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Home My WebLink AboutWater and Related Land Management Advisory Board Appendices 1988 WR.' THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PROJECT FOR FLOOD PROTECTION DIXIE/DUNDAS STREETS DAMAGE CENTRE LITTLE ETOBICOKE CREEK, CITY OF MISSISSAUGA REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL Approved at Authority Meeting #2/88 Resolution No. 40 March 25, 1988 .~ wR..~ Contents of Brief Page Purpose Location and Description History of Flooding Property Requirements Costs and Financing Approvals .- WR.3 - 1 - PURPOSE The purpose of this project is to permit The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to exercise the powers afforded by The Conservation Authorities Act R S 0 1970, Chap 78 as amended to establish and undertake in the area over which it has jurisdiction, a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in accordance with the Flood Control Program of the WaterShed Plan The purpose of this project is to meet one of the defined objectives of the Flood Control Program which is "To provide in defined flood damage centres, on a priority basis, protection that will reduce the risk of flooding to less than 50% over the life (100 years) of the affected structure( s) Protection to a higher level will be provided if economically and/or socially justified The achievement of this objective in the Dixie/Dundas Damage Centres on the Little Etobicoke Creek in Mississauga will also achieve the goal of the Authority's Flood Control Program which is defined in the Authority's Watershed Plan as "To undertake a comprehensive program of Flood Control Designed to Prevent, Eliminate, or Reduce the Risk of Hazard to Life and Property, while cognizant of the Natural Attributes of the Valley System" Through this project, The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will implement a combination of dyke and channel improvements along the Little Etobicoke Creek east and west of Dixie Road in the City of Mississauga The works which are proposed in two phases will result in the reduction of flood hazard to the community This project will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of The Environmental Assessment Act WR. '+ - 2 - LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION In the development of the Flood Control Program for the Watershed Plan, the Authority identified those areas of development concentrations within the floodplain which formed integral parts of existing communities These areas were defined as Damage Centres and inherent in the definition is a susceptibility to flooding to the extent where potential damages and community disruption are significant Based on a ranking of such factors as expected damage, threat to life, disruption of transportation routes, etc , the Damage Centres were ranked on a priority basis in order that the Authority could achieve its objective of providing flood protective works to these flood vulnerable areas in a sequence based on degree of hazard The Authority following a re-priorization of its Damage Centres in Octobr of 1987 moved the Dixie/Dundas Streets Damage Centre from No 20 to the No 10 priority for flood protection works The increase in priority was due to flooding being experienced in July of 1987 at levels lower than previously anticipated (see History of Flooding Section) At the time of the flooding in 1987, the City of Mississauga in conjunction with the Authority were undertaking a study of the Little Etobicoke Creek from its confluence with the Etobicoke Creek to Eglinton Avenue (see Fig 1 1) This study was investigating both erosion and flood susceptible areas along the Little Etobicoke Creek Included in the study was the Damage Centre at Dixie and Dundas Streets. The present cause of flooding within the Damage Centre is due to flows overtopping the dykes, both east and west of Dixie Road spilling south into the developed areas East of Dixie Road, the land use within the spill area is primarily commercial West of Dixie Road the spill affects both commercial and residential properties The level of flood protection to be provided to a damage centre as defined within the Flood Control Program of the Authority's Watershed Plan is a minimum of the 150 year flood level, or higher if justified The investigation of alternative works for the Damage Centre indicates both a technical and economic justification to go to a higher level of protection In fact following discussions with the City of Mississauga, Regional flood level protection was justifiable in this case due to economics and the social implications within the communi ty . In order to provide Regional flood level protection to the Dixie/Dundas Damage Centre along the Little Etobicoke Creek, several different types of works are required The project has been separated into two phases with the first phase being works to decrease the immediate threat of flooding to the residential properties west of Dixie Road The second phase of the works is designed to work in conjunction with those constructed in the first phase to afford total regional protection I I t I I I CITY OF MISSISSAUGA , i I I LITTLE ETOBICOKE CREEK FLOOD AND EROSION CONTROL STUDY SCALE STUDY AREA LOCATION PLAN o K II..OME TEAS 1 2 CUMMING COCKBURN LIMITED [ FIGURE 11 A> U) WR. b - 3 - The phase one works will incorporate the construction of emergency overflows works at each of the footbridges located west of Dixie Road These overfl ow works will help to reduce the constriction to flow presented by the footbridges Along with the overflows, the existing dyke located along the south side of the watercourse will be raised and re-graded to increase its level of protection These works along with a general clean out of the watercourse will provide an immediate increase in the level of protection against flooding west of Dixie Road (see Fig 1 2) The second phase of works will involve some dyking extension east of Dixie Road along with a channelization of the Little Etobicoke Creek from approximately 400m east of Dixie Road to approximately 400m west of Dixie Road, where a drop structure will be constructed to return to the existing channel invert In addition, local flood protection works to protect the building known as "The Brick Warehouse" on Dundas Street will be provided if agreement can be reached with the owners The combination of works to be constructed as phase one and two of this project will result in Regional flood level protection being afforded to the Dixie/Dundas damage centre on the Little Etobicoke Creek in the City of Mississauga . ~ - 4 - Wf<.7 HISTORY OF FLOODING Prior to July 9, 1987, only minor flooding had been reported along the Little Etobicoke Creek west of Dixie Road Sections of the City of Mississauga's dyke had overtopped by a few inches for only brief periods resulting in minor flooding of a parking lot behind 1435 Queen Frederika Drive No flooding of lands east of Dixie Road aside from the Brick Furniture Store at Dundas have been reported On July 9, 1987 a severe local thunderstorm resulted in a flash flood occurring along the Little Etobicoke Creek The dyke west of Dixie Road was overtopped along an extensive length and in fact outflanked at its western terminus Flood waters from the Little Etobicoke Creek spilled out around the apartment building at 1435 Queen Frederika Drive and onto the street The spill waters mixed with waters surcharging from the storm sewers along the streets and flowed south along Queen Frederika to Dundas Street resulting in Dundas Street being closed for several hours Damages resulting from the flood were extensive to automobiles in the parking lot behind the apartment building and flooded basements due to sewer surcharging .- c 7\.) oQ 100 OOO~ t - 1M i -TOPO"'L .-.....P _100 ~ - I I ~ '"~,\ 'ILL '--- ----- f1UI. CLOT" -,- I soo ___.- TOPSOIL. ...,.."..,. ~OO \ 011I O...ION ....T __ -c....'-- 'Il'."l , . , . , , , I . I~ . I 0 0 . .. OJ M Section A .. I - t ....., -- I '''''''-- ---"'''''-'"'(,~ , , CUT I I , , , I , . I 0 , , . . 0 II .. . I Section B llGl:tIO ~::JJi~NElg~~~~\~~~:K FLOOD AND I ' BASf MNi' PRODUCED fROM . 2000 SCAlE TQPOGAAPt1IC MAPPING SlA'f'\.ItO 8Y ,HI: cny 01 l18SS1SSAuGA ENGINEERING [!!] STRUCTURES INIII1tflC.'I0111 1iIU_IR WORKS ANO PL"""" DEfllUnMENf .NO AEPAESl"'S ~ A(RIAl. PHO'OCiAAPtty PROPOSED flOOD MITIGATIVE SCHEMES I O.m.ge Cent,e No.2 I CU....,NG COCKBURN LI..ITED f IGURf 1 - 5 - WR.9 PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS All but one of the properties required for this project to be implemented are under the ownership of the City of Mississauga Therefore, no additional lands are anticipated to be required in order to complete the flood control project with the exception of lands at "The Brick Warehouse" to accommodate the local flood protection works required in that location - wR 10 - 6 - COSTS AND FINANCING The expenditures required to implement this project shall be understood to include engineering and geotechnical studies, site supervision, environmental assessment and all materials, labour, equipment, etc , associated with the construction Costs PHASE I (WEST OF DIXIE ROAD) Site preparation and restoration S 10,000 Earth works along dyke S 5,500 Emergency overflows at footbridges S 36,500 Sodding/seeding $ 3,000 Contingencies $ 10,000 Engineering (both Phases) S 85,000 Total S150,OOO PHASE II (EAST OF DIXIE AND CHANNEL) Site preparation and restoration S 33,000 Dyking at Dylex Property S 30,500 Dyking at Sedlescom Drive $ 28,000 Diversion S 50,000 Channel east of Dixie $367,700 Channel west of Dixie $440,800 Total S950,000 Financing This project will be funded as follows 1989 (Phase l) 1990 (Phase 2) Total Province of Ontario $ 82,500 $522,500 S 605,000 ~ Regional Municipality of Peel $ 67,500 $427,500 S 495,000 Total $150,000 S950,OOO $1,100,000 The Regional Municipality of Peel is designated as the benefiting municipality to raise the Authority's share of the cost of the work being 45t of the total It is understood that the Region of Peel may wish to raise its share from the City of Mississauga and the Authority will provide any necessary supporting information which the Region of Peel or the City of Mississauga may require LOR, I J THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY EQUIPMENT RENTAL QUOTATIONS 1988 INR l;:t EQUIPMENT RENTAL QUOTATIONS 1 988 HOURLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE AMBLER-COURTNEY LIMITED Bulldozers J D 455 Dozer 6 way blade 53 00 D-31 Komatsu Dozer 6 way blade, 80 h P 58 00 D-6 Cat Dozer Angle blade 75 00 D-6 Cat Dozer L G P , wide pad, straight and tilt 85 00 D-7 Cat Dozer 85 00 D-8 Cat Dozer 105 00 D-8 Cat Dozer & Ripper 126 00 Front End Loaders Cat Loader 920 R T or IT18 Tool Carrier 60 00 Cat Loader 950 R T 70 00 Cat Loader 953 Crawler 70 00 Cat Loader 966 R T 80 00 Cat Loader 977 Crawler 80 00 Motor Graders Grader Cat #14 60 00 Backhoes J D 450 Load/Hoe Crawler 53 00 J D 310 Load/Hoe (R T ) 53 00 J D 510 Load/Hoe (R T ) 55 00 J D 710 Load/Hoe (R T ) 55 00 Takeuchi TD 1200 Backhoe/Crawler (Mini) 1/2 c y 47 00 Cat 225 Backhoe Crawler, 1 1/4 c y 85 00 Cat 225 Backhoe Crawler, 2 - 2 1/2 c y 11 0 00 Cranes/Dragl ines Linkbelt LS 98A 40 Ton Crawler Lift Crane, 1 1/2 yd Dragline, Clam 85 00 Linkbelt LS108C 52 Ton Crawler Lift Crane, 1 1/12 yd Dragline, Clam 90 00 American 7250 60 Ton Crawler Lift Crane 95 00 American 7260 100 Ton Crawler Lift Crane 135 00 Linkbelt LS518 150 Ton Crawler Lift Crane 165 00 Bucyrus Erie, 38-B, Dragline, Clam, 2 c y 90 00 Manitowac #3600 Dragline, Clam 3 c y , 65 Ton 115 00 Manitowac #3900 Dragline, Clam 4 c y , 80 Ton 135 00 Gradall Gradall G-660 Crawler 85 00 Gradall G-660 R T 85 00 Gradall G-880 R T 90 00 Gradall G-880 Crawler 95 00 Gradall G-1000 Crawler 110 00 /2 lv R 13 - 2 - HOURLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE AMBLER-COURTNEY LIMITED (Continued) Compaction Equipment Compactor Cat 815 84 00 Compactor Dynapac CA25 (smooth drum) 68 00 Compactor Dynapac CA25 P D (pad drum) 68 00 Dump Trucks Dump Trucks Mack DM's 15 c y 42 00 Rock Truck Eucl i d 25 ton 48 00 Miscellaneous Attachments Buckets G-660 Exc or Asph $1050 OO/p m G-B80 Exc or Asph $1050 OO/p m G-1000 Exc or Asph $1050 OO/p m Rock Grapple 10 Ton $3600 OO/p m Dragline Buckets 1 1/4 c y $1050 OO/p m Dragline Buckets 1 1/2 c y $1575 OO/p m Dragline Buckets 2 c y $2100 OO/p m Dragline Buckets 3 c y $2625 OO/p m Dragline Buckets 4 c y $3675 OO/p m Note Teeth Not Included KAY EQUIPMENT Dozers Cat D8H. 90 00 In t ' 1 Harvester 500C 41 00 Track Loaders John Deere 455E 58 00 John Deere 555 58 00 Wheel Loaders Case Uniloader 1835 58 00 Avel ing Barford 125 58 00 Back Hoes Koehring 666 103 00 Cat 225 103 00 Komatsu 200LC3 103 00 Case 580C 53 00 Case 580B 53 00 Motor Scrapers Euclid S24(V12) 124 00 Dump Trucks Big Mac 25 Yd Box 59 00 TANDEMS 45 00 13 wI< 14 - 3 - HOU RLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE VIC PRIESTLY CONTRACTING LTD. Cat 426 Backhoe Extenda Hoe 41 00 IH 175 Crawler Loader 69 00 Linkbelt LS 4800 Excavator (equal to Cat 235 Excavator) 85 00 D6-C Dozer 60 75 84" Smooth Drum Roller 65 75 Caterpillar D8 H Dozer 88 00 Cat D 8 H Tractor & 14/18 Cu Yd Pull Scraper 93 00 Road Graders 54 00 International TD-7 Dozer with 6 way blade 48 00 Linkbelt 2650 120 50 Tandem Dump Trucks 42 25 Float Moves PER MACHINE 200 00 DON RISK EQUIPMENT LIMITED Wheel Loader Backhoes A) JCB 1400B 40 00 - 70 hp net - 1 yard loader bucket - 14 ft 6 in digging depth for backhoe _ 12", 18" & 24" buckets available B) Case 580 40 00 - 63 hp - 1 yard loader bucket - 14 ft 6 in digging depth for backhoe - 12" , 18" & 24" buckets available Wheel Loaders A) John Deere 544C 65 00 - 110 hp net - 2 1/2 yard loader bucket - 4 wheel drive articulated B) Case W4 Loader 35 00 - 40 hp net - 1/2 loader bucket - 4 wheel drive articulated Crawler Dozers A) John Deere 450D 40 00 - 67 hp net - 6 way blade Crawler Loaders A) John Deere 45D 40 00 - 67 hp net - 1 1/14 yard bucket Crawler Loader/Hoe A) John Deere 455D 45 00 - c/w 9300 Backhoe /4 Luf-( IS - 4 - HOURLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE PETREX CONTRACTING INC. Track Loaders 953B 70 00 955L 70 00 963B 80 00 977 L 80 00 Track Dozers D-3B 56 00 D-4B 60 00 D-5G 65 00 D-6H 80 00 D-7F 85 00 D-8H 95 00 Track Backhoe 215C (11/14) 85 00 225C (2 yd) 95 00 UH-123 (2 yd) 95 00 UH-181 (3 1/2) 125 00 229LC (2 1/2) 105 00 Tandem Trucks Macks (14 yd) 45 00 Rubber Tire Loader/Backhoe 580E 50 00 680E 53 00 Compaction-Pad Foot/Smooth Drum 66" hourly, weekly, monthly 84" hourly, weekly, monthly 815C Landfill compactor MARK O'CONNOR DISPOSAL DEMOLITION LTD. Volvo Dump Truck 65 00 #580 Backhoe 4x4 42 00 #580 R T B H 41 00 Warner Swayze 700 Hopto 75 00 UH-9 Hi tachi .Backhoe 75 00 #450 Case Dozer/6 Way Blade 42 00 D-31A Komatsu Dozer/6 Way Blade 45 00 D-53A Komatsu Dozer/12' Blade 55 00 D-6 Cat Dozer/Angle Bladew 62 00 #850 Cat Dozer 47 00 D-55S Komatsu Loader 54 00 D-57S Komatsu Loader 55 00 D-75S Komatsu Loader 62 00 W-209 Case Wheel Loader 55 00 #4400 Volvo Loader 58 00 #1150 B Case Loader 50 00 #1450 Case Loader 56 00 #977 Cat Loader 62 00 D-12 Cat Grader 60 00 Tandem Dump Trucks Plus 1 hr Travel 42 00 /5 A/t{ I ' (0 - 5 - HOURLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE DAGMAR CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Cranes FIOR CR 99 60 NWEST CR 127 06 Backhoes INS2 5 Hoe 172 50 INS3/4 HOE 88 15 LB7400 HOE 204 00 LB4800 HOE 122 10 LBR961 HOE 122 10 BANTAM HOE 71 05 MIT140 HOE 71 05 MIT450 HOE 148 20 BEN190 HOE 92 15 Gradalls GRAD880 136 70 GRAD800 136 70 Loaders CAT 941B 81 55 F-A 2 5TR 94 80 F-A 3 ORU 79 50 MICH175 142 25 MICH275B 189 50 Bulldozers 82-30 132 25 82-30B 175 30 82-40 175 30 CAT D9G 203 20 JD750B 84 40 CASE1450 100 00 CASEl150 84 40 CASE850 70 45 CASE450 59 45 BENATI 8 14 100 00 Trucks DUMP TR 82 05 BOOM TR 88 25 WATER TR 71 10 PICKUP 48 75 FLOAT 122 70 MACK DUMP 99 60 Graders GRADER L 84 10 GRADER 5 80 70 SHOULDER 3 15 /6 wR ''7 - 6 - HOU RLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE DAGMAR CONSTRUCTION LIMITED(Continued) Tractors F SWEEP 52 75 JD301A 57 60 CASE580 57 60 CASE580-4WD 59 90 CASE680 70 15 CASE780 70 15 BEN2000 71 40 Curb Machine CURB MACHINE 145 80 Compaction BOMAG (84 IN ) 45 10 BOMAG (26 IN ) 8 60 SF CAT 74 40 SF RAYGO 133 25 HYD PLATE 14 70 BOMAG (30 IN) 9 55 WACKER 4 60 MAN PLATE 3 75 Generator, etc GEN 1HP 4 05 GEN 9HP 7 90 GEN 200HP 13 40 COMPRESSOR (150CFM) 5 90 COMPRESSOR (215CFM) g 55 COMPRESSOR (325CFM) 14 20 Scrapers TEREX TS-18 164 75 A C SCRAPER 152 75 Miscellaneous CHAIN SAW (20 IN ) 3 90 ARC WELDER (300A) 7 70 CONC SAW (NO BLADES) 4 05 CONC VIBRATOR 2 85 2" PUMP 2 30 3" PUMP 4 10 4" PUMP 5 90 6" PUMP 8 60 ROCK BREAK (50000 FT) 43 82 /7 tp--IZ ' q I ~, - 7 - HOURLY MACHINE DESCRIPTION RATE SARTOR A SUSIN LTD 5800 EXTENDAHOE 41 50 955HCAT CRAWLER 46 75 955L CAT CRAWLER 52 50 D6J CAT DOZER 52 50 D6C CAT DOZER 54 00 HOPTO BACKHOE (211 & 550) 63 00 977L CAT CRAWLER 64 50 225 CAT BACKHOE 68 50 6644 KOEHRING BACKHOE 104 00 TANDEM TRUCK (S & S ) 38 50 TANDEM TRUCK (OUTSIDE FIRMS) 42 00 VOLVO 861 DUMP TRUCK 78 00 FLOAT MOVES ON D6C, HOPTO 211 & 550, 977L, 225, 6644 KOEH & VOLVO 160 00 FLOAT MOVES ON ALL OTHER EQUIPMENT 120 00 March 1, 1988 JDT/md DRAFT wR. 'Cf May 13, 1988 Our File No. 17201 Mr. Ian C. R. Brown General Manager The Toronto Harbour Commissioners 60 Harbour Street Toronto, Ontario M5J 1 B 7 Dear Mr. Brown, Re Discussion Paper Port Industrial Area Concept Plan The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority commends the Toronto Harbour Commissioners for the initiative of reviewing the future of the Port Industrial Area and developing a responsive Concept Plan which was released on April 5, 1988. The Authority, after reviewing the Port Industrial Area Concept Plan with your staff, provides the following comments for consideration by your Board in making the final decisions on the Concept Plan. 1. The Authority supports the Concept Plan in its redirection of the North Shore of the Outer Harbour from future port to primarily "open space". Your proposal emphasizes the need to extend the regional waterfront open space system along the north shore of the Outer Harbour from Ashbridges Bay/Tommy Thompson Park. 2. The Authority supports the excellent idea in the Concept Plan to extend the Don Roadway from the Don Valley to the waterfront park thereby providing excellent regional access to the public areas and realigned port facilities. The concept plan's open space link with the Don Valley natural system is fully supported. We would suggest that the same regional access and open space treatment be considered for the existing Leslie Street north of Tommy Thompson Park. 3. The Authority recommends that specific consideration be given to the provision of land base within the Cherry Beach Waterfront Park to accommodate the remaining member clubs of the Outer Harbour Sailing Federation which cannot be accommodated within the Authority's master plan for Tommy Thompson Park. /2. . . VJR. :JO - 2 - 4. In preparing your final concept plan, the Authority approved Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan - land configuration and future park uses should be incorporated. 5. The Authority suggests the Toronto Harbour Commissioners investigate further the concept of the Trans Lake Ferry facilities as it relates to water quality, additional harbour protection for safe mooring, views from Cherry Beach and buffering requirements with the adjacent Cherry Beach Waterfront Park. , The Authority appreciates the opportunity to participate in the review process of the Port Industrial Area Concept Plan and looks forward to assisting your agency in implementing the Concept Plan, particularly the extension to the regional waterfront park system - Cherry Beach Waterfront Park. Yours very truly, J. C. Mather, P. Eng. Director Water Resource Division LF/md wl<. cQ I THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY RURAL BEACHES STUDY 1987 ANNUAL REPORT INTRODUCTION Water quality impairment within the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's jurisdiction has been a growing problem for a number of years. Frequent closure of swimming beaches along the Toronto Waterfront in the early 1980's prompted extensive public interest and concern regarding the extent of bacterial pollution in the watersheds of this region While the Toronto Waterfront beach closures, and the significant urban sources of contamination causing them, have received the greatest attention, swimming beaches in the more rural portions of the Authority's jurisdiction have also experienced closures from bacterial pollution - The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE), in association with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), established a Provincial Rural Beaches program in 1986 to investigate bacterial pollution in rural Ontario and develop plans of action to achieve improved water quality The MTRCA submitted a proposal to the MOE in 1986, to investigate bacterial pollution within Centreville Creek, East Humber River, and Bruce Creek watersheds and mitlgate its impact upon downstream swimming areas (Figure 1). This is one of nine similar MOE-funded proJects ongoing in Southern Ontario. The second Annual Report describes the major activities undertaken between April 1, 1987 and March 31, 1988 This communication presents the general findings and progress of the Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Livestock Operator Survey, the Albion Hills Demonstration Project and the Information/Education program, and discusses future activities. 1987 PROGRESS The water quality monitoring network was established in 1986 to determine the extent of bacterial pollution occurring from livestock operations and other sources in the three study watersheds and its resultant impacts on conservation area swimming beaches. In 1987, many portions of these watercourses exhibited excessively high bacterial concentrations under both wet and qry weather conditions. Although the water sampling and field inventories to date suggest that agricultural activities contribute signficantly to bacterial pollution, it is clear that contributions from suburban centres, namely Oak Ridges, King City and Caledon East, are also important pollution sources. Efforts in 1988, will concentrate not only on attempting to conduct individual on-site evaluations of identified farms, but also on publicizing urban pollution problems as well. It should be emphasized that all personal contacts with livestock operators have been, and will continue to be, on a strictly voluntary and co-operative basis. The success of the project thus far is indicative of our ability to convey this message to the agricultural community. Many of the operators who will be contacted in 1988 have already co-operated in the livestock operation questionnaire which was personally administered to 40 livestock operators in the three study watersheds in 1987 The questionnaire was designed to obtain detailed information concerning manure management and storage practices, livestock access to watercourses and farmer perceptions regarding water pollution. The contact also provided an excellent opportunity to inform the agricultural community about the Rural Beaches Project and to open the lines of communication regarding water pollution and its control on the farm. In terms of water quality protection, none of the surveyed farms had adequate manure storage facilities. Of the 32 farms that stored manure, all had solid manure storages without retaining walls and only two operators made any attempt to collect and contain manure contaminated runoff. On 20 of the farms, livestock were allowed unlimited access to a watercourse. Of these farmers, only five wished to receive information on methods of limiting livestock access. V-jr< ~!l The information concerning farming practices appears to indicate that manure is not being treated as a potential water quality contaminant This is supported by the fact that 79% of the farmers interviewed felt that farming activities contributed to water pollution to a minor extent or not at all These results indicate that much work is required to promote a better understanding of the problems of manure pollution and the various reasonable, cost-effective means of reducing or controlling its effects Co-operation of the farm community must be achieved through education efforts that stress stewardship of resources as well as a concern for the continuance of a viable agricultural industry. 1988 ACTIVITIES A key component of the information/education effort is the Albion Hills Farm Demonstration Project The Rural Beaches Study proposes to improve and expand the existing education program at the Albion Hills Farm to provide a public demonstration site of typical farm pollution sources The project is intended to raise the awareness of the rural community to the importance of water quality issues and cost-effective remedial measures, as well as expanding the educational scope of the farm The problems on the farm have been identified and remedial measures have been designed in consultation with OMAF extension staff and the farm operator. proposed for the farm is a liquid swine manure storage, eavestroughing, berms and ditches to divert surface runoff, and a grassed waterway. In association with the remedial measures will be on-site signs and display boxes explaining the technique employed to reduce water pollution A major agricultural pollution display will also be established in the farm classroom The education role of the farm will be expanded beyond the school realm to encompass tours for special agricultural interest groups such as Junior Farmers, 4-H, and local Soil and Crop Improvement Associations. A Farm Tour Day and Open House is also planned during which farmers will be able to see the remedial measures first hand and learn about ways to reduce water pollution on their farms The primary tool to encourage farmer participation in pollution control activities is an intensive information and education program about agricultural diffuse source pollution; its nature, scope, location and what can be done effectively to cope with it. The Rural Beaches Project will continue to work closely with local OMAF agricultural engineers and representatives in providing the farming community with information regarding the range of OMAF services, publications and incentive programs available to them Future workshops such as the Rural Water Quality Information Day held on November 14, 1987, may be held focusing primarily on manure management practices to reduce water pollution as well as the more general information days The manure management photo display developed in the fall of 1987 was exhibited at the Kortright Centre for Conservation as well as at Peel Farm Week in February, 1988. Greater use of the display at this type of event is intended. As mentioned previously, bacterial contamination from suburban sources will also receive attention in 1988. Although details of the sampling design and the scope of this work have not been finalized, we anticipate that water sampling, ed ucating surburbanites to the role that they play in contributing to the problem (by not cleaning up after pets), and discussions with the towns will be included in the 1988 activities. CONCLUSION The Authority is greatly concerned about water quality issues within its jurisdiction and is committed to restoring and maintaining recreational water use wherever possible. The Authority greatly appreciates the Ministry of the Environment's support in furthering our knowledge of pollutant sources and mitigation measures within our jurisdiction and views the Rural Beaches project as a fine example of the type of committed, multi-agency approach required to address watershed concerns. wR.~S THB ~ROPOLITAN TORORTO AND RBGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY PROJBCT FILBS 1989 BUDGET PRBPARA~ION Water and Related Land Manage.ent Advisory Board June 24. 1988 " 1988 PROJECT FILE LISTS WI<. ~4- FLOOD CONTROL - MAJOR MAINTENANCE L oc a 1 Estimated Project File Title Watershed M u n i c i pal i ty Cost York Mills Channel Don River North York S 37,000 G Ross Lord Dam Line and Settlement Investigation Don River North York S 7,000 Claireville Dam - Water/Sewer Fuel Tank Upgrading Humber River Brampton S 20,000 Black Ck Channels Access Ramp Humber River North York S 10,000 - Black Ck Channels - Cleanout Humber River City of York S 46,000 Woodbridge Channels - Cleanout Humber River Town of Vaughan S 30,000 FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING Project File Title Computerized Flood Forecasting and Data Retrieval System S 30,000 Automated Water Level Sensing - Flood Control Dams S 7,500 FLOOD COITIOL - SURVEYS I STUDIES Local Estimated Project File Title Watershed Munfcipality Cost Bonnyview Drive Mfmfco Creek City of Etobfcoke S 20,000 Complete Aerial Photography S 32,000 - Data Base All Albion Road at West Hu.ber Humber River City of Etobfcoke S 25,000 " " I,..;)R. ~ S - FLOOD CONTROL - CAPITAL Local Estimated Project File Title Watershed Municipality Cost Metro Acquisition Project Not available at this time Keating Channel Don River City of Toronto S385,000 German Mills Creek Don River Town of Not available Richmond Hill at this time Hazard Land & Valley Land Acquisition All S200,000 Dixie/Dundas Damage Centre Etob1coke Ck Mississauga Sl,100 ,000 Kerrybrook Dr /Richmond St Don River Town of - Acquisition Richmond Hill S220,OOO Burnhamthorpe Rd - Acq Etobicoke Creek Mississauga S360,OOO Broda Drive - Acq Humber R fver Town of Vaughan S180,OOO Riverside Drive - Acq Duffi ns Creek Town of Pickering S200,OOO Albion Rd /Bankfield - Acq. Humber City of Etobicoke S300,OOO COMPREHENSIVE WATER BASIN STUDIES Estimated Project File Title Cost Rouge River Watershed Management Report S 15,000 Phase 1 Humber River, Urban Drainage Study $150,000 Duffin Creek Watershed S 50,000 ... F.D.R.P. - FLOODPLAIN MAPPIN' Estimated Project File Title Cost MTRCA Mapping Extension progra. $100,000 Mapping Update progra. S 20,000 Flood Damage Analysis Study for Metropolitan Toronto $150,000 Shoreline Mapping S 20,000 Fill Line Extension S 20,000 " " EROSIOI COITROL - CAPITAL BENEFITING WATERSHED/ ESTIMATED MUNICIPALITY PROJECT FILE TITLE LAKE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COST SPECIAL PROJECT - METRO Be 11 a.y Rav he Bellamy Ravine City of Scarborough $321,000 SPECIAL PROJECT Highland Ck. at Old Kingston Rd Highland Ck City of Scarborough $ 90,000 - METRO SUPPLEMENTARY Warden Woods Pk. Massey Creek City of North York $100,000 METRO - LAKE SHORE Fallingbrook Crescent Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 50,000 \ \ Kingsbury Crescent Lake Ontari 0 City of Scarborough $200,000 South Martne Drive Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $200,000 Fishleigh Drive Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $200,000 Guildwood Parkway Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $200,000 Sylvan (Phase II) Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 20,000 Sunnypoint Ber. Lake Ontario City of Scarbrough $ 50,000 Lakehurst/Rosetta McClain Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 80,000 $1 .000,000 Springbank - Acq. Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $150.000 11 Fenwood Hts. - Acq Lake Ontario City of Scarbrough $ 75,000 METRO - VALLEYLANDS Leslie Street & Steeles Don River City of North York $ 30.000 Lakeland Drive HUllber River City of Etobicoke $ 70,000 5201 Dufferin Street Don River City of North York $ 60,000 31-33 Cherryhill Avenue Centennial Ck City of Scarborough $ 38.000 Alder Road Don River City of North York $116,000 Car.el Court Don River City of North York $ 32,000 Forest Grove Drive Don River City of NorthYork $ 80,000 Saddletree Drive Don River City of North York $21.000 HUllber Valley Yacht Club Humber River City of Etobicoke $ 42.000 Creekwood Drive Highland Ck City of Scarborough $ 11 ,000 $ 500,000 Creekwood Drive Hi ghland Ck City of Scarborough $ 21,000 ~ ~ . I 1J i (f- c ~ ~ ~ EROSION COITROL - CAPITAL BENEFITING ESTIMATED MUNICIPALITY PROJECT FILE TITLE WATERSHED LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COST YORK Cachet Parkway Rouge River Town of Markham $ 20,000 1161 Hi ghway '21 Humber River Town of Vaughan $ 10,000 $30.000 PEEL King Street East -Bolton HUllber River Town of Caledon $ 21,000 Little Etobicoke Ck. - Site II Etobicoke Ck Mississauga $ 10,000 $30,000 Little Etobicoke Ck. - Site 12 Etobicoke Ck Mississauga $ 10,000 DURHAM Greenwood Conservation Area Duffin Creek Town of Ajax $ 20,000 $20,000 \\ Greenwood Conservation Area Duffin Creek Town of Ajax $ 17,000 5th Concession Duffin Creek Town of Ajax & Pickering$ 21,000 EROSIO. COITROL - MAJOR MAINTENANCE EST I MA IE 0 PROJECT FILE TITLE WA TE RSHED LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COST Crescentwood Revet.ent Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 70,000 Lower Hu.ber Channels Hu.ber River City of Etobicoke $ 37 .000 Lawrenc~ a Parkway Channels Don River City of NorthYork $ 50,000 EROSION COITROL - SURVEY AID STUDIES EST IMATED PROJECT FILE TITLE WA TERSHED LOCAL MUNCIPALITY COST Priorization Update & ALL $ 30,000 Environllental Inventories Sylvan Road (Phase II) Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 35,000 Grey Abbey Trail Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 35,000 Toronto Islands Lake Ontario City of Scarborough $ 35,000 SHORELIIE MAMAGEMEIT PLAMS - STUDIES EST I MA TE D PROJECT FILE TITLE WATERSHED LOCAL MUNICIPALITY COST Shoreline Manage.ent - Oata Base Lake Ontario - $ 30,000 Strategic Shoreline Manage.ent Lake Ontari 0 - $ 30,000 Eastern Beaches Lake Ontario City of Toronto $ 35,000 \\ ~ ~ . ~ I ~ WR,~, Conservation Services Project File To meet the objectives of the Conservation Land Management Program of the Watershed Plan, the Authority has prepared a Conservation Services Project File. The following activities are developed to provide resource management programs on private, municipal and Authority owned lands. 1989 PROJEX:T FILE ~smVATICIf SERVICES PROCJW1 EXPDIOI'l'URE REYiNUE NET EXPalOITURE TREE PLANTING~ATION CoMervation Planning 185,000 0 185,000 Plant Propagation 154,000 144,000 10,000 Tree Moving 3,000 3,000 0 Reforestation 37,000 3,500 33,500 Tree , Shrub 27,000 27,000 0 Resource Maintenance 50,000 0 50,000 Forest Management 120,000 20,000 100,000 TOTAL 576,000 197,500 378,500 SOIL CClfsmVATICIf/SEDIMDft' cxtITRCL Valleyland Rehabilitation 150,000 50,000 100,000 - Rouge River - Humber River - Etobicoke creek Hydroseeding 10,000 10,000 0 TOTIL 160,000 60,000 100,000 FISH/WILtt.lFE H>>WB4Dft' Fish Rearing - Glen Hilffy 10,000 0 10,000 Fish Hanaquent 6,000 0 6,000 urban Fishing 15,000 0 15,000 Nashville - Deer Control 3,000 0 3,000 TOTAL 34,000 0 34,000 " " OUTDOOR RECREATION W~. 