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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumber Watershed Alliance 201446k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 Page G1 March 18, 2014 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. In the Chair's absence, Heather Broadbent, Co -Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT Hugh Barnett ............................. ............................... Member Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Dianne Douglas ........................... ............................... Member Bert Duclos .............................. ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Annette Maher ............................ ............................... Member Volker Masemann ......................... ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member EricMysak ............................... ............................... Member BrianPittman ............................. ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Matthew Volpintesta ...................................................... Member DawitWorku .............................. ............................... Member GUESTS Allan Crawford ...................... ............................... City of Toronto Ann Doggett ........................ ............................... City of Toronto Elizabeth Hendricks ............... ............................... World Wildlife Fund James Snider .................... ............................... World Wildlife Fund G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18. 2014 STAFF Sonia Dhir .......................................... Project Manager, Humber Team Gaspar Horvath ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Adrian O' Driscoll .......... ............................... Supervisor, Education, KCC Cameron Richardson . ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Katie Turnbull .......................... Environmental Technologist, Restoration Services Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat RES. #G1/14 - MINUTES Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the minutes of meeting #4/13, held on December 3, 2013 be approved with the following corrections: • On page G47 remove reference to Bruce Trail; • In Heritage Subcommittee minutes #2/14, Lambton House - June Speaker will be Joanne Doucette ............... ............................... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Humber Bio Blitz A. O'Driscoll made a brief presentation on the upcoming Humber Bio Blitz which is taking place on May 23 -25, 2014 in partnership with the following organizations: • Biodiversity Institute of Ontario • Royal Ontario Museum • Toronto Zoo • Ontario Nature • Rouge Park • Parks Canada Humber Watershed Alliance members were encouraged to volunteer their time to this event. March 18, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 G3 (b) Freshwater Health Assessment for the Humber River E. Hendricks and J. Snider gave a presentation on the WWF's Freshwater Health Assessment for the Humber River. The highlights of the presentation included: • objectives and background • framework • metrics • Humber results (c) Restoration Projects on the Humber K. Turnbull of TRCA updated the Alliance on the restoration projects completed in 2013 and those projects being undertaken in 2014. (d) Google Drive S. Dhir gave a brief presentation on Google Drive with the intent of using this tool for circulation of Humber Watershed Alliance agendas and minutes in future. The interwatershed Planning and Policy Subcommittee is already communicating via Google Drive. Members are encouraged to open up a gmail account to get this process started. The presenters were thanked for their very informative presentations. RES. #G2/14- 15'" ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE CHRS DESIGNATION OF THE HUMBER RIVER The celebration of the 15'" anniversary of the designation of the Humber River to be held on Canadian Rivers Day on June 8, 2014. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Lynn Short WHEREAS the TRCA and the Humber Watershed Alliance recognize the significance of celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Humber River Watershed's Canadian Heritage River System (CHRS) designation; G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18, 2014 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support the 15`" anniversary celebration of the CHRS designation of the Humber River to be held on Canadian Rivers Day, June 8, 2014, at Etienne Brule Park; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Authority and other dignitaries be invited to participate in the Canadian Rivers Day celebrations on June 8, 2014......... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada's national river conservation program that promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and ensures that Canada's leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner. The CHRS is a public trust with local citizens as champions of the program - actions taken at grass roots that drive the program forward. The CHRS designation is a prestigious one that is unique to the Humber River out of all nine watersheds within the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, there are only 11 rivers in all in Ontario, a province internationally renown for its lakes and rivers, that merit this national designation. However, with this unique honour comes a responsibility to promote, protect and celebrate the river. In order to achieve this goal, the TRCA is celebrating the 15`" Anniversary of the