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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19_Minutes_RWA_2019-02-13Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Regional Watershed Alliance Meeting #1/19 was held at Head Office, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, February 13t'', 2019. PRESENT Barrett, Suzanne Member Bowers, Thomas Member Bream, Margaret Member Broadbent, Heather (via teleconference) Member Burnett, Neil Member Deawuo, Leticia Member Drake, Jennifer Vice Chair Gomez, Orlando Member Heath, Jack Member Henderson, Bob (alternate to Elizabeth Calvin) Alternate Innis, Jennifer Member Keenan, Rosemary Member Laing, David Member Lockridge, Karen Member Malowany, Mick Member Marcoux Hunter, Danielle (alternate to Kevin O'Connor) Member Mattos, Mike Member Miller, Learie Member McDowell, Madeleine Member Ngan, Amory Member Nonnekes, Joanne Member Rendon, Ruth (alternate to Tony lacobelli) Alternate Schofield, Jade Member Schotchmer, Carolyn Member Schulte, Deb Member Vrana, Andrew Member ABSENT Dasko, Stephen Member Dies, Joanne Member Ditschun, Lisa Member Dyce, David Member Groves, Annette Member Kelly, Jill Member Mallet, Lisette Member McKelvie, Jennifer Chair Olivieri, Sara Member Pickles, David Presutti, Michael Ramsay Brown, Jason Rui, Felix Tschekalin, Jackie Wickens, Andy Wright, Doug The Chair, Jennifer Drake, called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. The Chair read the Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory Member Member Member Member Member Alternate Vice Chair Member APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING #4/18, HELD ON NOVEMBER 14th, 2018 RES.#1/19 — Moved by: Seconded by: MINUTES Jade Schofield Suzanne Barrett THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4/18, held on November 14"', 2018, be approved. CARRIED APPOINTMENTS TO THE REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE The Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority can advise that all the persons listed below have been duly appointed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors and are entitled to sit as Members of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019-2021. DURHAM Councillor Joanne Dies TORONTO Councillor Jennifer McKelvie Jennifer Drake PEEL Councillor Jennifer Innis YORK Councillor Jack Heath The person listed below has been duly appointed by the City of Mississauga to sit as Member of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019-2021. MISSISSAUGA Councillor Stephen Dasko The person listed below has been duly appointed by the Township of King to sit as Member of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019-2021. KING Sara Olivieri The person listed below has been duly appointed by the City of Pickering to sit as Member of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019-2021. PICKERING David Pickles The person listed below has been duly appointed as the Greenbelt Foundation's representative to sit as a Member of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019-2021. FRIENDS OF THE GREENBELT FOUNDATION Thomas Bowers The person listed below has been duly appointed as a Non -Voting Senior Staff Liaison Representative to sit as a Member of the Regional Watershed Alliance for the term of 2019- 2021. PEEL Learie Miller Please see the complete list of current Regional Watershed Alliance members here. PRESENTATIONS A presentation by Laurie Nelson, Interim Director, Policy Planning and Ian McVey, Senior Program Manager, Ontario Climate Consortium, TRCA Responses to Recent Provincial Plans and Proposed Legislative Changes related to Item 10.1 A presentation by Sonya Meek, Senior Manager, Sustainable Neighourhoods, TRCA Projects: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) related to Item 8.1 ITEMS FOR THE ACTION OF THE REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE RES12/79 - OVERVIEW OF SELECTED TRCA PROJECTS WITH PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2019-2020 AND BEYOND To provide the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) a high-level overview of selected TRCA (2019-2020 and beyond) projects, and associated opportunities for public and RWA member engagement. Moved by: Amory Ngan Seconded by: Mick Malowany THAT a high-level overview of selected TRCA projects involving public engagement opportunities (2019-2020 and beyond) be received for information; THAT Regional Watershed Alliance members be invited to engage with TRCA on these projects through collaboration, participation and fundraising opportunities, as appropriate; AND FURTHER THAT presentations on selected TRCA projects be brought forward to Regional Watershed Alliance members by TRCA staff, beginning with a presentation on the Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Program (SNAP). CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA has always had a unique and challenging role as the conservation authority charged with management of the natural and water resources of Ontario's largest urban center. Over TRCA's five decades of existence, the scope of environmental and sustainability challenges facing the Toronto region has expanded significantly. As new issues and priorities emerge, TRCA has evolved its programming and projects to provide direct benefit and value to its partner municipalities, communities and the watersheds within its jurisdiction. On an annual basis, TRCA staff undertake a large number of projects and programs across nine watersheds and the waterfront. The majority of these projects are initiated in partnership with, or supported by, TRCA's municipal partners, and reflect the priorities and principles upon which TRCA is based. Potential projects are identified through several approaches. TRCA's Strategic Plan lays out twelve strategies which guide TRCA initiatives and priority projects. TRCA's watershed plans, which provide direction on the protection, restoration, enhancement and management of each watershed, also highlight issues that must be addressed and recommend priorities for action on a watershed scale. Furthermore, regional strategies related to natural heritage, trails, restoration priorities provide guidance for projects. TRCA also looks to align its work with municipal strategic priorities and needs in order to support partner municipalities, seek out new opportunities and maximize the benefits of TRCA work. Similarly, projects are funded through a variety of mechanisms. Municipal funding sources can include regional municipal funding provided to TRCA through TRCA member municipalities, as well as local municipal and other government agency partnerships focused on a particular project or outcome. Many TRCA projects also garner private sector support or receive funding through grants from many different agencies. The project included in this report have been divided into three main categories Flood Mitigation Projects address issues related to flooding, including erosion, public safety, threats to property and other environmental, social and economic impacts. Public Realm Improvement Multi - Objective Projects provide multiple benefits to communities and the environment. Benefits and outcomes may include environmental protection or enhancement, recreational opportunities, active transportation, increased access to greenspace, making sites or facilities more inclusive and accessible, increasing community and corporate resiliency and improving infrastructure. Watershed Restoration Projects involve the restoration of watercourses, wetlands, meadows, riparian areas and other greenspaces through plantings, the construction of green infrastructure, natural channel design and other mechanisms. Provided below is a list of selected projects with public engagement opportunities, which offers an overview of the range of work and partnerships that TRCA will be undertaking in 2019-2020 and an associated map (Attachment 1 — Selected TRCA Projects Planned for 2019-2020). The projects are organized by Region, with the local municipality being identified for each project. Within each Region, projects are further broken down according to the categories of Flood Mitigation Projects, Public Realm Improvement Multi -Objective Projects, and Watershed Restoration Projects. Further details on these projects can be provided by project managers upon request. RATIONALE Many projects offer opportunities for the public to get involved. Such opportunities can include taking part in public information centers, community-based restoration events and citizen science initiatives, watershed and waterfront clean-ups, involvement in committees and other actions. In addition, TRCA offers additional opportunities for public engagement, including educational workshops and watershed events. RWA members are encouraged to seek out opportunities to engage with the projects below and to share information on the projects, as well as associated public engagement opportunities, with their respective networks and organizations. Relationship to Building the Living City, the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan This report supports the following strategies set forth in the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan: Strategy 1 — Green the Toronto region's economy Strategy 3 — Rethink greenspace to maximize its value Strategy 4 — Create complete communities that integrate nature and the built environment LIST OF SELECTED TRCA PROJECTS FOR 2019-2020 Region of Peel FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS Project Name: Brampton Riverwalk Flood Protection Project Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, Downtown Brampton Corresponding # on attached map: 1 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Brampton, with funding provided by Peel Region Climate Change Fund and the Federal Government through the National Disaster Mitigation Program. Project Purpose and Description: TRCA in partnership with the City of Brampton, has commenced the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project Environmental Assessment (DBFP EA), a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule C). Downtown Brampton is located within a flood -vulnerable area and is subject to land use development restrictions set by the Province of Ontario. The goal of the DBFP EA is to identify a preferred Alternative Solution that will reduce flood risk to the downtown core, while considering opportunities for revitalization and ecological benefits. The completion of the DBFP EA is a critical step towards achieving the Riverwalk — a transformative opportunity for the City of Brampton to realize a revitalized future downtown core. Riverwalk's overarching goal is to create a healthy, sustainable and resilient downtown Brampton. Projected Completion Date: The project is currently in Phase II of the Municipal Class EA process and is proposed to be completed by March 31, 2020. Type of Engagement Opportunity: The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on November 7'" 2018. This meeting introduced the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection EA project, a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule C) Project, to the general public. The PIC also provided information on the current conditions, a Preliminary Alternative Solutions and the proposed criteria that will be used to evaluate the Alternative Solutions. Additional PICs will be scheduled for Spring 2019. Furthermore, the DBFP EA Consultation Plan includes a Technical Advisory Committee and Community Liaison Committee, as well as engagement with Indigenous Communities. Additional Resources: trca.ca/dbfpea Project Name: Bolton Berm Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon, Community of Bolton Corresponding # on attached map: 2 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Project Description: This project focuses on the Bolton Special Policy Area (SPA), which consists of the Historic Village of Bolton. The flood control works implemented for the Village of Bolton were constructed in the early 1980's and were intended to provide flood protection up to, and including, the 500 -yr storm. In 2012, the Town of Caledon and TRCA initiated the Bolton SPA Update and through this study it was determined by the TRCA that the Berm does not provide the level of service it was originally intended to provide. TRCA initiated the Bolton Berm Hydraulic Assessment and Remediation study in 2016 with the intent to identify the cause of structural deficiencies within the existing flood control infrastructure and develop a remediation strategy to implement in the coming years. The study included the development of a 2D model of the Bolton SPA, as well as fluvial, geotechnical, and structural assessments of the existing flood control infrastructure within the Bolton SPA. Flood remediation plans for priority sites to restore the Bolton Flood Projection berm have been developed. TRCA staff will develop detailed design drawings and an implementation plan for the Bolton Berm in 2019, with restoration activities tentatively scheduled for the end of 2019 and early 2020. Projected Completion Date: Detailed design work is planned for 2019 and project implementation planned for 2020. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Due to extensive public consultation as part of the Bolton SPA Update, a letter will be sent to the surrounding community, at a minimum. There is also the opportunity for potential consultation with municipal staff and councillors. Additional Resources: https://www.caledon.ca/en/townhall/resources/BoltonSPA-Flood-Risk- and-Plan n ing-J ustification-Dec-2015-DRAFT-A 1. pdf PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS MULTI -OBJECTIVE PROJECTS Project Name: Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Mississauga Corresponding # on attached map: 3 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Credit Valley Conservation Authority and Region of Peel, with support from the City of Mississauga and the City of Toronto Project Description: Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), the Region of Peel and TRCA are creating a beautiful and naturalized conservation area known as Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area. It will transform the Lakeview neighbourhood into a hub for passive waterfront recreation, a hotspot for wildlife migration and a green oasis in the heart of the city. The new conservation area will comprise a total of 26 hectares and include 3500 meters of new trails and 1.6 km of new shoreline. The new conservation area will be owned and managed by CVC. Projected Completion Date: 2024-2026 Type of Engagement Opportunity: CVC is leading the public engagement with support from TRCA and the Region of Peel. Public engagement includes regular updates to the project blog, news releases, video updates, meetings with the Community Liaison Committee, and pop-up events to update the public and local councillors. Additional Resources: https://cvc.ca/mimtoveylakeviewea/ Project Name: Bolton Camp Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon, Community of Bolton Corresponding # on attached map: 5 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Project Description: Since purchase of the property in 2011, TRCA staff has been working with municipal partners, school boards, community groups and the general public to create a vision for a renewed Bolton Camp. Through this process, the community has crafted a concept plan for transforming Bolton Camp from its previous use as an overnight summer camp into an inclusive community commons that brings people together to share in the Toronto region's rich arts, culture and recreation marketplace. Built around 50 historic buildings nestled in the picturesque Humber River valley, the re -envisioned Bolton Camp will bring the business sector, not -for -profits, social enterprises, and others together to provide youth, artists and entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform this historic landscape into an inclusive attraction that encourages creativity, innovation and learning. In partnership with the Jays Care Foundation, Caledon Challenger Baseball, and the Town of Caledon, TRCA retrofitted the existing Bolton Camp sports field into an accessible baseball diamond that will provide children and young adults with physical and cognitive disabilities with a place to play. To celebrate this milestone, the Toronto Blue Jays and Jays Care Foundation launched the first ever Blue Jays Takeover event at the Bolton Camp site on July 10, 2018. Approximately 900 community members attended the event. Projected Completion Date: Redevelopment of Bolton Camp anticipated being a 10 -year project consisting of multiple phases. Type of Engagement Opportunity: The redevelopment of Bolton Camp into an arts, culture, recreation and culinary destination for the Toronto region will support job creation through strategic investments in social infrastructure, as well as longer term training, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, once fully operational. Multiple community engagement events will be planned throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: www.trca.ca/boltoncamp and www.boltoncamp(@trca.on.ca Project Name: Glen Haffy Conservation Area Master Plan Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon Corresponding # on attached map: 6 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Project Description: The Glen Haffy Conservation Area Master Plan will set out management direction for the Glen Haffy Conservation Area and neighbouring TRCA properties on the Niagara Escarpment. The entire project will include an inventory and report of current and past conditions, a vision statement, management zones, management recommendations, a public use plan, a trail plan and a preliminary phased implementation schedule and budget. This will be developed in consultation with a project community advisory committee and the general public. Projected Completion Date: Anticipated completion by 2021 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Participation on the Advisory Committee (to be established in late 2019 or early 2020) Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/greenspace-management/ under the Public Consultations tab and https://yoursay.ca/ Project Name: Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan Implementation Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon Corresponding # on attached map: 7 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Project Description: With the support of municipal partners, donors and special partners, TRCA is implementing the Albion Hills Conservation Area Master Plan as approved in 2016. Implementation of this master plan includes investment in new facilities and infrastructure that builds the brand of both Albion Hills Conservation Area and TRCA, which supports the Tourism and Education sector. Another key component of the Master Plan implementation will address service gaps and state of good repair issues to optimize the function of the property and maximize its value. Projects will include trail improvements, office, workshop and storage facility demolition and replacement, and Lakeview site public use infrastructure improvement. Projected Completion Date: Anticipated completion by 2020 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and public tours. Additional Resources: https://s3-ca-central- 1 .amazonaws. com/trcaca/app/u ploads/2016/04/17165528/Al bion -H ills -CA -Master -P I a n-TRCA- Boa rd-Ap ri I-2016. pdf Project Name: Claireville Conservation Area Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton Corresponding # on attached map: 8 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Brampton and City of Toronto Project Description: Claireville Conservation Area is the site of multiple complementary projects, all of which contribute towards the implementation of the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan Update, as approved in 2012. Implementation of this updated management plan is occurring in cooperation with municipalities, partners and donors, and will include investment in new facilities and infrastructure that builds the brand of both Claireville Conservation Area and TRCA, and which supports the Tourism and Education sector. Another key component of the Management Plan implementation will address service gaps and state of good repair issues to optimize the function of the property and maximize its value. Related projects include repairs to the Wiley Bridge, waterline replacement, improvements to the Robinson House land area, road upgrades, and public programming reinvigoration planning. Another project at the site is the Claireville Inter -regional Trail, which involves the design and construction of a trail that will connect local municipal pathways, the West Humber inter -regional trails and a linear trail system through Claireville Conservation Area. The trail will accommodate multiple user types, address accessibility for users, explore the potential for a heritage trail and include directional way -finding and interpretive signs. It will be constructed with minimal impact on the sensitive natural habitat and cultural heritage attributes of the conservation area. One of several restoration activities at the site is the Claireville Meadow Restoration. This is a large meadow restoration project that includes invasive species management and native meadow establishment through seeding and plug planting near the Claireville Conservation Area entrance off of Highway 50. Invasive management site preparation is underway and the area will be seeded and planted in 2019. Projected Completion Date: Major construction of the Claireville Inter -regional Trail is slated to begin in 2019 and expected to finish in 2020. Meadow restoration to be completed in 2019. Completion of other Management Plan Update activities is anticipated by 2020. Type of Engagement Opportunity: There will be opportunities for community-based restoration events once trail construction and meadow restoration are completed, as well as citizen science opportunities to maintain and monitor the meadow. Note: Stakeholders are also being engaged as staff investigate opportunities for future animation of Claireville as directed by the Regional Watershed Alliance RES.