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Home My WebLink AboutRegional Watershed Alliance 2017.pdfRegional Watershed Alliance Meeting #1/17 was held at TRCA Head Office, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The Chair Jack Heath, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Jack Ballinger Suzanne Barrett Janice Bearg Leticia Boahen Margaret Bream Heather Broadbent Marcy Burchfield Neil Burnett Elizabeth Calvin Dave Dyce Rui Felix Rob Flindal Jack Heath Seana Irvine Karen Kun David Laing Karen Lockridge Lisette Malette Mick Malowany Mike Mattos Chris McGlynn Jennifer Mckelvie Amory Ngan Joanne Nonnekes Michael Presutti Jade Schofield Deb Schulte Carolyn Scotchmer Jim Tovey Jackie Tschekalin Andrew Vrana Andy Wickens Chris Wolnik Doug Wright Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member 1 ABSENT Jennifer Drake Brenda Hogg Sean McCullough Madeleine McDowell Jason Ramsay Brown Paul Taylor Member Member Member Member Member Member 2 Section III – Items for action of the Regional Watershed Alliance RES.#R1/17 - TRCA COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY Overview of TRCA’s Community Engagement Strategy (2017 - 2027). Moved by: Heather Broadbent Seconded by: Mick Malowany THAT the staff report on TRCA’s Community Engagement Strategy be received; AND FURTHER THAT Regional Watershed Alliance members consider integrating the recommendations and actions from the Community Engagement Strategy, as appropriate, in their work for the duration of their term. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/17, held on June 23, 2017, Resolution #A102/17 was approved, in part, as follows: “THAT the draft 2017-2027 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Community Engagement Strategy be approved” Since the 1980s, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) watershed and waterfront committees and task forces have been instrumental in supporting the development and implementation of TRCA’s watershed management activities. The Rouge Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy (1988) was TRCA’s first initiative supported by a citizen based "public committee.” The 1989 Greenspace Strategy committed to a program of watershed strategy development for each of TRCA's watersheds in cooperation with a public advisory committee for each watershed. Over the past two decades, the Duffins-Carruthers Watershed Resource Group, Rouge Park Alliance, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Humber Watershed Alliance and Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition have played a significant role in building community stewardship capacity to help TRCA deliver on priorities of watersheds and waterfront. Watershed and waterfront residents and stakeholders are also engaged through Conservation Lands stewardship committees and integrated/multi-objective or sector-based programs such as Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plans (SNAP) and Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco-Business Zone (PPG). TRCA’s 2013 - 2022 Strategic Plan highlights regional sustainability challenges of increasing scope and scale - such as preparing for the impacts of climate change, transitioning to a low carbon economy, managing urbanization and growth pressures. The Plan also calls for regional engagement of a broad cross-section of the population at both local and regional scales within TRCA’s jurisdiction. As such, in 2015, upon the completion of the existing terms for the Don, Humber and Etobicoke-Mimico watershed committees, the Authority directed staff to update TRCA’s community-focused engagement model in light of new trends and opportunities in civic engagement and to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Plan. 3 Community Engagement Strategy In 2015 TRCA launched the process of developing the Community Engagement Strategy (CES). This process provided staff the opportunity to not only look at new approaches to citizen governance, but also undertake a comprehensive review of its current community engagement activities while examining new trends in community engagement which will guide future directions in community engagement at TRCA. To clearly understand TRCA’s current market and trends in best practices, the CES was completed in two phases: Phase 1 consisted of developing a background Community Engagement Assessment Report (CEAR) and Phase 2 included development of CES. Staff from across TRCA participated in the development of the CES, along with an external working group comprised of members of past TRCA watershed committees and other TRCA citizen and hosted committees. Additionally, municipal staff and interested board members have also been consulted on various components of the CES. Consultation with municipalities will be ongoing as TRCA staff implement recommendations from the CES. The firm of Hardy Stevenson Associates helped staff with the development of the CES. The purpose of TRCA’s CES is “to align and guide TRCA’s approaches to civic engagement over the next ten years so that TRCA supports broader and deeper community mobilization and maximizes collective impact in pursuit of TRCA’s vision for The Living City.” There are eighteen recommendations and forty five associated actions included in the CES Strategy categorized by four areas of focus: a) Who to engage?; b) How to engage?; c) How to support?; and d) How to evaluate? A complete list of recommendations and associated actions from the CES can be found in Attachment 1. For more information on the CES please visit: https://trca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/05-17-Report-Package-Authority_Jun23_20 172.pdf Limited hard copies will be available at the first meeting of the Regional Watershed Alliance. eport prepared by: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 Emails: sdhir@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Emails: csharma@trca.on.ca Date: November 9, 2017 Attachments: 1 4 1 TRCA Community Engagement Strategy Recommendations and Actions Recommendation 1: Ensure ongoing engagement of the general public. Action 1.1 Ensure that existing and new engagement programs that broadly target the general public engage a wide range of population segments across the watersheds and waterfront. Recommendation 2: Maximize engagement of the appropriate age group(s). Action 2.1 Build the capacity of youth by building their skills and awareness (e.g. TRCA’s proposed community engagement centres). Action 2.2 Expand engagement programs to engage older adults and seniors. Action 2.3 Include pre-school children in engagement activities. Recommendation 3: Enhance existing relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), thought- leaders and special interest groups. Action 3.1 To accelerate collective action towards common goals, engage NGOs, thought- leaders, and special interest groups in the proposed Citizen Governance Model. Action 3.2 To mobilize grassroots action, build capacity within local NGOs through shared learning, shared resources, and access to information. Recommendation 4: Enhance relationships and engagement with the Indigenous communities Action 4.1 To hire an Indigenous Relationship Officer at the senior level. Action 4.2 Develop an Indigenous engagement policy through engagement and partnership with Indigenous people. Action 4.3 Update the existing Engagement Guidelines (June 2015) for Indigenous engagement as per the Indigenous engagement policy through engagement and partnership with Indigenous people. Action 4.4 Provide training to TRCA staff on Indigenous engagement, knowledge and culture. Action 4.5 Provide education and training opportunities for Indigenous communities and TRCA staff to promote mutual learning that help shape land use decision and enhance benefits for use of the land and water for spiritual purposes. 5 2 Recommendation 5: Enhance relationships with ethnically diverse communities. Action 5.1 Extend TRCA’s outreach and engagement programming to community hubs and similar entities within municipalities in TRCA’s jurisdiction. Action 5.2 Build the capacity of a wide range of ethnic groups and new immigrants by building their skills and awareness. Action 5.3 Build new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with ethnic or faith- based organizations and community leaders. Action 5.4 Offer verbal and/or written communications in languages other than English, as appropriate. Recommendation 6: Establish an effective and inclusive citizen-based governance model. Action 6.1 Establish a Regional Watershed Alliance, Watershed/Waterfront Working Groups, an Indigenous Liaison Committee and a Youth Council to advance engagement between TRCA and its stakeholders. Action 6.2 Build capacity of Regional Watershed Alliance and Youth Council to act as a community resource to the Authority, TRCA staff and The Living City Foundation, advocate for and advise on local watershed priorities and regional sustainability issues, and to maximize impact through collective action. Action 6.3 In consultation with municipal partners, establish a clear line of communication and alignment approach with municipal environmental advisory committees and other committees as required. Recommendation 7: Establish a Community Consultation Office to support both mandatory and mission- specific consultation. Action 7.1 Establish an internal team of TRCA staff to develop and launch the Community Consultation Office based on objectives set out in the CES. Action 7.2 In consultation with TRCA’s municipal partners, develop a partnership program to guide the relationship between the municipal partners and the Community Consultation Office. Action 7.3 Research paradigm shifts and ongoing benchmarking against best practices to deploy innovative approaches to consultation. Recommendation 8: Maximize online engagement tools to strengthen the delivery of engagement programs through connecting external groups and organizations, facilitating discussions, and encouraging innovative and creative ideas. 