Humber's CHRS designation with the watershed communities. The confirmed date and location are: June 8`", 2014, in the City of Toronto at Etienne Brule Park. This year, TRCA is working in partnership with the City of Toronto and 4 Directions Peacekeepers (Peel, York, Durham, Toronto) to help promote awareness to the unique attributes of the Humber River. The 4 Directions Peacekeepers is a project that brings police officers, Aboriginal youth, community partners and others from north, east and west of Toronto. Traditional teachings, historical education of cultural significance and outdoor education will be the focus of the program. The following activities are proposed as part of the celebrations: 10 amto2pm Welcoming Address: Board members, Alliance members, TRCA staff Community Activities: Birds of Prey, Watershed celebration activities, BBQ, Cake, Story - telling, Guided Hikes on the Shared Path March 18. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 G5 RES. #G3/14- Moved by: Seconded by: HUMBER BID BLITZ Inviting Humber Watershed Alliance members to participate in this year's Ontario Bio Blitz which is occurring in the Humber River watershed. Jerry Gorman David Hutcheon THAT the staff report on the Humber Bio Blitz be received; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to the Humber Bio Blitz event taking place between May 23 -25, 2014 ..................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Ontario Bioblitz is an annual event that is an intense 24 hour biological inventory conducted at various locations across Ontario during the same (or similar) time frame. There are many organizations that are a part of this initiative including the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Nature, Rouge Park, Toronto and Region Conservation, Parks Canada and others. This year's Main Event Bio Blitz is being conducted on May 23, 24 and 25 in the Humber Watershed, with the 24 hour inventory and official kickoff happening on May 24 and 25 (23rd will be mostly setting up and last minute logistics). There will be multiple sites inventoried across the Humber Watershed over the 24 hour period. We are expecting approximately 400 participants at the event. The main staging area for the event is on the Canadian McMichael Art Collection grounds. As the more experienced participants complete the biological inventory efforts across the Humber watershed, we will also be offering public hikes at McMichael and a guided biological inventory (which will be much less intense) at Kortright at key times throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. These Kortright events will be "learn to blitz" workshops for those less experienced but interested participants. There will be a variety of taxon groups these workshops will focus on including: insects, mammals, plants, birds and herptiles. Each Kortright workshop will be approximately 2 hours in duration and will cover key points on why biological inventories are important, how to identify select species, collecting procedures and documenting what has been collected. In addition, there will be a sunrise ceremony to kick off the blitz Saturday morning led by an Aboriginal Elder at McMichael and other activities for the public that are to be determined throughout the day. G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18. 2014 Members of the Humber Watershed Alliance are encouraged to assist with: • The biological inventory efforts (in -depth knowledge and solid experience is required for this task); • Public engagement pieces including leading nature hikes at McMichael and the guided Blitz at Kortright (experience and skills are required for this task); • Sign -in and registration; • On- the - ground orientation of people arriving at McMichael and Kortright (directing them where to go and what is going on where); • On -the- ground first aid stations (first aid certification required); • Providing connections to, and distributing information to pre - established stakeholders, community groups and public interest groups who would be interested in assisting with day of logistics. RES. #G4/14- MOOD WALKS PROGRAM Launch of Mood Walks Program by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hike Ontario, and Conservation Ontario. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: David Hutcheon THAT the staff report regarding the Mood Walks Program be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to volunteer for the Mood Walks Program ........... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario (CMHA) is partnering with Hike Ontario and Conservation Ontario to develop the Mood Walks Program designed for participants over the age of 50 living with mental health illness. Partners will be working with 30 community mental health organizations across Ontario to launch educational hiking groups across Ontario, beginning in spring 2014 with at least one hike to be hosted at a Conservation Area. Funding for this project has been received from Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund through the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. March 18, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 G7 Some of the objectives of this program include: • Help improve physical and mental health for older adults living with mental health. • Build capacity for mental health agencies to provide physical activity programs. • Create more opportunities to form provincial -local partnerships. • Bring new user groups to Ontario Conservation Areas. • Build partnerships between Conservation Authorities and the health sector. Examples of how a trail association or