30 Local Estimated ProJect rile Tltle MuniClpality Cost Col Sam Smlth - Landfilling City of Etoblcoke 5415,000 Tommy Thompson Park - Environmental City of Toronto 5 40,000 Assessment Hearing Tommy Thompson Park - Interim City of Toronto 5115,000 Management Program Co1 Sam Smlth - rinal Armouring City of Etobicoke 5300,000 Waterfront Environmental Studies 5 78,000 Etoblcoke Motel Strip - Environmental City of Etobicoke 5 50,000 Assessment/Master Plan Amendment - East POlnt - Phase I Launching Ramp City of Scarborough 5420,000 Basin/Landfilling Bluffers Toplands - Parking Lot/ City of Scarborough 5250,000 Servlcing/Grading/Landscaping Humber Bay - Final Armouring City of Etobicoke 5265,000 Ajax - Pathways Town of Ajax 5 50,000 Etobicoke Shoreline Protection City of Etobicoke 5 85,000 (Mimico Co-op) Metro W P C Plant - Class City of Toronto 5 30,000 Environmental Assessment Bluffers Park - Phase II Electrical City of Scarborough 5150,000 Improvements Ajax - Launching Ramp/Parking Lot Town of Ajax 5 70,000 (Rotary Park) Ajax - Site Lighting (Rotary Park) Town of Ajax 5 75,000 East Point - Parking Lot Paving City of Scarborough 5 50,000 Bluffers Park - Landscaping City of Scarborough 5 10,000 Col. Sam Smith - Site Servicing/ City of Etobicoke 5250,000 Phase I Etobicoke Shoreline - Legal/Survey City of Etobicoke 5 10,000 East Point - Site Lighting City of Scarborough 5 65,000 Ajax - Master Plan Amendment - Marina Town of Ajax 5 25,000 Coatsworth Cut - Navigation Dredging City of Toronto 5100,000 Coatsworth Cut - Grading/Landscaping City of Toronto 5 10,000 Bluffers Park - Pumping Station City of Scarborough 5 7,000 Capaci ty Study Col. Sam Smith - Model DeSign of City of Etobicoke $ 40,000 Breakwater/Entrance Col. Sam Smith - Storm Sewer/ City of Etobicoke $100,000 Treatment Facility Humber Bay - Grading/Landscap~g City of Etobicoke $ 40,000 $3,100,000 " lNlJ.. 2>1 Local Estlmated ProJect rile Title Municipality Cost Coatsworth Cut - ~ina1 ArMouring City of Toronto 5475,000 Humber Bay - Pathways City of Etobi~oke 5160,000 Etoblcoke Motel Strip - Landfil1ing City of Etobicoke 5200,000 Protection Tommy Thompson Park - Pathways City of Toronto 5180,000 Tommy Thompson Park - Site Servicing City of Toronto 5 45,000 Tommy Thompson Park - Parking City of Toronto 5 65,000 - Interpretive Centre Frenchman's Bay - Property Acquisition Town of Pickering $300,000 ~estern Beaches - Haster Plan City of Toronto $ 30,000 Humber Bay - Footbridge City of Etobicoke $240,000 Col Sam Smith - Phase I - Landscaping City of Etobicoke $ 20,000 East Point - Site Servicing Water/ City of Scarborough $ 55,000 Sanitary East Point - Grading City of Scarborough S 50,000 Col Sam Smith - Marina - Interior City of Etobicoke $115,000 Shoreline Treatment Ajax - Pickering Beach - Acquisition Town of Ajax $150,000 Tommy Thompson Park - Marsh Habitat City of Toronto $ 30,000 Studies Waterfront Fisheries Enhancement $ 15,000 East Point - Turf Establishment City of Scarborough $ 25,000 . ... ... w~. S2 THB MBTROPOLITAR TORONTO AND RBGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BHVIRORMBBTALLY SIGRIPICART ABBAS STODY (1982) Water and Related Land Manage.ent Advisory Board June 24, 1988 .. " to ({. ~3 ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS STUDY (1982) At the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board meeting 16/87, the folloving resolution vas adopted Res. 185 THAT the staff report on the Environmentally Significant Areas Study be received and appended as Schedule "A" of - these minutes; THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT the Toronto Field Naturalists receive a copy of the Environmentally Significant Areas Study (1982) and the staff report presented to the Advisory Board; AND THAT staff be advised to survey the municipalities to deteymine vhat action they have taken vith respect to the ESA information The report referred to in Resolution .85 vas in response to a recommendation made by the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board (14/87). In reply to the recommendation made by the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board, staff prepared the attached questionnaire regarding the ESA Study and requested all regional and local municipalities to review their Official Plan and complete the questionnaire Authority staff have received 12 answers from a total of 23 municipalities requested For those municipalities vho have not responded, enquiries have been made and municipal staff vill be forvarding replies For those municipalities that have responded, the attached chart indicates their ansvers In addition, the folloving summarizes the four (4) main questions and the municipal response 1 Have the ESA's been incorcorated into the Official Plan? ... Generally the Authority's ESA's are vi thin Open Space andlor Hazard Lands designation This occurs as the ESA study vas focussed on major valley systems, reflecting the Authority's vater-oriented mandate. Some municipalities have designated specific policy areas for ESA's (eg City of Brampton - Heart Lake) but this generally only occurred if there vere fey ESA's vithin a municipality, or if the municipality vas revieving their Official Plan after the ESA Study (1982) vas completed The majority of municipalities indicated they vould considered designating the ESA's in a category other than Open Space but only if specifically requested by HTRCA Some municipalities believed this vas unnecessary, and that the Open Space designation provided sufficient protection " W P.. "5lf- - 2 - 2 Have manaaement olans been oreoared for the ESA7 Other than the City of North York and the Town of Richmond Hill, no other municipality has prepared management plans for the ESA's they manage 3 Have any chanaes occurred to the ESA boundaries? Generally most municipalities were unaware of any changes to the boundaries of the ESA except the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Etobicoke who indicated some impacts from urban development and tree cutting 4 Have any ownershio chanaes occurred that would orovide increased orotection? Again, most municipalities were unaware of any changes with respect to ownership except the Town of Richmond Hill, Borough of East York and the City of Etobicoke who indicated ownership changes that should provide increased protection Staff have reviewed the responses received and the topic of ESA and their protection/management and provide the following comment While staff agree with the municipalities response that Open Space/Hazard Lands (Valley slopes and/or floodplains - HTRCA regulated) usually provides adequate protection to the ESA, there is a substantial number of ESA in non-regulated areas especially in the headwaters region and ill-defined valley situations Without some form of special designation/environmental protection zone which requires some additional environmental planning and protection, ESA in these areas have been and likely will continue to be adversely impacted The ESA Study (1982) suggested this option to municipalities but it would appear a direct request is necessary to achieve these designations Authority staff would be available to provide municipal staff technical information on ESA to conclude these designations Overall the response of the municipalities to the ESA study has been good The use of this document as a resource information tool in planning activities by municipal staff and consulting firms is obvious and the next st,ge for ESA is to provide additional protection/management " ESA QUESTIONNAIRE WR.3S We are interested in receiving information that would answer the following questions (i) Have any MTRCA's ESA's within your jurisdiction been incorporated into official plans or any other planning document? If so, which ones and how? (i i) Have any management plans been developed for the ESA? If so, which ones and by whom? . (Hi) Are you aware of any changes in the designated ESA that mayor has altered the boundary of the ESA? If so, which ones and how? ,'- ~ (iv) Are you aware of any ownership changes with repect to existing ESA's that would provide management protection? If so, which ones? " ... ESA QU(STI 0MNftI RE ~ ......................................................................................................................................................... . ~ : . ....1( I PAll Po' :~SPOMSE I "COIU'ORAfED ~ItENT ESfl ESfl : P.EtEl KD INTO ot"FlCIIll Pl."" BOUNDAR\' OWltERSHIP W . CYlto PLflNS PREPARED CHANGE: CHftHGE .~....................................................................................................................................................... 0- , . v I uN Of' 0URHft" \'€S HuT IHCORPOItflTEll INTO O.P. NO "0 NO COULD BE RECIlJ[SfED. l~ OF PI'~ERI"6 \'[S URfIftN ESA-ttAJOR OPE" SPACE NO NO NO kURftL ESA- pUf uF AJHI< : NO : : : ,; Il4N I1F ....1 D8E : YES : EI T'HEJt tMZMD LflIIrS OR NO NO NO . : EItl./JROtlttENTfL I'ItOfECrION ZONE ..........................................................................................................................................................' . : ...iO" OF vllw NO : 14" Of ftftR.-JttUt "0 : , : lei Of' WHUtHURtH--STOUf"FVI LlE NO : : '\ . lei .If RI ',")NO Hill vrs : T.... WILL RTTEflf'T TO INCLUDE 1M VES-PIONEER PARK , VES-ESA ~0.9OI91 YES-ESA 71 : SECOttDflRV P'LM tMII(R OPEN SPACE ESA 71(NEISTER PARK) UR8RN DEVElOPftEHT ONHED BY TOWIt 'lei Of- VftlJGHftN : V'S ........ T.lIUTflRY.UflU.[~.Oflk NO NO NO :RIDGES ~INE OPR.S : I ,,"SHI P OF ICUtG NO : : .................~,...................~................................................................................................................... hlON Of' PEEL NO . : . I'" OF "I ~I SSflUGA : NO . . : I'" OF """TO" YES HEART LftICE SPECI fL AREA NO NO NO 'WH OF CIllEOON NO ........................................................................................................................................................... : . TROPOllrAN TORONTO NO . : . . I I' Of' SCflle8OROUGH VES f1lIItAltILV HMIE 0PEJt SPACE DESI6HATJON : NO NO NO . ["",UIONItENTfL I~T ZONE ~:eIUGH Of' EflST YORI( VES HMIE NOT' BEO IHCOIlfUtArED NO NO YES IJOH VflLLEY SRICICVflIlD TY Uf NOR' H Yl>>:1C VES OESI6MATED VftLlEV OPEN SPAC[(VOS. \'€S-ESA 67 NO NO : WI LL BE REZONED Gll[EtaL T lOME : ".UWlfLIlfITON PR06Rfttl I I' OF YoRt:: YES : PUllLI C OPEN SPflC[ : NO 11(. NO I'" Of TORONTO NO I V OF [JOIII COKE VES ttOSTlY OPE" SPACE. ItftY8[ CS&lEJCEO n. : NO ~"INOR FllllM6 , ESA 10 TRftNSFERaEO INCLUSION Of' SPECIFI~ REFE TO UP REVIEN : TREE CUTTING ESA 9 TO "TReA FROK CITY .................................................................~...................................................................................... ~"SHIP OF RDJAlA NO .--...~............................................................................................................................~...................... llH":.HI P OF "IJHU Yf.~; EHVI RONtlEMTflL PROrEl.' I eIN ftJC[itS NO NO NO - - 'Oft. 37 TBB ~ROPOLITAH TORORTO AND RBGIOR CORSBRVATIOR AUTHORITY METRO PISBIRG WBBK aDd URSAR PISBBRIBS PROGRAM Water aDd Related LaDd MaDageaeDt Advisory Board JUDe 24, 1988 .. " WR.3~ METRO FISHING WEEK AND URBAN FISHERIES PROGRAM The third annual Metro Fishing Week will be held this year July lOth-17th, 1988 with a special day of fishing activities planned for July 10th, Metro Fishing Day Once again, local fishing clubs are volunteering their time to run contests, hold demonstrations and teach Metro residents how to fish or improve their skills Four (4 ) sites will be in operation this year Eglinton Flats Pond, Grenadier Pond, Rouge River Marsh and the Toronto Island Pond This project is a cooperative effort between the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources and Metro Parks and Property To open the week, local politicians will be taking part in a City Hall Cast-Off at Nathan Phillips Square, to be held at 12 00 noon on July 7, 1988 Mayors Tonks and Lastman as well as last year's winner Controller Dick O'Brien, among others, wi 11 cast-off against Chairman Flynn Chairman Foster, Parks Commissioner Bundy, and MNR Regional Director Holder will accept the Metro Fishing Week proclamation from Mr Flynn Metro Fishing Week is part of a larger urban fisheries program designed to increase awareness of local fishing opportunities and improve fish habitat conditions For the 1988-89 year this program is funded by MNR through the sport fishing licence dollars and is being run out of the Maple District office of MNR Highlights of this year's activities include the preparation of a long-term strategy for the program to define activities and roles of all involved agencies to ensure continuation of the program; partial funding of a proposal to build an underwater reef off the fishing pier at Humber Bay Park East has been granted by the Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows; a trial children's recreational fishing program will be undertaken this summer by the City of York at Eglinton Flats Pond; and several municipal! ties (eg Toronto, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill) have been seeking advice on fisheries development in their urban waters Creel survey results over the past three years (attached) of the program indicate that activities have been having a positive impact on the number of angler hours being spent at local fishing holes ~ " k)~. i31 THB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND RBGION CONSBRVA~ION AO~HORITY INS~ITO~ OF MARINB AND ~RRBS~RIAL BCOLOGY Water and Related Land Manageaent Advisory Board June 24, 1988 " " ~R ~O INSTITUTE OF MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY Trees for Today and Tomorrow is a program of the Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Ecology, a registered charitable organization, and will be undertaken in cooperation with the existing programs of the Ontario Ministry if Natural Resources and Conservation Authorities The program is directed by Aird Lewis and Charles Saurio1, each having long careers and experience in resource management affairs The objective of the program is to enhance the quality and productivity of private and public land in Southern Ontario ----.- This will be achieved by managing existing forest resources, reforestation, and stream improvement including sediment control and fish habitat rehabilitation The Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Ecology has asked the Authority to provide detailed proposals for several priority resource management projects to assist them in their fund raising campaign Financial contributions offered in support of these projects would be allocated to the MTRCA for implementation The Authority has prepared two proposals, namely the Humber River Project and the Elgin East Project located on the Rouge River The Humber River Project is a multi-disciplinary resource management proposal for a unit of the Humber River and its tributary, Centreville Creek The planning area extends northerly from bolton to Palgrave and westerly to Caledon East (Figure 1) These watercourses are considered high priority from a water quality perspective, particularly for fisheries management As well, potential for forest management, wildlife management and enhancement of recreational and educational opportunities is significant There are many advantages to this project The Authority owns 25 km of the river valley, thereby ensuring protection to this area from conflicting landuses Abundant background information is available for the area It is ranked as a high priority region by the MTRCA and MNR for fisheries management. The area lends itself to providing accessible recreational opportunities Beneficiaries to such a project include the Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Ecology, MTRCA, MNR, Town of Caledon, Ministry of the Environment, private landowners and special interest groups In brief, the Humber River Project~will highlight management activities including sediment control, fish and wildlife habitat improvement, public access improvement, forest management, resource monitoring, publicity and public participation in project implementation The Elgin East Project relates to the Elgin East Master Drainage Planning Area located in the Town of Richmond Hill This planning area represents an urbanizing section of the headwaters of the Rouge River System The Authority Stormwater Management Program in 1980 outlined the need for stormwater management methods in the development of new subdivisions and emphasized controlling stormwater runoff in upstream areas by storing and detaining runoff near its source As veIl, opportunities are available to maximize water related community benefits such as enhanced water quality, recreation, wildlife and open sp~e opportunities WR.4-1 ~ 2 - - One of the objectives of the Stormwater Management Program is to encourage the use of stormwater management facilities which are practical and beneficial and which take into account environmental and aesthetic considerations To accomplish this objective, the Authority prompts the use of natural channel design for watercourses The basic aim of natural channel design is to create a stream channel analogous to a configuration which would occur under natural conditions The Authority will be working with the Marine and Terrestrial Institute, the Town of Richmond Hill and the developers to develop watercourses in the Elgin East Master Drainage Planning Area that provide recreation, aesthetic, wildlife and, where possible, fisheries opportunities to the community ,. " WR. ,*-.2 . THB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY REPORT ON PROPOSAL BY SAVE TBB ROUGB VALLBY SYSTEM INC. FOR OBSIGNATION OF THE ROUGE VALLBY SYSTEM AS A CANADIAN BBRI'l'AGB PAR!{ by Alyson C. Deans, Planning and policy Co-ordinator . Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board July 14, 1988 ~R. 4-3 PROPOSAL BY SAVE THE ROUGE VALLEY SYSTEM INC FOR DESIGNATION OF THE ROUGE VALLEY SYSTEM AS A CANADIAN HERITAGE PARK At Meeting #3/88, the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board heard a presentation by Mr Glenn De Baeremaeker of Save the Rouge Valley System (S R V S ) and adopted the following resolution #39/88 "THAT staff be requested to prepare a comprehensive report on "Canadian Heritage Park" as proposed by the Save the Rouge valley System, for presentation at a future Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board meeting " S R V S has proposed the designation of the lower Rouge Valley, the area - known as Northeast Scarborough, the two main branches of the Rouge and Little Rouge, and the Bruce's Mill, Petticoat Creek and Milne Conservation Areas as a Canadian Heritage Park. A copy of their proposal is appended for reference. S R V S. has been an advocate for protection and preservation of the land s in the Rouge Watershed for a number of years. They have actively participated in reviewing development proposals, in carrying out research, in leading recreational and educational hikes, and in promoting the adoption of a comprehensive and co-ordinated watershed program for the Rouge The Authority has worked with S R.V.S. on a number of initiatives the development of recommendations to municipalities for the inclusion of policies regarding the "Conservation Aspects of Official Plans" (1976) the preparation of the "Metro valley Land Study" as background for the Metro Official Plan (1979) . the inclusion of local interest groups in the notification and attendance at Advisory Board Meetings (R D.H P ) . the identification of a preliminary data base for investigation and designation in the Environmentally Significant Areas Study ( 1982) the background to the Authority's Rouge River Study, currently in progress. S.R.V.S. has also sponsored the preparation of resource inventories and the development of management recommendations through student employment programs. The Authority has a number of programs and policies relevant to the current proposal. 1. Areas of flood hazard have been calculated and mapped on those sections of the watershed draining in excess of 1300 ha. All drainage areas greater than 125 ha. are of flood hazard concern to the Authority and a proponent would be required to prepare mapping, based on Authority criteria, should development be proposed prior to our extending our mapping. 2. An erosion impact zone has been identified along those mapped sections of the watercourse and registered as fill schedules to the Authority's regulation. 3. A comprehensive basin management study is currently in progress for the Rouge. This will be the model for similar studies of all Authority watersheds. ~ R. &f.~ 4 Conservation Land Management Program objectives for vegetation wildlife, fisheries, sediment control and water quality are im~ortant components of the comprehensive basin study The Authority has also designated 15 Environmentally Significant Areas in the Rouge Watershed 5. The Authority has designated as "suitable for acquisition" hazard and conservation lands along the Rouge. Authority-owned land is the basis for the Metropolitan parks system along the Rouge, including the Zoo A recent acquisition from the Ministry of Government Services has added the valleylands in the Northeast Scarborough area 6 In addition to the Authority's land contribution to the Metropolitan parks system, the Milne, Petticoat Creek and Bruce's Mill Conservation Areas offer major open space opportunities, on Authority land, within the Rouge system, outside Metropolitan Toronto. 7 The Lower Rouge and Petticoat Creek are included in the Authority's plans as waterfront parks and their development and use have recognized and had regard for environmental concerns. The proposal by S R V S would restrict development on lands well beyond those regulated by the Authority. A review of the watershed identifies where this would occur. (a) Lower Rouge and Petticoat Creek These lands are now largely in Authority ownership and are managed either by the Authority (petticoat Creek) or are under management agreement with Metropolitan Toronto There are some remaining conservation lands identified as "suitable for acquisition". It is not clear whether lands beyond those designated by the Authority are recommended for inclusion in the Park or whether these lands satisfy the concerns of S R.V.S. (b) Northeast Scarborough The lands in the proposed Park include not only the Rouge valley but also large blocks of tableland, well beyond Authority program requirements. This area reflects the "regional park" concept in the Province's 1975 Recommended Plan for North Pickering. In commenting on that proposal, the Authority, as a provider of similar regional open space, requested participation in the development of any specific plan for the park. As the hazard and conservation lands were not proposed for any facility development, no comment was made regarding whether or not this was an appropriate land use for the tableland The Authority's comments, in plan input and review situations, have been directed to "how" tablelands are developed, not to specific uses as long as the valley hazard and conservation lands, required by our policies and programs, are not negatively affected. Further, we have noted that all types of use can cause negative impacts if not planned and implemented with regard to hazard and environmental matters. (c) Rouge and Little Rouge to Bruce's Mill Within this area, the proposal does not specify how broad an area adjacent to the valleys is to be included in the park. It is our understanding that a distance of 300 metres has been suggested. The Authority has identified and regulates the use of flood plain and conservation lands within this section of the watershed. The floodplain and fill regulation designations are established specifically for the protection of life and property, as provided for in the Conservation Authorities Act; however, they were not intended to address all matters of environmental interest. The fill regulation line reflects the potential erosion impact zone defined in the Erosion Control program and, at most, is located 10 metres back from a projected stable (2 1) slope. This allows staff to review applications within this area and, if considered necessary, to require the proponent to have a competent professional ensure the future safety of the development. The line is not intended to be prohibitive but rather to recognize an area wherein erosion/slope stability may be a hazard. The Ministry of Natural Resources has established guidelines for ~.~. ~S- development setbacks from top of slope for fisheries purposes For cold water spawnlng areas, the most sensitive situation, the recommended setback is 30 metres The Authority has included fisheries interests in its study of the Rouge Watershed; however, the study recommendations have not been finalized As with the Ministry's guideline, these setbacks would be recommendations and should not be confused with regulations Where public safety is at risk the Authority can, under its regulation, refuse a development proposal Where the municipality and the Authority have a mutually agreed open space/environmental obJective, the municipal planning designation is critical to the future of the land Land acquisition may be required to ensure no development Evaluation and Comments The proposal by S R.V S places a freeze on land well beyond the hazard and conservation requirements of the Authority The designation of the pUblicly-owned lands within the Northeast Scarborough Area as a regional park has been a possibility since the 1975 Recommended Plan for the North pickering Project The Authority has indicated its interest in this proposal, both as the provider of similar regional/ interregional open space and because recreational uses can result in negative impacts if not planned and implemented with regard to environmental conditions The Rouge valley System is one of nine watersheds within Authority Jurisdiction During 1987/88, the Authority has been developing updated program strategies applicable across its watersheds. In particular, one strategy addressing a basin management approach has been drafted; a strategy for new initiatives in the Oak Ridges Moraine developed; and a recreation strategy for Authority lands prepared. While recognizing the importance of the Rouge System, the Authority must also be cognizant of the significant characteristics of all its watersheds. The concept of a regional park on the Rouge, on lands already in public ownership can be supported as long as it is understood that there are other significant lands within Authority jurisdiction and that the Rouge lands will not satisfy all of the open space, recreational or environmental needs of the Metropolitan Toronto Region. The Authority owns substantial land within the proposed Heritage Park The valley and waterfront lands within Metropolitan Toronto are largely Authority-owned and are under management agreement with the Metropolitan Toronto parks and Property Department. The Authority-owned Milne Conservation Area is under a similar agreement with the Town of Markham Bruce's Mill and petticoat Creek Conservation Areas are owned and operated by the Authority. It is not clear in the S.R.V.S. proposal what changes in current management of Authority-owned lands would be expected nor whether, in fact, a change in managers is being implied, i e. that all Authority-owned land is to be managed by the Provincial or Federal government. The Heritage park proposal does not indicate why provincial or federal control is deemed necessary. Recent comments in other forums by S R.V.S. suggest that they are concerned with Authority watershed management because . we have sold surplus land within the Rouge Basin; . we have permitted stormwater management ponds in the valley where they would prefer them located on tableland; we permit development to occur on tableland adjacent to the valley system. These are valid statements and the actions described are in conformity with existing Authority policies and programs wR. 4- (, . Surplus Land Sales - the Authority purchases hazard and conservation lands to prevent inappropriate development and to ensure public access to the valley and waterfront systems Property boundaries and Authority requirements do not always coincide so that, occasionally, we must purchase more than we require. In some cases there is sufficient usable land outside our hazard and conservation needs to make severance and sale worthwhile The proceeds from such sales are then used to buy designated lands elsewhere in Authority Jurisdiction In a time of financial constraint and to continue to protect hazard and conservation lands from inappropriate use, this has greatly assisted in accomplishing Authority obJectives No hazard or conservation lands have been sold as surplus Ponds in the Valley - the Authority has permitted ponds both in the valley and on tablelands based on an analysis of the characteristics of the drainage area, the individual proposal and the potential negative impacts accruing to either type The current Rouge River Basin Study is reviewing previous approvals and attempting to determine the optimum location for such ponds for both water quantity and quality control Development Ad~acent to the Valley - the Authority does permit development adJacent to the valley, subject to its satisfying our interests with respect to safety from flood and erosion hazard and, where appropriate, other Authority program interests As pointed out, the Authority's regulatory powers and any set-backs established in this connection are related to protection of life and property. Set-backs have not been established as a mechanism to accomplish other Authority program objectives. The current and potential use and effectiveness of set-backs will be reviewed within the context of the Rouge Study Conclusions The Authority can support S.R.V.S. insofar as their proposal relates to management of the lands within the Rouge Valley as a significant resource; the use of tableland for open space, as long as any facilities are planned and implemented with regard to environmental interests; and that the linear watershed lands should be in public ownership. Many of their suggestions, however, should not be supported A. The Authority and the Metropolitan Parks and Property Division have provided a world class urban parks and open space system. While S .R.V.S. objects to "manicured" parklands, this is only one of the management categories in the system. There is also a major component of the parks system where lands are left in the natural condition and this may be the level appropriate to the majority of the Rouge Valley. There is also, however, a portion of the public who require some facilities (e.g. washrooms, parking lots, disabled access) to enjoy their open space experience. Outside Metropolitan Toronto, the Authority has an excellent record in managing its own lands. There is no indication that the provincial or the federal governments are any more capable in this respect. There appears to be no reason to turn Authority management of conservation areas to the provincial or federal governments. In an urban/urbanizing area, some form of management is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the lands, facilities and natural resources. Unauthorized access, vandalism, and carelessness can cause severe damage. A "do nothing" approach is neither a realistic nor a responsible resource management practice. B. The Rouge Study, when complete this year, will address many of the areas of concern to S.R.V.S. Resource management priorities and techniques will be proposed to reflect the findings of the study. Decisions prior to that time would be premature. S.R.V.S. has and will continue to participate in the study process and the formulation of recommendations. The question of tableland development and its potential negative impacts on the watershed system appears to be the basis of continuing opposition by S.R.V.S to any potential land use change within the watershed and, now, the proposed Heritage Park. Their interests are not specific to w f? IJ- 7 erosion hazard or fisheries but to a very broad area of environmental preservation As there are no established criteria to evaluate overall ftqualityft, their position has been to choose a ftno developmentft approach to accomplish their obJectives The Authority has been working toward establishing clear standards for the conservation of the numerous interrelated components of the natural resource base within its region In an area of three million people, where the natural environment is only one of the many factors to be considered, we have been successful in maintaining the valleys and waterfront as open space oases in the urban landscape Prohibiting the use of tableland has not been seen as technically necessary, practical or affordable as an environmental protection measure. Setbacks, ftno developmentft zones, and Heritage Park designations do not address the real issue - the need to determine how changing land use affects the various components of our environment and to ensure plans are - developed and implemented with regard to environmental interests Saving any watershed requires a watershed plan that addresses potential negative impacts and develops a strategy to provide for the use and enjoyment of the natural resource as well as for housing, parks and public safety. IN R. 4- g THE PROJECT FOR EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN METROPOLITAN TORONTO 1987-1991 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SEPTEMBER, 1988 PROGRESS REPORT LoR. 4~ The following is a list at which major or minor remedial work was carried out between the inception of Project W.C.-60 _ 'Erosion Control and Bank Stabilization in Metropolitan Toronto' i n September, 1974, through to the end of the 1985-1986 Erosion Project and including a number of works which have been completed in the first two years of the 1987-1991 Project for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization. LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR MAJOR REMEDIAL WORKS 90 Forestgrove Drive East Don River 1974 20-30 Islay Court Humber River 1974 39-41 Storer Drive Humber River 1974-1975 99-103 Burbank Drive Newtonbrook Ck. 1974-1975 Hi Mount Drive Newtonbrook Ck. 1974-1975 8-10 King Maple Place Newtonbrook Ck. 1974-1975 113 Burbank Drive Newtonbrook Ck. 1975 14-22 Archway Crescent Humber River 1975 6 Wooden Heights Humber River 1975 45 Riverbank Drive and Vicinity Mimico Creek 1975 32-38 Bonnyview Drive Mimico Creek 1975-1976 37-43 Lakeland Drive West Humber 1976 Yvonne Public School Black Creek 1976 30-56 Grovetree Road West Humber 1976 95-97 Portico Drive East Branch 1976 Highland Creek 197-205 Sweeney Drive East Don River 1976 24 Stonegate Road Humber River 1976-1977 24-36 Westleigh Crescent Etobicoke Creek 1976-1977 158-168 & 190-212 Three Valleys Dr. East Don River 1976-1977 6-14 Sulkara Court East Don River 1978 Don Valley Drive Don River 1978 50-58 Stanwood Crescent Humber River 1978-1979 Enfield/Sunset/Jellicoe Vicinity Etobicoke Creek 1979 17-53 Riverview Heights Humber River 1979 10 Codeco Court - Phase I Don River 1980 35 Canyon Avenue Don River 1979 (,V{(.50 LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR MAJOR REMEDIAL WORKS (Continued) 31-39 Rivercove Drive Mimico Creek 1980 25-31 Alamosa Drive Don River 1980 Don Valley Parkway & Lawrence Don River 1980 10-14 Bruce Farm Drive Don River 1980-1981 39-47 Presley Avenue Don River 1980-1981 Grenview Boulevard Mimico Creek 1981 Rainbow Creekway I Development Newtonbrook Creek 1981 9 & 11 Sulkara Court Don River 1981 Denison Road Vicinity Humber River 1981 146-168 Humbervale Blvd. & Mimico Creek 1982 835 Royal York Road 45-55 Wynford Heights Crescent Don River 1982-1983 12-30 Beaucourt Road Mimico Creek 1983 Delroy Drive & Berl Ave. Vicinity Mimico Creek 1983 Raymore Drive Humber River 1984 Moorevale Park Don River 1984 100-104 Gwendolen Crescent Don River 1984 Fairglen & Weston Road Humber River 1985 Duncan Mills Road Don River 1985-1986 Riverside Crescent Humber River 1985-1986 Rainbow Creekway II Newtonbrook Creek 1986 (East Don River) 14 Neilson Drive Etobicoke Creek 1986 Chipping Road Bridge East Don River 1986 6 Burnhamthorpe Crescent Mimico Creek 1986 Maple Creek Farms Highland Creek 1986 Warden Woods Park Massey Creek 1986 14 Forest Path Humber River 1987 P.U.C. Lands Highland Creek 1987 Scarborough College Highland Creek 1987 Lawrence Avenue Bridge Highland Creek 1987 The Queensway + The West Mall Etobicoke Creek 1988 Highland Creek - Confluence Highland Creek 1988 10 Glenorchy Place West Don River 1988 LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR wR. sl MINOR REMEDIAL WORKS 520 Markham Road Vicinity (Cedarbrook Retirement Home) Highland Creek 1975 84-89 Greenbrook Drive Black Creek 1975 Kirkbradden Road Mimico Creek 1975 West Hill Collegiate Highland Creek 1975 Shoreham Court Black Creek 1975 27-31 Ladysbridge Drive West Branch 1975-1976 Highland Creek N.W. of 56 Grovetree Road West Humber River 1975-1976 37-43 Mayall Avenue Black Creek 1976 79 Clearview Heights Black Creek 1976 S.W. of Shoreham Drive Bridge Black Creek 1976 Driftwood Court Black Creek 1976 75 Decarie Circle Mimico Creek 1976 4 Woodhaven Heights Humber River 1977 73 Van Dusen Boulevard Mimico Creek 1977 Donalda Club (8th Fwy.) Don River 1978 Westleigh Crescent Vicinity Etobicoke Creek 1978 Scarlett Woods Golf Club Humber River 1978 22-26 Dunning Crescent Etobicoke Creek 1978 Kennedy Road Shopping Mall Don River 1978 Sheppard and Leslie Nursery Don River 1978 Leslie Street at Sheppard Don River 1978 Meadowvale Road Rouge River 1978 Zoo (Z-lS) Rouge River 1978 Orchard Crescent Mimico Creek 1978 Forest Valley Dam Camp Don River 1978 Beechgrove Drive Highland Creek 1979 Restwell Crescent Don River 1979 Deanewood Crescent Vicinity Mimico Creek 1979 Dawes Road - 2 Sites Don River 1979 Twyn River Bridge Rouge River 1979 Glen Rouge Trailer Camp Rouge River 1979 Beechgrove Drive - II Highland Creek 1980 toR .