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Home My WebLink AboutAuthority Appendices 1989 AM I THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY LIST OF MEMBERS APPOIRTBD by KunicipaUty Alphabetically 1989 Authority Meeting Il/89 February 24, 1989 AM ~ APPOINTMENTS TO THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY February 24, 1989 ADJALA/MONO Donna Patterson DURlIAJI Don Jackson Kip VanKempen Jim Witty METROPOLITAN TORONTO Ila Bossons Scott Cavalier William Granger Lois Gr iff in Brian Harrison Roger Hollander Marie Labatte Dale Martin John McGinnis Howard Moscoe Richard O'Brien Bev Salmon Joyce Trimmer Helen White PEEL Frank Andrews Emil Kolb Frank MCKechnie Nancy Porteous-Koehle Maja Prentice YOU Margaret Britnell Lois Hancey Lorna Jackson Eldred King Ron Moran PROVIRCE OF ORTARIO William Foster, Chairman Gordon Patterson Al Ruggero AM 3 MEMBERS OF THE AU'1'BORITY 1989(90 Peel C&RLM Mr Frank Andrews 24 English Street, BRAMPTON, Ontario L6X 116 Bus. 793-4ll0 Res. 45l-9886 Metro W&RLM Metro Councillor Ila Bossons, 390 Bay Street, Room 3l0, TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4096 Res 964-3584 York C&RLM Mrs. Margaret Britnell, Courier R.R il, King Township Municipal KING CITY, Ontario Building, King Side Road, LOG lKO west of Hwy.400, south Bus. 833-532l side Res. 833-5237 Metro F. & A. Metro Councillor Scott Cavalier 390 Bay Street, Room 2ll, Courier TORONTO, Ontario 3 Partridge Lane, M5H 3Y7 AGINCOURT, Ontario Bus. 392-4050 MlT 3C5 Res. 754-3799 province Mr. W.T. Foster, Chairman of the 40 Richview Road, #508, Authority ISLINGTON, Ontario M9A 5Cl Res. 244-9969 ##47 Metro Cit. William Granger Courier Executive 51 Rowanwood Avenue, City of North York C&RLM TORONTO, Ontario Parks & Rec Dept , M4W lY8 5100 Yonge St , 3rd Fl , Bus. 224-6293 North York, Ontario Res. 928-0006 M2N 5V7 Metro Metro Councillor Lois Griffin, Vice Chairman, 390 Bay Street, Room 202, W&RLM TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4026 Res. 742-2837 York Mrs. Lois Hancey, Executive 173 Sussex Avenue, W&RLM RICHMOND HILL, Ontario L4C 2E9 Bus. 884-8l0l Res. 884-4569 A'fV1 it - 2 - Metro Metro Councillor Brian Harrison, Executive l40 Dorset Road, Courier W&RLM SCARBOROUGH, Ontario 390 Bay Street, Room 205 MlM 2T4 TORONTO, Ontario Bus. 392-40l7 M5H 3Y7 296-6446 (Bell) Res. 26l-694l Metro W&RLM Metro Councillor Roger Hollander, 390 Bay Street, Room 306, TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4060 Res 961-5660 Durham Mr Don Jackson, Courier Vice Chairman, P.O. Box l2l2, Town of Uxbridge, C&RLM STOUFFVILLE, Ontario 20 Bascom Street, LOH lLO UXBRIDGE, Ontario Bus 640-l7ll Res. 640-3570 York C&RLM Mrs. Lorna Jackson Town of vaughan, 2l4l Major Mackenzie Drive, MAPLE, Ontario LOG lEO Bus. 832-2281 Res. 85l-1478 York F.& A. Mr. Eldred King Courier R R 4, Region of York, STOUFFVILLE, Ontario 62 Bayview Avenue, LOH 110 NEWMARKET, Ontario Bus. 362-2464 L3Y 4W9 Res. 640-2876 peel Mr. Emil Kolb, Courier Executive Town of Caledon, Town of Caledon, Chairman, C&RLM Box 1000, 200 Church Street, CALEDON EAST, Ontario CALEDON EAST, Ontario LON lEO LON lEO Bus. (41) 584-2273 Res. 880-0394 or (41) 584-9755 Metro W&RLM Metro Councillor Marie Labatte, 390 Bay Street, Room 305, TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-406l Res. 449-4246 Metro F.& A. Metro Councillor Dale Martin, 390 Bay Street, Room 2l3, TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4044 Res. 532-7137 - 3 - A V'v1. C; Metro Cit John McGinnis Vice Chairman II Oriole Parkway, of the TORONTO, Ontario Authority M4V 2C9 F.& A Res. 485-l664 Peel F & A Mr. Frank McKechnie Courier 300 City Centre Drive, 3533 Derry Rd East, MISSISSAUGA, Ontario P.H 1009, L5B 3Cl MISSISSAUGA, Ontario Bus. 896-5500/5502 L4T 2Sl Res. 677-4l86 or 672-1953 York W&RLM Mr Ron Moran, 55 Austin Drive, Ull, MARKHAM, Ontario L3R 8H5 Bus 475-4702 Res. 479-5959 Metro C&RLM Metro Councillor Howard Moscoe, 390 Bay Street, Room 20l, TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4029 Res. 638-2239 Metro Metro Councillor Richard O'Brien Vice Chairman, 390 Bay Street, Room 309, F.& A. TORONTO, Ontario M5H 3Y7 Bus. 392-4099 Res. 231-3733 Adjala/Mono Mrs. Donna Patterson Courier C&RLM R.R. 5, c/o Cedarport Inc. ORANGEVILLE, Ontario N.E. corner of Hwy 9 & L9W 2Z2 Airport Road, Mono Mills, Ont Bus. 519-941-1208 Res. 5l9-941-l68l Province Mr. Gordon Patterson, Courier Executive P.O. Box 190, 44 Gibson Lake Road Chairman, F & A. PALGRAVE, Ontario palgrave LON lPO Res. 880-4408 Peel Citizen Mrs. Nancy Porteous-Koehle, C&RLM Waste Management Inc., 55 Fenmar Drive, WESTON, Ontario M9L lM4 Bus. 74l-l500 Res. 792-9058 Peel W&RLM Mrs. Maja Prentice, City of Mississauga, 300 City Centre Drive, MISSISSAUGA, Ontario J L5B 3Cl Bus 896-5300 Res. 848-6252 A yY1, ~ - 4 - Province C&RLM Mr Al Ruggero, l44 Marita Place, CONCORD, Ontario L4K 3B2 Bus. 669-99l0 Res 669-4845 Metro Counc. Metro Councillor Bev Salmon, F & A 390 Bay Street, Room 206, Courier TORONTO, Ontario 38 Suncrest Drive, M5H 3Y7 NORTH YORK, Ontario Bus. 392-40l2 M3C 2L3 Res. 445-l733 Metro Counc. Mrs. Joyce Trimmer, F.& A City of Scarborough, l50 Borough Drive, SCARBOROUGH, Ontario MlP 4N7 Bus. 284-4372 Res. 29l-0852 Durham F.& A. Mr Kip VanKempen, Courier l270 Barnwood Square, 6 Lansing Square, PICKERING, Ontario Suite ll8A, LlX lC7 WILLOWDALE, Ontario Bus. 499-58ll Res. 839-0ll6 FAX #499-6355 Metro Cit. Mrs. Helen White, Executive 30 Fraserwood Avenue, Apt. #4, Chairman, W&RLM TORONTO, Ontario M6B 2N5 Res. 783-0360 Durham Jim Witty, Executive Town of Ajax, W&RLM 65 Harwood Avenue South, AJAX, Ontario L1S 2H9 Bus. 683-4550 Res. 683-2884 . A (Vl. 7 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY BOARD Gordon patterson, Chairman Richard O'Brien, Vice Chairman Scott Cavalier Eldred King Dale Martin John McGinnis Frank McKechnie Bev Salmon Joyce Trimmer Kip VanKempen WA'l'BR ASD RBLA'l'BD LARD MARAGEMEST ADVISORY BOARD Helen White, Chairman Lois Griffin, Vice Chairman Ila Bossons Lois Hancey Brian Harrison Roger Hollander Marie Labatte Ron Moran Maja Prentice Jim Witty COSSERVATIOR AND RBLA'l'BD LAND MASAGEMERT ADVISORY BOARD Emil Kolb, Chairman Don Jackson, Vice Chairman Frank Andrews Margaret Britnell William Granger Lorna Jackson Howard Moscoe Donna Patterson Nancy Porteous-Koehle Al Ruggero AM.~ 1988 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority - l- AM cr 1988 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REVIEW Table of Contents Action on 1987 Recommendations III Summary of 1988 Recommendations vii 1. FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM 1 1.1 Remedial Measures 1 1.2 Plan Review 1 1.3 Regulation Administration 4 1.4 Issues 4 1.5 Flood Warning and Flood Forecasting 5 2. EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM 6 2.1 Remedial Measures 6 2.2 Plan Input and Review and Regulation Administration 6 3. STORM WA'l'ER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 8 4. LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM 9 s. CONSERVATION LAND MANAGEMENT 11 5.1 Planning 11 5.2 Operations/Implementation 11 5.2.1 Direct Services 11 5.2.2 Interdivisional Services 13 5.2.3 External Services 14 6. LAD OB"ARIO WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IS 6.1 Site Planning 15 6.2 Site Development 15 6.3 Lakefill Quality Control Program 16 7. WATERSHED RECREATION PROGRAM 17 7.1 Planning 17 7.2 Site Development 18 7.3 Enforcement, Safety and Security 19 7.4 Conservation Areas 20 7.4.1 Operations 20 7.4.2 Maintenance 20 7.4.3 Program Delivery 21 AM 10 -11- 8. HERITAGE/BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE PROGRAM 23 8.1 Site Development 23 8.2 Operations 23 8.3 Programs 24 9. COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAM 25 9.1 Conservation Education 25 9.2 Community Relations 27 10. FOOD SERVICES 29 10.1 Visitor Services 29 10.2 Cost Recovery 31 10.3 Group Functions 31 10.4 General 32 1988 PROGRAM PERPORMANCE REVIBW ACTION ON 1987 RECOMMENDATIONS FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM Recommendation Action That the public relations perspective of plan re vi ew Interviews broadened to assess personal communication be considered in hiring and training staff; that staff sk ills as well as technical abi li tieR New ~anager development ensure an up-to-date knowledge of relevant of Plan Re vie w organized staff training with Authority policies and procedures; and that a Plan consultant on team building; time management and Input & Re view Manual/Strategy be prepared dealing with stress Statement of Authority Plan . Input & Review interests updated Manual has not been prepared That the enforcement staff be included in any technical/ In 1988, staff development limited to dea 11 ng with program workshops/circulations to ensure their continued changes in organization and staffing Preliminary ability to represent Authority interests in the field. arrangements for joint programs in 1989 to include Plan Review and Enforcement I c-'" c-'" That annual work plans and funding for mapping continue 1988 budget fully spent Updated and new areas c-' to be given high priority. covered by mapping I That the status of remedial work at damage centres be Status of remedial works reviewed but no notIce reviewed annually, and where appropriate, municipal- circulated This was conveyed as a part of the ities advised of the continuing flood risk and the need update on the damage cent re designation and the for specific planning designations, and further that, deletion of this category from the Authority's during 1988, the damage centre concept be reviewed program to clarify its definition, intended application and relationship to provincially designated Special Policy Areas That the development of Authority strategies include The need for this commitment is referenced in the consideration of the long term maintenance and funding Greenspace Plan and action required as pa rt of requirements of existing structures to ensure they the strategy development No progress has been continue to provide for public safety made in accomplishing this objective - .J.) ~ --. - - ::0 ~ - - )J EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM That erosion control major .aintenance be addressed As above similarly to flood contr.ol. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT That the deadlines for components of the Rouge Watershed The draft white paper was completed by December 31st. study be adhered to in order that its results are The project was expanded to address much broader available as timely input to the strategic planning issues than first proposed, as a result of concerns process and the final report and strategy available identified by the stockholder group's input The by December 31, 1988 finalization of this work in early 1989 may be affected by the secondment of the project coordinator to HNR I LAND ACQUISITION t-'. < That the disposal of developable land be accompanied This continues recommendation "0 major I as a by a clear statement of the benefits gained by this improvement in pu b 11 c perception of Authority land action and be used in any communication to the sales general public, elected officials, interested groups/ agencies and in response to specific enquiries That when all areas suitable for acquisition have been Awaiting final delineation of areas suitable for identified, the Land Acquisition Program be reviewed acquisition - particularly critical recharge zones , and a corporate strategy be developed, to set priorities and to ensure adequate funding, and further, that the Disposal of land procedures in place stratO!gy clarify the criteria for the designation of surplus lands and the procedures for disposal CONSERVATION LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM That special studies/projects be reviewed annually All 1988 projects assist in corporate priorities to ensure they are carrying out corporate priorities Funding limitations have reduced the availability of and are not creating an unreasonable burden on general fund ing required and can be significant, however, operations results justify involvement LAKE ONTARIO WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM No recommendations in 1987 WATERSHED RECREATION PROGRAM: That the review of the Land Acquisition Program To be included in implementation strategy include methods to ensure security on and management of Authority lands That the role of enforcement as a natural resource As above management technique be included in the Land Acquisition Program That procedures be developed to determine the The reserve fund has been established and allocation of major maintenance reserve funds and procedures in place for allocation of fu nd s Method'! to ensure the growth of the fund to ensure the growth of the fund are being considered as part of the implementation strategy for the Greenspace Plan I < I HER ITAGEI BCPV PROGRAM That the Business Plan for BCPV, delayed from 1987, The Business Plan has been completed and forwarded be completed in time for the 1989 budge t year to Metropolitan Toronto, as required CONSERVATION AWARENESS PROGRAM That further ana ly sis of group " attendance be Group designation for education programs known a undertaken to enable identification of trends and of Visitors' survey developed in 1988 for 191J9 potential target groups for promotion implementation That a visitor survey at BCPV determine the proportion This is a component of the survey to he administered of repeat to first time visitation. in 1989 " :b ~ - (II :t> 3 . - v -+ That improved communications be a part of the Corporate communications plan not completed in 198 II corporate strategy and include Authority-initiated To be finalized in 1989 Initiatives for provincial communication as well .a procedures/guidelines for politicians and Focus on Greenspace were staff responses to media-initiated contacts accomplished in 1988 That the marketing of visitor opportunities to This fu 11 coordination of these efforts was not the travel trade be coordinated with existing achieved and requires a definition of participants Authority programs offered to other client groups in each group to eliminate confusion (see 1988 review) That A/V production equipment purchases be centrally Equipment at Head Office has been fully inventoried coordinated and that lists be avai lable of A/V Kortright Centre to be completed in 1989 No resources, including prepared presentations inventory of existing presentations is currently svailable. I < I-' I -Vll- Am. IS 1988 PROGRAM PERFORMANCE REVIEW Summary of Recommendations 1 FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM That the inventory of flood hazard remedial works be used as a base to determine long-range maintenance needs and costs, the incremental implications of constrained funding; and directed to the Ministry of Natural Resources in support of the need for long-term funding commitments. That the recording of plan input and review applications be reinstated in order to ensure adequate staffing, to monitor response rates; and to provide internal control of circulation and replies. That a continuing program of training and development be provided to Plan Review staff to assist them in dealing with the high volume of work and the time restrictions within which replies are required. That the cost and feasibility of hiring contract staff to prepare a manual for Plan Input and Review be considered That the review of organizational needs to achieve the corporate objectives of the Greenspace Plan include both an analysis of staffing needs and the opportunities to improve information management. That the communiciation of the Greenspace Plan to local, regional and provincial staff and politicians stress the need to seek long-term solutions to the problems of the Greater Toronto . Region and that short-term thinking can be detrimental to the future of the total community. 2 EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM That the long-term funding requirements of erosion hazard remedial works be dealt with in the same manner and as part of the same presentation as flood hazard remedial works. That the value of valleyland retention as a community resource and amenity, both in existing developed areas and during new development, be stressed in presentations of the Greenspace plan. AM Jh -Vlll- 3 . STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM That a timetable for developing water3hed 3trategie3 for each of the AuthoritY'3 watersheds be prepared and adhered to, to ensure their continuance as community resources based on agreed upon objectives. 4 . LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM That a new ver3ion of the Master Plan for Acqui3ition be prepared using 1.10,000 0 B M information as a base to prepare deed plot maps. That the areas in the Oak Ridges Moraine, where acqui3ition is the preferred management strategy, be identified. That the use of other sources of funding for acquisition, including through the M T.R.C.F., as proposed in the Greenspace Plan, be implemented. 5 . CONSERVATION LAND MANAGEMENT That the staffing needs to implement the Greenspace Plan be finalized, the reassignment of individual responsibilities be considered; and any associated costs determined and provided for in the 1990 budget. That the Unplementation plan for the Greenspace Plan address the costs related to management/maintenance of undeveloped Authority lands as they become surrounded by urban/suburban development. That Authority staff initiate discussions with Maple . District HNR to determine their long-range plan for fisheries improvement and to establish annual funding for implementation 6 . LAKE ONTARIO WATERFRONT DEVELPOMENT PROGRAM That the process for planning for the provision of open space opportunities along the waterfront establish realistic timing targets for each planning phase and that these be achieved. -lX- AM. I'"] 7 . WATERSHED RECREATION That the proposals for future recreation use clearly reflect the results of both the economic analysis and public participation program conducted in 1988 That there be a review of the staffing needs to further develop and implement the strategy for Public Use of Authority Lands That the opportunities for funding recreation development be coordinated with all other M T R C A program needs to ensure corporate priorities are maintained That, as part of the Development project for implementing the strategy, priorities for future development be clarified and sources of funding identified That the need for and staffing requirements to provide 7 day security and enforcement be determined. That a review of reported visitor accidents determine the appropriate categories of accidents, assign accidents by category, and recommend remedial action, where appropriate. That the long-term cost of major maintenance of new facilities resulting from the Strategy for the Public Use of Authority Lands be determined and a procedure for allocating revenues developed. That staff continue to identify opportunities to offer program alternatives in order to maintain/improve attendance at Conservation Areas during all seasons. 8 . HERITAGE/BCPV PROGRAM That the Authority continue to pursue opportunities for special funding status for Black Creek Pioneer Village. 9 . COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAM That in reporting comments regarding food services, collected by surveys at education facilities, an overall summary be forwarded to the Food Services Manager. That the development of implementation plans for the Strategy for Public Use of Authority Lands include identification of long-range targets for optimum attendance at facilities It M. J S -x- That the Communic~tlon strategy for the corpor~te plan for Greenspace be finalized in order to assure all target groups are receiving the information necessary to make decisions supportive of Authority objectives. That Management Committee review the Authority's corporate community relations/marketing needs and determine any necessary staffing/funding changes. That Management Committee identify the customer/client research needs of the Authority, how such information could be gathered, and the priorities on an organizational basis That the Directors responsible for educational and travel trade bookings develop criteria for group booking charges and a method of allocating use of facilities to each type of user group. 10. FOOD SERVICES That attendance and food revenue/costs in the Visitor Services component continue to be monitored in order to establish targets That the monitoring of expenses continue in order to determine targets for optimum percentages for cost of sales and wages within the Visitor Services component. That the issue of the relationship between facility program and food service be resolved based on an identification of visitor expectations and food purchase preferences That the various indicators of the Group Functions component continue to be monitored to determine optimum levels for the Authority's operation. That the focus for Food Service improvements in 1989 be on the Visitor Services component of the operation. - 1 - PI tv'" '9 1. FLOOD CONTROL 1.1 Remedial Measures The major remedial work carried out in 1988 was the dredging of the Keating Channe 1. This project was approximately 50% complete by the end of the year. Plans to provide remedial works for the Tyndall Nursing Home (Etobicoke Creek at Burnhamthorpe) were not achieved. The property owner is proposing a second building in the floodplain and wants this protected as well as the existing property. Staff do not support this proposal. A site at Dixie Road and Dundas. further downstream on the Etobicoke Creek. was chosen for preliminary engineering as an alternative. Works at this location are proposed for 1989. Re gula r maintenance of existing remedial structures was undertaken in 1988. A computerized data base was established to assist in projecting long-range maintenance requirements. This includes information on original construction details, a history of maintenance inspections, any repairs and their costs. Maintenance funding continues to be a concern. Provincial flex fu nds have had to be used to sustain administration expenses. Any effort to generate revenues from specific projects has resulted in a corresponding reduction in grants or levies. i. e. viewed by Province or municipalities as a way to decrease support. With the public safety component of the Authority's work, there needs to be recognition of the long-term requirement to maintain remedial structures and that an engineered solution must be properly maintained to ensure it continues to provide the protection for which it was designed. RECOMMENDATION: That the inventory of flood hazard remedial works be used as a base to determine long-term maintenance needs and costs, the incremental implications of constrained funding. and directed to the Ministry of Natural Resources in support of the need for long-term funding commitments. 