance be closed ............................. ............................... CARRIED lain Craig was declared elected by acclamation as Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance. ELECTION OF CO -VICE CHAIRS - HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Heather Broadbent and Madeleine McDowell were nominated by Bob Hulley. Heather Broadbent and Madeleine McDowell accepted the office of Co -Vice Chairs of the Humber Watershed Alliance. RES. #G12/13 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF CO -VICE CHAIRS OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Moved by: Chris Svirklys Seconded by: Barb Imrie THAT nominations for the office of Co -Vice Chairs of the Humber Watershed Alliance be closed ........................... ............................... CARRIED Heather Broadbent and Madeleine McDowell were declared elected as Co -Vice Chairs of the Humber Watershed Alliance. June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G22 RES. #G13/13- LIVING CITY POLICIES Release of The Living City Policies draft document for public and stakeholder consultation. Moved by: Sharon Bradley Seconded by: Ron Hingston THAT the staff report on the Living City Policies be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to participate in the consultation process ... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Authority, at its meeting #11/12, held on January 25, 2013 adopted resolution #A263/12 as follows: WHEREAS conservation authorities have a legislated and mandated responsibility under the Conservation Authorities Act to have board - approved policies to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources; AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff have drafted a policy document entitled: The Living City Policies for Planning and Development in the Watersheds of TRCA, to update and replace TRCA's Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (1994); AND WHEREAS public and stakeholder consultation on the draft policy document is a provincial requirement and will improve the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the document; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA release The Living City Policies draft document for public and stakeholder consultation as outlined in this report; THAT all of TRCA's municipal partners, provincial ministries, the Building and Land Development Industry (BILD), environmental non - governmental agencies (ENGOs), watershed and waterfront interest groups, neighbouring conservation authorities and other stakeholders be so advised by the CAO's Office; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back on the outcomes of the consultation process and proposed revisions. Under the Conservation Authorities Act, a conservation authority implements a program to further its "objects" of conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources. The main program currently guiding TRCA in its planning and regulatory roles is the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program ( VSCMP) endorsed by the Authority in October 1994. Since the VSCMP was first introduced, many changes have occurred in the quality and extent of scientific understanding of TRCA watersheds, as well as changes to the planning, development and growth management realm of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). G23 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 As such, TRCA staff have undertaken a comprehensive review and update to the VSCMP and developed a new Draft policy document, The Living City Policies for Planning and Development in the Watersheds of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (The LCP). The LCP will guide the implementation of TRCA's legislated and delegated roles and responsibilities in the planning and development approvals process over the next ten years. Comparable to a combined municipal official plan and zoning by -law, The LCP represents a compilation of existing plan and permit review policies and practices that have evolved since 1994. It also contains new policies related to TRCA programs, scientific research and external planning and development initiatives. The purpose of The LCP is four -fold: 1) to guide TRCA review of planning applications and environmental assessments; 2) to provide the basis for approving permit applications under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act; 3) to inform TRCA's advocacy role for The Living City in the planning and development process; and 4) to assist and enable TRCA's partners' and stakeholders' contributions to building The Living City. Policy Development and Content The process to bring The LCP to this draft stage for external municipal, public and stakeholder consultation has been ongoing for several years, building upon the valuable foundation of principles and policy intent established by the VSCMP. The LCP also draws from relevant portions of older TRCA programs, such as the 1980 Watershed Plan, the Erosion Control Program and Lake Ontario shoreline management programs. The draft document has also been informed by the completion of many other recent TRCA projects, several of which have had their own elements of public consultation, such as: the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, watershed plans and their associated implementation guides, TRCA's Stormwater Management Criteria Document, and many other TRCA technical guidelines and checklists. On November 27, 2009, the Authority endorsed the report: Linking Watershed Plans to Growth Planning (Resolution #A201/09) as providing direction to staff when formulating The LCP, and when commenting on municipal official plan policy updates and on site - specific development applications. The Linking Watershed Plans report was circulated for information to all TRCA partner municipalities, Conservation Ontario and several provincial ministries. The development of The LCP involved extensive internal consultation with TRCA divisional staff in Ecology, Restoration Services, Watershed Management, Property Services, and Planning and Development, as well as TRCA's Directors' Committee. The LCP draft has also been informed by TRCA's current plan review practice to assist our municipal partners with applications under the Planning Act and Environmental Assessment Act. In particular, TRCA staffs engagement in our municipal partners' recent and ongoing official plan updates have contributed to policy formulation in The LCP. The following text summarizes the rationale for the policy update; the challenges and opportunities in the GTA from TRCA's perspective and mandate; and new policy areas in The LCP. June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G24 Rationale for the Policy Update • The requirement to conform with new provincial legislation and policies such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, the Greenbelt Plan, the Places to Grow Growth Plan and the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement, among others; • Clarification of the roles and responsibilities of conservation authorities through other provincial initiatives such as Generic Regulation conformity, the Conservation Authority Liaison Committee (CALC), and the delegated authority for representing the provincial interest for natural hazards; • New or updated memorandums of understanding with TRCA's municipal partners for plan review, environmental assessment review and technical clearance services; • A growing body of scientific research and evidence documenting the declining quality of the environment in TRCA's increasingly urban watersheds; • Incorporation of systems -based approaches and best management practices to address environmental decline, and promote healthy, sustainable communities; and • Policy gaps based on practical experience of applying and implementing VSCMP and TRCA's updated Section 28 Regulation (e.g. regulation policies for wetlands). Challenges • Growth and urban intensification in the context of environmental protection and managing the risk from flooding and erosion hazards; and Adapting to and mitigating for the potential impacts of climate change. Opportunities • The promotion of a "Culture of Conservation," through the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, to protect natural systems, increase energy and water efficiency, as well s to value and protect prime agricultural areas and cultural heritage resources; and TRCA's adoption of a science - based, integrated watershed management approach to manage human activities (such as land use change) and natural resources on a ..systems" basis, in order to address critical issues such as the cumulative impacts of rapid growth and transitioning to a sustainability model for all aspects of society. New Policy Areas • Wetland and Lake Ontario shoreline policies in accordance with TRCA's Ontario Regulation 166/06, as approved by the Province of Ontario in May 2006; Natural system protection policies based on the science from TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (2007), and as refined in watershed plans and municipal official plans; Natural system management policies for redevelopment of existing urban lands that emphasize restoration of degraded natural areas and the remediation of flooding and erosion hazards; G25 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 • Policies to address flood risk reduction and redevelopment through comprehensive planning to integrate science, engineering and ecological design in urban intensification areas; • Stormwater management policies based on TRCA's SWM Criteria Document (2012) that include managing water balance for natural features and groundwater recharge through options such as low impact development measures in a "treatment train" approach; • Environmental Assessment, master plan and infrastructure policies that incorporate the consideration of cumulative impacts and adaptive management; • Policies that emphasize an "ecosystem services" perspective in which human health and urban design benefits can be maximized by drawing on both the natural and built elements of "green infrastructure "; and • Sustainable communities policies that advocate for other Living City program interests in the planning and development process. Structure of The LCP The Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program integrated and combined policies for TRCA's planning, environmental assessment and