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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumber Watershed Alliance 2015.pdf46k 64FTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 Page G25 December 2, 2014 The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The Chair, lain Craig, called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. PRESENT Jim Bradley .............................. ............................... Member Sharon Bradley ........................... ............................... Member Heather Broadbent ........................ ............................... Member lainCraig .................................. ............................... Chair Yuestas David ............................ ............................... Member Dianne Douglas ........................... ............................... Member Bert Duclos .............................. ............................... Member Jerry Gorman ............................. ............................... Member Ron Hingston ............................. ............................... Member David Hutcheon ........................... ............................... Member Marisa Jokelainen ......................... ............................... Member Lisette Mallet ............................. ............................... Member Mike Mattos .............................. ............................... Member Madeleine McDowell ....................... ............................... Member BrianPittman ............................. ............................... Member Debbie Schaefer .......................... ............................... Member LynnShort ............................... ............................... Member Chris Svirklys ............................. ............................... Member Matthew Volpintesta ...................................................... Member Barry Westhead ........................... ............................... Member DawitWorku .............................. ............................... Member STAFF Adam Dembe ........................................... Planner, Conservation Lands Sonia Dhir .......................................... Project Manager, Humber Team Laurian Farrell ............................... Senior Manager, Flood Risk Management Lia Lappano ......... ............................... Administrative Assistant, Humber Kasey Livingston ...... ............................... Project Manager, Humber Team Gord MacPherson . ............................... Senior Manager, Restoration Services Vicky McGrath .......... ............................... Watershed Specialist, Humber Edward Nichol ................. ............................... Intern, Humber Team Cameron Richardson . ............................... Coordinator, Humber Stewardship Sebastian Viana ..................... ............................... Staff Secretariat G26 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2. 2014 RES. #G15/14 - MINUTES Moved by: Madeleine McDowell Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the minutes of meeting #2/14, held on June 17, 2014, be approved ........................... ............................... CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES I. Craig suggested that the Upper Humber Subcommittee organize a hike in the spring up the East Humber River. PRESENTATIONS (a) Restoration Projects in the Humber G. MacPherson presented the project and program synopsis work in the Humber River. The highlights of the presentation included: • Project support and partnerships; • Environmental Monitoring and Research; • Canada Goose Management Strategy; • Restoration Planning and Design; • Aquatic Habitat; • Integrated Restoration Prioritization; • Natural Cover Implementation; • Tommy Thompson Park Management; • Species at Risk. (b) Flood Management Initiatives L. Farrell gave a presentation on the current initiatives undertaken by TRCA in flood management. The highlights of the presentation included: • Hurricane Hazel; • Evolution of Floodplain Management; • Risk to Life and Property; • Flood Control Infrastructure; • Flood Protection and Remedial Capital Works; • New technologies for flood forecasting; December 2. 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 G27 Location of the 18 flood vulnerable areas in the Humber River Watershed; Current initiatives in the Humber River. (c) Stewardship Projects in the Humber C. Richardson gave a presentation on the stewardship initiatives being undertaken in the Humber River Watershed. The highlights of the presentation included: • Green Streams (Brampton); • Paint a Picture for Water Conservation (Caledon); • King Township Hikes; • Sunkist Woods (Bolton); • Bolton Camp; • Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Albion Gardens Park (Toronto). The presenters were thanked for their very informative presentations. G28 RES. #G16 /14- Moved by: Seconded by: HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2. 2014 STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES IN THE HUMBER WATERSHED To provide the Humber Watershed Alliance members with an update of TRCA led stewardship activities in the Humber Watershed in 2014. David Hutcheon Heather Broadbent THAT the report on the update of TRCA stewardship activities in the Humber River watershed be received for information. AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to participate in stewardship activities planned in the Humber River watershed............ CARRIED BACKGROUND On June 15, 2010, the Humber Watershed Alliance was informed of planned stewardship programming in the Humber River watershed. On December 3, 2013, the Humber Watershed Alliance was updated on TRCA led stewardship activities in the Humber River watershed covering the period from 2010 to 2013. In 2014, TRCA stewardship staff continued to support community events in the Humber River watershed including the following project areas: Green Streams project, in partnership with the City of Brampton; Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program, in partnership with ecoCaledon, Town of Caledon and Region of Peel; King Township Stewardship in partnership with Township staff and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Green Streams project was launched in 2012 in order to build capacity of existing groups to lead environmental events. Groups adopt a section of the Humber River valley lands, and with the support of the TRCA, are provided with the knowledge and resources to steward these Brampton owned valley lands. In 2014, the Green Streams project accomplished the following deliverables: • Increased the total number of adoptee groups from 6 to 7 by recruiting the EcoClub from Louise Arbour Secondary School to adopt the Esker Valley site in Brampton. • Engaged a total of 850 participants in 18 stewardship events. • Planted and mulched 1800 native trees and shrubs. • Planted 100 aquatic plants. • Built and installed 15 bird habitats. • Removed 105 bags of Iitter.Raised 200 Atlantic salmon as part of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Bring Back the Salmon classroom hatchery program. December 2, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 G29 The Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program was launched in 2011 with the goal of increasing awareness of water conservation issues by promoting the use of rain barrels. The rain barrel art program draws attention to the use of rain barrels by transforming them into art installations for the yard, while showcasing the work of local artists. In 2014, the Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program accomplished the following deliverables: • Seven community and high school artists painted 15 barrels. • Painted barrels were displayed at local retailers, markets and community events before being auctioned off to support the education efforts of ecoCaledon. • The elementary school program continued with six schools painting six rain barrels to either be installed at the school or used as a fundraiser. • In April 2014, a three year Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant was approved that provided ecoCaledon with funds to expand their Paint a Picture for Water Conservation program into classrooms throughout Caledon. In 2014, a King Township Stewardship Program was initiated and accomplished the following deliverables: • A collaborative partnership and process between King Township, TRCA and community partners to develop and deliver seasonal programs and the promotion of events. • Hosted eight weekly nature interpretation hikes in Nobleton and King City in partnership with King Township. • Hosted two nature hikes at Happy Valley Forest in Nobleton in partnership with Nature Conservancy of Canada. • Created an updated fact sheet for homeowners regarding encroachment with input from TRCA, King Township and York Region, In 2014, the following deliverables were accomplished in Bolton: Planted 200 trees in Sunkist Woods, Bolton. Planted two native wildflower gardens at Bolton Camp. Hosted a hike at Albion Hills Conservation Area, with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, to highlight restoration work that has been completed on site and to discuss ongoing work with respect to the Albion Hills Master Plan. G30 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2, 2014 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE In 2015, Stewardship staff will continue to work closely with the Humber Watershed Specialist to develop and implement meaningful environmental activities within the Humber River watershed. • We will continue to work with our current West Humber Green Streams adoptees to implement at least one spring and one fall project within their adopted sites. • New adoptee groups will be recruited. We will plan and deliver a minimum two Greening Your Grounds homeowner workshops focused on landscaping for water conservation. • We will host and train others to lead interpretive hikes and create and install habitat features. Promote TRCA's school focused programs. • Staff will continue to support ecoCaledon and their Paint a Picture for Water Conservation programing. Stewardship events are posted on the TRCA Stewardship event website (www.trcastewardshipevents.ca), the Humber Facebook page and the Humber Advocate. RES. #G17/14- NASHVILLE CONSERVATION RESERVE UPDATE Update on TRCA's progress on the Nashville Conservation Reserve. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the Nashville Conservation Reserve received for information; AND FURTHER THAT lain Craig, Sid Preece, Barry Westhead and Chris Svirklys be thanked for their participation on the Nashville Conservation Reserve Public Advisory Committee .......................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Plan Progress TRCA Conservation Lands staff have solicited comments from the City of Vaughan and King Township regarding the Final Draft of the NCR Management Plan. Comments were received from the City of Vaughan and have now be incorporated into the plan, where possible, Comments from the Township of King have not yet been received to date. Over the next few months, TRCA will be sending a delegation to both King and Vaughan Councils to present the NCR Management Plan and ultimately ask for their endorsement. If and when the municipal endorsements are received, TRCA will then seek regional endorsement from York Region Council. Lastly, it should be noted that TRCA is currently on track to commence `Immediate Work' starting in 2015 (outlined in the 'Next Steps' section below). December 2, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 G31 NCR Public Advisory Committee On December 3, 2014, the NCR Public