1.2 Plan Review In order to effectively review proposals, a commitment has been made to annually extend and/or update our mapping. This program consists of a number of components: preparing base topographic mapping. undertaking engineering studies to calculate flows and plot f1oodlines. and delineating areas for fill regulation. Rapid urbanization has resulted in a continuing requirement to update the map base to respond to further proposals - at present. a very demanding process. During 1988. the mapping program achieved ~ ('11. ;1.0 - 2 - .the calculation of flows and plotting of floodlines on sections of the Rouge watershed, base mapping of portions of Massey Creek, to M.T.R.C.A. and F.D.R.P. standards, by the City of Scarborough, .plotting of regulation lines on Rainbow Creek, a tributary to the Humber, in Vaughan. The mapping program is critical to the Authority's participation in the municipal planning process and to our administration of the Regulation for Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways. The 1986 and 1987 reviews noted the increasing volume of applications for both plan input and review and regulation administration. In 1988, continued high volume and staff changes resulted in cumulative volume counts being suspended. As these have provided an indication of growth in the watershed and assisted in determining staffing requirements, it is important that these records be kept. RECOMMENDATION: That the recording of plan input and review applications be reinstated in order to ensure adequate staffing, to monitor response rates. and to provide internal control of circulation and replies. During 1988, the new position of Manager, Plan Input and Review was funded and staffed. commencing in September. Two of the three Plans Analysts left the staff and were replaced. The Technician position dealing with lawyer's letters was also refilled - the previous Technician being the successful candidate for one of the Plans Analyst positions. - These changes have permitted the section to implement the 1987 recommendations regarding the public relations aspect of plan review. They also, however, created a requirement for considerable staff training and orientation to continue to deal with the number and diversity of proposals reviewed. With the assistance of a management consultant, major efforts have been made toward team building, time management and working under stress. RECOMMENDATION: That a continuing program of training and development be provided to Plan Review staff to assist them in dealing with the high volume of work and the time restrictions within which replies are required. A(Yl.~' - 3 - In 1988, a fee was charged for replies to lawyers requesting information for property sales. With a fee in place, there has been a delivery standard set to assure a time ly response on property transactions. This places an onus on staff to meet a set service level and has satisfied the requirements of the applicants while providing revenue to fund the administration requirements. A full review of the Section is currently being prepared by the Manager, for consideration by the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board, addressing staffing and organizational requirements. With section staff involved in interpreting and commenting on Authority programs and policies, it has been previously recommended that orientation of new staff and day-to-day review activities could be streamlined by the preparation of a review manual guide. The time required to prepare this has not, however, been available. Some needs have been addressed such as the development of an "Issues Map " to flag areas where other Authority staff/sections have interests/ responsibility for matters which could be affected by plan review activities. It is, further, the Manager's objective to pu r sue the establishment of delivery standards, the development of staff manuals/guides, and in-house staff development and coordination with regulation administration during 1989. The need to ensure staffing continuity and to respond effectively to external proposals did not allow full accomplishment in 1988. RECOMMENDATION: That the cost and feasibility of hiring contract staff to prepare a manual for Plan Input and Review be considered. The Plan Review function continues to provide the Authority with the opportunity to control and influence development across the watersheds. All Authority programs benefit from the input to and review of municipal planning proposals. The increasing use of this process to ensure policy and program objectives in advance of development makes it essential that the staff in this group have the resources to efficiently and effectively participate in the planning process. This requires not only that staffing needs but also that access to resource program interests, in a usable form, be addressed. RECOMMENDATION: That the review of organization needs to achieve the corporate objectives of the Greenspace Plan include both an analysis of staffing needs and the opportunities to improve information management. AM.~Q - 4 - 1.3 Regulation Administration The enforcement of Ontario Regulation 293/86, in the field, is the responsibility of Enforcement staff reporting to the Director of Field Operations. In 1988, staff dealt with 268 site plans and there were 587 active permit files requiring monitoring. 198 violation notices were issued for activities at 136 sites. These notices were issued to private landowners (51%), corporate landowners (27%) and construction companies (22%). While the majority of violations are resolved through discussion and negotiation, some become permit applications (34 in 1988) and others end up in court. Of the latter, the Authority was successful in receiving seven convictions for regulation violations in 1988. Fines ran between $200 and $1000 per conviction, with removal and restoration orders being attached to all bu t one. The removal and restoration is the most important component to the Authority as it can reverse the damages caused and must be completed to our satisfaction. 1.4 Issues Two issues directly related to the rapid urbanization of this area have emerged in 1988 and may have significant impact through 1989. The rising cost of land in the developed and developing areas has decreased th'e Authority's ability to acquire land to protect it from development. Developers are prepared to pay the cost of engineering studies and works to make previously undevelopable lands safe for use. The Authority's regulation was designed principally to address public safety from flood and erosion hazard and applications are subject to a technical review of these concerns. Where the return on investment is sufficient and the technology available to deal with certain hazard situations, the Authority is placed in the position of either having to issue a permit or to refuse to consider the application on a policy basis rather than on technical compliance - the retention of the valleylands being a conservation policy objective related to greens pace retention. A number of proposals in 1988 brought this issue forward and its early resolution is c r i t i ca 1. The Greenspace Plan and its strategy demand a firm position on greens pace retention - not just for public safety but as a public amenity. If acquisition then becomes a requirement, funding support must be available or the goals of the Plan cannot be achieved. The second issue is closely related to the first and arises from the Province's initiative regarding affordable housing. In reviewing the new Policy Statement, the Authority stated it would deal with these applications as quickly as possible but cautioned the Province and the municipalities that standards for public safety and valleyland retention should not be compromised. Since these applications are being hurried through the planning process, there has been pressure to consider infilling on lands previously set aside from development as well as to process the affordable components of a proposal in advance of all technical requirements, e g. storm water management, being satisfied. ftM,~= - 5 - RECOMMENDATION That the communication of the Greenspace Plan to local, regional and provincial staff and politicians stress the need to seek long-term solutions to the problems of the Greater Toronto Region and that short-term thinking can be detrimental to the future of the total community. 1.5 Flood Warning and Flood Forecasting During 1988, the Authority issued general flood advisories as follows: March 7-13/Apri1 5-8 To all schools March 23/Apri1 7 General advisory May 16: General advisory July 22-25 Flash flood advisory August 3-8/11-15: Flash flood advisory No record of any significant property damage or life threatening occurrences, related to flooding, was recorded in 1988. The system was tested and maintained during 1988. No major additions/replacements or upgrading occurred. AM.~&./- - 6 - 2. EROSION CONTROL 2.1 Remedial Measures Erosion remedial works were carried out on the priority basis established in the annual erosion inventory process. The sites in the inventory were also reviewed, new sites added, and priorities for 1989 prepared. A Shoreline Management Master Plan, for future works, was started with special provincial grants. Sites where remedial measures were undertaken in 1988 are River Valleys Waterfront Glenorchy Place (Don) Fallingbrook Drive Queensway/West Mall (Etobicoke) Kingsbury Crescent Highland Creek Confluence Lakehurst Crescent Leslie/Steeles (German Mills) South Marine Drive Malvern Creek Guildwood Parkway Cividale Court (Don) Fishleigh Drive Swinton Crescent (Don) Crescentwood Road 3335 Greenwood Rd. (Duffin) Sunnypoint Ravine Work also proceeded at the Bellamy Ravine project. The availability of fill allowed the schedule to be considerably advanced. All heavy construction should be completed in 1989 and revegetation commenced. Major maintenance of the Massey Creek channel was undertaken, but works proposed for the Mimico Creek could not proceed without landowner cooperation. The principal concern with this component of the program is the unresolved issue of long term maintenance. RECOMMENDATION That the long-term funding requirements of erosion hazard remedial works be dealt with in the same manner and as part of the same presentation as flood hazard remedial works. 2.2 Plan Input and Review and Regulation Administration As noted in Sections 1.2 and 1. 3, the Authority is facing considerable development pressure along its valleys, specifically in the area between the floodplain and the fill regulation line. Erosion hazard and slope stability can now be overcome in specific instances at a reasonable cost given the potential value of the subsequent use. Since the adoption of its 1975 recommendations on "Conservation Aspects of Official Plans .. and the Watershed Plan in 1980, the Authority has worked with a number of its municipalities to have policies in their planning documents which support the objective of A(\I).~S- - 7 - valleyland retention as a community resource. The potential of infill and re-development onto these lands has been realized in 1988 and the need for public support and funding to ensure this objective is very clear. RECOMMENDATION That the value of va11eyland retention as a community resource and amenity>> both in existing developed areas and during new development>> be stressed in presentations of the Greenspace Plan. AM.;zh - 8 - 3. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT Since its introduction in the 1980 Watershed Plan, the Storm Water Management Program has evolved through experience and improved technology to the point where a major revision to the program will soon be required. The Rouge River Study, ongoing through 1988, started as a basin management plan essentially dealing with urban drainage measures It was to evaluate the current storm water management practices/measures and determine future requirements. The process of stakeholder participation and technical studies resulted in a study of much greater scope than originally envisaged. The final report will now propose a vision of the Rouge watershed as well as the factors which must be managed and the controls required to ensure the vision. The Storm Water Management Program was originally put forward as a method of addressing watershed issues through the planning process. It had already been recognized that site specific storm water management controls had to be a part of a broader Master Drainage Planning exercise into which the Authority would contribute information and data related to those factors within its mandate, including flood and erosion hazard, environmentally significant areas, etc. The process has now been further modified to aspire to maintaining and improving watershed conditions rather than simply mitigating potential negative impacts. This can provide a much more restrictive approach to watershed management and has been described in the Watershed Management Strategy of the Greenspace Plan. There is a need to finalize the Rouge Study and to proceed to develop similar strategies for the Authority's other eight watersheds. Pressures are developing for land use changes in major undeveloped areas of the Duffin and Humber Watersheds. While the other six watersheds have already been substantially developed, increasing pressure to infill or develop can threaten past achievements in valley retention. There is a strong public interest in environmental protection and enhancement which could result in future improvements to existing watershed conditions. Having taken this approach with the Ro ug e , there is a community expectation that similar efforts will be initiated on other watersheds in the near future. RECOMMENDATION: That a timetable for developing watershed strategies for each of the Authority's watersheds be prepared and adhered to, to ensure their continuance as community resources based on agreed upon objectives. - 9 - Rf\-1.~7 4. LAND ACQUISITION In 1988, 55 acquisitions added 46 ha/113 acres to Authority land holdings. Compensation for the Hinder property (12 ha/29.72 acres) was settled at $6,150,000 and the compensation for the Torvalley (Don Valley Brickyard) property was awarded by the Ontario Municipal Board at $16,150,000. The Authority has appealed this latter award. A listing of all properties bought and sold, along with a map, is included for information in this section. The issues in 1988 related to: (a) the extremely high settlement for the Torvalley property and its potential to affect future purchases within the project, ( b) the lack of funds in the general program for acquisition, (c) the lack of current mapping to replace the former Master Plan for Acquisition, ( d) the need to more clearly define areas suitable for acquisition particularly outside Metro, i. e. Oak Ri d g e s Moraine, (e) the higher land prices in the area, (f) the proposed sale of land in northeast Scarborough area, (g) the ability of proponents to overcome physical hazard on site and willingness to pay to do so given high potential return on investment. . The last point is a land acquisition issue in that it puts the question of valleyland retention where hazard can be overcome to the test. In the past, the existance of hazard and the cost to overcome it generally ensured the lands would not be developed - with land values so much higher, acquisition at potentially higher prices, may be the only way to keep the valleylands as greenspace. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1- That a new version of the Master Plan for Acquisition be prepared using 1:10,000 O.B.M. information as a base to prepare deed plot maps, 2 . That the areas in the Oak Ridges Moraine, where acquisition is the preferred management strategy, be identified, -9a- A~,~<6 PROPERTIES ACQUIRED IN 1988 CODE PROJECT FILE FORMER OWNER MUNICIPALITY ACREAGE NO. NO. ,- -4--4- --, r--- C r- I 2 r _ I: I r 1_ c'.UI~l - ~ '=__C:_ ':-'1 . - r.:. .... '...J'_'l1lb::? ~ _e... ~3j ,jer-,:; - F ,... 4 r_lmb~ w=.r-l j Hrrrta r~_lr:- 1\; : r i- f 'r I: .... ~ - H - T"" .: . ( , ,... F 8 A ~...::. -, k, r 1:: e r ~ I""'e L r:l .~':,)'" th '(,_,)'" f ::-21 ) .- ..t J: 8 A 45rl r: =,'r m~n J 01_' I::'..l. d Fu==ell '.'a'_!ghan ! ......-.4.1 I ~( C rw l ::: t- ': ph e)'" Gr anolTI ", 1- ul p, SL:;: 2\'1 r, e F EF MANENT EASEMPIT "" F :~ ,.., 451 I3flr-tarll, Ange 1,: Ml': hi:'el r~,:,)'" t h YoY'~ , th)': ~, .. ~ 13a11 iJ)'" 2er, t:- ,- ,.., , . e- Flnetree De~elopme-t Cc E t ':' b 1 ': ,-, ~ e 4 344 ..::0 H ~--I..:- Ltd. ..., F 8 A 4C.-,.., W.F Dr ape)'" Ne,)'" t h Yo)'" ~ .:: 566 ...J..J 8 F.3.A 151 Ben Ast,:,n F i ': hm,:,nd Hi 11 u u5:: 3 F. 3 A le- The MunlClpality of East y,:.)'" f: () 066 ;;;.)... Met)'"':'poll t an i Cl'( .:In t ':' 10 F '3 A 1e..., Baif Devel':lpments VaLlghan 1. :13 ...J..J Li m.i ted 1 1 F' 3 A 154 Jane Louisa Pu)'"ves N,:,)'"th y,:,)'" l: (). J48 1':: F .:1 A. 155 Alan John Ma)'"sh, Gloria Ri chmond Hi 11 o n13 Faith Marsh ~( Douglas Herbert Lipps . ...., F":1 A 156 Graham Will1am & Dawn Nelr t h y,:,r ~ 1 . 332 ~..J Pi r i e Mi t,:hell PERMANENT EASEMENT 14 P.3.A. 158 Dawn Barbara Turnbull VaLlghan 0.un7 & Danesh Sookram PERMANENT EASEMENT <0:::- F'. 10. A. 62 Joseph Sf: e1 t,:,n Estate 5,: ar be,)'" ':'Llgh 4.:36 ~...J and The C ,:,r pClr at i I:,n ':' f the C1 ty I:,f 5,: a)'" bCIl" clugh 16 F l1.A 11':' Onta)'"io Land COl"poration Scarborough () () 3 17 F 11.A. 113 58~8q6 Ontario Limited 5,: ar b,:,r ':'Llgh O. 113 18 F . 11 A 114 Jacqueline Clar~e 5,: ar bor ':'Llgh ..., 311 -..J 1 :1 F.l1.A. 115 NLlgget C,:,n s t r LIC t i ,:,n C:CI. ALlr I:,r a 11 118 Limited ::.() P.12 A. 101 Feter ~( Verity H,:,bbs Pi ': k er 1 ng .:. noo PEFMANENT EASEMENT ,- - 9b - AM'~4 PROPERTIES ACQUIRED IN 1988 CODE PROJECT FILE FORMER OWNER MUNICIPALITY ACREAGE NO. NO. :1 Fe+- ,~ _ ': .' ~ t '""' h: e9 1 :,n a 1 r1 L' n 1 ': 1 pal i 1- J r-~:ler.rg {i ( -+ = '-' :reer of DLlyham - - C ,:l ( y _, the ( , ,: - F ::. 1_ r 8 ( 1 r: ~ F'.1.alnS ' - E Ell -- - """'",..=l Cree ~ De~elopments Ltd - ~ 3.1. =' -,. - Lydia :,:l.therlne Jear, " '~I_\gh,:.n j .:. j =J - - ~ 2e~ I - ., Acnew - - M "::'4 Nla.~a(a "3 '\I,:.ya Ell;:abetf. Fhcde5 Caledor. 1 ' eo , : .J'''' Es.: a( pment ... - ,- Ni -3.ga", a 1 () F.:,semayy E ~. i 1 b':'LlY n Cal edu1 1 () 37= ..:.. :'1 Es,: a, pment "::'5 W F -1 15 Laleshoye PsychiatYic Et ob 1': ,:,1. e :J:::.()44 Hc,spital <M.G.S. ) 27 W F :::A 1S:: Deidra Lynas Pi,: k e I' i n 9 o. '::'3 '::8 W F 3A 18::: Un,:, Le,:,nar d ~~ Hubert Pi,:keYing (j ::7 Abe "::'3 W.F -4 160 Estate ,:,f Henry W. S,: ar b,:,r ':'Llgh n. 19 Phippen J( ) W.F.-4 161 D,:.nal d E. ~( Cynthia P S,: ar b,:,r ,:,ugh 0.09 Gllstafson :::1 W.F.-4 16:: Th,:,mas P. ~( Elizabeth So: ay be,y ough 0.44 M Byyne ""' -, W F -4 163 ArthllY B. Clarke 5,: ar b,:,y ':'llgh 0 17 ...J..... ....'" W F.-4 lEA Eva May i a D.:-may So: ar b,:,Y ,:,ugh 0.31 ....,...., 34 W.F.-4 165 Ro:'ger ~ Lynn Br i ': e 5,: ar b.:,r ':'Llg.1 o.n54 ....c" W.F.-4 166 Arlene J. Strao:han ~~ So: ay b,:,y '::OLIgf1 n. 1:::': ....,....J Fl,:,ren,:e JLlne Wade :::6 W.F.-4 167 Ti m':lthy T. ~-( F:i ta E. 5,: ay b,:,y ,:,ugh () 11<") Peat J7 W.F.-4 168 F',:,ber t James ~-( Hel en 5,: ar bor ':'Llgh (j.lns White Curry :::8 W F -4 163 F'ober t James ~~ Hel en 5,: ar b,:,y C'Llgh () 11: White Curry :::3 W.F.-4 170 Percy David Klaehn ~~ Sc ay boy O:'llgh IJ J71 Catherine Mary Cryer 40 W.F.-4 171 Sonja Mez Se ar b,:,r ':'llgh IJ 157 41 W F.-4 17:: S,:,nja Mez S,:arb,:,rough 0 158 ftYvf.30 - 9c - PROPERTIES ACQUIRED IN 1'388 CODE PROJECT FILE FORMER OWNER MUNICIPALITY ACREAGE NO. NO. 4-: l,.J r:- -~" -,.~ :-111d~ . - Oilf":! S-3~b:f" -'_;ir ~ 4~ 1 . ~ -- ~I ;:- -4 1 -~ - :".1 ~!:,du: ~l J. : f? :5 I: .3 j ~ 0 I:' _",; ~ ,r: . -! fh.;la~ 1 c::- ~ ;:--4- :-5 D 'j _ ... ,wl~llam F Sc :.,';r be (I: 1_.g ,)S':' ~ -' :..r d ;:, :' r : t f, J - ~ ':.1. ~ne.l . , - . - -4 1-""7 ;":' t t f ( . e,: L ,; J ~ S':::;,r borOLtg~. . '""I"" "'1" t:J "" - . - ... -' ....)lrd:::er~Er ,- ... .... t..." -..;. 1-8 I;,e,:,( ge F 1 : ha( d f I..U t ~, Se ~ (b':'r ough () 1'J1 Annemarle Hein=e .,.., :..J F -4 1-"3 F,:ber t :..Jill lam Ste\en30n 8'_:3r bor 1 .ugh (l ')57 '-+ , I 43 \.oj F -4- John Anders,:,n B ~~ S,: arb ':11" ,:,w;th n 145 Helen Gi bs,:,n EX F'POPF. I A TI ON 5,-) W F -4 Ad,:,lfine D::iLlma Searb,:,re'Llgh () 151 EXFF.OF'F lATION 51 W.F.-4 Uta Nagel & Glenn 5,: ar be,r OLlgh U lEA Char ban EXF'F'OF'F. lATION r:- W F -4 Owen Andrew Langevin 5,: ar bor ':'ugh 0.117 ...J.... EXPPOPRlATION r: ..., W F -4 Ale'l.ander Wheeler 5.: a I" b ':'1" OLlg h o.n05 -!'-' EXPF.'OPRl ATl ON 54 W.F -4 Jo Anne Appleyard 5,: ar b,:,r ':'Llgh (l.::44 EXPROPRIATION r:r: W.F.-4 Peter Appleyard and 5.: ar b,:,r oLlgh (l 121 ...J...J Jo Anne Appleyard EXF'F.'OPF. lATION TOTAL AREA ~QUIRED: 112.781 EXPROPRIATIONS SETTLED IN 1988 5(, F :I A 157 N.P.I~. Hinder Es1:ate N':lr t h Y':'r ~. :':1 7'::. and L L. Hlnder and W. J I;'. Hinder - - 9ct - AM.31 PROPERTIES SOLD IN 1988 CODE PROJECT FILE FORMER OWNER MUNICIPALITY ACREAGE NO NO. 1 P 8 A 60 Umberto & Anna Mora North York o 010 2 P 8 A 221 Angelo M & Gail North York o 016 Oreen Grittani 3 P 8 A 234 The Corporation of the North York 4 495 City of North York 4 P 8 A 253 Municipality of North York o 077 Metropolitan Toronto 5 P 9 A 225 Municipality of North York 0 423 - Metropolitan Toronto 6 P 9 A 83 Municipality of East York 1 001 Metropolitan Toronto 7 P 9.A 226 William & June Tajer North York o 011 8 P 9 A 227 David & Tracey Hill North York o 100 9 P 9 A 269 Alan John Marsh, Gloria Richmond Hi 11 o 010 Faith Marsh & Douglas Herbert Lipps 10 Black 247 Regional Municipality Vaughan 3 513 Creek of York C A 11 Black 240 Munic ipall ty of Vaughan 1 262 Creek Metropolitan Toronto C.A. 12 Black 241 The Corporation of the North York o 176 Creek City of North York C A. 13 Niagara 264 Nora Elizabeth Rhodes Caledon 0.78 Escarp- and the Town of ment Caledon 14 W F.-4 252 Tiina Otema Scarborough o 617 15 F 3 A 246 The Corporation of the Ca1edon o 176 Town of Caledon 16 P 9 A. 202 The Corporation of the East York 0.697 Borough of East York TOTAL SOLD: 13.364 :D S: - QJ ~ , I I I <.::) (!) I LEGEND PRI..ULY OMIED l.MGS - ...-...c&..1 OWN[O l.JIMIS - PlIIAl Dlu"IATIQII 01 Co.KavAT... LMeS M,aCA lANDS - .. .....,ICT TO ,.. COIIPLITIOII DE 'HI .TU'" I I.. .'UDY. PROPERTlE 5 ACQUIRED 34 PROPERTlE 5 SOLD 5.4 ,.... .... '0.11$ .....ty M TN! UMO Ac;QUIIIlIOll ....... 