#R2/18 on September 19'" 2018. "THAT the Greenspace and Ecosystem Services Working Group of the Regional Watershed Alliance (RWA) work with staff to investigate opportunities to animate Claireville Conservation Area and create programming and infrastructure that will promote greenspace engagement, ecosystem preservation and education, and outdoor activities to the diverse communities of the local community and GTA and report back in Quarter 2 2019. THAT the RWA and staff should also investigate potential partnerships and involvement of municipal, provincial and federal governments, as well as other means of generating the sustained investment and funding that would be required to implement the proposed priorities". Project Name: Burnhamthorpe SNAP Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Mississauga, Burnamthorpe Community Corresponding # on attached map: 9 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Mississauga, Region of Peel, local utilities, community groups (e.g. EcoSource), residents and businesses Project Description: TRCA, the City of Mississauga and Region of Peel have worked with local residents and businesses to develop the Burnhamthorpe SNAP. This action -oriented plan will help implement the Etobicoke Creek watershed plan, Mississauga's Living Green initiatives and other municipal priorities, helping the community to become more sustainable, and more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Implementation projects have included a DePave project at a housing cooperative, home retrofit promotions, a raingarden demonstration in partnership with Sheridan Nurseries and a balcony gardening program. The project partners have now launched a Tower Program aimed at helping residential towers with building retrofits and revitalization of outdoor public spaces. The program assists tower owners and management to access available programs for stormwater credits, water and energy efficiency and other green infrastructure initiatives. Projected Completion Date: Tower Program Phase 1 estimated completion in 2020. Overall SNAP implementation plan to be reconfirmed 2021. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Targeting local tower tenant community and tower owners to solicit tower revitalization ideas and encourage participation in revitalization projects and programs. Municipal partner engagement to deliver on municipal multi -unit priorities. Engaging green technology sectors and utilities as program delivery partners. Additional Resources: hftps://trca.ca/conservation/sustainable-neighbourhoods/snap- neighbourhood-projects/bu rnhamthorpe-snap/ Project Name: County Court SNAP and Upper Nine Stormwater Pond Retrofit Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, County Court Neighborhood Corresponding # on attached map: 10 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Brampton, Region of Peel, local utilities, community groups (e.g. County Court Neighbourhood Association), Brampton Golf Club, local residents and businesses. Project Description: As TRCA's first pilot, the County Court SNAP is a plan to build a sense of community, make the neighbourhood more environmentally friendly and prepare it for the impacts of climate change. The plan helps implement plans and priorities of TRCA, City of Brampton, Region of Peel and local residents. A neighbourhood -based vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning project is being led by TRCA, in partnership with City of Brampton, Region of Peel, County Court Neighbourhood Association and other local community stakeholders. This project will use inspiring activities to create personal connections to local climate futures and access local knowledge to refine municipal -scale climate vulnerability assessments and develop a shared adaptation plan for implementation with the final stages of the SNAP Action Plan. Construction of the City of Brampton's Upper Nine Stormwater Pond Retrofit project is a retrofit project that will include restoration work to enhance an existing stormwater management pond. The existing dry pond will be converted to a wet pond to improve water quality and quantity. This project will improve stormwater management, natural heritage and community amenities with the addition of trails and benches. The local community has provided input at all design stages and will continue to be engaged in celebration of the final project. TRCA will also encourage more local homeowners interested in hosting their neighbours in DIY home energy retrofit parties by connecting them with appropriate expertise and information. These current initiatives, together with many projects already completed, will address virtually all implementation areas of the adaptation plan. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Local community, business and municipal partner implementation action. Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings at Upper Nine Stormwater Pond Retrofit. Additional Resources: hftps://trca.ca/conservation/sustainable-neighbourhoods/snap- neighbourhood-projects/county-court-snap/ and https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: West Bolton SNAP Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon, Community of Bolton Corresponding # on attached map: 11 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Town of Caledon, Region of Peel, local utilities, community organizations and residents. Project Description: TRCA, with the Town of Caledon and Region of Peel, is working closely with neighbourhood residents and businesses to launch implementation of the West Bolton SNAP. This includes an on -the -ground demonstration of the town's Community Climate Change Action Plan, delivery of Peel Region's climate plan priorities, local implementation of the Humber River Watershed Plan and many other municipal priorities. A locally targeted home retrofit program, with a focus on lot -level stormwater management, natural heritage and energy efficiency, will include home consultations for residents interested in participating in existing utility programs and DIY home retrofit workshops for those who prefer to learn how to undertake simple retrofits while helping their neighbours. A Jaffary's Creek corridor revitalization project involving a local private institution and the community will alleviate erosion in the stream and create a community gathering space to celebrate the local heritage. Additional planting initiatives are also being planned to address heat vulnerability and contribute to the urban forest targets. Projected Completion Date: 2025 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Engagement targets local homeowners to participate in home retrofit program. Local residents and community leaders will be engaged to provide input to detailed designs of initial revitalization projects. Engaging green technology sectors and utilities as program delivery partners. Additional Resources: hftps://trca.ca/conservation/sustainable-neighbourhoods/snap- neighbourhood-projects/west-bolton-snap/ WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS Project Name: Castlemore Park North - Riparian and Stream Restoration Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, Castlemore Park Corresponding # on attached map: 12 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: This project includes bank repairs in Castlemore Park (North and South) of an undercut outside bank and removal of sediment depositions upstream and downstream of the Fitzpatrick Drive bridge. Banks have been graded with toe protection and bioengineered. Riparian plantings will add natural cover and stabilize the riparian area. Construction occurred in fall 2018 and plantings will continue into 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Kennedy Valley Wetlands Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton Corresponding # on attached map: 13 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel, City of Brampton and Infrastructure Ontario Project Description: This is a wetland restoration project which will include natural bollard placement, habitat structures and aquatic plantings in restored wetlands. Wetland construction was completed in 2018 and coordinated plantings with the City of Brampton and TRCA will continue in 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Reddington Wetland Restoration Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Caledon, Community of Palgrave Corresponding # on attached map: 14 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and Town of Caledon Project Description: This project will include offline pond decommissioning, wetland restoration and planting on a new property acquired by the TRCA. Construction and wetland plantings were completed in fall 2018, with additional forest plantings continuing into 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: King's Park Stream and Wetland Restoration Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Mississauga, Kings Park Corresponding # on attached map: 15 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Mississauga Project Description: This project will include the removal of an existing in-stream barrier, stream restoration, the construction of a tertiary treatment wetland at storm water outfall and valley-land plantings post construction. Projected Completion Date: 2022 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Green Infrastructure Improvements - Outfall 18 Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton Corresponding # on attached map: 16 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: This project will include a tertiary treatment wetland at a stormwater outfall to add wetland habitat and treat stormwater flows prior to reaching the creek. The project will involve regrading to connect the storm outfall to a created wetland and tree and shrub planting. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Jefferson Park Stream Restoration Watershed: Mimico Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, Jefferson Park Corresponding # on attached map: 17 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: A natural channel design project designed to repair failed infrastructure and improve fish habitat and flood storage capacity. The project will involve removal of a concrete channel and implementation of natural meanders and stream features. Inclusion of green infrastructure will be a component of the project as well. Riparian plantings will follow post -construction. The project will include enhancing park amenities, trail improvements and community outreach. Projected Completion Date: 2022 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Alfred Kuehne Phase 3 Stream Restoration Watershed: Etobicoke Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton Corresponding # on attached map: 18 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: A natural channel design project designed to repair failed infrastructure and improve fish habitat. The concrete channel and eroded stream were replaced with natural channel design. Construction was completed in 2018 and plantings will continue in 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Professor's Lake Shoreline and Fish Habitat Restoration Watershed: Mimico Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, Professors Lake Corresponding # on attached map: 19 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: This is a shoreline restoration and erosion control project designed to enhance the existing inland lake shoreline while mitigating eroded sections and restoring riparian areas around the lake. Works will also include a viewing/community gathering node and installation of in -water fish habitat. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: William Hostrawser Valley (South) Channel Realignment Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Brampton, William Hostrawser Valley Corresponding # on attached map: 20 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Region of Peel and City of Brampton Project Description: This project will include restoration work to realign the existing stream channel and enhance the riparian buffer. Construction was completed in fall 2018. Plantings, maintenance, seeding, and erosion sediment control removals will occur in spring 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ City of Toronto FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS Project Name: Toronto Islands Flood Characterization and Risk Assessment Study Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 21 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: TRCA and the City of Toronto have been collaborating to reduce the damage caused by high lake water levels. With funding from City of Toronto and the National Disaster Mitigation Program, this project will serve to characterize the lake -based flood hazard on the Toronto Islands, and will help facilitate an understanding of the community and infrastructure vulnerabilities, potential impacts and risk to residents and municipal assets, and inform future structural and non-structural flood mitigation investments. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Targeted stakeholder consultation, including with community residents and businesses. Consultation also being undertaken as part of Toronto Islands Master Plan being led by City of Toronto. Project Name: Black Creek Flood Protection Project Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 22 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: Through this project, TRCA and the City of Toronto will complete a thorough re -assessment of the flood remediation alternatives developed in TRCA's 2014 "Black Creek (Rockcliffe Area) Riverine Flood Management Class Environmental Assessment". The project will assess the viability of the revised list of flood remediation alternatives from both a hydrotechnical and transportation systems perspective and will provide TRCA and the City with a revised set of alternatives for consideration. The assessment will identify potential implications to the local drainage system and identify areas of servicing and utility conflicts, as well as areas of opportunity to ensure a comprehensive flood remediation plan is provided for the area. Projected Completion Date: Detailed design work planned for 2019 and project implementation planned for 2020. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Public information centers to take place in early 2020, with involvement from City of Toronto staff. Consultation plan to be solidified in mid -late 2019. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/flood-risk-management/stay- informed/black-creek-environ mental -assessment/ PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS MULTI -OBJECTIVE PROJECTS Project Name: Trail Strategy for the Greater Toronto Region Watershed: All watersheds in TRCA jurisdiction Local Municipality and Location: All municipalities in TRCA jurisdiction Corresponding # on attached map: Entire TRCA jurisdiction Proponents/Partners: Municipal, provincial and federal governments, the Regional Watershed Alliance, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community partners and the development industry. Project Description: TRCA has prepared the Draft Trail Strategy for TRCA's Jurisdiction (Trail Strategy) to provide a strategic vision for a complete regional trail network in greenspace that facilitates sustainable living in this next generation of trails. As development accelerates, TRCA will employ this Strategy and partner with municipal, provincial and federal colleagues, non- governmental organizations (NGOs), community partners and the development industry to inform efforts to acquire, protect and enhance natural assets and to achieve new and upgraded trails, while connecting people to nature. Through this collaboration, ongoing public securement of greenspace and the provision of scenic trail greenways will occur. By working together strategically, we can grow and maintain our trail legacy in support of complete communities, a thriving economy and a healthy environment. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Several opportunities will emerge building upon existing collaboration with local stewardship groups as the Strategy is implemented. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/greenspace-management/conservation- land-care/trca-trail-program/ Project Name: The Meadoway Project Watershed: Don River Watershed, Highland Creek Watershed and Rouge River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 23 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Toronto and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation Project Description: The Meadoway project is transforming a barren power corridor into a vibrant 16 -kilometre stretch of urban greenspace and meadowlands that will become one of Canada's largest linear urban parks. Cyclists and pedestrians will soon be able to travel from the heart of downtown Toronto to Rouge National Urban Park without ever leaving nature. Over the next seven years this site will turn into a place filled with butterflies, birds and wildflowers — a rich meadow landscape. Phase 1 of the project is funded with $10 million from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation which will develop a visualization toolkit, completion of the Class EA and detailed design, meadow habitat restoration and maintenance and community engagement. Completion Date: The entire project is expected to take at least 7 years and be completed by 2025. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Public consultation has already begun as part of the Class EA and will also begin in 2019 for the engagement and public relations plan. Nature hikes, school/public plantings, litter cleanups and more are planned for 2019. Additional Resources: https://themeadoway.ca/ Project Name: Scarborough Waterfront Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, District of Scarborough Corresponding # on attached map: 24 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: TRCA, in partnership with the City of Toronto, is proceeding with an Individual Environment Assessment (EA) for the Scarborough Waterfront Project under the provincial EA Act. The project proposes to create a system of publicly accessible and safe greenspaces along the Lake Ontario shoreline between Bluffer's Park and East Point Park in Toronto, which respect and protect the significant natural and cultural features of the Bluffs, enhance terrestrial and aquatic habitat, and provide a safe and enjoyable waterfront experience. The Final EA was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 15, 2018. The ministry has confirmed that they will be posting its Review of the Scarborough Waterfront Environmental Assessment project on February 22, 2019 for a five week comment period ending on March 29, 2019. The Ministry's website for the posting will be this: https://www.ontario.ca/page/scarborough-waterfront-promect Projected Completion Date: Implementation is anticipated to take approximately 12 years but may take longer or shorter depending on material and funding availability. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Public engagement as per the EA Act. RWA members are encouraged to submit comments through their respective networks directly on the site specified above. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/green-infrastructure/scarborough- waterfront-project/ Project Name: Don Mouth Naturalization Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 25 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Waterfront Toronto and City of Toronto Project Description: The Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project (DMNP) is a precedent -setting undertaking aimed at revitalizing the mouth of the Don River. It consists of 22 separate projects. The DMNP will ultimately transform the existing mouth of the Don River, including the Keating Channel, into a healthier, more naturalized river outlet, while simultaneously providing critical flood protection to 240 hectares of Toronto's eastern waterfront. Projected Completion Date: Anticipated for 2025 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Public consultation will be conducted for each project. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/green-infrastructure/don-mouth- natu ral ization-port-lands-flood-protection-proiect/ Project Name: East Don Trail Project Watershed: Don River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 26 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Toronto and Government of Canada is investing up to $11.25 million for the project under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF). Project Description: This project will construct an exciting new multi -use trail to connect the existing East Don Trail, Gatineau Corridor Trail and the Don Trail System. The new East Don Trail will fill a significant gap in the City of Toronto's multi -use trail system and will connect diverse communities to nature through a new active transportation and recreation corridor. Construction will be completed in three phases. Phase 1 is located between the Lower Don Trail (at Taylor Massey Creek) and Bermondsey Road. Phase 2 will connect the existing East Don Trail (at Wynford Heights) to Wigmore Park (at Elvaston Trail). Although approved by the Environmental Assessment, Phase 3 has not undergone detailed design and still requires funding allocation at this time. Projected Completion Date: Phase 1 and Phase 2 to be completed in December 2020 pending suitable weather and site conditions. Phase 3 does not have an estimated completion date at this time. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Opportunities to share news stories, ask questions and download project materials through project website. Closer to the completion of Phase 1 and 2, there will be community tree planting events hosted by City of Toronto as part of the restoration plan for the project. Additional Resources: https://voursay.ca/east-don-trail Project Name: Tommy Thompson Park Pavilion Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Tommy Thompson Park Corresponding # on attached map: 27 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: Project includes the creation of a pavilion at Tommy Thompson Park and entrance improvements. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Regular public updates regarding Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan implementation. Additional Resources: https://waterfrontoronto.ca/nbe/wcm/connect/waterfronVd00f57c6-7a3f- 496c-b16b-e50959ecbd97/03 TTP OctDRP+WM.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Project Name: Waterfront Major Maintenance Program Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Waterfront Corresponding # on attached map: 28 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: TRCA owns and maintains an extensive network of 233 active waterfront erosion control structural assets along the north shore of Lake Ontario across its jurisdiction. Under this program, structures are monitored, repaired, upgraded and replaced to protect trails, beaches, navigation channels, park greenspace and essential municipal infrastructure from current and predicted future coastal processes. Projected Completion Date: Ongoing Type of Engagement Opportunity: Engagement determined on a project by project basis and ongoing social media updates. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/erosion-risk-management/ Project Name: Black Creek SNAP Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Black Creek Community Corresponding # on attached map: 29 Proponents/Partners: City of Toronto, local utilities, numerous community organizations (e.g. FoodShare, Tree Mobile), local landowners, residents and businesses. Project Description: Black Creek SNAP has been developed with the City of Toronto and local groups and residents to help transform this northwest Toronto priority neighbourhood into a healthy, green and self-sufficient community. Ongoing implementation of the home retrofit program will continue to engage local homeowners and promote uptake of actions for lot -level stormwater management, basement flood risk reduction, water and energy efficiency, urban forest planting and waste reduction through surplus harvest donation. Capacity building in partner delivery groups will continue with the goal of enabling them to continue to assist TRCA in scaling the delivery of this program. San Romanoway Tower Revival project will be showcased for the National Housing Strategy as a model of how green infrastructure and urban agriculture projects can achieve socio-economic co -benefits through capacity building and generate trust in residential tower owners to advance other building efficiency improvements. Projected Completion Date: 2020 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Local homeowners are engaged to participate in home retrofit program. Local community organizations, utilities and City programs being engaged to help in delivery of home retrofit program. A variety of communications initiatives will engage resident champions, tenants, local social enterprise and community organizations and tower owners involved in the San Romanoway Revival project to tell their stories. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/sustainable-neighbourhoods/snap- neighbourhood-projects/black-creek-snap/ WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS Project Name: Grenadier Pond Phragmites Management and Shoreline Restoration Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, High Park Corresponding # on attached map: 30 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Toronto and Friends of High Park Project Description: This project will focus on the management of phragmites in Grenadier Pond for 3 to 5 years. Shoreline restoration planting and habitat creation will follow the control of the invasive species. Projected Completion Date: 2024 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Community consultation and ongoing social media updates will be posted throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Toronto Zoo Chorus Frog Swale Wetland Watershed: Rouge River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Toronto Zoo Corresponding # on attached map: 31 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Toronto Zoo and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Project Description: This project will create wetland habitat through the restoration of a drainage ditch to enhance habitat opportunities for amphibians. Construction was completed in 2018 and plantings are planned for 2019 Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential community-based restoration opportunities through Toronto Zoo. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Morningside Creek Stream Restoration Watershed: Rouge River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 32 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Toronto and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Project Description: This project will focus on restoration plantings designed to increase soil stability/reduce erosion, improve biodiversity, and provide shade to the watercourse and bio- treatment of surface flows prior to entering the watercourse. A monitoring study regarding temperature influences on the creek is ongoing. Morningside Creek is the last redside dace - inhabited creek in Toronto. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Humber Arboretum Pond Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Humber College North Campus Corresponding # on attached map: 33 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Toronto, Humber College and Humber Arboretum Project Description: This project will restore and naturalize the existing stormwater management pond next to the Humber Arboretum on the Humber College North Campus. The restoration work will include shoreline restoration, new wetland restoration, the addition of tertiary treatment features, tree and shrub plantings and aquatic plantings. Projected Completion Date: December 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and interpretive education opportunities through City of Toronto and Humber Arboretum. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ and hftps://humber.ca/arboretum/explore/ecosystems/humber-pond.html Project Name: High Water Level/Storm Damage Repairs to Lake Ontario Shoreline and Infrastructure Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Waterfront Corresponding # on attached map: 34 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: This project focuses on waterfront repairs across the Toronto waterfront and Toronto Islands due to damage from high water lake levels and storms. Restoration includes a beach curb installation and other works to protect shorelines and infrastructure. This project is led by the City of Toronto. Projected Completion Date: To be determined Type of Engagement Opportunity: Engagement determined on a project by project basis and ongoing social media updates will be posted throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Morningside Park Wetland Restoration Watershed: Highland Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Morningside Park Corresponding # on attached map: 35 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: This project will restore an existing wetland and stream channel to improve wetland habitat and improve problematic park drainage. Plantings will be coordinated with the City of Toronto and will follow construction. This project will also include efforts to manage invasive phragmites in the park. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science engagement. Additional Resources: hftps://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Toronto Island Corresponding # on attached map: 36 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: Remediation of erosion hazards and enhancing ecological habitat at Gibraltar Point is a matter of public safety, protects essential structures on the Toronto Islands, and enhances key natural areas and community public space. A severe storm event in 2004 prompted the City of Toronto to engage the TRCA in emergency works on the Toronto Islands, specifically at Gibraltar Point to protect a washroom facility. The ongoing need to protect Gibraltar Point from erosion prompted the Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Class Environmental Assessment, which has been approved and implementation/construction began in September 2018. Projected Completion Date: 2022 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Community liaison committee established. Ongoing social media updates will be posted throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/qreen-infrastructure/gibraItar-point-erosion- control-project/ Project Name: Franklin Children's Garden Wetland Restoration Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto, Toronto Island Park Corresponding # on attached map: 37 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: The primary objectives of this project are to improve water retention and supply issues in the pond/wetland, create wildlife habitat, and improve overall aesthetics. Additional benefits from this project will include improving overall site design and visitor experience of the pond and surrounding garden through the incorporation of new and enhancement of existing interpretive features and educational facilities. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Ongoing social media updates will be posted throughout the implementation of this project. Project Name: Ashbridges Bay Landform Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Toronto Corresponding # on attached map: 38 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Toronto Project Description: This project will identify a preferred solution that will mitigate the risk to navigation due to sediment erosion and deposition at the harbour entrance of Ashbridges Bay and Coatsworth Cut, while considering the various approved facilities, planning initiatives and current uses in the study area. Projected Completion Date: Implementation anticipated to be started in spring 2019 with completion in 2024 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Public information sessions will be planned and ongoing social media updates will be posted throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/green-infrastructure/ashbridges-bav- erosion-sediment-control-project/ York Region PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS MULTI -OBJECTIVE PROJECTS Project Name: Bayview Glen SNAP Watershed: Don River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Markham, Bayview Glen Community Corresponding # on attached map: 39 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Markham, Region of York, local utilities and local residents. Project Description: TRCA and the City of Markham have worked closely with local residents to develop the Bayview Glen SNAP. This action -oriented plan applies direction from the Don River Watershed Plan and Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan initiatives to help the neighbourhood prepare for climate change and become a national leader in sustainability. The progressive action plan was endorsed by Council in April of 2016. Implementation of a locally targeted home retrofit program engages homeowners in actions aimed at lot -level stormwater management, local flood risk reduction, water and energy efficiency, urban forest succession planning and green transportation options. A flood remediation project was leveraged to achieve the revitalization of a local park, by incorporating greater environmental function and community amenities. Projected Completion Date: To be confirmed, pending municipal direction. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Local community, business and municipal partner implementation action. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/sustainable-neighbourhoods/snap- neighbourhood-projects/bavview-g len-snap/ WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS Project Name: Vaughan Mainline Compensation Planting Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Vaughan, Nashville Resource Management Track Corresponding # on attached map: 40 Proponents/Partners: TRCA Project Description: This project includes compensation plantings that are part of a larger reforestation project along TRCA's Nashville Resource Management Tract. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Cold Creek Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Township of King, Cold Creek Conservation Area Corresponding # on attached map: 41 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, York Region, Township of King, and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Project Description: This is a wetland restoration project with a focus on increasing habitat for Western Chorus frog populations (threatened under SARA). Wetland construction was completed in 2018 and plantings will be completed in 2019. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science opportunities to monitor and maintain plantings. Additional Resources: hftps://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Redelmeier Pond Restoration Project Watershed: Don River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Vaughan Corresponding # on attached map: 42 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Vaughn Project Description: This restoration project will include dam decommissioning, channel re- establishment for existing cold water streams, stormwater tertiary treatment wetland feature and riparian plantings. Projected Completion Date: 2020 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Community consultations occurred in 2018 and will continue in 2019. Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science tree health monitoring and maintenance opportunities. Additional Resources: http://4mycommunity.ca/2018/03/have-your-say-redelmeier-pond- restoration-project-public-meeting-follow-up-survey/ and https://trca. ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: German Mills -Settlers Park Restoration Project Watershed: Don River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Markham, German Mills -Settlers Park Corresponding # on attached map: 43 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, York Region and City of Markham Project Description: This is a planting and stream restoration project that will include plantings of valley slopes, stream bank regrading and stabilization through plantings. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science tree health monitoring and maintenance opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Nashville Wetland Restoration Project Watershed: Humber Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Vaughan, Nashville Resource Management Track Corresponding # on attached map: 44 Proponents/Partners: TRCA Project Description: This restoration project will enhance wetlands to improve native vegetation communities, structural habitat quality, diversity and function. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Philips Lake Restoration Project Watershed: Humber River Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Richmond Hill Corresponding # on attached map: 45 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and York Region Project Description: This project will remove an existing fish barrier on Philips Lake to improve fish passage and naturalize the shoreline to improve fish habitat. The boat house will be removed and shoreline restored. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and community consultation. Additional Resources: hftps:Htrca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Durham Region PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS MULTI -OBJECTIVE PROJECTS Project Name: Carruthers Creek Watershed Plan Update Project Watershed: Carruthers Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Ajax and City of Pickering Corresponding # on attached map: 46 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and Region of Durham Project Description: A new Watershed Plan will aim to protect the ecological health of Carruthers Creek, now and for years to come. Community input on both the Vision and Management Philosophy which guide this new Watershed Plan will help TRCA and the Region of Durham create a healthier future for Carruthers Creek. The updated Watershed Plan will assess the current health of the watershed, revisit its Vision and Management Philosophy, and make recommendations to protect the future health of Carruthers Creek, based on current conditions. The final plan will recommend management actions focused on the protection, restoration, enhancement, and long-term management of the watershed. Projected Completion Date: The Watershed Plan will be finalized and completed in late 2019. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Stakeholders and the general public are asked for feedback on Management Recommendations and on the draft Watershed Plan. Additional Resources: Information and documents available at https:Hvoursay.ca/carruthers- creek Project Name: Frenchman's Bay Master Plan Implementation Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: City of Pickering Corresponding # on attached map: 47 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and City of Pickering Project Description: The Frenchman's Bay Master Plan Implementation project will work towards completing a detailed implementation plan with budget and schedule, securing necessary permits and approvals. Projected Completion Date: 2020 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Ongoing public information sessions and social media updates posted throughout the implementation of this project. Additional Resources: hftps://www.pickering.ca/en/city-hall/RFBWP-MasterPlan.aspx Project Name: Goodwood Resource Management Tract Trail Plan Implementation Watershed: Duffins Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Uxbridge Corresponding # on attached map: 48 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Green Durham Association, Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Association, Trans Canada Trail, Parks Canada and Township of Uxbridge Project Description: The Goodwood Resource Management Tract Trail Plan Implementation project will work towards completing a detailed trail implementation plan with budget and schedule, securing necessary property agreements and/or acquisitions to ensure a safe trail connection to Webb Road and continue to work with project partners to secure funds necessary to implement the trail plan as described in the phased implementation budget. TRCA will also work with Parks Canada to further the implementation of the Webb Road pedestrian crossing and continue to collaborate with Parks Canada regarding signage, detailed pedestrian crossing design, and future parking opportunities to ensure alignment with RNUP trail planning work. Projected Completion Date: It is anticipated that this project will take 9 years to complete. Most of the efforts to secure funding to complete the project will be completed by 2020. Type of Engagement Opportunity: Opportunities for advocacy to support trail construction funding and potential opportunities to participate in sign installation events. Additional Resources: httl)s://trca.ca/conservation/greenspace-management/conservation- land-care/goodwood-trail-plan/ WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS Project Name: Rouge National Urban Park Restoration Project Watershed: Rouge River Watershed and Duffins Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Pickering, Town of Markham and Rouge National Urban Park Corresponding # on attached map: 49 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, Parks Canada Project Description: This initiative involves multiple wetland, riparian and forest restoration projects, including stream restoration work. Projects are located throughout Rouge National Urban Park and are coordinated with Parks Canada staff and tenants. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Engagement opportunities to be determined by Parks Canada. Project Name: Pickering Golf Course Creek Stream Restoration Watershed: Duffins Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Pickering Corresponding # on attached map: 50 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Pickering and Infrastructure Ontario Project Description: This project will improve channel stability and conditions for fish passage at a remnant weir. Instream improvements are proposed downstream of the water control structure to provide better passage through the structure. Riparian conditions around the stream and online pond will be enhanced with plantings. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential community-based restoration opportunities lead by City of Pickering Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Brock South/North Compensation Planting Projects Watershed: Duffins Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Ajax Corresponding # on attached map: 51 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and Ministry of Transportation Project Description: This project will enhance riparian and terrestrial reaches throughout the Brock North and South properties through plantings. Projected Completion Date: 2020 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential community-based restoration opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Duffins Marsh Northeast Lagoon Watershed: Duffins Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: Town of Ajax Corresponding # on attached map: 52 Proponents/Partners: TRCA Project Description: This marsh restoration project will enhance existing wetlands to improve native vegetation communities, structural habitat quality, diversity and function. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential community-based restoration opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Ajax Waterfront Meadow Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: Town of Ajax Corresponding # on attached map: 53 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and Town of Ajax Project Description: This project will conduct meadow maintenance and manage invasive species on previously restored native meadow. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trea.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Seaton Lands Wetland, Riparian and Forest Restoration Watershed: Duffins Creek Watershed Local Municipality and Location: City of Pickering Corresponding # on attached map: 54 Proponents/Partners: TRCA, City of Pickering and Infrastructure Ontario Project Description: This project includes multiple wetland, riparian and forest restoration projects throughout the Seaton Land property. Projected Completion Date: To be confirmed Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration and citizen science tree health monitoring and maintenance. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Project Name: Paradise Park Wetland Restoration Project Watershed: Waterfront Local Municipality and Location: Town of Ajax Corresponding # on attached map: 55 Proponents/Partners: TRCA and Town of Ajax Project Description: This project will include wetland restoration and drainage improvements at Paradise Park in Ajax. This builds on previous wetland restoration works, beach dune restoration and shoreline restoration at the site. Projected Completion Date: 2019 Type of Engagement Opportunity: Potential for community-based restoration opportunities. Additional Resources: https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/ Report prepared by: Vince D'Elia, extension 5667 Emails: vd'elia@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Victoria Kramkowski, extension 5707 Emails: Victoria.kramkowski@trca.on.ca Date: February 6, 2019 Attachments: 1 Attachment 1 — Selected TRCA Projects Planned for 2019-2020 and beyond. nt 1 ,Qct ,MCA PTOI(e= M A Caledon Brampton King YORK Aurora s ,� 1 ki 29 Don Whitchurch- Stouffville Agin n Creek *35 m 23 24 *26 X TRCA Lands TRCA Projects Toronto and Region Conservation Authority RES43/19 - 2019 TRCA PLANNED EVENTSTHAT CELEBRATE OUR WATERSHEDS AND WATERFRONT A summary of 2019 TRCA planned events that celebrate our watersheds and waterfront. Moved by: Joanne Nonekkes Seconded by: Andrew Vrana THAT the report on 2019 TRCA planned events be received; AND FURTHER THAT Regional Watershed Alliance members be invited to engage in these events through attendance, collaboration, participation, volunteering and assistance on fundraising opportunities, where appropriate. BACKGROUND For many years TRCA has delivered a variety of events across its jurisdiction. Events include workshops and speaking series, conservation area events and large-scale signature watershed and waterfront events that help TRCA increase its presence in watershed communities, raise support and help implement TRCA strategic priorities and objectives. TRCA events also provide an excellent opportunity to engage communities and build awareness and appreciation for the watersheds in our jurisdiction. Some events take place as components of larger celebrations. For example, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Humber River's designation as a heritage river by the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. As a result, TRCA is developing a year-long celebration plan for this anniversary, with the signature event, Humber by Canoe, being one component of it. RATIONALE The following summary provides a snapshot of TRCA's events that celebrate our watershed and the waterfront in some way for 2019. There are various opportunities for Regional Watershed Alliance member involvement. 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 sponsorship through fundraising efforts. In addition to these major events, TRCA also hosts a wide range of other public events each year. More information on these events can be found on TRCA's Events Calendar https://trca.ca/eve nts-calendar/ Relationship to Building the Living City, the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan This report supports the following strategy set forth in the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan: Strategy 5 — Foster sustainable citizenship Strategy 6 - Tell the Story of the Toronto Region WATERSHED AND WATERFRONT EVENTS SUMMARY DON WATERSHED EVENTS Manulife Paddle the Don Manulife Paddle the Don is one of TRCA's long running signature events. It represents a novel way for people to connect with the Don River watershed from a completely different vantage point - from the water itself. Participants are provided an opportunity to paddle down the Don River from E.T. Seton Park to the Keating Channel on Corktown Common Park near 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 5, 2019 Location: Don River (E.T. Seton Park to Corktown Common) Typical Attendance Numbers: 1000 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, and through Morningside Park. The Salmon Festival offers children's activities, environmentally -themed 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, October 6, 2019 Location: Morningside Park, Scarborough Typical Attendance Numbers: 2250 ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED EVENTS Morningside Creek Festival 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 to achieve the goals of a multi-year restoration project along Morningside Creek. Date: June, 2019 Location: TBD Typical Attendance Numbers: 500 HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED EVENTS Humber by Canoe Hosted in partnership with the City of Toronto, TRCA offers Humber by Canoe, where participants can get in a canoe, learn about the Humber River's rich cultural and recreational values and raise the profile of the Humber River's Canadian Heritage Rivers' designation. The event features an opportunity for participants to experience being in a canoe for the first time in the presence of safety professionals. Date: September 8, 2019 Location: Etienne Brule Park, Toronto Typical Attendance Numbers: 2,000 Caledon Canada Day Albion Hills offers a unique Canada Day celebration for all participants. The event features a wide array of family -friendly activities, various performances and fireworks that light up the night sky at 10 p.m. The Humber River will be celebrated at this event. Date: Monday, July 1, 2019 Location: Albion Hills Conservation Area, 16500 Peel Regional Rd 50, Caledon Black Creek Community Farm Festival This is Black Creek Community Farm's largest free community event of the year. Fresh wood - fired pizza is available to purchase and there are family -friendly activities to enjoy. Visitors can participate in farming -focused workshops, play games, do yoga, take a tour of the farm or just relax and enjoy the day. Fresh produce from the farm is available for purchase as well. Date: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Location: Black Creek Community Farm, 4929 Jane Street (at Steeles) Typical Attendance Numbers: 500-1000 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. Participants can celebrate local food under the night sky and support a valuable community space in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Date: Thursday, September 12, 2019 Location: Black Creek Community Farm, 4929 Jane Street (at Steeles) Typical Attendance Numbers: 250 Four Winds Kite Festival This festival introduces participants to fascinating, fabulous kites as they take flight. Renowned as a great family outing, attendees can watch professional kite flying demonstrations, make a kite, enjoy pond dipping, have a picnic and take a self -guided hike to see nature blooming in the spring. Launched in 1989, the Four Winds Kite Festival is one of the longest -running kite events in the country. The festival features experts from renowned kite clubs, who dazzle the crowds with spectacular demonstrations. Date: May, 2019 Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation Typical attendance: 500-800 Maple Syrup Festival The Maple Syrup Festival features demonstrations, wagon rides, and activities, as well as pancakes and real maple syrup. Special family -fun activities are also held on weekends and March Break. Date: March 9 — April 7, 2019 Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, Typical Attendance: 56,000 ETOBICOKE-MIMICO CREEKS WATERSHED EVENTS Bike The Creek Bike the Creek offers the community an opportunity to bike through Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga along the Etobicoke Creek Trail. Four different rides are offered according to various skill levels, while pavilions along the way offer educational opportunities for participants to engage in the natural and cultural history of the area. Participants can present their passport at each pavilion and receive stamps in order to win great prizes. Bike the Creek runs rain or shine. Date: June 22, 2019 Location: Meet at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre, 292 Conestoga Drive, Brampton Typical Attendance Numbers: 700 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. Evenings are free of charge, easily accessible by public transportation and include free snacks, as well as drinks for purchase. Events are advertised through the RAP mailing list, on the RAP and TRCA website, and through social media (Twitter and Facebook). Representatives from all three levels of government, community groups, academia, and the general public are typically 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 Clean Water - Our Future An annual event with the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA) and other partners, to complete large-scale shoreline clean-up operations. The partner groups donate trained manpower, barges, marine vessels, safety equipment and tools. The TRCA waterfront team works with the City of Toronto to identify locations and equipment needs for the events. Date: Various Location: Various Typical attendance: 50 - 100 people per event Spring Bird Festival The Spring Bird Festival introduces participants to the amazing phenomenon of migration and the importance of bird conservation. A variety of activities are offered for people of all ages and all birding abilities. Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019 Location: Tommy Thompson Park Typical attendance: 700 Tommy Thompson Park Butterfly Festival The Butterfly Festival offers participants a glimpse of the Monarch Butterfly before they start their annual migration to Mexico, where they spend the winter. This 3,500 km migration takes place between August and November and begins with the gathering of the Monarchs at places like Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto's Urban Wilderness. The annual Tommy Thompson Park Butterfly Festival celebrates this incredible migration by welcoming children, families and nature lovers to learn more about butterfly conservation and biodiversity. Through the many activities, nature hikes and educational displays at this free event, visitors can discover the more than 55 species of butterflies and moths recorded to date at the park. Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Location: Tommy Thompson Park Typical Attendance: 2,000 Report prepared by: Joanna Gardner, extension 5575 Emails: Joanna.gardner@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Victoria Kramkowski, extension 5707 Emails: Victoria. kramkowski@trca.on.ca Date: February 6, 2019 ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE REGIONAL WATERSHED ALLIANCE RESX4/19 - TRCA RESPONSES TO RECENT PROVINCIAL PLANS AND PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE CHANGES To brief the Regional Watershed Alliance on TRCA responses to selected Provincial proposals regarding the environment, climate change and land use/housing planning. Moved by: Jade Schofield Seconded by: Andrew Vrana WHEREAS the provincial government has recently brought forward new proposals for plans and legislation related to the environment, climate change and land use planning, including amendments to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Preserving and Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations: A Made -In -Ontario Environment Plan and Bill 66, Restoring Ontario's Competitiveness Act, 2018 and Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario; WHEREAS the proposed changes in the above plans and legislation relate to, or potentially impact, TRCA's work, projects or mandate; THEREFORE LET IT BE PROPOSED THAT the Regional Watershed Alliance be informed of TRCA's response to these changes through this report and an accompanying presentation by staff. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA's interacts with, and supports, the public, businesses and all levels of government on a variety of issues related to the environment, land use planning and climate change. For example, TRCA acts as a source protection authority under the Clean Water Act, is a public comment body under the Planning Act and Environmental Assessment Act, is a body with delegated authority in plan review to represent the provincial interest for natural hazards, as well as offering climate change services through the Ontario Climate Consortium, partnering with businesses through Partners in Project Green, supporting residents in sustainability through the Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Program (SNAP) and conducting research. As such TRCA's roles, responsibilities and services offered can be impacted by provincial legislation, plans or amendments that touch on these topics. Recently, the Province of Ontario released a number of legislative, policy, and regulatory proposals of interest to TRCA, the vast majority of which were posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for consultation. TRCA staff has provided, or will provide, written comments, within specified commenting periods, on those proposals that directly or indirectly affect the work of TRCA. Four recent proposals that TRCA has commented on, or is in the process of commenting, include the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Preserving and Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations: A Made -In -Ontario Environment Plan and Bill 66, Restoring Ontario's Competitiveness Act, 2018, and Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario. RATIONALE It is important for TRCA to provide input on provincial proposals in order to encourage provincial initiatives to align with and support TRCA's objectives, mandate and interests. The outcomes of such provincial policy initiatives have implications on TRCA's day-to-day work in TRCA's multiple roles as a regulatory agency, public commenting body with delegated authority to represent the provincial interest for natural hazards, resource management agency, proponent of undertakings with and for our partners, and landowner in a region experiencing significant growth and associated land use and environmental challenges. A good example of the impact that responses from organizations and individuals can have is exemplified by Bill 66, Restoring Ontario's Competitiveness Act, 2018 ("Bill 66"). Extensive Public feedback, including that from TRCA (See Attachment 1 — TRCA Response to Bill 66) helped to convince the provincial government to removed Schedule 10 from Bill 66. On November 29, 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks released the proposed Preserving and Protecting Our Environment for Future Generations: A Made -In - Ontario Environment Plan ("the Environment Plan") for review and comment. The Environment Plan proposes actions that relate to TRCA's existing programs, while also posing potential roles for TRCA to play in helping to enact some of the goals laid out in the document. TRCA's response to the Environment Plan covers recommended considerations as well as opportunities for utilizing TRCA's breadth of expertise (See Attachment 2 — TRCA Response to Provincial Environment Plan). TRCA's response on the Ministry of Municipal Housing's Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario proposal dated January 25th 2019 is also attached (Attachment 3 — TRCA Response to Ministry of Municipal Affair's and Housing's Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario) TRCA staff is also currently preparing feedback for amendments proposed for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe ("the Growth Plan"). On January 15, 2019 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released a proposed amendment to the Growth Plan for public comments on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) due February 28, 2019. Conservation Ontario is coordinating a response on behalf of all 36 conservation authorities in addition to the submissions made by individual conservation authorities. The Ministry states that the Growth Plan amendment is proposed to address, "policies seen as potential barriers to the development of housing, job creation and business attraction." The Ministry states that the changes are intended to streamline growth management in order to achieve the following outcomes: • More Streamlined Process (faster municipal implementation of the Plan); • More Land for Housing (more flexibility for additional Greenfield Development); • More Housing and Jobs Near Transit (increase the supply of housing and jobs near transit infrastructure); • Greater Flexibility for Municipal Implementation (municipal implementation to better reflect local context). The four items being circulated for comment concern amendments to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Growth Plan), modifications to transitional matters surrounding growth plans, designation of provincially significant employment zones, and potential exemptions from the need for the Minister's approval of official plan amendments to aid the implementation of refinement policies for the Agricultural System and Natural Heritage System. The Growth Plan amendment contains new and revised policies within the framework of the existing Growth Plan across the following six general categories: Employment Planning, Settlement Area Boundary Expansions, Rural Settlements, Natural Heritage and Agricultural Systems, Intensification and Density Targets, and Major Transit Station Areas. TRCA staff are currently in the process of reviewing the Amendments and drafting comments that will be brought forward in a report to the Board of Directors on February 22, 2019. Relationship to Building the Living City, the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan This report supports the following strategy set forth in the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan: Strategy 12 — Facilitate a region -wide approach to sustainability Report prepared by: Victoria Kramkowski, extension 5707 Emails: victoria.kramkowski@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Victoria Kramkowski, extension 5707 Emails: victoria.kramkowski@trca.on.ca Date: February 6, 2019 Attachments: 3 Attachment 1 — TRCA Response to Bill 66 Attachment 2 — TRCA Response to Provincial Environment Plan Attachment 3 — Response to Request for Comments — Consultation: Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario (ERO #013-4190) Attachment 1 - TRCA Response to Bill 66 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority January 7, 2019 BY/E-MAIL/ONLY (ken. petersenCcbontario.ca) Mr. Ken Petersen Provincial Planning Policy Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay St., 131 Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 Dear Mr. Petersen Re:/ Response/to/Request/for/Comments/ Bill/66,/Restori ng/Ontario's/Competitiveness/Act,/2018/(ERO/#013-4293)/ Proposed/Open-for-Business/Plan n ing/Tool/(ERO/#013-4125)/ New/Regu lation/Under/the/Planning/Act/(ERO/#013-4239)/ Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) circulation proposal for Bill 66 and the associated Open -for -Business planning tool and proposed future regulation. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has an ongoing interest in this process given our experience and roles as: • A regulator under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act; • A public commenting body under the Planning Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, • A resource management agency operating on a local watershed basis; • A body with delegated authority in plan review to represent the provincial interest for natural hazards; • One of the largest landowners (18,000 hectares) in the Toronto Region; and • A source protection authority (SPA) under the Clean Water Act. It is our understanding that Schedule 10 of the proposed legislation involves changes to the Planning Act to create a new economic development tool, the open -for -business planning by-law (OFBPBL). The OFBPBL would be available to all local municipalities to ensure they can act quickly to attract businesses seeking to advance proposals on development sites. In circumstances where there are employment and economic growth opportunities, municipalities could request to use an OFBPBL, provided certain criteria were satisfied. The regulation containing these criteria is not yet written but would include details on the new major employment use, identify the uses of land, buildings or structures that may be authorized by the tool, and prescribe how notice is to be given to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing following the passing of an OFBPBL. Our understanding of the intent of Bill 66, and Schedule 10 in particular, is that an approved OFBPBL would have the effect of exempting applications under the Planning Act from having to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (2014). It would also exempt applications from having to conform to policies in a number of other Provincial Acts, such as the Clean Water Act, the Great Lakes Protection Act, the Greenbelt Act and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, among others. Additionally, an OFBPBL is only available to authorize uses of land for "prescribed purposes" (job creation), which have not yet been defined and are to be prescribed by regulation at a later date. TRCA offers the following comments for your consideration in finalizing the regulations and associated documents. Tel. 416.661.6600, 1.888.872.2344 1 Fax. 416.661.6898 l info@trca.on.ca 1 5 Shoreham Drive, Dawnsview, ON M3N 154 We h,v of Cnnsevariun Onr:vi" www.trca,on,ca Mr. Petersen Page 2 of 6 January 7, 2019 General/Comments/ The Provincial Policy Statement, the Acts listed above, and their associated policies and/or plans are vital to the long-term sustainability, health, and safety of the people of Ontario and to fulfilling TRCA's mandate under the CA Act. The PPS guides land use planning to serve the public interest and deliver development that balances economic, environmental and social objectives. Without consideration of the PPS and area specific Acts and Plans that have been promulgated over the last two decades to address areas of public concern, the proposed OFBPBL tool could result in economic considerations outweighing of equally important or more important public interests. As currently proposed, these changes to the Planning Act significantly diminish our ability to achieve our mandate particularly within our jurisdiction where growth pressures are significant, and the need to protect drinking water, sensitive lands, and aquatic and natural heritage resources is great. At present, it is unclear what criteria municipalities would have to meet before seeking approval to adopt this new economic development tool. The proposed authorization for an OFBPBL uses only the single test of present day job creation (50 or 100 jobs per population of less or greater than 250,000, and the types of jobs are not defined) as the rationale for waiving an assessment that includes other equally important considerations. Without the comprehensive tests afforded by the various pieces of identified legislation and regulations, there could be inadvertent and undesirable impacts on the site itself, as well as to adjacent and downstream properties, in the short term or over time. These impacts may include flooding, ground and surface water contamination, loss of critical habitat function or linkages, and the loss of productive agricultural lands that provide important environmental functions. TRCA/recommends/that/th a/province/amend/the/d raft/Bi I I/and/reg u l atio ns/to/req u i re/m u n i c i pa I ities/to/ maintai n/the/conformity/consistency/requirements/of/the/PPS,/the/Clean/Water/Act,/and/area/specific/ P I a ns/such/as/the/Oak/Ridges/M ora i ne/Con servation/Plan/and/G ree n be It/Plan./ The/Clean/Water/Act/and/Source/Protection/Planning/ Several pieces of provincial legislation including the Greenbelt Act, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, and the Clean Water Act are in place to protect some of the most hydrologically sensitive lands in Ontario. These lands capture, infiltrate and clean rainwater and snowmelt for storage in natural underground aquifers, which, along with surface water sources, then provide drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents and their communities that rely on ground and surface water. The Clean Water Act, which provides the legislative basis for Source Protection Plans and their associated policies, alongside the Great Lakes Protection Act, is an essential tool necessary to avoid another tragic contaminated water incident such as what occurred in Walkerton in 2000, which led to multiple deaths and long-term illnesses for many hundreds of people. Bill 66 proposes to override the need to conform to significant drinking water threat policies, which were mandated and approved by the Province in Source Protection Plans under the Clean Water Act. Eliminating the ability to guide land use planning decisions that protect clean, safe drinking water sources creates risks of more contaminated water illnesses and in a worst case scenario loss of life. Further, Bill 66 is inconsistent with the Province's recently proposed Made in Ontario Environment Plan, put forward by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The plan states, "We will protect these critical systems by using water more sustainably and keeping our water and air clean while growing our economy." TRCA/recommends/rei nserting/the/requirement/for/compliance/with/the/Clean/Water/Actland/the/other/ Area/Specific/Acts/noted/above,/to/avoid/risks/to/public/health/from/contami nation/and/overuse/impacts/ to/groundwater/aqu ifers/and/surface/water,/relied/upon/for/drinking/waterland/ecosystem/health. Mr. Petersen Paae 3 of 6 January 7. 2019 Natural/Hazard/Risks/from/Flooding/and/Erosion/ TRCA is a commenting agency under both the Planning Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, and a regulatory agency under the Conservation Authorities Act. The Conservation Authorities Act provides the legal basis for TRCA's mandate to undertake watershed planning and management programs that prevent, eliminate, or reduce the risk to life and property from flood hazards and erosion hazards, as well as encourage the conservation and restoration of natural resources. TRCA also has a delegated responsibility to represent the provincial interest on natural hazards under Section 3.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement. All new development has the potential to increase the risk of hazards to life and property from flooding and erosion, and add to downstream cumulative impacts. Bill 66 with its employment focus would benefit from recognizing the importance of the management of stormwater from increased impervious surfaces. Historically, employment lands have increased impervious surfaces on up to 90% or more of a site, requiring significant stormwater management infrastructure to minimize impacts from flooding and erosion. Ensuring new development or redevelopment is not at risk from flooding or erosion is essential, and must remain a basic principle in determining the feasibility of new development. Without proper evaluation of these potential impacts, maintenance and operation costs will be uncertain creating risk. Furthermore, downstream residential areas could face increasing flood risks, with the attendant costs and liabilities attributed to the Province and municipalities involved in their review and approval. TRCA has useful mapping tools and hydrology models to aid municipalities in evaluating these risks, managing them with effective mitigation strategies and helping to decide on strategic locations where an OFBPBL could be best utilized. TRCA has successfully worked with municipalities and the proponent to facilitate development of major employment uses within tight timeframes including the Costco, Fed Ex, Canadian Tire, and Home Depot distribution centres within the current planning framework outside of the Canadian Tire distribution centre in Caledon where a Minister's Zoning Order approach was applied. Very recently TRCA has worked with municipalities to facilitate major employment uses on urban redevelopment sites which provided retrofitting and restoration opportunities. Without a specific need to consider important PPS and area specific plan requirements remediation and restoration opportunities that address important matters of public safety and hazards could be missed resulting in costly impacts. TRCA/recommends/that/Bill/66/and/the/implementing/regulation/require/municipalities/to/work/closely/ with/their/I ocal/Conservation/Authority/and/to/obtain/their/sign/off/on/the/pro posed/co n d iti ons/and/ requirements/to/mitigate/risks/and/protect/downstream/communities/from/flooding/and/erosion/hazards./ TRCA/further/recommends/that/any/proposal/only/be/considered/by/the/Minister/if/it/is/atla/minimum/ consistent/with/Section/3.1 /of/the/current/2014/PPS/so/as/to/protect/public/safety/and/to/minimize/risk./ Consultation/and/Due/Plan nine/Process/ Bill 66 proposes that an OFBPBL is not required to be subject to any public process, including the holding of a public meeting / hearing or the ability to appeal decisions to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). Additionally, site plan approval by a municipality is not required, although similar conditions may be imposed. A municipal council must first pass a resolution requesting that the Minister of Municipal Affairs approve an OFBPBL. The Minister has the power to impose conditions on an approval, but a municipality is not required to give public notice or hold a public meeting prior to the passing of an OFBPBL. Only after passing the OFBPBL is the municipality required to give public notice within 30 days, even though the by-law comes into force within 20 days after passing. TRCA supports broad consultation and stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and development process. In particular, conservation authorities (CAs) have long-established close working relationships with local municipalities, and local municipalities regularly consult with CA staff, especially where development occurs within a CA's regulated area. The approach of providing notice after the fact creates a troubling Mr. Petersen Paae 4 of 6 January 7. 