6 3 Action 8.1 Develop an online engagement guide and update it regularly to incorporate up- to-date tools and relevant information. Action 8.2 Evaluate any deployed online engagement tools based on established objectives and expand it (e.g. geographically, by target audience, by program), as appropriate. Recommendation 9: Develop a plan for and organize new large-scale public events to augment existing watershed events. Action 9.1 Organize a watershed forum on an annual basis. Action 9.2 Organize regular large-scale event(s) focused on youth. Recommendation 10: Deepen TRCA's reach by investing in established and new community-based engagement programs which build relationships, capacity and leadership among businesses, neighbourhoods, communities, schools and other special interest groups. Action 10.1 Develop strategies and tools for use across TRCA's engagement activities that support the capacity of individuals and organizations from participants in TRCA's programs to partners and leaders of Living City actions. Recommendation 11: Apply targeted approaches when developing new engagement programs that lead to future collaborations and/or partnerships with community leaders and groups. Action 11.1 Facilitate collaborations between different groups (e.g. youth and older adults or seniors) to build a stronger knowledge base among the groups. Action 11.2 Encourage and support individuals and groups leading/hosting community-led initiatives through progressive transferring of knowledge and expertise. Recommendation 12: Ensure that every engagement program or key initiative has an engagement plan aligned with the engagement goals in the CES. Action 12.1 Develop engagement plans for all existing engagement programs or strengthen the existing plans. Action 12.2 Develop engagement plans for all new engagement programs at the beginning of program development. Recommendation 13: Establish an effective approach for internal coordination on engagement. Action 13.1 Establish an internal committee of TRCA staff from relevant departments to ensure cross collaboration on engagement programs. 7 4 Recommendation 14: Strengthen TRCA’s brand awareness and corporate-wide communications. Action 14.1 Develop a corporate marketing and communications strategy to support the CES. Recommendation 15: Support implementation of the CES through reallocation of existing resources and new innovative funding mechanisms. Action 15.1 Develop a business plan and budget for new priority actions as these are scheduled for implementation. Action 15.2 Collaborate with The Living City Foundation to generate funds to support the implementation of the recommendations in this CES, for other TRCA projects and community-led projects or initiatives. Action 15.3 Cultivate the culture of philanthropy through crowd funding, and formal and informal fundraising events. Recommendation 16: Ensure that every engagement program or key initiative has an evaluation plan. Action 16.1 Develop an evaluation plan for each new and existing program based on the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework. Action 16.2 Evaluate the programs’ success based on the KPIs in the evaluation plan and determine whether the programs can be expanded or implemented at a broader scale. Recommendation 17: Collect reliable, quality and up-to-date data (quantitative and qualitative) for effective program development and implementation, delivery, and monitoring and evaluation. Action 17.1 Collect data on the demographics of the jurisdiction at watershed and neighbourhood levels. Action 17.2 Collect data on Indigenous communities within the jurisdiction in collaboration with the Indigenous people. Action 17.3 Collect data on usage of ravines, municipal parks and waterfront trails. Action 17.4 Collect necessary data that aligns with the KPIs in the respective evaluation plan to evaluate the success of programs or key initiatives. Action 17.5 Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) (e.g. practices, strategies, and/or technologies) to document, analyze, and leverage interactions with residents and groups throughout the lifecycle of their relationships with TRCA (e.g. from an individual or a school group’s visit to TRCA’s park to that same individual or school group by organizing regular park cleanups). 8 5 Recommendation 18: Measure performance and report the results on an annual basis. Action 18.1 Develop annual reports based on KPIs established in the CES as a knowledge management and guidance tool to evaluate performance. Action 18.2 Develop annual reports on the status of the engagement programs and key initiatives to the Authority. Action 18.3 Review and update CES every five years or as needed. 9 Section I – Items for Regional Watershed Alliance Action RES.#R2/17 - ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEES Establishment of Regional Watershed Alliance (Alliance) Working Groups and Youth Council. Moved by: Carolyn Scotchmer Seconded by: Jack Ballinger WHEREAS THE Terms of Reference of the Regional Watershed Alliance proposes the establishment of Watershed/Working Groups, Youth Council, and Indigenous Liaison Committee; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the following members of the Alliance work with staff to lead the establishment of Youth Council including development of terms of reference: Lisette Mallet; Amory Ngan; Rui Felix; Mick Malowany; and Karen Lockridge. CARRIED RES.#R3/17 Moved by: Marcy Burchfield Seconded by: Jade Schofield THAT the Watershed/Waterfront Working Groups be established by staff in consultation with members upon completion of a priority list of activities following the first meeting of the Alliance; CARRIED RES.#R4/17 Moved by: Deb Schulte Seconded by: Andrew Vrana THAT the establishment of the Indigenous Liaison Committee be put on hold until the Province has established clear guidance on this matter through the update to the Conservation Authorities Act. CARRIED BACKGROUND As per Regional Watershed Alliance Terms of Reference, the following committee structure is proposed: 10 Watershed/Waterfront Working Groups The watershed/waterfront working groups are subcommittees of the RWA and formed as deemed appropriate by the Alliance. These committees may solicit local community representatives or experts to participate as needed. Mandate of these subcommittees can be watershed-wide or specifically focused around projects such as watershed plans. To facilitate establishment of working groups, TRCA staff have identified a shortlist of high level priorities that align well with the mandate of the Alliance. A facilitated discussion will take place at the first meeting of the Alliance to seek members’ input. Priority projects and scope of activities will be developed by staff following the first meeting of the Alliance. Youth Council The Youth Council will be comprised of community youth champions, existing youth group representatives and new recruits. The Youth Council will report to the Alliance. The mission, mandate and goals, along with the Terms of Reference for the Youth Council, will be developed by TRCA and the Alliance in consultation with relevant stakeholders. TRCA’s Community Engagement Strategy (2017) recommends more focused engagement of youth to enhance the reach of TRCA programs and activities and prepare next generation of conservation leaders. Activities of Youth Council will build on existing engagement programs while deploying new tools and strategies to develop a strong network of youth driven to take active ownership of their local environment. Indigenous Liaison Committee The Indigenous Liaison Committee will be comprised of members and experts from different Indigenous communities in TRCA’s jurisdiction. The Committee will not have a reporting relationship with the Alliance or the Authority. They will liaise on Indigenous interests and help build stronger relationships between TRCA and the larger Indigenous population in the jurisdiction. This Committee will advise the Authority and staff on matters of community interest and liaise with the Alliance on mission-driven collective projects. The Alliance members may participate on this committee. This Committee will have opportunities to work with the Watershed/Waterfront Working Groups and Youth Council. TRCA staff and relevant stakeholders will collaborate on the development of a Terms of Reference for this Committee. Enhancing relationships and engagement with the Indigenous communities’ was identified as a key priority in the Engagement Strategy (2017). TRCA currently has strong relationships with many Indigenous communities and continues to engage them in various programs. Conservation Authority Act is currently under review by the province and anticipated to provide guidance on engagement of Indigenous communities. As a result, staff recommend delaying the establishment of Indigenous Liaison Committee until the Province has established clear guidance on this matter. Delaying the establishment of Indigenous Liaison Committee will not impact TRCA’s ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities. 