01 TMI . T .. C.A. ..0 _Ull 1M llfAD . CC*.IullCTlOII W"'" ,.. WIIIIU. TlIlT " ~ Ute .....,opt fontO and legIOn AUR.CA. WATERSHED BOUNDARY ---- -.. -........... .".. WATERSHED PLAN con..",.,iof. .wily . I . . . LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM I,AND OWNERS AM,33 - 10 - 3. That the use of other sources of funding for acquisition, including through the M.T.R.C.F., as proposed in the Greenspace Plan, be implemented. With regard to 113, discussion with the Foundation has been initiated toward reinforcing and redirecting fundraising efforts. During 1988, one alternate funding source, the Ontario Heritage Foundation which funds Niagara Escarpment purchases, withdrew support for acquisition in M.T.R.C.A. jurisdiction due to higher values than elsewhere. Representation and discussions with the O.H.F. reversed this exclusion pointing out that, while currently high, values have historically continued to increase and that future opportunities would be at even higher costs. The concern of the O.H.F. is reflective of other funding bodies and of the need to continue to seek a broader base of funding to spread the costs of acquisition. Management Agreements were expanded in 1988 as follows: -50.829 acres in Woodbridge (Town of Vaughan) -2.5 acres in Bolton (Town of Caledon) Negotiations during 1988 will be completed with management agreements in 1989 for: -lands at Heart Lake and Snelgrove (City of Brampton) -Rotary Park (Town of Ajax) As noted, the principal difficulties in implementation of this program relate to high land values in the watershed and constrained funding for acquisition. To achieve the goals of the program and to extend them, as recommended in the Greenspace Plan, requires a major boost to the funding levels and sources for land acquisition. - 11 - AM.3LJ. 5. CONSERVATION LAND MANAGEMENT 5. 1 Planning The Rouge River Watershed Study continued as a principal focus of the program in 1988. A draft report and Watershed Management Strategy were completed, for circulation to all stakeholders, by year end. The finalization of this work is scheduled for 1989 and it is proposed to commence a similar process on the Duffin Creek. Program staff were involved in external planning related to review and input to the municipal planning process. These activities included .review and comments to Authority Plan Review staff regarding the general environmental components of planning proposals and any specific impacts on designated E.S.A. IS, . wo r k with the Town of Caledon in accordance with the Town's Density Bonus Program, .participation on the Markham Conservation Committee to identify sites requiring sediment control remedial works, to discuss open space policies for the update of the Official Plan, and to provide input and review to the preparation of a development plan for Milne Dam Conservation Park, .providing environmental study reports as background to the development of Conservation Area plans and reviewing agricultural leased lands. This function of program staff has developed over the past ten years and now takes considerable time to provide the environmental input/ review to both other Authority sections and to external proponents/agencies. It has greatly diversified the staffing needs of the Section and their organization. The adoption of the Greenspace Plan will have further imp act s on this program and a preliminary review of future requirements has been completed. It has been noted that there may be a need to redefine responsibilities and reassign tasks within a number of sections, particularly within this group. RECOMMENDATION: That the staffing needs to implement the Greenspace Plan be finalized, the reassignment of individual responsibilities be considered; and any associated costs determined and provided for in the 1990 budget. 5.2 Operations/Implementation 5.2.1 Direct Services The nursery relocation was completed in 1988 providing approximately 17 acres for production. Sales of products increased 8.5% over 1987, particularly for caliper trees: AM.35" - 12 - 1987 1988 - - Bare Root Trees 10,124 10,981 Ba re Root Shrubs 22,778 24,387 Caliper Trees 492 1,205 Balled & Burlapped 1,580 1,629 Total 34,974 38,202 This increase resulted from private landowner purchases for windbreaks. The Nursery Business Plan, scheduled for completion in 1988, will be finalized early in 1989. Sediment control projects were implemented on a cost sharing basis with specific municipalities, including Markham and Brampton. This activity is on a request basis and has been identified by program staff as an area where long-range priorities should be established to guide implementation. Activities related to managing Authority woodlots and resource management tracts continued in 1988 and included fencing, posting of properties, fireguard maintenance and removal of hazardous trees. The 1 a t -t -e r requirement resulted in considerable cost in 1988 on specific properties adjacent to residential developments and is a further complication to the Authority's management of land as it becomes surrounded by development. The retention of Greenspace within the Greater Toronto Area brings with it, increased costs of maintenance as .. community standards .. become more related to an urban/suburban perspective. RECOMMENDATION: That the implementation plan for the Greenspace Plan address the costs related to management/maintenance of undeveloped Authority lands as they become surrounded by urban/suburban development. Fisheries management activities in 1988 were at the same 1e ve 1 as in 1987 based on MNR funding from license revenues and related to implementing their Maple District Fisheries Management Plan. While the District has identified a fisheries interest in all Authority watersheds, in their comments on municipal planning proposals, a corresponding level of funding for fisheries work has not been allocated to achieve the ambitious remedial proposals. AM,3' - 13 - RECOMMENDATION: That Authority staff initiate discussions with Maple District MNR to determine their long-range plan for fisheries improvement and to establish annual funding for implementation. Monitoring of the environmental conditions associated with existing and future projects is also a direct responsibility of program staff. In 1988, the two major areas were the: .Waterfront Monitoring Program related to landfill for recreation development and in conjunction with erosion control remedial works. The current project at the Sam Smith Site is .a major focus for monitoring the impacts of landfill construction on the nearshore zone. .Keating Channel Monitoring Program to provide ongoing data regarding dredgeate quality and to ensure the integrity of the disposal operation. All factors are functioning within the established guidelines. These programs continue to operate satisfactorily. 5.2.2 Interdivisional Services In addition to the participation through input and review of proposals identified in 5 . 1 , program staff implement components of projects managed by other Authority programs. The Interim Management at Tommy Thompson Park is a major aspect of this work. In 1988, it included .maintaining year round public access on weekends and holidays for 40,418 visitors, .offering a summer interpretive program to 327 visitors, .providing bus/van access to 3,084 users; .implementing a successful Gull Control Program to restrict nesting and attempting to encourage nesting of Caspian Terns; .participating in development of an agreement and site maintenance related to the Aquatic Park Sailing Club lease. The provision of plant materials to other program projects included .2,500 shrubs for waterfront erosion control sites; .landscape and shrub plantings for Kortright Centre, Bluffers Park, Milne Park and other Authority lands; .reforestation on Authority lands. {1rv1,37 - 14 - In addition to the habitat management at Tommy Thompson Park, program staff were also involved in two other specific management efforts .deer management in the Nashville Resource Management Tract in cooperation with Field Operations staff, and .releasing 90 pheasants on Authority lands in cooperation with MNR and the Islington Sportsmen's Club under a CWIP project. 5.2.3 External Services Authority cooperation with the Ministry of Environment continued in 1988 and provided approximately $320,000 for the following .Toronto Area Watershed Management Strategy ($80,000), .SCOUR '88 ($129,000) Students Cleaning our Urban Rivers primarily focussed on York Region in 1988 including approximately 27 km of watercourse clean up; .Rural Beaches Study ($112,000): In 1988, landowner contact, public events and remedial measures at Albion Hills Farm were the principal activities. In addition to acting as MOE's agent in specific projects, the Authority participated on the Metropolitan Toronto Remedial Action Plan (RAP) team. This project is aimed at restoring and protecting Lake Ontario's water quality: involves staff in a cooperative effort headed by federal and provincial ministriesjand provides an Authority profile and opportunity to participate with respect to environmental management issues. - 15 - A~.38- 6. LAKE ONTARIO WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT 6. 1 Site Planning As in 1987, Tommy Thompson Park was the principal site under Master Plan preparation in 1988. The Master Plan was completed, in draft, by the end of 1988 and should be submitted, for review under The Environmental Assessment Act, in the spring of 1989. This is behind the originally planned schedule, however, the delay was the result of staff time on other planning activities and the requirement to carry out additional soil tests arising from concerns expressed regarding the use of potentially contaminated fill. Staff was directly involved in lengthy discussions and negotiations regarding redevelopment proposals along the Etobicoke Motel Strip, in order to ensure the retention of public access and the planning for public use of areas to be set aside through the redevelopment process. A number of other waterfront planning activities also required staff input and involvement including proposals for the Canadian Arsenals/ Canada Post property, the Crombie Commission, proposals for water activities to host the Olympics; the Ou t e r Harbour Marina and Industrial Park; Frenchman's Bay, the Ajax Marina, Bluffers Toplands, the Main Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion and the Mimico Co-Operative project. The need for public participation and the political profile of all activities along the waterfront have considerably lengthened the timeframe within which the planning process operates. This situation requires that any time established for various stages be achieved. RECOMMENDATION: That the process of planning for the provision of open space opportunities along the waterfront establish realistic timing targets for each planning phase and that these be achieved. 6.2 Site Development Progress continued at Colonel Sam Smith Waterfront Park with completion of the 1andfil1ing of the exterior shoreline being brought forward from 1988 as an alternative to the originally scheduled final armouring of a section of the site. The latter was not proceeded with as the underwater slopes have not developed to the point where such work is most economically accomplished. The Authority's part of the marina development at Bluffers Park was completed and the private development and opening of the restaurant achieved. Additional docking facilities were completed. Sidewalk access was not finalized in 1988 due to outstanding property and local resident issues. AM.3CJ - 16 - The pathway was extended along the Ajax waterfront and the entrance road and parking lots were paved. At East Point Park, the entrance road was paved and the parking area constructed. The environment assessment work for the boat basin was started and will be completed in 1989. 6.3 Lakefill Quality Control Program This is a new undertaking commenced in 1988 at the request of the Ministry of the Environment. The Authority is now responsible for ensuring that only pre-tested and acceptable fill is used as lakefi1l. The program is fully funded through fees paid by those generating the fill material and will enable the Authority to staff the program. - 17 - A rvJ · J1.c; 7 . WATERSHED RECREATION 7.1 Planning The major initiatives in 1988 were the economic analysis and public participation components of the "Strategy fo r Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands " These consultant activities . are intended to provide background rationale for fu tu re public use plans and development. The economic review determined that the Authority has a potential to reduce its reliance on Ie vy by developing revenue-generating activities - either on its own or through agreements with private industry. On the other hand, however, the public participation program ranked trails, passive uses and greens pace as their preference for Authority land us e. The public did not rule out other uses but certainly preferred a less "developed" landscape. RECOMMENDATION: That the proposals for future recreation use clearly reflect the results of both the economic analysis and public participation program conducted in 1988. During 1988, a start was made on the Concept Plans for Greenwood, Boyd/Kortright, Petticoat Creek and C1aireville. As completion of this work required input from the consultant studies, this will occur in 1989. It had been intended to prepare a Concept Plan for Cold Creek, however, this too was delayed by lack of staff time. Staffing in this section has been limited to reflect the funding available. There has, however, been a requirement to continue to prepare plans and direct consultant studies. This has often resulted in failure to meet anticipated deadlines. The preparation of the Strategy for Public Use and the Greenspace Plan has raised staff time requirements and public expectation. RECOMMENDATION: That there be a review of the staffing needs to further develop and implement the Strategy for Public Use of Authority La nd s. During 1988, preparation of a 5-year capital development project was started. This is also to be finalized in 1989 with input from the 1988 studies. Of critical concern is assuring a funding base for future development Lease revenues have reached approximately $350,000/year, with Sunshine Beach contributing the major share. A review of the fundraising ability of the M.T.R.C.F. and its potential to make a more significant contribution is underway. There is also an effort to involve the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation in funding M.T.R.C.A. recreation development projects. j1r\1.ijl 18 - - RECOMMENDATION: That the opportunities for funding recreation development be coordinated with all other M.T.R.C.A. program needs to ensure corporate priorities are maintained. 7 . 2 Site Development (a) Co ld Creek: Efforts here were to reduce target range noise levels to respond to neighbours' complaints. This work was completed and now meets M.O.E. guidelines for existing and new target ranges. Cold Creek has long provided the "sportsman's" opportunity within the Greater Toronto Area. The spread of development and more u r ba n, rather than ru ra l, character of nearby residents is threatening this use. ( b) Kortright The service road was relocated resulting in a larger and safer area for future adventure play activities. Improved trail access to the valley was designed and clearing commenced, however, the contractor was unavailable and construction was re-scheduled for 1989. (c) Greenwood A prefabricated picnic shelter was installed at a cost of $43,000. A washroom and second shelter are scheduled for 1989. (d) Albion Hills Campground: Funding to complete the design and construction of a washroom complex was re-a110cated to the Cold Creek trap and rifle range improvements. (e) Bruce's Mill Restoration: Through funds raised by the M.T.R.C.F. from private industry and individuals, restoration of the Mill continued including replacement of the mill wheel and main floor and repair of the mill race. In addition to site specific development, a newspaper tabloid was prepared and circulated to communicate the proposals in the "Strategy fo r Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands. " , RECOMMENDATION: That, as part of the Development Project for implementing the Strategy, priorities for future development be clarified and sources of funding identified. AY'v1.42. - 19 - 7 . 3 Enforcement, Safety and Security (a) Security on Authority Lands In 1988, fifteen offence notices were issued (25 in 1987) and 3 charges of theft (4 in 1987) were laid. The Generic Regulations for all conservation authorities' lands were approved. As in previous years, the urbanization of the region is increasing incidents of unauthorized access, vandalism and the need to control the behavior of users. Most major Authority structures have been equipped with fire and intrusion protection systems. 12 independent security systems are now in place and under regular monitoring. RECOMMENDATION: That the need for and staffing requirements to provide 7 day security and enforcement be determined. (b) Employee Safety: Staff continued to implement existing programs and to expand training programs to co mp 1y with current legislated requirements, including: -driver testing and certification, -waste registration in connection with the requirements for the Transportation and Handling of Dangerous Goods; -start-up of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), -fire suppression training, -first aid and C.P.R. There was a decrease in the total number of employee accidents - 68 in 1986; 69 in 1987; and 56 in 1988 - but an increase in loss of time due to accidents. (c) Visitor Safety: Between 1987 and 1988, there has been an increase in reported visitor accidents from 194 to 225. These occurrences are all investigated and fully reported. There is not a system of categorizing accidents which could assist in planning remedial action, if appropriate. If accidents generally resulted f rom poor 1y maintained facilities, we would have to review practices and ensure maintenance. If accidents generally occur because warnings are in English and the user's principal language is not, we would be well-advised to improve our communications. RECOMMENDATION: That a review of reported visitor accidents determine the appropriate categories of accidents, assign accidents by category, and recommend remedial action, where appropriate. ft fv1, 4-3 - 20 - 7 . 4 Conservation Areas 7.4.1 Operations Attendance in the monitored Conservation Areas, in 1988, was 742,659 - a decrease of 39,294 (5%) from 1987. Totals compared to 1987, including major leased areas, we r e : 1987 1988 % Change - - Conservation Areas 781,953* 742,659 -5 Claireville Ranch 15,000 Sunshine Beach 188,000 210,000 +12 *amended from figure in 1987 report by use of 3.6 people per car used now, rather than 4.3 used at that time. Revenues from Conservation Areas were down approximately 7 %. Over the past three years, the following reflects the relationship of costs and revenues to visitation: Revenue/ Expenditure/ Net Cost/ Visitor Visitor Visitor 1986 l. 53 3.ll l. 58 1987 l. 68 3.06 l. 38 1988 1.80 3.72 l. 92 Increases in 1988 reflect the poor winter season and an extremely ho t s umme r and that there is a fixed cost to area operation which cannot respond to lower attendance levels. The poor winter season affected the ski programs at Albion Hills and Bruce's Mill while hot summer weather discouraged the use of the camping facilities at Albion Hills and Indian Line. There was also an impact on numbers at Indian Line resulting from the introduction of formal seasonal camping. At other facilities, sum me r attendance was maintained or increased. 7.4.2 Maintenance A draft Major Maintenance Plan was prepared and circulated, for comment, in 1988 addressing short, medium and long term needs. A policy for the use of reserve funds for major maintenance was prepared and adopted. There is a need to further develop procedures to increase the reserve fund. A f\1./fJ.f - 21 - RECOMMENDATION That the long term cost of major maintenance of new facilities resulting from the Strategy for Public Use of Authority Lands be determined and a procedure for allocating revenues developed. Projects in 1988 included -Picnic table replacement $ 34,315.92 -Shower coin box repairs (Albion Hills) 378.00 -Fire grates (C1aireville) 2,272.36 -Waterlines (Albion Hills) 3,852.86 -Farm Road (Albion Conservation Field Centre) 11,487.00 -Perimeter fencing (Lake St. George Con. Field Centre) l8.l82.88 -Heating improvements (Claremont Con. Field Centre) 14,005 00 -Retaining wall repairs (Kortright) 12,268 00 -Transformer/waterline (Indian Line) 9,59l.84 -Parking Lot (Albion Hills) 3,482.70 -Electrical work (C1aireville Barn) 900.00 -Transformer (Petticoat Creek) 26,129.95 -Roof (Clairevi1le Barn) 52,842.00 TOTAL $189,708.49 The last five it e ms were unscheduled, emergency requirements necessitating a reallocation and increase in the budgetted amount for major maintenance ($143,500). Certain projects require further work while the following were re-scheduled for the future: -Paving (Albion Hills) + $10,000 -Pool filter (Petticoat Creek) - 5,000 room -Entrance sign (Indian Line) 2,500 -Vault toilets (numerous locations) 5,000 7 . 4 . 3 Program Delivery The various program offerings at Conservation Areas continued in 1988 and are discussed briefly in Section 7.4.l with respect to attendance. One objective has been to develop alternative uses in order to respond to weather conditions. An important innovation in 1988 was the development of an orienteering program as an alternative to skiing when sufficient snow is unavailable. Diversity of opportunity requiring similar skill levels and affording outdoor experiences is a potential for offsetting the negative impacts of unreliable weather RECOMMENDATION: That staff continue to identify opportunities to offer program alternatives in order to maintain/improve attendance at Conservation Areas during all seasons. A t'A. Jf6 - 22 - There is a nee d, in the future, to project optimum levels of use for the various Conservation Areas. While this need is not immediate, the "Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands" has the potential to create additional use, particularly in the more highly developed areas. Since these lands are for resource management/ conservation as well as public use, there is potentially an optimum level of activity to which use can develop without creating area degradation or interfering with the natural character which may well be the area's basic attraction. This is to be addressed in the proposals for each facility brought forward from the Strategy. - 23 - AM. Lfi, 8. HERITAGE/BCPV PROGRAM 8.1 Site Development The two priorities for site development in 1988 were not achieved. Partial funding for the maintenance building became available late in the year, however, the requirement to re-tender the project moved it into 1989. No funds were available to install the proposed parking lot lighting. . The 1987 submission to the Minister of Citizenship and Culture for consideration of special funding for the Village, has to date, not been successful. RECOMMENDATION That the Authority continue to pursue opportunities for special funding status for Black Creek Pioneer Village. 