hiking club could get involved include: • Attend a weekly walk as a volunteer, or offer to lead a guided hike. • Lead or assist in offering Safe Hiker training. • Offer gently used boots or other equipment. • Provide copies of your club's current newsletter. • Donate a guidebook to your partner agency. • Invite Mood Walks participants on regularly scheduled hikes. • Offer a discounted or free trial membership. • Promote the Mood Walks group using your website or Twitter account. Thirty people who are interested in leading hikes and walks for the Mood Walks Program will have the opportunity to become hike leaders, certified by Hike Ontario. All participants will also undergo Hike Ontario's Safe Hiker Training. PRELIMINARY TIMELINES - 2014 March 17 Mood Walks sites announced March and April Connect with project partners; Plan Mood Walks groups Early April Attend orientation webinar for facilitators April 15 Host introductory session for potential participants April 29 Host orientation session for participants May 6 and 7 Group walks #1 -4 June 3 and 4 Host Safe Hiker Training June 10 and 24 Group walks #5 -7 July 8 Group walk #8 at Conservation Area July 15 and 22 Group walks #9 -10 For details, please visit: http: / /www. moodwa I ks.ca /a bout - mood -wal ks /ca I I- for- proposa Is -to- host -a- mood -wa I ks- group/ G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18. 2014 RES #G5/14- Moved by: Seconded by: SPRING EVENTS IN THE HUMBER WATERSHED Schedule of some Spring 2014 TRCA community events in the Humber watershed. Jerry Gorman Volker Masemann THAT the following schedule of Spring 2014 TRCA community events be received for information; AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to participate in planning and implementing the 2014 TRCA community events............ CARRIED BACKGROUND Throughout the year, TRCA co -hosts a variety of public events with community leaders in the Humber River watershed to engage residents in educational and hands -on, conservation - themed activities. These events connect people with their local natural environment, generate awareness of the biodiversity and cultural history of the watershed, and build community capacity. The following community events have been scheduled for Spring 2014: DATE EVENT LOCATION ACTIVITIES May 4 Claireville Clean up Wm. Hostrawser Free community street festival that Crew's Green the Ravine Valley (118 includes tree planting, litter clean up, and Block Party Gallview Lane, games, face painting and food. For Brampton) more information: www.trcasteward sh ip events.ca May 12 Greening Your Grounds Royal York Baptist What is a rain garden? How does a Workshop Church (1520 rain garden work? Should I install a Royal York Rd, permeable patio? Learn about the Toronto) newest trends in residential landscaping and how to use them to add pizzazz to your property. For more information: www.trcasteward sh ip events.ca May 24 Sunkist Woods Sunkist Woods Activities include tree and shrub Community Tree Planting (Old King Road, planting, litter cleanup and nature Balton) interpretation. For more information: www.trcasteward sh ip events.ca March 18. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 G9 May 24 Humber Bio -Blitz McMichael Art Inventory and field study to identify and 25 Gallery and and record living organisms. Inventory Kortright Centre will run from 12 pm on Saturday, May 24 to 12 pm on Sunday, May 25. For more information: www.ontariobioblitz.ca May 27 Paint a Picture for Water Caledon Rain barrels are painted by local artists Conservation and students and displayed throughout the community to promote water conservation. The painted barrels are auctioned off to raise money for environmental education efforts throughout Caledon. For more information: www.trcasteward sh ip events.ca June 8 Canadian Rivers Day Etienne Brule Activities include Birds of Prey demonstrations, watershed celebration activities, story telling, guided hikes on the Shared Path, BBQ, Cake. Sept. 14 FarmStart's Farm Picnic McVean Farm Details to be confirmed Members of the Humber Alliance may be involved in other community events around the watershed throughout the year and are encouraged to promote them by inviting their fellow Alliance members. To find out more about other scheduled TRCA events, please visit www.trca.on.ca /events or "The Humber River, Ontario" page on Facebook. G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18. 2014 RES #G6/14- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided for information. Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the following minutes be received: Heritage Subcommittee #1/14 and #2/14 (January 10 and February 14) Lower Humber Subcommittee #1/14 and #2/14 (January 21 and February 18) Planning and Policy Subcommittee #1/14 (January 29) ............... CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Heritage Talks M. McDowell invited members to the Lambton House on April 10'" at 6:30 pm. April will feature the Dale Estate. Next Heritage Talk will be held in June by Joanne Doucette. Tom Longboat Day Tom Longboat Day and Run will be in the Lower Humber on April 4". Local secondary school students will be participating. Earth Hour A lantern walk down to the Lower Humber River is scheduled to occur on Saturday, March 29" at 7:30 pm. Provincial Policy Statement B. Duclos advised that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's 2014 Provincial Policy Statement takes effect on April 301". Policies pertaining to cultural heritage, water quality, and archaeology, among other things, have been strengthened. March 18. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 G11 Humber Valley Heritage Trail J. Gorman advised that, as a result of this winter's ice storm, many trees were lost which consequently made walking on the trail difficult. Many thanks to TRCA for clearing the Humber Valley Heritage Trail. Lumberjacking in the Humber D. Hutcheon reported that lumberjacking is occurring in the Lower Humber. At one time, the City of Toronto's policy was to leave the trees. V. McGrath agreed to contact City of Toronto staff to enquire about this practice and report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance. Noxious Weeds L. Short indicated that, after much lobbying, milkweed was taken off the list of noxious weeds. Dog strangling vine has been added. Bolton Camp V. McGrath announced that TRCA is now working on the redevelopment of the Bolton Camp and are seeking two members from Bolton to sit on the working group. Expressions of interest are due by April 16`h. Humber Advocate Members were encouraged to write articles or submit story ideas for the next edition of the Humber Advocate to S. Dhir. Suggestions included an article on the Snowy Owl; two sightings of bald eagles in the Baby Point area; and repatriation of the Aboriginal ossuary. G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/14 March 18, 2014 Humber Current M. McDowell enquired about the Humber current. What status does it have? TRCA is establishing current models in Humber Bay to determine where the currents are, speeds, etc. V. McGrath to follow up with the PMO Office assisting with the Environmental Assessment and report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance. Humber Weirs D. Hutcheon requested that a presentation on the Humber Weirs be scheduled for a future Humber Alliance meeting. DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a Tree Top Trekking experience. The winning ticket belonged to Mike Mattos. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:40 p.m., March 18, 2014. Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L. 46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 Page G13 June 17, 2014 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. The Chair, lain Craig, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Hugh Barnett ............................. ............................... Member Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member lainCraig .................................. ............................... Chair Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Dianne Douglas ........................... ............................... Member Bert Duclos .............................. ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Sam Keenan ............................. ............................... Member Charles Katrycz ........................... ............................... Member Lisette Mallet ............................. ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member BrianPittman ............................. ............................... Member Sid Preece ............................... ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member GUESTS Oriana Nanoa ............................ ............................... Resident STAFF Sonia Dhir .......................................... Project Manager, Humber Team Gaspar Horvath ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Sharon Lingertat .................... Senior Planner, Environmental Assessment Planning Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Theresa McKenzie ..... ............................... Terrestrial Volunteer Coordinator Cameron Richardson . ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat Beth Williston ...................... Senior Manager, Environmental Assessment Planning G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 RES. #G7/14- MINUTES Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the minutes of meeting #1/14, held on March 18, 2014, be approved ........................... ............................... CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Toronto Region T. McKenzie gave a presentation on TRCA's Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Toronto Region and as it pertains to the Humber River Watershed. The highlights of the presentation included: • Results from 2003 -2012 period; • Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program; • Monitoring Questions; • Monitoring Sites; • Native Indicator Species; • Species Richness Scoring; • Invasive Plants; • Key Findings. (b) GTA West Corridor Individual Environmental Assessment S. Lingertat gave a presentation on the GTA West Corridor Individual Environmental Assessment. The highlights of the presentation included: • Preliminary Study Area; • Route Planning Study Area; • TRCA Involvement to date (Stage 1); • EA Process (Stage 2); • Next Steps The presenters were thanked for their very informative presentations. June 17. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 G15 RES. #G8/14- TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY IN THE TORONTO REGION To make members aware of the newly - released monitoring report, "Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Toronto Region: 2003 - 2012 ". Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Toronto Region: 2003 -2012 be received for information ............... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND Since 2002, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program (TVMP) has collected native indicator species presence data at a set of 56 fixed monitoring sites located in natural areas throughout the Toronto region. Volunteers are trained and work in pairs to conduct the biological surveys, visiting assigned sites 10 times each year, with each survey's effort focused on the detection of specific indicators. The species monitored include mammals, birds, amphibians, plants and lichens. The 50 species selected as indicators represent a range of ecological needs and sensitivities, as well as the major habitat types in the region. This 10 -year report is the third in a series of technical documents that summarize and discuss findings and relate the results to complementary TRCA projects such as the Species of Conservation Concern scoring and ranking system, the Landscape Analysis Model output and the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy implementation. It interprets results to provide information for internal and external requirements, including those of conservation land and watershed management, partner municipalities, other agencies and organizations, TVMP volunteers, landowners and others. Records for the species found on each site were used to calculate native indicator species richness scores by site, for the full complement of indicators. In addition, selected subgroups, including fauna, birds, amphibians, regional Species of Conservation Concern, forest species and wetland species were scored in a similar fashion. The mean (average) score values for sites across the region as a whole and within each of the land use zones and watersheds were compared. Species richness scores for the total indicator group and the selected subgroups are all reported on a 0 - 100 scale. A score of 100 would occur if all of the affected indicators were present on the site in the period under analysis, not an expected situation. A mean score of 100 for the region, a land use zone, a watershed, or a time period could only occur where all affected sites recorded all of the indicators. This is an extremely unlikely scenario, not expected even in a totally natural "pristine" ecosystem due to natural variability across space and time. Since the native species selected as indicators were once common and well distributed in the region, a site G16 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 score of 0, reflecting the absence of all indicators, or a mean score at, or approaching 0 would likewise be unexpected, and if recorded, would certainly be a cause for alarm. It is not possible to state what specific SR score, mean value, or range of values reflects a pristine condition, since such a condition does not exist in the region. The scores are, however, highly useful in a relative sense. They provide an objective and practical method for comparing sites, land use zones, watersheds, or time periods. The best score achieved by any site could be considered a benchmark to work towards when considering enhancement of habitat for species on other lands in the region. The best site's score cannot be considered a maximum however. Direct observation of impacts on that site might reveal management actions that could be applied to better its richness score over time. RES. #G9/14- GTA WEST CORRIDOR Individual Environmental Assessment Status update on TRCA staff input into the individual environmental assessment for the proposed Greater Toronto Area West Corridor. Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: David Hutcheon THAT the staff report on the GTA West Corridor Individual Environmental Assessment be received for information. AMENDMENT RES. #G10/14 Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) be requested to ensure that ecological and cultural heritage importance and sensitivity of the Humber and East Humber river valleys are considered in the proposed highway routing; THAT MTO recognize that ecological sensitivities include species of local, regional and provincial sensitivity; THAT Provincial standards related to flood and erosion hazards are addressed; THAT the design: be road ecology friendly in order to allow for wildlife crossings at appropriate locations; cross the Humber and East Humber river valleys using the most ecologically sensitive highway design solutions to ensure minimum impact; design crossings to minimize fragmentation; to ensure water quality and quantity requirements June 17, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 G17 for water management include the highest standard possible to avoid increased flood elevations or impacts to erosion; THAT allowances be made to allow pedestrian crossings as to permit continuous pedestrian /multi -use trail usage; AND FURTHER THAT the Humber River has been designated as a Canadian Heritage River, and that an award winning Humber Bridge Inventory Crossing the Humber River has been developed recognizing the heritage significance of bridges throughout the watershed, thus the architectural design of bridge infrastructure should include design elements reflective of the heritage values of the Humber River for all required crossings of the Humber River and its tributaries. THE AMENDMENT WAS ............... ............................... CARRIED THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ...... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND At meeting #6/11, held on June 24, 2011, the Authority adopted the following resolution: WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has determined that existing provincial transportation networks will not be able to support projected transportation demands that correspond with the projected growth approved under the Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) to the year 2031; WHEREAS the Ministry of Transportation has initiated an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) West to determine appropriate solutions and alternatives to address transportation issues associated with the GGH growth area; WHEREAS a Draft Transportation Development Strategy Report (Stage 1) for the GTA West is being reviewed and establishes a draft Preliminary Route Planning Study Area that will be a basis of Stage 2 of the IEA (Route Planning and Preliminary Design); WHEREAS the draft preliminary route planning study area is located between Highway 400 in the general location of King- Vaughan Road ending west of Milton at Highway 401, with connections to highways 410 and 427, as well as other roads at various segments along the corridor, to be determined as the IEA proceeds; G18 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 WHEREAS the draft preliminary route planning study area will traverse the municipalities of Halton Region, Peel Region (City of Brampton, Town of Caledon) and York Region (City of Vaughan); WHEREAS in TRCA's jurisdiction, the draft preliminary route planning study area requires numerous river crossings in the Etobicoke Creek watershed and major river crossings in the Humber River watershed, including the Nashville Resource Management Tract; WHEREAS Stage 2 of the IEA will examine identified planning alternatives, such as the inclusion of transit alternatives, as well as alternative alignments of the highway through the proposed study area and across the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek watersheds; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Ministry of Transportation be advised that TRCA staff understands the provincial need for the new corridor, and that staff is committed to working with the Province to ensure the environmental impacts to the natural heritage system within the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek watersheds are avoided, mitigated and compensated as the IEA is developed; THAT the Ministry of Transportation be requested to further consider modifications to the draft preliminary route planning study area to minimize fragmentation of the natural heritage system, particularly in the area of the Nashville Resource Management Tract,• THAT the Ministry of Transportation be requested to provide an extensive review of existing natural features, impacts of crossings on the natural features and their functions, and provide a comprehensive mitigation and compensation strategy for those areas that will be impacted; THAT the Ministry of Transportation be requested to establish a working group with TRCA staff to examine the alternatives at a site specific level, to identify and scope the true implications to valleyland corridors and large tracts of natural heritage system within the Humber River watershed and impacts to the Nashville Resource Management Tract (lands in TRCA ownership); THAT the Ministry of Transportation be requested to work with the Ontario Road Ecology Group (OREG) to inform the planning and design of the GTA West Corridor in terms of priority areas for wildlife crossing mitigation; June 17. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 G19 THAT the Ministry of Transportation be requested, due to the historical significance of the Humber River (designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1999) to involve First Nations, local heritage groups, municipalities and TRCA early in the planning process, as the potential for significant archaeological findings within this watershed is extremely high; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff continue involvement in the review and stakeholder consultation processes as related to the GTA West Corridor and report back to the Authority when alternative alignments have been determined. In January 2007, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) announced the commencement of the Individual Environmental Assessment Study for the GTA West Corridor. The purpose of the study is to examine long -term transportation problems and opportunities while considering alternatives to provide better linkages to urban growth centres from approximately Highway 400 west to the Guelph area. The Terms of Reference was approved by the Ontario Minister of the Environment on March 4, 2008, the Ministry of Transportation has completed Stage 1 of the IEA which evaluates the area transportation system alternatives and is now commencing Stage 2 of the IEA which will examine alternative route alignments within the identified study corridor.. The study area within the TRCA area of jurisdiction extends from Highway 400 in the City of Vaughan, west through the Town of Caledon and City of Brampton to approximately Heritage Road. G20 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 RES. #G11/14- Moved by: Seconded by: HUMBER STATION ROAD PROJECT Municipal Class Environmental Assessment To report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance on the progress of the Humber Station Road Project. Madeleine McDowell Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the Humber Station Road Project, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment be received for information ..................... CARRIED BACKGROUND At meeting #2/13, held on June 18, 2013, the Humber Watershed Alliance adopted the following resolution: THAT the report on the Humber Station Road Project, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment be received for information; THAT Chris Svirklys of the Humber Watershed Alliance be appointed to the Community Liaison Committee of the Humber Station Road Project, AND FURTHER THAT Chris Svirklys report back