11 NEXT STEPS  Staff will work with designated members of the Alliance to develop a Terms of Reference and establish a Youth Council;  Outcomes of the brainstorming session at the first meeting of the Alliance will be used to establish priority working groups by staff and a report will be brought back at the next meeting of the Alliance. Report prepared by: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Emails: Chandra.sharma@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Emails: Chandra.sharma@trca.on.ca Date: November 9, 2017 12 Section I – Items for Regional Watershed Alliance Action RES.#R5/17 - TRCA REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE TERMS OF REFERENCE (2017-2021) Regional Watershed Alliance (Alliance) input on “Section 5 Compensation for Regional Watershed Alliance Members” of the Terms of Reference. Moved by: Andy Wickens Seconded by: Mike Mattos THAT the Alliance Terms of Reference, approved by the Authority at Meeting #8/17, held on October 27, 2017, be received; AND FURTHER THAT the Alliance provide input on compensation of members (Section 5) for staff consideration. MOREOVER THAT the engagement conform to TRCA’s volunteer policy; AND THAT options for compensation for approved disbursements be considered and report back at the next RWA meeting. CARRIED BACKGROUND Regional Watershed Alliance Terms of Reference (2017-2021) was approved by the TRCA board (Authority) at Meeting #8/17, held on October 27, 2017 by Resolution #A178/17. Section 5 of the Terms of Reference states that: “At regular Regional Watershed Alliance meetings, as well as Watershed/Waterfront Working Groups, members will be eligible for travel expenses and any other expenses approved in advance by TRCA’s Director, Watershed Strategies, according to TRCA policy, where these are not covered by their agency or other source. The TRCA policy on volunteers is also applicable and can be accessed at: http://trca.on.ca/get-involved/volunteer/volunteers-and-interns.dot. Members shall not receive a per diem or honorarium for attendance at meetings and functions.” Concerns on member compensation was raised by board member Mike Mattos stating that the compensation clause in the Terms of Reference is limiting in that it will be a barrier in engaging members of the community with financial limitations. As a result the Authority Chair has directed staff to bring back a report to the Authority on suggested changes and associated policy and financial implications. Current compensation is consistent with TRCA’s historical practice established for the watershed committees. Members of TRCA citizen committees are considered TRCA volunteers and are subject to TRCA’s Volunteer Policy approved by the Authority. Section 9 of the Volunteer Policy deals with compensation of volunteers. The Policy states: “All volunteers shall receive: • Reimbursement for any pre-approved (by the Project Supervisor) out-of-pocket expenses; • Traveling expenses, at current rate, incurred while on authorized TRCA business; • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance; 13 • Uniforms or costumes, if required, acquired on the same basis as seasonal staff; • Access to orientation materials including copies of recent TRCA public information publications; • Full-year complementary pass for volunteers who complete 30 or more hours of service in a year; • Service Recognition Awards as outlined in Section C.2. of the TRCA Recognition Policy; • Day passes, as approved by the Environmental Volunteer Network Coordinator, for “special occasion” volunteers.” NEXT STEPS  TRCA staff to seek Alliance’s input and advice on the compensation issue.  Staff to present recommendations on Section 5 for Authority consideration.  Regional Watershed Alliance Terms of Reference be updated as needed following Authority decision. Report prepared by: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Emails: Chandra.sharma@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Emails: Chandra.sharma@trca.on.ca Date: November 10, 2017 14 Section I – Items for the Regional Watershed Alliance RES.#R6/17 - A SCHEDULE OF MEETING DATES IS PROPOSED FOR THE REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE. Moved by: Jackie Tschekalin Seconded by: Jades Schofield THAT the meeting dates for the Regional Watershed Alliance scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following dates be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the meetings be held at 101 Exchange Ave., Vaughan, ON, unless otherwise noted. 2018 DATES #2/17 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 #1/18 Wednesday, May 23, 2018 #2/18 Wednesday, September 12, 2018 #3/18 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 RATIONALE A schedule of meetings is proposed to assist the Regional Watershed Alliance members. TRCA staff did an examination of the dates of municipality meetings to avoid conflict with council meetings within the Toronto, Peel, Durham and York Regions. TRCA will provide meeting space to the Regional Watershed Alliance on a regular basis at 101 Exchange Ave., Vaughan, ON. This location is central to all the watersheds and easily accessible; however, the Alliance is encouraged to have meetings at various locations throughout the watersheds. Suggestions for other meeting locations are welcome. Subcommittee meetings will be hosted locally within the Project Team areas. Report prepared by: Cindy Barr, extension 5569 Emails: cindy.barr@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Cindy Barr, extension 416.661.6600 ext. 5569 Emails: cindy.barr@trca.on.ca Date: November 9, 2017 ______________________________ TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 21, 2017. ____________________________ John MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority /cb 15 Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting #2/17 was held at TRCA Head Office, on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. The Chair Jack Heath, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT Ballinger, Jack Member Boahen, Leticia Member Bream, Margaret Member Broadbent, Heather Member Burchfield, Marcy Member Burnett, Neil Member Drake, Jennifer Member Heath, Jack Chair Kelly, Jill Member Laing, David Member Mattos, Mike Member McDowell, Madeleine Member McGlynn, Chris Member Mckelvie, Jennifer Member Ngan, Amory Member Nonnekes, Joanne Member O’Connor, Kevin Member Presutti, Michael Member Ramsay Brown, Jason Member Schofield, Jade Member Schulte, Deb Member Scotchmer, Carolyn Member Vrana, Andrew Member Wickens, Andy Member Wolnik, Chris Member Wright, Doug Member ABSENT Barrett, Suzanne Member Calvin, Elizabeth Member Drake, Jennifer Member Dyce, Dave Member Felix, Rui Member Hogg, Brenda, alternate Stephen Huycke Member Irvine, Seana Member Kavanagh, Brian Member Kun, Karen Member Lockridge, Karen Member Mallet, Lisette Member 16 Dr a f t Malowany, Mick Member McCullough, Sean Member Pickles, David Member Taylor, Paul Member Tschekalin, Jackie Member Wolnik, Chris Member Wright, Doug Member RES.#R7/17 - MINUTES Moved by: Jade Schofield Seconded by: Mike Mattos THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/16, HELD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2017, be approved. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS 6.1 Evolving Watershed Planning At TRCA: Adapting To A New Context RES.#R8/17 - PRESENTATION Moved by: Andy Wicken Seconded by: Amory Ngan THAT above-noted presentation 6.1 be received. CARRIED 17 Dr a f t RES.#R9/17 - EVOLVING WATERSHED PLANNING AT TRCA Adapting to a New Context Recent changes in provincial policy has elevated the importance of watershed planning in informing municipal land use decisions in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which has implications for TRCA’s watershed planning program. Staff present an update to the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) on these emerging changes, and discuss the potential role the RWA can play in positively influencing outcomes. Moved by: Marcy Burchfield Seconded by: Deb Schulte WHEREAS TRCA has a long history in leading the development of watershed plans, in collaboration with community partners, to guide activities that protect, restore, and enhance watershed health; WHEREAS recent changes to provincial policies of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe now require municipalities to complete watershed planning to inform land use decisions related to settlement area expansions, major developments, and planning for municipal infrastructure; WHEREAS in support of these policy changes, the Province has released a watershed planning guidance document for public review on the Environmental Registry. The intent of the guidance document is to provide detailed direction on how municipalities are to undertake watershed planning to satisfy the policy requirements; AND WHEREAS TRCA has been considering how to evolve its watershed planning program to adapt to a changing science, policy, and implementation context through its Next Generation Watershed Planning project, and will be reviewing and commenting on the provincial guidance document in this modern context; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) be informed of these provincial changes through this report and an accompanying presentation by staff; THAT TRCA staff encourages the RWA members to review the guidance document and consider submitting their own comments on the Environmental Registry to influence the development of an effective provincial watershed planning guidance document; AND FURTHER THAT the RWA consider preparing for engagement activities that will be required to solicit community input into the future development and update of watershed plans as a critical component of future watershed visioning. CARRIED 18 Dr a f t BACKGROUND Conservation Authorities have a long history in watershed management, and were first established by the province of Ontario in 1946 to