8.2 Operations In 1988, 33 buildings were open, adding the Taylor Cooperage to those available in 1987. While there were no changes to the number of complement positions at the Village, two artisan posit:f.ons were deleted and two interpretive coordinators adde d. The objective for 1988 was to increase attendance by 2% over 1987 (299.911). The actual increase was 6.2% (318,650) surpassing the 1986 level of 309,765. There was a very hot summer, which was a deterrent to general visitation. School tours were up significantly and the Christmas program continued to be popula.r as did the North York Winter Carnival (33,506). In 1988, participation in the latter was more cost effective, although many indirect costs continue to be covered by general operations. In 1988, the cost/revenue per visitor* was 1987 1988 %Change - Cost/Visitor $8.84 $9.16 +3.6 Revenue/Visitor 3.95 4.21 +6.6 - Net Cost/Visitor $4.89 $4.95 +1.2 *not including Food Services The rise in admission fees in 1988, $4.00 to $4.50 and $2.00 to $2.25 (12.5%), did not have a negative impact on attendance. Costs did continue to rise, however, this was partially offset by increased revenues, resulting in only a small (1.2%) increase in the net cost per visitor. RM.117 - 24 - 8.3 Programs Sponsorship of special events continued to be sought in 1988 with the following results: -Easter Egg Hunt: Egg Marketing Board Hershey -We'll Eat on the Way various restaurants -Great Trivia Game several fir ms (prizes) -Kids' Summer Nestea -Apple Harvest: Catelli -Bake-it-with-Apples Canada Packers -Pumpkin Party Shopper's Drug Mart While this continued and improved on 1987 results, it takes a considerable amount of time to seek appropriate sources. There is also increasing competition from other events/attractions to supplement their funding in a similar manne r. Special government funding for events is infrequent. - 25 - AM.11 ~ 9. COMMUNITY AWARENESS 9. 1 Conservation Education The table on page 25a, summarizes attendance in conservation education programs during 1988. In total, there was an increase of 14.5% over 1987, as follows 1986 1987 1988 - - - A/Residential Individuals 13,994 13,334 15, Sl8 Leaders 1,267 1,269 1,260 SUB-TOTAL "A" 15,26l 14,602 16,778 B/Day Use Individuals 106,402 105,335 123,581 Leaders 11,046 12,090 13,554 SUB-TOTAL "B" 117,448 117,425 137,135 C/Special Programs 5,475 7,601 5,921 TOTAL II A ", "B" and "c" 138,184 139,629 l59,834 %Change (+3.7%) (+1.1%) (+14.5%) Increases in both the Residential category, particularly Claremont and Lake St. George Field Centres, and in the day use programs at Kortright and Black Creek tours, contributed substantially to the overall rise in attendance. Gate attendance at Kortright increased 10%, from 95,612 to 105,436, breaking the 100,000 mark for the first time. This year's review discussed the follow-up on programs to determine visitor satisfaction. There is an effort to contact and obtain evaluation of Residential and certain other education program facilities on such aspects as program, facility and food. This information is used to determine and recommend program and facility improvements/changes by the education staff. Summaries of the responses regarding food service are not forwarded to appropriate staff, with the exception of complaints. The forwarding of only negative comments can create a distorted view of overall client satisfaction. RECOMMENDATION: That in reporting comments regarding food services collected by surveys at education facilities, an overall summary be forwarded to the Food Services Manager. A~.~ - 25a - CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM ATTENDANCE - 1988 A. RESIDENTIAL INDIVIDUALS LEADERS COMBINED Albion Hills 2,783 273 3,056 Boyd 2,449 185 2,634 Claremont 3,558 307 3,865 Lake st. George 4,453 370 4,823 Etobicoke Centre 2,275 125 2,400 (Albion Hills) SUBTOTAL "A" 15,518 1,260 16,778 B. DAY USE Cold Creek 4,162 249 4,411 *Kortright 53,024 4,240 57,264 B.C.P.V. Tours 55,613 8,340 63,953 Pioneer Life 10,782 725 11,507 SUBTOTAL "B" 123,581 13,554 137,135 C. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Maple Syrup at Bruce's Mill 5,016 750 5,766 Albion Hills Farm 125 30 155 - SUBTOTAL "C" 5,141 780 5,921 GRAND TOTAL: ("A" + "B" + "en) = 159,834 * TOTAL KORTRIGHT CENTRE GATE ATTENDANCE = 105,200 AM.5c - 26 - As discussed in connection with Black Creek Pioneer Village and the conservation areast there is an interest in determining optimum attendance levels for the Kortright Centre. In 1988, attendance topped 100,000. Increasing attendance has been an objective in all revenue generating areas, however, there will be a point at which the quality of the visitor's experience may decrease and the negative imp act of use on the facility will be significant. Recognizing that this is not currently the situation and wishing to be in advance of the problem, staff are giving this consideration. In many instances, the booking procedure controls use and capacity It is largely with the public, unbooked visitation, that this becomes a question. RECOMMENDATION: That the development of implementation plans for the Strategy of Public Use of Authority Lands include identification of long-range targets for optimum attendance at facilities. The use of volunteers has been previously recommended as a means of enhancing progralU delivery without increasing the 1e ve 1 of funding required from the municipal le vy. This year, an attempt was made to determine the value of volunteer assistance to one component of the education program, "Many Hands", at Black Creek Pioneer Village (successor to the Pioneer Life Program). Volunteer labour provided approximately $10,000 worth of enhancement while donations of goods and other services added between $3,000 and $4,000. With operating expenditures in this program at $53,450 in 1988, the value of volunteer labour, goods and services added approximately 25% to the resources available. The apparent subsidy in the participation program is more than offset by revenues in the tour program and the "Many Hands" program is a significant attraction to groups. The full-day visit by school groups has created a problem for use of the Visitors Centre. The student assembly area has limited capacity and the greater demand for space can conflict with adjacent uses in the theatres or in the washrooms and entrance way. The Business Plan for Black Creek Pioneer Village recommended the establishment of a Steering Committee to discuss and resolve interdivisional interests relating to the Village. The provision of a lunch area for student groups is being addressed by the B.C.P.V. Steering Committee. Similar issues will be dealt with by this Committee to ensure coordination and cooperation. AM.~I - 27 - 9.2 Community Relations As part of the preparation of the corporate Plan for Greenspace, it was identified that a Communications Strategy was required. The strategy was to detail the target groups to be contacted regarding the Plan, the most effective communications method for each specific group, and any relevant information about the group which could assist in gaining support for the Plan. During 1988, a number of individual initiatives were implemented .Focus on Greenspace - a new newsletter directed at MPP's and local areas based on direction from the Chairman and General Manager regarding geographic/political priorities, .Tours of the watershed for politicians and senior provincial staff; To date, however, a comprehensive strategy has not been finalized to address all target groups. It is anticipated in the first half of 1989. RECOMMENDATION That the Communication Strategy for the corporate Plan for Greenspace be finalized in order to assure all target groups are receiving the information necessary to make decisions supportive of Authority objectives. While the Community Relations/Marketing activities of the Authority may appear to be centralized, there is a considerable amount of information prepared and disseminated in the program sections. This reflects a number of influences: .the priorities established by the Authority/senior management for Communi ty Relations section staff time and funding, . the ability of other sections to prepare their own material quickly and as required. The flexibility resulting from this situation has benefits to the organization. It also has the potential disadvantage of counteracting the effort to standardize our communications with a clear corporate identity and message - one of the initial concerns which led to the development of a renewed mission statement and a long-range corporate strategy. RECOMMENDATION: That Ma nageme n t Committee review the Authority's corporate community relations/marketing needs and determine any necessary staffing/funding changes. A M I 6"~ - 28 - The adoption of a renewed Mission Statement and Plan for Greenspace, were accompanied by identification of a need to ensure the Authority operates as a customer/client service organization. In order to evaluate its success, it is necessary to ask our customers/clients whether we have provided satisfaction. The market research for suc h feedback has been the responsibility of the Community Relations section, principally focussing on the revenue-producing components of our operation. There have been surveys from time to time and, as a result of the establishment of a new funding f or mula for Conservation Areas. these surveys will be required on a regular basis to support the funding rationale. Research can be of assistance in profiling target groups for, not only public use opportunities but also developing and implementing the corporate Communications Plan. Follow up on communications material could also determine its effectiveness in disseminating information and influencing the reader. RECOMMENDATION: That Management Committee identify the customer/client research needs of the Authority, how such information could be gathered and the priorities on an organizational basis. The marketing of public use opportunities has brought success and some program overlap to the organization. Groups tours, through the travel trade, have increased considerably. Bookings for these groups are managed through the Commu ni ty Relations Section while " school" tours are booked through the Education Section. The travel trade rates are higher than those for the education program, although the same material and staff may be used. The rationale is that the education groups basically pay the cost of the program while travel groups are part of the revenue-generating co mponen t of the operation. When a school group from outside the Authority's area of jurisdiction books a tour, the rate they are charged is often determined by who makes the booking. If a tour company is handling their arrangements, they may be dealt with by travel trade staff while, if their teacher calls, or the caller refers to a "school" group, they may go through education staff at a lower rate. There has been a proposal to centralize all bookings through a single staff unit and this wo u 1 d provide an opportunity to be consistent in the rates charged. Prior to that, however, some specific criteria mus t be developed to ensure all staff are applying charges based on these criteria rather than on an ad hoc basis. RECOMMENDATION: That the Directors responsible for educational and travel trade bookings develop criteria for group booking charges and a method of allocating use of facilities to each type of user group. AM.63 - 29 - 10. FOOD SERVICES In reviewing 1988 to 1987 in Food Services, the changeover in mid-198? from an external management contract to an Authority operation resulted in a change to Authority accounting procedures. This resulted in major improvements regarding record-keeping and control from mid-1987 onward, however, it may make year to year comparisons somewhat inaccurate. This relates to the assignment of costs and the control of both revenue and expenditures. It was agreed, in mid-1988, that reporting of the Authority's food service activities would reflect organizational objectives for the three main operational components: (a) Visitor Services (b) Cost Recovery, and (c) Group Functions 10.1 Visitor Services It was anticipated that the performance of the Visitor Services component would bear a direct relationship to facility attendance and that the revenues and expenditures would be monitored over the next few years to assist in setting targets regarding cost of sales and wages. Attendance comparison, by facility, for 1987/1988 are as follows: Table 10.1 - Visitor Services 1987 1988 % Change - BCPV Attendance 299,911 318,650 +6 Food Revenue $469,614 $437,526 -6.8 Rev/Person $1.57 $1.37 -12.3 Cons. Areas Attendance 781,953 742,659 -5 Food Revenue $188,04l $171,079 -9 Rev/Person $0.30 $0.33 +8.1 Kortright: Attendance 95,612 l05,436 +lO Food Revenue $ 79,407 $ 58,581 -26.2 Rev/Person $0.83 $0.56 -33.1 While it is expected that a direct relationship should exist between attendance and revenues, this is only shown to date at the Conservation Areas. It should be noted that a number of factors may affect this relationship, including: .the higher percentage of a du 1 t versus student youth group attendance in 1988; .the change in allocation of certain costs or revenues to to visitor service versus group functions as a result of improved accounting procedures in 1988. A clearer pattern should be evident over a two to three year period, as suggested in last Fall's review. AM.54 - 30 - RECOMMENDATION That attendance and food revenue/costs in the Visitor Services component continue to be monitored in order to establish targets. It should be noted, on Table 10.2>> that wages as a percentage of costs has risen at all visitor services facilities. This is related to a number of factors including: .conversion of staff from part time to full time positions as a part of internalizing the operation, and .staffing facilities to provide better availability of service. The percentage cost of sales f i gu res, at Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Conservation Areas, have decreased one objective of bringing this operation in-house. While this percentage has increased at Kortright, it is still slightly lower than in the other two facility areas. RECOMMENDATION That the monitoring of expenses continue in order to determine targets for optimum percentages for cost of sales and wages within the Visitor Services component. One of the other measurements identified in previous reviews of the Visitor Services component is that of visitor satisfaction. Du ri ng 1989, the Visitor Survey being carried out for all revenue-producing locations, will include questions related to the food service on-site. The results of the entire survey should be available late in 1989. At both Black Creek and at Kortright there has been lengthy discussion regarding the degree of relationship there should be between the facility program and the food menu, i. e. should Black Creek serve foo d reflecting the pre-Confederation period and should Kortright's menu reflect " natural" products? In viewing the food operation at these sites as a Visitor Service, resolution of this issue should involve visitor input regarding their expectations at each location. It may be that program-related menus would be in keeping with visitor expectations and this could improve visitor spending. It may also be that, while samples offered in connection with building/program activities are appreciated, food service menus need not be directly geared to program but rather, to general trends and customer preferences. A (Y1. 56' - 31 - RECOMMENDATION. That the issue of the relationship between facility program and food service menus be resolved based on an identification of visitor expectations and food purchase preferences. 10.2 Cost Recovery The principle activity in this component is at the Conservation Field Centres. Table 10.2 - Cost Recovery 1987 1988 % Change - - Attendance 14,602 15,778 +8 Revenue $4l1,7l9 $460,768 +ll. 9 Cost/Meal $2.51 $2.69 +7.2 The direct relationship, as shown in the Visitor Services component, between attendance and revenues is not used in the cost recovery component because at residential facilities, the number of meals consumed by each visitor will vary with the length of stay. It has been noted that visitor satisfaction surveys are done in connection with the Field Centre operation but that a full summary of responses is not provided to Food Service staff. A recommendation to provide a complete overview has been made in the Conservation Education section of this year's review. 10.3 Group Functions The opportunity to market Authority food services to groups and to generate net revenues lies within this component of the activity. Table 10.3 - Group Functions 1987 1988 % Change - - Revenue $458,753 $684,942 +49.3 Cost 412,623 601,779 +45.8 Net Revenue 46,130 83,163 +80.3 % Cost of Sales 30.8 29.2 - 5.2 % Cost of Wages 33.3 29.9 -10.2 A'M.sk - 32 - This component is most comparable to commercial food operations and the cost components of cost of sales and wages are also monitored to ensure that additional expenses are in line with similar industry results. Decreases in these areas are seen as an improvement to overall control of costs related to this componen t. Group Functions contribute to other costs of operation at the facility where they are held, e g. charges are made for facility maintenance. These contributions assist in facility operation. RECOMMENDATION: That the various indicators of the Group Functions component continue to be monitored to determine optimum levels for the Authority's operation. 10.4 General The potential to produce revenue from group functions appears to influence the weight given to this component of the operation. As it appears to be improving, it would be worthwhile to concentrate efforts during 1989 to identifying areas for improvement in connection with the Visitor Services component. RECOMMENDATION: That the focus for Food Service improvements in 1989 be on the Visitor Services component of the operation. . AM. 57 THB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY GBRBRAL MANAGBR'S PROGRESS REPORT January to June, 1989 Authority Meeting 15/89 July 28, 1989 AM.~g During the first six months of this year, progress has been made towards the achievement of Authority goals in a number of program areas FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION The following summarizes progress made in the Land Acquisition project 1987-91 -Completion of the purchase of the Beninato property, a residential holding in a highly flood susceptible location, in the Duffin Creek Watershed in the Town of Pickering -Completion of the purchases of the puckrin and Leiterman properties, residential holdings situated in the Frenchman's Bay and pickering Beach sectors along the Lake Ontario shoreline in the Towns of Pickering and AJax, respectively. -Completion of the purchase of residential properties from Grimbly and White in the City of Scarborough to facilitate shoreline protection works in the Guildwood parkway area along Lake Ontario. The Authority will be retaining the shoreline sections of these properties and re-selling the residential portions of the properties. -Completion of a number of smaller acquisitions in various watersheds and along the Lake ontario shoreline. -Completion of the sale of two parcels of surplus tablelands in the Town of vaughan adjacent to Authority floodplain and valley holdings in the Humber and DOn River watersheds. The proceeds from sale of surplus lands of this nature are utilized by the Authority to fund acquisitions of high priority floodplain, valley land and Lake Ontario shoreline properties The following summarizes the status of the Niagara Escarpment Land Acquisition proJect The Niagara Escarpment Committee had put a freeze on new acquisitions within the Metropolitan Toronto Region because of the high price of land as compared to other parts of the province where Escarpment lands are being purchased. After a series of representations from senior officials of the Authority, the Niagara Escarpment Committee of the Ontario Heritage Foundation agreed to support the acquisition of the James and Thora Edwards property, a 48- acre holding in the Town of Caledon. Negotiations are underway with the Edwards family to reach a suitable purchase arrangement. Within the Metropolitan Toronto Hazard Land Acquisition project, the Toronto Brick and Domtar properties are currently being monitored as follows During late March and early April of this year, the Divisional Court heard an appeal regarding last August's ontario Municipal Board decision relating to the 43 acres of the former Toronto Brick property in the Borough of East york. The Divisional Court decision is expected during the summer months On February 3, 1989, DOmtar announced the closing of its Don valley paper plant in the Borough of East york. Authority officials are negotiating with officials of DOmtar's head office in Montreal to develop a suitable purchase arrangement. RM.5CJ -2- The Finance and Administration Division's achievements, including those of the personnel Section, are -preparation and wide circulation of ' Request for Information for Computer i zed Account ing and Information systems' A short list of vendors was selected to respond to the ' Request for proposal' -Continuation of replacement and upgrading word processing equipment with mlcrocomputers. -preparation and presentation of 1989 Budget which was approved by the Authority on March 31, 1989 -preparation and presentation of the 1988 Audited Financial Statements recently approved by the Author ity -Contlnued development of an effective record management system which now includes about 20,000 files in Ce n t r a 1 Filing and creation of a computerized file index -Concluded negotiations of new Funding Fo rmula for Conservation Areas -Cond uc ted the annual Orientation Tour for new staff in June -Initiated a computerized Employee Skills Inventory -Conducted a Financial planning seminar attended by 35 employees -Trained 34 employees in advanced level computer courses -Engaged in significant recruitment activity. A major thrust in giving the Greenspace strategy a high profile is being achieved Meetings have been conducted and presentations made to various levels of government as well as the general public. For instance, presentations have been made to peel and Durham Planning Committees, Councils of Caledon, vaughan, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville, uxbridge and Ad j ala and Metro parks Committee other groups have shown much interest in our Greenspace strategy such as the Concerned Citizens of King, GOrmley Residents, Glen Major Residents, Richmond Hill urban Fringe Residents, Metro Board of Trade, Markham Conservation Council, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and staff of the Round Table on Sustainable Development. Official plan Reviews/Input are presently in progress with respect to the following municipalities -peel Reg ion -york Reg ion -Metropolitan Toronto -Caledon -Etobicoke -East Yor