~;L LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR MINOR REMEDIAL WORKS (Continued) Jason and Riverdale Humber River 1980 Warden & St. Clair - 2 sites Don River 1980 Zoo -II Rouge River 1980 Glendon College Don River 1980 Scarlett Road & Eglinton Humber River 1980 Wilket Creek Don River 1980 Glen Rouge Trailer Camp Rouge River 1980 Sunnybrook Park Don River 1981 Donalda Golf Club Don River 1981 Glendon College Don River 1981 Bonnyview Drive II Mimico Creek 1981 West Side of Markham Rd. ( W. Branch) Highland Creek 1981 Alderbrook Drive Don River 1981 West Dean Park ( 2 sites) Mimico Creek 1982 Royal York Road Mimico Creek 1982 Waulron Street Etobicoke Creek 1982 Colonel Danforth Park Highland Creek 1982 Upwood Greenbelt Vicinity Black Creek 1982 55 & 73 Vandusen Blvd. Mimico Creek 1986 Royal York Road II Mimico Creek 1986 14 Brian Cliff Drive Wilket Creek 1987 Summary. Major Works 59 Minor Works 53 Total Expenditure $6,910,000 INR.53 The following table lists the top fourteen (14) valley land erosion sites in order of their technical priority. The current poo 1 of priorities will be reviewed regularly during 1989 to accommodate any significant changes and the possible inclusion of new sites. WR. 'S'Lf >, I Vl Vl CV ItS "'0 CCV CV "'0 U C ~ ItS o e Ce C .... o ..- "'0 0 .... 0 00 ItS '+- ......- ItS ~ Vl~ .... ~ '+- VlCVO 0 Vl CV a OCO~ CV~ ~N OLO ~ ~ ~ CV ~ ~ CV ~ ~ CV ..- e e 0 e ..- ee ..- e e .... "'0 Na ~ "'0 ...., ea .... 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(,/') :J: ....J 0.. (,/') :J: ....J co O'l ~ >- I I- ~ ~ -e ..... ~ ~ C'l ~ I- ....J 0 0 ~ ~ ~ (,/') or:( >- >- ~ 0 0 ..... 0.. 0 ~ >- ....J ..... -e -e >- 0 W ..... ..... -a -e >- ..... ~ ~ ..... ~ ..... I- :z 0 0 Vl to ~ ..... :::l ::z ::z ItS U 0 0:: ~ - uJ (,/') :z a ~ ..... W 0:: ~ ~ ~ 0.. CV CVVl CV > > ..- CV ~ a .... .... ..- ~ CV I- 0:: 0:: .... ~ W > :z 0 ~ CV .... a uJ C C CV ..- 0:: 0:: :J: 0 OC ~ ItS a (,/') 0 o ItS W .... C I- 0:: e C 0 uJ ..... .....~ >, C 0 ::z I- Vl VlCV CV CV < or:( CV 1tS<.!:7 Vl ..... ..... I- :3 :3 uJ- Vl C Vl ..... to CV ItS ....J ~ W uJ a . 0.. CV a > 0:: or:( I- uJ ..... Vl ~ CV Q.I Q.I ,... ~ Q.I CV ..... Q.I ~ ::z (,/') ...... C 0 (,/') Q.I ..... C > I- .... oa or:( ..... or:( ~ ~ W CV . "'0 ..- ~ 0 '+- ..... 10 ..- 0 ....J '+- (,/') 0 .... W ~ 0:: -e 0 CV >, ..- .... ~ ~ CV - ..- CV ~ e a Vl "'0 CV ~ N CV ..- -e 10 LO ....J or:( W W >- I- ..... 0:: 0 - N ('l") o:::t LO ..... 0:: 0.. METROPOLITAN TORONTO PRIORITY LIST - 1989 ~ 1V . PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 0-. U) 6 91 Forest Grove Drive Don River North York Problem Slope failure & riverbank erosion Structures Affected One Residence Height of Bank 8m Length of Bank 23m 7 6 Saddletree Drive East Don River North York Problem Slope failure & (German Mills Ck) riverbank erosion Structures Affected 2 homes Height of Bank 14m Length of Bank. 75m 8 Humber Valley Yacht Humber River Etobicoke Problem Riverbank erosion Club Structures Affected Yacht Club, gas pumps, hydro and water services, docks Hei ght of Bank. 1.5m Length of Bank 300m 9 + 93-113 Weir Crescent Highland Creek Scarborough Problem Slope failure & riverbank erosion Structures Affected One residence, one pool and 9 private properties Height of Bank 35m Length of Bank 105m 10 353 Betty Ann Drive West Don River North York Problem Slope failure Structures Affected 2 homes Height of Bank 25m Length of Bank 20m 11 117 Whitburn Crescent Black Creek North York Problem Broken pipe and runoff drainage problem ~ Structures Affected Apartment complex and roadway Height of Bank 15m Length of Bank 10m METROPOLITAN TORONTO PRIORITY LIST - 1989 PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 12 221 Martin Grove Rd. Mimico Creek Etobicoke Problem Slope fialure & riverbank erosion Structures Affected. One residence Height of Bank 12m Length of Bank 24m 13 + 14-21 Stanwood Cres. Humber River North York Problem Slope failure Structures Affected Four residences Height of Bank 21m Lenght of Bank 60m 14 Sewell Rd. at Finch Rouge River Scarborough Problem Slope failure & riverbank erosion Structures Affected One roadway Height of Bank 14m Length of Bank 88m + Sites considered for remedial work in previous years, but for various reasons have been deferred indefinitely (these sites have been included for your information and will be reconsidered for remedial work upon the resolution of outstanding issues). L ~ ~ wR. 67 THE PROJECT FOR EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL 1987-1991 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SEPTEMBER, 1988 PROGRESS REPORT W R . S-S The following is a list of sites at which remedial work was carried out from the inception of the Interim Water and Related Land Management Project 1979-1981, through the 1982-1984 Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization Project, the 1985-1986 Erosion Project and including the first two years of the 1987-1991 Project for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization. LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR 138 King Street Vicinity - Bolton Humber River 1979 (Caledon) Sherway Drive, (Mississauga) Etobicoke Creek 1979 Wildwood Park, (Mi ssi ssauga) Mimico Creek 1979 Mill Street, (Brampton) Etobicoke Creek 1980 Pony trail Drive & Steepbank Crest Etobicoke Creek 1980-1981 (Mississauga) 10 Beamish, Wildfield (Brampton) West Humber River 1980 (Lindsay Creek) Centennial Road - Bolton Humber River 1981 (Caledon) Legion Street near Derry Road Mimico Creek 1982 (Mississauga) Charolais Blvd., (Brampton) Etobicoke Creek 1982 Glasgow Road (Caledon) Humber River 1983 93 Scott Street (Brampton) Etobicoke Creek 1984 2130 Dundas Street East Etobicoke Creek 1987 (Mississauga) Summary. Major Sites Completed 12 Total Expenditure $363,500.00 lA) R . 5~ The following table lists the top six ( 6 ) erosion sites in order of their technical priority. The current pool of priorities will be reviewed regularly during 1989 to accommodate any significant changes and the possible inclusion of new sites. wR.bO Q) Q) u>, U en +-' e: .~ +-' .~ e: "0 /'0 "0 /'0 0 .-l- .- 0 e: l- e: > .~ ~..oQ) ~..o .~ /'0 0 /'0 .~ III e::3o. e::3 III +-' l- 0 /'O~O /'O~ 0 Q) V'l Q) ~ l- ..0 l- ..0 l- l- .- l- Q) l- 0. l- EE Q) :3 /'0 :3 E E Q) Q) '<:T I.t') E E .- .~ E E .- . E E ~ "0 r- 0 >"OQ)EE >"0 M ~ "0 00 .~ "Ol- NO .~ "0 1.0 0 e:Q) ex) .~ Q) +-' I.t') 0 .~ Q) e:Q) NM /'0 Q)+-, ...-1 '<:T /'0 Q) N /'O+-' l-+->/'O M l-+-' /'O+-' ,+-e:+->1Il ,+-e:+-, V'l .oU U > U ..oU o U :3 Ou I- l- Q) l- Q)'~ l-Q) ~ l-Q) Q).~ Q)"o Q).~ Q) :z Q)'+- ~~ O'+-l-~~ O'+- ~ e: Q)'+- ~~ 0. III '+- e: ~~ 0. 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"f THE PROJECT FOR EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK 1987-1991 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SEPTEMBER, 1988 PROGRESS REPORT WR. b2- The following is a list of sites at which remedial work was carried out from the inception of the Interim Water and Related Land Management Project, 1979-1981, through the 1982-1984 Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization Project, 1985-1986 Erosion Project and including the first two years of the 1987-1991 Project for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization. 7374 Kipling Avenue, Woodbridge Humber River 1979 7440 Kipling Avenue, Woodbridge Humber River 1979 (Rainbow Creek) 8254 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge Humber River 1979-1980 14th Avenue, Markham Rouge River 1979-1980 19th Avenue, Markham Rouge River 1979 King Township and Humber River 1979 Town of Caledon (Cold Creek) Cedar Grove Community Centre Rouge River 1980 146 Riverside Drive, Woodbridge Humber River 1980 Postwood Lane, Markham Don River 1980 Pine Grove Vicinity Humber River 1980 North Don Sewage Treatment Plant Don River 1981 Kennedy Road West, Markham Don River 1981 Nobleton, Lot 5, Conc.8 (Cole Farm) Humber River 1982 5760 Kirby Sideroad Humber River 1982-1983 Buttonville Rouge River 1984 Klein's Crescent Humber River 1985-1986 36 Prince Edward Boulevard Little Don River 1987 r~ ark ham C h ann e 1 Rouge River 1987 14-16 Cividale Court Don River 1988 Summary. Major Sites Completed 19 To ta 1 Expenditure $240,500.00 t,u{(. ~ 3 The following table lists the top ten (10 ) erosion sites in order of their technical priority. The current pool of priorities will be reviewed regularly during 1989 to accommodate any significant changes and the possible inclusion of new sites. YORK PRIORITY LIST - 1989 PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 1 8-10 Cachett Parkway Rouge River Markham Problem Riverbank and (Berczy Creek) valleywall erosion Structures Affected Two Residences Height of Bank 12m Length of Bank 30m 2 R.R.#3 Woodbridge Humber River Vaughan Problem Riverbank erosion Structure Affected One pool, one tennis court Height of Bank 4m Length of Bank 110m 3 IBM Golf Course Rouge River Markham Problem Slope failure and riverbank erosion Structures Affected Golf course tee & greens Height of Bank 15m Length of Bank 105m 4 16 Ravencliff Road Don River Markham Problem Slope failure Structures Affected One residence, one pool Height of Bank 18m Length of Bank 10.5m 5 20 Deanbank E. Don River Markham Problem Toe erosion and slumping of slope Structures Affected One residence Height of Bank 13m Length of Bank 40m C ~ . \l- ~ r YORK PRIORITY LIST - 1989 ib . ~ \J\ PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 6 . 8272 McCowan Road Rouge River Markham Problem Riverbank erosion Structure Affected One residence, one shed Height of Bank 4m Length of Bank 14m 7 . 9853 Hwy. #27 Humber River Vaughan Problem Riverbank erosion Kelinburg Structures Affected One residence Height of Bank 2m Length of Bank 37m 8 . 9961 Warden Avenue Rouge River Markham Problem Slope failure (Berczy Creek) Structures Affected One residence Height of Bank 3m Length of Bank 75m 9 22 Farmingham Drive Don River Markham Problem Undercutting of due to seepage and surface runoff Structures Affected One residence Height of Bank 20m Length of Bank 40m 10. Fiddlehead Farm Humber River King Problem Toe erosion and slumping Structures Affected Private property Height of Bank 10m Length of Bank 30m wR. ~b THE PROJECT FOR EROSION CONTROL AND SLOPE STABILIZATION IN THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM 1987-1991 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY SEPTEMBER 1988 PROGRESS REPORT fAj {(. ~ ~ The following is a list of sites at which remedial work was carried out from the inception of the Interim Water and Related Land Management Project, 1979-1981, through the 1982-1984 Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization Project, the 1985-1986 Erosion Project and including the first two years of the 1987-1991 Erosion Control Project. LOCATION WATERSHED WORK YEAR 16 Elizabeth Street, Ajax Duffin Creek 1979 558 Pine Ridge Rd, Pickering Rouge River 1979 Hockey Ranch, Pickering Duffin Creek 1980 Woodgrange Avenue, Pickering Rouge River 1981 Altona Road, Pickering Petticoat Creek 1981 Sideroad 30 (Whitevale) Duffin Creek 1982 8-10 Elizabeth Street Duffin Creek 1987 3555 Greenwood Road Duffin Creek 1988 Summary Major Works Completed 8 Total Expenditures $82,200 wR.'~ The following table lists the top eight ( 8 ) valley land erosion sites in order of their technical priority. The current pool of priorities will be reviewed regularly during 1989 to accommodate any significant changes and the possible inclusion of new sites DURHAM PRIORITY LIST - 1989 PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 1. Greenwood Cons. Area Duffin Creek Ajax Problem Valleywall erosion & slope failure Structures Affected' Lookout tower Height of Bank 23m Length of Bank 50m 2 . 5th Conc. Greenwood Duffin Creek North-P i ckeri ng Problem Riverbank erosion Finch Avenue South-Ajax Structures Affected Bridge abutment Height of Bank 3m Length of Bank 50m 3 . 1879 Altona Road Petticoat Creek Pickering Problem Riverbank erosion Structures Affected House, Private Property Height of Bank 5m Length of Bank 50m 4. 1840 Atona Road Petticoat Creek Pickering Problem Riverbank erosion Structures Affected House, Private property Height of Bank 3m Length of Bank 40m C ?'> 0- -a C DURHAM PRIORITY LIST - 1989 ~ ~ PRIORITY LOCATION WATERSHED MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS 5 . Brock Road at Finch Duffin Creek Pickering Problem Riverbank erosion Structures Affected 1 shed Height of Bank 1m Length of Bank S8m 6 . Valley Farm Road Duffin Creek Pickering Problem Riverbank erosion Structures Affected Farm building Height of Bank 2m Length of Bank 89m 7 . 1436 Highbush Trail Petticoat Creek Pickering Problem Riverbank erosion Finch Avenue Structures Affected. Garage Height of Bank 6m Length of Bank 16m 8. Rotherglen Road Duffin Creek Ajax Problem Riverbank erosion Structures Affected MTRCA land Height of Bank 2m Length of Bank 133m WR. '1' Ring-billed Gull Control Program Tommy Thompson Park, 1988 PREPARED FOR: The Metropohtan Toronto and Region Conservation Authonty BY. Ulrich Watermann and Gwynneth Cunningham OF. Bird Control International Inc. IN: July, 1988 BIRD CONTROL INTERNATIONAL INC. HUMANE SOLUTIONS Madison Centre Suite 1800, 49S0 Yonge Street Willowdale (foronto), Ontario Canada M2N 6K.l Telephone: (416) 226-2172 ; - I - wR./~ Acknowledgements I would like to thank The Metropolitan Toronto and RegIon Conservation Authonty (MfRCA) for Its support of this program. In partIcular, I would like to thank: Mr Dave Dyce, Manager, and Mr J C. Mather, Director, who gave their support to the project; Mr Peter Wigham, Resource Management Techmcian, whose Bird-Banding project in the spring of 1988 was of assistance in forming the Bird Checklist; and Mr Scott Jarvie, Superintendant of Tommy Thompson Park, who supervised MfRCA staff on the site. In addition, I would like to thank Mr Sean Kingwell and Miss Gaye Chuter (the two MfRCA contract biologists) who were responsible for general Ring-billed Gull control work. Mr Tim Dyson, Mr Peter Dent and Mr Greg Sadauski, all of Bird Control International Incorporated, were responsible for the main Ring-billed Gull control work and for the falconry program. Their combined bird-banding and ornithological experience helped greatly in the successful completion of the program and in bird identification. Gwynneth Cunningham filled in for Mr. Peter Dent during the fust weeks of the program while he was still attending college. Her prior knowledge of the control work obtained during the 1985 and 1987 programs was useful both in general control work and in the falconry aspect of the program. It should be pointed out that good co-operation between the MI'RCA staff, the Bird Control staff, the CWS, and myself, led to the overall success of the program. ; kJR.73 - 11 - Summary Smce 1973 the numbers of pairs of breeding Ring-billed Gulls <Lams delawarenis) at Tommy Thompson Park increased from ten (10) pairs to approximately eighty thousand (80,000) plus pairs in 1983 The 1984 program was undertaken by the MTRCA to prevent the existing population of gulls from expanding their nesting territory to the then newly constructed Endikement of Tommy Thompson Park. The fIrm of U W Enterprises was contracted to undertake falconry work in conjunction With other scare tactics on the Endikement. In 1985, '86 and '87, U W Enterprises was again contracted to discourage gull nesting in specific areas of Tommy Thompson Park. These areas were the new Endikement, areas south of the main road, and Area 0 (See Figure 1). The program used the same scare methods as were used in 1984 and was again successful in the following years. In 1988 the program was again tendered to a number of wildlife control agencies and Ulrich Watennann, now of Bird Control International Incorporated (BCI) was awarded the contract for the 1988 season. As in previous years the purpose of the program was to maintain significant biological amenities of the park, the implementation of the master plan and to allow for continued construction of the site. ; ..:.I; ... ~r<. 7"1 ~ c 0 en Q. E 5 o r .J:. ! I t-h I = >. ~~ E .' I - . EH - ~ ~H :g ~ f ~~ ., \I) ,.... en co co Ol at Gll - - - 0 ~0[ ~ ~ 0 f/) z ~ 4( II: ..J 0 ~ ~ 0 Q W -l -l 0 II: I- Z 0 0 .... d i:r ~ 0 z j !Q . """'- 0 "\ III ~ ., ! ~ 0 5 z ~ ~ z .. ~ :; ~ ~ u - ; LU R. 7 ~ - IV - Table of Contents Page Acknowledgements i Summary n Table of Contents IV List of Figures V List of Tables V List of Appendices V 1 Introduction 1 2. Purpose 2 3. Study Objectives 2 4 Methodology 3 5 Results 5 6. Observations and Conclusions 13 7. Recommendations 18 References 19 Appendices 20 - v - IAJ~. 71:> List of Figures Page 1 Controlled Areas 1984, 85, 86, 87 and 88 ill 2. Peak Egg-laying Period on the Endikement, Fingers 2 and 3 9 3 Peak Egg-laying Period on Hardpoints 5 and 6 and Adjacent Beaches 10 List of Tables Page 1 Location and numbers of eggs on the Endikement during the egg-laying period 8 2. Total number of eggs collected for 1987 and 1988 11 3. Nest counts for Ring-billed Gulls in the uncontrolled areas 14 List of Appendices Page I Checklist of Birds Observed at Tommy Thompson Park 20 ; - 1 - IAJ {(. 77 1. Introduction Tommy Thompson Park, also referred to as Aquatic Park and the Leslie Street Spit, extends five (5) kIn. mto Lake Ontario from the f1.lled Crown Land at the base of Lesl1e Street, Toronto. The penmsula is man-made and was constructed initially to provide increased port facilities. By 1972 the Toronto Harbour Comnussloners determined that a large portion of the Headland was no longer required for port expansion, and thought was directed towards developmg a public park. In 1973 the Province of Ontario appointed the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authonty as Its agent for the development of this site. SlOce 1973 the numbers of breeding pairs of Ring-billed Gulls <Lmts delawarensis) has increased drastically from ten (10) pairs to and estimated eighty thousand (80,000) pairs in 1983 (Blokpoel and Tessier, 1983). A study undertaken by P Fetterolf (1983) stated that the gull population would grow to approximately one hundred and eighty thousand (180,000) pairs by 1993, if left unmanaged. The presence of eighty thousand (80,000) pairs of gulls in close proximity to an urban area has gi ven rise to a number of public complaints, including the befouling of public areas and aggressive begging behaviour at outdoor areas. The number of gulls also poses a threat to flight safety at auports. Biological amenities in the park itself are also threatened. for example, vegetative growth is retarded, species diversity is reduced and more sensitive and significant bird species, such as Common Terns (Sterna himndo) are displaced. In 1984 U W. Enterprises was contracted to prevent the existing Ring-billed Gull colony from expanding to the newly constructed Endikement at Tommy Thompson Park (See Figure 1). The methods used were falconry and other scare tactics. Although never tested before in a nesting habitat, these methods proved to be successful. wR.7g - 2 - 2. Purpose The purpose of the 1988 program. was to restrict Ring-billed Gull nestIng from the Endikement, areas south of the main road, and Area D of Tommy Thompson Park (see Figure 1) By limItIng gull nestIng habitat to specific areas (pemsulas A, B and C) the gull population m these areas will reach a saturation point and eventually stabilize naturally The ratIonale for restricting Ring-billed Gull nesting habitat is . for implementatIon of the Master Plan . to allow for contmued mling and construction of the headland by the Toronto Harbour Commissioners, and . to maintain significant biological amenities of the Park. 3. Study Objectives The objectives of the program were: 1) to prevent Ring-billed Gulls from nesting on the Endikement, areas south of the main road, and Area D; 2) to report any disturbances to the other bird species at Tommy Thompson Park occuring as a result of the consultants' work; 3) in consultation with the MTRCA, to assess the effectiveness of the efforts two weeks into the program, and when necessary thereafter, implementing alternative methods when called upon; 4) to maintain good public relations and provide expert advice when required; 5) prepare a report summarizing the consultants' observations and results, including . the behavioural response to the terns, if any . changes in Ring-billed Gull behaviour and nesting density . effects on other bird species . documentation of compliments and complaints, if any. - 3 - WR.74 4. Methodology The program commenced on the 28th March 1988 and contmued until the 10th of June 1988 Control work was undertaken from Monday to Fnday with the exception of the month of May At tlus time egg-laying pressure became apparent and control was thus undertaken on a 7 day-a-week basIS until the pressure eased off The control team consisted of three (3) falconers, Tim Dyson, Greg Sadauski and Peter Dent, who alternated duty twice, and two (2) assistants to MTRCA. The falconers made the use of the raptors, as falconry was the main scare technique. Each member of the team covered a specIfic area of the park in order to become familiar with site-specific problems. The members of the team co-operated fully when specific areas were subject to excessive pressure by the gulls, and assisted each other whenever necessary The program was supervised on a daily basis by Mr Watennann and Mr Jarvie. The following techniques were used to prevent the gulls from nesting in the designated areas. 4.1 Falconry Modified falconry techniques were used to prevent the gulls from settling in potentia11oafmg and nesting grounds. These techniques are effective in gull control based on the fact that gulls will take to the air when raptors are present. Thus, if the birds are kept in the air due to the presence of raptors, they are unable to establish nesting tenitories, and unable to loaf in future nesting territories. The falconry techniques employed did not involve the chasing or the capture of the gulls by the raptor. 4.2 Pyrotecbnical Devices The use of noise-makers i.e. screamers, whistlers and bangers, complement the falcony technique and provide an overall discouragement technique. These devices were used in such a manner as to refrain from disturbing other birdlife. IN R. <60 - 4 - 4.3 Mock Gull It has been proven that a dead gull thrown repeatedly in the air and falling through a flock of gulls IS a deterrent to their settl1ng. Thus, mock gulls were constructed and thrown into the arr to achieve the scare effect. The above methods were all used at varymg locations and at varying tunes. The need for change in location of a device, or a change in type of device used was assessed by the assistant responsIble for each area. The use of alternate methcxis was determined based on the number of gulls present and their reaction to different treatments. A daily log was kept by each assistant noting, in particular, gull activity and the presence of other bud species in the area. - 5 - wR. ~J S. Results The program commenced on 28th March WIth a staff of six (6) Mr Ulnch Watermann, of Bird Control Intemattonal Incorporated (the contracted brrd control fIrm) was responsible for the general supervision of the control work. He supplied the proper raptors and provided relief duty when and wherever necessary Mr Tim Dyson, Mr Greg Sadauski and Mr Peter Dent, all of BCI were responsible for falconry and general Ring-gilled Gull control work, and alternated their duty time to ensure that at least one falconer was always present at the site. Mr. Sean Kingwell and Miss Gaye Chuter of the MTRCA were responsible for general gull control work. Gwynneth Cunningham of BCI Incorporated assisted the program for a short while when Mr. Peter Dent was unavailable, and was responsilbe for falconry and general Ring-billed Gull control work. The two (2) MTRCA staff members were also on standby to assist with any given task the Canadian Wildlife Service required in their work on Common and Caspian Terns at Tommy Thompson Park. Ring-billed Gull control work: commenced on March 28th 1988 for the 1988 season. The initial census showed that there were approximately sixty-two thousand (62,000) Ring-billed Gulls on the entire Spit These high figures may be related to the very mild winter of 1987/88 as Ring-billed Guns never totally left the Toronto area during the entire winter. While approximately fifty (50) percent of these gulls present were loafmg in the bays and lagoons, a significant number were already actively involved in courtship, and fresh scrapes were noted in the uncontrolled breeding colonies. i ; 1Nf{. fl^ - 6 - The controlled areas showed lIght to moderate Rmg-billed Gull aCtIvity, and two (2) Hams Hawks and one (I) Lanner Falcon were used in the imtial dIspersal of these brrds. The Lanner Falcon was flO\\l1 on the Endikement while the hawks were tethered in the control areas where gull pressure was the highest. As m previous years, care was taken not to chsturb the gulls in the uncontrolled breeding colonies, Le., Peninsulas A, B and C. Also, other birds, (such as Canada Geese) nesting in the controlled areas were interfered with as little as possible. The use of pyrotechnical devices was sharply reduced due to their unavailability Only a fraction 01 the quantIty of pyrotechnical devices used in previous years was available for the program due to a senous accident in the factory in Gennany, which linuted the supply Instead, more use was made of the mock gull, and the locations of the tethered hawks were altered more frequently During the fIrst part of the program Greg and Tim controlled Area D and the Endikement, while Sean and Gaye concentrated on HP5 and HP6, and the lighthouse area It soon became evident, however, that the Ring-billed Gulls were not attempting to recolonize Area D or Finger 1 Also, it was apparent that the pressure on the shore leading to BP5 had lessened considerably since 1987 However, the Ring-billed Gulls tried much harder to establish and re~blish in the rest of the controlled area (such as Finger 2, the causeway between Finger 3 and BPS, HP6 and the tip of the Endikement). Caspian Terns were returning by the 4th of April, frequenting Blokpoels' Island. The MTRCA staff (Gaye & Sean) helped the CWS to erect the line grid in Peninsula B to remove the Ring-billed Gulls from the Caspian Tern breeding mound ; - 7 - WR. ~ 3 The flrst Rmg-bllled Gull egg was found on Apnl16th on Peninsula B, wlule the first two (2) eggs m the controlled areas appeared on Apri127th m Area D (see Table 1). From then on, untIl the end of the ovulation period, egg-laying in the controlled areas was low With occasionallughs (see Figures 2 and 3). The total egg count in the controlled area amounted to approxunately a quarter of that obtained in 1987 (see Table 2). This may be due partly to sharply increased numbers of breeding gulls on Peninsulas A and B Also, the author and Peter Dent were regularly on site until the gulls left at night and this may have helped in the sharply reduced count as well. However, the overall pressure of gulls trying to establish and re-establish in the controlled areas did not seem to be any less than in 1987 ; - 8 - wI< .~U Table 1 Location and Number of Eggs on the Endikement During the Egg-laying Period ~ Day. ~ Fin~er 2 Fin~er 3 Ii12 Li~hthouse l:Ifi ~ April 27 Wed 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 Thurs 2 0 0 1 1 12 1 29 Fri 0 0 0 7 1 1 8 30 Sat 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 May 1 Sun 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 Mon 0 0 5 1 0 0 1 3 Tues 0 5 4 9 2 0 0 4 Wed 0 5 4 6 1 0 0 5 Thurs 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 Fri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Sat 0 2 1 3 0 0 0 8 Sun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Men 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 10 Tues 0 0 1 2 1 1 1 11 Wed 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 12 Thurs 0 2 1 1 3 0 0 13 Fri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 Sat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 Sun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 Men 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 Tues 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 18 Wed 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 19 Thurs 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 20 Fri 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 21 Sat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 Sun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 Man 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 Tues 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 25 Wed 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 26 Thun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 Fri 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 28 Sat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 Sun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 Man 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 31 Tues 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 June 1 Wed 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 2 Thun 0 0 6 2S 0 0 0 3 Fri 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 --- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---- IDfAL 6 14 32 90 15 14 16 ; FIG. 2 PEAK EGG-LAYING PERIOD ON THE ENDIKEMENT FINGERS 2 AND 3 14 13 12 1 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 1 1 18 April May June C DATE (weeks) ~ oea v, c ~ . ~ FIG. 3 ~ PEAK EGG-LAYING PERIODS ON HARDPOINTS 5 AND 6 AND ADJACENT BEACHES 32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 0 ~ : j j j ~ f 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 1 1 18 April May June DATE (weeks) - 11 - l.JJR. ~7 Table 2 Comparison of Total Number of Eggs Collected from 1985 - 1988 ~ Fineer 1 Fin~er 2 Fin2er 3 IUl Li~hthouse Hardpoints 5&6 ThW 1985 62 60 128 2529 2779 1986 10 2 7 144 85 299 547 1987 86 0 45 70 12 10 420 643 1988 6 0 14 32 90 15 30 187 Common Terns appeared by mid-April and again Blokpoel's Island seemed to be their favourite loafing site initially, and eventual breeding site. Previously the triangle pond was the main feeding area for Caspian and Common Terns immediately after their return. Since its reduction in size in 1987 It has been largely ignored by both species. Due to heavy gull pressure in the controlled areas, a Feruginous Hawk was added to the arsenal of deterrents. A Prairie Falcon also saw occasional duty During the peak of the ovulation period, control was undertaken seven (7) days a week. A very low proftle was maintained on weekends. Peter Dent joined our efforts by May 8th. He concentrated on flying the FelTUginous Hawk. wR.t6CJ - 12 - The exclosure constructed to aId CaspIan Tern nestlng success on Perunsula B was removed on Apnl 28th 1988 It IS chsappolOtlng that the Caspian Terns are showmg lIttle lOterest in theIr old nesnng site. Common Terns were nesting on the Endikement in larger numbers than in 1987, WIth many nests also located on Blokpoel's Island. On ~ay 24th, 1988 a flock of fifteen hundred (1500) to two thousand (2000) Whimbre1 was nonced by the author and Dr Hans Blokpoel, at Finger 3 and HP5 This number increased towards the afternoon when several other flocks joined the larger group, with a final total of approximately three thousand (3,000) birds. Large flocks of Ruddy Tumstones and Dunlin were also observed on this day It is worth noting that those birds did not seem to be disturbed by the presence of the raptors. It became evident that a lot of Common Tern nests on the Endikement, Finger 3 and HPS suffered from predation. This seemed to be caused mainly by Ring-billed Gulls, and a flock of ten (10) to fourteen (14) Ruddy Tumstones which lingered on the spit for an unusually long time. A late arriving female Snowy Owl helped this trend by hunting the nesting terns. Several tern kills were found on the Tip, and Hans Blokpoel actually saw the Snowy Owl with a tern in its beak on June 8th. (Blokpoel, personal communication). Every effort was made to reduce the tern nest predation by Ring-billed Gulls but the Turnstones and the Snowy Owl were not disturbed. Gull ovulation ceased during the first week of June and our involvement in the program stopped on June 10th. - 13 - wR. g'j 6. Observations and Conclusions 6 1 Ring-billed Gulls On March 28th (the program's starting date) approximately sixty-two thousand (62,000) RIng-billed Gulls were observed at the spit. Most of these birds were seen to be loafing in or near the~ established non-controlled breeding colonies in Peninsulas A, B and C. Notably, a sigmficant number of these birds were already actIvely involved in courtship (scraping, displaying, etc ). The numbers of Ring-billed Gulls in the controlled areas were moderate and the birds were easily dispersed once control measures were implemented. The uncontrolled Peninsulas A and B experienced a sharp increase in nesting Ring-billed Gulls while numbers dropped in Area C (see Table 3). The controlled areas HP5, HP6, Fingers 2 and 3, and the tip of the Endikement were subjected to heavy pressure by the Ring-billed Gulls during the ovulation period. The desire of Ring-billed Gulls to re-establish on Finger 1 is now completely non-existent and any attempts to re-enter Area D were quickly foiled at the beginning of the program. In fact, only six (6) eggs were found in Area D during the beginning of the ovulation period (see Table 1). It is strongly felt that the dramatic decrease in the numbers of eggs laid in 1988 compared to previous years is directly related to the fact that either Peter Dent or Ulrich Watennann remained at the Park until the gulls had left at the end of the day This prevented egg-laying occurring late in I I the evening or overnight wR. ~f) - 14 - 6.2 Caspian Terns The CaspIan Terns started to reappear at the Park dunng the beginning of Apnl. However, they did not return in nearly the numbers present in the previous years They showed VIrtually no interest m their previous nesting site on Penmsula B, initiating some scrapes but not followmg through. This was in spIte of considerable efforts by the CWS and the MTRCA to aid theIr re-establIshment by the use of string gnd exclosures to remove the Ring-billed and Herring Gulls from the old colony mound The Caspian Terns showed some interest in establishing at Blokpoel's Island by actively displaying and scraping, but gave up eventually and left the Park altogether except for the occasional viSItor The trend to lower numbers of Caspian Terns, seen over the last few years, is continuing, and this may lead to the eventual disappearance of this species as a nesting species at the Park. Table 3 Nest Counts for Ring-billed Gulls in the Uncontrolled Areas Peninsula Number of Nests .l2.&a .l281 A 24,414 13,944 B 31,264 22,706 C 6,726 8 ,70S Blokpoel Island 1,161 no count Complex - 15 - 10 R. '1 J 6.3 Common Terns Common Terns were returnmg by nud-Apnl in larger numbers than in 1987 From the start they used Blokpoel's Island heavIly, fIrst for loafmg, and eventually for breeding. Many pairs colonized the tip of the Endikement and the causeway Joirung Finger 3 and HP5 At both locaoons they suffered under heavy predation, mainly from Ring-billed Gulls, egg destruction by Ruddy Turnstones, and by hunting Snowy Owls. Several migrating Peregrine Falcons were chased away by the Terns. The MTRCA installed a floating nesting raft for the Common Terns, anchoring it in Cell 3 on May 4th. Two pairs of Common Terns inspected and landed on the raft within fIfteen minutes of its installation. However, the wave action in Cell 3 proved to be too heavy for the raft and washed the provided gravel surface away A second, much sturdier built raft was introduced on May 23rd only to suffer the same fate. A lone male Red-headed Duck made this raft its permanent home. The concept of using a raft as a nesting site for Common Terns seems to be valid as long as the raft can withstand the elements. 6.4 Waterfowl Canada Geese were already courting during the fIrst part of the program, and proceeded to nest almost immediately. Their total numbers were somewhat less than in 1987. Several nests were I i I predated, and some of the adult birds were actually killed. Overall gosling production was very i low compared to previous years. Two Snow Geese joined the flock of non-breeding Canada Geese, as they had done in the two previous years. wR.