address concerns from grassroots communities about poor land, water, and forestry management practices that were occurring at the time. The impacts of these poor practices created significant soil loss and flooding issues, and lead to cooperation between the province, municipalities, conservation groups, and practitioners to form Conservation Authorities (CAs). CAs were given a mandate to undertake programs using an integrated watershed management approach that considers natural watershed boundaries, which was recognized, even at that time, as critical in managing these issues. Since inception, TRCA’s watershed management program has included acquiring lands for conservation, prohibiting development within floodplains, and constructing flood and erosion control structures. Over the decades, TRCA programming has broadened to include, among others, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem management, education and stewardship, outdoor recreation, protection of Oak Ridges Moraine, source water protection, groundwater management, environmental monitoring, and most recently programs that address climate change and sustainability issues. TRCA’s Greenspace Strategy (1989) launched the unique approach to engaging TRCA’s stakeholders and communities in collaborative watershed management. To help strategically focus where efforts are needed most to protect, restore, and enhance its watersheds, TRCA has developed various generations of watershed plans in collaboration with our municipal and community partners. TRCA’s watershed and waterfront committees and task forces have been instrumental in supporting development and implementation of watershed plans and watershed report cards. The Regional Watershed Alliance represents the next generation of this community voice, and TRCA will again be relying on it to understand what the communities within the watersheds would like to see achieved through the future development and update of TRCA watershed plans. RATIONALE In 2015, the Province began the Coordinated Land Use Planning Review, and established a process for reviewing four provincial land use plans that work together to manage growth, build complete communities, curb sprawl and protect the natural environment. These plans included: the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Greenbelt Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Following this review, in May 2017, the Province released amended plans, which included updated policies that considered the input of Ontario residents through an extensive consultation process. While there were many important policy changes made, one notable change included requiring that municipalities complete watershed planning before planning settlement area expansions, infrastructure or major developments that could affect those watersheds. This change emphasized the importance of watershed planning in informing municipal land use decisions, and provided a rationale for TRCA to review its watershed planning program to better suit the emerging needs of its municipal partners. In anticipation of these policy changes, TRCA has undertaken the Next Generation of Watershed Planning project to examine how TRCA should evolve its watershed planning program to adapt to the changing science, policy, and implementation context TRCA has experienced since the last generation of its watershed plans (circa 2007-2010). TRCA has been piloting some of this new thinking through the development of a watershed plan that is currently underway for the Carruthers Creek in Durham region. Updates to natural heritage system planning to better consider climate vulnerabilities and ecological connectivity, and green infrastructure planning for improved community resilience are a few examples of new concepts being considered. 19 Dr a f t Since the release of the amended provincial plans, on February 6, 2018, the Province has also released a watershed planning guidance document for a 60-day review period on the Environmental Registry. Watershed Planning in Ontario: Guidance for Land Use Planning Authorities, available at (http://www.downloads.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/documents/2018/013-1817_DraftGui dance.pdf), is intended to provide more detailed direction to municipalities, and their Conservation Authority partners, on how watershed planning should be undertaken in order to satisfy the provincial requirements. While TRCA staff are still in the process of reviewing the document, some preliminary observations include:  the draft document provides good guidance on the watershed planning process, but little guidance on the technical approaches that will be needed (e.g. how to delineate certain features);  there is little guidance on how municipalities can conform quickly for the current round of Official Plan reviews and updates;  there is allowance for equivalency, but the wording is confusing and suggests that watershed plans may be the only equivalent document allowed;  there is a section on transition provisions, but there is no guidance provided in this regard;  the document recognizes the experience that CAs have in watershed planning and that they can be valuable partners in planning and implementation efforts, especially beyond the scope of land use policy direction. However, there is no requirement for CAs to lead or even be involved in their development. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The Environmental Registry posting closes on April 7, 2018. TRCA staff will continue to review the MOECC Watershed Planning Guidance document and will be taking draft comments to the Authority meeting in March. Staff encourages RWA members to read the board report to understand the issues and submit comments on behalf of their respective affiliations. Report prepared by: Laura Del Giudice, extension 5334 Emails: ldelgiudice@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Laura Del Giudice, extension 5334, Ryan Ness, extension 5615 Emails: ldelgiudice@trca.on.ca, Rness@trca.on.ca Date: February 7, 2018 20 Dr a f t RES.#R10/17 - REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE COLLECTIVE PRIORITIES (2018 – 2019) Receive feedback on proposed collective priorities and associated opportunities for action for the Regional Watershed Alliance. Moved by: Deb Schulte Seconded by: Heather Broadbent WHEREAS The Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) members participated in a discussion on ideas and themes of interest at the inaugural RWA meeting on November 15, 2017 and staff subsequently analyzed initial RWA member input into key themes of interest and proposed collective priorities for action; THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the proposed priorities, as appended, be finalized through further discussion and input at the February 21st RWA meeting and made available to members for their final review for a set period of time over the online platform; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff circulates final Collective Priorities and associated opportunities for action to RWA membership in the form of a 2018-2019 action plan. CARRIED BACKGROUND At the inaugural meeting of the RWA, the following question was posed and answered by RWA members through a facilitated roundtable activity: “If you could select one regional sustainability related theme that the Regional Watershed Alliance would focus on, what would it be and why?” As RWA members provided their responses, staff recorded detailed notes to capture the breadth and nuance of ideas (a total of 53). In the days following, staff interpreted these ideas looking for common themes focused around opportunities of collective interest of TRCA partners and collaborators represented on RWA and systematically aligned with one of the six TRCA Leadership Strategies as presented in TRCA Strategic Plan Building the Living City. Through this process, the original 53 ideas were collapsed into 23 theme clusters (see Attachment 1) with most of them aligning with one of these TRCA Leadership Strategies: Manage Water Resources, Foster Sustainable Citizenship and Rethink Greenspace, or Complete Communities. Of this narrower set of theme clusters, some were weighted more heavily as they represented the same/similar idea voiced by multiple RWA members. The top three “highest weighted” themes were selected as the “Collective Priorities” (see Attachment 2). From there, a purposeful discussion amongst staff ensued to isolate the needs or gaps that TRCA faced with reaching our strategic regional goals associated with the top three Collective Priorities. Meeting these needs or filling these gaps on behalf of TRCA represent RWA opportunities for action (see Attachment 2). Please note, there were a few ideas speaking to Indigenous Peoples relations and interests. These ideas were recorded but not included in the Collective Priorities presented in this report as engagement around these and future opportunities for planning and action will be deferred to the Indigenous Liaison Committee as well as through ongoing TRCA watershed programs. 