HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater and Related Land Management Advisory Board Appendices 1996
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ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS UPDATE
1995
The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
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CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGNATION OF ENVIRONMENT ALL Y SIGNIFICANT AREAS WITHIN
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
JURISDICTIONAL AREA
September 1993
Criterion 1: The area represents a distinctive and unusual landform or other geological
feature within the MTRCA region, Ontario, or Canada.
Criterion 2: The area serves a water storage function andlor a groundwater
rechargeldischarge function.
Criterion 3: The area provides a linkage or corridor function between sites that are of
terrestrial or aquatic biological importance, and which depend upon the
Iinkage/corridor for their continuation.
Criterion 4: The area is essential as habitat for the continuation of a significant terrestrial
or aquatic speCies, populations, or concentrations of species, including
migratory stopover or staging areas, breeding or spawning areas, and wintering
yards.
Criterion 5: The area provides habitat for indigenous terrestrial or aquatic species that are
considered to be rare, endangered, threatened or vulnerable within the MTRCA
region, Ontario or Canada.
Criterion 6: The area contains aquatic or terrestrial habitats andlor biological communities,
which are exceptional andlor of high quality, andlor diversity, within the
MTRCA region, Ontario, or Canada.
Criterion 7: The area contains an aquatic or terrestrial ecosystem which has limited
representation in the MTRCA region, Ontario or Canada andlor is a small
remnant of a particular habitat which has virtually disappeared within the
MTRCA region.
Criterion 8: The area is of sufficient size to provide habitat or potential habitat for species
intolerant of disturbance and encroachment, and those requiring extensive
blocks of habitat.
Criterion 9: The area has been identified or classified by the Province of Ontario as a
Significant Natural Area (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest -Life and Earth
Science ANSI's) OR as a Provincially Significant Wetland (Class 1, 2 and 3).
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NEW, REVISED AND DELETED ENVIRONMENTAUY SIGNIFICANT AREAS
1995 FIELD SEASON SUMMARY TABLE
WA TERSHED CRITERIA BOUNDARY
ESA NUMBER AND NAME FULFILLED MODIFICATIONS MUNICIPALITY
HUMBER
21 Pine Valley Forest 5,6,9 extend west Vaughan
22 Carex Peckii Area #1 not applicable combine with ESA 21 Vaughan
24 Graham's Forest none delete Vaughan
35 Centreville Creek 2,5,6,7 extend west, expand core Caledon
36 Caledon East Complex 2,6,7 extend north, reduce south Caledon
37 Caledon East Forest 2, 6 extend south Caledon
38 McCarthy Area not applicable combine with ESA 36 Caledon
131 Duffy's Lane 5, 6 new ESA Caledon
132 Caledon East Swamp 2,3,5,6 new ESA Caledon
DON
133 Crother's Woods 5,6 new ESA Toronto
DUFFINS
134 Cherry Downs 2,4,5,6, new ESA Pickering
7,8
Criteria by number and title:
1 geological feature
2 hydrological function
3 corridor
4 essential habitat
5 rare species
6 quality habitat
7 remnant habitat
8 extensive habitat
9 provincially significant (ANSI or class 1-3 wetland)
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PINE V ALLEY FOREST
STATUS: Updated ESA (21)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 5, 6, 9
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Pine Valley Forest is located south of Rutherford Road, mostly west of Pine Valley Drive, in
the City of Vaughan. It is part of the Boyd Conservation Area and is the southernmost
extension of a large habitat corridor associated with the Humber Valley.
The site is characterized mainly by moist to dry soils on somewhat rolling slopes and lower
valley terraces, with mature upland forest. The upland deciduous communities are composed
of sugar maple (Acer saccharum), black maple (Acer niora), red oak (Quercus rubra), American
beech (Faous orandifolia) and white ash (Fraxinus americana). The coniferous communities
are composed of eastern hemlock (Tsuoa canadensis) and white pine (Pinus strobus). The
mature forest contains a number of small woodland pools and cattail marshes. Young forests
and forest edges include various stands of trembling aspen (Pooulus tremuloides), white birch
(Betula oaovrifera), white pine and staghorn sumac (Rhus tvohina).
The lowland is composed of balsam poplar (Pooulus balsamifera), Manitoba maple (Acer
neoundo) and white elm (Ulmus americana).
Most of the ESA is owned by the MTRCA. The adjacent manicured component of Boyd
Conservation Area receives visitors in fairly high numbers on summer weekends. Other
adjacent lands are meadows within the Conservation Area and residential development on
tableland.
BOUNDARY UPDATE
In 1995 a residential area was developed east of Pine Valley Drive, resulting in removal of the
forest adjacent to the 1982 ESA and a large portion of the Provincial Area of Natural and
Scientific Interest (ANSI). The ESA boundary has not changed appreciably east of Pine Valley
Drive, although impacts to remaining flora and fauna are likely to occur over time as a result
of the close proximity to development. The ANSI boundary will be adjusted by the OMNR to
reflect the existing forest cover (Varga 1995 pers. comm.).
The revised ESA boundary has been extended west of the Humber River to include a well
forested projection of the valley wall. This finger contains upland deciduous forest on the
south slope and upland mixed forest on the north slope, both similar to the original ESA
character east of the Humber River. Running strawberry bush (Euonvmus obovatus) is found
throughout the forest floor. The flood plain to be included is regenerating and provides habitat
for many riverine or lowland fauna, including redside dace (Clinostomus elonoatus), mink
(Mustela vison), American woodcock (Scolooax minor) and belted kingfisher (Cervle alcvon).
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CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 5
The nationally rare redside dace (Clinostomus elonoatus) inhabits the Humber River in Boyd
Conservation Area, south of Rutherford Road.
Common polypody (Polvoodium viroinianum) is considered rare in the MTRCA Region.
Criterion 6
Pine Valley Forest is of high quality in the diversity of habitats found, resulting from the rolling
topography and varying moisture and shade regimes.
A high quantity of native species of woodland flora and fauna occur there. This includes
species which are more southern, such as black maple, blue beech (Caroinus carolinus) and
running strawberry bush, and species which have a more northern affinity such as eastern
hemlock and yellow birch (Betula luteal.
The extensive hemlock forest exhibits a healthy age diversity, supporting large numbers of
saplings as well as large trees. This site also contains large specimens of sugar and black
maple, black cherry (Prunus serotina) and white ash. American beech are producing fruit on
this site, in contrast to highly urban locations in the MTRCA Region, where beech are
reproducing by root suckers only, thereby losing genetic diversity and adaptive potential.
The diversity of niches provided is reflected in the faunal species representated. At least 11
mammal, 10 amphibian and reptile, and 40 bird species inhabit the site during the breeding
season andlor over winter.
Summer and winter resident birds of the ESA include:
(* obligate forest interior species)
ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
wild turkey (Meleaoris oallooavo)
spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
screech owl (Otus asio)
pileated woodpecker (Drvocoous oileatus)
wood thrush * (Hvlocichla mustelina)
northern shrike (Lanius excubitor)
pine warbler (Dendroica oinus)
ovenbird * (Seiurus aurocaoillus)
scarlet tanager * (Piranoa olivacea)
rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Birds observed on spring and fall migration include wood duck (Aix soonsa), broad-winged
hawk (Buteo olatvoterus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccvzus americanus), whip-poor-will
(Caorimulous vociferus) and ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).
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The woodland pools are used extensively during the breeding season by spotted salamander
(Ambistoma maculatum), American toad (Bufo americanus), spring peeper (Hvla crucifer), gray
treefrog (Hvla vercicolor), western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata), northern leopard frog
(Rana oioiens), and wood frog (Rana silvatica). Red-spotted newt (Notoohthalmus viridescens)
in the red eft form are found in the deciduous woodland.