~;( - 16- A parr of Mute Swans nested m Area C and produced five cygnets. A surpnsmgly large vanety of ducks (see Appendix I) were seen at the Spit dunng the course of the program. A large number of Ring-necked Ducks was noted amongst the Greater and Lesser Scaups and several Ruddy Ducks and Canvasbacks were also seen. A lone female Harlequin Duck was seen several tImes near the Lighthouse. A male Red-headed Duck made the tern raft its home until the raft was removed in late June. Several other Red-headed Ducks were observed to have joined this male after the completion of the program. The overall reproductive success of ducks (Mallards, Gadwall and Black Ducks) was very low A few nests were found after the completion of the program but these also suffered from predation. 6.5 Shorebirds Shorebird migration followed the usual pattern with two notable exceptions. 1) On May 24th a flock offlfteen hundred (1,500) to two thousand (2,000) Whirnbrel was seen on lIPS by Dr Hans Blokpoel and the author During the afternoon of the 24th this flock was joined by several other large flocks resulting in a total number in excess of three thousand (3,000) birds. Almost all of the Whimbrels left the spit during the night of the 24th - 25th May. 2) Several hundred Ruddy Turnstones also appeared at the spit on May 24th. While most of these birds only stayed for a short time, a flock of fourteen (14) Ruddy Tumstones remained until the end of the program. This little flock of birds was responsible for heavy predation on Common Tern eggs on the Endikement, Finger 3 and lIPS. - 17 - W R. '13 6.6 Black-crowned Night Herons TIus species returned to Area B and to the newly formed nestIng colony m Penmsula C. In 1987 only one census of Black-crowned Night Herons was taken. The first census of 1988 mdIcated that the numbers of nests were reduced. However, a second count later on June 28th revealed that the numbers of nests had actually mcreased to 621 nests. No information is available however, to determme whether the increase is due to birds renesting or to an mcrease in the number of breeding pairs in the park. A Yellow-crowned Night Heron was spotted by Tim Dyson and Greg Sadauski on Apri118th, amongst the Black-crowned Night Herons. Subsequent sightings of this rare visitor were made by the mitial observers and by the author, during the remainder of the program. The sighting, however, was never confmned by a professional ornithologist. 6.7 Birds of Prey These were sighted in usual numbers. Snowy Owls stayed on site during the entire program. One (1) immature female Snowy Owl predated on nesting Common Terns, mainly on the Endikement, unit! the end of the program on July 10th. Seven (7) Peregrine Falcons were seen during the second week of May. One (1) sub-adult Tundra Peregrine Falcon was seen towards the end of June after the program had ended. No bands were observed on any of these falcons. It is safe to say that the Peregrine Falcon is one of the more ! , commonly seen raptors at the Spit during the spring. I ; wR. ql+ - 18 - 7. Recommendations After five seasons of intenSIve Ring-bIlled Gull control work carried out at Tommy Thompson Park, and to ensure the success of thIS program in the future, the following recommendatlOns are provIded. 1) It IS felt by the contractor that this year's Ring-billed Gull control program was too short for the following reasons. . Ring-billed Gulls were in active courtship in the fIrst weeks of the program . Ring-billed Gulls were still loafIng on the Endikement after egg-laying was fInished . Predation of Common Terns by several species, including Ring-billed Gulls was severe after control ceased. It is recommended, therefore, that the program starts at least 14 days earlier, and be extended by at least 14 days. 2) The provision of 2 staff members by the MTRCA again proved to be necessary and worthwhile. However, it is recommended that, in future, they report directly to the contractor WIth regard to their bird control duties. Some conflict in responsibilities does arise when the staff are ostensibly working for the contractor, but reporting to the MrRCA. 3) As has been stressed in previous years, the program's success is directly related to the quality of the main control person on site. To hire a qualified person on short notice can be difficult. It is again requested that a multi-year contract be awarded as this would be of organizational assistance to the contractor. ; - 19 - WR.q:;- References Blok:poel, H., 1988 Personal Communications Blok.-poel and Tessier, 1983 In Aquatic Park EnVIronmental Study, 1978 - 82 MTRCA, 1983 Fetterolf, P 1983 In Aquatic Park Environmental Study, 1978 - 82 MTRCA, 1983 ; VJR .'tb - 20- Appendix I Checklist of Birds Observed at Tommy Thompson Park 11us lIst compnses brrd species observed at Tommy Thompson Park on the Endikement, areas south of the main road, and in Area D, m 1988. SpecIes marked WIth an asterisk (*) have been known to nest at the site (Aquatic Park Study, 1982). Species marked with an exclamaoon (!) are new species for the park recorded in 1988. The nomenclature and sequence of species follow that of the American Ornithologists Union Checklist of North American Birds (6th Edition 1983). Species ~ GA VIIDAE. LOONS AND GREBES Common Loon AprilS Red-throated Loon May 11 Pied-billed Grebe March 30 Homed Grebe April 4 Red-necked Grebe April 28 Eared Grebe May 3 PHALACROCORACIDAE. GANNETS, PELICANS AND CORMORANTS Double-crested Connorant April 4 ARDEIDAE: HERONS, EGRETS AND BlllbKNS Great Blue Heron June 6 Green-backed Heron June 6 Black-crowned Night Heron * March 28 Yellow-crowned Night Heron! April 8 ; - 21 - wR.Q7 ANA TIDAE. SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS Tundra Swan March 28 Mute Swan * March 28 Snow Goose April 14 Canada Goose * March 28 Wood Duck June 5 Green-winged Teal April 5 American Black Duck March 28 Mallard * March 28 Northern Pintail May 9 Blue-winged Teal * April 9 Northern Shoveler Apri17 Gadwall * March 28 American Widgeon March 30 Canvasback March 30 Redhead * March 30 Ring-necked Duck March 30 Greater Scaup March 28 Lesser Scaup March 28 Harlequin Duck March 31 Oldsquaw March 28 Common Scoter May 17 White-winged Scoter May 10 Common Goldeneye March 29 Bufflehead March 28 Hooded Merganser March 28 Common Merganser April 4 Red-breasted Merganser March 30 Ruddy Duck April 4 ACCIPITRIDAE: VULTIJRES, HAWKS, EAGLES AND FALCONS Turkey Vulture May 11 Osprey April 28 Northern Harrier AprilS Sharp-shinned Hawk April 27 lNR.qS - 22 - Cooper's Hawk Apnl25 Northern Goshawk April 8 Broad-wmged Hawk May II Red-tailed Hawk March 28 Rough-legged Hawk April 8 American Kestrel * March 28 Merlin March 28 Peregnne Falcon May 8 PHASUUUDAE. GROUSE, TURKEYS Ring-necked Pheasant * March 29 RALLIDAE. RAILS, CRANES Sora June 23 American Coot June 6 CHARADRIDAE. PLOVERS Black-bellied Plover May 20 Lesser Golden Plover May 26 Semipa1rnated Plover May 15 Killdeer * March 29 SCOLOPACIDAE: SANDPIPERS, CURLEWS, GODWITS, TIJRNSTONES, SNIPES, DOWITCHERS, WOODCOCKS AND PHALAROPES Greater Yellowlegs May 7 Lesser Yellowlegs May 24 Spotted Sandpiper * April 28 Whirnbrel May 15 Ruddy Turnstone May 20 Sanderling May 2S - 23 - WR.CJ1 Senupalmated SandpIper May 12 Least SandpIper May 18 Wlute-rumped SandpIper May 24 Dunlm May 13 Short-billed Dowitcher May 17 Common Snipe March 30 Amencan Woodcock March 30 Wilson's Phalarope May 26 LARIDAE. JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS AND SKIMMERS Bonaparte's Gull April 9 Ring-billed Gull · March 28 Herring Gull · March 28 Glaucous Gull March 28 Iceland Gull April 6 Great Black-backed Gull March 28 Caspian Tern · April 9 Common Tern · April 25 Black Tern May 15 Thayer's Gull May 18 COLUMBIDAE. PIGEONS AND OOVES Rock Dove * May 10 Mourning Dove * April 9 CUCULlDAE: CUCKOOS AND ANIS Black-billed Cuckoo May 31 wR. '00 - 24 - STRIGIDAE. OWLS Great Homed Owl May 16 Snowy Owl March 30 Short-eared Owl April 13 APODIDAE. SWIFTS Chimney Swift May 17 TROCHLIDAE. HUMMINGBIRDS Ruby-throated Hummingbird May 19 ALCENDINIDAE. KINGFISHERS Belted Kingfisher April 20 PICIDAE. WOODPECKERS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker April 9 Downy Woodpecker March 28 Northern Flicker March 29 TYRANNIDAE: TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Eastern Wood Pewee May 31 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher May 18 Alder Flycatcher May 17 Least Flycatcher May 11 Eastern Phoebe March 28 Great-crested Flycatcher May 20 Eastern Kingbird May 18 - 25 - wR. )0/ ALAUDIDAE. LARKS Homed Lark April 5 HIRUNDINIDAE. SWALLOWS Tree Swallow * March 30 Northern Rough-winged Swallow May 3 Bank Swallow * April 28 ClIff Swallow May 17 Barn Swallow April 20 Purple Martin May 30 CORVIDAE. JAYS, MAGPIES AND CROWS Blue Jay May 4 American Crow April 9 PARIDAE. CInCKADEES Black-capped Chickadee May 6 SITIIDAE: NU1HA TCHES Red-breasted Nuthatch April 13 White-breasted Nuthatch April IS CERTImDAE. CRtlliP~S Brown Creeper March 28 wR. )02- - 26 - TROOLODYTIDAE. WRENS House Wren May 26 Winter Wren March 30 Sedge Wren May 24 MUSCICAPIDAE. KINGLETS, GNA TCA TCHERS, THRUSHES AND MlMIDS Golden-crowned Kinglet March 28 Ruby-crowned Kinglet April S Veery May 6 Gray-cheeked Thrush May 15 Swainson's Thrush May 11 Hermit Thrush April 9 Wood Thrush May 16 American Robin March 29 Gray Catbird May 11 Brown Thrasher April 25 MOT AClllIDAE. PIPITS Water Pipit May 9 BOMBYClllIDAE: WAXWINGS Cedar Waxwing May 27 SlURNIDAE. STARLINGS European Starling * Apri16 ; - 27 - t0~. I 03 VIREONIDAE. VIREOS SolItary Vireo May 18 Warbling Vireo May 18 Philadelphia Vireo May 18 Red-eyed Vireo May 20 Wlute-eyed Vireo May 15 EMBERIZIDAE. WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, GROSBEAKS, BUNTINGS, TOWHEES, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, BLACKBIRDS, MEADOWLARKS AND ORIOLES Blue-winged Warbler May 18 Golden-winged Warbler May 18 Brewster's Warbler May 19 Tennessee Warbler May 15 Orange-crowned Warbler May 11 Nashville Warbler May 21 Yellow Warbler May 10 Chestnut-sided Warbler May 15 Magnolia Warbler May IS Cape May Warbler May 15 Black-throated Blue Warbler May 6 Yellow-romped Warbler April 20 Black-throated Green Warbler May IS Blackbumian Warbler May 18 Pine Warbler May 6 Palm Warbler May 18 Bay-breasted Warbler May 11 Black-and-White Warbler May 11 American Redstart May 20 Ovenbird May 18 Northern Waterthrush May 10 Mourning Warbler May 6 Common Yellowthroat May 11 Wilson's Warbler May 17 Canada Warbler May 18 ; l,..)R.IDLf - 28 - Yellow-breasted Chat May 18 Scarlet Tanager May 15 Northern Cardmal April 9 Rose-breasted Grosbeak May 16 Indigo Bunting May 22 Rufous-sIded Towhee May 2 American Tree Sparrow March 30 ChIppmg Sparrow April 13 Field Sparrow April 7 Vesper Sparrow April 13 Savannah Sparrow * April 9 Grasshopper Sparrow May 4 Song Sparrow * March 28 Lmcoln's Sparrow March 30 Swamp Sparrow April 28 White-throated Sparrow April 13 White-crowned Sparrow May 6 Dark-eyed Junco March 30 Lapland Longspur April 4 Snow Bunting April 14 Bobolink May 20 Red-winged Blackbird * March 29 Eastern Meadowlark April 12 Rusty Blackbird April 14 Common Grackle * March 28 Brown-headed Cowbird * March 29 Orchard Oriole May 18 Northern Oriole April 22 FRINGILLIDAE. FINCHES House Finch May 12 Pine Siskin May 21 American Goldfinch May 6 PASSERIDAE. WEAVER FINCHES House Sparrow April 6 ; lJ.)R. IO~ STOUFFVILLE RESERVOIR FEASIBILITY STUDY MTRCA 1988 , - i - t-.0R ID~ SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS The following is a summary of the main recommendations made within this report: (a) The current agreement between the Town of Whitchurch- stouffville and the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority indicating the Town as the agency responsible for the management of Authority owned lands within the Town be continued. (b) The Town and the MTRCA will attempt to acquire all non- public floodplain lands within the Town to provide a linear regional park system and to meet MTRCA's watershed objectives of flood control, land management and watershed recreation. (c) The Town should consider the development of an interpretive trail system within these lands which could be used for passive recreational uses and further conservation education within the region. The use of the Stouffville Conservation Club for this work could be an asset. (d) The Town could consider the development of a parking facility to service the reservoir lands. The design of the lot will be required to maintain the flood control operations of the dam including the emergency spillway. (e) The Town should consider conducting a forest management plan study for the northern forest stands when passive recreation (trails) is developed is this area. The MTRCA would be able to provide technical advice for this study. (f) The Town through the Stouffville Conservation Club should undertake fish and wildlife management projects to improve habitat, enhance visitors experience and to provide recreational opportunities. Funding through the Ministry of Natural Resources is available from the Community Wildlife/Fisheries Involvement Programs (CWIP/CFIP). ; k>k>. 107 - ii - TABlE OF a:NI'ENTS ~ SlmInal:y of Recc1moordations i Table of contents ii List of Figures iv List of Tables v List of ~ces vi 1. INIroWCI'IGN 1 1.1 Descriptioo of study Site 4 1.1.1 Location ani size 4 1.1.2 GeolCXJ'i 5 1.1.3 Soils 5 1.2 History of Lam Use ani ~itioo 5 1.2.1 stalffville ReseIvoir am tam 6 1.2.2 stalffville Flood Olannel 7 2. MElKXX)LCX;Y 8 2.1 Terrestrial Habitat Inventory 8 2.2 Breed.i.rq Bird census 8 2.3 MaIIIDal, Al1prlbian am Reptile Census 10 2.4 Fisheries 10 2.5 Special stu:lies 13 2.5.1 &wircnnentally Significant Areas stu:Jy (!SA) 13 2.5.2 Wetlani Evaluatioo 14 3. RESOOJa: RF.SUl(['S 16 3.1 Field/5cr:ub Habitat 16 3.1.1 vegetatioo 16 3.1.2 Birds 16 3.1.3 MaDmals, Aq:'hibians ani Reptiles 16 3.2 Mature Mixed Forest 18 3.2.1 Vegetatia'l 18 3.2.2 Birds 18 3.2.3 MaDIDals, Aq:irlbians am Reptiles 18 3.3 Mature Cedar Forest 18 3.3.1 Vegetatioo 20 3.3.2 Birds 20 3.3.3 JotmwM 1 R, Aq:'hibians ani Reptiles 20 - 111 - L0 R It>l) PAGE 3.4 Mature Decich.ta.1s Forest 20 3.4.1 Vegetation 20 3.4.2 Birds 22 3.4.3 Manmals, AItprlbians ani Reptiles 22 3.5 ReseIvoir an:! SwaIrp 22 3.5.1 Vegetation 22 3.5.2 Birds 22 3.5.3 ManInals, AItprlbians ani Reptiles 22 3.6 Inmature Mixed Forest 25 3.6.1 Vegetation 25 3.6.2 Birds 25 3.6.3 ManInals, AItprlbians ani Reptiles 25 3.7 Park;MeadCM Camlmity 27 3.7.1 Vegetation 27 3.7.2 Birds 27 3.7.3 Malmals, AnPrlbians ani Reptiles 27 3.8 Fisheries 27 3.8.1 Resel:voir 27 3.8.2 stcAlffville Creek 30 3.8.3 Water Chemi..sb:y 33 3.9 O:isCllSSim 33 3.9.1 Vegetatim 33 3.9.2 Birds 35 3.9.3 MaDmUs, AqiUbians ani Reptiles 35 3.9.4 Fisheries 35 3.10 Envira1ment:al.1y Significant Areas stu:ly 44 3.11 wetlani Evaluatim 45 4.0 ~CH; 46 4.1 Resooroe Manaqement 46 4.1.1 Vegetatim 46 4.1.2 Wildlife 47 4.1.3 Fisheries 49 4.2 Recreat!at 50 4.2.1 Public o:t1sic1eraticns 50 5.0 a:srs 54 .t<ta'~ 56 APPflmlCES 57 (,OR. I o~ - iv - LIsr OF FIGURES Paqe 1. (a) IDeation Map 2 1. (b) Key Map , 3 ,- - 2. ReseJ:voir Area (Existin;} Con:tition) Rear Pocket 3. Flood Channel. (Existin;} Con:tition) Rear Pocket 4. Reservoir Area (Vegetation) Rear Pocket 5. Flood Channel. (Vegetation) Rear Pocket 6. Reservoir Area (Wetlarxi & ESA) Rear Pocket 7. Reservoir Area (Recreation & Resource Rec:::x::mnen:ltions) Rear Pocket 8. Flood Channel. (Recreation & Resource Rec:::x::mnen:ltions) Rear Pocket . wR.llo -v- LIST OF TABlES Paqe 1- BiOIilysical Invento~ Classification 9 2. Ontario Breedirg Bird Atlas Ccx:ie 11 3. Wildlife Census - Field,lScrub 17 4. Wildlife Census - Mature Mixed Forest 19 5. Wildlife Census - Cedar Forest 21 6. Wildlife Census - Mature Deciduous Forest 23 7. Wildlife Census - Resel:voir am SWanp 24 8. Wildlife Census - Immature Mixed Forest 26 9. Wildlife Census - Park,lMeadow 28 10. Elect.roshocki.rg Results - Reservoir 29 11- Elect.roshocki.rg Results - stouffville Creek - Above Resel:voir 31 12. Elect.roshocki.rg Results - Stouffville Creek - Below Resel:voir 32 13. Water <l1emi.stty Results 34 14. Habitat Areas 36 15. Bird Census Results 37 16. Mammals, Reptiles am AIrPrlbians Census Results 39 17. SInall Mammal Live - Trawin;J Schedule 40 18. IargE!IOOUth Bass - Year Class 41 wR. HI - vi - LIsr OF APPENDICES Page 1. ESA Site Description 58 2. Wetlarxl Evaluation Record 59 - 1 - /A) R. 1\ 2.- S'lUJFFVILIE RESERVOIR FFASIBILI'I'Y SIUDY 1- INIroroCI'ION Upon request of the Tc1.m of Whitchurch-stouffville (Hallam, 1987) to provide infonnation arrl rec:x:mneOOations on the resoorce an:! recreational potential of the stalffville O:nn am Resavoir lams (Figure 1a & lb), the Metropolitan Toronto ani Region Consel:Vation Authority (MIRCA) agreed to ume.rtake a feasibility study in 1988. While this study corx::ent.rated on a specific parcel of Authority owned lani, its allows the Ml'RCA an q;:portunity to further their watershed objectives in the followin;J prcgrammes am. still maintain the flood control objective of the dam arrl reservoir. (a) Conservation Iarrl Management Proc:rram - fisheries management - wildlife management - forest management (b) Watershed Recreation Proaram - recreational c.gx>rtunities - linear park system (c) I.an:i Acxroi.sition Proaram - acquisition of conservation am hazard lams '!he purpose of the stu1y is as folla,.,os: - To docllnll=>nt the existin;J resources of these lams (i.rd.tninJ fisheries, wildlife arrl vegetation arrl any other significant resources). - To provide resan-ce management :reu...lllll:::lrlatians intent upal inprovin;J the habitat arrl health of the natural system. - To provide passive recreational :I'eCUllll.errlations consistent with its current use. '!he stooffville Reservoir Feasibility stuiy (SRFS) examined two (2) tracts of Ian:! within the Ta.mshi.p of Whitd1urd1-Stcuffville. '!he lams referred to are ~ j ~ - Q STUDY AREA , 0",__ a .. ..... : I . . I a 6 1(1-" t.'h I' d" ST9lJFFVlbLE RESERVOIR , t e metropo Iten toront. en regIon FEA conservetlon euthority - j - ........... .............. I :::.... \ . . I -'\-' \ . (!J I ) i~ - I U. I I I . I . I . I . c.. I . ~ I ~~,. . I ;gii~ fO · ~ I ~, -0. ~Ql . ~ I I G~~ , >- · c1 ~ I . ~ '!to .. I W I II)' ~ . 1 ~ -tI 0 I I .~-- I Q 1 ! I 1 I 10 I 1 a: I 1 1 - I 0 I 1 > I 3NI1 1 I 1 a: I - 1 W> CJ)g I 1 WI- I I 1 a:(/) I ......... 1 > I - 1 WI- I / . -.J~ I > . -.Jm I a: 1 - - I < I >~ 0 u..w I z . --l~ u..1L I '- ::> . I 0 . :J CD 0 . . > I I l- I l- I .a: . CJ) w I ~ 1 I 0 . c a: 0 I ~ I 'r ,1 . ~ 1 . . . ! 4( . . If w I . a: ( I I c- 4( . ~ I . ... :> l~ Q . 1 ::) . I i~ ... CI) ................ ........... 0 EI 0 l~ 0 . 0 - :A wk. 1 IS- - 't - lD"rler a management agl.~(ent with the Town. 'Ihese tracts bein;J: - stooffville Resel:voir am O:un (Figure 2); an:l - stooffville Flood C1anne1 (Figure 3). 'lhi.s study is based upon a number of recent Ml'RCA' s reports am inventories/surveys uniertaken in 1988. A listin;J of these reports is as foll0v.7S: - Enviromnentally Significant Areas study, 1982; - stooffville Forest Wetlam Evaluation, 1985; am - stooffville Forest am Reservoir Wildlife Management Plan (Draft), 1986. 1.1 Description of studv site 1.1.1 Location ani Size '!he stooffville Reservoir am Dam is located 0.5 kIn north of the Village of stooffville, Ontario, in the Regional z.tmi.cipality of York ani the Tavnship of Whitdlurdl-stooffville, Concession 9, betw'een Lots 2 am 4. '!he 34.74 ha tract is owned by the Metropolitan Toronto an:l RegiCX1 Conset:Vation Authority. '!he latitude amlorgitude of the tract is awroximately 430 58.9 N am 790 15.0 W respectively. It can be located on map number 30M/14 (Markham) of the National 'l'opogratitic System of maps issued by the Canada Maps Office, ottawa. 1hi.s tract is boorxied by fannlani to the north ani west, by rnR tracks to the east, ani by uman develqments to the south am southeast. Access to the tract may be gained by either ern of Millard street, which runs parallel to ani awroximately 40 m south of the dam. East of the tract site Millard street is a paved road wi.rrli.rg its way through a new housin;J develcpnent (Greenpark) eventually en:lirg up at Highway 47 in stooffville. West of the tract site Millanl street is a gravel road which t-~nn;nates at ~iCX1 Road 9. '!he stooffville Flood Cllannel. is located within the Village of stooffville, Ontario, in the TcM1shi.p of Whitdlurdl-st.cuffville, C:n::ession 9, Lots 34 am 35. '!he 2.2 ha tract is owned by the MIRCA. '!he latitude am lorgitude of the tract is awroximately 430 58 N am 790 15.0 W respectively. '!his tract is boorxied by residential ani canmercial develqJneIlt am passive recreation fran all directions. Access to the tract can be reached fran the follc:Min:J streets: - Main street (Highway #47); - 5 - wR. uk - SaneIville street; - Burkholder street; an:l - Market street an:l is utilized by the residents of the area as a linear park system. In addition, MI'RCA awroved in 1980 extensive flocx:i channel construction alorg this stretch of the watercourse (stcuffville creek - trib..Itary of the West D.1ffin Creek. 1.1.2 Geolc:qy 'n1e SRFS is located in the York Till Plain c:c:I'Iplex at an elevation rarge between 272 am 283 metres. '!he Till Plain is a glacial feature pos.~i.n3 characteristics similar to a grourxl ItDraine (Le. areas of relatively little relief to areas of irregular knolls an:l hollows, MIRCA Watershed Plan, 1980). 'Ihese ~iogIaIili.c dlaracteristics are true to the resenroir an:l dam area itself, which is IOOStly very flat with a slight slope to a shallow valley in the soothern errl (runnin;J east-west throogh the mature mixed forest ocmm.mi.ty). '!he glacial dep:sits in the York Till Plain consist mainly of silty sam till, with an mrlerlyi.n3 bedrock of shale. 1.1.3 Soils '!he Great Soil grcA1pS fOl.U'rl in the SRFS inc1u:ie the Grey-Brown Podzolic an:l Alluvial (Ycml:1). '!he Grey-Brown Podzols originated fran calcareous materials an:l have the followin;J generalized profile: (1) the top layer of soil is generally 7 to 10 an thick an:l is dark-grayish brcMll to very dark brcMll in colaJr, IOOderately acid an:l m:xierately high in organic matter; (2) the mid-layer is yellowish-brown, pale brown or brownish-qrey in colan.-, slightly to mderately acid arxl low in ozganic matter. '!he thickness of this layer varies considerably in different soils; (3) the bottan layer is darker bra.m than the mid-layer arxl it contains lOOre clay an:l sesquiaxides than any other layer in the profile. It is usually slightly acid to neutral in reaction. 'Ibis bottan layer rests upon the unaltered slightly weathered calcareaJS parent material (Hoffman an:l Ridlards, 1955). 'Ihe alluvial soils are included in a gralp of poorly drained soils. 'D1ese soils can be famj in law-lyin;J areas usually near river valleys. the alluvial soils consist of recently deposited material which has oot been in place lon:J encugh for definite soil layers to devel~. 1.2 Histor:y of I.an1 Use an:l Acaui.sition v ~R. .117 1.2.1 stouffville Resel:voir arrl O:mt In December 1966, the Ml'RCA acquired this tract of larrl al~ the Stouffville Creek flocdplain in order to construct a flcxxl control dam. '!hE primary f\mction of the dam is to alleviate flcxxl problems in Stouffville. '!he MI'RCA' s original p.u:pose was for these larrls to be managed as a forest arrl wildlife conservation area. 'Ibis wa1ld involve the establishment of habitat for wildlife arrl trails for- hi.k.iI'g, cross-cx:ll.mtty skiirg arrl SI'1C7i.'ShoeiIg . It was also prcp:lSed that the area be used for fishi..n;J of native species ani CRItdoor education. In 1974, the corporation of the 'l'c:Mn of Whitchurch-stouffville agreed to tm:lertake the operation, maintenance arrl developnent of the stouffville Reservoir larrls for a wildlife sanctuary with limited passive recreational use. '!he Town named the Whitchurdl-stouffville COnservation Club (SCC) as its agent to lD"rlertake develcpnent of this site. '!he Ml'RCA retains control of the dam ani arrj flcxxl or erosion control associated with it. '!he Whitdlurch-stroffville Conservation Club urrlertook a rn.nnber of tree arrl shrob plantin]s in 1974 arrl 1981. In 1980 they constructed a fel"a! to limit unauthorized vehicle acx::ess to the dam arrl erected a large sign identifyiIg the area as the Whitchurch-stouffville Reservoir ani wildlife Sanctual:y. Sin::e this time the club has remained inactive due to a shortage of noney arrl lCM membership. '!he club plans to becane actively iIwolved once again after canstructi.a1 near the site is cx:mpleted in awroximately two years time (Wayne T ;:l1ri~..rt, SCC, personal CY'I'IIII'1Inri.cation). '!he dam reduces dcwnstream flCM by one-third duriIg heavy nD'X)ff, reduciIg the risk of floodi.n:]. '!he drainage area of the dam is 6.99 square lan. '!he resezvoir it creates exterrls 548 m upstream, with an average depth of 1.2 tc 1.5 m, a max:inum surface area of 5.08 ha arrl a volume of 172,690 cubic m. '!he gradient of the 5talffville creek is 7.57 m per lan, with a fall of 4.57 m at the rese.z:voir. '!he dam itself is a concrete sluiceway 29.4 m l~ arrl 3.6 to 6.7 m wide. '!he earthfill E!IIi:lankment of clayey silt till exterxis east arrl west iran the sluiceway for 335 m in a gently cw:ved line. '!he reservoir is drained by a valve 30.5 an in diameter which is cp3I1E!d to draw down the reservoir in NoveJJi:ler ani closed again ~ March or April, deperrliIg on the sprirg ronoff. - 7 - w R. 1J f '!he dam has been designed to require a minirra.nn of maintenance an:l supervision: routine inspections are made every two m:>nths, the valve is greased when ~ry, ani the grass arourrl the dam maintained. 1.2.2 stouffville Flood <l1annel 'lhis channel was designed to a<X:ullll...uate nm-off disd1arges fran new suburban develc:prents proposed for the area. BenTs were incol:pOrated to contain areas of flood durirg 25 year to 100 year storms. '!he channel. was built in 1980 in acx::ordance with designs prepared by a private ergineerirg finn an:l constructed by the residential developer. 'D1e stJ:ucture was then tunled over to the Authority for management. - 8 - wR. 1/ 1 2. MEIHOOOICGY 2.1 Terrestrial Habitat Inventory Detennination of the habitat types present on the reservoir arrl adjacent lams involved delineation of the major vegetation zones follC1.llE!d by vegetation san:pli.rq within earn zone. Air p,.ates, p,.otoflexes arrl a previous description 0 the site (Ml'RCA, 1981) were used to map out the larger scale habitat types on a 1:2000 scale map (Figures 4 arrl 5), with habitats classified accordi.n;J to the Biq::hysica1 Inventory Classification Scheme Crable 1). Preliminary inspections of the site helped to m:>re accurately locate ~ies aroun::i these habitats. planimeter was used to detenni.ne the area of eadl zone on the map. Within eadl distinct habitat type vegetation was sanpled al~ rarrlanly located 25 m transects, the rnnnber of transects in a habitat depe.rxii.n:J on its size arrl shape. Transect sites were located on the Flocx:i Plain Map by first drawi.rq a line across earn habitat at its maxinn.nn east-west width. A series of points, 0 for each transect in the habitat, was then placed at regular intervals al~ these lines. Fadl of these points was then centred in a oorth-sooth direction within the habitat; this marked the midpoint of a 25 m transect. However , because the field habitat in the stu:ly area is fragmented by IDysica1 ban'iers (forest, reseIVOir am creek), si.rqle transects were placed in the three smaller fields, with two transects in the larger fields. At the site, distirgui.shable larrlmarks, metre tape, am a c::x:rtplSS were used to locate these transect midpoin fran the map. All transects ran in a north-sooth direction. vegetation sanplin} al~ the transects involved identifyi.rq the species present in these strata: overstorey (mature trees whose caI1q)ies crossed the transect), urrlerstorey (seedlin3s, sapli.rgs an:} shrob species crossin} the transect), arrl grami CJ:Ner (herbaceaJS species within 0.5 m of the transect). Records of the daninant species an:} estimated percent coverage for eadl stratum were also kept. '!he habitat analysis methodology for the flocx:i dlannel. lams utilized the same classification system b.1t due to its relative narrowness of the lan:ls, 00 transects were used. Instead, the entire lerr;Jth of the channel was walked arrl species present identified an:} habitat carm.mi.ties mawed. 2.2 Breedim Bird Census Birds occupyin} the vegetation habitats of the resezvoir arrl dam lan:ls were censused between 23 JlD'le an:} 14 July, 1986 arrl flocx:i channel lan:ls were censused - 9 - wR. ) (0 TABlE 1 BIOFHYSICAL INVENroRY CIASSIFICATIOO CXJoHJNITIES 'IYPE NA'IURE Forest (F) Deciduous (d) Uplarn (up Conifero.1S (c) I.arllarn (low) Mixed (m) Field (PO) New Old Scrub (SC) New Unstable Slope (Us) Old Field (fd) Gravel Pit (pit) Old ManagedjMan-macle (M) Agriculture (agr) Crcp (crp) Pasture (pas) Fallow Ordla:rd (Or) Tree Line (tr) Shrub Iar (shr) Groaood (grm) picric Areas (pic) Beach Area (bdl) Road-sicle, ditches (road) Park;meadow Plantation (ptn) New Old NurseJ:y (nur) Resideroe (res) Wetlard (W) SWanp (swp) Marsh (mar) Pon:l (pd) lake (lake) - 10 - wR. \I ) August 5, 1988. '!he pmpose of the censuses was to gather a list of bird speci utilizirg the available habitats am to assess their breedin:;J status (observed, lXl55ible, prc::bable or confi..nre:i) in aa::ordance with the 0881\ codes (see Table 2). Exclusive species, that is those 03llSl1SE!d in one habitat type only durirg this sttxiy, were also noted. 2.3 Mammal. Arnr::hi.bian am Reptile Census Shennan am National live traps were used to census the small mammals of the Stouffville tract. In each habitat of the resel:Voir lams only trawirg was carried out for three days alon; the transects, with the rn.nnber of traps roughly proportional to the area of the habitat. '!he traps were baited with peanut butter, oatmeal am a ffM kenlel.s of com; cotton balls were provided for ~irq. Each trap was checked twice daily, as early as lXl55ible in the ooming am as late as possible in the aftenxx>n. Irx:idental sighti.n;Js of anptibians, reptiles am mammals, am mammal signs were also recorded on MIRCA wildlife inventory sheets, alorg with the date am location of sighti.n;Js. 2.4 Fisheries A qualitative semple of the fish carmmi.ty was c:tJtai.ned fran within the Stouffville Reservoir am the ~ am lower channel. A Smith Root SR-12 electrofishi.Ig boat was deployed for collections within the reservoir am a Smi Root Type Seven backpack elec:troshocker was used in the channels. sanplirg effort within the reservoir was set at two t:housarrl (2000) shcx::ki.Ig secoms per sauple nm. 5aIrplirg effort within the uwer am lower dlannels was detenni.ned by the catch rate am diversity of the catch. '!he lergth of every sanplirg nm was adequate to irocnporate the different aquatic habitats present. Total lerxfth I'anJE!S (nm) am total bianass (g) were recxmied for each species captured. Fish that were positively identified were released. Unidentified speciIrens were presezved in 10% fonnalin for positive identification in the laboratory . Retained speciloons were sent to the Royal Qrt:ario Museum for verification am curation. Species (X.u~ition, I'll1lIi:ler of i.rrli.viduals, percent UAlp,bitian, total bianass, percent bianass am size rarge were detenni.ned for the fish CCI1UTI..Dli.ty at eadl sauple lcx::ation within the stuiy area. '!he fish CCI'l11I.Bl.:ity at eadl site was aSSoE>SSed usirg the :rmex of Biotic Integrity (IBI) that was first developed by - 11 - w((. )J~ TABlE 2 ONI'ARIO BREEDING BIRD ATIN3 roDE SPECIES OBSERVED X Species absenred in breedi.n:J season. R:SSIBlE mEEDING SH Species absenred in breedi.n:J ~ason in suitable nestirg habitat. 8M Sirgle male(s) present, or breedi.n:J calls heard, in suitable nestirg season. ~BABIE mEEDING p Pair absenred in suitable nestirg habitat in nest~ season. T Pennanent territory presumed through registration of territorial behaviour (song, etc.) on at least two days, a week or IOOre apart, at the same place. D Courtship ani display, includi.n;J interaction between a male arrl female or two males, includirg courtship f~. V Visitirg probable nest site. A Agitated behaviour or anxiety calls of an adult. B Brood patch on adult female or cloacal protuberarres on adult male. N Nest l:ui1cli..ng or excavation of nest hole. cx::m'IlHD BREEDING 00 Distraction display or injuzy feigni.ng. NU Used nest or egg shells foum.. Use a1ly unique ani unmistakable nests or shells. FY Recently fled]ed or downy ycmq. Use with caution for yo.Ing starlin3s ani swallows, which may nove sane di.staJ're after fled;Jin1 while remai.niIg deperrlant upon parents for food. AE Adults leavirg or enterirg nest sites in ci.rcumstances i.rrlicat~ ocx::upied nest (includirg high nests, nest holes, or nest boxes, the contents of which c.anJ'X)t be seen) . - 12 - tNR. 1 (3 FS Mult can:yirg fecal sac or fcxxi to ycA.m';J. NE Nest conta~ eggs. If the nest also contains a cx::lWbird egg record NE fc 00th the host am the CXJWbird. NY Nest with Y~ seen or heard. If a YOlJl"q CXJWbird is fOl11"rl in a nest, record NY for both the host ani the c:owbird. . - 13 - LQ~"t...J.. Karr (1981) am IOOdified for use in sa.rt:heJ:n Ontario by steedman (1987). '!he IBI uses the different attributes of the fish camm.mity to assign an IBI score which relates to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem of the site. A Mi.nistry of Natural Resoorces field collection record am map were cx::ITpleted for each inventory site am available at the MI'RCA office. 'llle water chemistry of the reseJ:Voir was investigated to detennine the overall quality am its suitability to SUR?Ort a sport fisheries. 'Ibis investigation consisted of dissolved oxygen, tercperature am con:iuctivity measurements. Water clarity was detenni.ned usin:J a secchi disc. stream flow i..np.tt am reseJ:Voir di.sd1arge was detennined usi..rq a ott lOOdel C-31 flow meter. Waster chemistry am fisheries rollections were collected am docLnnented as per ~ (1985). 2.5 Special studies 2.5.1 Environmentall v sicmi.ficant Areas study (ESA) In 1982, the MIRC'A CCIlpleted the Environmentally Significant Areas study. '!he study designated 126 ESA' s in::ll.rlirq ESA #107 (stouffville Forest) within its jurisdiction. To be designated an ESA, ale or more of the seven (7) criteria DUSt be satisfied. 'lhese are as follChlS: Criterion 1 'n1e area represents a distinctive am \D'1USl1al. lan:ifonn or feature within the MIRCA regioo, Ontario or Canada. Criterion 2 'llle ecx>logical furd:i.oo of the area cant.ribItes significantly to the healthy maintenaJre of a natural. system beycn:1 its ba.1OOaries: (a) the area seIVes as a water storage area or high soil perneability area, arrj,Ior, (b) the area helps to maintain or link significant natural biological systems, arxl/ or, (c) the area is essential for the healthy continuation of a significant species arxl/or significant pcp.1lation or cx>ncentration of species. - 14 - wR. r ,C Criterion 3 '!he habitats arrl/or biological c:amunities are identified as exceptional arrl/or of high quality within the MIRCA region, Ontario or Canada. Criterion 4 '!he area contains an ecosystem which has limita:l representation in the MIRCA region, Ontario or Canada cm:vor is a small remnant of a partia.1lar habitat which has virtually ni~rp:';n:ed within the MI'RCA region. Criterion 5 '!he area has an unusually high diversity of biological c::ammmities cm:vor species. Criterion 6 'lhe area provides natural habitat for intigenc:us species that are rare cm:vor eOOan:Jered regionally (MIRCA), provin::ially am nationally. Criterion 7 '!he area is sufficiently large to afford habitat for species which require extensive blocks of suitable habitat. For a fuller explanationji.ntel:pretation of the sb.dy awroach, methodology or selection criteria, consult the MIRCA Envira1menta1ly Significant Areas stmy (M1RCA 1982). 