21 Dr a f t RATIONALE As per the RWA Terms of Reference, members have the opportunity to help TRCA advance various regional activities (e.g., watershed planning, trail planning, flood Preparedness, etc.), organize the Annual Watershed Forum as well as voice their interests and identify key actions to undertake that align with broader regional goals. This exercise to define Collective Priorities is the first step for RWA members to influence high priority issues /opportunities of collective interest. The three proposed Collective Priorities are assumed to be most representative of the interests described by RWA members, and create a range of meaningful opportunities that respect the time and resources of both the members and staff. These assumptions require validation by the RWA members. In order to validate assumptions and finalize Collective Priorities and associated opportunities for action, TRCA is requesting feedback on the top three proposed Collective Priorities and actions at the upcoming February 21 RWA meeting through facilitated break-out sessions. What did we miss? Were ideas correctly translated or interpreted into theme clusters? Are there new ideas that should be recorded for future consideration by the RWA? Once there is refinement and validation of the current Collective Priorities and associated opportunities for action, a 2018 – 2019 RWA action plan can be developed and Working Groups can form as a means to deliver on collective action. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Undertake facilitated break-out sessions at February 21, 2018 RWA meeting, incorporation of feedback and development of 2018-2019 action plan. Report prepared by: Christine Tu Emails: ctu@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Christine Tu Emails: ctu@trca.on.ca Date: February 9, 2018 Attachments: 2 Attachment 1: Table 1: Long List of RWA Theme Clusters Attachment 2: Table 2: Proposed RWA Collective Priorities and associated opportunities for action 22 Dr a f t Table 1: Long List of RWA Themed Clusters TRCA Strategic Goal Green the Toronto Region’s economy Manage our regional water resources for current and future generations Foster sustainable citizenship & Rethink greenspace to maximize value Create complete communities that integrate nature and the built environment Highest count of repeated RWA member ideas in alignment with TRCA Strategic Goal Lower count of RWA member ideas Flood mitigation and storm water infrastructure renewal Increase public interest and foster long- term sustainable citizenship Fully integrated land-use policy Climate change flood mitigation Multicultural engagement Regional watershed planning integration and facilitation Valuation of natural capital Neighbourhood climate resiliency Increase education and environmental literacy Complete, resilient and diverse communities Greening Toronto’s economy with technology Headwater and rural areas protection Social engagement Trail and transportation connectivity Economic sustainability of natural spaces New technologies Popularizing greenspace Ecosystem connection Reduce reliance on animal capital Sustainable urban agricultural practices Promote understanding of value of nature Natural and built heritage protection Maintaining quality of greenspace 23 Dr a f t Table 2: Proposed RWA Collective Priorities and associated opportunities for action RWA Collective Priority TRCA Strategic Goal Related TRCA Programs TRCA Need of Gap RWA Opportunities for Action Increasing the preparedness and protection of communities from existing flooding and extreme weather events. Manage Water Resources  Flood forecasting, warning and preparedness  Floodplain mapping  Public education  Erosion control and maintenance  TRCA climate programs  Ontario Climate Consortium Greater awareness about issue generally, and better promotion of TRCA flood warning and management tools, resources and local opportunities for action; RWA input.  Participate in or provide feedback on TRCA community preparedness workshops  Expanded messaging through RWA networks: Digital or print resource (website, print brochure)  Advisory on TRCA related programs  Other suggestions welcome Increasing the understanding and influencing the perceived value of nature and greenspace, both regionally and locally. Foster Sustainable Citizenship & Rethink Greenspace  TRCA Greenspace Strategy – in progress  TRCA Regional Trail Strategy – in progress  Ecosystem Service Valuation: Ravine System – in progress  Citizen science programs  Community engagement programs Greater issue awareness, public advocacy for increasing the importance and intrinsic value of nature and greenspace in political arenas, general public and targeted sectors of civil society where message impact may be higher (e.g. youth, New Canadians); RWA input  Political awareness advocacy, e.g. letters to elected officials  Community workshops on the co- benefits of healthy natural systems and green space  Community workshop on accessing and growing the regional trail system  Advisory on TRCA related programs  Other suggestions welcome Improve the integration of environmental protection and community well-being in land-use planning and design, growth management decisions and consideration of future climate change impacts. Complete Communities  Next generation watershed planning – in progress  Natural system strategy updates – in progress  Living City Report Card Greater issue awareness, public advocacy for more effective policies and implementation guidance, public education; RWA input.  Community seminar series to raise issue awareness and improve understanding  Active community representation at land use planning opportunities open to the public  Political awareness campaign  Advisory on TRCA related programs  Other suggestions welcome 24 Dr a f t RES.#R11/17 - YOUTH COUNCIL FRAMEWORK Approval of the goals, objectives, and activities of the Youth Council, as outlined in the proposed Youth Council Framework. Moved by: Jack Ballinger Seconded by: Andrew Vrana WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Community Engagement Strategy (2017) has recommended the development of a Youth Council as a priority action; LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the program framework (attachment1) created by staff with input from the Regional Watershed Alliance Youth Council working group, be approved; THAT the Regional Watershed Alliance Youth Council working group develop a recruitment plan and establish the Youth Council as per the approved Framework; AND FURTHER THAT progress of the activities of the Youth Council working group continues to be reported to the Regional Watershed Alliance until the Youth Council is fully established. CARRIED BACKGROUND The long-term success of efforts to advance environmental protection and sustainability in the Toronto region depends on the support of the region’s youth, both now and into the future. The TRCA Community Engagement Strategy highlights the importance of engaging youth and reflecting their unique perspectives in TRCA’s priorities and programs, and identifies the creation of a Youth Council, overseen by the Regional Watershed Alliance, as an important and immediate priority. Around the world, youth councils have been created by governments, community groups and non-profit organizations as a means of providing local youth with an opportunity to gain important skills, build capacity and network, while providing the sponsoring agencies with important input and perspectives from youth stakeholders. “At Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting #1/2017, held on November 15th, 2017, Resolution #R002/17 was approved, in part, as follows: WHEREAS THE Terms of Reference of the Regional Watershed Alliance proposes the establishment of Watershed/Working Groups, Youth Council, and Indigenous Liaison Committee; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the following members of the Alliance work with staff to lead the establishment of Youth Council including development of terms of reference: a) Lisette Mallet; b) Amory Ngan; c) Rui Felix; d) Mick Malowany; and e) Karen Lockridge”. Staff have researched leading models for youth councils in the Toronto region and from other areas, and developed a preliminary concept outlining goals, objectives and potential program activities for a TRCA Youth Council. This preliminary concept was shared with the five members of the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) who volunteered to support staff in the development of the Youth Council (hereafter referred to as “the Youth Council working group”), who worked with 25 Dr a f t staff to finalize goals and objectives for the Council as well as a program framework of activities, outputs and outcomes. These are outlined in Attachment 1. Framework Development The Youth Council framework was developed using a program development and evaluation approach, which outlines clear connections between program goals, objectives, activities, outputs and deliverables, and ultimate program outcomes. By breaking down large-scale goals into defined objectives, activities can be identified that directly address those objectives, creating a clear pathway between goals and outcomes. Program Goals and Objectives A key goal of the Youth Council is to “Build healthy communities through improved connection to greenspace and nature.” It is recognized that the most meaningful type of connection to nature and greenspace may differ from one community or individual to the next, however, the RWA Youth working group and staff agree that enhancing that connection through diverse and appropriate initiatives will improve community health and wellbeing. A healthy community will inspire empowered and engaged youth, which is the second program goal that has been identified, laying the groundwork for youth to have an integral role in the discussion in the region about environmental and sustainability issues, beginning with the planning and shaping of the TRCA Youth Council itself. There are four objectives that will guide the development of program activities for the Youth council: a) Build capacity and engage youth by providing youth across the Toronto region with learning opportunities; b) Build a youth network/strengthen existing networks through creation of a broad