regulatory permitting roles. In accordance with the policies and procedures for conservation authorities (CAs) set out by the Province through the Conservation Authority Liaison Committee (CALC), The LCP document is structured in a manner to ensure clarity and transparency of TRCA's different commenting roles and responsibilities in the planning and development process. The following summary provides a brief overview of the document. Introductory Chapters The LCP contains introductory chapters that describe the jurisdiction, some of the issues that TRCA's highly urbanized watersheds are facing, a legislative overview, and a TRCA history and "evolution" to The Living City. These sections are followed by a chapter that cites The Living City Vision, TRCA's four strategic objectives, and lists the principles for the planning and development of sustainable communities. It is emphasized here, and throughout the document, that TRCA upholds these principles and implements the corresponding policies in cooperation with municipalities, the Province, the development industry and other stakeholders, through an integrated watershed management approach. All of these sections set the context for the document's three main policy chapters: advocacy, planning and permitting. Advocacy Chapter In this "advocacy" chapter TRCA "promotes" and "supports" a number of newer Living City policy interests important to building sustainable communities. Where appropriate, these policies will be applied to build upon TRCA's role as a watershed management agency that protects and manages water and other natural resources in collaboration with many different partners. June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G26 Planning Chapter The next chapter in the document consists of environmental planning policies for TRCA's commenting role under the planning and environmental assessment acts; the policies guide TRCA "recommendations" to approval authorities, while using stronger, more directive language for any policies that relate to TRCA's delegated responsibility to uphold the provincial interest in natural hazards. Permitting Chapter The LCP contains regulatory policies for the administration of TRCA's Section 28 permitting process under the Conservation Authorities Act; its policy language is the strongest of the three policy chapters, often stating that permission may be given for certain activities subject to a number of criteria being met. These criteria are intended to demonstrate how an application would meet the "five tests" of the Section 28 Regulation (impacts to the control of: flooding, erosion, pollution, dynamic beaches or the conservation of land). Definitions and Appendices The LCP also contains a glossary of defined terms indicated in the body of the document with italics. Photographs and diagrams are woven throughout The LCP and its appendices in order to visually represent some of the ideas and directions that the preambles and the policies are meant to convey. Graphics and illustrations will be further developed and added to the document based on input from the external consultation process. TRCA's Planning and Development Procedural Manual CALC's direction was also to ensure that CAs provide guidance on implementation of CA policies. In this regard, TRCA's Planning and Development Procedural Manual (The Manual) is referred to throughout The LCP. The Manual is posted on the TRCA website and was distributed to all member municipalities and BILD after it was endorsed by the Authority in 2007 (Resolution #A196/07). It provides a "how to" in terms of application procedures and technical checklists and guidelines for meeting TRCA requirements and requests in the planning and development process. TRCA staff have found it to be a valuable implementation tool, and provides procedural transparency for the development community, the public and member municipalities. The Manual is updated on an ongoing basis as needed. Municipal and Public Consultation Public and stakeholder consultation on TRCA's policy document, particularly with TRCA's municipal partners, is critical to developing and updating a comprehensive and effective policy document. The external consultation process will follow a similar pattern to other TRCA projects such as watershed plans and Generic Regulation conformity. It is also similar to the consultative process that municipalities engage in when they update or create new official plans. TRCA is required to consult publicly on any new policies by the provincial requirements of the CALC's update to the policies and procedures for CAs. TRCA staff will use information sessions, meetings, the TRCA website, and communication materials to inform and consult with all stakeholders. The process to consult and finalize The LCP over 2013 is proposed as follows: G27 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 anuary /February 2013 Following the Authority meeting on January 25, 2013, a copy of this report, the full draft document, a communications "brochure" entitled Summary Document, will be posted on the TRCA website welcoming comments from any interested parties. In February, TRCA Planning and Development staff will host a series of introductory and orientation sessions at Black Creek Pioneer Village to present the full draft document to: all municipalities (upper and lower tier) in the TRCA jurisdiction, provincial ministries, BILD, neighbouring conservation authorities, ENGOs and TRCA board members. Winter and Spring 2013 Following the introductory sessions with all stakeholders, focused, individual consultation sessions will take place with each of TRCA's upper /single tier member municipalities: City of Toronto, the Township of Adjala - Tosorontio, the Town of Mono, and the regions of Peel, York and Durham, and their corresponding lower tier municipalities. TRCA will encourage others to request individual consultation sessions, including BILD, provincial ministries, watershed alliances, waterfront groups, ENGOs, agricultural interest groups, etc. These sessions will be followed by a public open house. The submission deadline for comments will be June 15, 2013. Summer 2013 Planning and Development policy staff will revise the draft document over the course of the summer based on the feedback from the entire consultation process. The revised draft will then be reviewed internally by TRCA staff. This will be followed by a legal review by TRCA counsel. Fall 2013 Staff will report back to the Authority on the results of public consultation and present a revised document. Subject to Authority consent, the revised document will be posted on the TRCA website for a final 30 -day public and stakeholder commenting period. 2014 Subject to the outcome of the final public posting of the revised document, The LCP will be taken to the Authority for final approval and then take effect for all new applications. FINANCIAL DETAILS Conservation authorities have a legislated and mandated responsibility under the Conservation Authorities Act to have board - approved policies. Funding for this project is part of the regular planning and development divisional budgeting process. SUMMARY In consultation with TRCA's Directors' Committee and several divisions within TRCA, Planning and Development staff have completed a draft policy document to replace the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program. The draft is now ready for public release so that TRCA' s partners and the general public can provide their input to the document. Public consultation is a provincial requirement for CA policy documents similar to a municipal official plan review. Staff anticipate that the consultation process will contribute to creating a comprehensive and effective document for TRCA's roles in the planning and development process and, in cooperation with TRCA's partners, will ultimately help build a healthy and sustainable city- June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G28 region. This board report informs members of the intent to consult with municipalities, neighbouring CAs, the Province, BILD, interest groups and the general public. Many of the directions coming out of The LCP will be familiar to municipalities and BILD in particular, given that the document, in large part, reflects TRCA's current plan review practice and previously consulted on watershed plans and technical guides. Finally, this report provides notice that staff will report back on the outcomes of consultation and resulting revisions before returning to the Authority for formal adoption of The LCP. RES. #G14/13- HUMBER STATION ROAD PROJECT - Municipal Class Environmental Assessment To appoint a member of the Humber Watershed Alliance to participate on the Community Liaison Committee of the Humber Station Road Environmental Assessment. Moved by: Lynn Short Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the report on the Humber Station Road Project, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment be received for information; THAT Chris Svirklys be appointed to the Community Liaison Committee of the Humber Station Road Project; AND FURTHER THAT Chris Svirklys report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance ............................ ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2012, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) Restoration Services staff reported concerns of slope erosion and instability along a localized section of the Humber River adjacent to Humber Station Road in the Town of Caledon. Subsequent site inspections identified continued deterioration. The erosion is introducing a greater amount of fine sediment and road run -off to the watercourse than would be found in a properly functioning system. TRCA also noted increasing damage to the road surface and exposed geotextiles, potentially endangering road infrastructure and motorists. The study area is located parallel to the Humber River immediately east of Humber Station Road and approximately 850 m south of Castlederg Sideroad. It extends roughly 100 m along each bank. The failed area is located on the right bank (when facing downstream). The focus of this study is the assessment of risk to determine cause and extent of failure, provide preliminary design alternatives, and then proceed through a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) and detailed design. Once the cause and extent of failure is determined, development of remedial design alternatives for slope stabilization and erosion control will provide long term protection for the roadway and the integrity of the watercourse. G29 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18, 2013 The proposed alternatives will consider technical feasibility, environmental impacts, social impacts, constructability, cost, operation, and maintenance. As part of the EA process, public information sessions will be held over the course of the study, with input being sought from any interested agencies, community members and First Nations groups. All comments received will be considered during the planning and design process. As required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, 2011, a final report in the form of an Environmental Study Report will be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment for review and approval. Comments may also be provided at this time. June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G30 RES. #G15/13- Moved by: Seconded by: SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR THE HUMBER ALLIANCE - REVISED A revised schedule of meeting dates is proposed for the Humber Watershed Alliance 2013 -2015. Madeleine McDowell Chris Svirklys THAT the proposed meeting dates for the Humber Watershed Alliance scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following dates be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the meetings be held at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre, unless otherwise noted ......... ............................... CARRIED 2013 DATES #1/13 Tuesday, April 16, 2013 #2/13 Tuesday, June 18, 2013 #3/13 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 #4/13 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 2014 DATES #1/14 Tuesday, March 18, 2014 #2/14 Tuesday, June 17, 2014 #3/14 Tuesday, September 16, 2014 #4/14 Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Optional 31" year to be confirmed at a later date 2015 DATES #1/15 Tuesday, March 17, 2015 #2/15 Tuesday, June 16, 2015 #3/15 Tuesday, September 15, 2015 #4/15 Tuesday, December 1, 2015 RATIONALE A schedule of meetings is proposed to assist the Alliance. A random sample of municipalities were contacted to avoid choosing meeting dates that may conflict with municipal council meetings within the Humber River Watershed. Tuesday evenings are proposed. Meetings of the entire membership will be held quarterly. TRCA can provide meeting space to the Alliance on a regular basis at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre. This location is central to the watershed and easily accessible. However, the Alliance is encouraged to have meetings at various locations throughout the watershed. Suggestions for other meeting locations are welcome. G31 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 RES #G16/13- COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE HUMBER Schedule of some 2013 TRCA community events in the Humber River Watershed. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Marisa Jokelainen THAT the following schedule of 2013 TRCA community events be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to participate in planning and implementing the 2013 TRCA community events............ CARRIED BACKGROUND Throughout the year, TRCA co -hosts a variety of public events with community leaders in the Humber River watershed to engage residents in educational and hands -on, conservation - themed activities. These events connect people with their local natural environment, generate awareness of the biodiversity and cultural history of the watershed, and build community capacity. The following community events have been scheduled for 2013: DATE EVENT LOCATION ACTIVITIES July 20 King Family Nature Day Cold Creek Activities include canoe rides, hike, Conservation Area yoga in the park. For more information: info @ArtsSocietyKing.ca July 25 Fundraising Field Dinner Black Creek Local food; silent auction; live music. Community Farm For more information: www.everdale.org /blackcreek July 27 Farm Festival Black Creek Farm Festival with local food; tours of Community Farm the farm; live music, kids activities. For more information: www.everdale.org /blackcreek July 29 Open Farm Day McVean Farm Meet the farmers, enjoy farm activities, and try the local produce. For more information: www.farm start. ca Sept. 15 McVean Harvest Festival McVean Farm For more information: www.farmstart.ca Sept -Oct. West Humber Green Brampton Valley Activities include tree and shrub Streams Land Sites planting, litter clean up, and nature interpretation. For more information: www.trcastewardshi pevents.ca June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G32 Sept. 7 Farm Stock Albion Hills Annual harvest event; local food; local Community Farm music. For more information: www.albionhiliscommunityfarm.org Sept. 14 Peel Planet Day Claireville Activities include litter clean up and Conservation Area tree planting. For more information: www.trcastewardshi pevents.ca Members of the Humber Alliance may be involved in other community events around the watershed throughout the year and are encouraged to promote them by inviting their fellow Alliance members. To find out more about other scheduled TRCA events, please visit www.trca.on.ca /events or "The Humber River, Ontario" page on Facebook. RES #G17/13- PALGRAVE FOREST ONLINE POND Development of a restoration plan for the decommissioning of a man made pond and re- creation of a natural channel within Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area. Moved by: Sharon Bradley Seconded by: Barb Imrie THAT the staff report on decommissioning the Palgrave Forest Online Pond be received; AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to provide input during the consultative process ............................ CARRIED BACKGROUND The Palgrave Online Pond is approximately 0.7acres /2800m2 in size and is located 500m east of Duffy's Lane, between Finnerty and Patterson Side Roads. The public trail network crosses the culvert at the base of the pond and the waterbody is a prominent feature on the site. The purpose of the project is to mitigate thermal pollution within the headwaters of the Humber River (cold water fish habitat). This has been identified as a priority project in TRCA's discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), especially as it relates to the Atlantic Salmon reintroduction efforts in the Humber watershed. Currently, the project is in its development stage but essentially the pond will be decommissioned (either by using a by -pass channel or de- watering the pond) in order to restore approximately 125m of channel. There is a trail over the current pond berm that contains a culvert that may be removed. For the purposes of maintaining the trail connection at this point, some type of crossing is necessary (i.e. a span, etc.). G33 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 June 18. 2013 TRCA staff met with members of the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area Stewardship Committee on Thursday, June 13, 2013 to discuss the project. Subcommittee members were generally supportive of TRCA's efforts to improve fish habitat but were also in favour of retaining some sort of pond - feature. TRCA Restoration Services staff will conduct further study of the pond (depth, flow rates etc) and develop a preferred alternative. This preferred alternative will then be presented to the Stewardship Committee for final comment. It is anticipated that this project will be implemented in fall 2013, once the plans and design have been finalized. RES #G18/13- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided for information. Moved by: Lynn Short Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the following minutes be received: • Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee #1/13 (May 23) • Claireville Subcommittee #1/13 (May 14) • Communications Subcommittee #1/13 (May 28) • Heritage Subcommittee #1/13 (May 8) • Lower Humber Subcommittee #1/13 (May 22) ...................... CARRIED RES #G19/13- INFORMATION ITEMS To keep Humber Watershed Alliance members appraised of other activities which have recently been considered by the TRCA Board. Moved by: Sharon Bradley Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the following reports be received for information: Flood Infrastructure State of Repair (Authority meeting #4/13) ......... CARRIED June 18. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/13 G34 NEW BUSINESS Navigable Waters Protection Act Councillor Sarah Doucette encouraged members to sign a petition to the Government of Canada for full protection for the Humber River under the Navigable Waters Protection Act. M. McDowell, M. Mattos, Councillor Doucette and MP Peggy Nash launched a local campaign to protect the Humber River on the eve of Canada Rivers Day, June 9`". Nash is encouraging everyone as part of the `Respect Our River' campaign to sign petitions calling on the federal government to adopt Private Member's Bill C -502 which would ensure that the entire river is protected. The bill that Nash is working on in collaboration with MPP Mike Sullivan would act to amend the Navigable Waters Protection Act (Humber River). Future Humber Watershed Alliance Meetings M. Mattos has offered to help host the September 17" meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance at the Learning Enrichment Foundation. J. Gorman volunteered to make a presentation at the December 3 r meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance on google maps and how they relate to the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association. DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for two Humber t- shirts. The winning tickets belonged to Lynn Short and Barry Westhead. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:45 p.m., June 18, 2013. Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 Page G35 September 17, 2013 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at the Learning Enrichment Foundation on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Chair lain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member lainCraig ................................ ............................... Member Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Sarah Doucette ........................... ............................... Member Bert Duclos .............................. ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member Ron Hingston ............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Barblmrie . .............................. ............................... Member Marisa Jokelainen ......................... ............................... Member Sam Keenan ............................. ............................... Member Annette Maher ............................ ............................... Member Lisette Mallet ............................. ............................... Member Volker Masemann ......................... ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Roy Murray ............................... ............................... Member EricMysak ............................... ............................... Member Deb Schulte .............................. ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Katie Stammler ............................ ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Matthew Volpintesta ...................................................... Member Barry Westhead ........................... ............................... Member DawitWorku .............................. ............................... Member GUESTS Gavin Dandy ............................ ............................... Everdale Hana Drolla ........................ ............................... York University Peter Frampton ...................... Executive Director, Learning Enrichment Foundation Janet Wong ............. ............................... Regional Municipality of Peel G36 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 Seotember 17. 2013 STAFF Sonia Dhir .......................................... Project Manager, Humber Team Shelley Hazen ....................... ............................... Humber Intern Matt Kenel ........... ............................... Project Manager, Humber Team Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Kasey Livingston .... ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Ryan Rivet ......... ............................... Technologist, Restoration Services Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat RES. #G20/13 - Moved by: Seconded by: MINUTES Heather Broadbent Madeleine McDowell THAT the minutes of meeting #2/13, held on June 18, 2013, be approved..... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Learning Enrichment Foundation P. Frampton and M. Mattos welcomed the Humber Watershed Alliance and the Learning Enrichment Foundation Advisory Board to the meeting and thanked LEF staff for providing Alliance members with a tour of the facility and the important community services offered by LEF. LEF has been discussing social enterprise with TRCA with a view to supporting a joint project. (b) Black Creek Community Farm Project G. Dandy gave a brief presentation on the Black Creek Community Farm Project. The highlights of the presentation included: • history of Everdale; • community engagement; • partnerships; • mission statement and goals; • programs (farm camp, farm school); ber 17. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 (c) Understanding Ontario's Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network K. Stammler gave a presentation on provincial stream water quality monitoring network. Highlights of the presentation included: • purpose; • partners; • who uses the data and what the data is used for. The Chair thanked all the presenters for their very informative presentations. G37 RES. #G21/13- "BUILDING THE LIVING CITY " TRCA STRATEGIC PLAN To update the Humber Watershed Alliance members on TRCA's 10 -year strategic plan. Moved by: Ron Hingston Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the TRCA's 10 -year strategic plan titled, "Building the Living City: 2013 - 2022" be received; AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to support and help implement the strategies presented in the TRCA's "Building the Living City" 10 -year Strategic Plan ....................... ............................... CARRIED AMENDMENT #G22/13 Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT TRCA be notified that the Humber Watershed Alliance would have liked to participate in the process of developing the 10 -year strategic plan and hope that in the next iteration of the 10 -year strategic plan, the Humber Watershed Alliance can be involved; AND FURTHER THAT in the next iteration of the 10 -year strategic plan, the role of natural heritage in this report be strengthened. THE AMENDMENT WAS ............... ............................... CARRIED THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ...... ............................... CARRIED G38 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 September 17. 2013 BACKGROUND The Authority, at its meeting #3/13 held on April 26, 2013, endorsed TRCA's 10 -year strategic plan, "Building The Living City ". "Building The Living City" lays out the strategic directions Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) intends to pursue for the 10 -year period from 2013 -2022. It emphasizes our paramount commitment to safeguard and enhance the health and well -being of the residents of the Toronto region through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the fundamental ecological services our environment provides. The central theme of this commitment is expressed through our adoption and endorsement of The Living City vision which is: "a new kind of community ... where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. " TRCA staff members contributed directly to the development of the plan which included a review of TRCA's current programs and the priorities of municipalities, consultation with municipal staff and outside experts. Concurrent to its review by Authority members, Building the Living City was presented to TRCA staff in two town hall sessions chaired by CAO, Brian Denney in which the draft plan was discussed and staff were invited to provide comments. Building on the success of the staff engagement process to develop the strategic plan, it is proposed that staff from across the organization work together to begin putting the plan into practice immediately and ensure that the plan is reflected in the 2014 TRCA budget, detailed business plans and program planning. Over time, staff will monitor, evaluate and report on TRCA's actions internally and to our partners and will adjust TRCA's approach as required to reflect lessons learned and new information, including a complete review of the strategic plan within five years. The strategic plan includes six leadership strategies: • Greening the Toronto region's economy • Manage our regional water resources for current and future generations • Rethink greenspace to maximize its value • Create complete communities that integrate nature and the built environment • Foster sustainable citizenship • Tell the story of the Toronto region And, six enabling strategies: • Build partnerships and new business models • Gather and share the best urban sustainability knowledge • Measure performance • Accelerate innovation • Invest in our staff • Facilitate a region -wide approach to sustainability Over the next ten years, the TRCA and our partners in the community will continue working together to realize the Living City Vision in the Toronto region. We will work to restore the integrity and health of the region's rivers and waters. We will work to establish a regional system of natural areas that preserves habitat, improves air and water quality, and provides opportunities for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation. And we will work to facilitate 17. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 G39 broad community support for sustainable living and city building that improves the quality of life for residents, businesses and nature. We invite you to take an active role in building the healthy future for the Toronto region.We also invite our partners to look for opportunities to advance their own efforts at building a sustainable future for the Toronto region through the work, expertise and resources offered by TRCA. We look forward to working with you. RES. #G23/13- PALGRAVE FOREST ONLINE POND Development of a restoration plan for the decommissioning of a man- made pond and re- creation of a natural channel within Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the staff report on the development of a restoration plan for the decommissioning of a man -made pond and re- creation of a natural channel within Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area be received .............. ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Humber Watershed Alliance, at its meeting held on June 18, 2013, adopted the following resolution: "THAT the staff report on decommissioning the Palgrave Forest Online Pond be received, AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to provide input during the consultative process. " The aforementioned consultative process has been underaken to develop a preferred alternative for this initiative as follows: Further project design has taken place and a permanent by -pass channel is proposed on the east side of the pond to re- establish the natural channel and allow flow to completely circumvent the current pond (see Figure 1). A diversion berm will be installed above the pond to divert flow into this channel. The existing trail below the pond will cross over the new by- pass channel. The existing culvert under the trail that drains the current pond will remain in place to handle drainage from the pond during high water events. The by -pass design (versus lowering the culvert and allowing the pond to dewater completely) was decided upon so that the pond can remain to function as a floodplain feature, accepting and containing storm water flows and serving as important amphibian habitat. This design will also allow the pond feature to remain on the landscape, which was something that was expressed as a priority at June's Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area Stewardship Committee. G40 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 September 17. 