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Home My WebLink AboutHumber Watershed Alliance 199946k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/99 Page G1 January 19, 1999 The Humber Watershed Alliance met in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, January 19, 1999. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. Connie Agnew ............................ ............................... Member Ron Allan ................................ ............................... Member Mary Louise Ashbourne ..................... ............................... Member Amiyo Biswas ........................... ............................... Member Stephen Bodsworth ........................ ............................... Member David Burnett ............................ ............................... Alternate Peter Carruthers ........................... ............................... Member Christine Cooper .......................... ............................... Member Debbe Crandall ........................... ............................... Member John Crawford ............................ ............................... Member Brenda Crompton ......................... ............................... Member Christopher DeSousa ...................... ............................... Member David Green .............................. ............................... Member Lois Griffin ................................. ............................... Chair Richard Hoffmann ......................... ............................... Member Robert Hubbs ............................ ............................... Member John Livey .............................. ............................... Alternate Tija Luste ................................ ............................... Member Luciano Martin ............................ ............................... Member Glenn Mason ............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Marjorie Mossman ......................... ............................... Member Carol Ray ................................ ............................... Member Deborah Schulte .......................... ............................... Member Ian Sinclair ............................... ............................... Member Bryan Smith ............................. ............................... Alternate Tracy Smith .............................. ............................... Member Nancy Stewart ............................ ............................... Member Michael White ............................. ............................... Member Bill Wilson ................................ ............................... Member G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 STAFF Bob Burgar .......................... ............................... Archaeologist Jon Clayton ...................... ............................... Fisheries Biologist Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Craig Mather ............. ............................... Chief Administrative Officer Greg Rich .............. ............................... Trail Planning Technician Chandra Sharma . ............................... Coordinator, Multicultural Stewardship Andy Wickens .......... ............................... Manager, Conservation Areas Gary Wilkins ............ ............................... Humber Watershed Specialist RES. #G1/99 - MINUTES Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Amiyo Biswas THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4/98, held on October 20, 1998, be approved... CARRIED VERBAL REPORTS OF SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEES Slide presentations were made by Robert Hubbs, Stephen Bodsworth, Bill Wilson and David Green with respect to the progress made to date by the Lower Humber, West Humber, Main Humber and East Humber Subwatershed Committees, respectively. The Chair thanked them for their informative presentations. RES. #G2/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Draft Indicators, Measures, Presentation Style and Timing Endorsement of the draft indicators and measures, and presentation style for the Humber Report Card, and receipt of the approved work plan for information. Moved by: Mary Louise Ashbourne Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the revised draft indicators and measures for the Humber Report Card be received for information; January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G3 THAT the presentation style of the Humber Report Card be endorsed; THAT staff be directed to report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance with each draft indicator and measures laid out in the Presentation Style at Meeting #2/99; AND FURTHER THAT the Report Card Subcommittee Work Plan be received for information. AMENDMENT RES. #G3/99 Moved by: Robert Hubbs Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the issue of governance be considered; THAT letter grades be used in the Humber Report Card with an indication of the trend; THAT a saying or poem be included at the bottom or side of pages to help represent the spiritual connection between human heritage and the environment; AND FURTHER THAT the text of the Humber Report Card be written in point -form. THE AMENDMENT WAS ............... ............................... CARRIED THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ..... ............................... CARRIED COMMENTS ON INDICATORS Members' comments included: ♦ Are new programs and funding required for the collection of data? ♦ In terms of contemporary culture, what do `meeting places' have to do with TRCA's mandate? ♦ Are extraction and rehabilitation of gravel pits worthwhile indicators to include since there isn't much of this in the Humber currently? ♦ Fish harvest and angler effort should be included; ♦ Is water included in `extraction'? If so, it should come under the groundwater indicator; ♦ Legislation, such as OP's and Environmental By -Laws, is included in watershed economics. There is a major governance issue being missed. ♦ What is being compared? Criteria and organization assessment or evaluation processes? ♦ With regard to "the existence of effective policies" we should review this in terms of economy and environment; ♦ One indicator not present is population density bordering the watershed. How much G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 human pressure is being put on the watershed? ♦ In watershed economy, we indicate the number of municipalities implementing policies. Why is this here since all municipalities are different? A more applicable measure is what percentage of the watershed is protected as opposed to the number of municipalities; ♦ With respect to the governance issue, we should move from an enabling view point to a controlling view point. We should be monitoring the sort of governance that municipalities have; COMMENTS ON DESIGN Members' comments included: ♦ Letter grades are preferred; ♦ Point form is preferred; ♦ A brief poem or saying that deals with spiritual context throughout the entire report is preferred. Include as a sidebar as opposed to having it at the bottom of the page; ♦ As in the Don, 'where we were, where we are and where we're headed', is effective; ♦ It's important that we explain, at the outset, what the letter grades mean; ♦ Consider having a vertical graph like a thermometer rather than a barometer; ♦ What does the barometer or a letter grade measure? Will it measure progress to achieving the target or will it measure effort? ♦ The first part of the Report Card should focus on how well the Humber is doing. The second part should focus on how well the policy makers are implementing policies; ♦ If the barometer is used, a "big hand and little hand" concept could be considered. One hand would indicate effort while the other would indicate target and use them together; ♦ Consider using a red, yellow or green light rather than a barometer or letter grade; ♦ Use of "good news /bad news" is an excellent idea; ♦ If barometer is used, we have to show trends; ♦ Letter grades are better because, after all, it is a report card. Letter grades should be assigned based on how you have assessed the criteria under which this category is being reviewed. The top of the page should have the category with a letter assessment and have, for example, 'B' highlighted with an arrow; ♦ Grades are subjective so if grades are used, there should be an anecdotal written in plain English rather than in scientific jargon; ♦ There must be a PR element to the Report Card; ♦ It is subjective and it should not be too scientific. We want to create a certain perception in people's minds; ♦ The Report Card is all about reporting the state of the watershed. Measuring effort is irrelevant; BACKGROUND The Report Card Subcommittee is working diligently towards its deadline of October 20, 1999 for the completion of the first Humber Report Card. Since meeting #4/98 of the Humber Watershed Alliance, the Subcommittee and staff have revised the draft indicators and measures required for the Report Card, and technical background reports for each indicator have been (or are being) prepared. The highlights of this work is presented below in "Draft January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G5 Indicators and Measures ". The Subcommittee is also discussing the presentation style for these indicators. This is an important step in the process of writing the indicators, as it is imperative that each indicator be presented in the same format to ensure that there are no gaps in the information. This information will be given to a professional writer in the future. The recommended presentation style is discussed in detail below in "Presentation Style ". The timing deadlines for completion of the various components of the Humber Report Card are extremely tight. Essentially, there are three avenues of work to be completed: writing of the technical draft report in the approved presentation style, writing of the final report by a professional writer, and layout, design, and final production of the Humber Report Card. The timing for each of these phases is interdependent. This is outlined in the "Timing" section of this report. DRAFT INDICATORS AND MEASURES At meeting #4/98 of the Humber Watershed Alliance, a preliminary list of the draft indicators and measures were endorsed by the Alliance (Res. #G47/98). These indicators and measures were also discussed in detail and at this meeting it further was agreed: THAT staff and the Humber Report Card Subcommittee members undertake an analysis of the issues raised at this meeting and consider them in their report to the Humber Watershed Alliance at Meeting #1/99. The Report Card Subcommittee and staff have had detailed discussions regarding the preliminary list of indicators and measures, and the recommendations of the Humber Watershed Alliance at meeting #4/98.. In addition, as staff undertook the detailed technical background reports for each indicator and measures, consideration of the Alliance's concerns was given. A total of 21 indicators are currently being considered by the Subcommittee, and developed by staff under the guidance of the subcommittee. These include eight environmental indicators, seven societal indicators, and four economic indicators. Indicators that deal with public awareness and watershed stewardship are being developed as part of the opinion poll, the results of which will be incorporated in the report card. PRESENTATION STYLE The subcommittee has spent some time reviewing the presentation styles of a number of report card from various agencies and discussing alternative styles. The recommended Presentation Style is based on a combination of three Report Card Presentation Styles which the Report Card Subcommittee preferred, including: Turning the Corner, the 1997 Don Watershed Report Card; 1995 Fraser Basin Management Board Report Card, and the 1998 State of Ohio's State of the Lake Report. Preferred Presentation Style: G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 A page budget of between one and two pages for each indicator and its measures will be allotted for the first draft report. This information will subsequently be edited such that the total length of the report does not exceed 50 pages. Wherever possible, graphics will be used instead of written text to illustrate relevant points in an interesting and useful way. State of the Indicator in the past It is recommended that a time frame of 25 years ago be used for each indicator, when technically appropriate. Thirty years past is a period that most of the report card's readers will be able to remember, and subsequently relate to, as they use the document. State of the Indicator today The current state of each indicator and its measures will be used as a benchmark for establishing the targets. The benchmarks will be ranked as poor, fair, good, or excellent by staff based on their technical expertise. It is recommended that this ranking be displayed in a barometer. In the future, the barometers could be easily compared with the results of later report cards to show change. In the final report, all of the barometers may be displayed together in a "centrefold" within the report. This centerfold could potentially be designed for use as a one page hand out, separate from the report card itself, and used as an education tool. Future Targets and Actions It is recommended that targets be established for the years 2005, 2015, and 2025. Similar to the recommendation for describing the state of the indicator in the past, 25 years is a period in which most of the report card's uses will be able to foresee, and subsequently relate to, as they use the document. Actions to achieve these targets will be recommended. Selecting a Presentation Style at this stage is imperative for the next stage of the report writing. Currently, background technical reports have been, or are being, completed for each of the above -noted indicators and targets. The next stage in the writing process is to take this detailed information, edit it to illustrate only the information which the Alliance requires for the purposes of the report card, and rewrite it into a prescribed format. As this information must be presented to the Alliance at meeting #2/99, approval of the presentation style at this stage is imperative. It should be noted, however, that approval of the presentation style does preclude approval of a draft layout and design of the document, nor does it preclude the style in which the document will finally be written. Alliance endorsement for the hiring of a professional writer will be sought at Meeting #2/99. Alliance approval of the final draft text (prepared by the professional writer) and of the draft layout and design, will be sought at Meeting #3/99. TIMING The Humber Report Card will be completed by the Alliance at the end of their term, with final approval of the document slated for Meeting G00° #4/99 on October 19, 1999. To meet this deadline, a number of important milestones must be met, the timing of which is critical. As is Example ofa barometer January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G7 outlined in the Report Card Subcommittee 1999 Work Plan, these milestones include: • preparation of a draft staff report in the approved presentation style and subsequent endorsement by the Alliance at Meeting #2/99. Results of the Opinion Poll will be included in this report; • endorsement to hire a professional writer at Alliance Meeting #2/99; • approval of the draft text, proposed layout and design, and distribution list at Alliance Meeting #3/99; and • approval of the final document at Alliance Meeting #4/99. To meet these milestones, the Report Card Subcommittee will meet approximately every two weeks and decide on a number of issues, including finalizing the indicators and measures, finalizing the opinion poll, finalizing layout and design. Alliance members not part of the subcommittee who wish to partake in a particular aspect in the subcommittee's work are invited to attend the Subcommittee's meetings where their input would be appreciated. The meeting schedule is outlined in the Work Plan. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Prepare draft staff report regarding the report card content for endorsement by the Alliance at Meeting #2/99; • Hire a professional writer for Alliance endorsement at Meeting #2/99; • Obtain Executive Committee approval to hire the writer at their Meeting #4/99; • Obtain approval of the draft text, proposed layout and design, and distribution list at Alliance Meeting #3/99; • Approval of the final document at Alliance Meeting #4/99; and • Executive Committee approval to print the document at their Meeting #9/99. • Print document; distribute final document on October 31, 1999. NOTE: An additional meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance may be required before October, 1999 to finalize the Report Card to meet the October 31, 1999 deadline. RES. #G4/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Public Opinion Survey The preparation of a public opinion survey for residents of the Humber River watershed. Moved by: Richard Hoffmann Seconded by: Peter Carruthers THAT the Humber Report Card Subcommittee continue to develop a series of questions to be included in a public opinion survey of awareness, attitudes and behaviours of watershed residents; G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to attend future subcommittee meetings to develop and finalize questions to be included in the public opinion survey; AND FURTHER THAT a terms of reference be developed for the public opinion survey and that a consultant be hired to finalize and conduct the survey............ CARRIED COMMENTS There should be some latitude for the consultant to select their own questions. Progress made on the public opinion survey should be brought to the attention of the four Subwatershed Committees. BACKGROUND Members of the Humber Report Card Subcommittee have discussed the option of undertaking a public opinion survey to determine the attitude, behaviour and level of awareness of residents living in the Humber River watershed. The results of such a survey would be used in the report card as specific measures and supporting facts and information to complement the description of selected indicators. The survey could be designed to investigate issues such as: ♦ the community's perceptions on the degree of watershed health; ♦ the level of usage of the Humber River watershed for recreation and education experiences; ♦ the degree of satisfaction for recreation and tourism opportunities; ♦ the level of awareness of the watershed's heritage; ♦ the level of environmentally friendly attitudes and behaviours; ♦ the level of awareness and support of regeneration programs; The Humber Report Card Subcommittee has begun to develop a list of potential questions that may be useful in such an opinion survey. A copy of these example questions are attached for your information. Further discussion is required to select the questions that would be the most relevant in terms of measuring awareness, attitudes and behaviours in the long term. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE ♦ finalize the list of watershed indicators; ♦ develop a list of survey questions that complement the needs of the watershed indicators; ♦ develop a terms of reference for the survey; ♦ hire a consultant to finalize and conduct the survey; ♦ incorporate the outcomes of the survey into the report card indicator descriptions and measurements; ♦ Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to attend future Report Card Subcommittee meetings scheduled for January 25, February 8, February 15 and February 22 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Humber Room at the TRCA Office. FINANCIAL DETAILS January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G9 Funds have been tentatively identified as part of the Humber Watershed Management Budget. Final decisions will be made subject to the proposed costs submitted by consulting companies. Other sources will be investigated as well. RES. #G5/99 - WATERSHED SEDIMENT AWARENESS INITIATIVE A meeting of representatives from the Don Council, Humber Alliance, staff from TRCA and the City of Vaughan. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: David Green THAT the staff report on the Watershed Sediment Awareness Initiative be received; THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support that the primary focus at this time be directed to efforts in reducing soil loss from new developing areas construction sites; AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance participate, as needed, in the development of workshops, assist with communicating the outcomes of these workshops to other appropriate contacts, production of education materials and participate in applications for funding requests as may be required ...................... CARRIED BACKGROUND A major cause of the degradation of rivers and streams in urban areas is soil erosion at construction sites. Without effective erosion controls, the tons of sediment from residential and industrial development, highway and bridge construction enter the watercourses. At poorly managed construction sites, stormwater brings tons of silt into the river. Sediment causes degradation of water quality, destruction of aquatic habitats, increased flooding and reduced navigation in waterways. Sediment or suspended solids carries many pollutants, toxic chemicals, metals, nutrients, bacteria and others that cling to its particles and, thus, are more easily ingested by aquatic life. A brown, turbid stream is also not aesthetically pleasing to people. A survey conducted by The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) in the past indicated that to the public, clear water means clean water and cloudy means dirty. The condition of local natural areas affects people's attitudes towards their community. At meeting #3/98 of the Humber Watershed Alliance, held on July 21,1998, the following resolution was adopted: "THAT Luciano Martin and Michael White be nominated members of the Watershed Sediment Awareness Initiative on behalf of the Humber Watershed Alliance; AND FURTHER THAT progress reports from the Watershed Sediment Awareness Initiative be brought to the Humber Watershed Alliance ................... CARRIED" G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 Scoping Session - November 17, 1998 Representatives from the Don Council, Humber Alliance, TRCA staff, and the City of Vaughan met to discuss the technical, planning, enforcement and attitudinal issues regarding the continuing problem of excess sediment delivery to the watercourses throughout the TRCA's area of jurisdiction. It was agreed that the issue of sediment control from new development areas is the most pressing problem. Problems in current practice range from ineffective design standards, inadequate technical understanding and application of available techniques, "cookie cutter approaches ", improper maintenance of sediment control structures through the entire life cycle of the project, and lack of attention to seasonal requirements. Contributing to this problem is the apparent lack of ownership of the issue, accountability by agency staff and motivation /incentives at the industry level. It was agreed that four streams of activity are required to address these problems. Technology, Techniques and Standards Workshop This session would be developed by a steering committee with representatives from the consultant industry, professional engineers, urban development industry, home builders associations, municipalities, TRCA and the watershed councils. The purpose of this session would be to address the technology, techniques, and standards issues identifying what can be done immediately to improve the situation, new techniques that can be tried and areas that require new product /technique development. Process and Protocol Workshop A workshop to discuss process and protocol to ensure that the appropriate techniques are being chosen, installed and maintained through the planning and site approvals process and the development of appropriate contingency options, eg. Letter of credit. This session would be developed by a similar steering committee with representatives of the various stakeholders. Education and Technology Transfer Based on the results from the two workshops, appropriate education and technology transfer sessions /materials will be developed to ensure that lack of knowledge is not a roadblock to more adequate control of sediment. It is anticipated that practitioners in both the public sector, including TRCA staff and municipal staff and the private sector, would benefit from some level of education on the problems, issues and solutions for sediment control. A key element to be developed and presented is the economic costs of sediment control and clean -up. 4. Showcase It was agreed that it would be highly beneficial to identify a development project where sediment control could be showcased. The project could be tracked to identify real costs of sediment control, including adequate maintenance, throughout a full project life cycle. January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G11 It was further agreed that to maintain a reasonable scope to the project, municipalities should be requested to become full partners in this work representing the headwaters of the Humber, Don and Rouge. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Assignment of a Project Manager and project support at TRCA. Confirmation of funding availability for this work. Request to Brampton, Caledon, King, Vaughan and Richmond Hill to participate in the study and assignment of appropriate staff. Initial consultation with industry representatives. Identification of a steering committee to develop a workshop session. Scheduling of workshop. Feature article on the sediment generation issue in the next Humber Advocate. RES. #G6/99 - RIVERS, STREAMS AND RAVINE MANAGEMENT BROCHURE Development of a brochure to improve community awareness of the values, issues and preferred management practices related to valley corridors. Moved by: Deborah Schulte Seconded by: Tija Luste THAT the concept of a Rivers, Streams and Ravine Management Brochure be endorsed; THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to attend future meetings with staff to finalize the content and design of the Rivers, Streams and Ravine Management Brochure; AND FURTHER THAT Bill Wilson, Dirkje Glerum and Stephen Bodsworth be involved in finalizing the brochure ................ ............................... CARRIED COMMENTS Brian Byrnes of Envirosense gave a brief presentation on the work done, to date, on the brochure. The following comments were received from the Humber Alliance members: G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 ♦ Make it applicable to the whole watershed; ♦ Illustrate specific things that individuals can do or should not do; ♦ Homeowners need more specifics about what they should or should not do; ♦ Make people more visible; ♦ Should make it perfectly clear that one practice is good and one is bad; ♦ Targeted to homeowners vs. businesses? ♦ Indicate something to the effect "did you know that municipalities have by -laws against these bad practices ? "; ♦ Make it very Humber watershed specific rather than too abstract; ♦ Remove first photo and say something like "do you want to be part of this picture or this picture ?" ♦ Put Toronto skyline in the background; BACKGROUND During the development of work plans for several of the Humber Subwatershed Committees, Alliance members indicated a need to educate landowners and watershed residents on the values and management practices affecting valley and stream corridors. Many negative practices occur presently which have an adverse impact on the natural environment such as indiscriminate vegetation removal and garbage dumping. A draft brochure is being prepared and will be presented at the Humber Watershed Alliance meeting for comments and suggestions. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE ♦ finalize the content of the brochure; ♦ finalize the design of the brochure; ♦ seek funding to produce the end product; ♦ distribute the brochure to appropriate locations. RES. #G7/99 - SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEE REPORTS The minutes of the meetings for the following subwatershed committees are provided for information. Moved by: Peter Carruthers Seconded by: Carol Ray THAT the following minutes be received: Meeting #8/98 and #9/98 of the East Humber Subwatershed Committee; Meeting #8/98 and #9/98 of the Lower Humber /Black Creek Subwatersheds Committee; Meeting #7/98 and #8/98 of the Main Humber Subwatershed Committee Meeting #6/98 and #1/99 of the West Humber Subwatershed Committee...... CARRIED January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G13 NEW BUSINESS McLEANS MAGAZINE L. Griffin notified members that in a recent article on bank mergers in McLeans Magazine, M.L. Ashbourne and the association she is affiliated with were prominently featured as one of the groups being influential in terms of the outcome. On behalf of the Humber Alliance, L. Griffin congratulated M.L. Ashbourne on her involvement. HUMBER RIVER LOGO G. Wilkins advised that he has been receiving submissions for a Humber River Logo. Special thanks were extended to John Livey and his staff at the Regional Municipality of York for their submission. The logos received to date will be referred to the Logo Subcommittee for their consideration in the near future. CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS UPDATE Authority staff will be hosting a bus tour for the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board on Sunday, January 31, 1999. The tour will illustrate some of the human heritage, recreational, and natural heritage values of the Humber River Watershed. Councillors Miller and Shea have agreed to participate in the tour together with several Humber Alliance members. On February 1, 1999, the Board will be considering a recommendation that the Humber River Management Strategy be approved. Once the recommendation is made by the Board, it will be referred to Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, for her endorsement. The designation will then become official and TRCA staff will begin the process of preparing for a dedication ceremony slated for late September, 1999. All members are invited to attend and encouraged to assist in the organization of the event. A CHRS Subcommittee has already been struck, consisting of seven Humber Alliance members; however, the magnitude of the dedication ceremony requires as many hands as possible. Any member wishing to lend their assistance should contact either Gary Wilkins or Lia Lappano at (416)661 -6600. G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 January 19, 1999 CONSERVATION JOURNEYS C. Mather, CAO, outlined the Conservation Journeys program which has recently been launched as the Authority's fundraising strategy. TRCA's Business Plan indicated that in order to make up for funding cutbacks, the fundraising capabilities of the Conservation Foundation had to be increased. As well, a plan was required to generate our own revenue through our facilities, fees for service, etc. Conservation Journeys has been test - marketed to determine whether this is the best mechanism for the Authority to raise funds. Humber Alliance members are invited to provide comments, make a donation and /or forward the brochure, which they received, to family and friends. COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY Humber Alliance members agreed to have staff proceed with organizing a Community Clean Up Day in the Spring. This should be a watershed -wide event to take place during Watershed Week. If members are aware of any upcoming hikes, tree planting events or clean up events, they are asked to call either Gary Wilkins or Beth Williston at (416)661 -6600. These events can be advertised in the next issue of the Humber Advocate. HUMBER WATERSHED PLEDGE G. Wilkins announced that the Humber Watershed Pledge will be unveiled at the next Humber Watershed Alliance meeting to be held on April 20, 1999 at which time members will be asked to put their signatures to it. HUMBER CERTIFICATE G. Wilkins advised that staff is developing a generic certificate as a form of recognition for those groups who protect, restore and celebrate the Humber River. The certificate will be presented to the Humber Alliance members at their next meeting. USE OF ROAD SALT M. McDowell encouraged all members to contact their municipal governments regarding the excessive use of salt on roads which has negative impacts on the environment. They should be urged to use alternative methods. It was agreed that this is something that the Humber Watershed Alliance would like to address and it will be raised at the next meeting. January 19, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #1/99 G15 TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:45 p.m., January 19, 1999. Brian Denney J. Craig Mather Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/99 Page G16 April 20, 1999 The Humber Watershed Alliance met in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, April 20, 1999. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT Connie Agnew ............................ ............................... Member Ron Allan ................................ ............................... Member Mary Louise Ashbourne ..................... ............................... Member Amiyo Biswas ........................... ............................... Member Stephen Bodsworth ........................ ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member David Burnett ............................ ............................... Alternate Christine Cooper .......................... ............................... Member Debbe Crandall ........................... ............................... Member Christopher DeSousa ...................... ............................... Member David Green .............................. ............................... Member Lois Griffin ................................. ............................... Chair Alyson Hazlett ............................ ............................... Member Richard Hoffmann ......................... ............................... Member RimiKalinauskas .......................... ............................... Member Tija Luste ................................ ............................... Member Luciano Martin ............................ ............................... Member Glenn Mason ............................. ............................... Member Joanne Mauti ............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Marjorie Mossman ......................... ............................... Member John Nemeth ............................ ............................... Alternate Carol Seglins ............................. ............................... Member Bryan Smith ............................. ............................... Alternate Nancy Stewart ............................ ............................... Member Michael White ............................. ............................... Member Bill Wilson ................................ ............................... Member GUESTS Conny Eylert .......... ............................... Healthy Lawns, Healthy People Carolyn King .......................... Chief, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation G17 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 STAFF Bob Burgar .......................... ............................... Archaeologist Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Sonya Meek .............. ............................... Water Management Planner Lionel Normand .......................... ............................... Biologist Lorraine O' Byrne ................ ............................... Curator, Collections Greg Rich .............. ............................... Trail Planning Technician Gary Wilkins ............ ............................... Humber Watershed Specialist Beth Williston . ............................... Etobicoke- Mimico Creek Specialist The Chair introduced Chief Carolyn King of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and welcomed her to the Humber Alliance meeting. RES. #G8/99 - MINUTES Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/99, held on January 19, 1999, be approved... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) "Healthy Lawns, Healthy People" Conny Eylert gave a brief presentation on "Healthy Lawns, Healthy People" - a subcommittee of "Citizens for a Clean Caledon ". The mandate of "Healthy Lawns, Healthy People" is to make the public aware of the negative impacts which herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and fungicides have on the environment as well as on humans. Recent findings indicate that these chemicals can result in fatigue, learning disabilities in children and many other related diseases. A flyer is appended to these minutes. (b) Natural Heritage System - Frog Monitoring Lionel Normand, Biologist at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority gave a presentation on the development of a natural heritage system plan for the Humber River and frog monitoring as it relates to the Humber Report Card. The existence of frogs is an indicator of a healthy watershed. L. Normand highlighted the different frog species as well as their respective frog calls. April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G18 (c) Humber Discovery Walk Ron Allan, Member of the Lower Humber Subwatershed Committee, provided the Alliance with an update of progress made to date on the Lower Humber Discovery Walk. VERBAL REPORTS OF SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEES Presentations were made by Dave Green, Bill Wilson and Stephen Bodsworth with respect to the progress made to date by the East Humber, Main Humber and West Humber Subwatershed Committees, respectively. The Chair thanked them for their informative presentations. RES. #G9/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Indicators, Measures and Presentation Style Indicators, measures, and presentation style for the Humber Report Card. Moved by: Carol Seglins Seconded by: Christine Cooper THAT the revised indicators, measures and presentation style, dated March 29, 1999, be endorsed; AND FURTHER THAT the text for each indicator be reported to the Humber Watershed Alliance at meeting # 3/ 99 .............. ............................... CARRIED COMMENTS How often is water monitored in terms of pesticides? Does agriculture include hectares of woodlots? Humber Watershed Alliance members are urged to attend any Report Card Subcommittee meeting and to provide comments and input to the process. BACKGROUND At meeting #1/99, the Humber Watershed Alliance adopted resolution #G2/99 which states, in part, "that staff be directed to report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance with each draft indicator and measure laid out in presentation style at meeting #2/99. " The Report Card Subcommittee has met on a bi- weekly basis since the last Humber Watershed Alliance meeting. G19 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 Technical staff continues to research background information. Draft reports for each indicator have been presented to the Report Card Subcommittee for information, comments and further direction. Technical staff is currently revising the reports for their respective indicators. Based on direction from the Humber Watershed Alliance at their last meeting in January, the following changes have been made: (a) Governance has been added as an indicator; (b) Letter grades are being used to report the condition of the indicators; (c) A personal perspective on aboriginal spirituality regarding the environment has been written. This may be included as an introductory page or parts used throughout the report card to reflect aboriginal consciousness of the environment; (d) The elements describing each indicator are presented in point -form. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • complete the description for each indicator as set out in the presentation template; • hire a professional writer; • endorse the next to final document at Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #4/99; • endorse the final document at Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #5/99; • seek Executive Committee approval at their meeting on October 15, 1999; • hire a company to print the document; • print and distribute the final document. RES. #G10/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Public Opinion Survey Undertaking a public opinion survey to determine attitudes, level of awareness and behaviours of watershed residents. Moved by: Glenn Mason Seconded by: Richard Hoffmann THAT the Angus Reid public opinion survey for residents in the Humber River watershed be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT a representative of the Angus Reid Group present the results of the public opinion survey to the Humber Watershed Alliance at meeting #3/99.... CARRIED April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G20 BACKGROUND At meeting #1/99, the Humber Watershed Alliance adopted resolution #G4/99 which states: "THAT the Humber Report Card Subcommittee continue to develop a series of questions to be included in a public opinion survey of awareness, attitudes and behaviours of watershed residents; THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to attend future subcommittee meetings to develop and finalize questions to be included in the public opinion survey, AND FURTHER THAT a terms of reference be developed for the public opinion survey and that a consultant be hired to finalize and conduct the survey." A terms of reference was prepared for a public opinion survey to determine the level of environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of residents in the Humber River watershed. The results will be used in the Humber Report Card. The Angus Reid Group was the successful company. Members of the Humber Report Card Subcommittee and staff of the Angus Reid Group have finalized the public opinion survey, a copy of which is appended for the information of the Alliance. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • conduct the survey; • analyze and summarize the survey results; • incorporate the outcomes of the survey into the report card indicator descriptions; • report the results of the survey to the Humber Watershed Alliance at their next meeting. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds are available from the TRCA Humber watershed management budget. G21 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 RES. #G11/99 HUMBER WATERSHED PLEDGE Preparation of the Humber Watershed Pledge as a method to acknowledge commitment to protect, restore and celebrate the Humber River watershed. Moved by: Tija Luste Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Humber Watershed Pledge be signed by all members of the Humber Watershed Alliance; AND FURTHER THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, municipalities, agencies, businesses, community organizations and others throughout the Humber watershed be requested to sign the Humber Watershed Pledge . ............ CARRIED • Move title and change photograph of flower to something else. • The `urban' river is not represented. Could use the Humber River Bridge or the Humber River Bridge showing cattails, cyclists; • Photo which L. Normand used in his presentation of a meandering creek would be appropriate; • Include a child holding a native fish; • Align doll head image; • Incorporate three photos: (1) headwaters (2)mid- watershed and (3) mouth of the river; • June 19th is Trailway Day in Peel and it would be appropriate to unveil the pledge at that time; perhaps by the Palgrave Rotary. BACKGROUND At the Humber Watershed Alliance meeting held in July, 1998, a draft version of the Humber Watershed Pledge was presented to the Alliance members who reviewed it and offered some valuable suggestions which have been incorporated into the final version of the document. Over the past several months, staff of the Authority, together with the Chair of the Humber Alliance, have been working together to produce a suitable finished product. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE ♦ Promote the signing of the Humber Watershed Pledge by Authority members, municipalities and others throughout the watershed. FINANCIAL DETAILS ♦ The Humber Watershed management budget will fund the production (colour copying) of a small number of copies. Approximate cost per copy is $2.00. April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G22 RES. #G12/99 - ROAD SALT Management of road salt to reduce the effects of chloride on streams. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Amiyo Biswas THAT the staff report on the management of road salt be received for information; THAT staff continue to review results from road salt initiatives as they become available; AND FURTHER THAT staff explore opportunities to assist municipalities in their evaluation of environmental effects associated with alternative road salting pracCARRIED BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised about the large amount of chloride released from road salting, and the impact this may have on water quality. At their meeting #1/99, the Humber Watershed Alliance agreed that the subject of municipal road salt use and its alternatives would be addressed at the next Alliance meeting. Staff prepared this report based on information compiled from water quality data, and from recent discussions with agencies, municipalities and organizations that are involved in road salt initiatives. Current Conditions And Trends Chloride concentrations in the Humber watershed are highest from December through March, at the same time that salt is applied to roads for de- icing. Concentrations are much lower during the rest of the year. Chloride levels are greatest in urbanized parts of the watershed, where the road network is more dense, particularly the Lower Humber River and Black Creek. In these reaches, mean annual concentrations during recent years (1990 to 1996) were in the order of 100 to 500 milligrams of chloride per litre, with maximum values observed at 4310 milligrams per litre. Natural concentrations of chloride in GTA surface waters are expected to range from 10 to 25 milligrams per litre. There has been an increasing trend in chloride levels throughout the Humber over the past thirty years, with the exception of Black Creek which has remained at high levels. The patterns observed on the Humber watershed are common to other TRCA watersheds. Are Salt Impacts Causing A Problem? For a few days during winter, chloride concentrations in some urban parts of the Humber River may reach the levels (2000 - 4000 milligrams per litre) that have potential toxic effects on some aquatic organisms. In streams with continuing high levels of chloride loading, it is believed that the aquatic community may shift to a community with species that are more tolerant of brackish water. G23 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 It is believed that in larger urban streams in the Toronto region, contaminants other than chloride presently have greater impact on aquatic habitat and species. Small, first order urban streams, for which there tends to be few water quality data, are likely to be the most affected by chlorides. Chloride concentrations in Lake Ontario and in Toronto region municipal drinking waters are well below the 250 milligrams per litre level that can affect taste, and are far below the 1000 - 4000 milligrams per litre concentration that can affect human health. It is possible that some shallow, private wells may be impacted by elevated chloride levels. In Lake Ontario, chloride loadings from road salting are estimated to be much less than chloride loadings from industry. Environment Canada is conducting an environmental risk assessment for road salt. It will identify Critical Toxicity Values (the lowest concentrations that cause certain adverse effects), and will also identify hazards associated with possible alternatives to road salts. This study is the most comprehensive to date. Its results should be available in the spring of 2000. Are There Alternatives to Salt? The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the City of Toronto, and other large users test and review alternatives to road salt on an on -going basis. Alternatives are evaluated in terms of their de -icing effectiveness, cost, and, to the extent possible, environmental effects. Ministry of Transportation (MTO) studies have found that some acetate -based products are not effective at temperatures below -4 to -8 °C, and cost much more than traditional road salt (sodium chloride). One MTO study revealed that the winter cost to maintain a 30 km stretch of the QEW highway was $175,000 using salt, or $7,500,000 using calcium magnesium acetate. Other products must have large quantities of chloride blended with them to be effective. The non - corroding de -icers used at airports, such as urea or ethylene glycol, are more toxic than road salt. Environmental effects of some other alternatives are not known. At present, there is no practical, cost - effective or environmentally - preferred alternative to road salt. Can Road Salting Practises Be Improved? Many transportation departments investigate ways of improving their snow management and road salting practices to reduce road salt costs and environmental impacts. For example, the City of Toronto is plowing and trucking more snow instead of salting; and does not try to achieve bare pavement on its minor roads. New contracted salt trucks will have the latest equipment to control salt spreading rates. The City has reduced its use of road salt by about 30% from 1992 to 1998. City of Toronto staff is seeking approval to undertake a study in 1999 to help them choose optimum locations for snow dumps and mitigate their effects. It should be noted that snow dumps are used only occasionally, depending on winter snowfalls; and that chloride loadings from snow dumps are much less than from the widespread road salting operations which occur frequently (about 40 times per winter). The Transportation Association of Canada is preparing "best practices" manuals for salt management and winter road maintenance. These are expected to be published in the summer of 1999. April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G24 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will review the results of the Environment Canada study, when available, to assess potential toxicity of road salt in Toronto region streams. Staff and members of the Humber Watershed Alliance should encourage municipalities to employ "best practices" in an effort to reduce salt use. Staff should explore opportunities to assist the City of Toronto in evaluating the environmental effects of experimental road salting practices, and consider using the Black Creek sub - watershed as part of a paired test area, due to its relatively high density of roads and already elevated instream chloride levels. RES. #G13/99 - SPRING EVENTS IN THE HUMBER WATERSHED Schedule of events within the Humber watershed. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Tija Luste THAT the following schedule of events be received for information........... CARRIED BACKGROUND Each year, individuals, groups and agencies are encouraged to host and /or participate in events to celebrate watersheds. Many events occur in the Humber watershed. Several that have come to our attention are listed below. Enjoy! April 10 at 10 -11:30 am Nature Walk at Driftwood and Edgeley Parks. Meet at the Driftwood Community Centre at 4401 Jane Street. Light refreshments will be served following the walk. Contact Chandra Sharma at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. April 17 at 8:30 am - 3 pm Caledon Green Forum will be held at Robert F. Hall Secondary School in Caledon East. The 1999 Green Forum will provide an opportunity for partnerships to be strengthened and developed. The day will focus around Water, Agriculture, Forestry, Greenspaces and Energy /Air with facilitated workshops. Contact Debbe Crandall at (905)880 -3465. G25 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 April 17 to 24 Throughout the cleanup week, local groups and individuals will take on the task of cleaning litter from the city's streets, boulevards and parks. Local church groups and scout groups will be participating in cleanup activities on the weekends. City of Brampton is supplying garbage bags, disposable gloves and will issue certificates to all participants. Contact (905)874 -2906. April 18 at 12 noon - 4 pm Earth Day in High Park at Colbourne Lodge. Featured are walking tours, children's activities and displays. Tours of Colborne Lodge will be conducted, pay what you can admission (suggested donation $1.00 /person). Contact Colborne Lodge, (416)392 -6916. April 19 - 23 during school hours Nobleton Public School Regeneration Planting. If interested in volunteering your time for plantings, contact Lynda Rogers at (905)859 -4148 to obtain additional details. April 22 Stream Cleanup Event at Humber Arboretum Nature Centre. Contact Carol Ray at (416)675 -5009. April 22 Any resident interested in becoming involved or assisting with Earth Day activities in the City of Vaughan may phone the Parks Department for information about participating groups or locations. The City offers support for cleanup projects by providing garbage bags and arrangements for garbage pickup. Contact Ross Roffey at (905)832 -8577, extension 6144. April 22 at 10 am - 11:30 am Earth Day Cleanup and Tree /Shrub Planting Community Event at the Emery Creek Outtall located at Weston Road and Lanyard Drive. Bags and gloves will be provided. Please bring your own shovels. Contact Cheryl Gonsalves, Emery Creek Environmental Association at (416)749 -6373. April 22 at 10 am - 11:00 am Earth Day Community Cleanup, Tree /Shrub Planting and Bird Box Making at Emery Creek Ponds. Meet at Gulfstream Public School. Contact Crystal Caschera at (416)747 -8385. April 22 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am Tree and Shrub Planting, Garbage Pickup and Fish Demonstration at Nort Johnson Park. Enter park from Wallace Street or Woodbridge Avenue. Bags, shovels and mulch baskets will be provided. Contact Linda LaFlamme April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G26 at City of Vaughan, at (905)832 -8581. April 23 at 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. Earth Week Cleanup, Tree Planting and other Festivities. This event will be hosted as part of a kick off event for the York Humber High School Environmental Club naturalization project. Contact Chandra Sharma at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. April 24 at 10 am - 3 pm Celebrate Earth Week by helping to clean up Black Creek as it flows through Driftwood Park. Please wear sturdy shoes. Gloves, garbage bags and waders will be supplied. Driftwood Park is located behind Driftwood School on Driftwood Avenue. Parking is available at Driftwood School. Meet at the marsh under the power lines. Contact Amy Maurer at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600 extension 364. April 26 and 28 at 9 am - 3 pm Earth Week Cleanup and Tree planting at Albion Creek. Meet at Smithfield School in Etobicoke. Contact Chandra Sharma at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. May 1 at 9:30 am - 12 noon Two scout groups will be planting 1,400 coniferous seedlings along the William Granger Greenway in Kleinburg. Canada Trust will present a cheque for $5,000 to TRCA for the trail project. Contact Greg Rich at TRCA (416)661 -6600, extension 263. May 1 at 9 am - 3 pm We need supervisors to come out and help over 300 scouts undertake some good old fashioned tree planting, garbage clean up and water quality testing in Smythe Park. You must register for this event. Contact Amy Maurer at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 364 for details. May 7 at 10 am - 3 pm Community Tree Planting at Sun Row Park Community Action Site at the corner of Islington and Dixon Road behind Loblaws. Contact Chandra Sharma at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. May 8 at 9 am - 3:30 pm Take part in a field trip to visit the beautiful Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Take a walk among the trilliums and visit the Nature Centre and turn -of- the - century farm house. Picnic shelters are available for lunch. Admission fee is $3.00. To confirm your seat on the bus, call Amy Maurer at TRCA at (416)661 -6600, extension 364. G27 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 May 8 Bolton Awareness Day scheduled to commence from downtown Bolton pavillion in front of the LCBO on Queen Street North and will involve a guided tour (1 1/2 hr) of specific action sites including the new trail extension, fishway on McFall Dam, Bolton Mill Park lookout, Yellow Fish Road demonstration, Peel sewer and water facility visits and new parkette description by local Councillor Chris Harker. Contact Bill Wilson at (905)857 -1384. May 14 at 10 am - 3 pm Join a school group for a Community Tree Planting at Claireville Conservation Area. Meet at the entrance. Contact Chandra Sharma at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. May 15 Toronto Community Cleanup Day. Everyone in Toronto is encouraged to pitch in and help clean up a small, public part of their neighbourhood. Homeowners, tenants, businesses, community groups, organizations and clubs can participate in their own way. A neglected laneway might need cleaning or a small patch of park needs raking. Staff from the City's Works and Emergency Services Department will schedule special pick ups to haul the trash away. Contact Tammy Robinson at (416)397 -0281 for more information. May 19 and 20 Universal Trail Assessment Coordinator Training Workshop. The Humber Arboretum is hosting a two -day workshop on the Universal Trail Assessment Process. Land Managers get practical training on how to assess the conditions of trails in order to inform trail users so they can make choices about trails appropriate to their abilities. Cost of the workshop is $250.00 per person. Registration deadline is May 10, 1999. Contact Carol Ray at (416)675- 5009. May 24 Nobleton Victoria Day Parade starting at Nobleton Plaza and continuing to Nobleton Arena. Following the parade, everyone is welcome to come to the Community Fair. Contact Susan Lloyd -Swail at (905)859 -1959. June 5 at 2 pm - 3:30 pm Meet at the TTC loop at the northwest corner of Runnymede Road and Dundas Street West for a guided tour of a historic cattle drovers trail. Contact Amy Maurier, TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 364. April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G28 June 13 Lake Wilcox Celebration Day includes a guided interpretive hike /bicycle trip around the lake, fishing derby, electrofishing demonstration, archaeological dig site tour, barbecue, canoeing and entertainment. Contact Peter Attfield at (905)832 -2289 or Gary Wilkins, TRCA. at (416)661 -6600, extension 211. June 15 through to Sept. 30 Various nature tours will be hosted with different community groups across the watershed. Contact Chandra Sharma to participate in our nature tours close to your community or to organize a tour for your community at (416)661 -6600, extension 237. June 19 at 9 am -4 pm Caledon Trailway Day includes the opening of the Palgrave Station Lands at 9am. Walk from Palgrave to Caledon East or use the shuttle service available for a pancake breakfast. Official opening ceremonies begin at 12 noon at the TransCanada Pavillion and will include artisans, entertainment, children's activities, pony rides. Contact John Young at (905)584 -2248. June 26 at 9:30 am - 4 pm Join us for a tour of a successful dechannelization project in Highland Creek and visit interesting Black Creek sites such as the Downsview Lands and Driftwood Park. A pot- luck picnic lunch will take place at 1 p.m. at a beautiful valley site. Meet at 10 a.m. at the TRCA Head Office, 5 Shoreham Drive. To confirm your seat on the bus, please call Kristin Geater at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 316. July 22, 23, 24 at 1 - 5 pm We need supervisors to assist 150 volunteers from the Nazarene Youth Congress in cleaning up the Black Creek at Jane and Queens Drive (Jane /401 area). You must register for this event. Contact Amy Maurer at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 364. August 7 at 12:00 noon Join us at a historical Black Creek location for a pot -luck barbeque. For further details, contact Amy Maurer at TRCA, at (416)661 -6600, extension 364. G29 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 April 20, 1999 RES. #G14/99 - SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEE REPORTS The minutes of the meetings for the following subwatershed committees are provided for information. Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Debbe Crandall THAT the following minutes be received: Meeting #1/99 and #2/99 of the East Humber Subwatershed Committee; Meeting #1/99 and #2/99 of the Lower Humber /Black Creek Subwatersheds Committee; Meeting #1/99 and #2/99 of the Main Humber Subwatershed Committee Meeting #2/99 and #3/99 of the West Humber Subwatershed Committee...... CARRIED NEW BUSINESS CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS SYSTEM G. Wilkins gave a brief update on the status of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System designation. We are still awaiting for the Minister of Canadian Heritage to formalize the designation but no obstacles are perceived. In the meantime, a meeting will be held on April 28th, 1999 with key people to begin organizing the dedication ceremony proposed for the latter part of this year. REENACTMENT OF SIMCOE'S JOURNEY OF THE CARRYING PLACE TRAIL M. McDowell invited all members to attend the reenactment of Simcoe's journey of the Carrying Place Trail. The event will take place on Saturday, September 25, 1999. A similar event held last year was a big success. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:17 p.m., April 20, 1999. Brian Denney J. Craig Mather Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. April 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #2/99 G30 Attach: 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/99 Page G30 July 20, 1999 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at the Kortright Centre for Conservation on Tuesday, July 20, 1999. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. PRESENT Connie Agnew ............................ ............................... Member Ron Allan ................................ ............................... Member Mary Louise Ashbourne ..................... ............................... Member Amiyo Biswas ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member David Burnett ............................ ............................... Alternate John Crawford ............................ ............................... Member Dirkje Glerum ............................. ............................... Member Lois Griffin ................................. ............................... Chair Alyson Hazlett ............................ ............................... Member Richard Hoffmann ......................... ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Dorothylzzard ........................... ............................... Alternate Luciano Martin ............................ ............................... Member Glenn Mason ............................. ............................... Member Amy Maurer .............................. ............................... Member Joanne Mauti ............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Marjorie Mossman ......................... ............................... Member Carol Ray ................................ ............................... Member Bill Saundercook ......................... ............................... Alternate Carol Seglins ............................. ............................... Member Laura Sinclair ............................. ............................... Member Bryan Smith ............................. ............................... Alternate Nancy Stewart ............................ ............................... Member Horst Truttenbach ......................... ............................... Member Jane Underhill ............................ ............................... Member Bill Wilson ................................ ............................... Member GUESTS Allan Crawford ......................... City of Toronto, Parks and Recreation Department Tushar Biswas .............. ............................... Resident, City of Toronto G31 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 July 20, 1999 STAFF Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Lorraine O' Byrne ................ ............................... Curator, Collections Connie Pinto . ................... ............................... Watershed Planner Gary Wilkins ............ ............................... Humber Watershed Specialist G. Wilkins introduced Allan Crawford of the City of Toronto who has been extremely helpful in organizing our annual Paddle the Humber event. G. Wilkins welcomed Amy Maurer. Ms. Maurer has been appointed as a member of the Humber Watershed Alliance representing The Black Creek Project. Connie Pinto was introduced as the newest addition to the Humber Team. Ms. Pinto has been hired as Watershed Planner and will be assisting the Humber Watershed Specialist in all activities relating to the Humber River. RES. #G15/99 - MINUTES Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Joanne Mauti THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/99, held on April 20, 1999, be approved...... CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE (A) Letter from Robert Hubbs and Brenda Crompton, dated April 19, 1999 re: Resignation from the Humber Watershed Alliance (B) Letter from Murray Calder, MP, Dufferin -Peel- Wellington -Grey, dated June 30, 1999 re: TRCA submission to the Canadian Millennium Program July 20. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 G32 RES. #G16/99 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman Seconded by: Ron Allan THAT correspondence (A) above be received; THAT a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Hubbs and Ms. Crompton for their participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance ......... ............................... CARRIED RES. #G17/99 Moved by: Seconded by: Heather Broadbent Carol Seglins THAT correspondence (B) above be received; THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance encourage their Members of Parliament to submit letters of support to the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program for The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's submission titled, "The Historic Humber River - Project No. F463660- II" ... ............................... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Humber Report Card Public Opinion Survey Alison Baldock of Angus Reid gave a brief overview of the public opinion survey in terms of behaviours, attitudes and environmental awareness of residents in the Humber River Watershed. The Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance thanked Ms. Baldock for her most informative presentation. G33 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 July 20, 1999 VERBAL REPORTS OF SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEES Presentations were made by John Crawford, Connie Agnew, Bill Wilson and Deb Schulte with respect to the progress made to date by the Lower Humber, East Humber, Main Humber and West Humber Subwatershed Committees, respectively. The Chair thanked them for their presentations. RES. #G18/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Public Opinion Survey Completion of a public opinion survey to determine the level of environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of Humber River watershed residents. Moved by: Carol Seglins Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the report of the Angus Reid public opinion survey for residents of the Humber River watershed be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT a letter be sent to the Angus Reid Group thanking them for exceptional service in conducting the Humber watershed survey............ CARRIED BACKGROUND The Angus Reid Group conducted a public opinion survey between April 30 and May 10, 1999 to determine the level of environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviour of residents in the Humber River watershed. In total, 700 residents were interviewed including 400 residents in a predominantly urban area and 300 residents in a predominantly rural area of the watershed. Data were collected disproportionately and then weighted to reflect the known distribution of the watershed's population. All data were collected by telephone. The margin of error for a sample of 700 is ± 4 %; for a sample of 400 is ± 5 %, and for a sample of 300 is ±6 %, nineteen times out of twenty. The objectives of this research were to: Assess residents' level of knowledge about the Humber River and the watershed; Assess residents' environmental behaviour; Examine attitudes towards the environmental stewardship of the watershed; July 20. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING G34 Learn about usage of the Humber River and its surrounding areas; Gauge residents' volunteer behaviour and what would increase volunteer activity; and Assess awareness of TRCA and residents' willingness to support its activities. The results of the survey will be included in the Humber Report Card. RES. #G19/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD First Draft Receipt of the first draft of the Humber Watershed Report Card. Moved by: Luciano Martin Seconded by: Dirkje Glerum THAT the draft Humber Watershed Report Card be received for information; THAT a special meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance be held on Tuesday, September 14, 1999 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Black Creek Pioneer Village to review watershed health indicators in detail; AND FURTHER THAT the next to final Report Card text and presentation design be brought back to the Humber Watershed Alliance at meeting #4/99 to be held on October 19, 1999 ............................ ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND Technical staff continues to research background information for each of the proposed indicators. Many of the draft reports have been presented to the Report Card Subcommittee for comments and further direction. A professional writer /editor has been hired from the LURA Group to help complete the final document. The LURA Group is the same consulting firm that assisted with the preparation of "Legacy. A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ". The first draft of the Report Card, a copy of which will be forwarded under separate cover, begins to draw together all of the various parts being produced by many individuals. This will bring about consistency in presentation style and help identify gaps. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Organize a special meeting on September 14, 1999 to review the document in detail; • Finalize the research and complete details for each indicator; • Bring back the next to final Report Card to the Humber Watershed Alliance at meeting #4/99 to be held on October 19, 1999; • Invite quotes from private companies to design and print the final document; • Seek Executive Committee approval to hire a company to design and print the G35 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING final document. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding will be provided from the TRCA Humber watershed management budget. RES. #G20/99 - HUMBER WATERSHED PLEDGE Signing of The Humber Watershed Pledge. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Heather Broadbent 1999 THAT the Humber Watershed Pledge be signed by all members of the Humber Watershed Alliance; AND FURTHER THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, municipalities, agencies, businesses, community organizations and others throughout the Humber watershed be requested to sign the Humber Watershed Pledge as a symbol of their commitment to help protect, restore and celebrate the Humber River watershed .......................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND At Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #2/99, the next to final version of The Humber Watershed Pledge was presented to the Alliance members who reviewed it and offered valuable suggestions which have been incorporated into the final version of the document. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE ♦ Promote the signing of the Humber Watershed Pledge by Alliance members, Authority members, municipalities, agencies, businesses and community organizations throughout the watershed. FINANCIAL DETAILS ♦ The TRCA Humber watershed management budget will fund the production (colour copying) of a small number of copies. Approximate cost per copy is $2.00. MOTION - HUMBER RIVER LOGO Development of a logo for the Humber River. THAT the design provided by be adopted; AND FURTHER THAT a letter of appreciation be sent to all those who provided designs for the Humber River logo. July 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 G36 THE MOTION WAS ............... ............................... NOT CARRIED RES. #G21/99 - HUMBER RIVER LOGO Development of a logo for the Humber River. Moved by: Bill Wilson Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman THAT the concept of using the turtle image be pursued; THAT other options will also be considered; THAT all Humber Watershed Alliance members be invited to the next Logo Subcommittee meeting for the purpose of selecting a logo for the Humber River; AND FURTHER THAT the selected logo be brought back to the Humber Watershed Alliance members at their meeting on October 26, 1999 .................... CARRIED COMMENTS G. Wilkins presented three possible options for a Humber River logo: 1. Turtle Logo 2. Bird 3. Mask A show of hands indicated that 10 members preferred the turtle; 4 preferred the bird and 0 preferred the mask. BACKGROUND In Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber, Objective 27 identified the need to market the Humber watershed as a destination of choice for healthy living, working and playing. Promoting the identity of rivers, for example, will encourage visitors, landowners and managers to take ownership for the protection and restoration of river systems. The Humber Watershed Alliance has assisted with several actions to enhance the identity of the Humber. (a) Signs have been erected at river crossings to identify the name of the river; (b) The Humber Advocate newsletter is published to share ideas and communicate activities that are occurring in the watershed; (c) "Celebrate Your Watershed" events are organized to bring attention to the river through recreational and educational activities; (d) Research is being done to give names to unnamed tributaries. Creating a logo has also been pursued. An easily recognizable image would enhance the river's identity. A small subcommittee was established to help create a logo for the Humber River. Simple G37 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING criteria were used to help guide the design. These criteria included: • Original and copyright free; • Meaningful to the Humber River; • Easily identifiable; • Simple and direct; • Useable in all marketing aspects for the Humber; • Reproducible and photocopyable; • Workable in black /white and colour; • Maximum of two colours; • Workable in both large and small sizes; • Workable into the next millennium and `not dated • Include the words "Humber River ". The approved logo will be used on signs, certificates, letterhead and other promotional material. Many designs have been proposed. Several samples that best reflect the criteria will be presented at the meeting. 1999 RES. #G22/99 - CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER DEDICATION CEREMONY Planning an official ceremony to dedicate the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Humber River plaque unveiling Communications Plan be received; THAT municipalities be requested to proclaim the day of the Humber River dedication ceremony as `Canadian Heritage Rivers Day ", THAT Humber watershed municipalities be requested to provide a municipal flag as part of the ceremony processional; AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members refer volunteers who could participate in the event to Gary Wilkins, Humber Watershed Specialist, TRCA. ... CARRIED BACKGROUND Both the provincial and federal governments have approved the Humber River as a candidate Canadian Heritage River. The Humber River management plan titled, Legacy: A Strategy fora Healthy Humber, was presented to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board in February, 1999. The management plan was accepted by the Province and the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board. We have been waiting for the Minister of Canadian Heritage to also accept the management plan which would formally approve the addition of the Humber River to the Canadian Heritage Rivers system. July 20. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 G38 We have established a subcommittee to assist with the planning of an official dedication ceremony. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Confirm the date and time of the ceremony; • Confirm speakers and other program guests; • Prepare and distribute invitations; • Finalize site arrangements; • Seek volunteers to assist with program and site details; FINANCIAL DETAILS Limited funding is available from TRCA; Sponsors are required to help cover costs associated with rental equipment, refreshments, printing materials, site security, musicians and honorariums. RES. #G23/99 - NEW CITY OF TORONTO OFFICIAL PLAN Invite comments from the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance regarding the new City of Toronto Official Plan. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Bill Wilson THAT the joint watershed community group submission to the City of Toronto Official Plan process be endorsed in principle; AND FURTHER THAT the Chairs of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance finalize the joint submission, with an ad hoc committee, and provide it to the appropriate staff and committees of the City of Toronto... CARRIED COMMENTS • Tree by -laws should be put in place, regulated and enforced; • Include the preservation and regeneration of our natural heritage (ie. Oak Savannah); • Davenport Ridge is within the watershed but not protected. It ties the Don and Humber together. Landforms that were affected by the glaciers are extremely important. This should be incorporated; • Could we make developers more responsible by charging a fee based on the number of trees which are cut down? • Lack of time has been a problem so this document was prepared fairly quickly. There will be another document which is more prescriptive. The aim is to ensure that the environment and nature is a basic part of anything done in the City of Toronto. If there are any organizations that Alliance members are affiliated with who can lend support, they should do so. • Deadline for comments is August 9th. Submissions should be sent to Jane Clohecy, Manager, Development Services, TRCA. G39 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 July 20. 1999 BACKGROUND The new City of Toronto has been operating without a unified Official Plan since the amalgamation in January, 1998. On April 7, 1999, the City of Toronto launched a process for developing a new Official Plan. The public has been invited to participate by attending meetings and providing comments on draft reports. An ad hoc committee, consisting of members of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance, has discussed opportunities and strategies to generate a unified watershed message for consideration by the City during the development of the new Official Plan. The joint watershed discussion paper provides one guiding principle which would help facilitate actions to make the new Official Plan ecologically integrated. In addition, the discussion paper recommends a number of themes the City should consider to achieve the guiding principle. The proposed guiding principle and recommended themes are as follows: GUIDING PRINCIPLE - TORONTO AS AN URBAN FOREST ENVIRONMENT Theme 1 Greening Code -to foster functional linkages between built and natural systems. (a) Green Infrastructure - integration of natural features and functions with urban infrastructure (le. tree -lined greenway corridors along side transportation corridors). (b) Green Lot Standards - external landscaping and design of a property based on environmentally friendly lot management practices (ie. using permeable pavement to encourage groundwater infiltration). (c) Green Building Code - sustainable and efficient use of natural resources through design and maintenance of buildings (ie. rain water harvesting from roof tops). THEME 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REINVESTMENT LENSES (a) Stable Environ- - locations where the environment does not need much mental Areas regeneration. (b) Areas with Potential - natural areas where there are moderate needs and for Change opportunities to enhance them. (c) Big Change Areas -these are significantly impacted areas (Black Creek Channel). July 20, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING THEME 3 PROTECTING EXISTING AREAS Protection of existing natural areas and features using the available tools. (a) Conduct Natural Feature Inventories /Subwatershed Studies /Greenland Strategies. G40 (b) Incorporate landuse designations to prohibit development in significant natural areas. (c) Adopt special municipal by -laws to prohibit and regulate activities that would have an adverse impact on natural features and functions. (d) Improve enforcement. (e) Enhance, preserve and, where possible, create `significant views' and focal points (aesthetics). THEME 4 INNOVATIVE FUNDING MECHANISMS Trust funds, development charges, cash -in -lieu, user fees, tax incentive programs, letters of credit, water bill, affinity merchandise, etc. THEME 5 INDICATORS AND TARGETS Incorporate indicators and targets for measuring the effectiveness of the Official Plan and communicate the results in a credible way. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Circulate the recommendations of the ad hoc committee regarding the City of Toronto Official Plan to the Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance; • Provide comments from the Humber Watershed Alliance to the Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance; • If necessary, following the August 8th meeting of the Rouge Park Alliance, arrange a joint meeting with representation from the Humber Watershed Alliance and Don Regeneration Council to review suggested changes and incorporate them into the final document, where appropriate. • Identify key Environment Reinvestment areas on the watershed map and include lost rivers. G41 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 July 20. 1999 RES. #G24/99 - HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Proposed extension of term of office for Humber Watershed Alliance members. Moved by: Luciano Martin Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance request that The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority extend the term of the current members of the Alliance by one year to November 1, 2000 .................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND According to the approved Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated May 8, 1997, the term of office of the members is October, 1997 to November, 1999. In reviewing the workplan of the Alliance and its various subcommittees, there are many projects in progress. One of the major projects is the first Report Card for the Humber watershed. Progress on this has been somewhat slower than anticipated, and while most of the work may be done before November, its publication and release will certainly be sometime after January, 2000. I believe that it would be in the best interest of the work of the Alliance if the current members could see the report card process through to its publication. Also, some of the other committees got a slow start and are just in the midst of some projects. Therefore, after consulting with the Humber Watershed Specialist, I am recommending that we request the TRCA to extend the term of the current members for one additional year. That would put the length of our term of office the same as the Don Council and also the various municipal councils. This, of course, assumes that members are prepared to continue for one more year. I look forward to your input at our July meeting. If you are unable to attend but have some views on this matter, please let Gary Wilkins or me know. RES. #G25/99 - SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEE REPORTS The minutes of the meetings for the following subwatershed committees are provided for information. Moved by: Richard Hoffmann Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the following minutes be received: Meeting #3/99 and #4/99 of the East Humber Subwatershed Committee; Meeting #3/99 and #4/99 of the Lower Humber /Black Creek Subwatersheds Committee; Meeting #3/99 and #4/99 of the Main Humber Subwatershed Committee Meeting #4/99 and #5/99 of the West Humber Subwatershed Committee...... CARRIED July 20. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #3/99 G42 NEW BUSINESS REENACTMENT OF SIMCOE'S JOURNEY OF THE CARRYING PLACE TRAIL M. McDowell invited all members to attend the second annual reenactment of John Grave Simcoe's journey of the Carrying Place Trail. The event will take place on Saturday, September 25, 1999 starting at the Rousseau site at 9:30 a.m. A similar event held last year was a big success. M. McDowell will provide invitations to L. Lappano who will ensure they are included with the agenda for the next special meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance on September 14th. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:45 p.m., July 20, 1999. Brian Denney J. Craig Mather Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/99 Page G43 November 23, 1999 The Humber Watershed Alliance met in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, November 23, 1999. The Chair, Lois Griffin, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Connie Agnew ............................ ............................... Member RonAllan ................................ ............................... Member Mary Louise Ashbourne ..................... ............................... Member Amiyo Biswas ........................... ............................... Member Stephen Bodsworth ........................ ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member David Burnett ............................ ............................... Alternate John Crawford ............................ ............................... Member Yvette Fournier ............................ ............................... Member David Green .............................. ............................... Member Lois Griffin ................................. ............................... Chair Richard Hoffmann ......................... ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member RimiKalinauskas .......................... ............................... Member Herbert Koring ............................ ............................... Member James Mann ............................. ............................... Member Luciano Martin ............................ ............................... Member Glenn Mason ............................. ............................... Member Amy Maurer .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member Marjorie Mossman ......................... ............................... Member Barbara Nagy ............................. ............................... Member Angela Orel lana- Schwalm ................... ............................... Member Bryan Smith ............................. ............................... Alternate Nancy Stewart ............................ ............................... Member Michael White ............................. ............................... Member GUESTS Teresa Bosco ....................... ............................... City of Toronto G44 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 STAFF Brian Denney ....... ............................... Director, Watershed Management Janet Eagleson ..... ............................... Advertising and Media Coordinator Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Craig Mather ............. ............................... Chief Administrative Officer Lorraine O' Byrne ................ ............................... Curator, Collections Connie Pinto . ........... ............................... Watershed Resource Planner Chandra Sharma .. ............................... Multicultural Stewardship Coordinator Gary Wilkins ............ ............................... Humber Watershed Specialist A 20 minute video of the Humber River Dedication Ceremony, held on September 24, 1999, was shown to the Humber Watershed Alliance members. The Chair thanked all TRCA staff members, Humber Alliance members and community volunteers who were involved in the organization of the dedication ceremony for their hard work. It was a very successful, historic event and all those involved were congratulated on a job well done. RES. #G26/99 - MINUTES Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: David Burnett THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/99, held on July 20, 1999, be approved....... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Humber River Logo Janet Eagleson, TRCA's Advertising and Media Coordinator, gave a brief presentation on the purpose of logos. The two logos before the Alliance were the turtle image and the bird image. The members were asked to cast their vote for their preferred image. The results of the vote were as follows: Turtle Image - 12 Bird Image - 11 Neither - 4 November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING G45 COMMENTS • put a border around the turtle image; • bird image is more common; it is similar to logos used by other organizations; • bird image says 'river'; • turtle image has a nautical flair to it; • turtle image is oversimplified; • turtle is the symbol of long life and health and it's consistent with Mother Earth; • it's not what we like but rather it's what will be most effective;in the bird image, we see a bird or river which is something meaningful. It has a meandering look to it like the Humber; MOTION - HUMBER RIVER LOGO THAT the turtle image be adopted as the Humber River logo. THE MOTION WAS ............... ............................... NOT CARRIED VERBAL REPORTS OF SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEES Presentations were made by Dave Green, Nancy Stewart, Stephen Bodsworth and John Crawford with respect to the progress made to date by the East Humber, Main Humber and West Humber and Lower Humber /Black Creek Subwatershed Committees, respectively. The Chair thanked them for their informative presentations. RES. #G27/99 - HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP The formal appointment of watershed residents to the Humber Watershed Alliance. Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Hoffmann Madeleine McDowell THAT the following individuals be included as watershed resident members of the Humber Watershed Alliance for a one year term effective November 23, 1999 Raphael Djabatey Yvette Fournier Herbert Koring James Mann Barbara Nagy Angela Orellana - Schwalm .................. CARRIED G46 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 BACKGROUND The Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated May 8, 1997, were approved at Authority meeting #4/97. Membership included twenty five unaffiliated residents from across the watershed. Over the past two years, three watershed residents have resigned. Over the same period, a number of residents have expressed an interest to participate in Humber watershed activities. At meeting #8/99, the Authority approved the extension of the Humber Watershed Alliance term for one year. The new end date is now November, 2000. Extending the term provides an opportunity to invite new watershed residents to officially join the Humber Watershed Alliance. Residents were invited to apply to become members of the Alliance. Candidates were interviewed to discuss their areas of interest, experience, education and other community involvement. The following individuals are recommended for appointment to the Humber Watershed Alliance: Raphael Djabatey Yvette Fournier Herbert Koring James Mann Barbara Nagy Angela Orel lana- Schwalm FINANCIAL DETAILS The Humber Watershed Strategy account 118 -55 provides funds to support the Humber Watershed Alliance meetings and activities. RES. #G28/99 - HUMBER REPORT CARD Draft Summary of Grades and Conclusions Summary of the draft indicator grades and conclusions resulting from the special meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance on September 14, 1999. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Richard Hoffmann THAT the draft summary of grades and conclusions for the Humber Report Card be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Report Card Subcommittee continue to work on the text, graphics and presentation style and bring a next to final report card document to November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G47 meeting #1 /00 scheduled for January 18, 2000 ........................... CARRIED BACKGROUND A special meeting of the Humber Watershed Alliance was held on September 14, 1999 to review the watershed health indicators and supporting information. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Continue to edit the draft copy; • Finalize supporting charts, graphs and illustrations; • Finalize the presentation style; • Bring back a next to final report card document to the Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #1/00 scheduled for January 18, 2000. RES. #G29/99 OAK RIDGES MORAINE Long Term Strategy Endorsing the preparation of a coordinated strategy for the long term protection and management of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Moved by: Luciano Martin Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance send letters to the Ministers of Natural Resources, Environment and Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting their leadership in the development of a long term strategy of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the necessary planning mechanisms or legislative tools to ensure the implementation of the strategy. AND FURTHER THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance encourage their local elected representatives to support the development of the management strategy and planning tools to ensure the implementation of the strategy to safeguard the form and function of the Oak Ridges Moraine. AMENDMENT RES. #G30/99 THAT WHEREAS the Oak Ridges Moraine is under significant pressure that could impact water resources, forests, wildlife, heritage resources and recreation opportunities; WHEREAS the function of the Oak Ridges Moraine as an east -west corridor for wildlife is in imminent danger of being lost because of potential development particularly in the Yonge Street area; AND WHEREAS Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber identifies as an objective the protection of the form and function of the Oak Ridges Moraine; G48 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23, 1999 THAT a temporary freeze be placed on urban development proposed for the Oak Ridges Moraine; THAT the Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance send letters to the Ministers of Natural Resources, Environment and Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting their partnership in adopting and implementing a long term strategy for the protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine, and the necessary planning mechanisms or legislative tools to ensure the implementation of such strategy; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance encourage their local elected representatives to support the adoption of a long term strategy for the protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine, planning mechanisms and legislative tools to ensure the implementation of the strategy to safeguard the form and function of the Oak Ridges Moraine; THE AMENDMENT WAS ............... ............................... CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . ............................... CARRIED D. Hutcheon abstained from voting. BACKGROUND The three Regions, York, Durham and Peel, have prepared a background paper and each of the Planning Departments have or will be taking reports to their Council on the future direction of a Long Term Strategy for the Moraine. On September 14, 1999, the Region of Durham Planning Committee adopted the general intent of staff recommendations, which Durham Council subsequently adopted on September 22, 1999. The recommendations are as follows: • Endorse the preparation of a coordinated strategy for the protection and management of the Oak Ridges Moraine in Durham, York and Peel; • Endorse the process, outlined in their report, to prepare a coordinated long -term strategy for the Oak Ridges Moraine; • Commence discussions and obtain commitment from the Province of Ontario, in partnership with the Regions of York and Peel, to participate and fund the completion of the ORM long -term strategy initiated in 1991; • The research paper entitled "Oak Ridges Moraine - Towards a Long -Term Strategy" be received for information and used to support further discussions with the Province; • Initiate the immediate establishment of an advisory panel of consulting and government hydrogeologists to provide advice to the Regions on the geology and hydrogeology of the Oak Ridges Moraine, in partnership with the Regions of York and Peel and in consultation with Provincial ministries and other interested parties; • Report back on the feasibility of developing an Oak Ridges Moraine database; and • Forward the report and background paper by the Regions of York and Peel, to the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources and Environment, area municipalities in Durham, five Conservation Authorities in Durham, the Durham Chapter of the Urban Development Institute, the Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario, November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G49 MPP's and MP's for Durham, York and Peel and other interested parties for their information and comment. The recommendations of the Region of York Planning Committee on September 15, 1999, as adopted by Regional Council on September 22, 1999, were as follows: That a report be brought back to Council on the feasibility of establishing a data management program. That a copy of the report and background paper prepared by the Regions of York, Pee and Durham, be forwarded to the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources and Environment, area municipalities, the Toronto and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authorities, the Urban Development Institute (York Chapter), the Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario, MPP's and MP's in York, Durham and Peel and other interested parties for their information and comments within 60 days. Lands currently designated as urban in the Regional Official Plan or applications currently in process will continue to be reviewed under the provisions of the Planning Act and existing policies and will not be delayed or impacted by the recommendations report. Consistent with Durham and York staff, Region of Peel staff will be reporting to their Committee on October 21, 1999. Recommendations from this Committee could then be forwarded to Peel Council. Past Initiatives on the Oak Ridges Moraine The TRCA's 1989 Greenspace Strategy for the Greater Toronto Region proposed that special attention be given to conserving the headwaters in the Oak Ridges Moraine Complex. The strategy proposed: resource conservation guidelines for development proposals; a selective land acquisition program; a stewardship initiative with private landowners; research into land use and resource management; increased regulatory control by extending flood and fill line mapping; establishing a regional trail system; promoting a provincial policy; and establishing a public awareness program. In October 1989, the Greater Toronto Area Greenlands Strategy (Kanter Report) noted that without one definition of the Moraine, clear objectives and a long term implementation strategy, the significance and sensitivity of the Moraine would not be taken into consideration in the land use planning process. The study recommended that the Province declare a general expression of Provincial Interest for the Oak Ridges Moraine Area, under Section (2) of the Planning Act, providing time for the Province to conduct a comprehensive land use planning strategy of the Moraine area. In 1990 the second Interim Report, "Watershed ", by the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront also urged the Province to form a special planning group to study and implement guidelines for the Moraine. These two reports provided the stimulus for the Province to announce the planning study of the Moraine and an expression of Provincial Interest in the Oak Ridges Moraine Area in the GTA in 1991. G50 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 In 1991, the Province released a set of Implementation Guidelines to protect significant features and control development of the ORM in the GTA. These guidelines were meant to be interim, while a two -year planning study developed a long term strategy for the GTA portion of the Moraine. To complete the Oak Ridges Moraine study the Province established a Technical Working Committee (TWC) and a Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC). The TRCA and the Ganaraska and Region Conservation Authority each had a representative on the TWC. Between 1991 and 1994, fifteen background studies were completed, representing the most comprehensive database of the natural environment, surface and groundwater systems and resource uses on the Moraine. In 1994, the draft Oak Ridges Moraine Area Strategy for the Greater Toronto Area was circulated for public comment. The Strategy itself identified three interconnected natural systems which form the basis for the protection and management of the Oak Ridges Moraine System: 1) Natural Heritage System - Divided into Core and Corridor Areas, this system includes critical ecological features and functions (e.g. ESAs, ANSIs, kettle lakes, wetlands, old growth forests, streams, etc.). The goal is to enhance the diversity and health of animals, plants, and wildlife habitat with a focus on native species. 2) Water Resource System - This system is made up of significant surface water and groundwater resources. The goal is to ensure clean abundant water is available to maintain headwater baseflow, storage in lakes and wetlands, and sustainable water use for nearby residents. 