2019 precedent whereby municipal councils can bypass normal public notice requirements, creating a situation where public and other private interests may not be given adequate consideration. From a development review perspective, removing site plan approval by a municipality presents serious concerns. The site plan stage is the time when approval agencies receive confirmation that the promises, commitments and conceptual designs made during early stage discussions (stormwater management, grading outside the natural heritage system, hazard land impacts, etc.) are shown that they can be achieved. The site planning process is the time when development feasibility of the proposal on the site needs to be proven. Sites with physical constraints need to be designed appropriately to meet technical standards for public health and safety. Many recent applications proposed a development footprint within site constraints, and benefit from a thorough site plan review process. Without site plan approval, design proposals made at earlier stages will potentially not be followed through to construction and implementation. Further, if the development is not required to obtain site plan approval from the municipality, there will be the potential for confusion, as site plans will be required by CAs for final permits, where development is within lands regulated by a CA. The/bill/and/future/regulation/need/to/incorporate/a/m u n icipal/pre-screening/process/involving/theICAs/ to/confirm/development/limits,/water/management/and/the/ability/to/appropriate)yladdress/physical/site/ constraints/in/keeping/With/provincial/standards./ Removing the ability to appeal an OFBPBL to the LPAT undermines the principle of due process within the land use planning system in Ontario. A key purpose of the LPAT (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board, or OMB) is to ensure that all parties' interests are adequately and fairly considered, including those of the proponent, municipalities, agencies, and community members. Removing appeal mechanisms limits the ability of municipalities and planning agencies to ensure the development will not have negative impacts on the surrounding public, property, or environment. Interestingly in some of our recent experiences involving employment lands it has been litigation between opposing private interests, e.g., landowners opposing landowners to ensure previous landowner agreements are upheld, or to ensure cooperation on servicing arrangements, cost sharing, equitable allocation of community uses, etc. in addition to public interests that have characterized approval processes. Currently, in our jurisdiction most landowners, where there is serviceable land, are part of cost sharing and servicing arrangements premised linked to established Planning Act processes. The notice and approval requirements allow landowners to self -police to allow equitable and orderly development of communities and fair cost sharing. One unintended consequence of this legislation may be to create a situation that would allow one private interest to benefit at the expense of other private interests resulting in an inequitable approach to land development. There is a concern that this situation might result in an individual landowner trying to shirk previous commitments around environmental conditions involving the Conservation Authority and the landowner group. As currently proposed, by removing or restricting the appeal process, Bill 66 removes the ability for the voice of local communities and private interests to be heard. As the Bill is proposing that consultation with the public is not required, and that the public only have a very limited amount of time to voice their opinion during which time the OFBPBL can be passed, the public and private interests nearby, including landowners, has been effectively removed from the process. TRCAlrecommendslthat/anlad m in istrativeltri bu nalla ppea llprocesslrema i n,/even/inla nla lteredlman ner,/inl order/to/give/agencies,/private/interests/and/members/of/the/pu bl ic/adequate/channels/to/be/engaged/in/ the/protection/oflp u b I is/healthland/safety/matte rs/and/the/shaping/of/their/communities./ It is unclear how the OFBPBL tool will operate in the context of the current planning framework. Municipalities have approved official plans with identified and designated employment lands based on full servicing. Municipal, TRCA and private interests are also currently engaged in the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) Mr. Petersen Page 5 of 6 January 7. 2019 processes in our jurisdiction to identify the next generation of employment (and residential) lands to accommodate growth and development to the 2041 planning horizon. Accordingly, official plans have identified certain lands, based on public consultation, where other community values take precedence, to identify areas that are not suitable for employment lands. Bill 66 and the OFBPBL seems to be able to override these approved plans to potentially site new employment opportunities in unsuitable areas. The OFBPBL tool could be adjusted in scope to be used wisely to be able to accelerate development approvals for employment lands, while respecting past planning decisions. TRCAlrecommendslthat/the/Actland/reg u lation/clarifylthat/anlaccelerated/approvalslprocess/on l yl bel al lowed/to/occur/on/lands/currently/serviced/and/desig nated/for/employment/i n/mu n ici pal/official/plans./ Recommendations/ 1. The/consideration/of/use/of/an/OFBPBL/should/be/geographically/limited/to/existing/designated em ployment/lands/with/access/to/fu I I/municipal/sewer/and/water/services/and/proximity/to/400 series/highways/and/or/other/major/transportation/corridors. 2. The/province/should/require/consistency/with/the/PPS,/Clean/Water/Act,/andlarea/specific/plans/in the/proposed/regulation/to/ensu relthe/CA/mandate/for/protection/from/natural/hazardslis implemented/th roug hlan/OFBP B L/application,/a/process/that/has/been/deve loped/over/decades/of consultation/and/application/of/leg islation/to/minimize/ris k/to/people,/life/and/property/i n/Ontario. 3. If/the/recommendation/above/is/not/pursued/i n/fu I I,/TRCA/recommends/including/in/the/regu lation/of "prescri bed/criteria"/for/a n/OFBPB L/appl ication,lthe/fol lowi ng/minimum/req u i rements/to demonstrate/t h at/ p u b l i c/health /and /safety/i s s u es/wi l l / b e/addressed : • Drinking/water/supplies/and/designated/vulnerable/areas/are/protected; • Appropriate/considerations/are/incorporated/to/developmentland/redevelopment/decisions,/to ensure/new/natural/hazards/from/flooding/and/eros ion/are/not/created/and/existing/hazards/not aggravated,/including/review/and/sig n/off/by/the/local/CA/prior/to/M i n isteria I/endorsement; • Include/requirements/that/no/development/or/site/alterations/take/place/within/a/30/metre setback/from/Key/Natural/Heritage/Features/and/Key/Hydrologic/Features;/and • That/sites/be/pre-screened/by/a/municipality,/with/approval/from/the/local/CA,/to/ensure/the deve lopment/feasibility/of/the/proposal/i n/relation/to/the/physical/characteristics/of/the/site,/so that/public/health,/safety/and/natural/hazard/tech n ical/issues/can/be/addressed/appropriately/on the/site/to/meet/provincial/standards. 4. Wherelan/OFBPBL/is/to/be/considered/for/lands/outside/of/existing/designated/and/serviced employment/lands/thatlon ly/employmentluses/that/are/agricu Itu re/re fated/or/on-farm/diversified uses/shou Id/be/permitted./This/measure/wi II/help/to/maintain/the/integrity/of/rural/and/ag ricu Itu ral land/uses/in/the/Greenbelt/and/on/the/Oak/Ridges/Moraine. 5. The/futurelregulation/needs/to/include/additional/specific/details/to/provide/clarity/on: • The/types/of/employment/uses/that/are/permitted/to/use/this/fast-tracked/process;/and • Alshortened,/but/open/and/transparent/regime/of/notice/and/public/consultation/under/the established/Planning/Act/process. Mr. Petersen Pace 6 of 6 January 7. 2019 Thank you once again for the opportunity to provide comments on this important initiative. Should you have any questions, require clarification, or wish to meet to discuss any of the above remarks, please contact David Burnell, Senior Manager, Provincial and Regional Policy, at extension 5361 or at david.bumett@trca.on.ca. We would appreciate receiving specific written responses to our comments. Sincerely, Carolyn WbofflandJ pALA, FCSLA, MCIP, RPP Senior Director v Planning and Development BY E-MAIL cc: TRCA: John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer Chandra Sharma, Director, Watershed Strategies David Bumett, Senior Manager, Provincial and Regional Policy Attachment 2 - TCRA Response to Provincial Proposals Turantoand Regi Coi tseration Authoray January 28, 2019 BY E-MAIL ONLY Natha Jul Agada Prujact Manager Ministry of the Environment, Conservation anti Parts [nvironmentPianta,omario.ca Re: Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made -In -Ontario Environment Plan (EBR #013-4208) Dear Mr. Aguda: Thank you fur the opportunity to comment un the proposed Made=in-Ontario environment Plan. i RCH Ras an interest in the proposed Em.iru lmcmt Plan given gar role in protecting and managing appruAmataly 18,000 hartares of conservation land and assisting oar member maniuipalities to farther the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources within vor area of juribdiction. TRCA offers a wine range of programs anti services and works with a aiversity Of staKeRoitiers in iuitilling our mandate under the G—i,3u.v—.titn AuthoriGas Act, .vhich governs Omtmric' s 36 Cunsarvation Aathoritias (CAs). These prugrama and services help to protect the health of people and the environment by reducing risk from flood and erosion hazards, climate change and extreme weather. TRCA offers the fullo..imy cuRlmcmta for the Ministry's czmsideration as it finalizes the Envirvmmant Plan and moves through to implementation. 1. General Comments i he proposed Environmumt Plan outs cut areas of potential action related tu many of the prograil.s and services delivered by TRCA. In turn, TRCA and other CAs can play essential roles in supporting tre Province in implementing many objectives and action of the Plan. Thruagh long- term partmerhipa ..ith municipalities, numerous local community leaders and groups, TRCA and tither CAs are uniquely positioned to enable local networks to engage in collaborative action. Rwcommandaton 1.1: TRCA recommends that the MECP work with Conbervation Ontario and other CAs to: • Take advantage of the a..uc'o 3 of OntariV s CA program and close to 70 years of anique eAparience, teuhnical eApertl5e, and uollaborative approach to engaging diverse staReRoltiers anti communities in dealing with the mu3t pre.5ina iaauu ;'-f OMr tim.ua - climate change. • Leverage the importance of watershed -bases governance moom drat Ras enabled innu.atirn to develop practical oulutiona to current and emerging lasses (e.g., flood management; tirinRing water ana Great [ages water quality, climate change, rapid arbuaizatiun/growth); and Euve►age UA programs to achieve multiple provinpial priuritica. 1:416A6156v0 I P:a16.661.6ava I Infoehrca.on.ca I 101E�eRanyeA:cllee,v..eyR,...,Qmi3KSRb I www.trea.ea In its i;&rent form, the Environment Pla.. is fucased uin the MECP. However, many other Ministries have responsibilities to ensure a healthy and sascainaDle environment. Many of Me actions iaentined in the Environment Plan will regain s,.pport from other Ministries for implementation succesa. While the Provini;u has committed to make climate cha..ge a crus -government priority, we recommend that this appracn oe extentletl to all otfter areas iaentined in tBe Environment Plan. For example, infrstruct.re initiatives involving MTO, MOI U. MTCS and TRCA are encallent opportunities to advance implementation of the Environment Plan. A whole=of-government approacn is nec=essary to enectively aaaress our pressing environmental challenges and mo.0 commanitiva ts..ards aastainability and long -turn prosperity. Recammenaadon =i.c: i Rrm recommends that a cross -government appr=.ach be extended to all areas of the Envir—unment Plan to bring environmental protection and climate change to the forefront of all government decisions and contrisute to tfle enective implementation of tee Plan. This could include �stabliahment of inter-yove.nmental ..orking group involving TRCA tv advance implementation Plan in inter -ministry projects and plans. c. Protecting our Air Lakes, and Rivers Great Lakes Health The Great Lakes are the primary source of OrinKing water to millions of Ontarians. Hs indicated in Me most recent Minister's Annual Drinking Water Re, ort, Ontario has a c: mprehunaive Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) Program tv protect municipal soars of drinking water, including the Great Lakes. Cu. dinged improvement to the i..itial technical work that was completed to prepare source protection plans will be necessary as more inrormation Becomes Rnown aoout the impact or emerging influences sucfl as blue-green algae and Cladophora, road salt, increased development, and flooding cased by sevum vveathur events. Through the DWSP, the Credit Valley— Toronto and Region — Central Lake Ontario (C I Cl source Protection Committee investigates the impact or spills on municipal drinking water systema drawing water from Lake Ontario. A number of policies arc set out in the Approved CTC Source Protection Plar. (SPP), addressing spill prevention, i;ontingen�;y planning, and emergency response. The prvpvsed online platfvim for reporting incidents, commitment to improve the complaint response system, ans a goal to improve transparency Between stakeholders will all leas to collasorative and consistent emergency resp�nau. Reuummendatton 2.7: TRCA recommcr-ids that the MECP continue to rapport the Drinking Water Source Protection Program and continue to bails on tBe technical stusies ana analyses completes for source protection planning to protect water quality and the Great Lakes ecosystem. As the lead fo. the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP), i RC„ piays a Rey role in leading collauorations nor [aKe Ontario initiatives. i Me i oronto and Region RAP recognizes the influence of watersheds on n�arho.� lake health. Any updates to the Great Lakea Strategy will need to continue to .ecognize the significant influence local watersheds have on nearshore lake health. Integrated watershed management is critical to managing pollutant loads and protecting spawning habitats. r more explicit IinK Between watershed planning and management and nearshore IaRe nealtn should be established in the proposed En.ironmunt Plan. Recommendation 2.2: TRCA rewmm�nds that the Environment Plan bre strengthened to establish a stronger, more explicit connection between watersBes pianning ana management anti nearsnore laKe nealtB. TRCA is pleased to see the Provinces continued commitment to restoring the GGcat Lakes. Executing on -the -grand restoration prjects will be critical to mitigate and adapt to trte impacts of climate change. In or0er to tieiiver on resiliency oDjectives and achieve measurable impact in a cost-effective manner, it is important to deli.c, restoratiun at a large Scale and in stratagic areas where multiple ubjective5 can be realized (e.g., water quality, water quantity, erosion and sedimentation remediation, natural cover, and connectivity, etc.) to maximise the value on investment. For example, TRCt% has compietea a jurisdiction-wi0e Imagratou Restoration Prioritization (IRP) process, which directs site selection to provide the ...aximum benefit to natural Syatum functlun url a waturohcd basis. Recommendation 2.3: TRCA strongly encourages that the MECP adopt a strategic approacrt to resturatiun on pruposeti provincial infrastructure investments that could be based on the TRCA IRP model. Thi.. ..ill allow ywcrnmunt to fuco5 ovailablw ruouarcea on areas whores multiple objectives can be achieved, based o., tha latest science and real monitoring data pertaining to ecosystem health and integration of climate resilience measures to address vulnerability anti risit to ecosystems anti communities. Vulnerable Waterway5 and Inland Waters TRCA agrees with the importance of protecting Ontario's water resources, which are essential to long-term sustainability of oar environment, economy anti communities. Monitoring trte quality of our lakes, rivers, and aquifers is necessary to understand the impact of oar u.�,r9day act'AiG3 on these dynamic systaams. Although we agree that Increasing sodium and chloride from the application of rad salt is a stressor to our source water, monito ing efforts should not be restricted to this activity. The Province most work with its staRertoitlam anti partners to promote Vest management practices to reduce the impact of all land use activities on all so,.r 5 of drinking water. Effucti.a waterahcd management and curdinoed water quality munituriiig of lakes, rivvr5, and aquifers will allow as to evaluate the implementation soccess of initiatives such as source protection planning which employ best management practices. Conservation rtatrtorities anti municipalities can De essential partners in protecting a0aitional vuinerabie waterways and inland waters thr„ugh cffccti.c implemcntaticn of thz provincial planning and water policy framework (e.g., the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and Clean Water Apt, etc.). Recommendation 2.zF: TRCrt welcomes the MECP`s commitment to supporting effective waterslled management and recommends continued support for water quality and y..antity .�.,,nituring of Iakwa, .Lara, and aquifer t;onductud by Cvnaervation Autharities and muf.icipalities. i RCrt can also provide support in understanding vulnerabilities of waterways and inland watara ba,.ud u,, a waterhud perspective. TRCA has bean piloting a "next generation" approach to watershed planning in thv davelupment of an updated watershed plan for Carruthers Creek in partnership with the Region of Durham. This "next generation" appracrt will Melp to Vetter consider climate mange vulnerabilities and ecological connectivity, and green infrastructure planning for impru.ud corn ... u,.ity resilience, among other benefits. Watershed planning can bring a Solid foundation of science tu inform many key community planning issues such as: identifying and enhancing natural heritage systems; providing gaidance to manage sturmwater using green infrastructure ana low -impact development (MV) techniques; managing Me risK to property and infrastructure from natural hazards, and a.