Criterion 9
The site is considered by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) as a Provincial
Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) in the Life Science category. This is based on
its relatively large upland area, and undisturbed nature and variety of semi-mature forest
types, representative of the Till Plain. This ANSI includes ESA 26 as well, to the northeast.
COMMENTS
Common polypody, running strawberry bush and pale jewelweed (Imoatiens oallida) are
. considered rare in York-Metro according to the OMNR (1989). Running strawberry bush is
also restricted to the Carolinian portions of the OMNR Southern Region. Pale jewelweed may
also be rare in the MTRCA Region but more data is needed.
The portions of the ESA within the Boyd Conservation Area are travelled by park visitors but
appear to be generally stable despite the heavy use. The recent residential development east
of Pine Valley Drive has substantially decreased the tableland forest cover associated with this
site. Some of the most sensitive and currently unvisited portions may be vulnerable to
informal use by new residents, pets and other impacts associated with residential areas.
Obligate forest interior species, wood thrush especially, are declining dramatically in their
North American range due to forest fragmentation and urbanization. In the Humber River
watershed, for example, this ESA is the southernmost breeding location for many such
species.
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CAREX PECKII AREA NO. 1
STATUS: Former ESA 22
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: Combined with ESA 21
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The site is located within the Boyd Conservation Area, south of Rutherford Road and west of
the Humber River, on a north-facing slope with mature forest.
STATUS UPDATE
The area is now encompassed by the extension of the ESA 21 boundary which includes the
upland forests on the valley wall.
Records of the presence of Carex oeckii in the MTRCA Region have shown that this plant is
more common than known in 1982.
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GRAHAM'S FOREST
STATUS: Deleted ESA (24)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: none
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Graham's Forest is located in Vaughan, west of Islington Avenue and south of Rutherford
Road, in a small ravine surrounded by residential development and a public school.
STATUS UPDATE
Although this site is locally very important, it does not fulfill high quality and rare species
criteria from a regional perspective. It is not highly diverse in the MTRCA Region in terms of
natural community types and species representation.
Though some of the woody plant species, such as black maple (Acer niorum), bitternut
hickory (Carva cordiformis), blue-beech (Carpinus caroliniana) and running-strawberry bush
(Euonvmus obovatus) are of interest because of their southern affinities, the overall species
association of this site is not of "limited representation" in the MTRCA.
Floral inventories of Southern Region of the OMNR suggest that the purplish schizachne grass
(Schizachne purpurascens) and the sedge Carex hirtifolia are common in the MTRCA Region.
Most of the valleyland and the tableland forest west of the tributary are protected in public
ownership. The degraded stream corridor immediately south of Rutherford Road has been
rehabilitated through private stewardship.
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CENTREVILLE CREEK AREA
STATUS: Updated ESA (35)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 2, 5, 6, 7
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Centreville Creek Area is in the Town of Caledon and is located between Airport Road and
Centreville Creek Road, north of Castlederg Sideroad. This site is also in the Oak Ridges
Moraine.
The eastern portion of the area is a large wetland of tussock sedge (Carex stricta) marsh and
dogwood-willow-meadowsweet (Cornus. Salix and Soirea spp.) swamp, with a variety of
woodlands on the edges. Centreville Creek meanders through the middle. Cattail (Tvoha
spp.) marshes are scattered throughout the site. In the central and western portions are
found three small lakes and a mixture of dry meadow, lowland and upland mixed and
deciduous forests, and plantations. An arm extends northwest to Airport Road in Caledon
East. It contains cattail marsh and lowland cedar (Thuia occidentalis) forest.
Some of the dominant tree species are eastern white cedar, white ash (Fraxinus americanus),
trembling aspen (Pooulus tremuloides), balsam poplar (Pooulus balsamifera), sugar maple (Acer
saccharum), eastern hemlock (TsuQa canadensis), white pine (Pinus strobus) and scotts pine
(Pinus svlvestris).
This site is extensive and virtually undisturbed, and is surrounded by farms.
BOUNDARY UPDATE
In the centre of the ESA the new boundary has been extended to take in a small kettle
wetland in a field and Widgett lake with its marshy edges. The boundary also extends to
include small wetland portions and along Centreville Creek to the northwest.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 2
The extensive wetlands and lakes indicate that this area is a high quality source and water
storage area for the Humber River.
Criterion 5
The sedge Carex utriculata is considered rare in the Southern Region of the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources.
The regionally rare red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is a probable breeder on the site,
having been observed in the same location in suitable habitat throughout the breeding season.
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Criterion 6
The Centreville Creek Area contains a sizeable wetland and a variety of vegetation types
which reflect the diversity in drainage and aspect.
Possible avian breeders include alder flycatcher (Emoidonax alnorum), veery (Catharus
fuscescens), pine warbler (Dendroica oinus) and american redstart (Setoohaaa ruticilla). Five
obligate wetland species were found on the site, the most noteworthy being northern
waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis), swamp sparrow (Melosoiza aeoraiana) and great-blue
heron (Ardea herodias). All are possible breeders although no heron rookery was found on
site.
Twelve brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were observed on a stream survey in the northwest
extension, indicating high quality water and habitat.
The large tussock sedge marsh is noteworthy, given the predominance of cattails in most
marshes in the MTRCA. Finger sedge (Carex diaitalis) is at the northern edge of its range.
Criterion 7
The Centreville Creek Area ESA encompasses the wetland portions which make up the
Centreville Creek Complex wetland as evaluated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
(OMNR). Wetlands are of limited representation in the MTRCA.
COMMENTS
The lake north of Innis Lake has now drained due to the collapse of a dam holding the water
back. Should the dam not be restored, the previously flooded section will exhibit a release
of upland meadow and forest species, serving a different ecological function and eventually
increasing the forest block.
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CALEDON EAST COMPLEX
STATUS: Updated ESA (36)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 2, 6, 7
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Caledon East Complex is located just north of Caledon East in the Town of Caledon and
lies on both sides of Airport Road. This site is also in the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The area is comprised of dry, sandy, rolling hills, and wetlands with rich, dark soils. It is a
large forest made up of lowland cedar forest, thicket swamp, pine plantation, young to mature
deciduous forests, and upland meadow. The dominant tree species include eastern white
cedar (Thuia occidentalis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white ash (Fraxinus americana),
eastern hemlock (TsuQa canadensis), trembling aspen (Pooulus tremuloides), and white birch
(Betula oaovrifera). Cattails (Tvoha spp.), spotted jewelweed (Imoatiens caoensis) and Joe
pyeweed (Euoatorium maculatum) are present thoughout the wetter portions.
The surrounding landscape is mainly agricultural except for the small town of Caledon East
to the south.
BOUNDARY UPDATE
The ESA boundary as delineated in 1982 will be extended slightly to the north to include two
mature sugar maple forests, one on each side of Airport Road, and associated thickets and
meadows. One of these forests is the former ESA 38, which is also a source area for the
Humber River and which adds to the diversity of the site. It is composed of mature sugar
maple with some American beech and the ground cover in 1995 was mainly Jack-in-the-pulpit
(Aroseama atrorubens).
To the east of Airport Road, some of the vegetation has been removed in the central and
south portions, however, the ESA boundary remains, in a large part, as originally delineated
because many of the hydrological and habitat functions have been retained.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 2
The Caledon East Complex functions as a high quality hydrologic source for the Humber River.
The site contains wetlands and areas of high soil permeability.
Criterion 6
The area contains a high diversity of biological communities including immature and mature
mixed and deciduous forest, uneven-aged cedar woodlands, thicket swamp, small meadow
marshes, upland meadow and thicket, and coniferous plantations. The woodlands and
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wetlands are rich in micro-habitats.
The site supports wood thrush (Hvlocichla mustellina) and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocaoillus), two
obligate forest interior species. These species were heard in suitable breeding habitat on June
27 and are possible breeders on the site.