2.5.2 Wetlani Evaluation In 1981 devel~tt of a quantitative system of wetlarr:l evaluation was by the Q1tario Minisb:y of Natural Resan:ces ani the Canadian Wildlife Sel:vioe (CH;). '!his methodology was field tested extensively am fonned basis for revisions to the system. '!he evaluation system is based on the gra1pirxJ of wetlani values accord.in:J to biological, social, hydrological specjal feature carponents. '!he special features CCIIpOnent in::ludes assessnent of enjargered am provincially significant animals ani plants, am habitat for migratoJ:Y birds. usirxJ the evaluation method, wetl.arrls are ranked in Classes fran 1 to 7. Classes 1 am 2 are considered to be provin::ially significant; Class 3 wetlarrls are detenni.ned regionally - 15 - wR. I' b significant (OMNR, 1987). since 1983 wetlarxi evaluations were carried out by the MNR, several conservati.on authorities arxi the 0'lS utilizin;J the Secorrl Edition of the Evaluation System for Wetlan::ls of Ontario (CJo1NR, 1984). 'Ibis document should be consulted for a full explanation of the methodology. - 16 - l,UR.1J7 3. RESOORCE RESULTS 3.1 Field/SCrub Habitat 3.1.1 Veqetation '!he vegetation in this habitat is daninated by grasses am a variety of wildflC7Ner species. Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is the IOOSt CCl'lIlDn, fClUl'rl in aWroance on all transects. other species frequently encamtered include Oxeye daisy (Ouysanthenu.nn leucanthemum), Field Hawkwe (Hieracium pratense), CarIrrw:>n Danjelion (Taraxacum officinale), wild carrot (O:iUCUS carota) am Wild strawberry (Fraoaria vi.rqiniana). A total of 25 wildflower species were recorded alorg the field transects. '!he distrib.Ition of \tJtXJCiy species is lilllited to this habitat, Red-OSier Iklgwood (Comus stolonifera) am imnature American Elm (Ulmus americana), Eastern White Cedar ('!huia occidentalis), Willow (Salix sp.) am Car1loon Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) are present. Scrub habitats exist chiefly I the west ani oorth edge of the tract, am are daninated by elm, dogwood, Hawthorn (CrataE!QUS sp.) am b.1ckthom. 3.1.2 Birds 'l\t.1enty-foor (24) bird species (53% of the total Il\.U'lt)er of species) were recorded in the field am scrub (Table 3) . '!he IOOSt abJrrlant of these weJ:'I American ROOin ('l\1rdus mioratorius), E:ul:'q)ean Starlirg (stumus wloaris), American Goldfirdl (Carduelis tristas) am Eastern KinJbird (Tvrannus). Eighteen of the br.1enty-foor species identified were fClUl'rl exclusively in this habitat. 3.1.3 Mamnals. Anri\ ; hians am Reptiles Four (4) species of mamnals (44% of total) were identified in this field/scrub habitat (Table 3). White-tailed Deer (~ileus vi.rcrlni.anus) Eastern 0Jttantai.1 (SVlvilaqus floridanus) am Woodd1uck (ManocJta lOOl'lOX) were sighted. Live trawinl sucx:::ess was very poor in this habitat: b.u captures of Eastern Chipnunk (Tamias striatus) in 90 trap days. Of the fo species, cottontail. was seen only in this habitat. One anpribian, American Toad (9.lfo americarn.1S), am one reptile species, Eastern Garter snake ('1harnnai1i.s sirtalis), was fClUl'rl in this habitat (Tab. 3) . - 17 - fA)R. II ~ TABIE 3 BIRD CENSUS BY HABITAT TYPE: FIEID/srnuB (rn old. SC fd) SPEX:IES OBSERVED NO. OF SPECIES % OF TOI'AL *Red-tailed Hawk *Killdeer Rirg-billed Gull *Ma.1rni.n:J Dove *Chi.mney swift *East:en1 Kin3bird Great-crested Flycatcher *Bal:n SWallCM American <:::reM American Robin *Gray Catbird *Brovm 'Ihrasher 24 53% Cedar Waxwirg *European starlirg *YellCM Warbler *CcI1m:>n YellcM:hroat *Wilson's Warbler *Chippirg Sparrow *5on;J Sparrow *Savarmah Sparrow . *East:en1 Meadowlark Cc:Inl'oc>n Grackle *Brovm-headed Cowbird *American Goldfirdl C* = Exclusive Species) MAMMAL CENSUS: FIEID/SCRJB SPQ.;~ 'IDI'AL LIVE '!RAP CAPIURE 'IDI'AL SIGm'INGS/SIGNS Eastern arlpllJl1k 2 - Woodchuck - 1 Eastern Cottaltail. - 1 White-tailed Deer - 1 HERPI'IIE CENSUS: FIEID/SCRJB SPEX:IES 'IDI'AL SIGffi'mGS/SIGNS Garter Snake 1 American Toad 1 - 18 - kJR. H ~ 3.2 Mature Mixed Forest '!he forest occupies a daIrp, shallow valley. 'Ibis am the inunature mixed forest CYTm'Imity are considered an envi.rornrentally significant area within the Ml'RCA (ESA 107) iIrportant in a water-holdi.rq capacity. 3.2.1 Vecretation Eastern Hemlock (~ canadensis) -am SUgar Maple (Acer sa<X'harUm) are the daninant overstorey species in this habitat. lbmtain Maple (Acer soicaturn), Yellow Birch (Betula alleghani.ensis), Basswood (Tilia americana) am Black Ash (Fraxinus~) are also al:lurmnt. O:werage in this stratum is estiJnated at 70%. 'lbe urrlersto:rey is daninated by illlmatures of these species as well as Alternate-leaved Iklgwood (Comus altemifolia) am Cedar. Coverage averag 75%. Grour'rl ccver consists mainly o( ferns, but also inclu::ies Wood strawberry (Fraqaria vesca), Water Pennywort (Hvdrocotvle americana) am Red Trillium (Trillium erectum), an::1 is roughly 60% <::x:IIplete. 3.2.2 Birds Eleven (11) bird species (24% of the total) \to'ere fcmd within this mixed forest ('rable 4). '!he JOOSt CuIIllIJJI of these \to'ere Black~ Chickadee (Parus atricapillus), American Robin, am Blue Jay (evanocitta cristata). 'Ihese species ~ exclusive to this habitat: American Woodcock (Scolopax minor), Eastern Wood Peewee (Contooos vi:rens), am Rcse-b:reasted Grosbeak (RleuctialS ludovicianus). 3.2.3 ManI'nals. Anri'\ihians am ReDtiles '1hree (3) mamnal species \to'ere erxnmt:ered in this habitat (Table 4). One White-tailed Deer was c:i:>sEuved, five Deer Mice (Percmvsa.1s maniculatus) am two Red Squirrels (Tamiasciuros hudsonicus) \to'ere live-trawed in 51 trap days. No heI'ptiles ~ recorded in this mixed forest habitat. 3.3 Mature Cedar Forest '1hi.s habitat lies in a low, wet valley. 'lbe stnlffville Creek flows south - 19 - tor( I~o TABlE 4 BIRD CENSUS: MA'IURE MIXED FOREST (Pm low) SID.; I ..~ OBSERVED NO. OF SPEX:IES % OF 'roI'AL Ruffed Grouse *American Woodcock Inmy Woodpecker *Eastem Wood Peewee Blue Jay American Crow 11 24.4% Black-cawed Chickadee American Robin Northern carclina1 *Rose-breasted Grosbeak CUuulO11 Grackle (* = Exclusive Species) MAMMAL CENSUS: MA'IURE MIXED FOREST SPEX:n:S 'IOI'AL LIVE-TRAP 'IOI'AL SIGHl'INGS CAPIURES SIGNS Deer Mouse 5 - Red Squirrel 2 - White-tailed Deer - 8 (tracks) - 20 - Lc> R . l~' t.hrcugh the west side, into the northern tip of the reservoir. 3.3.1 veaetation Eastern White Cedar is the sole daninant overstorey species, with no others encountere1 consistently on the four transects. Coverage of the canopy averaged 85%. '!he unjerstorey is very sparse (rooghly 5%), particularly away fran the creek. Species present in this stratum include White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Hawthorn am 8..1ckthorn. Again, ferns daninate the groun:i cover in this habitat. Wood strawberry Water Horsetail (EQuisetum fluviatile) are also fairly CCI'lllOOn species. Groorrl coverage was estimated at 50%. 3.3.2 Birds '!he census inclu:ied eleven bird species (24% of total) in the cedar forest (Table 5). Anerican Robins, Blue Jays, arx:l Chickadees ~ 100St aburxlant. 'lbree species were foun::l only in this habitat: (Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Wood '1hn1sh (Hvloc:id1la ImJStelina), arx:l White-throated Sparrc7.rI (ZonJtridria albicollis) . 3.3.3 Malmnals. Arrdrlbians am ReDtiles '!he records of mamnals in this habitat were seven (7) inlividuals of three species (5 Deer Mice, 1 Eastem Grey Squirrel (Sciuros carolinensis) arx:l 1 Eastern ChipDJ1'1k) live-trawed in 42 days (Table 5). One anprlbian species, an American Toad was d::lserved in this habitat Crable 5). 3.4 Mature Deciduals Forest 'Dlis habitat is fam:i in flat, drier uplarrls; a very small creek rons t:hrc:uJh its east side. 3.4.1 Veaetation SUgar Maple arx:l Anerican Beech (~ grarrlifolia) dcminate the overstorey in this climax forest ccmtI.Illi.ty. other species in this stratum include Anerican Elm arx:l Fastem Hemlock. 'Ihe caJ'lq)y is very high, am coverage - 21 - ~ R.I:J. TABlE 5 BIRD CENSUS: CE:I:lAR FOREST (Fc low) S.I:'IX~ NO. OF SPECIES % OF 'lUI7U. *American Wcx:xicock D::M1y Woodpecker *Hally Woodpecker Drpidonax sp. Blue Jay Black-cawed Chickadee 11 24.4% American Crow American Robin Wcx:xi 'Ihrush Northern Cardinal *White-throated Sparrc:M (* = Exclusive Species) MAMMAL CENSUS: CEDf\R FOREST S~ 'IDI'AL LIVE...IJRAP 'lUI7U. SIGHI'INGS/ CAPIURES SIGNS Deer lbJse 5 - Eastern Chipm.mk 1 - Gray Squirrel 1 - HERPl'IIE crnsus: CEDf\R FOREST SM:X~ 'IDI'AL SIGHl'INGS/SIGNS American Toad 1 - 22 - c0R. JOl3 averages 90%. Imrnatures of this species daninate the urrlerstorey, alorg with White Ash~ with ooverage estimated at 65%. Grol.1n:l oover is sparse (20%), mainly consistirg of ferns ani a few other scattered herbaceous species. 3.4.2 Birds Eight (8) bird species (18% of total) were observed in this deciduous habitat ('rable 6). Robins were the IOOSt al::mmnt species. No species were fourrl exclusively to this habitat. 3.4.3 MarnrIals. An1J:ilibians ani Reptiles Ten (10) :irx:li.viduals of five different manunal species (55% of total) were censused in this forest type Crable 6). White-tailed Deer were seen on two different cx::casions, ani Raccoon (Procvon lotor) tracks were also fourrl . Live-trawin;J prcduoecl five Deer Mice, 1 Eastern Gray Squirrel ani 1 Red Squirrel in 42 trap days. No reptiles or anpllbians were observed in this habitat. 3.5 Reservoir ani SWanD 3.5.1 veaetatioo Cattails (~ latifolia) occupy the marshy edges of the water, while pordweed (RltaJooaeton sp.) ani nitella flourish in the reservoir. Riparian vegetatioo alCll'll the soothem edge of the northeast oomer of the reservoir is daninated by Balsam Pq>lar (~us balsamifera), ani also includes imnature cedar, basswood ani 1-Dmtain Ash. 3.5.2 Birds '!he (10) species of birds (22% of total) were 00served in association with the reservoir ani marsh or swanp habitats (Table 7). Red-wirged Blackbirds (Aqelaius t:hoerUceus) ani Bank SwalICM (Rioaria rioaria) were very ab.Jrrlant species. Of the ten species, eight were fcum exclusively in this habitat. 3.5.3 ManInals. A1rd1ibians ani Reptiles Signs of Beaver (Castor canadensis) in the fonn of felled trees were fourrl near the northeast oomer of the reservoir on the ed:;Je of the immature - 23 - ~R . I ~ 't TABLE 6 BIRD CENSUS: MA'IURE DECIroaJS FOREST (Fd lID) SJ:'t1 ~ I t<~ OBSERVED NO. OF SPECIES % OF 'IUl'AL Ruffed Grouse Inmy WoOOpecker Great~e:.-ted Flycatcher Blue Jay 8 17.8% AnErican Crc7N AnErican ROOin Ca:tm:>n Grackle MAMMAL CENSUS: MAnJRE DECIIXJaJS FOREST Sm..;~ 'IDrAL LIVE...JffiAP 'IUl'AL SIGHl'INGS/ CAPIURES SIGNS Deer Mouse 5 - Red Squirrel 1 - Gray Squirrel 1 - Raaxxm 1 1 (tracks) lthite-tailed Deer - 2 - 24 - ~~.I~s TABlE 7 BIRD CENSUS: RESERVOm AND SWAMP SPECIES OBSERVED NO. OF SPECIES % OF 'IOI'A *Great Blue Heron *I..east Bittern *Canada Goose *Mallard D.1ck Rin;J-billed Gull 10 22.2 *Herrirg Gull *Spotted Sanjpiper *Bel ted Kin:Jfisher *Bank SWallCM Red-wirged Blackbird (* = Exclusive Species) MAMMAL CENSUS: RESERVOm AND SWAMP SPECIES 'lOl'AL LIVE~ 'IOI'AL SIGHl'ING: CAPlURES SIGNS Beaver - Numerous HERPl'IIE CENSUS: ~~m AND SWAMP SPOCIES 'lOl'AL SIGHrINGS/SIGNS Green Frog Numerous - 25 - IA::JR. 1:l. , mixed forest (Table 7) . nris was the only reservoir manmal censused. on the site. Calls of Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) were heard frequently in the cattails (Table 7) . 3.6 Immature Mixed Forest '!his is a low-Iyin;J, very wet habitat off the east ern of the reservoir, part of ESA #107. Small pockets of the vegetative c:x:rrmmi.ty also exist alon;J the channel lams to the SCA.rt:h alorq the St:a.lffville Creek. 3.6.1 veaetation '!his is essentially a Black Ash cedar swaI'lp. Yellow Birch ani American Elln are also foorrl in this habitat. '!he cartqJy is rot dense (roughly 40%), ani a very few tall trees exist here. Black Ash ani Cedar, alorq with Mcuntain Maple, daninate the 1.U'rlerstorey as well. '!his stratum is very dense, with coverage of ar.praximately 80%. Ferns are the IOOSt abundant groun:1 cover species. others present i1x:lude Water Pennywort, Wcx:xl strawberry ani Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) . Groun:i coverage averaged 90% alOJl:1 the transects. Alarr:J the dlannel lams the roost daninant species is ManitOOa Maple (Acer neaun:io) . '!his CXIlI'IllIlity occupies small areas adjaamt to the creek or within the several parkettes in the Village of stouffville. 3.6.2 Birds Ten (10) bird species were fam in the ilnmature mixed forest (22% of total; Table 8). Cedar Waxwi.rgs (Banbycilla cedronnu), American CrcM; (CoIVUS bradwrtlvnd1os) am Blue Jays were IOOSt abundant. No species were exclusive to this habitat. 3.6.3 Manmals. Amr:i1ibians arrl Reptiles Five (5) marmnal species were censused in this imnature habitat. '!here were tracks of White-tailed Deer ani Raccoon, as well as Fq>lars felled by Beavers. Live trawin;J for 30 trap days prodnoed one Deer Mouse ani one - 26 - {,UR.. , a 7 TABlE 8 BIRD CENSUS: IMMA'IURE MIXED FOREST (Frinml m low) ~.I:'IX.ltS OBSERVED NO. OF SPECIES % OF 'IDI'Al Ruffed Grouse IDmy Woodpecker Blue Jay Black-cawed arickadee American Crow 10 22 . 2~ American Robin 4Cedar Waxwirg Northern Cardinal Red-wirged Blackbird O::IIm:>n Grackle MAMMAL CENSUS: IMMA'IURE MIXED FOREST S.I:'IX~ 'IDI'AL LIVE..JIRAP 'IDI'AL SIGHl'IN:;S CAPIURES SIGNS Deer Ma1se 1 - Gray Squirrel 1 - Raocoon - 1 (tracks White-tailed Deer - 1 (tracks HERPl'IIE CENSUS: IMMA'IURE MIXED FOREST ~MX~ '!UrAL SIGIfi'INGS/SIGNS American Toad 1 - 27 - LVR. 1:2~ Eastern Gray Squirrel (Table 8). An American Toad was the lone hel:ptile in this habitat (Table 8). 3.7 Park/Meadow Comrmmitv '!his habitat is exclusive to the channel larx:1s within the Tc7.oln of Stouffville an:i a sr:rall area inune.cli.ately south of the dam at the Stouffville ReseIvoir. 3.7.1 Vecretation '!he species in this CCI1U'lII..U1i.ty are primarily maintained an:i manicured within the several parkettes alorg the stouffville Creek. Fba an:i Festuca ~ (Grass spp.) daninate with an estimated coverage of 80%. Areas alon:J the inune.cli.ate streambank as well as those that are not maintained as open lawn but have been previously IlOrt1E!d contain several grass species i.nclud.in:J R1leum pratense an:i Branus inennis. 3.7.2 Birds Eight (8) bird species (18% of total) \Vere OOsel:'ved in this cpm habitat (Table 9). ROOins \Vere the nost al::A.m:3ant. species. Of the eight (8) species, only one, Rock dove, was fourxi exclusively in this habitat. 3.7.3 Mammals. AntiUbians am Reotiles Four (4) i.rx:1i.viduals of four different mammal species (44% of total) \Vere censused in this cx:mmmi.ty type. An Eastern Gray Squirrel an:! Eastern Orlpramk \Vere seen, an:! Raccoon tracks \Vere fourxi. Live-trawi.nJ was not urxiertaken in this habitat. An Eastern Garter snake am a Green Frog \Vere the ally hel:ptiles cbsel:ved in this habitat. 3.8 Fisheries 3.8.1 Reservoir On August 10, 1988 a total of two thoosan:l (2000) seccn:is of electrofi.shin;J effort was e>cpelled to capture two hun:ired an:! fifty-four (254) fish representiIg four (4) species. '!he total bianass was 24,130 grams (Table 10). I.argeunrt:h bass lMicrooteros salroc>ides) \Vere the m:st al::A.m:3ant. species - 28 - ~R.' Il.or TABlE 9 BIRD CENSUS: PARKIMFAIXM <X!fiJNI'IY SPEX::IES OBSERVED NO. OF SPECIES % OF 'IDl'A American Robin European starlin:] lb.IInin;J Ikwe 8 17.8 Belted ~isher CaIm::>n Grackle Halse Sparrow American CrcM *Rock Ikwe MAMMAL CENSUS: PARKIMFAIXM catMUNI'IY SP&.:.us 'lOl'AL SIGRl'IN;S/SIGNS Eastern Gray Squirrel 1 Eastern aripnunk 1 Raocoon 1 (tracks) Woodchuck 1 (den) HERPl'IIE CENSUS: PARKIMFAIXM catMUNI'IY SPrx.:.us 'lOl'AL SIGffrTIQ)/SIGNS Eastern Garter Snake 1 Green Frog 1 , - 29 - Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority ~~. '3~ Resource Management section Electroshocking Results - Stouffville Reservoir Species, Number ( #) , Percent Composition (%) , Biomass (g) , Percent Biomass (%) , and Size Range (T.L. in mm) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIES # % g % rom ----------------~----------------------------------------------------------- Catostomus commersoni (White Sucker) 35.0 13.8 15800.0 65.5 245-41 Ictalurus nebulosus (Brown Bullhead) 1.0 0.4 30.0 0.1 113 0 Lepomis gibbosus (Pumpkinseed) 105.0 41.3 3650.0 15.1 30-155 Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth Bass) 113.0 44.5 4650.0 19.3 45-470 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL (# of species) 254.0 24130.0 (4 sp.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE: 10 - 30 - /I..) ((. 131 within the reservoir. A total of 113 in::1i.vidual bass c::arprise 44.5% of the total catch an:i 19.3% of the total bianass. One humred five (105) p.mpkinseed (I.eoani.s qibbosus) ccrrprise 41.3% of the total catch arxi 15.1% of the t:ot;.al bianass. 'Ihirty-five (35) white suckers (CatostamJs commersoni) UAI~ only 13.8% of the total catch bIt accounted for over 65% of the total bianass. A sirqle brown bullhead CIctalurus nebulosus) accounted for the rernain::ler of the catch. '!he catch per unit effort (CRJE) value for the eastern portion of the reseJ:VOir was 7.68 fish per minute of e1ectrofishi.n;J effort. '!he western portion of the :reseJ:VOir had a CRJE of 7.56 fish per minute of e1ectroshockirg effort. '!he similarity of the CRJE values suggest even distribution of fish throughout the sanpled portion of the reservoir. '!he fish cc:mnuni.ty sanpled fran the stouffville Reservoir scored a IBI value of 30 points which equates to a gcxxi health ranki.rg of the waterbody. 3.8.2 stouffville Creek (a) Ab::Ne Reservoir On A1.r:;Just 24, 1988 a fisheries inventozy was corx:lucted on a forty (40) meter section (Figure 2) of the stouffville Creek. A total of 900 secorrls of e1ectroshocki.n1 effort was expelled to capture four (4) intividual fish representin:J 3 species which had a canbined biarass of 22 grams (Table 11). 'l\Io (2) white suckers CCIlprised 50% of the semple an:i 68.2% of the bianass. A si.n::Jle largeunrth bass aooamted for 25% of the catch an:i 22.7% of the bianass. A Jcimny darter (Etheostana nicnum) a<XX:A.D1ted for the remain::ier of the catch. '!he CRJE of this statioo was 0.26 fish per minute of e1ectrofi.shin] effort. '!he fish CCl111ID'li.ty at this station scored a i..rrlex of biotic integrity value of 19 points. 'Ihi..s value reflects a poor IBI stream health ranki.rg. (b) BelCM Reservoir On August 24, 1988 a fifty (50) meter section (Figure 3) of stouffville Creek belCM the reservoir was sanpled. A total of 600 secorrls of e1ectrofi.shin] effort was expelled to capture 28 i.n:tividual fish representirq foor (4) species which had a canbined bianass of 170 grams (Table 12). Creek d1Ub (Se1ootilus atranaa.1l.atus) were the nost aJ::mrlant - 31 - Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority wR. 13.2- Resource Management section Electrofishing Results - Stouffville Creek Above Reservoir Species, Number (#), Percent Composition (%) , Biomass (g) , Percent Biomass (%) , and Size Range (T.L. in mm) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIES # % g % rom ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catostomus commersoni (White Sucker) 2.0 50.0 15.0 68.2 64.0 Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth Bass) 1.0 25.0 5.0 22.7 50 0 Etheostoma nigrum (johnny darter) 1.0 25.0 2.0 9.1 50 0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL (# of species) 4.0 (3) 22.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE: 11 w R. '"3.3 - 32 - t Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Resource Management section Electrofishing Results - Stouffville Creek Below Reservoir Species, Number (#) , Percent Composition (%) , Biomass (g) , Percent Biomass (%) , and Size Range (T.L. in mm) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIES # % g % mm ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catostomus commersoni (White Sucker) 8.0 28.6 103.0 60.6 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 1.0 3.6 2.0 1.2 Semotilus atromaculatus (creek chub) 18.0 64.3 60.0 35.3 Etheostoma nigrum (j ohnny darter) 1.0 3.6 5.0 2.9 36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL (# of species) 28.0 (4) 170.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE: 12 - 33 - wfC. 13'~ fish at this location. Eighteen (18) creek chub ac:::camted for 64.3% of the catch am 35.3% of the bianass. Eight (8) white suckers c:::cITpriSErl only 28.6% of the total catch but accamted for over 68% of the bianass. Blacknose dace (Rhinichthvs atratulus) am Jdmny darter were the remain:ier of the catch. 'nle CIUE of this section was 2.8 fish per minute of electroshock:in1 effort. '!he fish canmunity at this location had a IDI value of 25. '!his IBI value equates to a gocxi health rank.i.n;J for this section of stream. 3.8.3 Water Chemistrv Water d1emi.sb:y levels were recorded on August 5, 1988 fran the deepest portion (7 ft.) of the reservoir located near the a.ztl.et. Results are foun:l in Table 13. '!he dissolved oxygen cx:>ntent (D.O.) ran:Jed fran 9.0 ngjl at the surface to 3.2 ngjl at the bottan. '!he Ministry of Natural Resa.1rces uses the 4.0 ngJl D.O. cxmtent as the mi.n.inuJm annmt of oxygen required for the healthy mai.ntenarx:e for JOOSt aquatic organisrIs (Dodge 1985). The 4.0 ngJl D.O. level was recorded in the :reset:voir at 5.5 feet below the water surface. Maxinum light penetration was recorded at 3.5 feet below the surface usirg a secdti. disc. '!he air t.en'perature at time of the smvey was 32.00 c. SUrface water temperature of the reservoir was 26.80 C, mid depth (3 ft.) was 23.10 C am the bottan (6 ft.) t.en'perature was recorded at 21. 00 c. O:nh1cti.vity levels were consistent throughout the water column at 320 mnhos/an. stream di.scharge of stooffville Creek was measured above am below the reservoir at J\.Dle 28, 1988. stooffville Creek above the reseNOir had a di.scbarge of 0.03415 m3/5eC am below the :reset:voir a di.sdlarge of 0.03651 m3/sec was recorded. 3.9 Discussion '!he p.up:lSe of this feasibility study of the sta.lffville Reservoir am flood channel lams was to document the existirg resoorces of these lams am to provide resoorce management am passive recreational I'eCuwa::emtions to the Town of Whi:tchurdl-stooffville. 3.9.1 Vegetatim - 34 - , I"u R. 13:{ TABLE 13 WATER OiEMISTRY RESUIlI'S SAMPLE IWl'E: AUGUsr 5, 1988 TIME: 1350 HRS SAMPLE DEPIH(FT) D.O. (M:i/L) TEMP (OC) CXJNI:lJCI'IVI' (UMlm/CM) TOO (M:;/L) 1.0 9.0 26.8 320 216.4 2.0 9.0 3.0 9.0 23.1 320 216.4 4.0 9.0 5.0 4.8 6.0 3.6 21.0 320 216.4 7.0 3.2 SEXXHI DISC: 3.5 FEET BEI.CM SURFACE - 35 - ~R. \~b '!he biqilysical inventory of the lams :revealed a variety of vegetation camm.mi.ties, rargin;J fran meadCM/field habitats to nature deciduous forest. Table 14 provides the area ani percent total of the habitat types. In general ~ vegetation corrmmi.ties were fourrl to be in favourable corrli tions. 3.9.2 Birds '!he breed.in;J bird census irrlicatErl a total of 46 species within the study area (Table 15). Of these, nearly 20% were observed to be confi.nred breeders; however, likely with the additional field observation this percentage could be increased. No significant species \tJere included in this total. 3.9.3 Ma1nn\lls. Reotiles ani An'dlibians Table 16 lists the species observed within their wildlife group. No significant species were d::lserved, but of interest as a habitat quality irx:licator species, White-tailed Deer \tJere observed 00 a number of occasions. In addition to manmal observatioo, small manmal live-trawiIq was urx:lertaken. Table 17 provides the details of the tJ:'aR>iIq program. 3.9.4 Fisheries (a) Reservoir '!he electrofi.sh..i.Ig results irrlicate a well balanced species UJll~ition arxi distribution of fish within the resezvoir. '!he reservoir has a well develqlE!d fcxxl chain based on the largeID1th bass bei.Jg the tcp predator. '!he yoorg of the year p.mpk:inseed am white sucker provide a excellent forage base for the largennItb bass pop.l1ation. 'Ihe similar catch per tmit effort results iran the two sanple nms in the reservoir in:ticate the fish pop.l1atim utilized the entire area am were rot ocagregatErl in arr:i particular locatim. Year class structure for the (113) largeJOOUth bass sanpled was detennined by a total lenJth frequeJx::y ctistril:ution based on 50 DIn i.nte.rva1s. '!he results irx:licate that yoorg of the year bass were 100-150 DIn in lergth; one year plus fish were 200-250 nm lorq; ~ years plus fish were 300-350 DIn lorq; am any fish Oller 350 DIn was detenn.ined to be three years old or greater. Table 18 displays the I'1l.mi)er of fish am percentage of the semple for each year class. Sane fish that \tJere rot exactly within a year class ran;re were - 36 - (A)R.I37 TABlE 14 HABITAT ARFAS (ha): S'RXJFFVIUE RESERVOIR FFASIBILITY S'IUDY HABITAT TYPE AREA (ha) % OF 'IOl'AL NO. OF TRANSEC Field/Scrob 10.78 31.0 5 Mature Mixed Forest 6.60 18.0 5 Cedar Forest 5.70 16.4 4 Mature Deciduous Forest 5.08 14.3 4 Resezvoir/Flcxxied Area 5.08 14.3 - Inmature Mixed Forest 1.70 4.9 3 ParkjMeadcY 2.30 6.2 - 37.24 - 37 - ~~.'38' TABlE 15 BREEDING BIRD CENSUS: S'lUJFFVILIE RESERVOIR FFASIBILI'IY S'IUDY S~ BREEDING EVIDENCE OBSERVED FUSSIBIE PROBABlE a:>NF'IRwtED Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) X Least Bittern (IxobrvdlUs exilis) X canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X Mallard (Anas platvrtwrrhos) X Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) X Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) X Killdeer (Olaradrius vociferos) X Spotted Sanjpiper (Actitis macularia) X American Woodcock (Scolooax minor) X Ri.n:J-billed Gull (Lanls delawarensis) X Herrin;J Gull (larus arcrentatus) X Rock l)Jve (Coltnnba livia) X lbl:rnin;J l)Jve (Zenaida macroura) X Chimney SWift (Claetura pelaqica) X Belted Kin:]fisher (Cenrle alcvon) X r:n.my Woodpecker (Picoides PUbescens) X Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) X Eastern K:in:Jbird (TVrannus tvrannus) X Great-crested Flycatd1er (Mviarchus crinitus) X Eastern Wood Pewee (Cont:coJs virens) X Bank SWalICM (Rioaria rioaria) X Barn SWalICM (Hi.nm:io rostica) X Blue Jay (CVanocitta cristata) X American Crow (Corvus bradwmvndlos) X Black-cawed Orickadee (Paros atricaoillus) X American ROOin ('l\1rdus miqratorius) X Wood 'Ihn1sh (Hvlocidlla 1Il1Stelina) X Gray Catbird (D.mI.Itella caroli.nensis) X Brown 'Ihrasher (ToxostaDa ruftnn) X Cedar Waxwin:.J (Balt:lycilla ce.drorom) X Em'cpean starlin;J (stumus wlaaris) X YellCM Warl:>ler (Derrlroica petedrla) X 0"'.'.)11 YellCMthroat (Geothlvpis tridlas) X wilson's Wal:bler (Wilsarla oosilla) X Nart:hen1 Cardinal (Cardinalis cardina1is) X Rose-breasted Grosbeak l:Rleucticus ludovicianus) X arlt:Pin;J Sparrow lSPizella nasserina) X Scn) Sparrow ~OSDiza melodia) X - 38 - lP f<.. , 39 s~ BREEDING EVIDENC OBSERVED IQ3SIBIE moBABIE CON'F'IR-mD Whi:te-throated Sparrc1.r.r lZonotrichia albicollisl X Savannah Sparrc1.i lPasserallus samwichensis) x Rsd-wi.rxJed blackbird (Aaelaius d1oeni.cius) X Eastern Meadowlark (stumella mggm) X l'hTITYY1 Grackle (Mscalus curiscala) X Bro,m-headed Cowbird (MQlot.hn1s ater) X American Goldfindl (Carduelis tristis) X Halse Sparrc1.i (Passer danesticus) X ctlsel:ved 4 Possible 25 Prci:lable 8 Confirmed ---2.... 'IDl'AL SPEcr:ES 46 - 39 - wR. I tfo TABlE 16 MAMMAlS. REPl'IlES AND AMmIBIANS OF 'mE S'IOOFFVIUE RESERVOIR FFASIBILI'lY SIUDY (a) MAMMAlS Deer M:Juse (Peranvscus maniculatus) Eastern arlpnunk (Tamias striatus) Red Squirrel (Tamiasciuris hudsonicus) Woodchuck (Manrota IOOnax) Beaver (castor canadensis) Eastern Cottontail (SVlvilaqus floridanus) RaCXXX>n (Procyon lotor) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virqinianus) (b) REPl'IlES Eastern Garter Snake ('Ihamna:hi.s sirtalis) (e) AMmIBIANS American Toad (&!fo americanus) Green Frog (Rana clamitans) - 40 - W((.14-1 TABlE 17 SMAIL MMe1MAL LIVE-'IRAPPIOO saIEI:l1I.E HABITAT TYPE TYPE AND NO. OF '!RAPS NO. IY\YS 'IUI'AL IY\TES '!RAP (1986) SHERomN NATIONAL IY\YS Field/Scrub 26 4 3 90 July 8, 9, 10 Mature Mixed Forest 14 3 3 51 July 2, 3, 7 Cedar Forest 11 3 3 42 Jl.me 25, 26, July 2 Mature Deciduous Forest 11 3 3 42 Jl.me 26, July 2, 3 ImDature Mixed Forest 7 3 3 30 July 7, 8, 9 STOUFFVILLE RESERVOIR STUDY YEAR CLASS STRUCTURE OF LARGEMOUTH BASS SAMPLED FROM STOUFFVILLE RESERVOIR NUMBER COLLECTED PERCENT OF SAMPLE 140 100% 8862% 120 .. NUMBER COLLECTED ~ % OF TOTAL SAMPLE 80% 100 60% I 80 ~ I-' I 60 40% 40 20% 20 5 407% 4 325% 2 162% 0 0% YOUNG OF YEAR 1 YEAR PLUS 2 YEARS PLUS 3 YEARS PLUS YEAR CLASS SAMPLED AUGUST,10,1988 2000 SECONDS ELECTROFISHING EFFORT c: TABLE: 18 ~ - 4: t\) - 42 - rpR.' Cf3 excluded. '!he llDrtality of y~ of the year fish is extremely high as i.n:licated by the relatively low percentage of weaker year classes of fish greater than one year old. High llDrtality of the year fish is a CXIIUOC>n ocx::urrence but this drastic decline in:licates that there is a problem with fish sw:vivin;J beycn:i the first year. '!his llDrtality is prctlably caused by the effects of winter draTNdown of the reservoir. '!he presence of white suckers with a age class greater than one year is -- likely due to the fact that they are llDre tolerant of the winter dra\\tiown am low oxygen. '!he absence of srrall suckers results fran heavy predation by the largenn.rt:h bass while y~ of the year p.mpkinseed are inportant as forage for largennrt:h bass, they are not as preferred as white sucker am are therefore llDre ab.rrrlant. '- Consideri..rx1 the stress of winter dra\\tiown on the :reseIVoir the fish cx:mm.mi.ty present e>d1ibits good grcMth rates am is healthy as i.n:licated by the IBI value of 30. (b) Above Rese.Ivoir staIffville Creek al:x::JVe the reservoir has a very poor pcp.1lation of fish, even thcugh the habitat seemed to be capable of suwortin;J a larger fish cx:mm.mi.ty . '!he extremely low CRJE of 0.26 fish per mi.m1te effort is ur~lIl1a...u for a wat:eJ:txlurse of this size am location. 'Dle largelOOUth bass am white suckers collected TNere all y~ of the year size class am prOOably originated fran the reservoir. '!he one Jdmny darter sanpled coul be considered a year rami resident. '!he oc:niitioo of the fish CXIDIlIlIlity is reflected in the low IBI value of 19 am poor stream health rank. In 1987, the Maple District of the Mi.nistJ:y of Natural Resoorces sampled upstream fran this station (MNR 1987). '!his inventozy sanpled a healthier fish ocmmmi.ty than was foun:1 at the MIRCA station downstream. '!he exact cause of this degraded fish cannumi.ty was not awarent durin;J the caJrSe of this survej. A llDre intensive investigatioo of this wat.erc:xlurse t:hrc:u;Jha1t the ooorse of the year woold be required to detennine if this is - 43 - lA..) R. I '-I- Lf a seasonal or local con::lition. '!he lack of fish in this section of the stouffville Creek has little or no impact on the quality of the reservoir. (c) Below Resel:voir stouffville Creek belC7il the reservoir has a fish CY'ITITI1nity structure that is typical of a w:ban watercourse. '!he sanple station was a section of flood control channel that exterrls through the Village of Stouffville. Fifty meters of this d1anne1 was fourrl to have a small pc:p.Uation of tolerant fish species includi..rg white sucker, creek chub am blacknose dace. One Johnny darter which is considered a intolerant species was collected. '!his section of the Stouffville Creek had an IBI value of 25 points whidl :reflects a good stream health rank. (d) Water Olemistrv '!he dissolved oxygen content of the reservoir was adequate for IOOSt aquatic life fran the surface to a depth of 5.5 feet. Below this level the D.O. content dl:~ belC7il the acceptable level for aquatic life of 4.0 nq/l. Alt.halgh the D.O. levels were depressed at this depth, there was still ena.1gh oxygen present to allow this area to be utilized by aquatic life. '!he D.O. levels recorded are excellent, considerinJ the hot weather enca.mtered durin] the 5l.D1mler of 1988. '!he water t:eJrpe.ratu:re of the reservoir displayed a gradual drq> in t:eJrpe.ratu:re iran surface to the bottan. Distinct thennal stratification of the reservoir was not present arrl is prOOably due to mix:in;J of the water by wirxi am wave actial, arrl the absence of deep water. Secrlli. disc readinJs deteIm:ined that the maxiJIIJm light penetration is 3.5 feet deep iniicatin;J good water clarity within the reservoir. Con::luctivity levels throughout the water colUl'lU1 were 320 untlos/an. Fran this con::luctivity level a total dissolved solids ('1m) level of 216.4 ng was calculated. 'Ihese h<<> levels are considered normal arrl iniicate that the resezvoir is capable of good fish production. stream di.schaIge was taken fran above arrl belCM the reservoir to detennine the origin arrl extent of streamflow within the resezvoir. Upstream iran the - 44 - LuR. ,~:) reservoir a flow of 0.03415 m3/sec was recorded; downstream flow was measured at 0.03651 m3/secorrl. '!he downstream increase in flow was only 0.00236 m3/seoond. 'lhi.s iniicates that the majority of flow into the reservoir originates fran stream flow upstream fran the resel:VOir ani not fran ground water recharge. OVerall the results of the water d1emi.stry test iniicate that the reservoir has excellent SUII1IIer water quality capable of SURX>rtin;;J a healthy aquatic ecosystem. 3.10 Environmentally Significant Areas study 'D1e Ml'RCA' s ESA Study designated part of the Stouffville Reservoir lan::is as an ESA (Stouffville Forest - No. 107). Figure 6 iniicates the b::luOOazy of the area. 'D1e criteria fulfilled is as follows: Criterion 2 (a) '!he area is cxmsidered a high quality soorce area within the MlRCA region. '!he flooded, swanpy nature of the area iniicates its significance in a water-holdirq capacity (A{:pen:lix I provides a detailed description of the ESA) . within the ESA 5t\xiy, management of the ESA is d;~l~ ani corx::ludes the type and degree of management depemi.n;J on whether protection or preservation of the ESA is decided upon. Protection is defined as safeguardi.nJ the natural features, f\.n'ctions and biological prooesses of an ESA iran external, artificial di.stw:bances. PreseJ:vation involves the artificial mai.ntenaooe of an &SA at a specific point in its S1~ional histoxy. '!he natural processes are interfered with to retain a desired state. For exanple, it may be desirable to ensure the retention of provin::ially or nationally rare species t.hr'cu:3h active preservation practices, or to retain a particular state on the basis of educational or scientific significance (MIRC'A, 1982). '!he Mm.CA proposed that all ESA' s be protected to the extent possible, while those be preserved -nere site specific corrli.tions and potential uses warrant. .- - 45 - ------- fAR. 'lfl 3.11 Wetlarrl Evaluatioo '!he stooffville Reservoir lams arrl associated wetlams were evaluated in AuJust, 1985 by the MIRCA. Awentix II provides a 5lIl'lITIaZY of the evaluation record. '!he wetlarrl is a sm;le cootigucA.1S wetlan:l, awraximate1y 6.6 hectares in size. Seventy-five percent (75%) is CXlI1Sidered a marsh habitat, with the remainin;J 25% a swanp habitat. '!he marsh area is daninated by stonewort, parxlweed arrl narrow-leaved cattails Wile the swanp area's daninants are black ash, white cedar an:l cattail. '!he scorm; for the wetlarrl evaluation is as follows: Biological CaIponent 130 Social O:mponent 125 Hydrological CaIponent 91 Special Features CaIponent 67 413 'D1is score ranks the stalffville wetlan:l as a Class 6. IoR"~7 4.0 ~c.R) S~ 1974 the majority of these Authority armed lams have been umer a management agreement with the Town of ltlltchurdl-St:a.lffville resulti..rg in the qJeratial, ~ am develqJnent bei..rg the responsibility of the Town. As part of the Watershed Recreation Program, the MIRCA en:::o.Irages the use of Authority lards by other agerx:ies for passive use. 'D1erefore, "It is reccmnen:led that the current agreement canti.rnJe with the Town of Whitchurch-sto.lffville for the management of these lams." 4.1 Resooroe ManaQerrent 4.1.1 VEQetation (a) Forest Management Plan '1he Feasibility stu:ly revealed that the vegetation cxmm.mi.ties are not irrlicatin:J any major health prcblems. 'Ihe prelimi..niny age-class structure, regeneration carponent am diversity of the forest starrls provide signs of c fairly healthy forest oamunity. Hc:lwever, due to its eventually ''biologicaJ islanj" status as develqment ocx::urs to the north of the area, l1'Ore p:ressun will be bome by this area. Irx:reased passive use by residents of the Town requires a well-manaqed forest starrl to minimize potential hazards. '1herefore, this rep:>rt reo .,.,~nds: "A exmprehensive forest management plan be prepared for the forest stan:ls within the SRFS." 