��u3�,iny the impact of potential future climate change, among other. Recommendation 2.5: TRCA rucummends that the MECP provide Tar direction on how the goals of watershed and subwatershed planning should relate to rxisdng provincial or other legislation, policies anti gataeltnes tar wavarsnetl ana environmental protection. WaM Use, Conservation and .Security The understanding of huw water cycles through watersheds in southern Ontario, obtained through the DWSP Program, was a strategic investment Dy tfle Province. i his Rnowienge can inform water management decisions being made by the Province in the issuance of Permits-To-Take-Water and Environment Compliance Appruvala. TRCA strongly supports the Pruvinca , goal of ensuring that the knowledge gained through the DWSP Program is applied to other provincial program areas. The prjpoaed Environment Plan identifies the need to manage water takings to ensure we have suatai ,able water resources in the fay= of a changing Timate and continued population grwth. The premise of evaluating cumulative water takings in the Context of overall water management is vital to ensuring Mat water resources ane adequately proteMed ana OSed sastainadly. Therefore, TRCA supports thu revizw cf ccrrunt water taking pvliciu5, rroyrm5 and oc"urize tech. The uxtenalve technical work which has beam, cumpletvd, peer-reviewed, and approved by the Minister of the Environment, Conse vatiun and Parks through the DWSP Program will be invaluable in completing As review. Thu tierd water budget studies cumpleted under the Cran WaterAat have identified current and projected future water takings in each watershed Fir sabwatershed in Ontariu in an effort to evaluate the vulnerability to municipal drinking water supplies. Where the potential for stress to a paFficular drinRing water system was iaentined during these assessments, more elaborate drought and ulimatu; change zzenarica were cunaidurud in a„ effort tv ensare the sustainability of the water reauare over the lung-term. This technical work provides a solid foundation for identifying sustainable approaches to managing oar water for the future, including the adoption of water conservation practices ana mcflnologies. Effective water management requires strong coordination and collaboration a�russ multiple stakehulders. Watershed Plans are prime examples of a collaburative prcess that brings togedler a compreMensive untlerstantling or water tquandty, quality, uses, etc. antler present ana future timeframes, as the basis for developing management strategies that may incladu alluzatiun guidelines. It is important that the Province continues to support and enable these and other forms Of collaborative water management. Recommendation c.6: MCA recommends that the MECP establish a stronger, more unpliutt `wmmitment t: enabling cullaburratiun arras varluu5 agenciva ru3munoiblu fur aspects of water management. Municipal wastewater and Stormwater Management and Ruourtim., TRCA suppurto forts to Improve municipal wastewater and stvmlwater management and reporting, which if properly managed can significantly benefit the health of our watersheds. TRCA leads watershed hydrology studies and integrated watersneti plans wflicrl provise the basis For etteCtive stormwater management criteria and inform municipal decision-making asardii-.g wvv devulupmemt and priuritiva for urban retrofits. TRCA a6v playa a rule in the imp6mantatiun of these projects for our municipal partners often as a resalt of funding from senior levels of government inclading the Province. With additional resources, we could assist in strategic planning anti implementation of green intrastractare tiesigneti to reduce flood risk, improve stormwater management and ach;eve mumerum, avcial and ucvmumic co-benefits for cummumitiaa. Puliziea eatabliahed at the Pravinoial level are important to guide science--basad wastewater and stormwater management at the municipal level, with priority given to LID and green infrasuuuure. Provincial support for incentive programs relates to stormwater innovation an0 infrastructure grants Tor green infrastructure could also be used to levcragc municipal waatcwatu. amd otvrmwatur management imitlativea. Recommendation 2.7: TRCA recommends that the MECP support incentive programs relates to stormwater; implementation of [ID anti green infrastructure and work with other ministries to fund TRCA infrastructure renewal pruizuts ievulving partner munii-Apalitiva. 3. Add.rasing Climate Change Understanding Climate Change Impauta TRCA recugmi�ea that adapting to climate change imparts is a critical natural rsource management issue. Through the Ontario Climate ConsoRiam (OCC), TRCA has developea expertise to responti to issues at climate asaptation anti mitigation across CotR technical and policy fronts. OCC also commonly partnur vJth mcmizipalitiou in TRCA's jurisdiction on Timate chaamyc initiatives ouch as volnurbility aaacaamunta, wvrkahops on climate risks, and variaas reawarch projects. TRCA uffers a range of expertise in climate change mitigation and adaptation that could be used to help the Province tievelap ane reliver policies anti actions to achieve its goals in asCressing climate criange. While TRCA supports the cummitmunt to undertake a provincial climate change impact assessment, we suggest that any such impact assessment mast inform local anti regional recision-malting. For example, balance between a high-level, broad-scale approach and a regional-scale assessmumt that uomsidur spatial detail (e.g., the Great Lakus), local land use and stator imtardepundem;iea will be key to addressing local risks. Farther, while provincial ane municipal scale sectar-baseti volneraoility assessments are important, certain aspects of their impkimuntatium ultimaUy happamz, at the ground level by residerta, businz;ssws and other gruupa. TRCA'a So3tainab6 Neighboorhoud Action Program (SNAP) is piloting a neighbourhood-based vulnerability assessment and adaption planning process in the City of Brampton, which is bringing ainerent levees of informadun togetrier whrl local ltnowletige to revelop a shared action plan. The process is building zapaciry in luzal atakuhuldur to load implumumtatium actions that will address moltip6 urbam renewal objactivea and deliver greater impact. This model is expected to be transferable to other communities and could harness additional local resources fur dMiun. Recommendation 3.1: TRCA reoummends that the provincial-level climate change impact aasvoamunt must infurm local or regional deuisiun-making it, the Gtaater Toronto Atea, to inform Great Lakes concerns or sector-based risks. This can be achieved by scaling some systems or sectors down to a more local or regionar level where more retailed research and engagement work is conducted by organizationu including TRCA anu partner municipalities; rets the largest conservation acthurity in Ontario swrving the must urbanized region, TRCA has played a critical role in addre..sing climate change risks and the impacts of rapid growth and urbanization within our area of jurisdiction, which rapports the Province's anti municipalities' efforts to address pressing environmental issues sacn as [aKe Ontario water quality, flood and erusion hazard management, sturmwater, natural heritage systems planning, and source .aatur pruteMion. An important component of this ..ork has been collecting climate and Uher environmental data ..hila andartaking various typw5 of vulnerability and risk assesrmentr, including: • Hydrologic modeling kzV, Mar/ For ennancet] riverine flood risk assessment and floodplain mapping Delineation; Dual drainage modeling in .a..z study aruaa to estimate and consider the interactions and extent of urban and riverine fluudiny; Stream tiros un assvasments and prioritization fur erusion control works, monitoring and reporting through key performance indicators; • Vulnerability and risR assessment of i RCH hood control infrastmetare; Natural system .olnerability assessment to climate change in Paul Region. Recommen0adun ).z: I RCA recommends that thz przpv5zd provincial impact assessment incorporate 7.xi..tiny infrnnation from CAS and other organizations atthe local and ruglumal ..tales; and include case studies of small, medium, and large municipalities where growth pressors are expected; ander barn greenriel0 ana re0everopment / intensification scenarios, anti may exaceroate climate change impacts. Rucummundatiun 3.3: TRCA recommends that where climate change vulnerabilities and risks are already well known, funding for adaptation actions shoaitl BE appile0 in nign priority areas regardless of province -wine impact assessment processes occurring ir. the coming years. Guvcrnment Purllcics Update TRCA strongly agrees with the Province that a cross -government approach to addressing cli;,,ate change is essential For Ontario to successfully respond to the all-unccmpas..ing nature of Ilii„ate cnange. Coordination and partnership build ng are extremely important to managing cliri ate changa risks and developing policies, programs, and services. Municipalities, utilities anti otner broader public sector organizations need to be incia0eti in cross -governmental coordination efforts, particularly at the local anti regional scale where expertise and rmzuroes can ba ..hared to nelp 0uiid joint -capacity for effective duciAun-making. Conservation Authorities, as regional en.ir�:;nmuntal age Ocie.., can play a critical role in regional cuordination and providing guidance to local government and other public agencies operating on -Me -groans. Cres can also play a critical rale in encouraging locai environmental leadership through part„urh"ps ..ith community groups anti business association... As the Pruvinui= moves forward with updating gcvernrtlent pulidu4 to update policy direction on climate resilience, TRCA would welcome the opportunity to sappurt the guivernment with tech ical expertise and insights gathere0 tnruag'n necaaes of climate change work at the local level. Recommendation 3.4: TRCA rscummends that the Province work with CAs to enhance regional coordination and provide guidance to mmticipalities on climate action; wnile also encouraging local leadership through partnerships witff community groups and local businesses. Local Climate Rualllance TRCA is pleased to see the commitment to empower effective luual Ieader5hip on climate change and improve local climate resilience. vve Rnow mat len anaooresseo, climate risRs pose significant Mreats to population Realth and economic prosperity in the f,.tore. Community-lad initietivza and programs, which use innovative moans of engaging citizens in persunalizing their connection with the fature cliff ate, aro more affective in raising awareness and helping individuals determine the actions they need to take. TRCA has been very active in this area with baMor specific on-tne= ground mouilization iRrougR initiatives around climate change mitigation and adaptation such as our Sustainable Neighbourhoud Action Program � (SNAP), Ontario Climate Consortium (OCC), and Partners in Project Gruen (PPG): a Pearson Ecu-Business Zona. TRCA will continue to support efforts by merriber municipalities and senior levels of government to respond to climate risks by helping to build infrastructure that is more resident to tlooti anti erosion ftazaras, providing expertise in predicting the effects of climate on waterahuda and cc... mu..itiea, a..d Connecting stakeholder-. with the knowledge and tachnulvgies that they reg0ire. Recommendation 3.5: TRCA recommends that the MECP i0entify Me essential role of community-ie0 actions, and role of regional organizations such as TRCA in providing the necuasary suppurt and guidance to Kcal uummonitias, buain�o-s, and municipalities in building local climate resilience. Green Infrastructure Waturhed planminy assists mw.icipalitiaa and their partner and stakeholders in integrating gruenapace and green infrastructure into new and existing communities. TRCA has supported initiatives such as retrofitting existing stvrmwater management punds, terresuial natural heritage system design, groan forest management anti facilitating ❑D. I RCA Ras expertise in LID and urban forest strategies, and experie,-,Ce in ungagirly private and publiz landowner and municipalities in the planning, design a id implementation of gi eon infrastructure plans on public; and private property. Thera a e significant environmental benefits that accrue from this work, as well as numerous social and economic co-tienetits. i mCr s integrated planning processes tiring a multi-objective lens to the design of green infrastructoru systems, wh ch is necessary to optimize designs for grustaat impact. Thane multi-objective projects are luww regret actions that offer the opportunity to leverage planned infrastructure renewal to achieve cost-sharing opportunities and the basis for innovative funding sources. This work should de a priority implementation program cue to its multiple benefits. I RCA is well positioned with completed plans that require funding and establi�,hed partnershipa available to advance implamuntatic . cf green infrastructure quickly. Recommendation 3.6: TRCA mcummends that the MECP make multi-objective green infrastructure projects a priority implementation program of Me Environment Plan. 4. Reds L:ttar and N a to v"d Keep our Laval and Sod Cly., Waste Redaction i RCA supports the focus on food and organic waste, which repreauntz 6% of Ontario's grsanhcsa gas vmissiuns. TRCA also supports efforts to reduce plastic waste that ends tip in our lakes and rivers, which support clean watersheds and conservation areas. Efforts to prevent waste from entering these areas is consistent with tMe mandate eT CAs. Slnee Its Inception, TRCA's Partnor in Project Gman has supported thousands of businesses and facilitated the completion of hundreds of green prujects in Canada's two largest employment areas, the Pearson Euo-Business Zone and the City of Toronto. As an example, business in Mese employment areas tiiverfea more Man z;,titiu tonnes oT materiais away from landfill using circular economy principles. TRCA'wmmonly engages community members to participate in a variety of education, training and outreach initiatives sash as cleanups, including shoreline cleanup events along Lake Ontario to raise awareness of the waste we generate, get people ugtside to appreciate nature, and save our wildlife. Excess Soil Management and Brownfield R�&.ulrnmznt TRCA is a c„m .venting agency under both the Pta,ming Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, and a regulatory agency under the CA Act. We work to ensure that new development or redevelopment is not at risk from flooding or erosion, as well as encourage the conservation and restoration of natural resources. While we welcome the Tan -up of cuntaminatud lands in Ontario, wa would like to bu further engaged as the Province buts out to revise the brownfivlds regulation and revurd of site condition guide to ensure that proper protections are in place to facilitate brownfield redevelopment while protecting the public and Me environment. Recommendation 4.1: TRCA would like to ruzummcnd that MECP wngage CA's to suppurt the ruviaiun of bruwnfiuld regulations and the mord of site condition to ensure that the environment and the public is protected while reducing barriers to trio redevelopment of brownfield sites. TRCA sapportb the Province b Intention to set clear rules to support the beneficial reuse of safe soils and work with stakeholders to increase enforcement on illegal dumping of excess soil. I RCM has developed a number of guidelines to protect soils, inclutling "Preserving and Restoring nealiriy coil: Most Practices for Urban Construction" (2012). TRCA uumid provide auppurt to the Pl vvincu In autting clear rules to allow Industry to reobe EAIRbs boils. Recommendation 4.2: TRCA would like to engage witri dle MECP to support irie estadlisriment or clear rules to support trie beneficial reuse of safe suit and unable strong enforcement on Mogul damping. Management of Hauled Sewage TRC„ supports trie consideration or approaches for the management and spruadiny of hauled sewage. It is our andortandiny that the Scares Protaction Programs Branch is reviewing current uirvornatanGes under which this activity could be a significant dri .king water threat to municipal sources of drinking water. We agree that there is still mach to understand with respom to now these materials could impact the environment. i'nererore, a more comprehensive underatandiny or their riehaviour and management is warrrntzd. & COnserving Land and G,eenspaue Natural Ecosystems Conservation Authurities play a central rvlu in improving the resilience of natural ecosystems, which in turn help to increase the resilience of communities within the province to flooding, erosion, and climate change. For example, TRCr and partners developed the targeted terrestrial namrai heritage system, which is necessary to support regional biodivzr.ity and uontributea significantly to water managumunt ab wall as vthur sueial and economic cu-bviiefits within the region. We also play a k=y role in restoring natural ecosystems (e.g. wetlands, woudlands, and streams) and supporting habitat quantity as well as quality. We welcome provincial support on the accelerated securement, protection anti restoration of the natural heritage system. TRCA and other CAs can be essential portnzr in land and water vonourrtiun to preserve areas of siynifivant anvimnmental and ecological importance. Further, CAs are provincially mandated to be able to enter into agreements for land cunservadun. Recommendation a. -j: i RCA recommends provincial invuat,-nunt to accelerate and acalu- up tha a.carement, protectiun and maturation of the natui al heritage system. Recommendation 5.1: TRCA recommends that the PFovince identify specific Targets or thresholds for protecting and restoring natural ecosystems Dasea on the latest science proviaea tnrougn watershed and subwatershed planning, to unhancu the ability fur municipalitizu and CAa to implement acCuna to meet uuulugival targets. Conservation and Environmental Plannina TRCrt appreciates the Province's support Tor conservation and environmuntal planning and the Province's intention to ..urk ..ith maniuipalitiza and stakehuldera to improve the delivery of the mandate of CAS. As indicated above, TRCA delivers a broad range of programs and services in fulfilling oar mandate ander the CA Act, which contribute to many of the otijeLtives anti actions identified in the Plan. i RCr% is Mutfi a proponent oT EH s anti a reviewer of EA's. We would highly welcome tfte opportunity to remain engaged and ..ork collaboratively with the Province and other stakehuldura to cuntinuuaaly i ..prove uur programs and services, and ensure that an appropriate level of funding and resoorc=s is in place to sustain them moving forward. We will be ativancing an amendment to the Conservation ratnorhy parent Class EH tiocament to recognize the need Tor more integrateti project delivery in our jurisdiction. TRCA would also like to be engaged as the Province looks to modernize Ontario's environmental assessment process as the review of environmental assessments is an integral part aT our work at the i RCr,. Rucummundation 5.3: TRCA would like to ettgagc farther to support the Province in delivering the mandate and objectives of CAs as set out in the Conservation Autnarides Act and in modernizing vntar!Ws Environmental Assessment processes. Pay ka and Forests TRCA is improving and expanding trail systems across uar area of juristiicdon. vve nave improver public access to greenspace by acquiring nearly r00 acres of new public greenspacu and partnerea wkM government agencies, municipalitioa and NGOs to formalize over 800 km of the ugional trail system throughout uarjariadictiun. In addition, TRCA has developed a Regional Trail Strategy to guide our work with partners to develop a 1,100 -km network of regional trails that will create upportanities fur people thrugnout the Greater i oronto region to explore and enjoy natural greenspace. In z'u i r, i RCN rarks and Culture facilities attrautud over 1 milliun visito s to experience naturu and cultural heritage. Cvnsurvatiun Authority operated recreation infraatractare adds immense economic (toarism) and public health value to the residents of Ontario. Currently with population growth in the Greater Goluen Aorsesltae, tRese important assets are facing pressures and challenges. Provincial inveatm;�nt in theau assets is critical. Recommendation 5.4: TRCA would like to work with the Province and otner partners to explore innovative investment opportunities reiatea to our Regional Trails Strategy and Destinations to support the continued growth of and unhanued access to the parka and trailer infaatraotare network. in the Greater Gulden Hurseshoe Region; Species Protection i RCr will soon complete our invasive species strategy to atrategivally addn34,a the growing threat of if vaaivu apude5 in a ban and near ban areas. A regio ally coordinated approach to invasive species detectiu , and management will be the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve meaningful gains. Similarly, a coordinateti approacn to species-at-rislt mat includes a holistic view of the natural system will acnieve greater benefits to ecological Gvmmuunitius and ..ildlifu, including species -at -risk. Wu ..uuld vvelzzmu the atrangthaning of this autiun area to include commitment to the timely uumpletiun of Species Recovery Plans. Recommendation 6.6: TRCA reuvmmendo that this area of the Environment Plan be strengthenad to include a commitment to the timely completion of Species Recovery Plans. 