network of youth in the region that is interested in environmental and sustainability issues; c) Identify youth perspectives by developing an understanding of youth opinion around current environmental issues and how these might be incorporated in the work of TRCA and its partners; and d) Create fun opportunities for youth through entertaining and engaging learning opportunities. Program Activities Prior to developing a more detailed scope of work, the Youth Council will work with staff to better understand and characterize the environmental priorities and perspectives of youth in the Toronto region, so that these are reflected in the Council’s activities. Subject to the results of this characterization, preliminary set of activities for the TRCA Youth Council has also been outlined in the framework, including the following:  Convening an annual event (an action item identified in the TRCA Community Engagement Strategy);  Holding regular council meetings;  Advocating for key environmental and sustainability issues;  Providing feedback on key TRCA projects and initiatives; and  Creating a framework for youth network interaction. The above framework of goals, objectives and activities notwithstanding, the Youth Council working group and staff recommend that the Youth Council be provided the opportunity to identify their own priorities and activities to address those priorities (the “Activities” and “Outputs” rows in Attachment 1). If necessary, the framework should be updated to reflect these priorities and activities, subject to approval of the Regional Watershed Alliance. The highest level goals and 26 Dr a f t outcomes are to be agreed upon prior to convening the Youth Council, but the Youth Council will be provided the opportunity to determine the pathways (i.e., Activities, Outputs, and Immediate Outcomes) to achieve those goals. Recruitment The Youth Council working group and staff recommended that the Youth Council consist of a relatively small group of individuals between 16 and 24 years of age, but that the activities of the Council, supported by staff and the Regional Watershed Alliance, would include the development of a much larger network of youth of all ages throughout the region. The RWA Youth Council working group agreed that recruitment for the Youth Council should be widespread, with no specific targets at this stage for any one stakeholder group (e.g., region, municipality, or demographic). However, in the interest of ensuring representation from historically under-represented communities a recruitment campaign will be developed that specifically targets those communities, leveraging Regional Watershed Alliance and TRCA contact networks as appropriate. Interest from the community will, in part, determine the Youth Council’s membership size and composition, but the selection of members will strive to reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of the Toronto Region. Youth Council working group and staff will begin development of a recruitment plan in Spring 2018, targeting approval of Youth Council membership by the Regional Watershed Alliance in Fall 2018. RATIONALE The Youth Council working group and staff have developed a TRCA Youth Council framework that satisfies the objectives of the TRCA Community Engagement Strategy and reflects approaches for convening youth councils used in other leading jurisdictions. The framework for the Youth Council (Attachment 1) has as its foundation goals and objectives of the TRCA Community Engagement Strategy (identified by the blue boxes). More specific goals and objectives were identified and agreed upon by staff and the Youth Council working group (identified by the orange boxes). The working group and staff are prepared to proceed with recruitment of Youth Council members on the basis of this framework, and will report on and receive input from the Regional Watershed Alliance prior to finalizing membership. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds are available in TRCA Watershed Strategies program accounts for watershed engagement and community projects to support the recruitment, convening and ongoing activities of the Youth Council. Staff will work with the Regional Watershed Alliance Youth Council working group and eventually with the Youth Council itself to ensure that the scope of work reflects available budget and staff support. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE  Approval of Youth Council Framework  Develop a recruitment plan and identify prospective members  Seek approval of final Youth Council membership. Report prepared by: Kate Goodale, extension 5280; Ryan Ness, extension 5615 Emails: kate.goodale@trca.on.ca, rness@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kate Goodale, extension 5280; Ryan Ness, extension 5615 Emails: Kate.Goodale@trca.on.ca, rness@trca.on.ca Date: February 12, 2018 Attachments: 1 27 Dr a f t 28 Dr a f t RES.#R12/17 - REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE – WATERSHED ENGAGEMENT WORKING GROUP Establish a working group comprised of the Regional Watershed Alliance membership to participate in the study, design, and development of an annual watershed forum in the Toronto region beginning in 2018. Moved by: Andy Wickens Seconded by: Chris McGlynn WHEREAS the Terms of Reference for the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) outlines an opportunity for members to provide, through watershed forums, events, and on-line engagement, a forum for watershed communication by maintaining and enhancing contacts within the community; AND WHEREAS the Terms of Reference outlines a key goal and responsibility of the RWA to mobilize and empower networks of local communities to build capacity and influence people’s behavior; THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the RWA, establish a Watershed Forum Working Group to collaborate with TRCA Staff on the study, design, and development a model for an annual watershed forum in the Toronto region beginning in 2018; AND FURTHER THAT the Watershed Forum Working Group report back regularly to the RWA on progress as details on a watershed forum are established. CARRIED RATIONALE With a mission to create healthy watersheds through advocacy, knowledge sharing and collective action, the RWA is positioned well to help deliver the next generation of conservation-based engagement in the Toronto region. To successfully achieve this mission, the RWA would benefit from a mechanism that would allow them to interact with the public in a way that fosters strong relationships, allows for the communication new ideas, and creates a platform to lead by collective example. As the guiding document for community-based engagement at TRCA, and supporting voice for the founding of the RWA, the TRCA Community Engagement Strategy outlines a recommendation to develop and organize new large-scale public events to augment existing watershed engagement activities. In particular, the strategy recommends the initiation of an informative and interactive annual watershed forum that focuses on;  Updates from the Regional Watershed Alliance, Indigenous Liaison Committee, Watershed / Waterfront Working Groups, and the Youth Council;  Deliver engagement and outreach activities resulting from RWA collective priorities action plan; 29 Dr a f t  New information on global, national and local sustainability challenges faced by urban and rural areas, how the challenges were addressed or managed and the relevance of these issues within TRCA’s jurisdiction;  Sharing of ideas and opportunities by community groups;  Opportunities to ask questions of those who share ideas or opportunities;  Facilitated sessions to help community groups tackle challenges they would like to address;  Recognition of community champions and community groups;  Networking opportunities that will encourage informal conversations and relationship building. To achieve this recommendation, TRCA Staff have begun the process of allocating resources to design and develop an annual watershed forum beginning in 2018. To ensure that the voice of the RWA is integrated into this process from the beginning, the establishment of a Watershed Forum Working Group of the RWA would be a valuable contribution to the successful delivery of the watershed forum. Further, a watershed forum would provide an effective opportunity for the RWA to position themselves as strong voice of civic leadership, while at the same time introducing themselves and their collective impact to the conservation focused community in the Toronto region. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Establish a Watershed Forum Working Group that consists of the Regional Watershed Alliance members at Meeting #2/17 on February 21st, 2018 that will regularly report back to the Regional Watershed Alliance as details on the watershed forum are developed. Report prepared by: Arlen Leeming Emails: aleeming@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Arlen Leeming Emails: aleeming@trca.on.ca Date: February 12, 2018 30 Dr a f t RES.