'lhi.s management plan shcW.d ~te its cbjectives on minimizi.nj hazard!: adjacent to trails, water conservation, wildlife habitat iIrprovement anj ilIpravi.nj the forest health. (b) Tree am Shrub Plantirg In teIms of increasirg vegetation CXII'III.U1i.ties or species diversity, the biqilysical inventoJ:}' disclosed there was no real need; therefore, tree an:),Ior shrob plantirg is not recxmnerx:ied for this pn:pose. Plantirgs for wildlife habitat, wind erosion ard/or aesthetics will be di ,::nJSSed later in this report. - 4 I - w~. Jt.f~ 4.1.2 Wildlife Wildlife management al the St.a.lffville lams sha1l.d be aimed at prot.ectin;J ani enhan:::m;, inportant wildlife habitat oarponents in order to maintain arrl. possibly in::rease the diversity of species occupym;, this site. (a) Forest Habitats Forest habitats at the stcuffville tract offer excellent wildlife habitat s~ the JOOSt desirable woodlard habitat features are available at this site. '!he major goal in the management of these areas DUSt be their protectial, because of their small size arrl. high quality. 'Dlerefo:re, 1'X) large scale habitat manip.1lation is reccmnerrled in this habitat type. HcMever, brush piles have proven to be sucx:essful carpanents of habitat arrl. wildlife management. In a&tition to provic1i.n:J shelter arrl. protection for a variety of birds am maIl'Il\a.ls, they provide a medium for seed genni.nation arrl. yam;J plant grcM:h (Sd1emni.tz,1980). It is reoc:mnerx)ed: "In areas where trail develcpnent wa.1ld ocx::ur, arr:i material re.mved shalld be :retained for the creatiat of bIUSh piles." '!he piles shalld be placed away fran the trails (awroximately 15-20 metres mi.ni.DLnn) an::l preferably in a dry locatioo. '!he piles sha1l.d be placed awroxilllately 100 metres apart, however, the l1lD'\t.)er an::l locatioo of the piles will be limited to the annmt of available material. '!he creatial of bnJsh piles in the variws vegetative ocmrami.ties will in::rease the variety of habitats available for birds an::l manmals. Asa result an i.rx:rease in sane of the predatozy species sud1 as foxes ani raptors my occur. (b) Field/Scrub Habitat Field an::l scrub habitats are currently utilized by the largest variety of bird an::l JDaIIIIBl. species. At present the extent of this habitat is saner.mat limited, ~, natural ~ioo in sane of the mre q:el areas will in::rease the availability of this ocmrami.ty. An exanple of this ~ioo is visible in the <:pm field to the north of the reselVOir where yoorg cedars have beo flIP- established. It is ~lll.errled: nplantirgs sha1l.d be i.ncx>zporated alorq the western arrl. ...... kJR. 14-4 eastern bc:A.1rrlaries to provide a wimbreak in areas bordered by c:pen fields am a visual b.1ffer in areas adjacent to residential develqment" (Figure 7). coniferous species intermixed with shrub species wa.tld el'lhara! the potential for wildlife as well as recreatialal activities. Shrub plant.in]s shc:W.d i.rd.ude a variety of species, to provide different wildlife fcx:ds am structural. diversity. At these forest Ed:1es, where conifers daninate, plantings ocW.d include small deciduous trees such as Russian Olive (Elaeqanus arxmstifolia), tall shrubs such as Cranbeny (V:ibnnum) arxl Hcneysuckl.e (Lonicera), follc:7iled by smaller shn1bs such as Red-osier D:xjwood arxl Elderberry (Sanblcus). In areas where a IOOre substantial barrier is required conifers suc:h as spruce (Pioea), pine (Pinus) or cedar ('1huia) sha1l.d be planted. A rnnnher of bird species which nest in natural cavities can benefit fran the oanstroctiem of nest boxes. on these 1an:Js, several species mt oensused might be attracted to the site by the ~ of artificial nest structures. It is reo .,.,....rrled: '''lhe followirg quantities arxl type of bird boxes be placed al these 1an:Js" (Figure 7): (i) Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis): three or four nest boxes for this species oool.d be placed in the main field, s:iJn! c:pen fields with scattered trees offer ideal habitat. '!hey sha.1ld be spaced at 100 to 200 m int:.ezva1s, am placed em posts 2 to 3 metres above the gramd. (ii) IbJse Wren (Troalodytes aedon): these birds nest in deciduous shrul:bery al~ forest Edjes, so that existinJ scrub habitats em these 1an:Js offer good nestinJ sites. Four or five nest boxes sha1ld be placed in the large scrub areas alCDJ the creek, 1. 5 m above the gramd. (iii) Camal flicker (Colaptes auratus): nest boxes for this ed;1e- associated species ocW.d be placed anywhere these forest-field interfaces ooc::ur, particularly in the less cli.st:uJ:Ded fields north of the reservoir, 4 m above the gI"OOl'rl. - .... fA (? ISO (iv) screech owl (etus asio): like flickers, these are birds of Ed;Je habitats, so that the same areas cx:W.d be used to place nest boxes for this species. Again 4 m above the grourd is the ideal height. Details on the oonstJ:uction of nest boxes for these species can be foom in the MmCA OXlservatioo SeJ:vioes Report "Nest Boxes for AvifalD'la" (1984). (e) Reservoir an:l SWalI'D While the stooffville Reservoir does oot meet D.lcks Unlimited's qtinum cx:n:litions for waterfowl protection, it possesses features favaJrable to these birds. As c'I;~1SSed, the oortheast OOnler of the reservoir cn.tld SlgX)rt a srrall n.mi:)er of breedi1g pairs with its cattail ed;Jes, shallow waters an:l al:mrlant loafinj stnlct:ure. To iIrprove this possibility, its is rec:x::.tl1'lle: "nest boxes for Wood ducks (Aix soonsa) cn.tld be placed on dead trees or posts in the hardwood swanp". 'Ihese are placed 3 to 10 m above the water am predator guards 0.6 m in diameter shcW.d be included. Again, c1i..stw:banoe in this region shcW.d be kept to a minimJm. 4.1.3 Fisheries (a) Reservoir 'Ihe stooftville Reservoir has a high quality self sust.aininJ pc.p.tl.ation of larqE!llOlth bass. Management of the resezvoir cn.tld provide inproved an;rlinj ~tuni.ties to the residents of ~td1urch-stalffville am surram:lin;J regioo. To enhaooe the bass fi.shezy, "It is rec:x::mnerrled a sbxly ocx::ur to investigate the potenti.al recreational am winter water levels of the resezvoir that wa.Ud enhaooe the bass habitat an:l to investigate the current winter habitat." '!his sbxly DIlSt be cxgni.zant of the flocxl ocntrol objective of the resezvoir ani any possible in::rease dlan;Jes in water levels DUSt not jecpantize this ct>jective. 'Ihe stmy shoold un:iertake the followi.rg: -'v - - (,U~./ S I - Determine if there are arrj adverse effects of winter drawdown m the eoosystem of the reserroir. winter water chemistry levels shoold be detemi.ned for dissolved ~ oontent, t~tature, oorxh1ctivity am turbidity . winter fish habitat am distrib.1ti.al within the resezvoir sha.1l.d also be investigated. winter water quality am lack of winter habitat is believed to be the limitin;J factor for winter SlUVival of largenn.rt:h bass am he1re a poorer quality sport fi.sheJ:y. - Investigate the maxinum time the rec:reatimal water levels can be maintained durin} the owrse of the year. 'Ihis will allow the greatest annmt of habitat to be used by the resident fish p::p.tlatial durin;J the ~~~. - Investigate the maxim.Im level for winter drawdown that maintains ~ flocxl protectim. 'Ihis will i.rx::rease the winter habitat am provide higher SlUVival rates for ya.JJ'g of the year largenn.rt:h bass. Management of the reserroir woold be expected to inprove the bass habitat however it is diffia.1l.t to determine the actual i.rx::rease in fi..shin;J q:portunities that wa.U.d result fran management am it is also diffia.1l.t to detennine the actual fi.shin;J q:porbmities that oc:W.d be sustain by the bass pcp1latim withart: destroyin;J the pqmatial. Urxiertaki.rg Sl.ntIIler creel census waU.d provide infonnation i.nlicatin;J arqler S1~S am whether the bass pcp1latial is decli..nin:J. If a major decline did ocx::ur or if the Town wanted to iIx:rease arqler SIJOOE'SS a "pIt am take" bass fisheries oc:W.d be established by st:odcin;r adult bass. '1he stream assessment above am below the reservoir revealed a px>r quality fish crmmnrl.ty am saner.mat declinin;J water quality for fisheries. '1he exi.st.iJq lam uses adjacent to the waterooorse (either agria.1l.ture am;or urban develcpnent) wa.U.d make it very diffia.1l.t to iaprove the stream quality so as to SUWOrt a sustainin;J traIt pqmatim. Major stream rehabilitatim oa1Sistin;J of bank protectial, instream cover am streanside planti.n:]s waU.d be neoE'SSarY to inprove the traIt habitat. 4.2 ~auu. REXXH!mDl\TIOO 4.2.1 Public O:Jnsiderations With the identification of a fairly diverse wildlife oama.mi.ty am a -- . ~f. '~2- largenntth bass fishery it is advisable to develq> the stooffville lams for p.1blic educatiCll ani enjoyment, particularly c:xR'lSideriIg its close proximity to the Village of stalffville. (a) Trail System A more elaborate trail system is required if the area is to be utilized for passive recreatiooal activities (ie. h.ik:in}, cross-camtry skii.n:;J, etc.). It is recx:mnerrled: "'!he exi.sti.nJ trails sha.1ld be linked to create a loc:p system aroom the reservoir an:i wooded area to the north." '1hese trails sha1ld be planned so as to minimize their iJrpact on wet or swanpy areas, b.1t shcW.d be develcp:d so that the other vegetation ccmtlD'1i.ties north of the reservoir are in:::lOOed. '!he prqx:JSEld trail system wa1ld establish two loq> trails that would begin an:i em at the O:ml or main point of access (Figure 7). '!he trails sha.1ld be marked separately am identified as bei.n:;J a specific 1en;Jth. In this way it wa1ld be possible for the users to plan their activities based on the len;Jth of the trail or the time required to OCl1plete the loq>. Points of interest, iclentificatial of the vegetative cx:mm.mities or significant plant species may be inclu::led as part of an Intapretive PLogrdlu. A sign inticatiIg the location of the trails, the Rese.tvoir ard vegetatioo o:mm.mi.ties sha.1ld be posted at the main access point ard beqi.nnin} of the trail system. (b) Acoffis It is reo .'.IIPnde!d: Access to the reservoir p:r-q>erty should oca.tr ally !ran Millard Drive" at this time. '!he gates en the eastern ed:3e of the pI'q)erty alag the ~ trades shcW.d be locked an:i posted as no access. In acklitial the 0"'.'."11'1 feme between the reservoir lams am the railroad lams is in need of annual. DBi.nt.enarre to prevent access alag this baJnjary. '!he current facilities of the reservoir lams is lack.irg vehicle parkin:;J aOJ- -.-.. &tiCl1. To enn.nage recreational use by all residents of the Town a small parkin;J facility is recxmnen:led to be develq>ed ard a~ fran Millard street, east of stouffville Creek. Design of this facility nust - ::lL - ~R.lS'3 involved the MmCA to ensure it IOOets all design criteria for parkinj lots within flood vulnerable areas am does oot interfere with the emergency spillway of the dam. Plantin;Js shcW.d be i.n::x>x:porate:i on the trail at the northeastem comer of the prqlerty to dit::rY"lllI'age the use of this trail ard subsequent access to the railway tracks (Figure 7). (c) Ian:l Acauisitioo Public use of these lams is hin:lered travellirg !ran the saIth (Village of stoo.ffville) to the oorth (reservoir) as the MIRCA does oot owned the entire stret:d1 of this wat:.ercn1rse. A small portion of privately owned lard is locate:i just oorth of the local library ard sart:h of Millard street (Figure 8) which effectively restricts the use of the lard as a linear park system. It is reoc::rrrnen:ie: II '1hi.s partiallar section of floodplain lam be acqui.red for use as a passive park system. II At the very sart:h of the MmCA lam, (Figure 8) adjacent to the Sewage Treatment Plant a well vegetate:i valley system exist. It was c:i:Nious durin; field work this sectioo of the valley is already used by the p.Jblic for various recreatiooal activities. It is reo .,.,~med: " 'lhi.s partiallar section of floodplain lard be acqui.red for use as a passive park system. II Acquisiticm of these two (2) secticns of valley meet MmCA's cbjectives within the Watershed Recreaticmal, Ian:l Aa:Juisitioo am Qnservaticn Ian:l Management P1.UjL~ am woold iJx::rease the lard base for use by the p.lblic in the Tam of NrltdJurc:h-stc:uffville. (d) Fishim Pier To i:aprove bass fi.sh.inJ <:g:lOrtuni.ties within the stoo.ffville Resezvoir it is reo.,.,~med: " a fi.shi.rg pier be oalS'tn.lcted am locate:i as part of the reoc::rrrnen:ie trail system." A suitable locaticm for the pier is the aban:ia1 roadway (Figure 7) that projects into the reservoir fran the northwest corner. '1he roadway woold - 53 - tv f<. 1 S-~ provide a firm fc:A.1l'XJation am the adjacent water depth am fish habitat would provide excellent fi.shi.rg. '!he pier should be designed to a~lllo.1ate rhysically disabled an;Jlers. In ack1ition trails am a pier Irl.1St be designed to protect the existirg shoreline vegetation. To avoid overexploitation of the reseIVOir's largemouth bass pcp1lation, it is iaportant to praoote samj an;Jlirg practices within the reseIVoir. A display booth wa.1l.d help to outline am inform the p.1blic of the ecology of the resezvoir, int>lerrented managerrent tedmiques, am the praootion of catch am release arqlirg. - -. WR./~~ 5.0 0::lSts 1he followirg costs are given to provide saoe basis to set priorities for the ~11.erdatialS am to give sane cii.rectioo as to the lead aqercy for each project. ~,.ecdatialS 0Jst($) IBad Mercy Forest Management Plan stu:ly 2,000 MIRCA Forest Management Inplementatioo 30,000 MIRCA ($10,000/year for 3 years) Wildlife Management {Brush piles) N/C MIRCA (WcW.d occur durirg forest management) Wildlife Management (Bird boxes) 1,000 scx= Wildlife Management (Shrub plantin]s) 10,000 scx= Trail Develqm:mt (Reservoir) 10,000 W/S Trail Develc:pnent (Flcxxi control) 10,000 W/S Parkin;J access 72,000 W/S (AsPlalt with ant> stales - 55 cars) ~~ Ma.intenarn! 2,000 W/S (Annual mai.nt.enaooe) Fish Pier 7,000 scx= Fisheries stu:ly (Winter drawdown) 2,000 MIRCA Fisheries stu:ly (Winter habitat) 2,000 MIRCA Ian:l ~itial ? W/S,MIRCA W/S - Town of lrIUtc:hurch-stalffville scx= - stooffvllle CDlseIvatioo Club - :;,5 - LoR. I S-b '!he followirg provides sane gui~ as to where fun:lin:J an:J;or assi.starx:=e may be available to \.Il'rlertake the reccmnen:2tions. Forest Management - '!he MIRCA has the expertise am tedmical means to address the forest management plan stu::ly am future management inplementatioo, lnJever Authority fun:1irg is 1m available. Alternate soorce of fun:1irg \1IOlld be required to c:x:mplete this work. I..arrl Acquisition - Within the I..arrl Acquisition Program of the MIRCA p.u:dla.ses of available lam are con:iucted 00 a priority basis. F\.1rrli.n;J for these lams p.u:dla.ses may be available thra.1gh MIRCA on a site by site decisioo. other means of lam acquisition could be t.hra1gh park dedication anVor lam donation p.rrsued by the Town. Park.in:J Acx::ess - '!he develcpnent of the a parkirg facility WOlld be the responsibility of the Town. 'Ihe MlRCA will be required to be involved with the design of this facility to ensure it is carpatible with the flocxi control ~tioo of the dam. Trail Develoanent - '!he MIRCA does rot have a program to assist with fun:ii..rg for trail develcpnent for recreational use. '!he Authority could provide technical advise to the Town an trail design. Wildlife Manaqement - '!he Ministzy of Natural Reso.Jras (MNR) has develcped a p~alll called' Carmmity Wildlife Involvenent Program' (GJIP). F\mli.rg for material costs are available to CXIII1'I.IJ1:ity graJpS to urrlertake wildlife managenent projects in:::lulin;J shrub planti.nJs am bird box constructioo. To qualify the carm.mity grcup DJJSt ~ly volunteer labaJr to cxn:iuct the project am sul::mi.t an awlicatioo to the local district office (Maple). Fisheries Management - 'Ihe Mi.ni.st.ry of Natural Reso.Jras has develcp:rl a similar plogl:dn1 for fisheries called' Camunity Fisheries Involvem:mt Program' (CFIP). '!he same oc:ntitians awly for this program. Likely fun:)able projects \1IOlld iIx:lme CXlI'lStructi.on of a fish.i.rq pier. - 56 - I,.OR .1 S7 Rt;t~ 1. Ikxkje, D.S., G.S. Gooddrlld, J .C. Tilt ani D.G. waldriff. 1985. Manual of instrocti.oos: Aquatic habitat inventoIy suzveys. Prooedure manual of the Mi.ni.sb:y of Natural Resa.1roes. 2. Hoffman, D.W., ani N.R. Richards. 1955. Soil survey of York cnmty. Ontario Agricultural College, GuelP'1. 3. Karr, J. R. 1981. Assessment of biotic integrity usiIg fish CXlII'II.Dli.ties. Fisheries (Bethesda) 6(6) :21-27. 4. Met.rqx>litan Toronto ani Region Consezvation Authority. 1980. Watershed Plan. MlRCA, Toronto. 5. Met.rqx>litan Toronto ani Region Consezvation Authority. 1982. Environmentally Significant Areas stu:Iy. MlRCA, Toratto. 6. Met.rqx>litan Toronto ani Region CanseIvatioo Authority. 1984. Nest boxes for oonsb:uctioo (draft). MlRCA, Toronto. 7. Ontario Mi.ni.sb:y of Natural Resa.1roes. 1984. An evaluatioo system for wetlan::ls of Ontario sa.rt:h of the Precani:>rian Shield. MNR, Toronto. 8. Ontario Mi.ni.sb:y of Natural Resa.1roes. 1987. Prov~ia1ly ani regionally significant wetlarrls in southern Ontario. MNR, Torart:.o. 9. Ontario Mi.ni.sb:y of Natural Resalrces. 1987. stream inventoIy SlnTItIaIy report of Maple District, 1987. MNR, Maple. 10. Sdlemni.tz, S.D. (00.). 1980. wildlife management tectmi.ques manual. '!he Wildlife Society, ~, D.C. 11. st~n, R.J., 1987. O::Itparative analysis of stream degradatioo ani rehabilitatioos in the Torart:.o area. Fb.D'Ihesis. university of Toratto. wR 15<6 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AOTHORITY BEAK CONSULTANTS LIMITED REPORT ON COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARJt WATERFRONT AREA ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting '6/88 September 23, 1988 beak l0R 15~ COLONEL SAMUEL SMITH PARK WATERfRONT AREA <' .. ...- ",. , ...,"- ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM ." -.....:.. . ~ ~ 1981-1982 Pre-construction Phase ~ , '\ \ . , 1983-1987 Construction Phase ... \ . \ . f~ I; .. "\ ,', -,:- - \~,\ ~\ ~ ,,\ \. \' \.\'- YVReport for: ":. ,\ '\"\ . ''\ '\~,)' The Metropolitan Toronto and Region .; J Conservation Authority Prepared by: .. July 1988 2453.1 ; v~t t1V T ABLE OF CONTENTS Pag~ 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1 2.0 METHODS 2 1 2.1 Study Area and Survey Design 2 1 2.2 Water Quality 2 1 2.2.1 R.L. Clark Water Intake 2.1 2.2.2 Colonel Samuel Smith Survey 2.2 2.3 Sediment Quality 2.3 2.4 Benthos 2.4 3.0 RESUL TS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 3.1 Water Quality 3.1 3.1.1 R.L. Clark Water Intake 3.1 3.1.2 Colonel Samuel Smith Surveys 3.2 3.2 Sediment Quality 3.' 3.3 Benthos 3.7 3.3.1 General Species Assemblages 3.7 : 3.3.2 Benthic Community Indices 3.10 3.3.2.1 Benthic Denisities 3.10 3.3.2.2 Percentage Tubificids 3.11 I 3.3.2.3 Species Diversity 3.12 3.3.3 Cluster Analysis 3.13 . 4.0 CONCLUSIONS 4.1 L '.0 REFERENCES '.1 ["' I APPENDIX A: Weather and Water Quality Data APPENDIX B: Benthic Data L 2328.1 i L ; we I b( 1.0 INTRODUCTION In 1970, the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) .....as designated as the agency to implement the 1967 Waterfront Plan for those sectors wlthm its jurisdiction Withm the overall context of the conceptual Plan, the MTRCA has prepared five year development projects. As part of the 1977 - 1981 Waterfront Project, the Colonel Samuel Smith site was slated for development as a regional waterfront park In 1977-78, a Master Plan (Moffat, Moffat and Kinoshita, 197&) was prepared which included detailed environmental considerations and concerns. This Master P Ian and addenda, including a SCUBA reconnaissance survey of substrates, (Proctor and Redfern, 1978), was submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (OME) under the Environmental Assessment Act in 1978. This proposal became the subject of environmental hearings subsequent to review by government agencies in 1979-80. The final decision on the proposal was rendered on March 31, 1981 by the Minister of the Environment granting approval to the Master Plan, subject to a number of conditions. One of these conditions included: liThe Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority shall establish a water quality monitoring program in the vicinity of the fill operation. Should the Ministry of the Environment, in reviewing the data, indicate a violation of the Provincial Water Quality Objectives for parameters other than turbidity or suspended solids, the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority shall carry out such corrective measures as the Ministry of the Environment may direct." In response, a program was established by the MTRCA and OMf, commencing in 1981. . This program includes studies encompassing pre-construction, construction and post construction monitoring of water, sediment and fill quality and benthic invertebrate diversity in the vicinity of the waterfront park, as well as studies of the intake water quality at the R.L. Clark water filtration plant. (The filtration plant intake is located offshore of the park site.) Table 1.1 outlines this agreement. Fill quality is evaluated by MTRCA and OME before acceptance for lake filling. Material from core areas of Metropolitan Toronto are not accepted, due to the high potential for contamination. Any potential major sources of fill are checked for signs of pOSSible 24'3.1 I 1 ; L.0~.Jb2. contammatlOn by MTRCA. If any possible areas of concem are found, samples of the material must first be analyzed for potential contaminants. The application IS then either accepted or rejected by OME and MTRCA based on these analyses. Pre-construction monitoring was carried out in 1981 and 1982. Lakefillmg commenced In June, 1983 Monitoring during the construction phase was undertaken annually from 1983 to present (1987). The park is scheduled for completion in 1991. Results of the 1981 monitoring program were analyzed and interpreted by the MTRCA (1982). :rhe results of surveys carried out from 1981 to 1986 were evaluated in a preliminary report (BEAK, 1987). In that report, recommendations were made to reduce the extent of water quality sampling (a reduction in stations and water depths) and the number of parameters sampled at some locations. Most of these recommendations were accepted by the Ministry of the Environment, and were incorporated into the 1987 survey design. The purpose of this report is to: 0 analyze and interpret the results of all water quality, sediment quality and benthic community sampling completed in the environmental monitoring program from 1981 to 1987; and 0 evaluate any changes in environmental conditions in response to lake filling activity. . 2453.1 I 2 ; ~R Ib3 2.0 METHODS 2.1 Study Area and Survey Design The Colonel Samuel Smith Park site is located on the western Toronto shorelme of Lake Ontario near the foot of Kipling Avenue. The study area and ultimate configuration of the park are depicted in Figure 2.1. Figure 2.2 shows the annual progress of lakefilling up to 1987 The number of truck loads of fill per year used in lakefilling are given m Table 2.1. Water, sediment and benthic samples were collected from a grid of 21 fixed station locations around the lake filling site (Stations 1-21), three control stations along on a transect to the east of the site (Stations 22 to 24), and Station 2.5, located 20 m lakeward of the advancing face of the lake fill during the 1983 to 1987 survey years. In 1987, samples were collected from a reduced number of stations from the grid following the recommendations presented in the report on 1981 to 1986 studies (BEAK, 1987). The primary grid stations (all stations except l' and 2') included a series of nearshore shallow stations (2.' to , m deep; Stations 1,4, 7, 12, 16, 19 and 22), a series of medium- depth stations near the mid range of each north-south transect on the grid (6 to 8 m deep; Stations 2, " 8, 10, 13, 17, 20 and 23), and a series of deep stations at the offshore , extremity of each north-south transect (11 to 18 m deep; Stations 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21 and 24). The water depth at the R.L. Clark intake (Station 1') is 19 m deep, and the intake is located about 2 km offshore from the finallakeward extremity of the Park. 2.2 Water Quality .. 2.2.1 R.L. Clark Water Intake The OME monitors water quality regularly at the R.L. Clark filtration plant intake. Intake samples were collected weekly for analysis of a wide range of constituents over the Samuel Smith pre-construction and construction period. Data on total mercury, total cadmium, total lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides in the intake water are summarized for this study. Daily minimum, average and maximum t,urbldity readings for the duration of the monitoring program were provided by the 24.53.1 2 1 ; VJI( I ~'+ Toronto Works Department Monthly minimum, average and maximum turbidity value were also available for the period April 1977 to April 1981 inclusive Each chemical parameter measured at R.L Clark was plotted against time In order to discern any temporal trends for the period of 1981 to 1985. No formal statistical analysis was performed. Updated plots of the R.L. Clark data will be generated Upon completion of the lakefill project. 2.2.2 Colonel Samuel Smith Survey I I ! I Water samples for analysis of phosphorus, ammonia and turbidity were collected by th:e I MTRCA approximately once monthly (to a maximum of eight sampling events) fro~n surface at all stations, from 2 m above bottom at medium depth and deep stations, an~ ~~. from 'id-depth at all deep stations in the vicinity of the park site for the period endif } in 198~. Water samples for analysis of metals (total cadmium, total lead, total zin , total and dissolved mercury) were collected once monthly (to a maximum of eigHt sampling events) from surface at eight stations, and from surface, mid-depth and botto~ I I at one station (U). Nutrient, metal and turbidity samples were collected as whole water I column composite samples in 1987, since it was found that water quality was generaU:y I not affected by depth in the analysis of 1981 to 1986 data (BEAK, 1987). Water qualit,y ! I surveys were generally limited to Stations 7-1' and 22-2' in 1987. Water samples for analysis of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides were collected once monthly (to a maximum of eight sampling events) from surface at Station 10 and, in 1984, 1986 and I 1987 at Station 2'. Subsurface samples for analysis of total and fecal coliform bacteria and fecal streptococci were collected once monthly during dry weather conditions frorh June to September inclusive, and after four storm events in the same time period for th~ period ending in 1986. Bacteriological samples were collected from the reduced set ~f I water quality stations surveyed in 1987, for the period of July to December of th~t year. Samples for phenol analysis were collected in 1987 at approximately the sam~ -- stations and sampling frequency described for nutrients, metals and bacteria. After collection, samples were forwarded to various laboratories for analysis. Detection limits were variable from year to year according to the laboratory performing the analysis. The quantity of data above detection limits was sufficient for prelimmary statistical description of ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, fecal coli forms and 24'3.1 2.2 ,.j wR Ih.:- turbldlty. Metals and organlcs were rarely detected 10 water, these data 1,1, ere summarized by tabulating frequency of detection, or frequency above provincial water quality gUidelines, for each station and year. A prelimmary description and summary of nitrogen, phosphorus, fecal coldorms and turbidity was accomplished by plotting measured values of each parameter against time, at each station, using different plot symbols for each sample depth. Based on these summary graphics and statistics, any apparent spatial or temporal zonation in the data was discerned. Parameters showing patterns or trends that could be interpreted as lakefill effects were subjected to further statistical analysis. Analysis of variance was performed to test for lakefill effects in a nested factorial design, with areas and time periods as the main factors. Areas and time per iods were defined according to the spatial and temporal zonation discerned during the preliminary data examination. Different temporal trends in control (Stations 22, 23, 24) versus lakefill areas were considered to indicate possible lakefill effects. In the ANOV A, the area x period interaction term represents this effect; thus, a significant interaction suggests a lakefill impact. Station effects within areas, and year to year effects within periods, were also included in the ANOV A design. Sample depth effects were not included since data plots suggested that these were negligible for all parameters. Homogeneity of variance among cells of the design was tested prior to ANOV A, and data transformations were applied to stabilize variance, if required. .. 2.3 Sediment Quality SCUBA surveys were undertaken to provide visual substrate descriptions and photographs at all stations in the spring and faU of each year from 1981 through 198'. Sediment samples were collected by diver, from 1982 through 1987, by scraping the substra te to obtain sufficient sediment quantity for bulk chemical composition analysis. It was not possible to obtain samples from all stations. In 1983, Stations 1 through 11 were sampled. In other years, collectively, Stations 2, 3, " 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 2' were sampled, although not every station was sampled each year. 24'3.1 2 3 L,(Jf<. I ~ b Divers recorded two observations of particular Interest at each station - namely approximate bottom coverage by fme material and estimated depth of any surficial sdt layer. These were Interpreted In the context of siltation that may result from lakefilling~ and were reviewed for possible relationships to benthic community measures (Section 2 4) or water quality data Bulk chemical analysis of sediments included nitrogen, phosphorus, oil and grease, metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd), PCB and pesticides. Since the quantity of data above detection limits was limited, these data were summarized by tabulating frequency of detection, or frequency above provincial dredge spoil disposal guidelines, for each station and year. 2.1f Benthos Benthic samples were collected once annually at the survey stations. No samples were collected at Station 2' during the pre-construction period. One to four other stations were not sampled each year between 1981 and 1986. In 1987, the number of stations sampled for benthos was reduced to include primarily those stations nearest the lakefill, as it was found that effects on benthos in earlier surveys were not evident at most locations (BEAK, 1987). ! . All benthic samples were collected in autumn (September to November). Samples were collected in triplicate at each station using a diver-operated suction dome sampler which samples 0.167 m2 of lake bottom. Divers also made notes on substrate characteristics and on the presence or absence of benthic algae. A 0.0' m2 Ponar grab was used to collect triplicate benthic samples at Station U (R.L. Clark intake), where the greater depth discouraged diving and where the unconsolidated deposits could be effectiv~ly sampled by grab. Upon retrievaJ, samples were sieved through a 0.' mm mesh screen to remove extraneous debris, and preserved with 1096 formaldehyde. Benthic samples were than shipped to a consultant to MTRCA for identification and enumeration. In the laboratory, samples were sorted, counted and identified to the general group level. Organisms in one sample from each station were further identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. 24.n.l 24 .... wR lb/' The level of taxonomic preCISion varied somewhat from year to year, depending on the taxonomist processing the samples For this data analysis, detailed IdentIfications \l.ere reduced to the lowest common level of taxonomiC precIsion for each taxon over the il ve years of available data, to facilitate data comparisons among years. Raw data sets are available from MTRCA upon request. In reducing the benthic data sets to a common basis, the following assumptions were made: 0 immature non-capiUiform tubificids were trea ted as Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, 0 immature capiUiforms were treated as Tubifex tubifex, and 0 oligochaete fragments and immatures not classified into families were excluded from analyses requiring detailed species data or family-level separation of oligochaetes. Data from 1986 were not available at the time of report preparation. Cluster analyses of the 1981 to 198' data sets were carried out to discern any spatial zonation in species composition, and to compare those spatial patterns among pre- and dur ing-construction years. Cluster analyses were based on benthic data from the single replicate identified to species from each set of three collected from each station during each survey. Squared Euclidean distance was used as an inverse similarity measure for cluster analysis. Biologically similar stations are char acter ized by a small interstation .. distance. The distance formula for Stations j and k (Norusis, 1984) is as follows: n 02(j,k) = ~ (Xhj - Xhk)2 h=1 where Xhk = abundance of species h at Station j. All species abundances were log transformed prior to computation. 2453 I 2 5 W~.)b~ The distance matrices for each year in the cluster analysIs contam an mterstatlO! distance for each pair of sampling stations. The grouping procedure, or cluster analysIs, used in the present study IS a hierarchical agglomerative technique A t each stage, one station is combined either with another station or with an eXlstmg cluster of stations, according to its affmities, and the affinities of the newly formed cluster are recalcula ted. The process continues until all stations are accounted for. The clusters which combine at each stage are chosen to give the smallest possible increase in the sum of squared within-cluster distances (Ward's Method). Diversity index values were calculated for each station in each year using the detailed identification replicate. The use of diversity indices is based on the theory that relatively undisturbed environments support a high number of species, with no individual species present in overwhelming abundance. If the species in such a community are ranked on the basis of their numerical abundance, there will be relatively few species with large numbers of individuals and a large number of species represented by only a few individuals. Many forms of environmental stress tend to reduce diversity. The environment may be unsuitable for some species due to adverse or changing substrate types such as bedrock or shifting sands. These environmental perturbations lead to naturally low diversity. However, when substrates of a more or less uniform type are compared, a diversity index provides a good relative estimation of other stresses on the community. Diversity scores were calculated using the Shannon-Weiner function: a = 3.3219 (loglON - ..LE niloglOni) N . where: a = diversity index value, n. = number of individuals of species "i", and 1 N = total number of individuals in the sample. Mean sample density (no./a.167m2) was also calculated using the three replicates at each station in aU years. The percentage of tubificids at each station was calculated using data from three replicates where possible (all years except 1983 and 198.5). - 2.6 24.53.1 ... L-0R.} bi Station groups, as defined by cluster analysis, were compared statistically by A,\JOY-\ wlthm each year With respect to Shannon-Wiener diversity Index, sample density and % tubIflclds. Density and % tublflClds were transformed (logarithmic and arcsIne square root respectively) prior to analysis to ensure normality and homogeneity of varIance Possible relationships between benthic parameters (diversity, density and % tubIficids) and sediment parameters (silt depth and % coverage by fines) were examined by generating scatterplots of benthic versus sediment parameters. .. 