6. Next Stena Imy.Izv"wmtat u" TRCA would like to be farther engaged with the Province as the proposed Environment Plan is finalizes anti impiementeti. CAC already warK in many areas of the Plan and are uniquely positioned to enable local networks to enrich the unyage... unt and u cwdination -f environmental protEction and atewardahip. Additionally, TRCA offer a range of climate change expertise which can be leveraged through the p oposed advisory panel on climate change to support implementation and farther development of climate cRange actions. r Manit you once again Tor the opportunity to provide comments on this important initiative. Should you have any gnestion3, '—�yairu clarification, ur wish to meet to discuss any uf the abuive remarks, pluaau contact the andersigned. Sincerely, W— I aoMn Macitenzie, I�sc.�Plt, WICir, RPP Chief Executive Offizzr BY E-MAIL VV. Niek Sacuune, Senior Director, Restoration and Infrastructure %Manara ;Aarma, DireMar, vvatersRed Strategies Carolyn Wuoland, Suniur Director, Planning and Development Darryl Gray, Di actor, Education, Training and Outreach Derek Edwards, Director, Parks and Culture 10 Attachment 3 - Response to Request for Comments — Consultation: Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario (ERO #013-4190) oronto and Region Conservation Authority January 25, 2019 BY E-MAIL ONLY (housing.supplyCo.ontario.ca) Rachel Simeon Director, Market Housing Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay St., 141 Floor Toronto. ON MSG 1Z3 Dear Ms. Simeon: Re: Response to Request for Comments Consultation: Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario (ERO #013-4190) Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's public consultation on "Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario", which requests input based on five themes: 1. Speed: It takes too long for development projects to get approved. 2. Mix: There are too many restrictions on what can be built to get the right mix of housing where it is needed. 3. Cost: Development costs are too high because of high land prices and government -imposed fees and charges. 4. Rent: It is too hard to be a landlord in Ontario, and tenants need to be protected. 5. Innovation: Other concerns, opportunities and innovations to increase housing supply. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has an ongoing interest in residential development processes given our experience and roles as: • A regulator under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act; • A public commenting body under the Planning Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, • A resource management agency operating on a local watershed basis; • A body with delegated authority in plan review to represent the provincial interest for natural hazards; • One of the largest landowners (18,000 hectares) in the Toronto region; and • A source protection authority under the Clean Water Act. Informed by TRCA's experience in the planning and development process, this submission focuses primarily on opportunities and recommended actions related to consultation themes 1 and 5 noted above, which would contribute to positive outcomes for the Province's housing objectives. Balancing land use needs TRCA supports the messages in the consultation document, "Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario," that creating more housing will help make home ownership and renting more affordable and give people more choice. We also agree with the statements in the document that describe housing as one of many competing interests for land in the urban areas of Ontario and that rules and processes exist Tel 416.661 6600, 1.888 872 2344 1 Fax. 416.661.6898 1 info@trca.on.ca 1 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON M3N t S4 Member o/ Cone.ron wio www.trea.on.ea Ms. Simeon Page z of 5 January 25 2019 to ensure the Mwaaltfi and satwxy ut residents, prutect environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, and suppuft euvnumic development and a vibrant agricultural sector. TMc ouuument goes un to state that various regulatory requirements ana approvals were esta6lisRed to serve specific public interests, policy objertives ur yuves nment goals; and that ettofts to streamline these requirements need to Balance- these multiple goals. Indeed, balancing these interests, ujlS cZives and yuals is an exercise that TRCA undertakes on a regular basis in file rules outlined a6uve. I RGA`s jurisdiction is the most highly urbanized, rapidly inten5iryingg ana redeveloping uity-region in the Province. As a result, TRCA expertise ana experience is in addressing the integration of key pruvincial puliuy priurities such as: 1) Protecting people, prupcRy ana intrastrdcture Crum the natural hazards of flooding and erosion ana Tur prut sting ana resturing the natural environment, and, 2) The need for residential growthiMuusing supply and the substantial infrastructure projects to service yruwtn. I RCA twcvgnizes Vie importance of efficiency, certainty, transparency and accuunta6ility in the development and infrastructure review prucesses, su that quality housing supply can be brought to market i a timely and envirunmeiaally sustainable manner. Front load the process for mur ceftainty and innuvation ultimately, the aavisuty and rgulatuy responsibilities of conservation authorities in the acvelupment pruuess are not about slowing or preventing development ana all its attendant ecunumic Benefits. Rather, they are about good environmcntal planning wnicn includes the municipality; the conservation authority and the deveiupment inaustiy taking a comprehensive, creative and collaborative appruacfi early in the process. I RCA rinds that when these efforts to compile all rcqui ea inturmatiun to make decisions are made early and done well, it leads to innuvative urban aesigns that result in shouter review times and mine timely appruvals ana oust reauutiuns in the short and long term for all staRcRulders. I Rib colle6urative approach, which includes provision of high quality in apprupriata turmats information at the front end of the develupment pruucss, alsu helps to avuia appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribonai thus avuiainyy aelays, uvsts, and uncertainty associated with these appeal prucosses. overall, more effort upfront in the planning process to cuurdinate ana prujetl manage cumplete applications taking into account public agency inturmatiun requirrmer�ts provides greater clarity, more certainty, uppurtunitics Tor innuvatiun, and better enables timely approvals of residential develupment and its suppuffing intiastructurr. TRCA exercibes all ut its rules ana responsibilities in the planning and development process in auuu aanue with the Province's "Policies and Procedures for Conservation Autnurity Plan Review ana Permitting Activities" (2010). TRCA regulates development in ur near valleylands, rivers: streams: flood plains, wetlands and the [aRe untariu sNureline in accurdance with section 28 of the CunScrtrtiun AafTlvn&vS Act. Further, where applications for new residential develupment anavor servicing tall within TRCA regulated areas, TRCA works with 6utM private and pu6liu prupunertits to r. r facilitate sustainable development and infrastructure that ib adequately set back and protected from natural hazards andrur Crum envirunmeiaally sensitive areas. we also work with our provincial and municipal partners to seek oppoRunities fvr remedi-atiun arra restoration to reduce risk and increase resiliency weer cumprhensive reaevelupnrenvcummunity revitalization is prupusaa that incluaes areas or historical residential development within the flood Razara. In this way, increased Housing supply is facilitated while risk is reduced and provincial ana municipal policies for public safety and environmental prutaction are upheld. The natural resources that i RCA is chargea with prutectiny under the (xnsGt vaticin Aatnonties Act evnvey many benefits to humans - these "ecosystem services" of nature become that much mure important when housing is increasing/urban areas are expanding ana intensiryiny - clean air, water, retention of storm and flood water, yreenspace ana triis tvr reureatiun and mental health. I he provincial policy framework in Ontario clearly sets out what is impvRant to prutect and manage in the context of development and redavelupment adjacent to dynamic natural systems. Policies in the Pruvineiai Pvlicy Statement (PP5) and the Provincial Plans on natural Hazards; natural heritage and water management direct municipalities on where and how to grow. In addition, the PPS guides lana use planning to serve the public interest ana aclivci devaiupmern that balances economic, environmental and sv6ai ubjevtives. Jucn clarity should be maintained and strengthened in upcoming reviews in order to provide certainty to all stakeholders in the development and infrastructure planning processes. TRCA's own policy document, "i He riving city Policies (2u14) is consistent with the provincial frmewvrk in its policy intent and suppuffing technical guidelines. In addition to describing all of I RCA's rules in the planning process as listed above, the document directs stair participating in the review of applications under the Planning Act ana the tnvironmental Assaswment Act. Adhere to the Living City pulicias helps to ensure that the applicant and municipal planning authority are aware of the sectiun 28 Regulation permitting requirements under the Conservation Aafhurities Act, wnere applicable: and assists in the coordination of thase applicatiunb to avoid aml5iyoity, cuntlict and unnecessary delay yr aoplieatiun in the process. Faffner, i RCA wurKs routinely with provincial agencies, (e.g., Nletrolinx) utilities (e.g., Enbria-ya) and other public infrastructure providers: which may be exempt from i RUA's sactivn 28 Regulation, to achieve shared objectives for Sustainable int, astructure planning that suppufts growth in the re5iaantlal seutui. Uther measures that support streamlined review processes and limit rc-su6mi5siun5 are i RCA's ongoing pre -consultation and training effvrts to eaucate applicants that incluae: ■ regular meetings with municipal staff to "triage" applications that are panainy agency circulation: IF for residential and all types of development and servicing, TRCA has technical guiaance documents to assist proponents in the applicativn prvice55, tv stype reviews and expedite timelines while ensuring pulicy and regulatory compliance; IM*. 5imeon Paae 4 of 6 January zs z0i9 • I RCA-laaa staRehulder worRshups on application requirements and technical guideline twining to assist proponents in preparing their submissions; ■ where there are minor residential works affecting natural hazards or natural featuras, 1 RCA has a number of streamlining initiatives in place such as staff delegated appruval vT permits. 7 he governance model of conservation aathvritias as waterbed-6asea jaiisdictiuns facilitates coordination of lucal teuRnical expertise to inform municipal decision making. The leadership of our municipal partners has ei gabled innovation in climate change research, strategies and tuumnical guidance tools that help solve block and site plan desiy cAalltingges within resiaential developments affected by dynamic natural bystems. I RCA recognizes that in Ontario: the permitting and appruvwl process Tor devOupment can Be lengthy and complex. To avoid redunaancy in reviews under the Planning Act and environmental Assessment AZ, i RCA and its member municipalities have developed memorandums of understwnaingg (Muus) and service delivery agreements (SDAs) to establish review roles at id teuhnival clearance responsibilities for conservation authvritias wimin Vic moniuipalitiets' waterheds (e.g.s, Durham Region has an Pluu with I RCA and its four other conservation authorities to improve efficiency ana pruucss certainty tur development approvals. Metrolinx and TRCA have an SDA setting out I RCA areas of review and timing for Metrolinx undcrtaRinys). In some cases, overiappingg raview rules still exist. Fur example, in the Greater Toronto Area, sturmwatcr management plans for development are reviewed and approved by tele local municipality (owner and operator); the conservation authority (watershaa manager) and the Minisby of the Environment, Conservation ana rarRs (Environmental Cumpliance Approvals). t here may be an uppununity to streamline approvals and allow for more housing to reach the market faster wRile not uumpromising public safety (from natural hazards) and the envirunment. utmer upponunities to more efficiently streamline approvals and review in the Li I AR exist with work conducted by the Ministry of Natural Rescue ccs ana Fcrestiy (MIQRF) and cunservation authorities. TRCA suggests that further leveaging ut conservation authority expertise in natural resource management for aevelupment and intrastructure, where capacity exists. In light of all of the abvvo, the rulluwing are recommended actions and opportunities the Province weld pulSue to achieve their housing objectives. Proactive Plannin • Maintain the natural heritage, natural hazard and water management puiicies or the Provincial Policy Statement and tha Pruvinuial Plans as critical lana use provisions fur the development uT sate, healthy and affordable communities. • Invest in proactive sub -watershed work early in the planning process. I his would include a compru-Mcnsive assessment vT mural hazards, stormwater management and vverali master planning lead by the municipality and supported by the consorvatiun authority. This would go a long way to accelerating strategic; idemiricatiur at areas that could accommodate mire housing. Ms. Simeon Paue 5 of 6 i anuary z zuly As paR of cumpieBenaive zoning By-law updates, municipalities could pre -zone for the appropriate development types in Major Transit Station Areas, urBan uruwth Centres: major corridors, etc. with pre-defrnad, nun-neyvtiaBle natural Heritage systems with apprupriatc Burns. FluwevEr, this would need to be done strategically with adequate ii formation acquired in the front end of the planning pruc;ass to Better inform where development should be located and haw it is to Be designed, (e.g., stormwater management malar planning and u,mprfiensive Hood risk assessments to ensure no impact to existing downstream development). It would also be neeessal y for the Province to provide adequate funding to municipalities tur scwcr, water, and transit infrastructure in pre -zoned areas. conservation authorities, municipalities and developers cuald work more closely in the development of site plans by participating in uprront evllaBurative approaches that bring expartisa Tram all approval authorities together. THIS would assist the development indushy in attaining certainty around what is required tur a L;umplcte application while allowing for new and i inuvarve approaches to Be implemented. one such example is the revitalization of the Black Creek corridor at Jane Street and Fliyhway t in the City of Vaughan as a precursor to the Vaughan Metropolitan centre arBan growth area. City -facilitated urban design wurkshupstcharsttcs with public agencies and landowner culiaBuratipigg un urBan desiyn resolution resulted in a "win- win" Tor tfic envirunmem and develunment Undertake a review of Spewai Policy Areas and utner flood vulnerable areas that are in need of rvitalization, tnc purpose for implementing remedial capital works to reduce lands impacted by natural hazards such as flooding. I his may allow tar new growth areas in existing urban buundarica that did nut exist Bcture. I RCA Has experience wurRiny with smRehulders in the planning and environmental assessment pivicesses tar innovative technical solutions for development and sac design in rluud vulnerable areas where appropriate, (e.g., Lower Dun Rcaevelupment, Downtown Brampton Revitalization). Undertake a review of what built heritage assets owned By i RCA cudld Be adaptively re -used with support of community, government and inddstry partners to support Housing. I RCA Has worked with community organizations including 360 kids to help Mouse at risK youth in Markham in TRCA assets. streamlining and Delegation I ranster the review of Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECA) along with associated resources fui sturmwatar management under the Ontario water Resopfues AE;f to conservation authorities that have the expertise in place and that have completed watershed plans with set stormwater management targets to ensure provincial interests ars pruizaca. Currently, ECAs can take up to one year: whereas cunscrIvation authority approval times could Be achieved in 60 to 90 days. Ms. Simeon Page 6 m b January 25 2019 Streamline provincial environmental approvals By Maviny conservation authorities (CAs) with expertise and capacity play a larger role in undertaking wetland cvaluatluns and approvals, and staking of provincially significant wetlanab. I Fiese wetland evaluations involve MNRF but they are typically ona6le to respond within the tim-afrmc regaestea By the Building industry. GAS could also expand their rule in wiialite management By administering fisheries timing wiiiauwb and Wildlife collection permits; which are currently IengtRy prueesses that can impact the timing of housing prujects. In addition, CAs wala play a role in the application of the Fnaangared Species Act, which could include habitat delineatiun, permit negotiation and issuance: timing window applicatiun and uverall Sunetit Permit planning and implementation. MECP Rewras yr Site Cunditiun (KSC), Site -Specific Risk Assessments (SSRA) and issuance ut Certificates of Property Use (CPU) can take year to wmplete. using technical resources from cun�vrvatiun authorities during the review process may be an uppurtanity to streamline these approvals. Deieyate wmprefiensive updates of MMRF Technical Guidelines fur natural hazards (2001) to conservation authorities 6abea un uar technical expeffise in flood and erosion risk del6eeatiun aria mapping. I RCA has wurked with MNRF and MOECP start in the past to inturm the Province's work on updates to te�nnical yaiaance tur implementation of provincial policies. ThanR yua unue again Tur the uppoffanity to provide comments on this imputfant initiative. I RCA would Be pleased to discuss these and other opportunities Tur enhancing certainty and efficiencies in the residential development and infrstruuture review prucesses where conservation authorities are concerned. SMuula you have any questiuns, require claritication, or wish to meet to ais,.uss any uT the a5uve remarks, please contact the undersigned. Sincerely, John MacKenzie, IOI.Sc.(Pi), NICIP, RrP Chict Executive Utticer 6Y E-MAIL V V. TRCA: Carolyn Woodland, Seniur Director, rlanning and Development IgiuR Jaccune, Seniur Director, Restoration and Infrastructure Chandra Sharma; Director, Watershed Strategies Laurie Nelson, Asbuciatc Direutur, Planning and Policy Sameer Oalla, Associate Director, Engineering Services TERMINATION ON MOTION from Jade Schofield, the meeting terminated at 8:30 p.m., on Wednesday, February 13`h, 2019. Jennifer Drake Vice -Chair /jm Chandra Sharma Director, Community Engagement and Outreach Division