#R13/17 - 2018 WATERSHED AND WATERFRONT EVENTS A summary of 2018 signature watershed and waterfront events. Moved by: Andrew Vrana Seconded by: Margaret Broadbent THAT the report on 2018 watershed and waterfront events be received; AND FURTHER THAT Regional Watershed Alliance members engage in watershed and waterfront events through collaboration, participation, volunteer and fundraising opportunities. BACKGROUND TRCA hosts and delivers a wide range of public engagement programs and events each year. These events may range from conservation area family friendly events such as maple syrup festival at Kortright, to educational and stewardship workshops, community/business tree plantings and river clean up events, nature hikes, and professional education/ training seminars etc. TRCA staff also help support municipal events in our jurisdiction such as Region of Peel Water Festival. Information on these events are provided through specific invites and general posting on via TRCA’s Events Calendar https://trca.ca/events-calendar/ For many years TRCA has also delivered large scale signature watershed and waterfront events across its jurisdiction to engage watershed residents, build public awareness, and to support the implementation of watershed priorities. The 2017 Community Engagement Strategy validated need for these watershed-based engagement activities and recommended the development of new large-scale public events to enhance public awareness and appreciation of our rivers and greenspace. Some of TRCA’s long standing watershed events have grown into more popular annual events, such as Paddle The Don which will be celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary this year. Paddle The Don was initially started by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council as a way to celebrate the Don by drawing attention to ongoing efforts to help improve the health of the Don River watershed. It has since become a fundraiser and to date has helped to raise over $600,000 that goes towards ongoing restoration, stewardship programs and community engagement initiatives within the Don River watershed. The following summary provides a snapshot of TRCA’s signature watershed and waterfront events for 2018. These are events that TRCA hosts, often in collaboration with our partner municipalities and ENGO’s and other agencies. Some of these events have a fundraising component and are hosted in partnership with The Living City Foundation. There are various opportunities for Regional Watershed Alliance members to get involved. For example, members can engage with event planning or day-of volunteering, collaborate with TRCA on an event as a partner, or help with event promotion and seeking out sponsorship opportunities. WATERSHED SIGNATURE EVENTS SUMMARY DON RIVER WATERSHED EVENTS Manulife Paddle the Don 31 Dr a f t Manulife Paddle the Don is one of TRCA’s long running signature event. It represents a novel way for people to connect with the Don River watershed, by experiencing the river from a completely different vantage — from the water itself. Participants are provided an opportunity to paddle down the Don River from E.T. Seton Park to the Keating Channel in Lake Ontario. Through a partnership with Manulife, this event not only provides participants with a connection to the river, but also raises significant funds that go directly back into environmental initiatives in the watershed. Date: Sunday, May 6, 2018 Location: Don River (E.T. Seton Park to Corktown Common), Toronto, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 1000 Mill Pond Splash Mill Pond Splash is an annual celebration of the Don River watershed held in Richmond Hill. The festival is a unique opportunity for community members to learn about their local ecosystems and connect with the environmental groups of their area. Mill Pond Splash has a nineteen year legacy of collaboration with the Town of Richmond Hill to engage the community in restoration work and introduce them to environmental principles that will last a lifetime. Date: Sunday, June 3, 2018 Location: Mill Pond Park, Richmond Hill, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 3500 ETOBICOKE-MIMICO CREEKS WATERSHED EVENTS Heart Lake Dragon Boat Festival The Heart Lake Dragon Boat Festival was developed in celebration of the Etobicoke-Mimico Creeks watersheds. Funds raised from the Festival will go towards the naturalization and restoration work being done by TRCA within the two watersheds. Within the beautiful natural setting of Heart Lake Conservation Area, the Festival will deliver a day of excitement on the water and fun for everyone! Date: Saturday, June 9, 2018 Location: Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 150 – 300 Bike the Creek Bike the Creek is designed as a free, open, fun family event that showcases the Etobicoke Creek multi-use trail as an active transportation alternative. Participants cycle through the beautiful, ecologically and culturally important natural capital and heritage features within Brampton’s and Caledon’s urban river valleys. Five different rides are offered according to various skill levels. Pick up passport puzzle pieces at each pavilion for your chance to win great prizes. Bike the Creek runs rain or shine. Date: Saturday, June 23, 2018 Location: Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre, 292 Conestoga Dr., Brampton, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 700 – 900 Family Fishing Day In partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources the Family Fishing Day provides an opportunity to learn about safe fishing Over a two hour session participants learn about fishing in 32 Dr a f t Ontario and get hands on experience on fishing at Heart Lake. Equipment is provided, and the cost is free to participate in the program. Date: Saturday, July 7th & 8th, 2018 Location: Heart Lake Conservation Area, Brampton, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 40 people per session there are two sessions per day HIGHLAND CREEK WATERSHED EVENTS The Salmon Festival at Highland Creek Held annually in Morningside Park, the Salmon Festival at Highland Creek is an event that brings watershed residents from across the region to view the annual salmon migration from Lake Ontario, up Highland Creek, through Morningside Park. The Salmon Festival offers children’s activities, environmentally friendly vendors, live performances and guided nature hikes to celebrate the storied history of Highland Creek while witnessing nature in action in an urban setting. Date: Sunday, September 30, 2018 Location: Morningside Park, Scarborough, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 2250 HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED EVENTS Humber by Canoe In partnership with the City of Toronto, TRCA launched the Humber by Canoe event which offered an opportunity for participants to get in a canoe to learn about the Humber River’s rich cultural and recreational values and raise profile of the Humber River’s Canadian Heritage Rivers designation. For a majority of the event participants this is their first experience being in a canoe. The event offers training by trained professionals. In 2019, the Humber will be celebrating the Humber’s 20th anniversary as a Canadian Heritage River. The 20th anniversary celebrations provide various opportunities for Alliance members to get involved from the event planning stages onwards. Date: September, 2018 Location: Etienne Brule Park, Toronto, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 2,000 Dinner at the Farm: A Night of Culinary Enchantment in Support of Black Creek Community Farm Black Creek Community Farm hosts an annual on-farm fundraiser dinner in collaboration with some of the best chefs in the Greater Toronto Area. This is an opportunity to support the educational programming at this unique urban farm, celebrate urban agriculture in Toronto, and enjoy delicious tapas-style food right from the farm. Celebrate local food under the night sky and support a valuable community space in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018 Location: Black Creek Community Farm, 4929 Jane Street (at Steeles), Toronto, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 250 ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED EVENTS Morningside Creek Festival 33 Dr a f t As part of Rouge Days, the Morningside Creek Festival invites the community to learn about the Rouge River watershed by getting involved in habitat restoration and joining guided nature hikes. This family-friendly event invites partner organizations and community members to help TRCA and the City of Toronto achieve the goals of a multi-year restoration project along Morningside Creek. Date: June, 2018 Location: Seasons Park, 40 Seasons Dr., Scarborough, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 500 WATERFRONT EVENTS Lake Ontario Evenings Lake Ontario Evenings are a public speaker series on topics affecting the lake hosted by the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Program. Three to four Lake Ontario Evenings are held annually which usually include three 20 minute presentations from the invited speakers and a question/discussion period. In 2017, topics included microplastics, Toronto water quality issues, and biodiversity and citizen science. Evenings are free of charge, easily accessible by public transportation (usually held at the Gladstone Hotel), and include free snacks and drinks for purchase. Events are advertised through the RAP mailing list (mailchimp), on the RAP and TRCA website, and through social media (Twitter and Facebook). Participation generally ranges from 80 to 110 individuals, with representatives from all three levels of government, community groups, academia, and the general public in attendance. RWA members could participate in Lake Ontario Evenings by attending or volunteering at events, advertising through their networks, and/or providing recommendations on speakers or topics to the RAP team. Date: Various Location: Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W, Toronto, ON Typical Attendance Numbers: 80 – 110 Report prepared by: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 Emails: Sonia.dhir@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 or Cindy Barr, extension 5569 Emails: Sonia.dhir@trca.on.ca, cindy.barr@trca.on.ca Date: February 13, 2018 34 Dr a f t RES.