Criterion 7
This ESA encompasses the Caledon East Complex wetland as evaluated by the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). Wetlands are of limited representation in the MTRCA.
COMMENTS
The regionally uncommon swamp currant (Ribes lacustre) likely still inhabits the site even
though it was not found in the 1995 survey.
Three regionally rare avian species were observed in the 1982 study:
great-blue heron (Ardea herodias)
broad-winged hawk (Buteo olatvoterus)
white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicolfisl
Though the hawk and sparrow were not observed on this site on June 27, 1995, they were
found in ESA 132 to the south. Bird populations often fluctuate from year to year and, given
the quality of shrub swamp, the sparrow will likely be found in ESA 36 in the future again.
Given the similarity and proximity of all four Caledon East ESAs, these habitats are likely being
used as one large habitat block by species with a larger home range such as the heron and
hawk. For example, they may nest and roost on one site but require two sites for an
adequate food supply.
Some impact has been observed on the site as there are a few informal trails used by hikers
and horseback riders as well as long gravel roads winding through the site west of Airport
Road. Tree cutting and clearing was also observed in certain locations.
As some population increases are projected as part of the Caledon East Secondary Plan, care
. will have taken to protect the quality of the Caledon East Complex, for example, the habitat
of the more sensitive broad-winged hawk.
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CALEDON EAST FOREST
STATUS: Updated ESA (37)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 2, 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Caledon East Forest is located northwest of Caledon East, in the Town of Caledon, west
of Fifth Line and north of Walker Road. This site is also on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The topography is rolling and includes a steep valley corridor. Eastern white cedar (Thuia
occidentalis) mixed with trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and red-osier dogwood
(Cornus stolonifera) occupies the narrow flood plain and portions of the valley walls. Mature
sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American beech (Faous orandifolia) forest and various
coniferous plantations occupy most of the upland portions. Eastern hemlock (Tsuoa
canadensis) is found on the moister slopes. Occasional dry, sandy meadows are found in the
uplands and small meadow marshes in the flood plain.
The land use within the ESA includes scattered housing, sugar bush and small informal trails.
The adjacent land use is farmland.
BOUNDARY UPDATE
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The boundary has been extended south of Fifth Side Road to include some mature hemlock
and cedar growth, a healthy flood plain cedar forest, a maple-beech forest and an extensive
pine plantation, all of which provide a diverse habitat structure and a large area of forest
cover.
In one location, the boundary ends at the drainage divide with the Credit River watershed.
There is an existing habitat link from this ESA to the Linle Credit River Lowlands wetland
complex. It is recommended that Credit Valley Conservation consider this feature in their
watershed management.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 2
The area is a high quality source area for the Humber River.
Criterion 6
The deciduous and mixed forests of this ESA are diverse due to the rolling topography and the
~aried soils and aspects. They are also undisturbed for the most part. Some cedar stands are
composed of large specimens. Hemlock is regenerating well throughout and beech is
producing fruit. The plant species representation is 80% native.
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COMMENTS
Although wood thrush (Hvlocichla mustelina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocaoillus), and the
regionally rare black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) were observed on the site
in suitable breeding habitat, sightings were made in mid-August, too late in the season to
confirm breeding. Further study should be conducted.
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McCARTHY AREA
STATUS: Updated ESA (38)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: Combined with ESA 36
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The McCarthy Area is located north of Caledon East, in the Town of Caledon, east of Airport
Road, south of Sideroad 25.
STATUS UPDATE
The site is now part of the new ESA 36 boundary. The regeneration of thicket and young
forest out into the meadows between the two ESAs has created habitat for early successional
and woodland species. For example, an eastern wood peewee, a summer resident of the
maple forest, was observed using the hedgerow and meadows as alternate feeding habitat.
The remaining meadows, corn field and hedgerow between the two ESAs promote movement
of fauna between the two woodlands as indicated by deer tracks and other trails.
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DUFFY'S LANE
STATUS: New ESA (131)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 5, 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Duffy's Lane ESA is located in the Town of Caledon, along the Humber River, west of Sixth
line (Duffy's Lane) and north of Castlederg Side Road. It is situated on the Oak Ridges
Moraine.
Lowland cedar forest characterizes the vegetation within the Humber River flood plain. The
principle species include white cedar (Thuia occidentalis), Manitoba maple (Acer neounda),
balsam poplar (Pooulus balsamifera), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiooteris) and bulblet fern
(Cvstooteris bulbifera).
Mature sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American beech (Faous orandifolia) forests are
found on the mesic soils along the slopes. Eastern hemlock (Tsuoa canadensis) dominates
certain sections. A forest of sugar maple, hemlock and mountain maple (Acer soicatum) is
found on moist soils on a terrace.
Trembling aspen (Pooulus tremuloides), white ash (Fraxinus americana), white birch (Betula
oaovrifera), hawthorn (Crataeous spp.) and dogwoods (Cornus spp.) dominate the early
successional forest. Small pockets of cattail (Tvoha spp.) and spotted jewelweed (Imoatiens
caoensis) are found throughout.
MTRCA own all of this ESA. Farmland, plantations, a railway, and two ESAs occupy the
adjacent land. The Humber Valley Heritage Trail is proposed to run along the length of this
ESA on the west side.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 5
The regionally rare white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a probable breeder on the
site. It was heard and seen on June 6 and 21 in suitable nesting habitat in the flood plain.
Criterion 6
The area contains biological communities which are of high quality and diversity. The riparian
cedar forest contains large tree specimens and a rich herbaceous cover, especially ferns, along
the meandering Humber River.
Veery (Catharus fuscescens), golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrvsootera) and mourning
warbler (Ooorornis ohiladelohia) are possible to probable breeders of the flood plain and early
successional forests on slopes. These species are showing trends of decline in population
throughout their North American range. Northern waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis), an
obligate wetland species, was observed on June 6 and 21 in suitable breeding habitat. Ruffed
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grouse has been observed in winter.
The largest block of forest is located at the south end of the corridor. The drier slopes are
predominantly sugar maple, mixing with hemlock and mountain maple in the lowland sections.
In places the hemlock is regenerating well and the rich ground cover contains mosses.
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocaoillus) and scarlet tanager (PiranQa olivacea), two obligate forest
interior species, are possible breeders in this forest.
COMMENTS
The area likely provides a corridor between ESAs 34 (Vance-Donaldson Area) and 51
(Walton's Forest), both of which are characterized largely by riparian cedar forest.
A blue-winged warbler (Vermivora oinus) was either a late migrant or a possible breeder on
the site in 1995. This regionally rare breeder was heard once, on June 6, calling from suitable
breeding habitat.
A rye grass on the site may be the regionally rare Elvmus rioarius, which has been found
upstream in ESA 51 (MTRCA 1982). Further study is needed.
The Pal grave Moraine Provincial Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest overlaps
with the western edge of the ESA.
Humber Heritage Trail hikers must agree to remain on the approved trail to protect this natural
heritage of high quality habitat and significant species.
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- E. S . A. , 1 3 1 - Duffy's Lan e
scale i n metres
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CALEDON EAST SWAMP
STATUS: New ESA (132)
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 2, 3, 5, 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Caledon East Swamp is found within the west side of Caledon East in the Town of
Caledon. It lies south of Walkers Road West and east of Fifth Line East. It is situated on the
Oak Ridges Moraine.
An old rail line which is used as a trail runs along the length of the ESA. The boundary
includes a large node of coniferous and deciduous swamp; extending east into a more linear
marsh. Most of the swamp is found north of the trail, where a number of tributaries run,
whereas the south contains more moist woodland.
The swamp is dominated by various proportions of white cedar (Thuia occidentalis), black and
green ash (Fraxinus niora, E.oennsvlvanica var. subinteoerrima), speckled alder (Alnus ruoosa)
and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Beaver have created some open water. The marsh is
dominated by cattail (Tvoha spp.) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea).