2013 A piezometer (or level- logger) has been installed on the site to monitor ground -water levels in the area to determine how the pond's water level will react once it's been by- passed. It is anticipated that the water level within the pond may decrease somewhat. The level to which it will change will only be known once data from the piezometer has been analyzed. In 2011, TRCA's Restoration Services decommissioned an online pond directly downstream of this site using a by -pass channel. In this case, the decommissioned pond was still able to maintain water levels close to or at the same level as it contained prior to its decommissioning. This was probably due to its proximity to the groundwater table, which is expected to be the case for the proposed work in 2013. In terms of construction activities, they will be phased so that the by -pass channel is constructed in fall 2013 but not connected to the upstream channel until 2014. This will allow time for the newly constructed channel to stabilize itself, which will be aided by seeding, erosion control matting and willow bioengineering. Once the by -pass channel has been established and stabilized, a diversion berm will be installed above the existing pond and the channel will be opened to accept flows. TRCA Restoration Services staff anticipates that this will occur during the late summer of 2014. In addition to the construction work, native tree and shrub plantings will be completed on the west side of the pond. These plantings will increase cover, provide shade for the decommissioned pond and also provide additional wildlife habitat. RES. #G24/13- ROBINSON HOUSE MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION Development of a restoration plan for the Robinson House site within the Claireville Conservation Area. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the staff report on the management and mitigation of the Robinson House site within the Claireville Conservation Area be received ....................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Robinson House is located at 8712 Claireville Conservation Road in the City of Brampton. The house has great historical significance because of its association with the Bland Family who were early Toronto Gore Township settlers. The site was originally owned by William Proudfoot and sold to John Bland in 1847. The house was subsequently built in 1915. John Bland sold 175 acres of land to Henry Robinson in 1939 and the property remained in the Robinson Family until 1967, after which the TRCA took over ownership of the land and the house. In June, 2012, TRCA completed the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan Update and one of the recommendations in the plan included: 17. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 G41 Investigate potential uses for the former Robinson house (Blanding residence), which has been deemed to have heritage value by a 2009 heritage impact assessment (see Section 2.2.6: Heritage Impact Assessment Report on 8712 Claireville Conservation Road). Potential uses shall be consistent with the heritage strategy and the vision, management principles and goals of this updated management plan. A request for proposals for use of the house should be circulated and the proposals evaluated with regard to their financial impact. If a proposal meets the criteria set by TRCA, pursue heritage listing of the building, rezone the area to a Heritage Preserve land management zone, and maintain security of the site with regular inspections. Should no proposal succeed in meeting the criteria set by TRCA, then removal and preservation of any heritage items should be undertaken as per the recommendations in the Heritage Impact Assessment and the house should be demolished. Recommendations regarding demolition of the house as provided in the Heritage Impact Assessment Report (Section 2.2.6 of this management plan) should be followed. These include receiving demolition approval and permits from the City of Brampton, filing a copy of the Heritage Impact Assessment with the Brampton Heritage Board for review and comment, and installing an interpretive plaque commemorating the history of the Blanding family and their connection to the property and their contributions to the former Toronto Gore Township. TRCA will also consult with Regional Municipality of Peel, the City of Brampton and the Claireville Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance regarding additional recommendations for demolition. The mitigation recommendations for the residence from the Heritage Impact Assessment include: • Immediate municipal listing of the residence by the City of Brampton; • Consideration of municipal heritage designation by the City of Brampton; • Preparation of conservation, restoration or adaptive reuse plans, as necessary, if the buildings are to be retained in situ and municipally listed and /or designated; • Preparation of security plan, letter of credit to help ensure security and protection of heritage resources if to be retained in situ; • Consideration of relocation of the residence to a site near its present location within the Claireville Conservation Area, to nearby lands, or to other parts of the City if municipal listing and /or designation is considered in order to better accommodate conservation and adaptive reuse; • If retention of the residence is not considered feasible, a documentation report containing measured drawings, a high - resolution digital photographs and photo key plans will be completed, as deemed necessary. Salvage recommendations shall form part of the documentation report; and, • An interpretive plaque commemorating the history of the Bland family and their connection to the property and their contributions to the former Toronto Gore Township should be prepared and installed near the residence, if retained and /or demolished, preferably near the subject site, possibly in the north parking lot of the Claireville Conservation Area. G42 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 September 17. 2013 To date, the TRCA has issued an RFP for adaptive reuse of the building on site soliciting sustainable business proposals that would be consistent with the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan Update. Land development companies within the City of Brampton were also contacted for a possible relocation of the building and donation to Habitat for Humanity, with no success. Prolonged, continued efforts to secure the building from vandals have also been met with limited success. On June 18`", 2013 TRCA presented an information package to the Brampton Heritage Board explaining the measures taken to date. At that meeting, TRCA suggested that the next steps should be to secure a demolition permit while also photo- documenting and salvaging materials from the house and creating an interpretive node commemorating the structure and its history. The Brampton Heritage Board requested that TRCA appear at an additional meeting in order to discuss the matter further. It is anticipated that this meeting will be held in fall 2013. TRCA will report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance pending the outcome. RES #G25/13- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided for information. Moved by: Lynn Short Seconded by: Barry Westhead THAT the following minutes be received: • Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee #2/13 (July 11) • Communications Subcommittee #2/13 and #3/13 (June 25 and August 27) • Heritage Subcommittee #2/13 (July 12) • Planning and Policy Subcommittee #1/13 and #2/13 (June 11 and July 17) ..... ............................... CARRIED RES #G26/13- INFORMATION ITEMS To keep Humber Watershed Alliance members appraised of other activities which have recently been considered by the TRCA Board. Moved by: Sarah Doucette Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the following reports be received for information: Bolton Resource Management Tract Management Plan (Authority meeting # 6/ 13) ........ ............................... CARRIED 17. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 G43 NEW BUSINESS Heritage Tourism Trail D. Schulte advised that a meeting was held with First Nations, TRCA and the City of Vaughan to discuss the components of the Heritage Tourism Trail project which will consist of a First Nations interpretive component, interpretive signage potentially leading to the Living City Campus. It was a very successful meeting and the Humber Watershed Alliance will be kept abreast of progress. Rutherford Road Trail D. Schulte reported that after 11 years in the making, the trail under Rutherford Road has been constructed and will be open to the public very soon. Google Earth Trail Map J. Gorman will be presenting the Google Earth Trail Map developed by the Humber Valley Heritage Trail at the December meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance. Atlantic Salmon in Coffee Creek H. Broadbent was pleased to announce that Atlantic Salmon was found in Coffee Creek on the Main Humber. Kleinburg Hike I. Craig invited everyone to attend this annual hike being planned from Boyd to Bindertwine Park on October 20, 2013 beginning at 9 am. Bolton Mill Park J. Gorman encouraged members to attend the opening of Bolton Mill Park on October 19, 2013 from 10:30 am to noon to recognize all the donors. The event will include an unveiling of a Donor Recognition Plaque and certificates of appreciation will be given to both donors and volunteers. Humber River Heritage Park October 26 will mark the opening ceremonies of Humber River Heritage Park in Bolton. This has been an 11 year project and everyone is encouraged to come out for the official ribbon cutting. G44 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 September 17, 2013 Gov. J.G. Simcoe Re- enactment M. McDowell announced that this event will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Everyone is welcome. Flooding - July 8, 2013 M. Mattos reported that the Mt. Dennis area was severely affected by the flood which occurred on JUly 8' ". Thankfully, no lives were lost. When Hurricane Hazel hit this area in 1954, many lives were lost. This is due to the work that TRCA and others have done over the years to reduce the risks in these events. Fishing Events in Toronto M. Mattos advised that three family fishing events took place in the Mt. Dennis community in conjunction with the City of Toronto Recreation staff. TRCA participated with demonstrations, electrofishing etc. Farm Events B. Imrie announced that the Feast of Fields event which was held on September 8`" at Cold Creek was a tremendous success. Farm Stock will be held at Albion Hills Community Farm on October 19" and everyone is welcome. Stewardship Events K. Livingston reported that a number of TRCA stewardship events will be taking place in the next few months such as workshops, tree plantings and more. Members are encouraged to check out the website: trcastewardshipevents.ca 17. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/13 G45 DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for two baskets of local produce grown by Everdale. The winning tickets belonged to Marisa Jokelainen and Chris Svirklys. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:25 p.m., September 17, 2013. Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 Page G46 December 3, 2013 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, December 3, 2013. Chair lain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member lainCraig ................................ ............................... Member Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Dianne Douglas ........................... ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member Ron Hingston ............................. ............................... Member Michael Hoy .............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Marilyn lafrate . ........................... ............................... Member Marisa Jokelainen ......................... ............................... Member Lisette Mallet ............................. ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member EricMysak ............................... ............................... Member Debbie Schaefer .......................... ............................... Member Deb Schulte .............................. ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Katie Stammler ............................ ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Barry Westhead ........................... ............................... Member DawitWorku .............................. ............................... Member GUESTS Whelena Sainsbury ....................... ............................... Resident Janet Wong ............. ............................... Regional Municipality of Peel G47 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3. 2013 STAFF Maggie Ballantyne ... ............................... Supervisor, Stewardship /Outreach Adam Dembe ... ............................... Senior Technician, Conservation Lands Sonia Dhir .......................................... Project Manager, Humber Team Shelley Hazen ....................... ............................... Humber Intern Matt Kenel ....... ............................... Project Manager, Conservation Lands Kim Krawczyk ................................ Planning Technician, Conservation Lands Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Craig Losos ........ ............................... Technologist, Restoration Services Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Cameron Richardson . ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Adam Szaflarski ... ............................... Project Manager, Conservation Lands Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat RES. #G27/13 - MINUTES Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Lisette Mallet THAT the minutes of meeting #3/13, held on September 17, 2013 be approved ........................ ............................... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Google Earth Trail Map J. Gorman made a presentation on this online interactive map produced by the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association. The map: • illustrates the Bruce Trail and side trails; • has satellite features; • has terrain information showing degrees of difficulty; • illustrates trail head signs, parking areas, restaurants, and washrooms; • features points of interest (flora/fauna). Members are encouraged to visit the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association website to explore this exciting tool further. December 3, 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 G48 (b) Nashville Resource Management Tract A. Dembe gave a brief presentation on the Nashville Resource Management Tract. The highlights of the presentation included: • overview; • schedule; • vision, goals and objectives; • trail types; • proposed parking areas and bridges; • management zones; • next steps. (c) Restoration Projects on the Humber C. Losos updated the Alliance of the restoration projects being undertaken in the Humber watershed. Highlights of the presentation included: • goals and objectives; • summary of recent work; • future directions (ie. Atlantic Salmon Recovery). The Chair thanked all the presenters for their very informative presentations. RES. #G28/13- NASHVILLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TRACT To provide the Humber Watershed Alliance members with an update on the Nashville Resource Management Tract Draft Trail Plan. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the report on the progress of the draft trail plan in the Nashville Resource Management be received for information . ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Nashville Resource Management Tract (NRMT) is owned by TRCA and is approximately 720 hectares in size. The property is located in York Region, in the municipalities of King Township (203 ha) and the City of Vaughan (608 ha), within the Humber River Watershed. The property is bordered by King Road to the north, Nashville Road to the south, Albion- Vaughan Road to the west and Highway 27 to the east. G49 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3, 2013 NRMT is a diverse site containing many different habitat types such as upland forests, bottomland forests, meadows, former agricultural fields and wetlands. The property supports a variety of wildlife, provides significant deer wintering yards and is an important migratory corridor. Because of its large size, as well as its current and future ecological value, the NRMT is an integral part of TRCA's natural heritage system. Last year, TRCA reinstated the management plan process for the NRMT. The objective is to develop a plan for the NRMT property that protects the natural environment while exploring its potential for nature -based recreation. As part of the Nashville Management Plan, TRCA has partnered with members of the community to develop a trail plan for the area. The trail plan complements the overall management plan for the Nashville Tract and offers guidelines for the development of an integrated trail system through the property. The plan includes local loop trails within Nashville as well as interregional connections to connect communities such as Nobleton, Kleinburg and Bolton. The trail systems are designed to accommodate a variety of users and offers different trail types, lengths and difficulties. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a trail network that allows visitors to travel throughout the property, provide access to public use areas and facilities and to protect and promote the unique natural and cultural features of the NRMT. A NRMT Advisory Committee is already in place and a number of individuals from the Humber Watershed Alliance are members of the Advisory Committee. RES. #G29/13- ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION AREA MASTER PLAN Commencing the Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan process. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the staff report on the Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan process be received; AND FURTHER THAT two members of the Humber Watershed Alliance be appointed to the Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan Advisory Committee......... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Authority, at its meeting #8/13 held on October 25, 2013, adopted the following resolution: WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has undertaken several site planning endeavors for the Albion Hills Conservation Area including the 1956 Plan for Development, the 1980 Albion Hills Concept Plan within the Watershed Plan, the 2009 Albion Hills Trail Plan and several facility site plans; December 3, 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 G50 AND WHEREAS no comprehensive Master Plan for the property since the 1980 Concept Plan has been undertaken; AND WHEREAS an updated and coordinated vision and plan is needed to protect the natural and cultural heritage value of the property while still allowing for an enhancement to the existing education and recreational facilities on the property, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA staff develop an Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan; THAT staff establish an Advisory Committee, which would include representatives from the Aboriginal community, the Humber Watershed Alliance, interested community groups and businesses, community residents, agency staff, municipal staff and Councillors to assist with the development of the plan and to facilitate the opportunity for public input,• AND FURTHER THAT the draft Master Plan, as developed with the assistance of the Albion Hills Master Plan Advisory Committee, be submitted to the Authority for approval. Albion Hills Conservation Area (AHCA) is a large TRCA property, approximately 500 hectares in size, located in the Main Humber subwatershed at the confluence of Centreville Creek and the Main Humber. It is situated west of Regional Road 50, north of Old Church Road, east of Humber Station Road and South of Patterson Sideroad. AHCA is entirely within Peel Region and in the Township of Caledon. AHCA has been operating as an active nature based recreational facility since opening its gates in 1955, at which time made it the first active use conservation area in the Province of Ontario. A Plan for Development for the Albion Hills Conservation Area (PFD) was developed in 1956. This document set goals for the property and set the stage for the development of several key pieces of infrastructure that are still in use today such as the internal road network, the Albion dam and a good proportion of the property's site services. The next major vision for the properties was set during the writing of the 1980 Watershed Plan. At this time, a concept plan for the property was included within the Plan's Watershed Recreation Program (1980) component. The vision at this time, re- established Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (MTRCA) goal to make the property available to the public for recreation and educational purposes. Recommendations were also made to preserve the agricultural uses within the property boundaries. Subsequently in both Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (1997) and Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008), AHCA was reaffirmed by MTRCA as a key public use feature. Pathways took the extra step of identifying AHCA as a destination within Hills of the Headwaters public use theme. Both of these documents did not however elaborate on the site - specific planning efforts. Between 2009 and 2010, under support from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program (RInC), TRCA undertook a reworking of the trails within AHCA and the associated way- finding G51 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3. 