Advisory Committee will hold its last meeting. Major updates and next steps will be discussed including the transition of the Public Advisory Committee into a Staff Steering Committee. Current Public Advisory Committee members will be asked to continue their support of TRCA and NCR by joining the Stewardship Committee. Humber Watershed Alliance members: lain Craig, Sid Preece, Barry Westhead and Chris Svirklys were members of the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) and have been steadfast in their support of TRCA and the Humber River Watershed. A sincere thank -you goes out to all members of the PAC. We look forward to working with you in the future. NCR Stewardship Committee The NCR Stewardship Committee will assist TRCA in implementing the NCR Management Plan, provide a forum for public input, and help TRCA determine priority implementation actions as set forth in the NCR Management Plan. The Nashville Conservation Reserve Stewardship Committee will: • Review the management plan and advise in determining priority actions for implementation • Assist the implementation of a detailed trail plan and develop a trail guide for users • Participate as a designated Trail Captain • Develop and maintain a NCR newsletter and communications plan to raise awareness and inform surrounding communities about the area • Educate private landowners in and around NCR regarding stewardship practices and "Natural Neighbour" initiatives • Establish a list of volunteers willing to aid in a volunteer program • Prepare and install natural and cultural heritage interpretive signs • Develop educational resources and tools for private landowners and visitors • Monitor the trails for invasive plant species and prevent their spread through barriers and other eradication techniques • Monitor the presence of noxious vegetation and remove the as necessary • Organize celebrations events to increase public awareness • Secure financial and in -kind resources to undertake the work. TRCA is looking for additional persons to join the NCR Stewardship Committee. For more information on how to get involved, please contact: Adam Dembe at adembe@trca.on.ca or by visiting our website at www.trca.on.ca /nashville Next Steps Obtain Council endorsement at the municipal level (King and Vaughan) - Winter, 2015 • Obtain Council endorsement at the regional level (York Region) - Winter, 2015 Commencement of NCR Stewardship Committee - Winter, 2015 • Invasive Species Management Prioritization Plan - Winter, 2015 • Detailed Trail Design Study - Winter, 2015 • Archaeological Survey of all Trail Corridors /Public Garden /Urban Ag Areas - Spring, 2015 G32 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2. 2014 No Trespassing/ Dog Off -Leash Sign Installation — Spring, 2015 RES. #G18/14- URBAN AGRICULTURE PROJECTS ON TRCA LANDS Update on TRCA's urban agriculture projects. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on Urban Agriculture Projects on TRCA Lands be received for information ....................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND Growing Local Food in the Humber River Watershed As the largest land owner in the Greater Toronto Area, owning 16, 000 hectares, TRCA recognizes the importance of growing local food within the city region. In order to achieve its goal of creating the Living City region, TRCA has made approximately 404 hectares of agricultural land available to support the development of sustainable near -urban agricultural enterprises. Since 2008, TRCA has partnered with other organizations to establish four urban farm projects within the Humber River watershed which help to address food security, stimulate economic opportunity in the area, reduce our ecological footprint, and provide a cultural community for people to grow food together. These farms include: the McVean Farm in the City of Brampton, Albion Hills Community Farm in the Town of Caledon, the Black Creek Community Farm in the City of Toronto and The Living City Farm in the City of Vaughan. Founded between 2008 -2014, these farms have been assisting and promoting new farmers while providing fresh and healthy food to local communities. As urban and near -urban sources of local food, these farms have helped to improve food security in communities within the Humber watershed. Last season, TRCA farms produced over 15,735 kilograms on 27.6 hectares of agricultural land. Over 100 different types of vegetables were produced, including unique crops such as okra, callaloo, African garden eggs, and other ethnic and niche varieties. Last season, 34 farmers worked on the farms to help bring communities together through the production of local food. Goods from these farms can be purchased at farmers' markets in Schomberg, Brampton, Oakville, and Woodbridge. Additional locations include Evergreen Brickworks, McVean Farm, and the Driftwood Community Centre. New This Year! The Living City Farm at Kortright is back in production this year with a new farm operator - Akachi Farms. In 2014, the farm produced cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, bark kale, onions, salad mix, swiss chard, beans, and African garden eggs on 1.6 hectares of land with the help of five farmers and efficient technology. The yields are sold directly to community members using CSA programs, as well as to farmers' markets in Brampton and Woodbridge. December 2, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 G33 For more information on the Humber Watershed and its current urban agriculture projects visit www.trca.on.ca/TRCAFarms DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Finalize a lease agreement with Akachi Farms; • Develop a local food procurement initiative to supply fresh produce from TRCA farms to TRCA facilities; • Work with TRCA park and education facilities to integrate farms projects; • Develop a communications strategy for all TRCA farm