The coniferous woodland is dominated by white cedar interspersed with white ash (Fraxinus
americanus) and white birch (Betula oaovrifera). Various fern, raspberry and currant (Ribes
spp.) species are found in the herb layer. Some stands are dominated by trembling aspen
(Pooulus tremuloides) in drier sites and balsam poplar (Pooulus balsamifera) in wetter sites.
A small remnant upland forest to the north is dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and
eastern hemlock (Tsuoa canadensis) forest and includes black cherry (Prunus serotina).
The immediate area surrounding this site is residential development with some pasture in the
distance to the west. A residential subdivision was under construction to the north in 1995.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 2
The large wetland serves as a water storage area, and as a high quality source area for the
Humber River.
Criterion 3
This feature provides the only habitat through the developed portion of Caledon East and
connects ESA 35 to 37.
Criterion 5
A pair of white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) defended a nest with two nestlings
and an egg on July 11, 1995. This sparrow is common in Ontario but has become a rare
wtt.~l'lfl
breeder in the MTRCA Region largely due to the lack of habitat. It is a breeder of the northern
hardwood and boreal forest regions, generally where coniferous. swamps are found.
Broad-winged hawk (Buteo olatvoterus) is a probable breeder on the site, having been seen
and heard in the same location in suitable habitat on July 5 and 11. This regionally rare hawk
species is a shy breeder which has declined in Southern Ontario due to the loss of dense
deciduous and mixed forest habitat (Cadman et al. 1987).
Criterion 6
The area contains a high diversity of biological communities: lowland cedar forests, black ash
swamp, alder swamp, cedar swamp, beaver pond, a diffuse net of tributaries, remnant mature
maple/hemlock forest, pine plantation, aspen groves and other successional communities.
.
The wetland community is large and in places virtually impenetrable. Black ash, balsam fir,
yellow and white birch (Betula lutea, B. oaovrifera), and white spruce (Picea olauca) give the
swamp a northern character. Large numbers of tracks from a variety of mammals were found
in the flooded area indicating a high faunal function. Twenty-nine brook trout (Salvelinus
fontinalis) were observed on a stream survey.
Possible avian breeders include northern waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) and swamp
sparrow (Melosoiza aeoraiana), both obligate wetland birds, and ovenbird (Seiurus
aurocaoillus), an obligate forest interior species. The regionally rare red-breasted nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis) is a possible breeder on the site. Ruffed grouse, a ground nester and year-
round resident, was observed there in the fall.
COMMENTS
Due to the wetness of the area and to the "rail to trail", informal trails are not found within
the Caledon East Swamp core. This provides a sanctuary for shy fauna and sensitive flora.
The development will be a threat to the presence and successful reproduction of the broad-
winged hawk on the site. In light of new urban developments, the integrity of this ESA is
dependent on retaining its size and improving its linkages with ESAs 35, 36 and 37.
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CROTHER'S WOODS
STATUS: New ESA (133)
.
CRITERIA
FULFILLED: 5, 6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Crother's Woods is located in the Borough of East York north of the Don Valley Parkway
between Bayview Avenue and the Redway access road.
The ESA boundary includes the mature oak and maple forest and associated early
successional communities. The mature forest is dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
and red oak (Quercus rubra). Early sucessional stands are associated mostly with Hydro right-
of-ways and are dominated by white ash (Fraxinus americana) and staghorn sumac (Rhus
tvohinal.
Most of the property is owned by the MTRCA and managed by Metro Parks and Culture.
Several hydro easements exist on the edges of the woodland. The surrounding area includes
the North Toronto Sewage Treatment Plant, a shopping plaza and residential development.
Crother's Woods is also used by the East York Board of Education as an educational study
area.
CRITERIA UPDATE
Criterion 5
The following plant species found on the site are considered rare in the MTRCA Region:
sedge (Carex normalis)
thin-leaved sunflower (Helianthus decaoetalus)
pale-leaved sunflower (Helianthus strumosus)
All three species are also considered rare in the Southern Region of the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources. !::L. decaoetalus is geographically restricted to the Carolinian portions of
that region.
Criterion 6
A number of woody species are found in this relatively small woodland, including:
eastern hemlock (Tsuaa canadensis)
bitternut hickory (Carva cordiformis)
butternut (Jualans cinerea)
black walnut (Jualans niara)
blue beech (Caroinus carolinus)
beaked hazel (Corvlus cornuta)
ironwood (Ostrva virainiana)
American beech (Faaus arandifolia)
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whIte oak (Quercus alba)
red oak (Quercus rubra)
witch-hazel (Hamamelis virCliniana)
black cherry (Prunus serotina)
black maple (Acer niClrum)
sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
basswood (Tilia americana)
Only one Norway maple (Acer olatanoides) was found in Crother's Woods, probably because
the site is far from residential areas. Norway maple is common in many urban forests and
often invasive where it occurs. Dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum niClrum) and garlic mustard
(Alliaria oetiolata) are introduced on the site and cover some portions extensively, but not in
the interior to a large extent.
White oak is regenerating on the site, an unusual occurrance in the Toronto area (Miller pers.
comm. 1995).
COMMENTS
Sweet joe-pyeweed (Euoatorium ouroureum) may have been found on the site but further
investigation is needed. That plant is nationally and provincially rare and has not been found
in the MTRCA Region in recent history.
The following plants were found on the site and are considered rare in York-Metro by the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources:
sedge (Carex ceohaloohora)
sedge * (Carex normalis)
poke milkweed (Ascleoias exaltata)
thin-leaved sunflower (Helianthus decaoetalus)
sunflower (Helianthus strumosus)
* first sighting in York-Metro
The woods have been impacted by uses such as mountain biking and other recreational
activities. Severe gullying is found on several south east facing slopes. Impact management
is being undertaken by Metro Parks and Culture and other Crother's Woods "stakeholders".
Twenty-six bird species were observed as possible breeders on June 1 5 including (MTRCA
1995) red-tailed hawk (Buteo iamaicensis), eastern wood peewee (Contoous virens), great-
crested flycatcher (Mviarchus crinitus), gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) and chestnut-
sided warbler (Dendroica oensvlvanica).
The woodland adjacent to Crother's Woods on the east may function in conjunction with the
ESA as it contains similar species as the ESA. In addition, shagbark hickory (Carva ~) is
found on that site (Miller pers. comm. 1995).
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CHERRY DOWNS
STATUS: New ESA (1 34)
CRITERIA
FULALLED: 2,4,5,6,7,8
GENRERAL DESCRIPTION
The Cherry Downs ESA is located east of Brock Road, north of 7th Concession, in the Town
of Pickering. It is also located immediately west of ESA 104.
The natural features are associated with the Michell and Spring Creeks, and contain young to
mature eastern white cedar (Thuia occidentalis) lowland forest; young to mature sugar maple
(Acer saccharum), American beech (Faqus qrandifolial, eastern hemlock (Tsuqa canadensis)
upland forest; and young trembling aspen (Pooulus tremuloidesl, white elm (Ulmus americana),
white ash (Fraxinus americana) and white pine (Pinus strobus).
Wetlands include reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and cattail (Tvoha spp.) marsh, and
red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) swamp.
The context of this ESA at this time is primarily crop farming and a golf course.
CRITERIA FULFILLED
Criterion 2
Springs and seepage are found throughout the site on both Michell and Spring Creeks. Many
brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) redds, which are usually associated with ground water
discharge, have been observed on the site (OMNR 1995).
Despite the lack of riparian cover and the use of water for irrigation, Michell Creek has
retained its high quality cold water fishery, probably due to significant ground water inputs.
Criterion 4
The wooded portions of Michell Creek boast a diverse instream habitat, and is an important
spawning area for brook trout.