k -Toronto -Markham -King -Richmond Hi 11 plus York University Master plan The 1988 program performance Review was received by the Evaluation and Review Committee in May and circulated, for information, to the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board, the Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board and the Finance and Administration Advisory Board. F1 M. (Po -3- The Authority has provided input to the following Environmental Assessment Reviews -Highway 407 -Highway 410 -Highway 427 -Highway 403 at 401 -Hydro at Claireville -14th Avenue, Mar kham at Ro ug e Ri v e r -Keele valley Landfill - Clay Borrow -Consumers Gas (parkway Belt) The Authority has been involved in a number of provincial planning policies such as Wetlands, Hous i ng and Container Refunds WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS Review of storm water management proposals continued with the detailed evaluation of about 60 engineering reports. In addition, staff was involved in approximately 15 master drainage plan studies for various parts of the Authority's j ur i sd i c t ion Erosion control work was carried out to stabilize a section of the West Don River near Dufferln and Steeles Avenue in the TOwn of vaughan Erosion control measures were also constructed within Claireville Conservation Area with funds provided by an upstream developer The oonalda Golf Club engaged the Authority to carry out erosion control work within the Club property. Several erosion control projects continued along the Scarborough Bluffs. Within the Bellamy Ravine, construction on the main channel continued, as did the construction of buttresses to stabilize the side slopes of the ravine The work begun in 1988 to protect the Fishleigh Drive area in Scarborough was also continued. The next stage of shoreline protection along Gu ildwood parkway was initiated and the construction of stabilizing buttresses along South Marine Drive continued. Geotechnical engineering and coastal engineering studies for the Grey Abbey Trail section of the scarborough Bluffs were initiated The Authority's Mapping Extension program continued with the completion of new floodline mapping and fill regulation mapping on portions of the Rouge River and Rainbow Creek. Terms of Re fe rence for a study to produce estimated flood flows and flood 1 ines for upstream portions of various watercourses were completed progress was also achieved in many aspects of the Authority's waterfront program The environmental assessment for TOmmy Thompson park was completed and submitted to the Minister of the Environment. preparation of an environmental assessment for East point park also continued with design studies and a public meeting. Construction of a new land area and breakwater at Colonel Samuel Smith park proceeded in preparation for the next stage of harbour development The proposal to develop the harbour as a marina will be delayed by a recent decision by the Minister of the Environment to require an environmental assessment of the proposed change in the boating facility from a boating club to a marina. plans for the next stage of pathway construction along the Ajax waterfront were completed in preparation for construction in August. The Authority's Improved Lakefill Quality Control program was officially launched at TOmmy Thompson park in February The program has resulted in significant new controls on the quality of material used in various lakefills Authority staff was involved in two new waterfront committees involving the City of scarborough and Metropolitan TOronto A v\tl," I -4- Submissions to the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront were made concerning environment and health issues and the role of the Toronto Harbour Commissioners The study to develop comprehensive public amenities planned as part of the redevelopment of the Mote 1 Str ip was initiated by the City 0 f Etobicoke with financial and staff participation by the Authority Numerous flood control projects also progressed during the first six months of 1989 The dredging of the Keating Channel resumed after a brief suspension during the winter per iods Design of the final covering of the dredged material at Tommy Thompson park commenced. Final engineering and an environmental study report for the proposed flood protect ive war ks along the Little Etobicoke Creek in the City of Mississauga were completed Inspection and repair to the gate hoisting mechanisms at G Ross Lord Dam were completed. various new computer applications were developed ranging from data bases for cost control to a computer-aided drafting system utilized for production of plans for waterfront construction. The Authority's role in shoreline management continued with the review of various private shoreline protection schemes and redevelopment proposals as well as ongoing activity to produce an overall shoreline management master plan for the Authority's area of jurisdiction The 1989 Interim Management program at Tommy Thompson park began January 7, 1989 and attendance for the first half of the year reached 14,198. In addition, the summer transportation service and Interpretive program have been operational as of June 4, 1989, and will continue until La bo u r Day A total of 180,050 reforestation trees were planted on Authority, municipal and private lands this spring. Total reforested land area equals approximately 72 ha under the Tree and Shrub program, a total of 1,925 farm trees and 7,665 wildlife shrubs were planted on privately-owned lands On-stream sediment control projects have been initiated on Bruce Creek in the Town of Mar kham. Tree and shrub plantings are slated to proceed in the Fall, both in Markham and Brampton, forming the off-stream sediment control component of the program. Forest management operations were carried out in the Glen Major Re sour ce Management Tract. A total of five forest stands were selectively cut, three of which were completed. Total fuelwood produced as a product of management operations was 434 m3 (113 cords) . As part of the Density Bonus program, forest management operations were carried out on privately-owned lands in the palgrave Estate Res iden t i al pol icy Area. Fuelwood products from two woodlots managed totals of 142 m3 (37 cords) . In add it ion, a total of 710 trees, 5,280 shrubs and 65,000 reforestation trees were planted on the same Density Bonus site. The 1989 Fish Habitat Rehab il i ta t ion final report was completed and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources. In our Resource Maintenance effort, 500 metres of new fencing have been constructed at two locations to control unauthorized access onto Authority property. A training program was provided to staff on forest fire suppression. Topics included safety, effective water application and power pumps. The Authority was granted funding under the provincial Environmental youth Corps program to hire 13 summer students to participate in stream improvement projects during 1989. Typical projects include stream cleanup, streambank stabilization works and occasional sampl ing. -5- RM ~:t The results of the Keat ing Channe 1 Environmental Assessment required, as a condition of approval, that measures be taken to restrict the migratlon of contaminants from the disposal site at Tommy Thompson Park The disposal of sediments in CellI is nearing completion and various alternatives for capping the cell are currently being reviewed. Environmental monitoring of the Keating Channel disposal operation required by the Keat ing Channel Environmental Assessment is continuing this year Re suI ts to da te indicate that sediments disposed in Tommy Thompson park are contained within the disposal cells The Ministry of the Environment is funding a number of environmental initiatives by the Authority on the DOn and Fe ug e Rivers during 1989. projects include stream bank stabilization, tree and shrub plantings, public education and awareness through signage, and assistance for the Authorlty's Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve Site selection will occur during the s umme r and implementation will take place during the fall of 1989 A draft report entitled, "A Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Ro ug e Ri ve r Watershed" was completed and circulated for comments to participating municipalities, key provincial agencies and selected public interest groups This report culminated from the results of the Feuge Ri ve r urban Drainage Study and involved an extensive consultation process. It is estimated the report will be finalized by the fall of 1989 Environmental data collection is continuing at the Col Sam Smith park waterfront development site These environmental collections fulfill the monitoring requirements of the Sam Smith Environmental Assessment At the proposed East point Waterfront par k area, a SCUBA reconnaissance survey and index netting program has been implemented in 1989 to determine -the extent of fish habitat and the composition of the present fish community A summary of previous index netting results from 1979 to 1986 has been completed as part of the Environmental Assessment application for the proposed East po in t par k Environmental monitoring along the City of Scarborough shoreline includes a survey comparing the fish habitat and community associated with waterfront erosion control structures and natural eroding shorelines. A waterfront fish habitat survey and tagging program has been implemented to determine the various habitats, fish communities, and discover the extent of fish movement along the Toronto waterfront. Also, sites will be examined that will be used as an index to determine the effectiveness of the Metro Toronto Remedial Action plan. This is a joint Authority/Ministry of Natural Resources venture that is being funded by the Ministry of the Environment's Metro Toronto RAP program. The Authority's Nursery program supplied the following plant material in the spring of 1989 Bare Root Trees 6,852 Bare Root Shr ubs 23,182 Caliper Trees 340 Balled and Burlapped plants 173 Treespade program assistance was provided to one landowner in relocating 20 trees on the property. Staff completed ten hydroseeding projects and approximately seven hectares of land were revegetated. The Authority received the new provincial Flood plain Planning policy Statement, 1988 and supporting guideline documents The Authority discontinued the 1980 Watershed plan designation of I Flood Damage Centre' and its associated floodplain planning policies in accordance with the floodplain planning policies and procedures outlined within this provincial pol icy Statement. p,,\t1. ~ 3 -6- The Authority is assisting several member municipalities in the development of Special Po li c y Ar e a s for selected floodplain communities includ ing the To wn 0 f Mar kham , City of York and To wn 0 f Ric hmond Hill As of June 30, 1989, 99 applications for permission to place fill, construct structures and/or alter a watercourse have been approved by the Author ity pursuant to Ontario Regulation 29 3/8 6 . A processing fee for applications made under ontario Regulation 293/86 was initiated in April Revenue to date totals $7,905 The processing fee for written responses to solicitor/realtor enquiries was increased from $ 20 00 per application to $30.00 per application effective February, 1989. Revenue to date totals $42,345. Through its plan Input and Review program, the Authority has reviewed and proce s sed ove r 90 official plan amendment applications, 500 land division applications, 400 rezoning applications, 60 subdivision applications, 1,300 solicitor/realtor enquiries and 60 site plan development applications A presentation on Authority Fill, Construction and Alteration to waterways Regulations was made to the york Chapter, Ontar io Build ing Officers Association in March, 1989 FIELD OPERATIONS Conservation Areas were open, as usual, during the winter period; however, activi ties were lim i ted due to a lack of snow cove r . As a result of th is, attendance was down over the previous year for the winter months In order to recover for lost ski activities for schools, Alb ion Hills experimented with the introduction of an orienteering program The program was very successful with activities being run for 25 groups and 1,276 studen ts. The maple syrup demonstration at Bruce's Mill experienced another successful year. Some additional activities geared toward children were offered during the spring Break. These activities were well-received by the public and will be expanded in future years. Maple syrup attendance was up 20% over 1988 and revenues for the program increased 19% or $12,0~7 over last year. site improvements carried out at the Conservation Ar eas d ur ing the first part of the year included -Replacement of roof and renovation of the Claireville gatehouse; -Replacement of workshop furnace and hydro line maintenance at Claireville; -Rebuilding of beach service road at Heart Lake; -upgrading of the campground bridge at Albion Hills to meet load requirements; -Erosion control work, replacement of gravel on campsites and installation of a gate control system at Ind ian Line Campground; Authority staff manned a display at this year's sportsmen's Show promoting activities and programs at Cold Creek, Heart Lake and Glen Ha ff y . In addition, at Cold Creek, a Bow Hunter Workshop was conducted during June and three Hunter Education courses were provided to the public. Enforcement, Safety and security staff conducted standard first aid and CPR courses for Authority personnel. During the spring and summer, monthly fire suppression courses were held in five Conservation Areas to update staff training in forest fire fighting. Forty-five Authority staff were qualified as Waste Hazardous Material Information Seminar (WHMIS) Trainers and over 600 staff have been trained under the WHMIS program. I 11 M .b'-f -7- One hundred and three fill violations were issued under Ontar io Regulat ion 293/86. Officers have appeared in court 13 times with respect to charges laid under the Reg ulat ion for illegal placement of fill. A total of 27 informations were laid and are either in court or pending court action Ten offence notices were issued by Authority staff for illegal activities on Authority lands. In addition, four charges of theft laid under the Criminal Code were in the courts with two convictions being registered and two be ing put over for trial. security staff were again hired and trained for work in Authority c amt-'9 round s . This program has proven effective in controll ing unauthorized activities and making the campgrounds pleasant places to stay for all visitors. under the veh icle and Equipment program, the Authority held its second a uct ion ear 1 ier this year to dispose of surplus equipment. Net proceeds from the sale were $55,750 compared to a book value of $20,379 for the items sold. All Authority swimming areas were in operation in June. prior to the operating season, all lifeguard staff participated in a combined National Life service and Aquatic Emergency Care course. The following table shows attendance at the Conservation Areas for the period of January to June, 1989 1989 1988 Alb ion Hi lls 29,902 32,952 Boyd 23,799 31,338 Bruce's Mill 45,049 44,873 Claireville 16,732 12,749 Cold Creek 5,989 7,562 Glen Haffy 24,289 21,601 Greenwood 11 ,948 13,971 Heart Lake 21,793 24,123 Indian Line 8,208 9,072 palgrave -- 2,134 petticoat Creek 24,21S 22,048 woodbridge -- 3,992 211,924 226,415 The Albion Hills Field Centre had 100\ occupancy for week long programs with some falloff on weekends. Students were involved in the spring planting of more than 1,000 conifer seedlings and took part in extensive forest management programs. The Boyd Field Centre hosted a number of groups; among them were 32 students from the Metro School Board who participated in camping skills, forest management and orienteering; 32 students in a Leadership Development Weekend; 80 students in a Multicultural Leadership program which was a cooperative effort by the field centre staff and the staff from eight schools. The Metro School Board's Head Office displayed a photographic exhibit by the students who took part in the program during the 1988 season The show was called 'Boyd 88'. The La ke St. George Field Centre established a large organic vegetable garden to supply compost generated from the kitchen and to demonstrate good practices of organic gardening techniques to the many visitors as well as producing a sizable crop of vegetables to supplement the Field Centre menus and reduce meal costs. other activities at Lake st. George included several tree planting exercises by students who planted over 700 white pine and spruce seedlings on the property and transplanted established red pine and spruce to areas needing reforestation. AM .{p~ -8- The addition to the bee space at the Kortright Centre was completed, doubling its capacity To make the most use of the new facility, the bee program has been expanded to every Sunday this summer. Work also began on a new interpretive trail which will focus on demonstrations and descriptions of urban wildlife plantings Kortright's main events included Groundhog Day, Owl prowl, Magic Maple Syrup Days, the Kite Festival and the Great Canadian Solar Race The race featured competitors from across the province and was highlighted by a visit from Energy Minister ~bert Wong. Attendance figures for the Kortright Centre to July 2nd are 1989 - 69,998 1988 - 62,144 BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE In February, Black Creek pioneer village hosted the North York Winter Carnival. In 2 1/2 days, almost 35,000 people participated in a variety of winter activities. Hundreds of volunteers joined the village staff in providing an extensive range of services and events Black Creek was represented at the Ontario Historical Society Heritage Showcase held at Yor kdale Shopping Centre The showcase h ighl ighted Metro's heritage resources and provided an excellent opportunity to heighten public awareness of the village and its programs. The annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Ontario Egg producers Marketing Board and Hershey Chocolate Company, was very well attended with over 1,000 registered participants. Along with representation from many provincial, national and international agencies, Black Creek participated in the 'Travel and Leisure Show' Costumed staff promoted the village to the thousands in attendance In June, almost 200 re-enactors camped for a weekend at Black Creek and provided visitors with a glimpse of life as a soldier over 100 years ago In May, Black Creek's Canadian mare had a colt, providing the village with its third full Canadian horse. The Canadian horse is listed among the endangered livestock breeds by the American Minor Breeds Conservancy There are many other livestock in the village which are within the AMBC guidelines. Black Creek and other historic farm sites are among the agencies helping to prevent the complete disappearance of these early breeds. consequently, the livestock at the village serve as a valuable interpretive tool in the story of 19th century Ontario and also playa role in preserving genetic variety in livestock. The following table shows attendance and revenue figures to June 25th 1989 1988 , Attendance 131,058 135,668 Revenue -Admissions $184,941 $189,618 -Gift Shop 161,435 169,458 -Village Outlets 54,334 61,186 -Other 27,616 72,275 TOTALS $428,326 $492,537 -9- A V\,f . U:, PROGRAM SERVICES A team of staff has been collecting and analyzing background material as pa r t 0 f the concept planning process for the Cold Creek Conservation Area Concept plan Three alternative concepts are currently being developed for nternal review A public participation program will begin in the fall wi th the final draft plan scheduled for completion by the end of the year The Bruce's Mill Restoration is underway with the mill water wheel and internal gearing mechanisms being restored in preparation for public display of the partially operating mill Other improvements include the installation of a water wheel shed, h yd r 0 , a new wood floor and windows plans have been prepared and tenders called for the Alb ion Hi 11 s/Green wood Conservation Area Washrooms. Construction is expected to begin in the fall. At Black Creek pioneer village, design work was completed for the new patio tents, a patio entrance sign, and improvements to the victoria Room and the Halfway House A new tenant has taken over the operation of the Claireville Water park and the facility is now called "wild Water Kingdom" . Significant improvements have been made which include a new snackbar and administrative office building, more small children's play activities and a themed 36-hole mini golf course. plans for landscaping at Boyd, Claireville and Greenwood Conservation Areas have been completed. proposals for golf and additional equestrian activities at Claireville have been reviewed and negotiations continue. Food Service sales at the various snack bars are approximately the same as in 1988 with costs reduced resulting in some increase in revenues. Wi th regard to food services at Black Creek pioneer Vi 11age , sales have increased with costs considerably decreased as a result of improving the patio food service to both adults and school groups The cafete~ia has been renovated to accommodate both ~roup functions and regular cafeteria service. .. ". paper cups have been provided in the public use facilities to replace foam cups. China coffee mugs are now being used in the office as part of the program to reduce disposables and use biodegradable products. The production and distribution of the Greenspace plan was carried out with preliminary work being done on the Greenspace Strategy. Two exhibits on the Greenspace plan were developed and two issues of 'Focus on Greenspace', as part of the MPP Communications proJect, were produced and distributed. program arrangements were made for the 32nd Annual Meeting, the Maple Syrup Fe s t i val , the 16th Annual Honour Roll Awards and the 13th Annual Garden party and presentation of service Recognition Awards. Visitor surveys are being conducted at the Authority's public use fac ili ties These are being done to determine apportionment of municipal levy, provide data to assess campaign impact, aid future promotional efforts, measure visitor satisfaction and provide a for um to public input. Travel Trade and Group Sales activities at the village are showing a 16 2% decrease in attendance, which is consistent with a general decrease in overall village attendance, as well as the attendance at most other Me t r 0 Toronto area attractions. Total group attendance for this period is 9,121 as compared to 10,555 for the same period in 1988 Ad ul t , senior and children/youth groups brought by Happy Day Tours are also showing a decrease from 2,889 to 2,144. /L. 1989.07 20 AM,b7 THB MBTROPOLITAN TORORTO ARD RBGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY GBNBRAL MAIAGBR'S REPORT on tbe STATUS or 'fBB HAZARD AND CONSBRVATION LAND ACQUISITION PROJECT Authority Meetlng ;6/89 September 8, 1989 RM.