3) Landform Conservation System - This system includes the physical landforms and visual character of the Moraine. The goal is to ensure the form, character and variety of landscapes within the Moraine are maintained, to minimize disruption to natural processes, to maintain visual character and attractiveness and to retain the educational and interpretive value of the Moraine. In August of 1994 the Authority's Executive Committee forwarded comments to the TWC on the Strategy. The Committee was very supportive of the Strategy, its comprehensive assembly of available technical information on the Moraine, the identification of issues and the implementation mechanisms recommended. In addition to some minor comments on further protection mechanisms the comments identified the need for coordinated implementation options among all of the stakeholders. Among other comments, the Executive specifically indicated: That given the Authority's support for the objectives of the Oak Ridges Moraine Strategy and its close association with the current planning process, the Authority supports the continuation of the TWC, and appropriate additions, to finalize the Strategy and to determine a work plan and recommend funding for its implementation. That since conservation authorities are the largest landowner on the moraine, they represent a provincial /municipal partnership; CA's programs are aimed at the management of renewable natural resources; and, they are organized on a watershed basis; the Oak Ridges Moraine contains the headwaters of most of the LTA's November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G51 watersheds. It was therefore recommended that conservation authorities be identified and funded as the implementing agents for those components of the strategy related to land and resource management. • That the TWC strongly urge the Province to commit funding and assign specific responsibilities for the collection and analysis of data, long term monitoring, and information management across the ORM. The Strategy also identified a number of Implementation Options that included administration, funding and legislative adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of the Strategy. The main options for implementation were as follows: A Provincial Policy Statement under Section 3 of the Planning Act; A Plan under the Ontario Planning and Development Act; or New legislation similar to the Niagara Escarpment Act. Once the final draft of the Strategy was complete, it was submitted to the Province for finalization in November of 1994. In April of 1995, the Authority's Executive Committee resolved that: "The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority request the Premier and the Minister of Natural Resources to bring forward a provincial position with respect to the protection and management of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the critical natural heritage, water resource and landform conservation systems which make it unique within and significant to the Greater Toronto Area." During the last five years, no action has been taken by the Province to finalize the Strategy, tc clarify the 1991 Interim Guidelines or to formalize its 1991 declaration of Provincial interest for the Oak Ridges Moraine. Recent Initiative on the ORM Since 1994 the following initiatives have been undertaken on the ORM: • Geological Survey of Canada - the study's purpose is to advance the understanding of the Moraine's interior structure and to identify the geological elements that control groundwater recharge, flow and discharge. This work is ongoing and offers the potential to map stratigraphic surfaces of the Moraine in greater detail • MNR Natural Heritage System for the ORM in the GTA portion - in July of 1999 a summary map, inventory and report of significant natural features on the ORM was circulated by MNR. • Various Natural Heritage Studies have been undertaken within the Region of York to identify significant terrestrial features and designate them as core natural areas. Greenlands, Natural Heritage or Corridor studies have been undertaken by the Region, Town of East Gwillimbury, Township of King and the Town of Richmond Hill. • Within the Town of Richmond Hill, detailed hydrogeological investigations have been undertaken in support of various development applications on the ORM. • The Region of Durham has undertaken work on a wellhead protection area program. G52 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 The Region of Peel has undertaken a similar wellhead protection area program and a groundwater quantification study. Recent TRCA Initiatives The TRCA, in consultation with York Region and the LSRCA, is undertaking a Groundwater Management Strategy of York Region. The purpose of the study is to assemble hydrogeological data in an easily retrievable format for use during the land use planning process. The information will provide the basis for developing principles to manage the Moraine's resources and for developing aquifer protection strategies that could be incorporated into York Region's Official Plan. Both the Don and the Humber Watershed Strategies have identified the protection of the Moraine as a necessary objective. Step One of the "Forty Steps to a New Don" was to protect or enhance the quantity and quality of groundwater by several means, one of which is to support the Provincial Oak Ridges Moraine Strategy in its efforts to protect groundwater on the moraine. Objective 1 of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber' is to protect the form and function of landforms such as the Oak Ridges Moraine. Similarly, the Rouge North Management Plan establishes a goal for headwater areas of the Rouge. The goal is to maintain the integrity of groundwater resources and hydrogeological functions within the headwaters, and recognize that these are essential to the health of the Rouge River system and the sustainability of the Oak Ridges Moraine aquifers. The 1999 Clean Water Summit will focus on the Oak Ridges Moraine in recognition of its integral role in providing clean water to the Great Lakes Basin. RATIONALE It has been agreed and understood that the ORM is an important part of the landscape and the ecological functions within the Greater Toronto Area. The Moraine, created during the last ice age, is composed of gravel and till material, and it features a series of hilly deposits, depressions and kettle lakes. The composition of gravel and coarse sand makes the soil permeable, so it can easily absorb rainwater and snow runoff. When water penetrates down into the groundwater, it moves horizontally to the edges of the Moraine. The water then re- emerges as the headwaters of our major rivers. This process of groundwater recharge and discharge provides the natural filtration of our water and moderates the flow in our river watershed. This distinct landform character provides residents with critical ground and surface water resources. It also provides essential components for the unique natural habitat features so predominant along the Moraine. After initial studies by many groups including the TRCA, the Province in the early 1990's recognized the interconnection of this ecosystem and undertook a coordinated implementation strategy to maintain the natural heritage, water resource and Iandform on the ORM. This strategy is even more relevant today as the urban expansion of municipalities, particularly within York Region expand into the Oak Ridges Moraine. November 23. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G53 The recommendation by the three Regions (York, Peel and Durham) recognizes the growing pressure for development on the ORM and requests that the Province revisit a long term strategy. The Region's report deals with two components of a long term strategy: coordination in terms of policy objectives; and the coordination of data management. In terms of the policy objectives, staff recommend that the TRCA support the three Regions in their discussions with the Province on a long term strategy for the Oak Ridges Moraine. The advantages of a long term strategy coordinated through the Province are: It provides a consistent level of protection through the implementation of common policy objectives. While the current interim guidelines raise issues that need to be addressed when considering development applications on the ORM, they were only designed as a reaction to development pressures on the ORM. The guidelines do not provide a strategy identifying overall goals and objectives for protecting the features and functions of the ORM; Nor do the guidelines establish a scale of study necessary to adequately address the principles. It provides a coordinated means to furthering our understanding of the Moraine. While the 1994 strategy provided a well- documented review of terrestrial environmental issues, it did not provide the same level of understanding of subsurface resources. Groundwater systems, in particular, are integral to the terrestrial functions and the headwaters of the GTA watersheds. Coordination by the Province is necessary since the Moraine covers numerous jurisdictions. These include 3 Regions (Peel, York, Durham), 5 Counties (Dufferin, Simcoe, Victoria, Peterborough, Northumberland) and at least 6 Conservation Authorities (Credit Valley, Toronto Region, Lake Simcoe, Central Lake Ontario, Ganaraska and Kawartha). It is recommended that a strong Provincial lead is necessary in gaining a consistent approach over the entire Moraine. TRCA had indicated when the implementation strategy was discussed in 1994, that either a Provincial Policy Statement or a Plan under the Ontario Planning and Development Act would provide the necessary mechanisms. The Regions are recommending in their background paper that a Provincial Policy Statement is the best means to proceed. It is recommended that the Authority support this approach given the changes in the planning approval process since 1994. In terms of the coordination of data management, TRCA can provide an important contribution to furthering our understanding of the features and function of the ORM. Both the Groundwater Management Study in York Region and our Natural Heritage Strategy which are currently underway will add to the work already undertaken at MNR and the other CA's on the Moraine. In particular, an understanding of the groundwater regime is necessary to fully manage the ecosystem of the ORM. TRCA is providing hydrogeological comments on development applications in Richmond Hill, and would like to participate in the advisory panel of consulting hydrogeologists recommended by the three Regions. In addition, based on the Groundwater Management Strategy currently underway, we offer assistance to the Regions in evaluating the feasibility of establishing a data management program. G54 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 The TRCA recommends that a strong Provincial involvement on the ORM policies and management is needed. However, if the Province determines that they will not be involved in a long term strategy, the Authority should advise the Regions that we will continue to pursue studies and strategies to enhance the protection of the ORM features and function. We would offer the Regions any assistance they may require in pursing their own initiatives. In addition, it is recommended that the TRCA initiate discussions with the other CA's on the Oak Ridges Moraine to determine what studies have been undertaken, what studies are underway and future coordinated directions that the CA's can pursue to provide a long term strategy for the Moraine. These initiatives could then be coordinated with the Regions. CONCLUSIONS At TRCA Executive Committee meeting #9/99, held on October 15, 1999, resolution #13184/99 was adopted which states: "THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority supports Provincial leadership in a long term strategy for the entire Oak Ridges Moraine and the necessary planning mechanism or other legislative tools, such as a Provincial Policy Statement, to ensure the implementation of the strategy; THAT the Regions of Peel, York and Durham be advised that the Authority supports the initiative of the Regions as outlined in the staff report to the Region of York Planning Committee dated September 8, 1999, and the Region of Durham report dated September 22, 1999 and the directions recommended in the background paper prepared by Peel, York and Durham entitled "The Oak Ridges Moraine - Towards a Long Term Strategy ", THAT the Authority supports the establishment of an advisory panel of hydrogeologists to assist in understanding the implications of the groundwater regime on the features and functions of the ORM and that the TRCA would offer our participation on this advisory panel when established,• THAT the Authority supports the establishment of a data management program for the Oak Ridges Moraine and would provide necessary information for this program related to our Groundwater and Natural Heritage programs now underway, THAT the Authority advise the Regions of Peel, York and Durham that this report should be forwarded to the Province to support any further discussion they may have with the Province on the development of a long term strategy, THAT the Region of York be advised that the TRCA would be willing to assist in any discussions with the Province directed at achieving a long term strategy for the Oak Ridges Moraine; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to all Conservation Authorities with a portion of the Moraine contained within their jurisdiction and ask that they support the recommendations of this report." November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G55 The Oak Ridges Moraine represents one of the most prominent physiographic features in southern Ontario. It performs an important hydrogeological function, serving as a groundwater recharge /discharge area. It also provides essential components for the unique natural habitat features so predominant along the Moraine. The Authority policies and programs have consistently identified the importance of the moraine within our watershed strategies and in our participation in the 1994 Provincial Oak Ridges Moraine Strategy. The advancement of our understanding of the Moraines functions will be enhanced by the Groundwater Management Strategy for York Region and our Natural Heritage Strategy currently underway. It is recommended that the Authority support the recent initiatives by the three Regions of York, Peel and Durham in achieving a strong Provincial role in protecting the features and functions of the Moraine. In support of the Regions initiative we will also initiate discussions with the other CA's along the Moraine to identify what studies have been undertaken and those currently underway by the conservation authorities. These discussions will focus on what future coordinated direction the CA's can pursue to assist in the preparation and implementation of a long term strategy for the Oak Ridges Moraine. RES. #G31/99 - BOLTON CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Support of the proposed acquisition of Bolton Camp and Conference Centre from Family Services Association of Metropolitan Toronto. Moved by: David Burnett Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support the acquisition of the Bolton Camp and Conference Centre by The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to provide publicly accessible greenspace, recreation and education opportunities and protection of natural habitats. AMENDMENT RES. #G32/99 THAT The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) establish a partnership funding formula to cost share the purchase of the property; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA acquire and retain at least the valley and stream corridor, forests and other sensitive habitats as the first priority and that tablelands be sold to defray the cost of acquisition. THE AMENDMENT WAS .............. ............................... CARRIED G56 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ...... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Family Services Association of Metropolitan Toronto (FSA) has operated the Bolton Camp and Conference Centre since 1922. The property is located on 137 hectares (339 acres) of treed, scenic Humber valley lands. The property comprises four distinct areas: Administrative Centre /Conference Centre; a Boys' Camp; a Girls' Camp; and Common Facilities. The Administrative Centre consists of a series of buildings which include recreational facilities, overnight accommodation, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and playing fields. The Boys' and Girls' Camp facilities are serviced with washrooms and running water. The Common Facilities include an outdoor pool, large kitchen and eating areas. The existing servicing infrastructure on the property includes water towers, sewage lagoons, holding tanks and in- ground pipe system. A series of trails criss -cross the property to provide an excellent opportunity for recreational uses. Single family residential subdivisions abut the west and north limits of the property. The lands lying to the west of the property's southerly frontage, is draft plan approved for estate residential development. To the north of the property is a gravel quarry and rural agricultural lands. RATIONALE The majority of the property is designated as an Environmental Policy Area (EPA) in the Town of Caledon Official Plan. Large portions of the property are designated Core Area of the Greenlands System in Peel which was approved in 1998. These areas are intended for protection of environmentally sensitive areas and hazard lands. A significant portion of the property is within the valley corridor, which is regulated by TRCA, pursuant to the Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation (Ontario Regulation 158). Cold Creek, a tributary of the Humber River, traverses the southeast corner of the property and has been identified as supporting a Coldwater fishery. The Ministry of Natural Resources has indicated that the woodlands on the property might be of significance. The northeast corner of the property lies within the Oak Ridges Moraine, recognized as a significant landform feature in the Greater Toronto Area. The property meets the following objectives set out in TRCA's Greenspace Protection and Acquisition Protect, namely, "to acquire property interests, in hazard, conservation and environmentally significant land, in order to perform their natural functions and to conserve these lands for the benefit of the people within the Authority's watersheds." The property meets the criteria of a Greenspace system, as defined by the Greenspace Strategy and the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program and include valley and stream corridors, Oak Ridges Moraine and Fill Regulation lands. This property would also help achieve many objectives in Legacy. A Strategy for a Healthy Humber aimed at achieving an accessible, connected greenspace system, habitat protection, and recreational and educational opportunities. November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G57 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Funding partners must be secured in order to make an offer of purchase. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will continue discussions with prospective funding partners in an effort to achieve public ownership of this property. RES. #G33/99 - CANADIAN MILLENNIUM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Historic Humber River proposal approved for funding by the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program. Moved by: Dave Green Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the Historic Humber River Millennium Project be received; THAT letters of thanks be sent to the Honourable Herb Gray, MP, Deputy Prime Minister and local MP's who supported the Historic Humber River proposal; AND FURTHER THAT subwatershed and Community Action Site subcommittees assist in the planning, coordination and implementation of projects to complete the proposed work and satisfy the requirements of the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program ............................ ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Canadian Millennium Partnership Program is designed to help Canadians mark the new millennium in meaningful and creative ways. The program encourages Canadians to create initiatives that explore our heritage, celebrates our achievements, builds our future and leaves a lasting legacy. The Government of Canada will provide funding for community- oriented activities as well as national and international activities until December 31, 2000. The program helps support projects that meet one or more of the following themes: • Celebrate achievement so that Canadians are inspired to know and appreciate our past and to welcome the challenges and opportunities of the future; • Support a sustainable environment and new ways of showing our respect for nature while we progress as a leading economy; • Stimulate interest in communities large and small, and bring our youth together to support the evolution of these communities; • Advance Canadian innovation that will benefit individuals and communities G58 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23, 1999 contributing to our collective well- being; • Demonstrate, through artistic and cultural expression, our heritage, our way of life and our aspirations for the future. At meeting #4/98, the Humber Watershed Alliance endorsed the submission of an application to the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program to secure funds to support work at specific community action sites. An application titled, "The Historic Humber ", was submitted by the Humber Watershed Alliance to the Millennium Bureau of Canada on October 31. 1998. Specific project locations are summarized below: City of Toronto - Fishway and Discovery Walks City of Vaughan - Granger Greenway City of Brampton - Claireville Conservation Area Town of Caledon - Bolton and Palgrave Community Action Sites Town of Richmond Hill - Lake Wilcox Community Action Site The five activities planned for each site are: 1. Community Events and Celebrations 2. Interpretive Plaques/Trail Discs 3. Environmental Enhancements 4. Barrier Modifications to Restore Migratory Fishery 5. Trail Enhancements On October 25, 1999, the Humber Watershed Alliance was informed that their proposal was approved for funding in the third phase of the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program. FINANCIAL DETAILS The Canadian Millennium Partnership Program has confirmed a contribution of $400,800 for the Historic Humber River project. The federal contribution is for the period June 1, 1999 to March 31, 2001 and must be matched. Other revenues have been received or expected from the following sources: November 23. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G59 TRCA - Humber Watershed Management $260,000 Land Acquisition for Fish Passage $325,000 TRCA Claireville Trail $100,000 York Region /City of Vaughan $170,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation $50,000 Peel Region $125,000 MNR - Fish Habitat Compensation $40,000 Ontario Main Street Millennium Fund $100,000 City of Toronto Discovery Walks $50,000 Canada Trust Friends of the Environment $48,000 MNR - Weirs $20,000 MNR - CFIP $11,000 Palgrave Rotary Club $25,000 Toronto Sportsmen's Show $10,000 Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters $7,500 Petro Canada $6,000 TOTAL $1,347,500 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Complete the Canada Millennium Partnership Program Environmental Impact Questionnaire; Complete the contribution agreement with the Millennium Bureau of Canada; Finalize details for specific projects; Pursue and confirm contributions by other partners. G60 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 RES. #G34/99 - NEW CITY OF TORONTO OFFICIAL PLAN Humber Watershed Alliance Input Humber Watershed Alliance input into the new City of Toronto Official Plan. Moved by: Luciano Martin Seconded by: Michael White THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance identify candidate environmental reinvestment areas in the City of Toronto; AND FURTHER THAT Lois Griffin, Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance, continue to work with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff, the Don Regeneration Council and the Rouge Park Alliance to develop a vision statement, operating principles and environmental reinvestment area definitions and locations for the new City of Toronto Official Plan .................. ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND At Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #3/99 held on July 20, 1999, Jane Clohecy, Manager of Development Services, TRCA, made a brief presentation on the content of a draft report regarding the new City of Toronto Official Plan. The submission recommended a principle goal and six themes that should be incorporated into the new Official Plan. The proposed goal and themes are as follows: Principle Goal Toronto: Nature's City - Seeing the Forest and the Trees The City of Toronto is part of a natural, urban ecosystem. All future growth and redevelopment in the City must consider the implications on the natural environment and ensure that all activities result in a measurable benefit to the ecosystem. Theme 1: Establish a "Greening Code" to ensure that infrastructure, lot development and building design all contribute to the environmental health of the City. The Official Plan will establish the concept and incentive to move forward on the "Greening Code ". Theme 2: Identify within the Official Plan, priority areas for environmental reinvestment across the City. Theme 3: Continue to provide and enhance protection policies for existing natural areas. The Official Plan must establish a context to strengthen available tools and take advantage of new environmental protection mechanisms. Theme 4: The Official Plan must set out meaningful indicators and targets to measure the City's success in reaching this principle goal. November 23. 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G61 Theme 5: Theme 6: To implement policies the City must adopt innovative funding mechanisms to help pay for the cost of environmental improvements. Options include user fees, tax incentives, letters of credit, cash -in -lieu and affinity merchandising. The process for implementing policies must continue to involve the community in environmental planning by making use of established groups and encouraging others to take part. The Humber Watershed Alliance adopted Resolution # G23/99 which states: "THAT the joint watershed community group submission to the City of Toronto Official Plan process be endorsed in principle; AND FURTHER THAT the Chairs of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance finalize the joint submission, with an ad hoc committee, and provide it to the appropriate staff and committees of the City of Toronto. " In October, senior staff from TRCA, Lois Griffin, Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Ron Christie, Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance and Mark Wilson, Chair of the Don Regeneration Council, met with City of Toronto staff to discuss the recommendations proposed in the joint submission titled, "Nature's City: Seeing the Forest and the Trees." The joint submission was well- received by the City of Toronto. They have invited TRCA staff, with the input of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council and Rouge Park Alliance to continue to refine the concepts in the joint submission and provide them for future consideration as the Official Plan is finalized. Of particular priority is the preparation of a summary document that identifies: (a) a vision; (b) guiding principles; (c) four to six key actions that will facilitate the implementation of the Official Plan. Members of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Don Regeneration Council, Rouge Park Alliance and TRCA staff will be working on the above - mentioned priorities. In the short term, comments from the Humber Alliance on the proposed Environmental Reinvestment Lenses are requested. Three levels of environmental reinvestment have been recommended and are briefly described below. 1. Low Reinvestment Lens These are areas where there is an existing high quality feature and function which, at present, contributes to the overall health of the environmental areas throughout the City. The types of areas which would be included within this lens are: G62 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23, 1999 • Local and Regional Environmental Significant Areas currently identified by the Conservation Authority and the City; • Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest currently identified by the Province; • Wetlands; • Significant publicly -owned parks and open space areas which have been identified through the watershed groups and other environmental groups. Examples include Glendon Forest, High Park and Rouge Park. The level of effort within these areas is focussed on the protection of the integrity of the natural amenities by minimizing or eliminating impacts from other developments. The types of regeneration activities would include: • Management of invasive species • Replanting of native species • Enhancement of an environmental friendly trail system • Acquisition programs. While low investment lenses already exhibit environmental qualities, their ability to be retained and enhanced in the future given the other global environmental changes such as climate change as well as local changes such as ongoing redevelopment will require an active program of ongoing management practices. The incorporation of the Greening Code in all development practices will significantly improve their future ability to be maintained as a high quality environmental area. In addition, the protection of these areas through Official Plan designation will define their significance and other compatible uses which may occur. Medium Reinvestment Lens These are areas where there is a potential for a high quality feature and function with some significant regeneration taking place on the site. The types of areas included within this lens are: • Existing floodplain areas which could contribute to water quality and the aquatic habitat such as the Don Valley Brickworks and Rouge Marsh; • Areas abutting the valley and significant forest blocks which could be regenerated to enhance the overall environmental stability of the existing environmental areas. An example of this type of area is portions of High Park; • Areas along the waterfront where a continuance connection can be achieved. For example, the Rouge Beach, Marie Curtis Park Beach; • Tributaries where channelization and piping can be remediated to significantly improve the visual and environmental qualities of the area; • Significant tableland meadows and forest blocks which could contribute to the overall environmental diversity within the City. For example, the Gerrard Prairie. The level of effort within these areas is focussed on habitat recreation through extensive planting and reconstruction of wetlands, aquatic improvements through rehabilitation of stream corridors and removal of fish barriers, and public accessibility through trail systems. November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G63 These areas exhibit some existing environmental benefit but their potential in terms of a contribution to the enhancement of the overall Natural Heritage System are significant. While the sites would always benefit from Official Plan protection policies and the Greening Code, their real potential can best be realized through active regeneration. High Reinvestment Lens These are areas requiring extensive investments to improve degraded habitat. They are the lost pieces which no longer contribute to the overall system. However, the replacement of these pieces would significantly contribute to the overall health. The types of areas which would be included within these lenses are: Mouths of the major rivers which have been significantly altered such as the mouth of the Don River and the Etobicoke Creek. Lost, piped and channelized watercourses which provide no terrestrial or aquatic habitat such as the Black Creek Channel. Examples of Reinvestment Areas are provided below. Humber River Watershed South Humber Park Low and Medium Contains the Sassafras ESA Site, which is a remnant patch of locally rare sassafras trees. It also has a patch of high quality mature hardwood forest with many trilliums and large witch hazels. The park has remnant features of rare Oak Savannah habitat, including Black Oak trees, Big Bluestem Grass which makes it a restoration priority. High Park Low and Medium The High Park area is an ESA that contains numerous Carolinian species, diverse plants and animals (particularly birds), with some rare plant species. It is the last sizeable remnant of the Lake Iroquois Sand Plain and is, therefore, a representation sample of a distinct landform in the region. It also contains the Oak Woodlands ANSI which includes a Black Oak Savannah restoration site. G64 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 Magwood Park Low This site contains a moist Maple -Beech woodlot with healthy populations of spring ephemerals and ferns. Seeps originate on the hillside on the south side of the park with colonies of Skunk Cabbage. This is perhaps the only forest area in the South Humber with good quality spring wildflowers. Black Creek Channel Major This concrete channel was constructed in the York 1960s and is now beginning to fail. It is a major eyesore with no habitat. The Black Creek Project has done a feasibility study which recommends a more natural channel design. Weston Railroad Low This stretch of prairie grasses extends from Prairie 1.7 km just north of Eglinton Avenue to north of Denison Avenue. It occupies two full -width railroad right -of -ways (CN and CP), as well as sections of the surrounding embankments. Big Bluestem predominates with Indian grass, Little Bluestem and Sand Dropseed. These plants are considered regionally rare. This site helps to define the pre - settlement extent of prairie and savannah communities that extended from Weston to Mount Dennis. Black Creek Channel Major This concrete channel was also constructed Downsview in the 1960s and is now beginning to fail. It contributes to severe downstream erosion. It will be more challenging to naturalize this channel since there are buildings near the creek. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Identify candidate environmental reinvestment sites on a map of the Humber watershed. RES. #G35/99 - SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS - 2000 Humber Watershed Alliance A schedule of meeting dates is proposed for the Humber Watershed Alliance. THAT the meeting dates for the Humber Watershed Alliance scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on November 23, 1999 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 G65 the following dates be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the meetings be held at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre, unless otherwise noted. DATES #1/00 Tuesday, January 18, 2000 #2/00 Tuesday, April 18, 2000 #3/00 Tuesday, July 18, 2000 #4/00 Tuesday, October 17, 2000 ............... CARRIED 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 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. RES. #G36/99 - SUBWATERSHED COMMITTEE REPORTS The minutes of the meetings for the following subwatershed committees are provided for information. Moved by: Marjorie Mossman Seconded by: Mary Louise Ashbourne THAT the following minutes be received: Meeting #5/99 and #6/99 of the East Humber Subwatershed Committee; Meeting #5/99 and #6/99 of the Lower Humber /Black Creek Subwatersheds Committee; Meeting #5/99 and #6/99 of the Main Humber Subwatershed Committee Meeting #6/99 and #7/99 of the West Humber Subwatershed Committee...... CARRIED G66 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEETING #4/99 November 23. 1999 NEW BUSINESS TORONTO CARRYING PLACE TRAIL PLAQUE M. McDowell advised that the National Sites and Monuments Board plaque to the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, originally installed in Etienne Brule Park, has now been more appropriately located in a small park adjacent to Humbercrest Boulevard near the Langmuir Crescent intersection on the Toronto Carrying Place Trail. TORONTO FIELD NATURALISTS' WALK J. Crawford advised that the Toronto Field Naturalists will be hosting a Discovery Walk on Sunday, November 28, 1999 at 1:30 p.m. starting at the Old Mill Subway Station. HUMBER WATERSHED PLEDGE G. Wilkins reminded all members, who had not already done so, to sign the Humber Watershed Pledge. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:45 p.m., November 23, 1999. Brian Denney Director, Watershed Management /L. J. Craig Mather Secretary- Treasurer