A red-shouldered hawk (Buteo Iineatus) was heard calling and a nest was found in the forest
adjacent to Spring Creek (Gartner Lee 1993; Hilditch 1994). This shy hawk requires forest
interior habitat for nesting, and uses adjacent wetland and riparian areas for feeding.
Criterion 5
The area supports three plants which are considered rare in the MTRCA Region:
sedge (Carex schweinitzii)
fringed gentian (Gentiana crinita)
northern manna grass (Glvceria borealis)
V'4 L. ~ ""1 -,.
The sedge Carex pallescens and fringed gentian are considered rare in the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources Southern Region (OMNR 1989).
The red-shouldered hawk has found suitable nesting habitat in the dense maplelbeech forest
in proximity to a good food source in the flood plain reed grass wetland along Spring Creek.
This hawk is rare in Ontario and in the MTRCA Region due to habitat loss and disturbance.
Criterion 6
Thirty-five natural community types were identified, supporting 345 plant, 59 bird and 14
mammal, amphibian and reptile species (Gartner Lee 1993).
Richweed (Collinsonia canadensis) is at the northern edge of its range, the Carolinian zone.
Five American woodcock (Scolooax minor) displayed from tableland meadows in 1995. The
site provides nesting habitat for ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), a ground nester, and three
obligate forest interior bird species (Gartner Lee 1993), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus),
wood thrush (Hvlocichla mustelina) and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocaoillus).
The large wetland provides breeding habitat for a large population of spring peeper (Hvla
crucifer) and wood frog (Ran a svlvatica). The wetland is in proximity to upland forest where
the frogs spend most of their life cycle, the entire summer, fall and winter.
Criterion 7
The South of Claremont Wetland, a complex evaluated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources is found on a tributary of Mitchell and on Spring Creek. Over 80% of wetlands in
southern Ontario have been degraded or destroyed. Wetlands are considered under-
represented in the MTRCA Region.
Criterion 8
The woodland associated with Spring Creek provides nesting habitat for red-shouldered hawk,
a sensitive species which requires reasonably remote, interior upland forest.
COMMENTS
It is suspected that there is a strong relationship between this ESA and ESAs 104 on Duffins
Creek. When ESA 104 is updated, this relationship should be evaluated and perhaps the two
ESAs combined.
The existing golf course has submitted a proposal for an expansion. The concept which
protects the ESA has been conceptually approved. The future of this application is unclear
at the time, pending approval of an accompanying residential development.
Any future development should take into account the impact of adjacent land use on the
natural features and ideally should result in an increase in the size of habitat blocks.
W~~'SI~
The following eight plant species found on the site are considered rare in Durham Region
(Gartner Lee 1993):
sedge Carex oallescens
sedge Carex schweinitzii
golden saxifrage Chrvsosohlenium americanum
richweed Collinsonia canadensis
fringed gentian Gentiana crinita
northern manna grass Glvceria borealis
pale jewelweed Imoatiens oallida
pinesap Monotrooa hvoooithvs
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LEGACY:
ASTRA TEGY FOR
A HEAL THY HUMBER
THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
FINAL TEXT
NOVEMBER 20, 1996
-
Working Together for Tomorro'ws Greenspace'
.
W~ 3~/q6
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
Humber Watershed Task Force Members ii
Preface: The Humber Watershed Task Force iv
Acknowledgements v
Report Summary vi
Chapter 1 The Legacy of the Humber Watershed 1
Chapter 2 Past: The History of the Humber 5
Chapter 3 Present: The Humber Watershed Today 12
Chapter 4 Future: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber Watershed 26
Chapter 5 Opportunities for Action 44
Chapter 6 Getting Started 52
Appendix A Resources for the Humber Watershed 56
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 i
W(<37/Qeo
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEMBERS
Michael Izzard. Chair
Debra Kosemetzky, Vice Chair
Watershed Residents City of Vaughan
Heather Broadbent, Town of Caledon Councillor Tony Carella
David Burnett, Township of King Councillor Bernie DiVona
Fiona Cowles, Township of King
Debra Kosemetzky, City of Etobicoke Regional Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto
lain Craig, City of Vaughan Councillor Lois Griffin
Kristin Geater, City of North York Councillor Dick O'Brien
John McFall, Town of Caledon
Marjorie Mossman, City of Etobicoke Regional Municipality of Peel
Mel Plewes, Town of Caledon Mayor Carol Seglins
Ray Stukas, City of North York
Christine Tu, City of Toronto Regional Municipality of York
Dan Weaver, Town of Caledon Councillor Michael Di Biase
William Wilson, Town of Caledon Mayor Margaret Black
Town of Caledon
Councillor Richard Whitehead
Regional and Municipal Representatives Mayor Carol Seglins
City of Brampton Town of Richmond Hill
Councillor Lorna Bissell Councillor Vito Spatafora
John Nemeth
City of Etobicoke
Councillor Alex Marchetti Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
Councillor Glenn Mason
City of Mississauga Deputy Mayor Terry O'Brien
Councillor Frank McKechnie
Stephen Roberts Township of King
Councillor Margaret Britnell
City of Toronto
Councillor David Hutcheon Township of Mono
Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczsynski Councillor Ron Coles
City of North York
Councillor Gina Severino
Councillor Peter LiPreti
City of York
Councillor Bill Saundercook
Councillor Randy Leach
ii Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
WK:.3?/Cf&;
Interest Group and Agency
Representatives
Action to Restore a Clean Humber (ARCH) Remedial Action Plan Public Advisory
Luciano Martin Committee
David Kirkpatrick Bill Munson
Sheila Lambrinos
Black Creek Project
Michael Izzard Save The Oak Ridges Moraine
Debbe Crandall
Environment Canada Dorothy Izzard
Simon Llewellyn
Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Humber Heritage Committee Ken Coffey
Mary Louise Ashbourne James Early
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Urban Development Institute
John Ryerson Maurice Stevens
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Karen Partanen Tony Wagner
Tija Luste
Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and
Recreation
Peter Carruthers
Michael Johnson
Ministry of Environment and Energy
Brian Nixon
Ministry of Natural Resources
Tracy Smith
MTRCA
Chair Dick O'Brien
Niagara Escarpment Commission
Ian Sinclair
Lynn Gibson
Metro Toronto Remedial Action Plan
Ed Sado
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 iii
w~ 3~/qv
PREFACE: THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
On October 15, 1994, on the fortieth anniversary of Hurricane Hazel, the Metropolitan Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) launched the development of the Humber Watershed
Strategy, to be undertaken by a Task Force composed of stakeholders from across the watershed.
MTRCA invited members of the public to come forward as candidates for the Task Force, and over
60 individuals responded to newspaper advertisements. Applications were received and interviews
were held, and eventually fifteen watershed residents were appointed to the Humber Watershed
Task Force. The Task Force also included elected officials from twelve local and three regional
municipalities, representatives from five agencies and eleven interest groups, and the Chair of
MTRCA.
The Humber Watershed Task Force held its first meeting in February 1995. Its mandate was "to
develop a Humber Watershed Strategy to achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed for the Humber
River using an ecosystem-based approach". In carrying out its mandate, the Task Force identified
the environmental, social and economic issues facing the Humber as well as opportunities for
regeneration, and developed recommendations on how to achieve a healthy Humber watershed.
The Task Force toured the watershed to get an appreciation of issues, opportunities and its
complexities. Five working subcommittees were struck to help develop the watershed strategy:
these dealt with Vision and Principles, Natural Heritage, Culture and Heritage, Community
Involvement and Public Use, and Economics. The subcommittees met for over a year to develop
comprehensive background reports and strategy recommendations. These have been woven
together to form Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber and its companion volume, A Call to
Action: Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy.