projects; and • Update TRCA's urban agriculture website. RES #G19/14- PROPOSED FRIENDS OF THE PANAM PATH PROJECT, TORONTO Update on the proposed 2015 Friends of the PanAm Path Project. Moved by: David Hutcheon Seconded by: Heather Broadbent THAT the staff report on the proposed Friends of the PanAm Path Project be received for information ......................... ............................... CARRIED BACKGROUND The proposed project entails animating a multi -use path/ trail across Toronto for the 2015 PanAm /ParapanAm games. The aim of this project is to link several neighborhoods across the City of Toronto to the games by engaging these diverse communities through opportunities for art, enriched public spaces, tourism and local economic development within the City's trail system. It is designed to connect over 80km of trails across Toronto; thus, bringing together residents, local organizations, artists and businesses within the city pathway system to create vibrant public spaces that are reflections of those communities along the route. The active - living trail will consist of 15 cultural programming zones spread out across the city trail system. The unveiling of the cultural zones is expected to begin 16 weeks prior to the games (May 2015), starting at Humber College; going west to east, counting down to the end of the ParapanAm games in August 2014. Art Program Details and Potential TRCA Involvement: The cultural zones are within the existing city trail system and most of these trails are located within TRCA's regulatory limits. Several of the programs may require installation of temporary art structures within the City's trail system, and subsequently within TRCA regulated areas (on bridges, underpasses and trails). G34 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2, 2014 Zone 0- The initial idea of creating a living bridge (partnership with the Center for Urban Ecology - Humber Arboretum at the Brampton Gate has fallen through. Thus, the organizers are open to suggestions from TRCA. The alternative will be to combine /extend the activities planned at Zone 1 (below) to this location. Zone 1 - Arts for Children and Youth Hopscotch Huts with Local Schools: The zone stretches from Claireville Road to Kipling Avenue (within the City's Jamestown Neighbourhood Improvement Area -NIAs) along the Humber River. Zone 2 - Centre for Spanish Speaking People - LGBTQ Youth Mural Project (area stretches from Kipling Avenue to 401 including Jane and Finch NIA). Kids to help build murals to be placed in the valley system. Zone 3 - Urban Arts in Collaboration with Gallery 44 Youth Photo Cultural Exchange - covers 401 south till Scarlett Road (Weston Mount Dennis NIA). Zone 4 - Arts Etobicoke and Red Dress Productions - UNDHR Mural /Mosaic - Mural /Mosaic on a bridge or along pathway /trail in south Etobicoke ( Scarlett Road to Berry Road area). Zone 5 - Lakeshore Arts and SKETCH - Bridge and Crossley Building Project - (Lower Humber and Lakeshore area). Proposed program for this site will include establishing a temporary "homeless home" with dialogues scenes under one of the Humber River bridges. Particular location and set design to be determined. Zones 6 and 7 - West and Central Lakeshore and Waterfront areas (Fort York and Latin American Canadian Art Projects for ParapanAm Games. Photography on trains and buses etc. Zone 8- Evergreen Brick Works in collaboration with RPACC /Daniels Spectrum (Don Valley area - Upgrades to the existing East Don Trail. Zone 9 - East End Art - Mural /Mosaic on a bridge, underpass or along East Don Trail (there is a gap in the East Don trail at this location (Millwood to Flemington Victoria village NIA). Zones 10 and 11 - within the Gatineau hydro Corridor. Zones 12 and 13 - Scarborough Golf Club and Morningside (Highland Creek and U of T - Scarborough). Gap in the trail system may require TRCA input (permit); location of art programming may be in the regulated area along Hart House. Possible permanent art piece to be installed in the flood plain. Zone 14 - Jason Baerg (Lead Artist /Chair, Aboriginal Curatorial Collective - From mouth of Highland Creek, along Lake Ontario to the mouth of the Rouge River (waterfront trail) Beach festival. Details regarding each of these 14 zones can be found at www.panampath.org or by contacting Garth Armour at the City of Toronto. December 2, 2014 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 G35 RES #G20/14- 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: Communications Subcommittee #2/14 and #3/14 (October 28 and November 25) Heritage Subcommittee #5/14 and #6/14 (October 17 and November 14) Lower Humber Subcommittee #4/14 (October 28) ................... CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association Hike I. Craig advised that a hike will be held on Saturday, December 6`h starting at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park at 10 am. This will be a 12 km hike. For more information, please visit the HVHTA Kleinburg website. East Humber Trail Guide A special thanks goes out to B. Pittman for updating the East Humber Trail Guide. The trail guide shows the new extension, includes footpaths and new parking areas. This leaflet will be distributed at trailheads. 15'" Anniversary of the Designation of the Humber River Event A note of thanks was extended to Yuestas David for preparing a video capturing the highlights of the above event which was held on June 8, 2014. The video was shown to the Humber Alliance at the end of the meeting. G36 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/14 December 2. 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 two paddles embossed with the Humber logo. The winning tickets belonged to Madeleine McDowell and Mike Mattos. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:45 p.m., December 2, 2014. Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer /L.