~~ At its meetlng held ~ay 31, 1985, t~e Authorlty adopted a ~Ho~ect for t~e acquisition of Hazard and ConservatlOn Lands ~lt~_~ the MunlCl?alltj ot ~etropolltan Toronto "'!ie seven areas recommended for acqulsltion lle ~lt~ln the general geographic areas II s t ed belo~ 1 Lo~er Don Valley bet~een Bloor Street Ramp and Mill~ood Road 2 West Don River Valley bet~een Sheppard Avenue and ~inc!i Avenue 3 West Don Rlver Valley bet~een Bayvle~ Avenue and Yonge Street 4 East Don Rlver Valley at MacDonald Cartler Free~ay and Don ~llls Road 5 Humber River Valley at Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue 6 Rouge Rlver valley - Ontario Land Corporat1on Lands bet~een ~etro Toronto Zoo and Steeles Avenue 7 Lake OntarlO Waterfront at K1pling Avenue The proJect envisaged an acquis1t1on cost of $48,000,000 for the propertleS based on valuation opinions provided by independent appraisers 1n 1984 \jo provision ~as made for inflation or increasing land values The proJect ....as subJect to the approvals of the funding partners - Metropolitan Toronto and the Provlnce of Ontario By early December, 1985, these approvals ~ere In hand and the Authority proceeded with the proJect The properties acquired, to date, are as follows Geoqraphic ~ Site Cost to Date 1 Torvalley $'471 IT, 0"50 2 Hinder Estate 6,794,000 2 Bathurst Manor 3,546,250 6 Ontario Land Corporation 839,050 7 Lakeshore Hospital 10,739,300 Legal, Survey and Other 1,419,641 $27,485,241 ============ The proJect calls for the costs to be shared by Metro and the Province on .3 50/50 basis The province has been contributing both cash flow and land, at appraised value, to the project and is presently ahead of Metro in the portion of the costs borne As of August 3, 1989, the sharing of costs has been Province of Ontario $17 ,676,831 Metro Toronto 9,808,410 Total $27,485,241 ===========::a The Torvalley property was acquired by expropriation Following a Hearing of Necessity, a Hearing for compensation by the Ontario Municipal Board resulted in an award in the amount of $16,150,000 plus interest at 6%, plus costs for the Torvalley property The Authority appealed this decision to the Divisional Court. The Divisional Court decision was released August 2, 1989 This decision denied the Authority its appeal and allowed Torvalley its cross appeal in the amount of $19,000,000, plus costs, plus interest Costs and interest are calculated to be approximately $3,000,000, making the total award $22,000,000. Having paid Torvalley the Authority's appraised value of $4,147,000, the amount owing Torvalley, should the decision of the Divisional Court stand, will be approximately $17,850,000 The total funding in the proJect is $48,000,000 After the expenditures to date of $27,485,241 and payment of the balance of the award to Torvalley 1 ri the amount of $17,850,000, the balance of funding in the proJect is approximately $2,662,000 , RrV1.~q - 2 - Four hundred and three acres of the 586 acres proposed for acquis1t1on have been acqu1red so far The follow1ng properties rema1n to be acquired Geoqraphic Area 1 Lower Don valley between Bloor Street and 2 propert1es Millwood Road 2 West Don River Valley between Sheppard Avenue 2 propert1es and Finch Avenue 3 West Don River Valley between Bayview Avenue 3 properties and Yonge Street 4 East Don River Valley at MacDonald Cartier 1 property Freeway and Don Mills Road S Humber River Valley at Weston Road and 1 property Sheppard Avenue 6 Rouge River Valley - Ontario Land Corporation Complete Lands between Metro Toronto Zoo and Steeles Avenue 7 Lake Ontario Waterfront at Kipling Avenue Complete No updated estimates of costs of the remaining properties to be acquired have been made, with the exception of the Domtar property (Geographic Area 1), which is to be cons1dered by the Authority at its meeting September 8, 1989 The eventual disposition of the Torvalley decision notwithstanding, it is clear that there are insuffic1ent funds 1n the present project to complete the acquisition program. This was reported to the Metro Council through its Budget Sub-Committee last year and Metro Council undertook to review the completion of the program when the present funding was expended It is expected that the appropriate act10n will become clear when the Torvalley acquisition is completed In this connection, the following action has been taken (a) The Executive Committee directed the Authority solicitors to file for leave to appeal the decision of the D1visional Court within the lS-day period allowed This has been done, thus preserving the Authority's rights It is expected that a date in October will be set for the Court to consider whether or not leave to appeal will be granted. (b) The Divisional Court decision is be1ng reviewed by Ministry of Natural Resources' solicitors, Metro solic1tors and an independent solicitor to give an opinion as to what course should be followed with respect to an appeal. (c) Members of Metro Council and Ministry of Natural Resources officials have been briefed with respect to the court decision. When the various opinions sought are in hand, a recommendat1on will be made with respect to pursuing an appeal. (d) Negotiations with Domtar have proceeded and approval of the funding partners will be sought subject to the decision of the Authority with respect to the Executive Committee report emanating from Executive Committee Meeting '7/89 held August 4, 1989 AM.'}O TBB KBTROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY MBBTIRG SCBBDOLB 1990 - 1991 Authority Meeting '7/89 October 27, 1989 AM. '11 THB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND RBGION CONSBRVATION AUTHORITY MEBTIRG SCHBDULB - 1990-1991 EXCBRPTS FROM TBB RULBS FOR TBB CONDUCT OP THB AUTHORITY .CALLING OP MEETINGS · 3 2 Meetings of the Authori ty . (a) shall be held at least six (6 ) times a year in addition to the two (2 ) meetings required by the Regulation governing the procedure of the Authority and the time span between such meetings shall be not more than six (6 ) weeks; · (b) shall be held at such date, time and place, within a participating municipality, as the Executive Committee shall recommend and the Authorlty shall adopt by resolution each year FBBROARY . 1990 Feb 23 10 00 a m Authority Annual Meeting MARCH. 1990 Mar 2 10 00 a m. Finance and Administration Advisory Board '1/90 2 10 00 a m Water and Related Land Management A.B U/90 9 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee 11/90 12-16 Mar c h B rea k 23 10 00 a m. Authority 12/90 (Final 1990 Budget) 30 10 00 a.m Executive Committee '2/90 APRIL. 1990 Apr 6 10 00 a.m. Conservation & Related Land Management A B. 11/90 13 Goo d F r i day 20 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee '3/90 27 10:00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A B. 12/90 MY. 1990 May 4 10 00 a.m. Authority '3/90 11 10:00 a.m. Executive Committee 14/90 (followed by Arbor Day ceremonies) 18 10 00 a.m. Finance and Administration A.B. 12/90 25 10 00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A.B 13/90 JOn. 1990 Jun. 1 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee 15/90 8 10 00 a.m Conservation & Related Land Management A B. '2/90 15 8 00 a.m. Finance and Administration A.B. '3/90 15 10 00 a.m. Au thor ity t4 /90 22 10 00 a m. Executive Committee 16/90 29 10 00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A.B. 14/90 A~. '1~ - 2 - TBB METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CORSBRVATION AUTHORITY MEBTING SCHBDULB - 1990-1991 JULY, 1990 Jul 13 10 00 a m Executive Committee t7/90 27 8 00 a.m Finance and Administration A B H/90 27 10 00 a m Authority '5/90 AUGUST, 1990 Aug 3 10 00 a m Executive Committee t8/90 24 10 00 a m Executive Committee .9/90 SBPTBllBBR, 1990 Sep 7 10 00 a m. Authority *6/90 14 10 00 a m. Executive Committee '10/90 * 21 10 00 a m Water and Related Land Management A B t5/90 * 21 1 30 p.m. Conservation & Related Land Management A B 13/90 * 28 10 00 a m. Finance and Administration A B. 15/90 OCTOBBR, 1990 * Oct 5 10 00 a m. Executive Committee '11/90 12 10 00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A B 16/90 * 19 10 00 a.m. Au thori ty 17/90 26 10 00 a m Executive Committee '12/90 NOVBIIBBR, 1990 Nov 2 10 00 a.m. Finance and Administration A.B. '6/90 9 10 00 a.m. Conservation & Related Land Management A B H/90 16 10 00 a.m Executive Committee '13/90 23 10 00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A B. 17/90 DBCBllBBR, 1990 Dec. 7 10 00 a.m. Authority '8/90 14 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee '14/90 JAHUARY, 1991 Jan. 4 10:00 a.m. Executive Committee i15/90 ** 11 10 00 a.m. Water and Related Land Management A.B. i8/90 ** 18 8 00 a.m. Finance and Administration A.B. 17 /90 18 10:00 a.m. Authority '9/90 25 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee '16/90 FBBRUARY, 1991 **Feb 1 10 00 a.m. Conservation & Related Land Management A B. .5/90 8 10 00 a.m. Executive Committee '17/90 * 1991 Preliminary Estimates will be presented at these meetings. ** These meetings will be cancelled should there be no items for the Agenda. AM. 73 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY GENERAL MANAGER' S PROGRESS REPORT I July to December, 1989 Authority Meeting #8/89 December 8, 1989 AM./4- In 1989, the Authority made significant progress was made towards the achievement of goals in a number of program areas as follows FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: Under the Metro Hazard and Conservation Land Acquisition project, the following progress has been made - Torvalley (Toronto Brickyard) - Borough of East York The Authority's request to seek Leave to Appeal the Ontario Divisional Court decision which had set compensation at $19 million plus costs for the Torvalley Expropriation, is scheduled to be heard in early December, 1989 - Domtar Inc , - Borough of East York The 16 3 acre site in the Don Valley watershed, owned by Domtar Inc , has been acquired for $5 5 million Under the Authority's Land Acquisition Project, significant acquisitions included a) Purchase of the Kalfa property which represents the last major partial taking required for the German Mills Channelization Flood Control Project in the Town of Richmond Hill b) Purchase of the 0 904 acre Beninato property situated in the Duffin Creek Watershed in the Town of Pickering This acquisition involved a residential holding in a highly flood susceptible location c) Purchase of the 1 5 acre Laycock property in the Rouge River watershed in the City of Scarborough d) Purchase of the 0 172 acre puckrin property and the o 170 acre Kuchta property located in the Frenchman's Bay sector and the 0 33 acre Leiterman property located in the Pickering Beach sector, along the Lake ontario shoreline e) Purchase of the 0 190 acre Yates property in the Scarborough sector, along the Lake Ontario shoreline Under the Niagara Escarpment Land Acquisition Project, the Authority completed the purchase of the 48 acre Edwards property This parcel of land will form part of the Glen Haffy Conservation Area on the headwaters of the Humber River watershed, Town of Caledon During 1989, the Authority completed the purchase of the Osler property located in the Town of Pickering This 129 450 acre parcel of land is an extension to the Glen Major Forest and Wildlife Area Completed sales of surplus table lands not required for Authority purposes include: -A 29 927 acre portion of the former Sutton property situated in the Nashville Resource Management Tract, located in the Township of King. -A 1 5 acre parcel of land situated in the Duffin Creek watershed, in the Town of Pickering, to the Durham Board of Education The following sales are in progress and are expected to close prior to December 31, 1989 , A1\1.7'S - 2 - -A 0 455 acre parcel of land situated in the Duffin Creek watershed, in the Town of Ajax, to Moodie's Motel -A 14 99 acre lot of land situated in the Ebenezer Resource Management Tract, in the City of Brampton, to Ontario Hydro The Authority has also granted a substantial number of conveyances and permanent easements to municipalities during the year for road widenings, storm and sanitary sewers The Authority continued property management activities involving approximately 150 rental arrangements consisting of residences, farm lands, apiary sites and other uses compatible with Authority objectives The final stage of the multi-year program of installation of work stations at Head Office was completed The Budget and Accounting section prepared detailed specifications for a computerized accounting and information system which will be implemented in 1990 Proposals were conducted for MTRCA banking services Recommendations will be available in January, 1990 Training and development opportunities were provided to 168 employees this year covering a variety of topics from computer training to presentation skills 150 employees attended a two- day Safety Seminar WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS: Staff was involved in approximately 15 master drainage plan studies for various parts of the Authority's jurisdiction Erosion control work was carried out to stabilize a section of the Black Creek for the City of York Erosion control measures were also constructed along the Humber River with funds provided by Ontario Hydro Several erosion control projects continued along the Scarborough Bluffs Within the Bellamy Ravine, construction on the main channel was substantially completed The construction of buttresses to stabilize the side slopes of the ravine is nearing completion The work begun in 1988 to protect the Fishleigh Drive area in Scarborough continued The next stage of shoreline protection along Guildwood Parkway was completed and the current phase of construction to stabilize buttresses along South Marine Drive was completed. Progress was achieved in many aspects of the Authority's waterfront program The government review of the environmental assessment for Tommy Thompson Park was initiated Preparation of an environmental assessment for East Point Park also continued with design studies and two public meetings The land area being constructed by lakefilling at Colonel Samuel smith Park was completed in preparation for the next stage of harbour development Staff is preparing an environmental assessment of the proposed change in the boating facility from a boating club to a marina The next stage of pathway construction along the Ajax waterfront was started Review of fire safety provisions at Bluffers Park_is underway in respect to a report by the Scarborough Fire Chief A planning study of the Frenchman's Bay area was started in cooperation with the Town of Pickering , &1",. '7" - 3 - The Authority's Improved Lakefill Quality Control Program resulted in significant new controls on the quality of material used in various lakefills The development and construction industries have generally cooperated very well but there is ongoing concern about future disposal options for surplus fill The preliminary report of the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront was reviewed and comments prepared The study to develop comprehensive public amenities planned as part of the redevelopment of the Motel strip was completed by the City of Etobicoke with financial and staff participation by the Authority An OMB hearing is planned for March, 1990 Numerous flood control projects progressed during the last half of 1989 The dredging of the Keating Channel continued Design of the final covering of the dredged material at Tommy Thompson Park also continued Construction of the flood protective works along the Little Etobicoke Creek in the City of Mississauga started As part of the Ministry of the Environment's Toronto Area Watershed Management Strategy Study (TAWMS) examining water pollution in the Metro area, a report on the Don River was released in September, 1989 The Authority has been a strong member of the TAWMS Steering Committee comprised of representatives from a number of government agencies and 12 municipalities, and in 1989 was a participant on the Don River Working Group responsible for co-ordinating completion of the report by consultants Thirteen youths were hired under the Ministry of Skills Developments Environmental Youth Corps Program These students participated in stream clean-up (covering 20 km and collecting 7,500 kg of debris), streambank stabilization projects, and water sampling Authority staff also provided in-field education days to provide a better understanding of water quality problems in the streams of the Toronto area Phase I of the Duffin Creek Study was completed this year An Advisory Committee was established and two formal workshops were held with MTRCA staff, the advisory committee and consultants Two key products of the workshops were a critical review of the Rouge River Study and a framework for the Duffin Creek Study TeChnical Terms of Reference The technical studies will be initiated early in 1990 The MTRCA worked in co-operation With the City of Brampton to complete a valley land planting proJect along Etobicoke Creek Plants include - 505 - 1 5 meter bare root shade trees - 2640 - bare root shrubs - 90 - balled and burlapped conifers - 3235 Total The Authority, in co-operation With the Town of Markham, completed streambank stabilization and valley land planting along the Bruce and Berczy Creeks; tributaries of the Rouge River Seven streambanks (569 m2) on Bruce Creek were stabilized with stone Total length of streambank stabilized was 325 m A(v1. '17 - 4 - Two locations in the Bruce and Berczy Creeks valley lands were revegetated with a variety of trees and shrubs including - 2120 - bare root shrubs - 560 - bare root shade trees - 17 - balled and burlapped cedar - 10 - caliper trees - 2707 Total During the fall, the Authority's nursery supplied 19,640 plants consisting of Bare root trees 2,742 Bare root shrubs 16,002 Container & Balled & Burlapped Plants 487 Caliper trees 409 With respect to our Resource Management Tract Maintenance, a total of 1,084 m of fencing was installed on five properties to control vehicular access and to establish property lines Fireguards were maintained on Glen Major R M T , Goodwood R M T , Kolodziej F & W Area, and Palgrave F & W Area Patrolling and signing also occurred at these properties as well as Nashville and Bolton RMT's A four day controlled deer harvest was completed in the Nashville R M T for managing deer numbers to assist in reducing property damage in neighbouring market gardening and tree nursery businesses Tree and shrub maintenance was undertaken on materials planted in the spring of 1989 on one Density Bonus site in the Town of Caledon Additional agreements have been reached for two other developments, and negotiations are in progress for several others in 1990 Tommy Thompson Park Interim Manaaement Proaram Public access was maintained year round on weekends and holidays, accommodating 34,045 visitors A no-charge transportation service was provided using a TTC bus and two-passenger vehicles An interpretive program was offered to interested visitors Wildlife Management Programs, including gull control and tern management were successfully completed The Authority has approved a project for the re-introduction of the native Trumpeter Swan to two sites in Metropolitan Toronto - Tommy Thompson Park and the Rouge River Marsh. This is a project of the OMNR and the Canadian Wildlife Service other Projects Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Project Purpose Carried out by the Metro East Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen to reduce erosion and improved habitat for salmon species Site Greenwood Forest & wildlife Area RM.,fl - 5 - A summary report outlining the findings of the 1979 to 1986 index netting program was prepared in 1989 Extensive field work in 1989 was completed at the East Point area to augment existing fisheries information and provide baseline sediment quality and benthic fauna information In addition, a scuba reconnaissance survey was completed to document present substrate and habitat conditions This substrate information will supplement existing information collected in 1979 During 1989 continued monitoring of the dredging of the Keating Channel and the disposal operation within Tommy Thompson Park was undertaken Thermal monitoring within Tommy Thompson Park was implemented in 1989, to discover the extent of water exchange between the dredgeate disposal cells and the outer harbour The monitoring results for 1989 support previous observation that the dredged Keating Channel sediments are well contained within Tommy Thompson Park A draft report entitled 'A Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River Watershed' was completed and circulated for comments to Rouge municipalities, key provincial agencies and selected pUblic interest groups This report culminated from the results of the Rouge River Urban Drainage Study and involved an extensive consultation process It is anticipated the report will be finalized by year-end As of July, 1989, 105 applications pursuant to Ontario Regulation 293/86 have been approved by the Authority Three hearings were held and a notice of appeal to the Minister of Natural Resources has been received subsequent to one of the hearings A processing fee for applications made under ontario Regulation 293/86 was initiated in April 1989 Revenue as of July, 1989 totals $12,555 Projected total revenue to December 31, 1989 is estimated at $30,000 One hundred and twenty fill violations were issued under Ontario Regulation 293/86 Officers have appeared in court eleven times relating to charges laid under the regulation for illegal placement of fill The processing fee for written responses to solicitor/realtor enquiries was increased from $20 00 per application to $30 00 per application effective February, 1989 Revenue as of July 1989 totals $27,845 Projected total revenue to December 31, 1989 is estimated at $85,000 Through its Plan Input and Review Program, the Authority has reviewed and processed over 35 Official Plan Amendm~nt applications, 335 Land Division applications, 350 Rezoning applications, 135 Subdivision applications, 1,700 Solicitor/Realtor enquiries and 175 site Plan Development applications since July 1989 Several municipalities are reviewing their Official Plan documents and the Authority continues to have input to this process in promoting its new Greenspace Strategy initiatives The Authority has implemented, on a priority basis, the recommendations of a strategic management plan for Plan Review services with the intent to improve program performance and customer service Activities initiated in 1989 include increased staffing, staff reorganization, review of services and marketing FIELD OPERATIONS: All Conservation Areas were open, as