to the Humber Watershed Alliance. In accordance with the above resolution, Mr. Svirklys attended the Community Liaison Committee Meeting held on August 27, 2013. The meeting was well attended by TRCA staff, and Region of Peel Councillors. It was made clear at the meeting that the severity of the erosion will require stabilization work to be undertaken. The condition of the Humber Station Road subgrade must be determined and, hence, a geotechnical survey was ordered. The geotechnical survey will also look at the drainage of the surrounding area. In addition to the above work, TRCA will be conducting a tree inventory including a Butternut survey, as part of the risk assessment. As the road provides easy access to the river, it is a popular area to park and enjoy the river. A layby is being considered to provide safe parking as well as a physical barrier to protect walkers from traffic. It is possible to connect this layby to future multi -use trail alignments in the Bolton Tract. Currently, the construction window for the project is July 1 - September 15, 2014. June 17, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 The geotechnical report has now been received and we are currently in the process of evaluating the preliminary alternatives which will be presented to the Community Liaison Committee soon. RES #G12/14- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided for information. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell THAT the following minutes be received: G21 • Communications Subcommittee #2/14 (May 1) • Heritage Subcommittee #3/14 and #4/14 (April 4 and May 9) • Lower Humber Subcommittee #3/14 (April 15) • Planning and Policy Subcommittee #2/14 (March 26) • Upper Humber Subcommittee #1/14 (April S) ....................... CARRIED RES #G13/14- INFORMATION ITEMS To keep Humber Watershed Alliance members appraised of other activities which have recently been considered by the TRCA Board. Moved by: Lisette Mallet Seconded by: Sharon Bradley THAT the following reports be received for the information of the Humber Watershed Alliance: • Claireville Leadership Adventure Conservation Partnership; • Erosion and Infrastructure Issues on the Granger Greenway.......... CARRIED G22 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 NEW BUSINESS RES #G14/14- HERITAGE RESOURCE PROTOCOL Recommendation from the Humber Heritage Subcommittee to the Humber Watershed Alliance to adopt the Heritage Resource Protocol. Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Sharon Bradley WHEREAS a key recommendation of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) 2008 Humber Watershed Plan: Pathways to a Healthy Humber, is the protection and adaptive re -use of cultural heritage features; and AND WHEREAS TRCA Resolution #A137/08 adopted the Humber Watershed Plan - Implementation Guide and its recommendations for the protection and enhancement of the watershed's cultural heritage; and AND WHEREAS TRCA owns and leases properties in the Humber River watershed that are often of cultural heritage value to a community; and AND WHEREAS the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance advocates that: • TRCA demonstrate leadership by example in stewardship of TRCA Humber River watershed cultural heritage resources; • TRCA provide greater consistency and transparency in decisions affecting TRCA cultural heritage resources; • TRCA further build capacity and self - reliance for cultural heritage conservation across the watershed; and AND WHEREAS the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance has prepared Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of TRCA Cultural Heritage Properties in the Humber River Watershed, approved at meeting #3/14 of the Heritage Subcommittee; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance recommends that TRCA adopt the proposed Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of TRCA Cultural Heritage Properties in the Humber River Watershed (May 2014) with the recognition that full implementation is dependant on availability of resources ............... ............................... CARRIED June 17, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 G23 Claireville Hike I. Craig advised that an organized visit to Claireville will be scheduled in the next few weeks. The group would meet at the Boyd Field Centre at 9:30 am. L. Lappano will email the Humber Watershed Alliance with additional details. Ribbon Cutting for Pan Am Trail M. Mattos invited members to this event to be held on Saturday, June 21 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Cruickshank Park in Weston. Family Fishing Weekend M. Mattos advised that, as part of the Family Fishing Weekend event on July 12, the Toronto Urban Fishing Ambassadors are recognizing the Humber River as a salmon designated fishery. The event will take place at Eglinton Flats. Peace Park H. Broadbent invited members to the opening of Peace Park in Bolton on Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m. Sunnyside Bike Park C. Svirklys reported that the construction of the bike park on the Martin Goodman Trail is nearing completion and will showcase recreational opportunities for youth. C. Svirklys will keep the Alliance abreast of progress. G24 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/14 June 17. 2014 DOOR PRIZE As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a hand made bird box. The winning ticket belonged to David Hutcheon. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:35 p.m., June 17, 2014. Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management /L. Brian E. Denney Secretary- Treasurer