The development of a vision for the Humber was central to the Task Force's work. The vision of a
vital and healthy Humber ecosystem allowed members to see beyond the probable and imagine a
future that could be dramatically different. The process of developing the vision - the forging of
commitment and consensus - was a vitally important step on the road to crafting a watershed
strategy for the Humber. The Task Force's vision is expressed as The Humber Challenge.
A key part of the Task Force's work was consultation and constituency-building with municipalities,
agencies, organized groups, institutions, businesses and members of the public. In order to increase
awareness of the Humber Watershed and the Task Force's work, the Task Force developed a
newsletter - The Humber Advocate - and routinely mailed it to almost 2000 groups and
individuals. A series of public consultation meetings was held to help develop the Humber vision, to
identify key issues, and to nominate Community Action Sites - areas where regeneration of the
Humber can take place. A key outcome of these consultations is the building of relationships and
the forming of partnerships to assure a healthy Humber Watershed.
Throughout its existence, the Humber Watershed Task Force was involved in hands-on regeneration
projects across the watershed. To lay the groundwork for the implementation of the Humber
Watershed Strategy, residents of the watershed nominated seventeen Community Action Sites as
sites of future regeneration projects. The Task Force selected three of these - the Caledon East
Wetland, Lake Wilcox and Sun Row Park - as sites where action can take place immediately.
iv Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
wR.yo/Cf&
The Humber Watershed Task Force held its final meeting on November 12, 1996, twenty-one
months after it began its task. On November 29, 1996, MTRCA formally endorsed the
recommendations in LegBcy. This has opened the door to implementation: the establishment of the
Humper Watershed Alliance, the nomination of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River, the
regeneration of Community Action Sites, completion of a Fisheries Management Plan, and a
hundred other initiatives. Although it is the continuation of a lifetime's work for some, for most of
us, it is the beginning of a new era in the history of the Humber Watershed.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Humber Watershed Task Force wishes to thank the Metropolitan Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority for its support, for its dedicated and committed staff and for its financial
resources.
We are grateful to the following consultants and institutions for their expertise, creativity and
hard work: Aquafor Beech, the Centre for Landscape Research at the University of Toronto,
LURA Group, McConnell Weaver, Marshall Macklin Monaghan, Ogilvie, Ogilvie and Company,
and Trinity Theatre.
We wish to thank Susan Mallarky for her hard work and dedicated contribution as a Volunteer
Member and Honorary Chair of the Vision and Principles Subcommittee.
We acknowledge with thanks the work of hundreds of individuals who contributed to the
development of the Humber Watershed Strategy. In particular, we thank all those who provided
their time and expertise on sub-committees, participated in public meetings, made presentations
to the Task Force, and who reviewed drafts of this report. Thanks to the community groups who
shared their knowledge, inspiration and expertise with us, to the staff of agencies who provided
information and support, and to all the municipal councils in the watershed who supported the
project from its inception.
We dedicate Legacy to those individuals, groups and communities who are now working to
protect and restore the health of the Humber Watershed.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 v
V1 (( 4 , ('1 {p
REPORT SUMMARY
The Humber Watershed Task Force was formed in 1995 and given a mandate to develop a
Watershed Strategy to achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed for the Humber River. Legacy is
the end-product of twenty-one months of work by the 45 member Task Force. It contains thirty
Objectives for a sustainable, healthy watershed, and dozens of recommended Actions.
Those of us who live in the Humber Watershed share in its wonderful natural inheritance: its
abundant water, sparkling trout streams, remnant Carolinian forests, productive wetlands, verdant
meadows, vibrant animal life and unique landforms. We also share in a rich historical legacy - both
pre and post-European. We are part of the country's "economic engine" and are blessed with an
economic endowment that includes plentiful water, fertile agricultural land, exceptional recreational
opportunities, and valuable natural areas, woodlands and mineral deposits.
Yet we cannot take these gifts for granted. Our past actions have left us with a host of
environmental problems: erosion, alterations in water flows, depleted plant and wildlife populations,
contaminated ground and surface waters, loss of biodiversity and contaminated soils. We have
started to address these problems and need to continue to do so. As importantly, we need to
ensure that we do not recreate the mistakes we have made in the past. As development takes
place and the watershed's population increases by fifty percent, we need to protect the aspects of
our natural environment that remain healthy. By protecting what is healthy and regenerating what is
degraded, we can ensure that future generations will enjoy the Humber legacy, as we have.
The Humber Watershed Task Force invites you to join with us in working towards a healthy Humber
Watershed.
THE HUMBER CHALLENGE
Our challenge is to protect and enhance the Humber Watershed as a vital and
healthy ecosystem where we live, work and play in harmony with the natural
environment.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
To achieve a healthy watershed, we should:
. Increase awareness of the watershed's resources;
. Protect the Humber Watershed as a continuing source of clean water;
. Celebrate, regenerate and preserve our natural, historical and cultural
heritage;
. Increase community stewardship and take individual responsibility for the
health of the Humber;
. Establish linkages and promote partnerships among communities;
. Build a strong watershed economy based on ecological health; and
. Promote the watershed as a destination of choice for recreation and tourism.
vi Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
W(( 4d/9fa
THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY
Environment
Objective 1: Protect the form and function of landforms such as the Niagara Escarpment, Oak
Ridges Moraine and the South Slope.
Objective 2: Protect the form and function of the Humber River and its tributaries.
Objective 3: Use ground and surface water at sustainable rates.
Objective 4: Protect groundwater sources.
Objective 5: Manage stormwater to protect people and the health of streams and rivers.
Objective 6: Prevent groundwater contamination.
Objective 7: Reduce the amount of sediment that enters surface waters.
Objective 8: Reduce the amount of nutrients and bacteria that enter ground and surface waters.
Objective 9: Reduce the amount of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, oil, grease, metals, road salt
and other contaminants that enter ground and surface waters.
Objective 10: Protect ground and surface waters from spills and illegal discharges of hazardous
materials.
Objective 11: Reduce air pollution in the Humber watershed.
Objective 12: Protect and regenerate aquatic habitats.
Objective 13: Protect and regenerate terrestrial habitats.
Society
Objective 14: Identify and document cultural and heritage resources.
Objective 15: Protect and conserve heritage resources.
Objective 16: Celebrate the diverse culture and heritage resources of the Humber watershed.
Objective 17: Identify and promote the economic value of cultural and heritage resources.
Objective 18: Create an accessible and connected greenspace system.
Objective 19: Develop a system of inter-regional trails through the greenspace system.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 vii
w~ Lf3/Qt.o
Objective 20: Identify and develop local and regional-scale recreation, education and tourism
destinations within the greenspace system.
Economy
Objective 21: Balance economic development with protection of the environment and society.
Objective 22: Incorporate greenspace in all urban and rural developments.
Objective 23: Protect the integrity of and the economic viability of agricultural areas.
Objective 24.' Conserve the natural resources of the Humber watershed.
Getting It Done
Objective 25: Create a Humber Watershed Alliance to facilitate implementation of the Humber
Watershed Strategy.
Objective 26: Cultivate partnerships between individuals, community groups, businesses and
public agencies in order to implement the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Objective 27: Market the Humber Watershed as a destination of choice for healthy living, working
and playing.
Objective 28: Develop educational programs that focus on the Humber Watershed.
Objective 29: Fund the implementation of the Humber Watershed Strategy through existing and
new sources.
Objective 30: Develop the Humber Report Card to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
viii Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
[,J1?l/ 4/ q (P
CHAPTER ONE
THE LEGACY OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED
The Humber River Watershed is a legacy, a priceless endowment to the people of the Greater
Toronto Area. The river starts 100 kilometres from Lake Ontario in the ancient rock of the
Niagara Escarpment and the hilly Oak Ridges Moraine (see Map 1). Here, rainwater percolates
through the Escarpment's fractured dolomite and the Moraine's sand .and gravel soils and collects
in wetlands and tiny streams to start a southward journey. Hundreds of small creeks and streams
intertwine and join to form larger tributaries that in turn become the river that empties into Lake
Ontario.