24.H.l 2.7 W(< .'70 3.0 RESUl TS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Water Quality 3 I I R L Clark Water Intake Routine monitoring of the R.L. Clark intake provides a continuous water quality data base which can be considered representative of nearshore conditions, beyond the immediate influence of Colonel Samuel Smith Park. Scatterplots produced from this database illustrate temporal variation in various water quality parameters for the 1981- 8.5 period. Plots for the entire pre-construction and construction phases are scheduled for completion after the lakefilJing program is complete. Plots for parameters showing no apparent temporal trend are included in Appendix A. Suggested trends in other parameters are discussed in this section. Chloride concentration shows a slight but consistent decrease from 1981 through 198.5 (Figure 3.0. A seasonal component to this trend is suggested, with the highest values , occurring in the spring and summer months, and the lowest values each fall. Both I seasonal and long-term trends may be related to loadings of chlorides in road de-icing salts. I . Dissolved phosphorus concentration appears to decrease slightly over the period from 1982 to 1984 (Figure 3.2). linear regression analysis shows that the slope of the regression line is significantly different from zero (p ~ 0.0.5), suggesting that this slight decline is real. However, total phosphorus (Appendix A) does not seem to follow this pattern, and shows no obvious trend. Nearshore waters of lake Ontario are typicaLly depleted in soluble phosphorus in summer (Dobson, 1984), a pattern that is consistent with the R.L. Clark data. . . Silicate concentration is strongly seasonal, with high values in the winter and spring, and lower values in the summer (Figure 3.3). Again, this seasonal pattern is consistent with data on silica presented by Dobson (1984). low summer concentrations may be attributed to incorporation in diatom populations. The highest values occur in 1981 and 1982, and a slight decrease in average concentration is suggested between 1982 and 1984. , -- 24.53.1 3 1 oJ ~R.171 Mercury concentration seems to decrease slightly from 1983" to 198.5 and also displays a seasonal trend component, with low values In spring and summer Figure 3 4 illustrates this pattern Seasonal loss of mercury from shallow surface waters to the hypollmnlOn via scavengmg biological particulates may account for this pattern Filtered reactive ammonium is highly variable but with more high values In 1984 and 198.5 than in prev ious years, suggesting an increasing trend (Figure 3..5) Zinc concentration also increased sharply in 1984 and 198' (F igure 3.6). The reasons for these trends are unknown. Weekly average turbidity measurements at the R.L. Clark intake (Figure 3.7) show a seasonal pattern of high turbidity in the winter and spring, during the period of runoff and winter storms. Variability is also increased during this period, as turbidity responds to meteor logical events such as storms and thaws. Summer and fall turbidity is both lower and less variable. The highest turbidity measurements at R.L. Clark occurred in the winter and spring of 1982, with some high values also reported in 198'. All trends shown in the R.L. Clark databases appear to be occurring independently of lake filling activities, as there are no deviations in long-term trends that coincide with the beginning of construction in 1983. 3.1.2 Colonel Samuel Smith Surveys Water quality data for turbidity, ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus and fecal coliforms were summarized in time-trend plots for each station, showing surface, mid-depth and bottom measurements for 1981-86 and whole water column composite measurements lor 1981; and in tables of station means for each year, with surface, mid-depth and bottom measurements pooled. Plots and tables were examined for any apparent temporal trends, and trends suggesting possible relationships to lakefilling activities were subjected to formal statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. Turbidity showed a temporal trend in the survey area. At nearly all stations, turbidity was relatively high in 1981 and 1982, decreased in 1983 and 1984, increased again in 198' and 1986 to levels exceeding those in 1981 and 1982, and decreased again in 1987 (Table 3 1). The greatest turbidity increases in 198' and 1986 occurred at stations 1,2,4,.5,7,8 24.5 3 1 3 2 1,01<.17;2- and 10, west of the lakefill area These stations correspond with the area In which divers estimated particularly high percentages of fine material In most years This area was Iden tlfled as an apparen t deposl tlOnal region In the 1981 pre-constructIon report (MTRCA, 1982). Station 2.5, located 20 m offshore from the advancmg face of the lakefill, usually was much more turbid than other stations during the construction phase, reflecting Its proximity to the source. Substantial turbidity increases in 198.5 and 1986 also occurred at the 'control' stations 22,23 and 24. The remaining stations form a thIrd group, with the smallest turbidity increases. Turbidity data can be grouped into three areas and two time periods, correspon - ng to the higher and lower turbidity groups in the lakefill area and the control stations, and the pre-construction and construction periods (1981-82 and 1983-87, respectively). Means and standard deviations for these areas and periods, calculated from only those stations sampled in all years and during all water quality surveys, are presented in Table 3.2. Trend-in-time plots of turbidity at representative stations within each spatial group (Figure 3.8) show that depth effects are negligible and do not contribute to observed . spatial-temporal patterns. Table 3.2 shows that turbidity differs among areas, -supporting the hypothesis that Stations 7, 8 and 10 represent a high turbidity group. It is interesting to note, however, that the period effect and the area-period interaction are not . sta tistically significant, suggesting that these turbidity groupings by area are independent of lake filling. Weather conditions during the survey seem tc .nfluence turbidity patterns, based or detailed comparison of the turbidity plots with wind speed and rainfall data for eac survey date (Appendix A). For example, at 'control' station 23 (Figure 3.80), the highest turbidity levels correspond with the greatest previous daily rainfall recordings in 1981, . 1983 and 1984; and with the greatest wind speed recording in 1982. Moreover, the 1981 to 1982 period was characterized by more rainfall, on average, just before surveys, than was the 1983 to 1984 period, consistent with the study area pattern of post-construction turbidity reduction in 1983-84. However, the subsequent turbidity increase in 198'-86 does not seem to correspond with recorded weather data, suggesting that factors other than local weather conditions also affect turbidity. Despite the variability in turbidity data, it is evident, from aerial photographs of the site taken by the MTRCA, that turbidity plumes often emanate from the lake fill, indicating .- 24.53.1 3 3 ~ 1Nf<. 173 that the SI te IS a local source of turbidity Because this source IS eVident In the water qual1ty data only at Station 25 ImmedIately adjacent to the active fill face, the effect of the source on local turbidity levels is Judged to be relatively minor. Ammonia nitrogen showed no trend which could be related to lake fill opera tlons, and was highest in 1982 (pre-construction) at all stations (Table 3 3). The 1982 nitrogen levels tended to be lower at offshore stations than near shore, consistent with an onshore origin. Scatterplots (Figure 3 9) do not suggest any relationship to depth of sample within stations. An ammonia contamination problem in 1982 sample containers is suspected by the MTRCA. Total phosphorus showed no trend which could be related to lake fill operations. Higher values tended to occur in 1981-82 prior to construction and again in 198'-86 during construction (Table 3.4). This appears to be a general pattern throughout the study area, including control stations. Again, scatterplots (Figure 3.10) do not suggest any relation to depth of sample within stations. Fecal coliform measurements in surface samples were highly variable and did not suggest consistent temporal or spatial trends, with the possible exception of a decline in bacterial levels in 1987. Station means for each year are included in Table 3.' and scatterplots at selected stations are shown in Figure 3.11. Metal concentrations at some stations exceeded OME water quality objectives (OME, 1984) for Cd, Hg and Zn in 1983; for Cd, Pb and Zn in 198'; and for Cd in 1987 (Tables 3.6 through 3.12). However, exceedances were infrequent and not confined to the lake fill area, suggesting that the exceedances are not related to lake filling activities. .. Organic contaminants detected in water from aU stations sampled (Stations 10 and 2' in 1981-86 and Stations 10, 22 and 2' in 1987) include aldrin, dieldrin, BHC, chlordane, ODD, DOE, DOT, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene and PCB (Table 3.13). Occurrences seem to be infrequent and sporadic, with the exception of BHC, which was detected in all years. Both BHC and PCB were detected prior to construction, while BHC and hexachlorobenzene were found at Control Station 22 in 1987. No temporal trends were discerned that could be clearly related to the lake filling project. 2453.1 3 4 ~R"7tf Phenol, which was sampled on seven occasions in 1987 from 13 different stations In th survey grid, occurred at concentrations below the analytical detectlon Itmlt ([ ug/L) I all samples but one A composite sample from Station 9 collected In October v. a reported as haVing .5 ug/L phenol. These data do not suggest a source from lakeftllm operations. 3.2 Sediment Quality Sediment quality was not routinely measured at each station over the entire study period (Tables 3 14 and 3 15). Only at Station 9 are pre- and during-construction data available. At this station, except for HCB and gamma-chlordane, all pesticides detected during construction (1983 to 198') were also detected (if measured) in 1982 prior to construction. Hexachlorobenzene was detected in 1983 at most stations where measurements were taken (Table 3.1'), but not in 1982 at Station 9 (Table 3.14). Gamma-chlordane was detected frequently in sediment samples collected in 1986, but r was not found in earlier years (Table 3.16). Of the metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd) and PCB's exceeding OME dredge spoil disposal guidelines (Persaud and Wilkins, 1976) at Station 9 during construction (1983 to 1987), all except Hg r exceeded guidelines in 1982 prior to construction. Nitrogen and phosphorus exceeded I guidelines in 1983 at most stations where measurements were taken (Table 3.1'), but not in 1982 at Station 9 (Table 3.14). . Only in 1986 were sediments collected from the control transect (Table 3.16). It is , interesting to note that only three pesticides were detected at the control station (Station 24), while more pesticides were usually found in sediments in the lakefill area. .. Also, no sediment quality parameters exceeded dredge spoil disposal guidelines at Station 24, while exceedances occurred commonly at other locations. The most contaminated 1 sediments generaUy occurred at Station 11 in deeper water offshore from the lakefill area. Given the limited quantity of data available on control stations (only one station I sampled) and the considerable variability in sediment quality at stations around the lakefill, it is difficult to ascribe sediment quality effects to filling activities. Nonetheless, the physical barrier to water movement presented by the lakefill will affect , the transport and deposition of sediments, contaminated or otherwise, in the area. I l. L 2453.1 3 5 L WR.17~ A, comparison of sediment quality ranges of Colonel Samuel Smith Park, the Keating Channel of Toronto Harbour, Bluffers Park (Scarborough) and Humber Bay Park IS given m Table 3 17 In general, concentrations of sediment parameters at Colonel Samuel Smith Park fall wlthm the range of concentrations reported for the other locations. An exception is mercury, which ranged to higher levels in Colonel Samuel Smith area sediments (up to 2.5 ppm - Station 11, 1983) than at other locations. The much lower sediment mercury levels in 1982 and 1984-1987 relative to 1983 suggest that inter- laboratory variation may have contributed to the higher mercury levels reported in 1983 in general. The highest mercury levels found in other years were about ten times lower than the 1983 maximum. Little comparative data exist for organic parameters, except PCBs and hexane extractables (oil and grease). Figures 3.12 and 3.13 show 96 bottom coverage by fine sediments, and depth of sHt, respectively, as observed by divers during benthic sample collection. Unfortunately, diver observations during the pre-construction phase were available only for 1982; thus, there is a limited database available for comparison with observations made during construction. As seen in Figure 3.12, the highest percentage coverage by fines tended to occur during the construction phase and in the area offshore and to the west of the lake filling activities. This area includes Station 9 which was reported as a depositional area prior to construction (MTRCA, 1982), and Stations 2, , and 8 west of the lakefill. This apparent increase in the areal extent of the zone of sediment deposition agrees with a general observation made by divers that the extent of deposition has increased since 1983. This sediment accumulation might originate from material eroded from the fill face, or might represent an effect of the change in current and sediment deposition patterns caused by " the advancing lakefill. Reasons for the unusually high frequency of 10096 coverage by fine sediments in 198' are unknown; however, because this condition also occurred at the control transect, it cannot be readily ascribed to an effect of lakefilling. The depth of silt plot (Figure 3.13), in most cases, shows no change between pre- construction and construction phases. At Station 9, however, silt depths of '0 mm were observed in 1984 and 198', suggesting a large increase from the' mm reported in 1982 and 1983. The decline in silt depth at this location in 1986 and 1987 suggests that the accumulation is not increasing, and that the deposits may be transient. Increasing sil t 2453.1 3.6 ~R. 17b depths at Stations 3 and 10 in 1986 and 1987 may Indicate an mcrease In the areal exten of deposition The Increased isolation of Station 10 from the lake by 1987 lakefillin activities may be a factor contributing to the increased slit depth at this location - Although the limited amount of pre-construction data precludes a thorough assessment of lake filling effects, observations on % coverage by fine sediments and on silt depth indicate an increase in the area of sediment deposition offshore and to the west of the site, and an increase in the depth of silt at Stations 3, 9 and 10. These observations, cOincident with turbidity plumes observed emanating from the active fill face, are consistent with a source from the fill. Once the park is complete, the entire shoreline will be well armoured to protect against erosion, thereby greatly reducing any loss of silt to the lake. Silt accumulations may be expected to persist to the degree that they are I induced by the new shoreline configuration. ~ l.l Benthos i . Detailed lists of species and densities of benthic invertebrates in sample replicates r identified in detail from 1981 to 1987 are listed in Appendix B. These lists have been I prepared after adjusting the data to the lowest common level of taxonomic precision r (Section 2.4). Raw data are available from MTRCA upon request. , ! , 3.3.1 General Species Assemblages i , r The benthic assemblage in the study area varied considerably from year to year and station to station in terms of species present and their relative abundances. Annual differences were considerable, both within as well as between the pre-construction and I .. construction phases. General taxonomic data on the triplicate sample sets showed that . sample variability among replicates was substantial, thereby indicating that the spedes- L level data based on a single detailed replicate per station may be subject to substantial sampling error. [' Several benthic species occurred commonly or abundantly in the study area each year. , These include: l 0 the oligochaetes - limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Tubifex tubifex, Stylodrilus [ herinRianus and Stylaria lacustris L 24.53.1 3.7 wR. 177 0 the chlronomlds - Dlcrotendlpes, Chlronomus, Heterotrlssocladlus 0 the crustaceans - Gammarus, Hyallela azteca and Asellus 0 the molluscs - Plsldlum, Sphaerlum, Valvata and Gyraulus This assemblage Includes species with qUite different habitat preferences. The snails Valvata and Gyraulus inhabit rock or bedrock substrates, the oligochaetes.!:.. hoffmelsterl and L. tublfex inhabit soft sediments; the amphipods Gammarus, !:!... azteca and Asellus show a preference for areas with extensive growth of attached algae (such as Cladophora); and the oligochaete i. herinRianus prefers sandy habitats. The mixture of species found in the Colonel Samuel Smith study area reflects a diversity of habitat cond i t ion s. Pollution-tolerant and pollution-sensitive species were typically found during every survey year, with preponderances of one group over the other rarely occurring. The tubificids L. hoffmeisteri and T. tubifex were typicall y the most common - oligochaetes, as appears to be typical of the Toronto waterfront in general (Nalepa and Thomas, 1976). Tubificids tended to be more abundant at mid-depth and deep stations than at shallow stations, but no other consistent spatial trends and no temporal trends are apparent in the data. At Station 10, total density has increased slightly in recent years, with tubificids (L. hoffmeisteri and T. tubifex) comprising over 8.5% of the population in 198' and 1987. Tubificids are most abundant in organically enriched areas of the Great Lakes (Cook and Johnson, 1974). Tubificids have tended to become more abundant in the embayed area at the MTRCA's Bluffers Park site on the Scarborough waterfront (lEC BEAK, 198'a). Pollution tolerant tubificids are also dominant near Humber Bay Park to the east of the study area (lEC BEAK, 198,a>, and in the vicinity of . Lakefront Promenade Park to the west of the study area (lEC BEAK, 198'b). Now that the Colonel Samuel Smith yacht basin is nearly enclosed by lakefill, the same phenomenon may be occurring at Station 10. Stylodrilus herinRianus occurred commonly throughout the Samuel Smith study area during all pre-construction and construction phase surveys, and no spatial trends in abundance are apparent. This species is considered an indicator of oligotrophic conditions in the Great Lakes. Nalepa and Thomas (1976) found this lumbriculid to be intolerant of highly enriched areas, and to be rare at depths of less than 15m. This 2453 1 3.8 v:JR. )7& species was not found around Humber Bay Park to the east, due either to organi enrichment from the Humber River or to the shallower depths near the park The con tr transect consisting of Stations 22, 23 and 24 In this study is located In the wester portion of Humber Bay (Figure 2.1) and supports a population of ~ henngianus, Indlcatln - that this species is absent from only the eastern portion of Humber Bay. The even tua embayment of Station 10 at Samuel Smith Park may result in the disappearance of S. heringianus from this location, as observed in the embayed area at Bluffers Park (IEC BEAK, 198.5a). The occurrence of this relatively intolerant form around the Colonel Samuel Smith area suggests that the area has not been severely impaired by lakefilling activities. This species was absent from most of the survey area (including control transect) in 1987. Of the dominant chironomids, Dicrotendipes is generally the most abundant in the Colonel Samuel Smith area. This species was common throughout most of the study area, and showed no consistent spatial or temporal trends in abundance. According to Beck {I 977), this genus is generally indicative of mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions. Dicrotendipes is also common on bedrock substrates in shallow waters of Lake Ontario at Oakville and Bronte (BEAK, unpublished). Heterotrissocladius, another common chironomid in the study area, is typical of deeper waters in the Great Lakes, and is commonly considered indicative of more oligotrophic conditions (Cook and Johnson 1974). Chironomus, a chironomid typical of enriched conditions (Cook and Johnson 1974), was also commonly found in benthic samples from the study area. The mix of benthic species indicative of a wide range of environmental conditions probably reflects the combined influences of organic enrichment along the Toronto waterfront, the relatively oligotrophic conditions of deeper water from the open lake, . and a natural diversity of habitat conditions in the area. The lack of any notable changes in the species composition of the benthic community or in the spatial distribution of the dominant species groups suggests that the community has not been adversely affected by lakefiUing activities. Temporal and spatial trends in the benthic community are examined further in the following subsections. _. 24.53.1 3 9 , ~R. )71 3.3 2 Benthic Community Indices 332 1 Benthic Densities Table 3 18 lists the geometric mean densities of benthic organisms found at each station during each survey year. Converted to density per m2, mean densities ranged from 0 to .52,.500/m2 Total densities were usually within a much narrower range of about 2.50 to 3,000/m2 Benthic densities at other regional waterfront parks are generally comparable to those at the Samuel Smith site, and are considerably lower than the densities found in the more enriched and contaminated sediments of Toronto's inner harbour (Table 3 19). These densities tend to be at the low end of the range of .574 to 61,699/m2 found In shallow water areas (20 m deep or less) throughout lake Ontario (Nalepa and Thomas, 1976), probably reflecting the predominant rock or bedrock substrate in the study area. The densities reported by Nalepa and Thomas (1976) are from unconsolidated substrates that could be sampled by Ponar grab. The apparent absence of a benthic community at Station 2' in 1986 can probably be attriblJted to lake filling. This location is close to the advancing face of the fill, and physical disruption of the lake bottom by the nearby construction activity probably has resulted in this effect in the community. In general, the range of densities found in pre-construction (1981, 1982) and during construction (1983-1987) surveys do not differ substantially. On the basis of the observed large variability among years within construction/pre-construction phases, it is difficult to discern any obvious change in benthic densities that can be related to lake filling. As noted above, the apparent exceptions to this occur at Station 2' at the advancing fill . face, where physical habitat disturbance causes a depression in benthic density, and at Station 10 in the yacht basin, where total densities appear to be increasing in response to embayment of the area. In other lakefill parks in the Toronto-Mississauga area, benthic densities have been altered only within embayed areas or very close (within 20 m) to the active fill face (lEe BEAK, 198'a, b). Figure 3.14 provides a plot of mean density for all stations over time. The pattern does not suggest any general change in density that coinCides with the transition from pre- construction to construction conditions, with the possible exception of Station 9. At 24.H.l 3 10 WR.I~o StatIon 9, unusually hIgh densitIes were observed In one pre-~onstructlOn year, but not I the other Smce this is the location of deepest silt accumulation dUring construction, suppression of densIty here would be consIstent wIth excessive siltation FIgure 3 15 shows plots of mean density versus west-east transect position, to evaluate any trends that may be associated wIth the predominant east to west nearshore current Differences in the patterns shown for the pre-construction and construction years appear to be related to generally more variable densities under pre-construction conditions, particularly on W-E Transect 3, due to the very high density found at Station 9 in 1981 Densities were highest in 1981 at many stations, resulting in a wider range in densities in pre-construction years (Table 3.U). There is a tendency for densities to be greater at offshore stations, rather than at shallow and mid-depth stations, both during pre-construction and construction phases of the environmental survey program (Figure 3.16). This may be related to the greater effect of wave-induced currents at shallower depths, tending to cause a relatively unstable substrate less suitable for colonization by high densi ties of ben thic in vertebra tes. The depth of silt and CJ6 fine sediment coverage, observed by divers during benthic sample collection, might be important factors in controlling the densities of benthic organisms in the study area. As noted in Section 3.2, coverage by fine sediment and depth of silt were greatest during the construction phase offshore and to the west of the lakefiU. Figure 3.17 shows a plot of mean densities versus silt depth and CJ6 fine sediment parameters. The plots suggest that higher benthic densities may tend to occur in areas of low silt accumulation, although low densities also occur in these areas. .. 3.3.2.2 Percentage Tubificids The density of tubificids in the Great Lakes generally increases with the degree of organic enrichment (e.g., Cook and Johnson, 1974; Nalepa and Thomas, 1976). Thus, the CJ6 tubificids in the benthic assemblage provides an indication of the degree of organic enrichment which may in turn be the result of increased siltation. 24.H.I 3 11 WR.I~1 Mean % tublflclds In the benthiC assemblage at each station during each survey are lIsted In Table 3 20 and are plotted In Figure 3 18. Values varied Widely at Individual statlOns, and In many cases, values found during construction were Within the range of values found prIOr to construction In 1981 and 1982 In many Instances, % tublflclds ranged over more than an order of magnitude during pre-construction years, mdlcatlng that natural variability is extreme, and would obscure any minor changes due to the effects of construction. Table 3.19 provides a summary of the relative size of the tublficid community at other regional waterfront parks, and in Toronto's inner harbour. Wide ranges in the tubificld fraction are typical of the less enriched areas of Colonel Samuel Smith, Bluffers Park and Lakefront Promenade Park. In the more eutrophic environments of Humber Bay Park and the inner harbour, the tubificid component forms a consistently larger fraction of the total community on average. Figure 3.19 shows % tubificids along the west-east gradient of nine transects. There does not appear to be any change in the west-east pattern between pre-construction and construction phases that can be readily discerned. Figure 3.20 shows a plot of % tubifidds against depth range on the survey grid. There is a trend toward a slightly higher tubificid component at deep stations than at mid-depth and shallow stations, under both pre-construction and construction conditions. Figure 3.21 shows plots of % tubifidds against % fine sediments and silt depth for all available years, as observed by divers during benthic sample collection. There does not appear to be any clear relationship between % tubificids and these sediment parameters. .. 3.3.2.3 Species Diversity The diversity of benthic communities may be altered by environmental disturbances such as may be caused by changes in current patterns or increased siltation due to lakefilling activities. - Species diversities at each station for each year are listed In Table 3.21 and plotted in Figure 3.22. There are no apparent trends in these data that can be clearly related to 24.n.1 3 12 {,0 R. )~2 construction, even at sta tlons nearest the Sl te In many cases, diversities vary wide! within pre- or during-construction years at Individual stations, indicating conslderabl variability associated with sampling and/or natural annual differences. Diversity at Station 25, located close to the active fill face, was generaJly within the range of diversities observed at other stations. The lowest diversities (0) occurred at a Control station (23) In 1984 and at Station 2.5 In 1986. The low diversity at Station 2.5 occurred when density at this site dropped to 0, likely due to covering of the substrate from lake filling operations. Figure 3.23 provides a plot of diversity against west-east transect position. There are no obvious changes in the west-east diversity pattern between pre-cons true t ion and construction phases. Figure 3.24 illustrates the effect of depth on diversity. Based on the wide range of diversities observed, there is no discernible effect of depth on diversity within the survey area. Plots of diversity against % coverage by fine sediments and depth of silt, as observed by divers during benthic sample collection (Figure 3.2'), show no clear trends, suggesting that siltation does not adversely affect benthic diversity within the range of conditions seen at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. 3.3.3 Cluster Analysis Results of the cluster analysis in each year are presented in Figures 3.26 to 3.30. For the years 1981, 1982, 1983, 198', 1986 and 1987, three benthic station clusters were defined, based on a level of biological dissimilarity (squared Euclidean distance) of about 17. .In 1984, four clusters were defined based on the same dissimilarity level. The pattern of association between stations, based on cluster membership, varied considerably from year to year, indicating a very dynamic community structure, both during and prior to construction. It should be noted that the clusters identified each year are independent of the clusters identified in other years. Thus, a cluster designated by one symbol in 1981 and a cluster Identified by the same symbol in 1982 in Figures 3.26 and 3.27, for example, are not 24.53.1 3 13 ; Wf<.lg3 lden tIcal. It IS the temporal change or stabll1ty In the spatial relatIOnships of the clusters that IS Important In IdentifYing community responses to construction The general cluster pattern found In 1981 suggests a major nearshore and mld-dep th community -common to the control and the eastern station grid areas. A second llaJor communIty corresponds to deep stations and western stations. In 1982, the nearshore, mid-depth community includes control, eastern and western stations. In addition, a community represented mainly at central offshore stations, and one represented mainly in western portions of the survey grid, can be discerned. In cluster analyses carried out during construction years 1983 to 1986 (Figures 3 28 to 3.30, no clusters were defined that appeared to be related to the zone of construction. As during pre-construction surveys, station associations based on species composition were variable from year to year. In all these years, the control transect stations (22 to 24) were members of clusters that included stations around the lakefilling area. As during the pre-construction phase, in 1983 to 1986 some clusters tended to consist primarily of nearshore and/or mid-depth stations, while others tended to include mainly mid-depth and/or offshore stations. These patterns could not be clearly related to diver observations on 96 fines or silt depth. In 1987, one of the clusters included Stations " 8, 10 and 2', all of which were either close to the lake fill (Stations 10 and 2') or directly west (Stations' and 8). Three of these stations were characterized by high 96 tubificids (greater than '096), dominated by L. hoffmeisteri and T. tubifex. Mean 96 tubificid levels for this cluster were significantly higher (p less than 0.0') than in the other two cluster groups. At Station 8, the community was dominated (7296) b~ the tolerant chironomid Chironomus sp. This cluster pattern and the biological characteristics at Stations " 8, 10 and 2' suggest some effect from lake filling or community structure at these stations. The remaining two clusters were closely related, in terms of species composition, with the cluster consisting of Stations 1, 2, 4, 13, 19,20,22 and 23 having higher diversity levels than the other station groups (7, 12, 16 and 17). 24'3.1 3 14 Wt<.I"6~ In a cluster analysIs of benthic communities at Bluffers Park and Humber Bay Par embayed stations tended to separate from unembayed stations, demonstrating an effe of lake filling on the benthIc community (lEe BEAK, 1985a) Once an area has be embayed, as shown In Figure 2.1, a benthIc community response can be expected wlthl the embayed area. Analysis of variance was carried out to characterize sta tion clusters in each yea according to differences in mean density, diversity and % tubificids (Table 3 2 I). Differences among clusters tended to be significant for diversity and % tublficids, but were not significant for density in four out of seven years. These gross descriptors of the benthic communities associated with station clusters vary considerably from year to year, suggesting a very dynamic community structure with little temporal continuity. .. 24.'3.1 3 l.5 WR.l&~ 4.0 CONCLUSIONS 1 The water quality database for the R.L Clark filtration plant Intake illustrates temporal trends for several parameters over the 1981-1985 period Chloride, phosphate-phosphorus and mercury concentrations decreased over time Ammonia and zinc concentrations showed Increases in 1984 and 1985 relative to the three preceding years. Chloride, phosphate-phosphorus, silica, mercury and turbidity all varied seasonally. All trends appeared to be independent of lakefilling at the Colonel Samuel Smith site. 2. At the Colonel Samuel Smith survey stations, turbidity was lowest from 1981- 1984 and in 1987 and highest in 198' and 1986. The greatest turbidity increases in 198' and 1986 occurred west of the lakefill in an area identified as an apparent depositional area before the beginning of lakefilling. Analysis of variance showed that temporal change in turbidity (pre-construction versus construction periods) in the area to the west of the lake fill was comparable to changes observed at other locations sampled, including the control stations, indicating that any effect of lakefilling on turbidity is difficult to discern. Turbidity patterns during most years appeared to be strongly influenced by weather, with high turbidity occurring after large rainfalls or windy weather. 3. Concentrations of ammonia and total phosphorus, and densities of fecal coliforms showed no trends that could be related to lakefilling. 4. Concentrations of cadmium, zinc, mercury and lead in water samples from some stations exceeded OME water quality objectives in 1983, 198' and 1987. These exceedances were infrequent and also occurred at control stations, suggesting that high metal concentations are unrelated to lakefilling. ,. Of the various organic contaminants measured in water samples from stations nearest the lake filling, most occurred infrequently and sporadically. 80th BHC and PCB were present before construction. No temporal trends were discerned that could be related to lakefilling. At the control transect, sampled once only in 1987, some organic contaminants were detected, indicating that the sporadiC occurrence of detectable organic contammation is typical of the waterfront area in general. 24'3.1 4 1 lNR.'~~ 6 The data on siltatIon near the Colonel Samuel Smith sIte suggest a local tncreas m the depth and aerial extent of accumulation offshore and to the west of the lakefill and within the yacht basin durmg the construction phase Sediment trace metals and organics were generally similar in concentration before and durmg construction. 7. The benthic invertebrate community in the study area varied spatially and temporally. The varied invertebrate assemblage appeared to be indicative of variable environmental conditions, reflecting the influences of organic enrichment along the Toronto waterfront and the relatively oligotrophic conditions offshore in lake Ontario. 