usual, during the summer season and swimming areas were in full operation starting in June AM.71 - 6 - Prior to the operating season, lifeguard staff participated in a combined National Lifeguard Service and Aquatic Emergency Care course The Authority, again, sent a team to compete in the ontario Waterfront Lifeguard Championships held at Wasaga Beach in August Team members found the experience very worthwhile and some strong individual performances were posted in the Aquatic Emergency Care and Emergency Situation events The sixth annual Authority lifeguard competition was won by the host Albion Hills Conservation Area team This was Albion's first win after several second place finishes This annual competition helps lifeguard staff with training routines Major maintenance and re-development work carried out during the period included installation of control gates and extensive tree planting at Indian Line Campground, improvements to the hatchery facility at Glen Haffy to enhance fish production and health, upgrading of electrical equipment at Petticoat Creek Pool and an engineering assessment of the Boyd bridge over the Humber River The following table shows attendance at the Conservation Areas up to October 28, 1989 .l..2.fi .l.2..llil. Albion Hills 85,418 103,755 Boyd 70,266 72,776 Bruce's Mill 131,031 137,384 Claireville 43,351 51,472 Cold Creek 12,921 19,201 Glen Haffy 48,444 47,067 Greenwood 41,001 54,822 Heart Lake 65,585 61,835 Indian Line 39,767 55,988 Palgrave -- 2,134 Petticoat Creek 103,773 123,330 Woodbridge -- 3.992 641,557 733,756 Attendance is down 92,199 or 12 6% due mainly to a lack of snow during the winter period and poor campground attendance related to a generally depressed tourist market Some highlights of our education program at the various locations includes Black Creek pioneer village - total attendance is predicted to be consistent with last year 55,600 students are expected on tour programs and 11,000 students on participation programs Kortright Centre for Conservation - over 100 additional guided public programs were offered this year over 1988 PUblic attendance is up by over 5% and at current rates, the overall attendance is projected to be at an all-time high of 110,000 for the year Centre staff promoted the Authority's programs via 45 television and 70 radio appearances in 1989 Albion Hills Field Centre - a grassed waterway was constructed for soil conservation Collaborated with the City of Etobicoke in offering an Environmental Science Camp in July Boyd Conservation Field Centre - a total of 21 classes with an approximate total of 730 students attended the Boyd Field Centre during September to December Many programs included components of the Greenspace Plan including such studies as How Urbanization is Affecting Authority Lands; The Oak Ridges Moraine and the M T R C A ; Watershed Management with Emphasis on East Humber; Flood Control Studies; Archaeological Resources RM. 9'0 - 7 - Lake st George Field Centre - many student and adult groups were hosted including the trainable mentally handicapped and multiple handicapped: the learning disabled as well as the gifted: the French Language School Council students, Elderhostel Association of ontario Claremont Field Centre - boasts the highest occupancy rate of the four residential centres In addition to regular programs for students of all ages and grade levels, Claremont also hosts the greatest number of adult groups such as The Scarborough Geography Teachers Association: The Etobicoke Multicultural Leadership Committee, The Junior Chamber of Commerce: The university of Toronto Science Teachers Conference Staff of the Enforcement, Safety and Security Section conducted one standard first aid and two CPR courses for Authority personnel During the summer and fall, monthLy Fire Suppression courses were held in five Conservation Areas to update staff training in forest fire suppression Safety staff has initiated a new RAM-SET Training Program This program is to begin in December with twenty field staff being trained Four hundred Authority staff were trained under the WHMIS program An Authority Enforcement Training Program was introduced to upgrade skills of qualified Conservation Area staff This program will improve relations with the public and project a professional approach to the enforcement service in our Conservation Areas and Resource Management Tracts PROGRAM SERVICES: Authority staff have completed the design and installation of a washroom facility at the Albion Hills campground as well as the road and parking lot layout at the Conservation Education Field Centre Surveys and plans were prepared for facilities at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Claireville and Cold Creek Conservation Areas and the Claremont Forest and wildlife Area The Greenwood Conservation Area was enhanced by the installation of a washroom facility for the picnic area and site survey and plan preparation for group picnic shelter complex was completed Consultants were hired to prepare the economic and technical specifications for a water play area at the Boyd Conservation Area At the Kortright Centre for Conservation, design and inspection work was completed on the visitor centre planting plan, bee house, new service road, valley access trail, and the Foster residence and commemorative forest A review and update of our Graphic Standards Manual was prepared for circulation to staff Graphic and technical material was prepared for the promotion of the Greenspace Strategy including the production and preliminary distribution of the Greenspace Strategy tabloid Two issues of Focus on Greenspace were prepared and distributed as part of corporate communications ~,v). S' I - 8 - The Community Relations Section undertook program arrangements and details for the dedication of the Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve as well as the Official Opening of the Bruce's Mill Visitor surveys are being conducted at the Authority's public use facilities to provide visitor origin data essential for determining apportionment of municipal levy, assessing campaign impact, aiding future promotional and developmental efforts and measuring visitor satisfaction with our programs and services Nearly 60 news releases, synopses and photo captions on the Authority's public use facilities to newspapers, radios, televisions and magazines were done Four major news releases were undertaken on "Story Ideas for the Media" for Black Creek pioneer Village and the Kortright Centre A special familiarization tour at the Kortright Centre was arranged for travel counsellors from the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation As well, marketing and grant sponsorships were secured from Canada Packers, Nestle Enterprises and government sources for three Black Creek Pioneer village public programs BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE: Throughout the summer season, Theatre-On-The-Move in collaboration with the Authority, presented a live performance in the Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitors Centre Theatre The play, "The Boy with an 'R' in His Hand" was performed twice daily, six days a week, from July to September The 23rd Annual Pioneer Festival attracted 4,645 visitors despite the rainy weather With the involvement of hundreds of volunteers from the Mennonite and Pennsylvania German communities, Festival remains one of Black Creek's most popular and well-known events Total attendance at Blac~ Creek Pioneer village, as of October 29, 1989 was 262,672 as compared to 1988 attendance of 268,133 Revenues for the same period show a slight decrease from 1988 Travel Trade and Group Sales attendance estimate is 35,000 visitors It is estimated that this will be an 8% decrease over the number of visitors in 1988 Based on the 1989 attendance projection, it is estimated that revenues accrued from Travel Trade and Group Sales visitations will total over $235,000 ~ ~ Admission Revenue $ 552,473 $ 546,345 Sales (Village and Gift Shop) 567,191 581,123 General Revenue (Weddings/Rentals) 86.385 108.812 $1,206,049 $1,236,280 /L 1989.11 29 Arf1. ~:l THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DELEGATIONS' SUBMISSIONS ARD CORRESPONDERCE regarding ETOBICOKE MO'l'EL STRIP, WA'l'BRPROR'l' PUBLIC AJlERITY SCHEME and AQUARIUM OF IlETROPOLITAR TORONTO AUTHORITY MEETING 18/89 December 8, 1989 A"'. 8'3 Presentation by the Citizens Concerned about the Future of Etobicoke's Waterfront (CCFEW) to the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) Board December 8, 1989 Chairperson and Members of the MTRCA Board My name is Michael Harrison, and I am here to voice the concern of the "Citizens Concerned about the Future of Etobicoke's Waterfront" over the possible location of the Aquarium in Humber Bay Park East Alarmed by the recent high density development proposals for the Etobicoke Motel Strip, our organization was founded earlier on this year Our objectives are twofold. To preserve and rehabilitate the environment of the Etobicoke waterfront, and to promote sensible development along the lake at a 'human scale' It is in relation to the former that I now appear before the MTRCA Board As the MTRCA Board is probably aware, the area kno~ as the 'Motel Strip' in Etobicoke is now slated for massive amounts of high density development housing over 10,000 people The proximity of these developments to the Humber Bay Parks is sure to have a great impact on them However the possibility that the Aquarium may be permanently sited in Humber Bay Park East is even more alarming As the MTRCA is well aware there is a shortage of wild and semi-wild lands along the entire Metro Toronto waterfront capable of supporting any diverse wildlife populations One of the more exceptional a~eas in the west end of the city is Humber Bay Park East, wh~re a portion of the park has been allowed to develop naturally, to which great numbers of birds and waterfowl are attracted. We feel that the construction of the Aquarium in this park would destroy its semi-wild, passive open-space nature We are not alone in these concerns As' the recent 'Interim Report' of the Royal Commission on the Futur:e of the Toronto Waterfront states (pg 162) "Humber Bay Park is a popular and valuable resource for such informal activities as walking, jogging, bird-watching, picnicking, kite-flying - or simply enjoying the lake. These are enhanced by the natural aspects of the park, parts of which have been allowed to develop a semi-wild character, providing habitat for many species of wildlife The nearshore waters are well known as a favoured location for a wide variety of wintering waterfowl The value of Humber Bay Park East as passive open space will increase as Etobicoke's waterfront is developed, particularly with the high-density residential development proposed for the motel strip " . .A01.CJ~ The Royal Commission has concerns regarding the impact of this development on the park as it is now, but has even greater concerns with the possiblility of the Aquarium being sited there The 'Interim Report' states (pg 162-3) . "The most disturbing proposal in relation to Humber Bay Park East is to locate the Seaquarium in the park itself the Seaquarium will be a major regional and tourist facility, attracting large numbers of visitors, with their cars and buses, and would have a major detrimental impact on the present character and uses of Humber Bay Park East. The Royal Commission recommends that Humber Bay Park East be protected as a significant regional open space, providing for a mix of low-key recreation uses The MTRCA should reject the proposal to locate the Seaquarium in the park, because it is imcompatible with its use as a passive regional open space Instead, as recommended in the Royal Commission's publication number 4, the 'Report of the Parks, Pleasures, and Public Amenities Work Group', the Seaquarium should be located on the motel strip " We note that this recommendation has also been endorsed by the provincial government. We hold the same view, and have recommended to the City of Etobicoke Development Committee that the City take the initiative and purchase the 1 hectare of land necessary for the Aquarium on the Motel Strip itself We also offer the suggestion that the Aquarium be sited on the Public Amenities Strip in the area, perhaps replacing one of the other proposed activity centres on it We urge the MTRCA, if it is truly dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat, and the provision of passive open space along the waterfront, to follow in the footsteps of the Royal Commission and the provincial government and reject the proposal to site the Aquarium in Humber Bay Park East Thankyou Michael Harrison Citizen's Concerned About The Future of Etobicoke's Waterfront c/o 15 Eastbourne Cres Etobicoke, Ontario M8V lW5 12/05/89 13 56 'a'0 .. ETOB. PLANNING @002 , ... At\1.~~ ~ Ministry Ministere Central Region du of the de ~._.-.--1 Region Centre Environment "Environnemen Orlll:lrlu · ,yr J j ,. ) . C (" __.. J ... .. .""- ~--- _--...............-.- ... I Ol/OI"B8 bOul'h'fIIrd 7 bo....IC~Qrd Overlea 1- 4th Floor ~o "I"<l~ Toronto Ontain) TUIUlllu(O"lollIlJ) 1989 11 22 M4111Atl M4H lAtl 'lI6,4~4-3000 1 6 1:14 3000 Mr. B. Nixon C,TV OF ETOBfCOKE RECEIVED Ministry of Municipal Affairs 14th Floor, 777 Bay Street NOV 27 1989 'd; Toronto, Ontario M5C 2E5 ~. I'&!. f' )./c PI.n Ins Departm.nt (6"7M ~) D..r Sir , Re: Motel Strip Waterfront Public Amenities Scheme City of Etobi~oK. Our File: CRllS82 We have now completed our review of the Etobicoke Motel Strip Waterfront Public Amenities Scheme prepared by Brad Johnson & Associates and Philip Weinstein ~ Associates dated September 6, 1989. The followinq comments are provided. In qeneral, further information is required in a number of areas in the Env1ronmen'tal Manac;lement Master J:llan component of the study to enable this Ministry to fully evaluate the proposal Deflector Arm The main component of the Environmental Manaqement Master Plan deals with the construction of a deflector arm to create an area protected from storm-driven bacterial and suspended solids contamination from sources such as the Humber River. O! the five alternatives investiqated by the sinqle event model11nq assessment that was performed, the preferred option configuration for this arm is the least effective in restrictinq the intrusion of contaminant plume into the embayment area. Further details with respect to the decision makinq process resultinq in the selection of the preferred option should, therefore ,be provided The impact of the deflector arm on the viability of the wetlands concept, includinq reduced circulation of local storm driven bacteria, should also be reviewed and information provided Further studies are called for to address the potential for contamination of the embayment by lake-born nutrients, heavy metals and toxic orqanics as part of a final desiqn proposal for the lakefill structure These studies are criti~al before a decision on the benefits, construction and final desiqn of a deflector arm can be made Without these further detailed studies any approvals which assume that the deflector arm will be viable are premature -- - -- -- ~ -~ c.lue. t"J..I\I'lI'lI 1'l\J ~ee3 Rt'4.~b - 2 - Several concerns and reeervations have been identified hy Htaff with respect to the numerical mode!!ing work preeented in the report. For detailed comments on our review of this aspect of the report please refer to the attachment on numerical modelling. In general terms however, there are two major criticisms The first one is that based on our concerns, a proper evaluation of the various deflector arm options would require a more comprehensive and refined modelling approach than currently presented This would include studying the impct~L of the detlector arm opt1ons on the western beaches. The second criticism is that based on the modelling done to date, the perceived benefits to water quality ot shoreline strai9htening cannot be confirmed The report calls for the smoothing out of the shoreline's numerous small embayments through localized filling. The primary benefit stated is the elimination of sediment trapping areas and improvement of overall circulation within the embayment Under existing conditions, although trapping may be a problem, the shoreline is exposed to lakewave action. If a deflector arm is contemplated, it will eliminate this. It is difficult to imagine an overall improvement in circulation because the purpose of the arm is to prevent exchanqe with the lake Shoreli.ne straightening, therefore, may alleviate potential future problems within the embayment, but will not likely have any other siqn1f1cant environmental benefit The report recommends that the contaminated sediments from the embayment be left in place rather than treated or removed This is based on the premise that sources should he substantially controll&d prior to sediment action measures It should be pointed out that the reason for wa1t1nq is that the sediments may become re-contaminated This reinforces the need for the studies cited in point number 1 of Section 3 5 in order to ensure that the creation of the embayment will not lead to higher levels of sediment contamination. By creatinq a protected embayment the eventual treatment or removal of the sediments will be required since natural flushing and exchange would be severely curtailed. The eventual solution could be expensive. As well, there is insufficient information to support the contention in the report that the deflector arm will improve water quality within the embayment. I't ShOUld be pointed out that it is the policy of this Ministry to c.CJntrol pollut4utti ClL Lhtd,L' ::iUI.l.L'("l:I In Lllil5 regard I programs such as the Ministry's Municipal Industrial Strateqy for Abatement(MISA) and projects such as ,1L/l:lo/l;1~ 13 b~ 'a0 ETOB. PLANNING ~004 R~. '67 -3- upgrading the Humber Sewage Treatment Plant should be viewed as meane of achievinq this end Therefore, with regard to the deflector arm, we note that since it would involve substantial lakefillinq and there are many unanswered questions in regard to the numerical modellinq and perceived benefits of its construction, a substantial amount of information will be required to permit this Ministry to complete a full and comprehensive evaluation Stormwater Manaq~ment The report identifies stormwater treatment through the use of a number of wetlands While this is an interesting and possibly viable concept, little has been provided in the way of content to evaluate this concept The drainage area to be serviced by such a scheme must be identified The wetland concept is being treated as an end of pipe device with the suqqeetion of massive capacity. Site controls such as infiltration devices are suggested when and where practical. We advise, that any treatment tacilit:y, even a wetland, should be seen as the final element in a water quality control plan, therefore, there is a need to require on-site controls which the report should identity. While there is 8 brief discussion of interim storm water controls to provide stormwater treatment prior to the full establishment ot the wetlands, not enouqh information has been provided in this area Questions of where the stormwater will be directed to and the impacts effectiveness of the interim controls must be addressed. It should also be recoqnized ~hat stormwater treatment using wetlands is experimental. even though it shows great potential. Information in terms of degree of treatment provided, pass through time for adequate treatment, effects of spring conditions and potential for biomobilization of contaminants should be provided Monitoring for effectiveness must be a required component of this stormwater treatment The discharge to the wetlands will have an impact on sediment associated pollutants, however, we require information on its efficiency in terms of bacteria removal One must remember, that with discharge to the embayment, any mistakes in desiqn wll1 accumulate in the bay 12/05/89 13 58 '0'0 ETOB. PLANNING ~005 A~." -4~ Until the additional studies recommended in the report are carried out, and the information requested above is provided there is not enouqh information to approve of the use of wetlands as etormwater manaqement techniques A master drainage plan will also be required prior to any approval being given to ensure that the concept proposed is feasible. Lake!ill Quality and Soil Management The sections on lakefill quality and in-situ soil management are a reasonable reflection of this Region's current position We advise that specifics with respect to lake!1ll quality and s011s management will have to be in conformance with the Ministry's impending Lake!1ll Poll~y and the 10111 mlnA~AMA~t ~~6~~Affi At the t1me of development Implementation As discu~sed at our meeting on November 6, 1989 we will await the package on implementation and provide comments Implementation is a critical component of the Master Plan and must be thorouqhly dealt with. Summary Based on our review of the deflector arm and the numerical modelling performed in the study, we advise that in oraer for this Ministry to perform a full and comprehensive analysis a qreat deal of additional information is required. In light of this, we cannot at this time support the construction of a deflector arm Comments raised at our meetinq on November 0, as to whether or not the deflector arm will be subject to an Environmental Assessment and whether the proposal can proceed separately from the deflector arm will be forwarded by our Environmental Assessment Branch. On the use of wetlands for stormwater treatment, we advise that while we require additional information, we believe this information will allow us to consider their use for this project. 12/135/89 13 59 ~a ETOS. PLANNING l4Ia06 R ~. ~~ -5- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me YO\:t!l!l truly, ~ El~\abeth Stanley Plannlnq ~~iinator Approvals & nning cc: Me K BriCke/ MIS . B. Brownlee Mr. 8 Shaw Mr D. Andrews Mr. M D'Andrea ^ & P r11~ kk PB/NIX/0260 ""'V<.J'U;;;J Iv v" -g-\:I ETOB.PLANNING laI007 ~ t-4 .