The bounty of the Humber Watershed is multi-faceted: it is geological, natural, recreational,
historical, and economic. Our geological legacy is inherited from the Wisconsin glaciers of the
last ice age. These sculpted the landforms through which the river runs - the plains, valleys, and
the Humber Marsh - and as they retreated, deposited the sand and gravel of the Oak Ridges
Moraine and the fertile soil~ that carpet the watershed. The rich natural inheritance of the
watershed includes the river system itself, remnant Carolinian forests, wetlands and marshes, rare
kettle lakes, abundant groundwater, grasslands and meadows, and varied wildlife. Our system of
linked greenspace gives us exceptional recreational opportunities. Throughout the watershed we
find links to the past: hundreds of sites that contain archaeological remains from the early peoples
who settled in the area, and many hundreds of heritage houses, farms, mills and other buildings
that were built within the last 200 years. The economic legacy of the Humber Watershed
integrates all these things: our inheritance includes the presence of plentiful water, valuable
natural areas, woodlands and mineral deposits, bountiful recreational lands, unique landforms, a
beautiful river system to settle near and walk along, and a rich historical fabric to anchor our
communities.
As with many endowments, the legacy of the Humber Watershed is priceless - that is, we
cannot simply buy a new one should we damage this one beyond repair. As recipients of this
priceless gift, we have a responsibility to care for the watershed, to understand, appreciate and
celebrate it, and to pass it on to our children so that they can also benefit from it. That is why we
need a Humber Watershed Strategy.
This book is about the legacy of the Humber, about how we have treated it in the past, and most
importantly, about how we can pass it on to future generations - protected, restored and healthy.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 1
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Why should you care about the Humber Watershed?
If you live in Kleinburg or Nobleton, Wildfield or Palgrave, Woodbridge or King City, Caledon
East or Mono Mills, Oak Ridges or Bolton you live in the Humber Watershed, though you might
not know it. So too if you live in parts of Etobicoke, Toronto, York or North York. (See Map
2). Here are some reasons why you should care about the watershed in which you live.
You probably wouldn't be living here now, if it weren't for the Humber.
As a tree provides shelter and food for birds, mammals and insects, the many-branched Humber
has provided for and sustained people for 12,000 years. Settlement in the watershed started after
the last ice age ended and its glaciers retreated. The earliest residents took fish from the river and
drew its water for drinking. Through its river valleys, people transported goods and merchandise
from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron. Along its banks, people grew crops, hunted game and trapped
furs. When Europeans came, they too settled by the river, using its water for drinking, to irrigate
crops, feed livestock, and power the mills that allowed them to saw logs and grind grain. For
twelve millennia, people have chosen to live in this area because of the Humber. Indeed, many
people still do.
Many diverse communities are connected by the Humber River system.
The Humber River system is a strong unifying
element in a time that is characterized by social
fragmentation, separation and alienation. Residents
in the Humber Watershed are linked by the river Suggestion: Photo of rural landscape
system, whether they live in the countryside, in
suburban areas, or in densely built towns and
cities. Downstream communities are directly
affected by the actions of those living upstream.
Residents of the watershed share a dependency on
the river, an appreciation of its beauty, and access
to its recreational amenities. Communities are
physically connected by the river's valleys, linked
green spaces, and trails.
The Humber River plays a unique ecological
role.
The Humber River and its 750 tributaries together make up a dynamic system in which change
occurs in many different time scales: over decades as the river carves new paths for itself, over
annual cycles as the seasons change, and daily during events such as storms. During severe
storms, the resiliency of the river system allows it to absorb and carry away stormwater from
upland areas; during dry years it can cope with summer droughts. In its marshes, swamps and
bogs, aquatic plants act as nature's sponges, retaining stormwater and removing silt, nutrients and
2 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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other contaminants from the water. In its delicate feeder streams, and in hundreds of ponds.
kettle lakes, wetlands and marshes that dot the watershed, the Humber supports complex aquatic
systems that sustain populations of invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, aquatic birds and
mammals. Foxes, coyotes, deer and other mammals migrate along its banks, and through the
natural areas that remain in the Humber's valleys and upland areas.
The Humber River Watershed is used by more than half a million people every day.
About half a million people call the Humber Watershed home and many more use the watershed
for business, recreation or travel. More than half of the watershed is rural in character: residents
here use river water for livestock and irrigation and most use groundwater for drinking.
Residents across the Greater Toronto Area use the watershed's aggregate, agricultural and
recreational resources. Thousands of commuters come here every day to work, and people come
great distances to experience the its cultural attractions, sports facilities and educational
institutions. In the pristine coldwater streams near the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges
Moraine, anglers fish for glistening brown and brook trout; in the lower river and the fertile
marshes at the mouth of the Humber, urban fishermen cast for chinook salmon, rainbow trout,
pike and bass. Dotted like emeralds throughout the watershed are many remnant natural areas and
parks that attract resident and non-resident hikers, birdwatchers, picnickers and nature lovers.
Many sections of the Humber River are linked by trails that are used extensively by walkers, in-
line skaters and cyclists.
It is in your interest to help preserve a
healthy Humber.
Suggestion: Recreation photo In recent decades we have grown much wiser
about the environment around us. Once we
cut trees and dug gravel pits and spewed
effluent from factories with little
understanding of the damage that we were
doing to air, water, soil, wildlife, or people.
We now know that ecological health is very
much tied to human health. To be healthy we
need to drink clean water, eat healthy food,
and breathe clean air. This is only possible in
a healthy natural environment. W e ~ know
that, over the long term, the health of our
economy is dependent on the health of our
natural environment. Sustainable economic
development requires sustainable use of
resources including soil, minerals, forests,
water and air. A healthy Humber Watershed will help ensure healthy populations and a healthy
economy into the future.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 3
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The actions we take today w/71 ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy
the benefits of a heahhy Humber Watershed.
In the past, residents used the resources of the Humber Watershed recklessly and in ways that
were not sustainable over the long term. This led to a host of environmental problems including
alterations in water flows, erosion, flooding, depleted plant and wildlife populations,
contaminated surface and groundwaters, loss of biodiversity, and contaminated soils. While we
have made significant progress in dealing with these environmental problems, we still need to
address them. Many aspects of the watershed, however, are mn healthy: its northern streams, the
remaining forested areas, some of its river valleys, its heritage treasures, and its vibrant wildlife
habitats. We need to ensure that these remain healthy as development occurs and the watershed's
population increases. By ptotecting what is healthy and regenerating what is degraded, we can
ensure that our children will enjoy the Humber legacy, as we have.
The Humber Watershed Strategy maps out the way to a liveable, sustainable and prosperous
future. The Humber Watershed Task Force invites you to join with us in working towards a
healthy Humber Watershed.
About this report
Chapter Two of Legacy, "Past: The History of the Humber", tells how and when people settled
in the area, how they lived and how their actions affected the watershed. Chapter Three,
"Present: The Humber Watershed Today" describes the watershed today with respect to the
natural environment, society and the economy. Chapter Four presents the "Future: A Strategy for
a Healthy Humber" - the Task Force's blueprint for achieving a healthy Humber Watershed.
Chapter Five, "Opportunities for Action" takes a closer look at the subwatersheds that make up
the Humber, and introduces the idea of Community Action Sites - sites in which regeneration
projects can be carried out. Chapter Six, "Getting Started" provides information on some of the
ways people can get involved to help preserve the Humber legacy.
As a companion volume to Legacy, MTRCA staff have prepared A Call to Action.' Implementing
the Humber WaJershed StraJegy. This provides a more detailed examination of conditions and
issues in the five subwatersheds of the Humber. Information on this report and other resources is
given in Appendix A: Resources for the Humber Watershed.