2013 system in the form of a detailed property trail plan and implementation program. This undertaking set a strong direction for trail location, management and way finding on the properties and also provided key trail infrastructure improvements across the entirety of AHCA. In addition to these larger planning endeavors, project specific site plans were developed as improvements were made to the conservation area facilities. A recent example of this type of work is the improved Albion splash pad. As a result of these planning processes, TRCA has expanded its operations within AHCA to include a wide variety of recreational opportunities including over 40 km of trails, the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice mountain biking event, cross country skiing, swimming opportunities, camping, picnicking and canoeing. In addition to the recreational opportunities offered within AHCA, two separate educational facilities, one operated by the Toronto District School Board and the other by TRCA currently, offer residential outdoor education programs to school children. Also operated on the AHCA property is the Albion Hills Community Farm, a community -based farm collaborative. In combination with being a premier nature based recreation and education facility, AHCA contains many different habitats including upland and bottomland forests, old fields and wetlands, making it a key local and regional natural heritage site. Archaeological surveys conducted on the property since 1973 and a high level cultural heritage review of the property have also revealed that people have been living in the Albion Hills area since the end of the last ice age. This, coupled with a rich recent history, also makes the property a key cultural heritage site in the region. RATIONALE The Master Plan will integrate and enable a number of TRCA initiatives, most notably Building The Living City, the new 10 year strategic plan for TRCA. Specifically, this Master Plan will help TRCA achieve the strategy of rethinking its greenspace and help maximize its value (Strategy #3). TRCA will do this by positioning AHCA within the context of not only the surrounding natural areas, but also the surrounding rural community and its associated rich cultural heritage. In order to best achieve The Living City vision, the Master Plan will address a variety of issues within AHCA including: • reaffirming AHCA's position within the Hills of the Headwaters and the Caledon rural community; • continued protection of both natural and cultural heritage systems; • recommendations for existing and new recreational and educational activities; • recommendations for implementing site appropriate restoration projects; • recommendations for appropriate agricultural use of the property within the context of the existing Albion Hills Community Farm; • recommendations regarding site securement and protection of the property. December 3. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 G52 Because of the extensive community involvement that will be integrated into the development of this plan, this planning process provides a key opportunity to continue to foster sustainable citizenship in the local area by building on the outreach of the plan advisory committee and the public meetings that are to be incorporated into the planning process. The AHCA Master plan will provide an overall structure and direction to guide future initiatives on the property. Given the dramatic population growth expected across the region, demand for nature -based recreation facilities is likewise expected to grow. This plan will provide an opportunity to review existing recreational uses and management practices to ensure that the property remains positioned as a premier nature based recreation and education facility in the Greater Toronto Area. The Master Plan will also build on and support several additional key initiatives and plans within TRCA including: Humber Watershed Plan: Pathways to a Healthy Humber,• The Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy; and The Restoration Opportunities Plan for the Humber Watershed. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The Master Plan will use an ecosystem approach to determine the most appropriate management recommendations for the site, as well as locations of future activities and nature -based public use. The first step will be the completion of the draft AHCA background report that will identify planning context, current land uses, policies, natural and cultural heritage resources, as well as public uses, recreation trends and demographic analysis. Using this information, management zones will be developed that integrate the need to protect important areas while still allowing for the continued operation of the property as an active nature -based recreation and education facility. The management plan will also contain management guidelines, including restoration areas, a recreation and facilities plan, and an implementation strategy outlining preliminary costs for the implementation of the Master Plan. The development of the AHCA Master Plan will follow a similar model that has been successfully implemented at properties including Heart Lake, Bruce's Mill and Greenwood conservation lands. The planning process will be undertaken in the three phases: Phase One: Project Initiation • complete background report including site securement and protection recommendations; • establish public and staff advisory committees and host required meetings; • host a public information session; • circulate a study newsletter; • conduct an AHCA public survey; • develop draft plan vision, goals and objectives. G53 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3, 2013 Phase Two: Component Development • determine draft management zones; • integrate watershed management recommendations; • develop draft trail, recreation and facilities plans; • host a public meeting; • circulate a study newsletter. Phase Three: Project Finalization • develop final management recommendations; • develop an implementation strategy and budget; • host a public meeting; • circulate a study newsletter; • obtain municipal partner endorsement; • obtain partner and TRCA board endorsement. As part of the planning process, an advisory committee will be created to assist in determining the appropriate direction for the property. TRCA will invite representatives from the community, special interest groups and partners to sit on the committee for the duration of the project. The advisory committee members will play an integral role in developing goals, objectives and management recommendations for the AHCA. The following groups should be represented on the committee: • local Aboriginal communities; • Town of Caledon; • Peel Region; • Humber Watershed Alliance; • local community; • local businesses; • special interest groups; • property users; • TRCA. It is expected that the advisory committee will meet approximately five times over the course of 18 months. The management plan is expected to be completed in early 2015. Operation of AHCA and any already planned or shovel -ready projects will continue throughout the master planning process. Implementation of the master plan will begin in 2015. FINANCIAL DETAILS Project funding is available as part of the Peel Region Conservation Land Care budget, in account 440 -57 December 3. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE RES. #G30/13- PROPOSED SUBCOMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING To merge the Claireville and Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee and Nashville Management Plan Subcommittee and that a Planning and Policy Subcommittee be struck. Moved by: Chris Svirklys Seconded by: Lynn Short THAT the Claireville and Boyd /East Humber Subcommittees and the Nashville Management Plan Subcommittee be merged into one Upper Humber Subcommittee; THAT a Chair and Vice -Chair be elected to the Upper Humber Subcommittee from amongst its members; G54 AND FURTHER THAT a Planning and Policy Subcommittee be struck and that three members of the Humber Watershed Alliance be appointed to such subcommittee ....................