~O NUMERICAL MODBLLING . The report ie very brief in its description of the model used &nd in the explanation of applicability, limitations, set~up and input requirements for the study. . There is mention of a model calibration as part of the modellinq work undertaken by the City of Toronto There were, however, two mOdel set-ups used for their model run !!!I Which model was calibrated? Was there any attempt made to calibrate or verify the modified version of the model which is being applied to a study area different than the City of Toronto's? . Both Fecal Coliform bacteria and suspended solids concentration are modelled in this study. Have these parameters been calibrated in the model? What level of confidence can be placed on the suspended solids model runs? . Combining the four outfalls in the City of Toronto with one on the eastern boundary is questionable since discharges from the outfalls on the west would impact the study area far sooner. There is no significant numerical advantage in this approach and because the pOllutoqraphs from each outfall may be appreciably different in shape and magnitude, they should have been modelled as independent point sources The report should have provided more deta1l!!!l on how the four outfalls were lumped together, (Le. were pollutographs added together? Were both flows and time concentrations varying throuqh the run-off condition?). A plot of the pollutoqraph used for this site as well as the other sources modelled should havy lJ...,n provided. . The typical wet-weather event used in this modellinq exercise is briefly described on paqe 35. There was no information on the intensity of this rainfall nor its duration The hyetoqraph for this 11 mm rainfall should also have been provided. Source data used is also briefly descr1bed however, it is not exactly clear how these sources are modelled. . The schematic of the model qr1d set-up provided in Fiqure 3.4 is poor. No attempt has been made to demonstrate how the shoreline qeometry was modelled for each configuration Model set-ups and configurations for all scenarios should be clearly presented usinq a much larqer and clearer format than that provided 4.~' U..J' v'"' ~'"'I V1:;I -U-ltI t:.IUD. t'LANNINt.. ~008 , AM. 'I J . . - 2 - . We do not aqree with several statements made on paqe 36 of the report The statement that water circulation is predicted to occur within the ernbayments is not substantiated as hYdrodynamic predictions are not presented The statement that the exchanqe of water with the open lake is also predicted to occur for each alternative is not demonstrated and the deqree of exchanqe 1s also not provided The statement, "dry weather model11nq of suspended solids was completed. . because this pt"ocess contributes to the qradual infilling of the embayment" is erroneous Is it being suqqested here that for example, areas of h1qh suspended solids concentrations are depositional Zones and that others are not? Is a high suspended coneentration with a correspondinq hiqh LOI value even a auitable measure of potential suspended sediments? Have any LOI data been collected or anlayzed? Has the model been calibrated for suspended solid concentrations? Has the model been enhanced to incorporate sediment transport, sediment resuspension and deposition? . In all the wet-weather model runs, the model is initiated with dry weather loadings at the sources Four hours later, wet-weather impacts are introduced The model requlres some spin up time to achleve essentially steady state conditions durinq dry weather conditions This detail has not been addressed. In addition, because few details are provide~ reqardinq the storm characteristics and the source pollutoqraphs, it is difficult to ascertain whether plume dynamics presented are a result of an initial pulse or due to a continued loadinq . The report indicates that three day sustained Currents were used to model east and west currents respectively. The modellinq output dur1nq wet-weather conditions however only spans 32 hours. It is unfortunate that these model runs were not extended as it 1s impossible to assess the duration of water quality impairment within th~ ~mbayment8 ot the various shorel1ne confiqurations It is difficult, therefore, to truly assess the benefits of the different options . Model output for alternatives 3 and 5 are questionable Little, if any, contaminant enters the embayment in these scenarios. An explanation for this may be that in modelling this con!i9uration only one qrid spacinq was allocated to represent the qap Numerically, this would have restricted the flow of contaminant into the embayment. Aqa1n, it is unfortunate that the model grid is poorly presented and the velocity vector profiles are not in~ludyd .-.. --.. -- .A.. VV wV CIVD. t"LI\NNI NIJ llJ 0139 A ;\1.~?- - 3 - . The statement made on page 42 advocating the use of the deflector arm to reduce the amount of sediment enterinq the embayments are unfounded it appears that they are the model results of suspended solids concentrations a~e u~ed as a basis for this statement It is unfortunate that no attempt is made to predict the true effects on sediment transport as a result of the various alt.l:Tl.ttivaa. Thw impact for example on littoral drift, deposition, resuspenaion and erosion are not addressed. . Tll!;! dl~cuYYion on ~I~. 42 t"A~Al"d1Yl.~ the J.mpact ot' relocating the Humber Bay Sewage Treatment Plant further off-shore, on the various alternatives is also not !:Substantiated Was this aetually modelled and the results just not presented? . Model outputs for dry weather conditions are questionable For example, in all east to west current scenarios the Humber Bay Sewage Treatment plume is non-existent after 32 hours. In addition, in both current direction scenarios there appears to be a reve~sal in the direction of spread of the plumes at 48 hours. The first plot provided in each series corresponds to time zero Fully developed plumes are, however, presented at this initial time. Is this a result of spin up time allowed for the model to achieve steady state conditions? . Realizing that the western beaches are not within the study area it is imperative, however, that the effectiveness of an alternative should be assessed on general water quality improvement across that stretch of waterfront It is possible that while the proposed alternative m1qht improve water quality in Etobicoke, it may further degrade water quality along the western ~eaeh.s. In summary, a proper evaluation of the various options would require a more comprehensive and ref.i.ned mouellinq approach than thaL presented. It:PRB/ATTjN22F A~ .q3 ~ FEDERATION OF 1 fi -......- ~fI Ontario Naturalists 355 Lesmill Road, Don Mills, On~rio M3B 2W8 Phone: (416) 444-8419 Fax: (416) 444-9866 Presentation by the Federation of Ontario Naturalists Re: The Seaquarium and Humber Bay East To the Chairman and Members of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority December 6, 1989 The Federation of Ontario Naturalists is a non-profit conservation organization with 77 affiliated clubs and 13,121121121 members. For more than 5121 years we have worked to ensure- protection of natural areas and wildlife 1n Ontario. Our inter-est 1n Humber Bay East is part of a general concern about the loss of natur-al shoreline along Lake Ontario which is particularly acute in the Metropolitan Toronto Region. In its ~c~~n~~~~~_Ei~n_iQ~_tb~_~c~~t~c_IQcQntQ_B~giQn, October 1988 the MTRCA made the following comments: "~~t~cf.~Qn~ There needs to be a return to the vision of 18 years ago. and a renewal of provincial interest 1n the entire regional waterfront, 1n order to ensure publ1C access to the lake and the return to good water quality." Under Recommendations " Base all planning on need for continuous open space over the entire length of shoreline". This all sounds promising, and as though we might look forward to unhampered vistas and places to saunter at any point along the lake. BLlt truth is somewhat di 'fferent, and development seems to triumph time after time along the waterfront. Recently I revisited Humber Bay East after an absence of nearly a year. I was appalled by the monstrous e:: crescence whi ch has sprouted at the base of Humber Bay Park West. Looking out over Humber Bay East, I tried to imagine the impact on this tranquil little park of a building massive enough to house the aquarium, and of the influ:: of people this would bring. Who cares if the park ceases to e>: i st as it is now"" If we are to believe the Greenspace Plan the MTRCA cares, but not enough to protect the parI<". The Crombie Commission cared enough to recommend against the use of this park as a site for the aquarium, pointing out the shortage of natural parl<"s on the entire Metro waterfront. People who have used the Park at all seasons care, but their wishes hav'~ never been consulted. Committed to protecting and increasing awareness of Ontario s natural areas and wildlife Rft1.qa+ 3 with the necessary parking would ruin the park. What folly to talk of locating the facility in the park and the parking elsewhere. There will be land on the motel strip, especially if the deflector arm is approved. Also there are areas east of the Humber where there is nothing but mowed grass. Take a park llke that, not Humber Bay. I don't know how many of you have ever been to Humber Bay East. For several years, a week seldom passed at any season of the year that I did not visit the park. I would watch for the Oldsquaw, Bufflehead and Common Mergansers to arrive from the north to spend the winter here in their Florida. Usually the first Snowy Owl of the winter would be perched on one of the light standards there. One wi nter two Short-eared Owls hunted low over the meadow area for voles, and on another, a Northern Shrike used the buckthorn to store hi s larder of voles. Other predators enjoyed the large population of meadow voles. One sunny day in late March I surprised a weasel still in winter whi te sLtnni ng on a roc k . During spring and fall migration one never knows what one may see. There have been spring days on which the bushes have been full of tiny migrants resting and feeding. And in the fall large flocks of warblers and kinglets often gather in the bushes and pines waiting for the right moment to cross the lake. The mudflats in the river and the small internal waterways are often alive with shorebirds of all shapes and si zes. It was here I heard for the first tlme the melodious whistle of the Whimbrel, a large shorebird wlth a long down-curving bill. I watched and 1 i stened as they wheeled and circled, finally landing on the pebble beach on the lake side. There are raccoons here and recently beavers moved in, much to the chagrln of the parks department. Thelr night raids on the par~: poplars were not appreciated. The point is that this little park is a kind of small miracle Out of the ashes of polluted fill , a phoeni >: has arisen. With a little real effort at clean LIp just think what our lakeshore could be. lhe final matter about the decision to site the aquarium at Humber Bay East is that it appears to have been taken without any attempt to consLll t the pLlbl i c whose land it is. The consultants for the Public Amenity scheme apparently had to take the siting of the aquarium as a given and then proceed from there. The FON would like to ask what public consultation there has been. What attempts have been made to inform park users about potential changes to the park? If the FON's experience is anything to go by, all efforts have been in the contrary Rr\A.1~ TORONTO ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB SUBMISSION TO METROPOLITAN TORONTO & REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY RE HUMBER BAY PARK EAST & ETOBICOKE MOTEL STRIP WATERFRONT PUBLIC AMENITIES SCHEME DECEMBER 8, 1989 As a member of the Toronto Ornithological Club Records Conunittee, the present coordinator of the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Census, and as a resident of the Humber Bay area, I have been asked to make a presentation to you about what has become one of our favorite Toronto birding areas --- Humber -Bay Park The Toronto Ornithological Club has a long history of birdwatching, dating back to its founding in 1934 It is one of the oldest birdwatching clubs in North America Our members have carried out Christmas Bird Censuses in Toronto since 1925, which have documented many changes in the natural history of the area As you may know these Censuses are now conducted all over North America, with data being sent to Audubon in New York for computerization, so that it wi 11 be available for scientific research Over the years we have seen much good conservation habitat changed and many wild areas vanish Although not a large club we are proud of the many famous authors, professors, photographers, and researchers that have been elected to its membership The club is dedicated to the scientific study of ornithology and have also conducted several outings for the general publiC at Humber Bay Thus we appreciate the opportunity to make some conunents A1\1'1~ about a park that many naturalists enjoy I would like to give you a brief look using slides that will give you a better idea of why we make frequent use of Humber Bay Park We have estimated that there are probably over 200 species of birds that have been observed In the Park and surrounding waters As you are aware it has become a significant habitat for large populations of over-wintering waterfowl, like Oldsquaw, scaup, mergansers, goldeneye, and Bufflehead, which migrate from breeding territories in the Arctic and western Prairies Waterfowl Viewing Days conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources have attracted hundreds of interested observers Humber Bay is also important for local breeding birds like, Gadwall, Mallards, Black Ducks, Canada Geese, Spotted Sandpipers --- to name but a few The park is now the home of 2 families of beaver Rabbits and Meadow Voles have colonized the area serving as prey for migrating Snowy Owls, Short-eared Owls and a resident pair of American Kestrels There is very little natura 1 , wi ld area along the lake as one heads towards the city until one reaches the Leslie Street Spit What exists are manicured, mowed lawns, yachts, and dense high rises Wildl i fe need a buffer zone to survive, and as birdwatchers, we are concerned that an Aquarium on the park will destroy the relative wildness that has been allowed to develop there and that so many people presently appreciate The park IS not big, and the location of the Aquarium there will affect the existing wildlife and the naturalness of the area, precisely I - . AM.'t? because it is so small The parking lot at Humber Bay East is full during the summer and used regularly during other seasons by those of us who enjoy the park as it is We would urge you to prevent any part of the land being given up for the use of an Aquarium Parking for this one acre bui Iding wi th projected annual attendance of 1 000 000 has never been adequately addressed A shuttle bus service seems a ridiculous solution to the parking problems that will ensue It would not be at all surprising if more parkland would have to become available for parking space in the future There has been no public consultation on the location of 'the Aquarium Even though the Public Amenities Scheme had much input from the public, Mr Weinstein and Mr Johnson were not allowed to examine any other alternative locations for this building which wi 11 have such deleterious effects on this natural park , that MTRCA has created The users of the park should have been allowed to express their opinion in this matter A more logical site for the Aquarium would be on the Motel Strip close to the proposed restaurants, shops, etc , and more artificial parklands It would certainly be better for businesses if it were so placed, within walking distance of these other amenities In fact the selling point for the condominiums to be built there is the VIew they wi 11 have overlooking a natural area, not a parking lot and aquarium Those of us who bird the area are in favour, in theory of the proposed wetlands But we have serIOUS questions about whether the deflector arm would improve water quality, and expect I A JI.4 .,,9 that it would only enhance the growth of algae because of inadequate circulation It has been shown that eutrophication of a body of water can increase populations of unspecialized waterfowl, but decrease the diversity of species The birds that would probably prosper from such an algal enclosure would be the generalists feeders like Canada Geese, Mallards and Ring-billed Gu 11 s Then MTRCA would be faced with more problems Humber Bay Park is one of the best birding areas in Toronto just because of the great variety of species that have been observed there I also question the Bike Trail Centre and/or Interpretive Centre as proposed on p 82 Each are valuable recommendations but are they compatible, especially in the same building? Also would not a Wildlife Interpretive Centre be better located closer to the wildlife? The birding community of Toronto has always appreciated the good-will and co-operation we have received from MTRCA especially last year when the extremely rare Rock Wren showed up on the lakefill of Col Samuel Smith Park, and access was so readily provided to the hundreds of birders from around the province who wished to see the bird and we look forward to your further co-operation in these matters regarding Humber Bay Park Respectfully submitted, Beth Jefferson, 41 Lake Shore Dr , Apt 404, Etobicoke, M8V 123 TORONTO FIELD NATURALISTS Arv1.Qq 20 COLLEGE ST , UNIT 4, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5G IK2 TELEPHONE. (416) 968-6255 Dec. 4, 1989 M.R.T.C.A. S Shoreham Dr. Downsview, Onto To: Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board Members of the Toronto Field Naturalists have serious concerns regarding the proposal to build an aquarium in Humber Bay Park East. Lakefi1ling which will be required is bad enough in itself as evidenced by the fact that MTRCA spends $ millions every year on erosion control programs trying to prevent sedimentation in the lake, but in addition 1akefill, unless it is "sterilized" is polluted which will affect the water qua1ity,of Lake Ontario. By putting the aquarium in the park, the park is being taken out of use by both the building itself and by the extensive parking lots which will be required. The parking lots will be sources of water pollution through runoff. Lakefi11ing is not permanent. The natural action of the lake is to move the fill along the 1akeshore so that armouring is required, a very expensive activity. None of the many different users of the park were consulted We are alarmed that the MTRCA which is, in theory, controlled by elected politicians is so insensitive to the conservation of our re~ion's natural resources. Yours truly, ~7~ Robin Powell President c.c. MNR IDE RECl:I'/Efl Metro Waterfront Comnittee Etobicoke Hon. David Cranbie Vb. 6 1989 M.T.A.C.A~ DEC-07-1989 11 21 FROM TO 96616898 p 102 A t'f .100 "- December 6, 1989 " TO: Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario M3N 154 FROM Verna J. Higgins Botany Conservation Group Dept. of Botany University of Toronto 25 Willcocks Street Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2 RE Siting of an Aquarium on Humber Bay East Park Unfortunately, no members from our group can attend the December 8th meeting regarding the site for the Aquarium. However, we consider that this is a very important issue and one that merits more than an agenda item at an MTRCA meeting. We are requesting that MTRCA hold a special public meeting to address the Aquarium and other proposed changes to Humber Bay Park. Public meetings have been held in Etobicoke to discuss the whole of the Motel Strip amentities plan, however, these meetings were designed for Etobicoke residents; many other Metro residents who use Humber Bay Park are still not aware of these plans. As a result, matters relating to the effects of the plans on the park itself were rarely addressed. The eastern side of Humber Bay Park is undoubtably one of MTRCAts success stories as it has turned out to be one of the best multiple use par.ks in the city. To the many Metro bird watchers. it is the park to visit at least once a weekend from about mid-September until mid-June. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine off-sesson birdwatching in Metro without Humber Bay. To many otherst it is a relatively quiet place year-round to walk along the water's edget to run the dog, to fly kites. to sail model boats, to fish, or in fall to watch the butterflies on the goldenrod. To some of my botany faculty colleagues. it is the place to take second and fourth year classes to study the associations of plants that have developed in the un groomed areas. We are unable to imagine how all of these activities can remain the same if the Aquarium is added to the Park. (We will refrain from mentioning all the other changes to the park that are being proposed as part of the Motel Strip plans, since we understand that is not the mandate of your meeting.) Why put a park that works so well in jeopardy when there are other obvious sites for the aquarium nearby? The Motel Amenity Strip itself is an ideal site which has most of the benefits of the Humber Bay East site, plus the parking could probably be incorporated nearby. Although we realise that the array of changes proposed for the whole Humber Bay area will have to come before MTRCA many times before the final plans are approved, we ask that not even conditional commitment$ for the Aquarium be approved until all plans are complete and veted by the public. I , City of Etobicol<e f:)M.IDI OFFICE OF THE CLERK RECEJVED 416/394- -8078 ETOBICOKE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE IJ.. " .. ,. December 1, 1989. M..r.R.C.A. Mr. W. A. Mclean, General Manager, Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario M3N lS4 Dear Mr. Mclean: Re: Aquarium of Metropolitan Toronto The Etobicoke Environment Committee has been monitoring with interest the proposal to enter into a long term lease of land at Humber Bay Park East to the Aquarium of Metropolitan Toronto. Members of the Committee have had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Aquarium Corporation, and are strongly in support of locating the facility on the Etobicoke waterfront. The Committee does, however, have reservations about the site in Humber Bay Park East, the only natural park in the entire western waterfront. At its meeting held on November 30, 1989, the Etobicoke Environment Committee discussed the proposal with the Chairman of Etobicoke's Aquarium Committee, Councillor Alex Faulkner, and indicated to Mr. Faulkner that every alternative should be examined before a final commitment is made with respect to Humber Bay Park East. The Committee is of the opinion that other locations in the Motel Strip have not been fully explored, and the proposed public amenity scheme for the. waterfront offers additional possibilities. The Committee has further undertaken to co-ordinate an intensive search for a suitable alternative location. In consideration of the foregoing, the Etobicoke Environment Committee would request that when this matter is before the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for consideration at its meeting on December 8, 1989, a condition be included that final approval of the site in Humber Bay Park East be granted only after an intensive and exhaustive search for another suitable site on the Etobicoke waterfront has taken place. Yours truly, ;L~ M. Sutherland Secretary, Etobicoke Environment Committee /ms CTI'""'\DI("V"\VC I""'ITV U^I I IJnn TWC 'MeeT lAAI I CT(""\DI""'f"'\VC f"'\....ITADI(""\ lAnf"'" ")V'1