8. Benthic densities, species diversity and % tubificids showed no general spatial or temporal trends that could be related to the effects of lakefilling. However, a suppression of the community was evident at Station 2' 20 m from the advancing face of the fill in 1986, probably due to burial of the natural substrate. Densities appear to be increasing at Station 10 in the yacht basin as it becomes increasingly embayed. A possible decrease in density was observed in an area of maximum silt accumulation offshore and to the west of the laketHl, although extreme variability in density at this location during pre-construction surveys precludes a definitive conclusion. The highest densities and % tubificids tended to occur at the deepest stations on the survey grid. 9. Cluster analysis of benthic data did not suggest any construction-influenced zonation in the benthic community in most survey years. Until 1987, con~ol transect stations were members of clusters that included stations around the construction area, and the strongest community patterns appeared to be depth- rela ted. However, these patterns varied considerably from year to year, indicating a very dynamic community structure both during and prior to construction. In 1987, however, a four-station duster was identified that included Stations " 8, 10 and 2', which occur very close to the lake fill and to the west in areas that may be affected by increased siltation or turbidity. This suggests a possible effect on community structure, as measured by cluster analysis. 24.53.1 4 2 fAR. /'j7 10 In general, water quality, sediment quality and benthic community data shol,l,ed few changes that can be clearly related to the effects of lake filling I t IS probable that the Implementation of a good environmental management program In the lakefillmg operation, in combination with dynamIC and variable environmental conditions in the area, contribute substantially to the occurrence of few obvious environmental effects of the Colonel Samuel Smi th development Furthermore, the presence of many other sources of environmental perturbation and contamination along the waterfront probably tend to obscure any minor lakefilling effects that may be occurring. . . 4 3 24.53.1 {,t..)R.\~~ 5.0 REFERENCES Beak Consultants Limited. 1987. Colonel Samuel Smith Park Wa terfron t A rea Environmental Monitoring Program: 1981-1982 Pre-constructIOn Phase, 1983-1986 Construction Phase. A Report for the MTRCA. Beck, W.M., Jr. 1977. Environmental requirements and pollution tolerance of common freshwater Chlronomidae. U.S. EPA Rept. EPA-600/4-77-024. Cook, D.G. and M.G. Johnson. 1974. Benthic macroinvertebrates of the St. Lawrence Great Lakes. J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 31: 363. Dobson, H.F.H. 1984. Lake Ontario Water Chemistry Atlas. Scientific Series No 139, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada. IEC Beak Consultants Ltd. 198'a. A review of the 1982 waterfront monitoring program. A Report to the MTRCA. IEC Beak Consultants Ltd. 198'b. 1984 water quality monitoring program - Lakefront Promenade Park. A Report to the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. IEC Beak Consultants Ltd. 1987. Toronto Central Waterfront Summary. A Report to the Toronto Remedial Action Plan Work Team. MTRCA (Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority). 1982. The Colonel Samuel Bois Smith Waterfront Area, Environmental Monitoring Study - 1981. Moffat, Moffat and Kinoshita. 1978. Colonel Samuel Bois Smith Waterfront Area Master Plan. A Report for the MTRCA. 318 p. Nalepa, T.F. and N.A. Thomas. 1976. Distribution of macrobenthic species in Lake Ontario in relation to sources of pollution and sediment parameters. J. Great Lakes Res. 2: 1'0-163. Norusis, M.J. 1984. SPSS/PC fot' the IBM PC/XT. SPSS Inc., Chicago, 111. , OME (Ontario Ministry of the Environment). 1984. Water Management - Goals, Policies, Objectives and Implementation Procedures of the Ministry of the Environment. .. Persaud, D. and W.O. Wilkins. 1976. Evaluating construction activities impacting on water resources. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources Branch. Proctor and Redfern Ltd. 1978. A survey of the bottom substrata and fauna of Lake Ontario at the Colonel Samuel Bois Smith Waterfront Area. A Report for the MTRCA. 87 P + appendices. 2453.1 .5 1 (A)Q l<6q TBB MBTROPOLITAH TORONTO AND REGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY ROUGB RIVER WATBRSBBD URBU DRAINAGB S!'UDY Tecbnical Reports and Manageaent plan Developaent Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting '6/88 september 23, 1988 I.AJ R 1'10 The Rouge Study lias 1nit1dted 1n 1986 as a prototype Iiatershed management plan aimed at assesslng and mitigating the Iiater born impacts of future urban grovth on flooding, erosion, vater quality and environmental resources in the Rouge River and its tributaries Rouge vatershed municipalities, provincial agencies and interest groups including the Urban Development Institute and Save the Rouge Valley System have participated in the study The study to date has used state of the art modelling and assessment techniques and employed experts from the fields of hydrology, erosion processes, vater quality and aquatic ecology to complete a series of technical studies describing existing basin characteristics, predicting future changes and examining the effectiveness of current stormvater management practices Draft Phase I I technical studies have been completed by Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd and Beak Consultants Ltd and consist of five (5 ) volumes Volume I Completion of Subvate~shed Studies (channelization and erosion control studies) Volume 2 Watershed Wide Studies ( hydrology, runoff control, channelization and erosion control studies) Volume J Flood Control Study - Upper Rouge Study Volume 4 Water Quality Study - Phase I I Volume 5 Environmental Studies - Phase II Last year a seven (7 ) volume set of Phase I studies vas also completed as yell as a planning study yhich established hypothetical future urban groyth based on population trends, Municipal Official Plans, transportation and yater disposal constraints and Provincial Foodland Guidelines The folloving is a brief synopsis of the study findings (1) The planning study, Yith a horizon beyond that of the Municipal Official Plans, predicts an increase in urban development from the existing (1986) level of 20\ to about 42\ yith the major urbanizing areas on Rouge tributaries upstream of Unionville and on Little Rouge Creek (2 ) HydrOlogiC modelling, based on these land use changes, indicated re lat i ve 1 v sma 11 flow increases (from 23\ for the 2 year stora to 13\ for the 100 year) on the lover Rouge Hoyever, on tributaries such as Horningside and Beaver Creek, larger increases of 160\ to 30\ are predicted and in small sub basins (1 - 2 sq km) increases of 600\ to 300\ occur ( 3) A number of runoff control measures (eg stormwater management ponds of different types and configurations) were tested using the hydrologic model for their effectiveness in controlling these floy increases It was found that most measures currently available effectively controlled flows locally (ie at the sub basin level) but vere ineffective in preventing flow increases at the tributary and lower Rouge scale Several other innovative control measures vere tested in an attempt to affect the timing of flovs from different portions of the vatershed contributing to the lover Rouge, but these were also ineffective in achieVing the desired flow control ( 4 ) A variety of novel approaches vere used to test the effects of the predicted urban grovth on bank erosion including a "shear stress index" Yhich may provide a measure of the streambank's susceptibility to erosion under changing flow regimes These studies and modelling exercises suggest that current source control measures are not achieving their objective of controlling downstream bank erosion and in some cases may be yorse than uncontrolled conditions Historical evidence of increased bank erosion and channel Widening is inconclusive. t,0l< ,~, (5 ) Water quality in the Rouge 'Watershed lS t/plcal of a southern Ontario agricultural stream Although historical urban gro'Wth in the basin has had a slight impact on 'Water quality, the Rouge continues to be unaffected by the 'Worst urban influences combined sever overflo'Ws, sevage treatment discharges and extensive channe 11 za t i on The Milne Reservoir has ameliorated urban impacts on the lover Rouge by acting as a sediment trap and the 'Well defined valley system has minimized human intrusions Modelling predicts only mlnor changes in 'Water quality for the predicted level of development although the effects of urban construction and spills could not be estimated Spi 11 and construction related pollution remains a major unquantified concern Existing technology is effective in controlling many urban related pollutants, ho'Wever, typical control ponds may have side effects such as increasing stream temperatures and reducing oxygen levels (6 ) The Rouge River currently has a cool 'Water stocked, migratory salmon/trout and resident bass community in its lo'Wer reaches, a varm 'Water bass community in its middle reaches and remnants of a resident brook trout community in its headvaters These communities 'Will continue to exist under the predicted urban gro'Wth providing Ministry stocking efforts continue The stocked cool vater salmon/trout community is prevented from establishing a resident population because of 'Warm midsummer instream temperatures If rehabilitative measures are taken to reduce instream temperatures and establish a resident salmon/trout community some additional upstream urban control measures 'Would be required Such controls vould likely only be necessary dovnstream of Milne Reservoir on the main Rouge and on the Little Rouge Creek for the predicted urban development Without controls, particularly on flov regimes and channel erosion, physical habitats capable of supporting resident salmon and trout may be lost (7 ) Hydrologic and vater quality impacts of predicted urban grovth on terrestrial riparian habitats (ESA's and wetlands) appear to be minor The major impacts on these sites are likely from encroachment of urban related structures, trails, etc These impacts are best instigated on a site by site basis A monitoring program for riparian habitats is recommended to provide a better understanding of urban effects on these resources The results of these studies were presented to representatives of the vatershed municipalities, Hinistry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and interested groups on August 24th, at vhich time staff requested that each agency/interest group provide comments on the drafts This group was asked to act as a steering committee to oversee the last task in the Rouge Study - the development of the watershed Hanagement Plan The plan itself will be completed by a team of Authority staff assisted by the firms of Harshall Hacklin Honaghan Ltd and Beak Consultants Ltd and a group of experts from other consulting firms and universities The remaining steps in the plan development are as follows: (1) Review and finalization of Phase II studies (2 ) Selection of watershed Management Alternatives (3 ) Evaluation and costing of alternatives (4 ) Selection of Preferred Management Plan (5 ) Endorsement of plan by Steering Committee representatives steering Com.ittee members will be kept informed and involved in the last phase through a series of meetings Staff have set an ambitious schedule and hope to have a draft plan by the end of December 1988 ~f< ) <12- THB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY TOMMY 'l'BOMPSOR PARlt 1988 llITERIM MARAGEMEII'l' PROGRAM Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meeting '6/88 September 23, 1988 we Iq3 At the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Meetlng .7/87, the 1988 Interim Management Program vas received The folloving briefly outlines the regular activities and special events that occurred during the 1988 season The park vas open to the public Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 00 a m to 6 00 P m commencing January 2nd During 74 days of operation from January 2nd to August 30th, there was a total of 31,983 visits It is anticipated total attendance for the year 'Will be approximately 42,000, a slight increase from 1987 ~ublic transportation 'Was provided during public hours from April 30th until October 10th T'Wo multi-seating 'Windov vans 'Were in operation from April 30th to May 29th and from September 10th to October 10th During the summer months of June to August a special summer bus service provided by the Toronto Transit Commission 'Was in operation A nature interpretive program continued in 1988 and operated from June 4th until September 5th This year's program offered a theme hike on Sunday centering on different aspects of natural history vhile reducing the number of hikes on Saturday to one (1) Overall attendance for the hikes increased slightly from 1987 vith many visitors being informed of the hikes through nevs releases The special bird checklist at the information board vas again in use for park visitors and proved to be very popular for bird vatchers The Tommy Thompson Park Nevsletter continued its circulation vith issues prepared for February 15th, April 15th, May 20th and August l5th This nevsletter has given the Authority the opportunity to highlight special events, regular programs and announcements In addition, the newsletter vas utilized to inform all visitors of the progress being made with the master planning process for Tommy Thompson Park In the interest of visitor safety, security and access, a staff member has been on duty at all times during public hours It is expected that this practice will continue for 1989 Staff are of the opinion that the 1988 program vas successful in providing public access year round as veIl as providing Authority staff on site to give any information or assistance as required st~ff will be revleving the program and activities of the 1988 Interim Management Program and will be preparing the 1989 Interim Hanagement Prograa on a similar basis This will be brought to the Board at the next meeting tuK I qt.t I TOMMY THOMPSON PARK INTERIM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM STAFF REPORT - SEPTEHBER 23. 1988 BACKGROUND 1972 - Province designated HTRCA as its implementing agent 1973 - 1984 - Interim Users Program in effect, administered by the Toronto Harbour Commission May l7, 1984 - TTP transfer of ovnership from Province to MTRCA October 1, 1987 - 1988 Interim Management Draft circulated to Interim Users for review and comment November 6, 1987 - Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board approved 1988 Interim Management Program January 29, 1988 - Authority approves the Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan EVENTS January 2 - - Tommy Thompson Park open year-round on December 31, 1988 weekends and holidays from 9 00 a m to 6 00 P m for public use January 10, 1988 - Lake Ontario Waterfovl Inventory Harch 28 - - Gull Control Program - achieved 100\ July 8, 1988 reduction in the control areas Apr 11 5 - - Tern Management Program July 31, 1988 - HTRCA/CWS Apr 11 5 - - Canadian Wildlife Services July 28, 1988 - Research Program Apr 11 6, 1988 - Demonstration of Gull Control Program for Ontario Hydro staff Apr il 11 - - Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program August 30, 1988 - Hinistry of Natural Resources April 15 - - Bird banding by the University of Toronto September 15, 1988 April 30 - - Van shuttle service begins (Spring) Hay 29, 1988 June 4 - - Toronto Transit Commission September 5, 1988 - Special summer bus service June 4 - - Nature Interpretive Program September 5, 1988 June 5, 1988 - World Environment Day Activities - Friends of the Spit June 6, 1988 - Demonstration of Gull Control Program for staff of the Dome Stadium {,QR lqS- July 1 - - Lake Ontario Racing Council September 25, 1988 - Yacht Races July 16, 1988 - Tour for York University Environmental Science students September 10 - - Van shuttle service begins (Fall ) October 10, 1988 September 18, 1988 - Annual Terry Fox Run . - ~ffl THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY TOMMY THOMPSON PARK 1989 INTERIM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board November 4, 1988 . w~ . ,q7 TARr.~ OF CDN'Infl'S PAGE l. Location 1 2. Purpose of Site 1 3. Approvals Overview 1 3.1 HNR Approval of 1977 1 3.2 MIRCA Executive Approval of 1984 3 4. Inter 1m Management Program 4 4.1 BackgrouOO 4 4.2 Proposed 5 4.2.1 Public 6 4.2.2 Lessees 7 4.2.3 Wildlife Management 8 5. Costs 10 , UJ~. \q~ - 1 - 1- LOCATION ToaIay 'nlompson Park, also referred to as the outer Harbour Headland, is located in the City of Toronto. It is a man-made spit of land, extendinq some 5 km in a south~sterly direction into Lake Ontario from the intersection of Unwin Avenue and Leslie Street. Figure 1 provides a summary of the water lot transactions between the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Toronto Harbour CoIIIIIissioners and the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2. PlRPOSE r:E' SI'IE Construction on this site vas initiated in 1959 by the Toronto Harbour ec.nissioners, for the purpose of providing an outer breakwater for expanded port facilities. However, by 1972, it was determined that much of this land vas no longer required for port expansion, and alternatively a large portion of it could be made available to the public. 3. APPROVlLS OYmVIEW 3.1 Ministrv of Natural Resource ADDroval of 1972 By letter dated November 29, 1972, the Honourable Frank Miller, then Minister of Natural Resources, advised the MIRCA that cabinet had approved ~ of desiqnating the Authority as the agency responsible for plaming, interi. management and develo~nt of ToaDy 'nlompson Park. This approval vas subject to tvo key conditions which are as follow: (1) that the armouring of the outer shoreline, estimated at $3.5 million, must be fumed by the Federal Government or one of its agencies; and W~.'ff~ 'j'. .~:.- i . .f - - ~ i --- . j , , -. --- I j f ... .1 It - 2 - I . · , ! c I ~ I I ! _1 t I II~ I , -----L- ~ ~ ~ 1 ~ ~ J . I- I ~ ! · f 1 J I ~ . ~ fg .l l . . l J .. ~ I . . . . -...-.... I ; 1 , i . - I' . I - - , I - i , I '. - . , i I i -- --;-1 fMTER mRD . ) "'" ....'"PO.... ....... and ..,... EA ERN EAOC ND FIG. I conse~.tlOn luthori1y LAND OWNERSHIP . . wR.1.()1) - 3 - (11 ) that title of TOI1IDY Thompson Park land must be transferred to the Authority for a nominal sum prior to any developDent occurring. The first condition regarding armouring was resolved with the creation of the new endikement extending in a southerly direction frOll the neck of the headland. The second condition vas resolved Hay 17, 1984, when an area vas transferred from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 3.2 Ml'RCA Executive Approval of 1984 At the Executive Meeting, '7/84, the issue of interim management vas considered with the following resolution adopted: Res. 1123 THAT the Metropolitan Toronto and Region conservation Authority assume the responsibility froa the Interim USe Prograa currently under Toronto Harbour Ccalnissioners aanaqeaent when title to Ttmay'I'hOllp6on Park is received; 'I1IAT the Authority request the Toronto Harbour ca.lssioners to act as managers of the 1984 Interia Use Program and as our agents with respect to all agreements; THAT the Authority approve an expenditure of $5,000.00 to cover predevelOpDent management costa associated with the Authority receiving title to ToDay 'l'hoIIlpson Park lands; w~. "20' - 4 - AND F\.RTHER THAT Authority staff be directed to enter into negotiations with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Toronto Harbour Commissioners and the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto with respect to management of the Interim Users Program frca January 1, 1985, and subsequent years. 4. INTERIM HANAGDfENl' PROCJW( 4.1 Backqround In 1973, after the Toronto Harbour Commissioners had determined that much of the area vas not required for port expansion, they initiated an informal program to allent the general public access on a weekend basis. However, in 1977 this program vas formalized by the Coaaissioners with policies for the operation of a sUIIIIler prograa. The basic policies for the summer program are: - the length of the season for public access vas detemined by the bus service ; - the funding for the bus services was negotiated annually betveen the City of TOronto and the T.T.C.; - with the exception of emergency vehicles, no autC80blle access or parking on the headland vas permitted during public hours; w~ · 1,01, - 5 - - outside public hours, lock and key privileges for auto access was granted to groups such as Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, HTRCA, university researchers and the Aquatic Park Sailing Club (Embayment C); - the use of a portion of Emba:yment C by the Aquatic Park Sailing Club for a total of 100 berths through agreement with the Ontario Sailing Association. 4.2 Prooosed At the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board 15/88, the following resolution was adopted: THAT the staff report on the 1988 Interim Management Program at TClI1IIlY Thompson Park be received for information. In this endeavour staff of the Authority circulated a draft of the 1989 Interim Management Program to interim users requesting cOl1lllents and/or concerns. The 1989 Interim Management Prograa at ToaIDy Thompson Park will endeavour to maintain the basic components of the previous year's program. 'Ib!se bas ic components include: -- w~. Z03 - 6 - - year round access of the park to the public; - a nature interpretive program offered through the sUlllller season; - a transportation system for use by the public dur ing the spr ing, summer and fall seasons; - a wildlife management program (gull control and tern management); and - a licence agreement with the Aquatic Park Sailing Club for sailing activities. 4.2.1 Public - Toaay'nlalpson park will be open }'ear round on veekems and holidays frOll 9:00 a.a. to 6:00 p... COBDencing January " 1989, excluding 01r istaaa and Boxing Oily. Staff will be on site during public hours. During the winter IIOnths the park _y close periodically due to unsafe conditions. - Public transportation will be provided cOlllllencing April 29, 1989 and will operate until October 9, 1989. The following are the proposed types and times of service: tJJR. GO~ - 7 - April 29 - Hay 28 - Hulti-seating Passenger Vehicles June 3 - September .. - T.T.C. Special Summer Bus September 9 - October 9 - Hulti-seating Passenger Vehicles - 'nle same level of maintenance vill be provided as in the past. This includes vashrooms, garbage bins and road maintenance. - A gate attendant vill be on site for the duration of the open season. -An interpreter vil1 be on hand frail June 3 to September 4 to ansver any questions and to conduct hikes and thge tours. - The Toaay 'ft1ompson Park Newsletter will continue and will highlight schedule events. In addition any changes in the Interim Management Program will be announced in the Nevsletter. 4.2.2. Lessees - Aquatic Park sailing Club ....h&s will be peraltted parking on their leased lands and access durinq public hours only fraa April 8 - 23, inclusive, and October 14 - 29, 1989, Inclusive, for necessary preparatory work, prior to and after the salling season. Parking dur inq this per lad will be provided in a designated area to be determined by the tft'RCA. w(. 2o~ - 8 - - Commencing April 29, 1989, durinq public hours, Aquatic Park Sailing Club members will be required to park in the Leslie Street parkinq lot and access by public transportation. - Access and parkinq for one emergency vehicle showinq identification, will be permitted during public hours. - Durinq non-public hours for the time period of the 1989 lease, access to only Aquatic Park Sailinq Club leased lands will be granted upon proof of membership and key privileqes. - Security and adherence to MmCl and THe site requlations will be the responsibility of the Aquatic Park Sailinq Club. 4.2.3 Wildlife Managp-nt - The Glll Control Program will utilize similar discouragement techniques as it:' previous years (falconry, pyrotechnical devices, and/or .ock gulls). I f approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources (tftU, it 1s proposed that the GlII COOtrol Prograll be tendered as a two (2) year contract. The Tems of Reference for the two year per iod would be similar to the 1988 program. - For 1989 the control areas and tlminq of the control periods will be similar to 1988. The program will coamence Harch 27 and continue until July 7, 1989, as follows: wR. '2..0~ - 9 - March 27 Weekday Control - Frdikement - Pyrotechnical Devices July 7 - Area South of the Road - Falconry - Peninsula 0 - Hock Q1l1s Apr 11 29 Weekend Control - Frdikement - Pyrotechnical Devices June 4 - Area South of the Road - Falconry - Hock Gulls The dates and timing of the 1990 control prograa viII be reviewed and set prior to its implementation. The control on weekends dur ing the peak egg layill9 per ied proved very successful in reducing the sporadic egg laying of previous years. This COIIIpOnent of the control program vill be utilized in 1989 - 1990 to minimize any egg collection. Tern Manaaement The Tern Management Program for 1989 is si.iIar to the 1988 program and vill include: - delineation and lDORitoring of nesting areas; - increased signaqe and patrol; - a tern nesting raft; - assisting the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) vith nest inventories; and w~. 201 - 10 - - monitoring tern nesting success. 5. CX>STS Costs associated with the program have been estimated at $115,000.00. 'n1ese costs include public transportation, site maintenance, interpreter and gull control program. . TOMMY THOMPSON PARK ~ . ~ 1he ~C.11DI'OnlD Sld region ~ IUIhority CITY cw TOItOIITO c; , 00 <.. /.. ""t- o., ....'0 -- C' _ ---- ~ ---- ------- ~ , O ---- L -- " \.~~E NTARIO ------ ~ " " " , " " , , , M.T.R.C.A. " '.... TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ................ " ~~ ....., .......... .... -- .... -- --- PROPOSED 1989 ROUTE ....- wR · "2.~q THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 1987/1988 M.T.R.C.A. AGREEMENT FOREST ANNUAL REPORT Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board November 4, 1988 !.AIR 2.(0 Attached is a copy of the 1987/88 HTRCA Agreement Forest Annual Report The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is required to submit a report each year that informs the Authority of management activities on HTRCA Agreement Forest properties Included in the report is a financial statement and a discussion of the 1987/88 management activities as vell as a description of the 1988/89 projects and a description of the proposed york for the 1989/90 fiscal year During the 1987/88 operating period, 24 4 ha of forest were managed A total of 3439 9 cubic metres of wood were produced including pulpwood, savlogs and firevood The sale of this vood generated $10,125 80 in revenue vhich vas credited to the Agreement Forest account to offset management costs Other activities include pruning ( 3 2 ha), tree !larking (24 0 ha) and planting site preparation (23 4 ha) For the 1988/89 period 23 4 ha vere reforested vith red and white pine Approximately 44 8 ha will be marked for thinning and improvement operations Proposed activities for 1989/90 include 20 ha of thinning and improvement cutting and chemical tending for the 1989 reforestation sites Agreement Forest properties vere acquired by the MTRCA following the aaalgaaation of the original Conservation Authorities within the region Since 1957 the HTRCA has ratified a number of new agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources vhereby selected Authority properties vould be managed by the Ministry to optimize the forest resource To date thirteen (13) tracts, a total of 772 ha, have been included under the agreeaent In doing so, MNR has accepted a long tera coamitment of forest manageaent to satisfy the objectives of both agencies The objectives include - prevention of erosion and sedimentation; - flood control; - maintenance of water yield and stream flov; - wildlife habitat iaproveaent; - production of wood products; - recreation; - education and research Staff are pleased with the level of management on the Agreement Forest properties Forest operations are conducted in accordance with approved aanagement plans Operating plans are iaplemented on individual tracts as the need arises Overall, the objectives of the Conservation Authority are complemented as a result of the prograa RECOHHENDATIONS: IT IS RECOHHENDED THAT the 1987/88 HTRCA Agreeaent Forest Annual Report, as prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources, be received for inforaation October 13, 1988 GW If &) Ministry of VJ~' 2.,1( Natural Resources Ontano 10401 Dufferin Street MAple, Ontario LOJ 1EO 1988 R.. August 2, 1: C ":1 V --- E l) Hr William A. McLean AUC S General Manager 19', The Metropolitan Toronto and At. T.R.e.A. Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario ~ M3N IS4 Dear Sir: SUBJECT: 1987/88 M.T.R.C.A AGREEMENT FOREST ANNUAL REPORT The Annual Report for the M T R C.A Agreement Forest is submitted herewith for your information and acceptance Part I of the report includes a discussion of 1987/88 management activities as well as a financial statement which shows expenditures, revenues and grants to March 31, 1988. Part II indicates the current management activities being undertaken during the operating year April 1/88 to March 31/89 Part III describes the work proposed for fiscal year 1989/90 We would welcome an opportunity to present this material at the earliest appropriate meeting, and to discuss any comments or questions you may have on the M.T.R.C.A. Agreement Forest Report and the cooperative management of your Agreement Forest Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Debbie Pella Keen at 832-7224 of this office Yours sincerely, ~-~ .'Whistance-Smith A/District Manager Maple District ~ DPK/lm . c c. Regional Forester, Central Region Vivian Headquarters . zr~ , MTRCA AGREEMENT FOREST ANNUAL REPORT for the period April 1, 1987 To March 31, 1988 Prepared by Debbie Pella Keen RPF Hanagemept Forester SIGNATURE j). &t /k-- DATE: i!u1~1 oJ 17r~ , J fAJ {J.. · 2.,; ANNUAL REPORT 1987/88 HTRCA AGREEMENT FOREST INTRODUCTION The MTRCA Agreement Forest consists of 13 tracts with a total area of 772 hectares. The Forest is owned by The Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources under a 20 year agreement running to the year 2000 This Forest has developed into an integrated resources management area, valuable for the production of wood and wood products, the provision of proper environmental conditions for wildlife, the maintenance of water levels and stream flows, the prevention of erosion and flood, and for recreation, education and research Management is conducted in accordance with an approved annual plan, operating plan and management plan for the Forest This report represents an attempt to provide you with one basic report during the year. It primarily focuses attention on the activities conducted during the year being reported The report also addresses in somewhat less detail, the activities which are now in progress or which are planned for the current year (1988/89). Finally, general comments on the .coming year. (1989/90) are included. ~ "'ll~ , . PART I HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR April 1, 1987 to March 31, 1988 wA · 2 , ~ PART I (A) MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Timber Sales A total of 3,439.9 cubic metres (m3 ) of wood were sold in 1987/88 Of this total 3,157 0 m3 was pulpwood, 70.0 m3 was hardwood sawlogs and 212.4 m3 was fuelwood. A total of 24.4 hectares of forest were cut to produce wood products in 1987/88. The harvest system used for the majority (79\) of this area was clearcutting for the conversion of stands to more productive tree species. The remaining area was thinned selectively, to improve the growing conditions of the remaining higher quality trees As much is possible thinning and improvement operations are accomplished through sales of wood products arranged by contract, tender or negotiations. Pruning The White Spruce Seed Production Area (3.2 hectares) was pruned to facilitate future seed production. Site Preparation A total of 23.4 hectares of clearcut areas were site prepared for future tree planting. A root rake mounted on a bulldozer was used. Woodlot and Plantation Marking Tree marking paint is used to identify the trees to be removed or pruned based on an approved silvicultural prescription. A total of 24.0 hectares were marked in 1987/88 in preparation for cutting operations. Recreational and Educational Use The Forest is open to the public for a wide variety of recreation and education purposes. Skiing, hiking and horseback riding are the major recreational activities. To promote forestry awareness an information sign was erected at the Kelly Tract to explain the stand conversion project. The Canadian Equestrian Driving Team used the Ballycroy Tract for a driving event in June, 1987. R. 21e. Access, Protection, General Maintenance Expenses related to fence and access maintenance and improvement, fire maintenance protection and general maintenance were minimal in 1987/88 A sign maintenance program was initiated in 1987/88. These signs identify the Forest Tracts and provide information regarding Forest uses. Replacement signs were purchased by the MNR and not charged to the Forest. Approximately 16.0 km of trails were maintained in the Kelly and Ballycroy Tracts through a Section 38 program at no cost to the Forest. Forest Resources Administration Administration costs do not include the staff salaries of the District Forest Management Supervisor, Forest Operations Manager and clerical staff who cannot be coded to specific sub- activities for the Forest. wR . 2 11 PART I (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT w~.1 ,q METROPOLITAN TORONTO REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AGREEMENT POREST STATEMENT 0' REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES 'OR 'ISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1988 EXPENDITURES Management and Support . 871.00 Tending 398.20 Site Preparation 12,682.69 Uneven-Aged Management 225.28 Pest Control 282.79 'orest 'ire Management 346.00 $14,805.96 REVENUE Sale of Forest Products $10,125.80 $10,125.80 Net Expenditure 'or Year Ended March 31, 1988 S 4.680.16 , lN~. 'Z 11 MITROPOLITAN TORONTO REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AGREEMENT FOREST STATEMENT OF ACCUMULATED MANAGEMENT COSTS AS AT MARCH 31, 1988 IXPENDITURES Balance March 31, 1987 $262,940.33 Current Year 14,805.96 $277,746.29 REVENUE Balance March 31, 1987 $ 45,956.31 Current Year 10,125.80 $56,082.11 Net Expenditure as at March 31, 1988 $221,664.19 Management Costs Repaid For Lands Removed From Forestry Agreement Balance March 31, 1997 $ 912.04 Current Year NIL $ 912.04 ~et Management Cost. IS at March 31, 1988 S220.752.14 w~. '2,20 METROPOLITAN TORONTO REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AGREEMENT FORES STATEMENT OF GRANTS UNDER THE FORESTRY ACT AS AT MARCH 31, 1988 Outstanding Grant. as at March 31, 1987 Grants Paid Dnder the Forestry Act (Section 2(3)] as at March 31, 1987 $36,958.89 Grants Repaid To Province 1,289.83 $35,669.06 , Grants Transactions Current Year Grants Paid NIL Grants Repaid NIL Balance Of Outstanding Grants as at March 31, 1988 S35.669.06 w~. '2.2 , PART II CURRENT FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES April 1, 1988 to March 31, 1989 The 23.4 hectare area that was clearcut and site prepared in 1987/88 will be planted to red and white pine Approximately 44.8 hectares of forest will be marked for thinning and improvement. Approximately 60 percent of this area is conifer plantation, the remaining area is natural hardwood stands. t.J~ · t2.,- TABLE 1 MTRCA AGREEMENT FOREST FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY SUMMARY 1987/88 ACTIVITY AREA (Hectares) Site Preparation Mechanical (Root Rake) 23.4 Tending Thinning and Improvement 5.2 Pruning 3.2 Harvest Clearcut 19.2 Tree Marking Clearcut 18.0 Selection Improvement 6 0 w~. 2.'2.3 PART III PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES April 1, 1989 to March 31, 1990 Approximately 20 hectares of thinning and improvement operations are planned for this year. Chemical tending is anticipated for the areas planted in 1989