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND At Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #1/13, held on April 16, 2013, the subcommittee structure of the Alliance was approved wherein six subcommittees were established as follows: • Claireville Subcommittee • Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee • Lower Humber Subcommittee • Oak Ridges Corridor Park • Heritage Subcommittee • Communications Subcommittee Since the establishment of these subcommittees, staff has noticed a downward trend in attendance of a few subcommittees; particularly, the Claireville Subcommittee and the Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee. Given that these were smaller groups to begin with, the lack of attendance results in making meaningful meetings difficult. The time and dedication of volunteers, like yourselves, on the Humber Watershed Aliance is very much appreciated. In order to improve coordination in the Upper Humber, provide greater opportunities for integrated communications and provide strategic oversight of this important area, it is recommended that those subcommittees currently working in the "905" ara of the Humber watershed, become a single Upper Humber Subcommittee. To ensure continuity and momentum on projects that you are committed to and to encourage participation in other TRCA /municipal projects on the Humber, we are recommending that the Claireville and Boyd /East Humber Subcommittees and the Nashville Management Plan Subcommittee be merged into one Upper Humber Subcommittee. The proposed Upper Humber Subcommittee would continue to deal with both Claireville and Boyd /East Humber projects as well as other issues which may arise in the "905" area of the G55 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3, 2013 watershed. The Upper Humber Subcommittee could continue to meet at the same frequency (about four or five times per year). This will ensure the necessary focus and effort required, while serving to limit to a reasonable level, the demands on the Humber Watershed Alliance members, TRCA staff and other agencies. A Chair and Vice -Chair of the Upper Humber Subcommittee shall be elected from amongst its members and they will report to the full Alliance on workplan activities. The remainder of the subcommittees (Lower Humber, Oak Ridges Corridor Park, Heritage and Communications) would remain unchanged. As part of this restructuring, it is also recommended that a Planning and Policy Subcommittee be added. The Planning and Policy Subcommittee would be responsible for reviewing and commenting on policy documents such as the Local Food Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, the Greenbelt Review and other pieces of legislation wherein we would have an opportunity to provide input. Members of the Humber Watershed Planning and Policy Subcommittee would function as part of an interwatershed team wherein members of the Don Regeneration Council as well as the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition would collaborate and prepare a unified submission which would incorporate TRCA jusidiction wide concerns. In order to ensure that Humber interests are addressed on this subcommittee, we recommend having three Humber Watershed Alliance members appointed to the Planning and Policy Subcommittee. This subcommittee would meet on an 'as required' basis. RES #G31/13- STEWARDSHIP UPDATE IN THE HUMBER WATERSHED To provide the Humber Watershed Alliance members with an update of TRCA led stewardship activities in the Humber watershed since 2010. Moved by: Lisette Mallet Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the report on the Stewardship update of activities in the Humber watershed be received; AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to participate in stewardship activities planned in the Humber Watershed ................. CARRIED BACKGROUND At meeting #2/10, held on June 15, 2010, the Humber Watershed Alliance members were updated regarding the proposed community programming planned in the Humber Watershed by the newly appointed Humber River Stewardship Coordinator, Kasey Livingston. The 2010 work plan focused on stewardship efforts in the Region of Peel that would support and strengthen the existing environmental movement by collaboration with community groups, schools, faith -based organizations and the municipalities. December 3. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 G56 Over 2010 and 2011, the Stewardship Coordinator's work plan evolved and led to many new partnerships and included many community events in Palgrave, Bolton, Caledon East and within the Claireville Conservation Area. A variety of community programming continues today in these communities. ACCOMPLISHMENTS In 2012 and 2013, Stewardship staff continued to support community event requests noted above and have further focused their efforts into two program areas including the Humber Green Streams project in partnership with the City of Brampton and the Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program in partnership with ecoCaledon, the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel. The Green Streams project was officially launched in 2012. Its purpose is to build the capacity of existing groups to lead environmental events. This is accomplished by contacting group leaders from faith and community groups, schools and businesses and encouraging them to adopt a section of the Humber River valley lands. TRCA staff support adoptee groups by providing plant material, tools and resources to steward these Brampton owned valley lands. Their contribution supports the environmental targets in the Humber watershed plan and report card and complements the extensive restoration being implemented through the City of Brampton's Brampton Valleys Renaturalization Planting Program and TRCA's Valley Restoration Program. The following table provides a summary of the current Green Streams adoptee groups: Adoptee Group Site Adopted Calderstone Middle School Figg Valley Claireville Clean Up Crew William Hostrawser Valley Dera Sacha Sauda Hacket Valley Volunteering Peel Robinson Valley Thorndale Public School Ebenezer Valley North Ebenezer Valley Community Ebenezer Valley Since the launch of Green Streams project, the adoptees have: • contributed 3300 hours to stewardship activities on their adopted sites; • planted 5550 trees and shrubs; • planted 216 aquatic plants and 75 wildflowers; • removed 190 bags of litter; • constructed and installed 20 song bird nest boxes; G57 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3. 2013 painted 135 storm drains as part of the Yellow Fish Road Storm Drain Marking Program; participated in 48 stewardship activities (tree monitoring, invasive species removal, nature hikes and bug and bird interpretation); raised 400 Atlantic Salmon in their classroom as part of the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. The Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program was launched in 2011, in partnership with ecoCaledon, the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel. The aim of this program is to increase the awareness of water conservation issues by promoting the use of rain barrels. The rain barrel art program draws attention to the use of rain barrels by transforming them into art installations for the yard, while showcasing the work of local artists. In its first two years, the program's message of water conservation reached 1000 Caledon residents through the work of 15 community artists and 27 classes from nine schools who painted rain barrels which were eventually auctioned off. In 2013, seven community artists and 19 high school artists painted 20 barrels that were displayed at local retailers, markets and community events before being auctioned off to fund bursaries given to Caledon students going into a post- secondary education in environmental sciences. The elementary school program started with ten schools painting 12 rain barrels that were showcased at a Caledon Council meeting then returned to the school for installation or to be used as a fundraiser. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE In 2014, we will continue to work with current West Humber Green Streams adoptees to implement one spring and one fall project within their adopted sites. New adoptee groups will be recruited to adopt 2 -3 new sites. Outreach efforts throughout the adopted sites will continue and will include tree, shrub, and wildflower planting and Greening your Grounds homeowner workshops focused on landscaping for water conservation. We will host and train others to lead interpretive hikes, and create and install habitat features. School focused programs will include the Yellow Fish Road Storm Drain Marking program, and the Aquatic Plants Program. Staff will continue to support the Paint a Picture for Water Conservation. On November 1, 2013 TRCA submitted a funding application on behalf of five collaborative partners to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A portion of this application was dedicated to requesting their financial support to grow the Paint a Picture Program over the next three years by adding a curriculum - linked classroom led by ecoCaledon staff and volunteers. In 2014, Stewardship staff will continue to work closely with the Humber Watershed Specialist and understand the priorities of the Humber Watershed Alliance to develop and implement meaningful environmental stewardship activities within the Humber River Watershed. Stewardship events are usually posted on the Humber Facebook page, Humber Advocate and TRCA Stewardship website. December 3. 2013 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 RES #G32/13- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided for information. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the following minutes be received: G58 • Boyd /East Humber Subcommittee #3/13 (October 17) • Claireville Subcommittee #2/13 (October 8) • Communications Subcommittee #3/13 and #4/13 (Sept. 24 and October 29) • Heritage Subcommittee #3/13 and #4/13 (October 11 and November 15) • Lower Humber Subcommittee #2/13, #3/13 and #4/13 (July 23, October 22 and November 19) ...................... CARRIED RES #G33/13- INFORMATION ITEMS To keep Humber Watershed Alliance members appraised of other activities which have recently been considered by the TRCA Board. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Lynn Short THAT the following reports be received for information: • Humber River Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration and Partnerships (Authority meeting #7/13); • Oak Ridges Corridor Park East Management Plan Update (Authority meeting #7/13); • 2013 Natural Environment and Cycling Infrastructure Projects, City of Toronto (Authority meeting #7/13); • Exchange of Lands: Fire /EMS Station, Town of Caledon (Authority meeting #7/13); • Enbridge Pipelines Inc., (Authority meeting # 8/ 13) ........ ............................... CARRIED G59 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/13 December 3. 2013 NEW BUSINESS Rutherford Road Bridge D. Schulte announced that the parking lot at the Rutherford Road bridge has been completed giving access to the new trail connection under the bridge. RES #G34/13- Susan Robertson, Letter of Thanks Moved by: Sharon Bradley Seconded by: Lynn Short THAT lain Craig send a letter of thanks to Susan Robertson on behalf of the Humber Watershed Alliance, for her assistance to the members of the Alliance during her tenure as Humber Project Manager at TRCA .... ............................... CARRIED DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a BCPV gift shop basket. The winning ticket belonged to Janet Wong. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:55 p.m., December 3, 2013. Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L.