#R14/17 - GREAT LAKES PROTECTION INITIATIVE To share Environment and Climate Change Canada’s funding opportunities with Regional Watershed Alliance members and their networks. Moved by: Jill Kelly Seconded by: Deb Schulte THAT the information on funding opportunities through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative be received; AND FURTHER THAT members of the Regional Watershed Alliance are encouraged to discuss any collaboration opportunities with TRCA staff. CARRIED BACKGROUND Environment and Climate Change Canada announced a call for applications to eight Environmental Funding Programs, including funding under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative which includes the fund to Restore Areas of Concern, formerly known as the “Great Lakes Sustainability Fund.” Through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, the Environment and Climate Change Canada takes action to address the most significant environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health by delivering on Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. To help achieve this goal, the Environment and Climate Change Canada is making funding available to support action by others to:  Prevent toxic and nuisance algae: Increasing participation in the application of phosphorus load reduction measures by demonstrating innovative approaches and best practices and promoting broad uptake and application.  Reduce releases of harmful chemicals: Increasing participation in the application of beyond-compliance measures to reduce releases of chemicals of mutual concern by developing, implementing, assessing and promoting use of innovative approaches.  Engage Indigenous Peoples in addressing Great Lakes issues: Enhancing Indigenous capacity to address Great Lakes issues through projects that engage Indigenous Peoples at the community level.  Increase public engagement through citizen science: Enhancing Canadians’ knowledge of and engagement in addressing Great Lakes issues through participation in citizen science.  Restore Areas of Concern: Supporting action at the local level to restore water quality and aquatic ecosystem health by implementing projects identified in Area of Concern Remedial Action Plans. The submission deadline for applications is March 15, 2018 at 11:59PM EST. The purpose of the 2018/19 Call for Proposals for the Restore Areas of Concern (AOC) fund is to solicit project proposals that will contribute towards the completion of necessary actions identified in the AOC’s most current Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and/or Work Plan as this will facilitate the re-designation of beneficial use impairments (BUIs) and the eventual delisting of the AOC. With this in mind, please demonstrate clearly how your proposed project will contribute to the restoration of BUIs or achievement of delisting targets for an AOC. Priority for funding will be given to those proposals that directly address projects/priority actions in current RAP 35 Dr a f t Stage 2/Stage 2 Update Reports and Implementation Work Plans for the AOC that you are applying under. To learn more about all of the Great Lakes Protection Initiative funding opportunities and how to apply, please visit: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/great-lakes-protection/funding or contact ec.grandslacs-greatlakes.ec@canada.ca . For general information on the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/great-lakes-protection.html RATIONALE A number of new funding pools are now available through ECCC’s Great Lakes Protection Initiative (GLPI). Several TRCA projects advance the goals of GLPI and are eligible to apply to at least one of the five funding streams. TRCA will also support collaboration with community groups and other agencies to help align initiatives, achieve desired results, efficiency and increased impact. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE  Members of the Regional Watershed Alliance are encouraged to reach out to TRCA staff prior to Feb 28thst 2018 should they wish to submit a grant proposal in collaboration with TRCA. Report prepared by: Valerie Francella, extension 5322 Attachments: 1 Emails: Vfrancella@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Nancy Gaffney, extension 5313 Emails: nancy.gaffney@trca.on.ca Date: February 12, 2018 Attachments: 1 36 Dr a f t Great Lakes Protection Initiative Overview of Application-Based Funding Opportunities PREVENTING TOXIC AND NUISANCE ALGAE REDUCING RELEASES OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS ENGAGING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN ADDRESSING GREAT LAKES ISSUES INCREASING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE RESTORING AREAS OF CONCERN PROGRAM GOAL To decrease loadings of phosphorus to Lake Erie from Canadian sources. To reduce releases of Chemicals of Mutual Concern (CMCs) to the Great Lakes from Canadian sources. To increase Indigenous participation in decision making processes and actions to restore and protect Great Lakes water quality. To increase Canadians’ knowledge of and engagement in addressing Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health issues. To restore water quality and ecosystem health in Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs). STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE FOR APPLICATION-BASED FUNDING Increase participation in the application of phosphorus load reduction measures by demonstrating innovative approaches and best management practices and promoting their broad uptake and application. Increase participation in the application of beyond- compliance measures to reduce releases of CMCs by developing, implementing, assessing and promoting use of innovative approaches. Enhance Indigenous capacity to address Great Lakes issues by implementing projects that engage Indigenous Peoples at the community level. Enhance Canadians’ knowledge of and engagement in addressing Great Lakes issues through participation in citizen science. Support action at the local level to restore water quality and aquatic ecosystem health by implementing projects identified in AOC Remedial Action Plans. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS • Conservation Authorities • Indigenous communities or their governments • Indigenous organizations or associations • Industry associations • Municipalities • Non-government Organizations • Not for profit and for profit organizations • Research, academic and educational institutions • Conservation Authorities • Indigenous communities or their governments • Indigenous organizations or associations • Industry associations • Municipalities • Non-government Organizations • Not for profit and for profit organizations • Research, academic and educational institutions • Indigenous communities or their governments • Indigenous organizations or associations • Conservation Authorities • Indigenous communities or their governments • Indigenous organizations or associations • Non-governmental organizations • Not for profit organizations • For profit organizations • Research, academic and educational institutions • Conservation Authorities • Indigenous communities or their governments • Indigenous organizations or associations • Municipalities • Non-governmental organizations • Not for profit and for profit organizations • Research, academic and educational institutions ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES • Implementing and evaluating innovative approaches or technologies to reduce phosphorus loads. • Implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of Best Management Practices to reduce phosphorus loads. • Increasing the extent of natural features (e.g. wetlands) and/or enhancing their effectiveness in reducing phosphorus loads. *All projects must contain an outreach plan detailing how the project will promote broad uptake and application of the phosphorus reduction measures demonstrated. Demonstration and assessment of approaches that reduce releases of CMCs in the Great Lakes basin from Canadian sources, such as: • Enhanced life-cycle / end of life management. • Great Lakes restoration, conservation or protection projects. • Science related to Great Lakes issues. • Creation of networks for Indigenous experts to share knowledge/experience. • Projects building awareness of Great Lakes issues. Projects that: • Increase the number of people participating in Great Lakes citizen science; • Engage citizens in a manner that increases their knowledge of Great Lakes issues; AND, • Collect and make available useful scientific information. Projects in AOCs that contribute directly to eliminating identified “beneficial use impairments” by: • Restoring degraded habitat • Remediating contaminated sediment • Reducing point and non-point pollution FUNDING DETAILS • Projects up to $600K. • No matching funds required. • Projects up to $100K. • No matching funds required. • Projects up to $100K. • No matching funds required. • Projects up to $1.8M. • $40K minimum funding request. • No matching funds required. • Projects typically range from $25K to $150K. • 2/3 matching funds required. GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE Lake Erie drainage basin. Great Lakes drainage basin. Great Lakes drainage basin. Great Lakes shorelines, nearshore and/or offshore areas. 14 Canadian Great Lakes Areas of Concern. For more information, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/great-lakes-protection/funding.html. 37 Dr a f t TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. ____________________________ John MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority /cb 38 Dr a f t