4 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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CHAPTER TWO
PAST: THE HISTORY OF THE HUMBER
The Legacy of the Glaciers
Most of the surface features of the Humber Watershed are relatively young in geological terms.
Some 70,000 years ago, the glaciers of the Wisconsin ice age moved south, scouring valleys and
scraping bedrock as they moved, and buried the Great Lakes region under a two kilo metre thick
sheet of ice. About 13,000 BC, with the climate warming, the glaciers began their slow retreat
north. In their wake, they released vast amounts of meltwater which formed lakes and other
water bodies, and deposited sand, gravel and boulders in the form of kames, drumlins and
moraines. Released from its burden of ice, the earth's crust began to rebound and the Great
Lakes slowly began to shrink and assume their present configuration. By about 10,000 BC~ the
geological landscape of the Humber watershed was as it would be when French explorer, Etienne
BrOle first sighted it in 1615. The northern limits of the watershed were framed by the Niagara
Escarpment and the hilly, gravelly Oak Ridges Moraine. Streams drained from hundreds of kettle
lakes, ponds and wetlands and joined to become the river which flowed through glacier-carved
valleys to its mouth at Lake Ontario. The Humber River and its tributaries were filled with fish
_ trout, Atlantic salmon and sturgeon - and the rivermouth marsh supported fish, aquatic birds,
amphibians and mammals. South of the Moraine, fertile soils blanketed the South Slope and Peel
Plain. Forests of pine and spruce, and mean annual temperatures that hovered below freezing set
the scene for the arrival of the area's first human occupants.
The Native Peoples
As revealed by extensive archaeological evidence, native settlement in the Humber Watershed
came in three waves. The earliest settlers were the Palaeo-Indians who lived in the area from
10,000 to 7,000 BC. In what was originally a tundra-like landscape, these people survived largely
by hunting large game - predomil1antly caribou - with spears. Several of the known Palaeo-
Indian sites in the Humber Watershed are associated with kettle lakes.
As the climate of Southern Ontario continued to warm, changes in vegetation and wildlife took
place, and native populations adapted to these changes. The bands of the Archaic period (7,000
to 1,000 BC), adopted seasonal migration patterns to take advantage of available resources. In
spring and summer, the bands occupied river mouths where they could gather plants and catch
fish; in the fall and winter, they would live in more sheltered upland areas in order to hunt game.
Wetlands were the preferred sites for spring and summer habitation, and many late Archaic
(2,500 to 1,000 Be) sites were located near the Humber marshes and Grenadier Pond. Here, the
bands had access to turtles, amphibians, fur-bearing mammals such as mink, muskrat and beaver,
shorebirds and other waterfowl, resident warmwater fish such as pike, bass and bullhead, and
migratory spawning fish including trout and Atlantic salmon. The woods around the marshes
contained trees for firewood and construction. The archaeological evidence demonstrates that the
Archaic period was a time of great change and innovation. The bands in the Humber Watershed
developed fishing gear (net sinkers, hooks and leister tines), serrated spear points and other
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 5
w~ L.(CJ;q(p
technologies that allowed them to make
maximum use of the resources around them.
The third wave of native settlement was the Suggestion: Image of archaic
Woodland period that began in 1,000 BC. In Indians fishing at a dam across the
the Initial Woodland period which lasted until Humber (Atlas, plate 8)
AD 600, band size and food gathering
activities were similar to those in the Archaic
period. Two developments, however - pot
making which allowed food to be stored for
long periods, and the introduction of the bow
and arrow which revolutionized hunting -
caused dramatic changes. Populations grew,
and bands built bigger, more permanent
structUres. Camps and villages were occupied
for longer periods of time. Often, two or
more band groups would cooperatively reside
in favourable locations, such as Lakes Gibson, St. George and Wilcox, where resources were
especially bountiful.
In the Late Woodland period, corn was introduced into southern Ontario and the growing of
crops (corn, bean and squash) became a dominant activity. This led to further population growth
and the establishment of large villages (four to seven acres in size) that were occupied for periods
as long as thiny years. The era was also characterized by movement of native groups both into
and out of the watershed. In the thirteenth century, some local Iroquoian speaking people moved
to western New York where they lived beside Seneca populations on the Genesee River. After a
falling out with the Seneca, these people moved back to the Humber valley about AD 1500,
forcing local Iroquoian groups (the Huron and Petun) to move north along the Toronto Carrying
Place Trail, the long portage that linked Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe, (see Map 3). By 1649,
the Neutral, Huron and Petun groups, once totalling 40,000, had been virtually annihilated by the
New York State Iroquois.
The Coming of the French
Etienne Bn1I~ was the first European to complete the overland portage known as the Toronto
Carrying Place Trail, and the first to set his eyes on Humber Bay. Bn1I~ passed through in 1615,
on a mission from Samuel de Champlain to build alliances with the native peoples south of Lake
Erie against the Iroquois of New York State. The Toronto Carrying Place Trail was a convenient
short cut to Lake Huron for traders, explorers and missionaries: the alternative was a long slog
by boat and foot along the north shore of Lake Ontario, around Niagara Falls, along Lake Erie
and up the St. Clair River. However, use of the Trail by the French was rare and perilous during
the Iroquois-Huron wars that dominated the period from 1620 to 1650. By the 1660s, the Seneca
were in command of the area north and south of Lake Ontario. Trading for beaver pelts had
6 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
/NR. 5 o/q (p
become an important activity, and in order to take advantage of the fur trade, the Seneca built
fortified villages in the Toronto area - Ganatsekweyagan on the Rouge and Teiaiagon on the
Humber (near Baby Point). French, English and Dutch traders travelled by boat to Teiaiagon to
trade for the valuable pelts. In the 1690s, for reasons that are not well understood, the Senecas
abandoned their Toronto-area forts, moved south, and were superseded by the Mississaugas from
the north.
By 1720, the Toronto Carrying Place Trail
was becoming an increasingly important trade
Suggestion: Fort Rouill~ route and the French built a government store
(Magasin Royal) at the mouth of the river, the
frrst in a series of structures to facilitate trade
with the Mississaugas. In 1750, the French
erected Fort Toronto, a small stockade fort on
the east bank of the Humber. Here, trading
was so successful that in the following year,
the government of new France built Fort
Rouille at the east end of Humber Bay. Some
300 acres of woodland were cleared around
the Fort, a road was built to connect it with
the Trail, and improvements were made for
boat landings. Fort Rouill~ was a victim of
the struggle to gain control over the riches of
the New World: it was burned in the fall of
1759 by its commander as the French
retreated from the advancing British forces.
The Beginnings of Settlement
For thirty years after the departure of the French, activity in the Toronto area continued to be
centred on the trading that was made possible by the presence of the Toronto Carrying Place
Trail. By the late 1770s, United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution were pressing
the British government for land. At the time, the government could not honour their requests
because the land in the Toronto area was not owned by the Crown. By 1787, however,
representatives of the British government signed a treaty with the Mississaugas - the Toronto
Purchase - which secured the land in the Humber watershed and in what is now the Region of
York. The Mississaugas argued, however, that the treaty was flawed, and surrender of the land
by the band did not take place until 1805.
Although 34 years of British control had passed when Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe
arrived in 1793 to found the Town of York as the capital of the newly-created Upper Canada,
upon arrival he found only two men living along the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, both fur
traders. In the fall of 1793, Governor Simcoe used the Trail on an expedition to Lake Huron,
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struggling through the Holland Marsh. On the way back, the party travelled on a route east of the
well-used Trail, ran out of provisions, got lost at one point, and ended up at the mouth of the
Don River. It was this trip that spurred Simcoe to order that a road be built - Yonge Street -
which would directly link York with Lake Simcoe. The construction of this road, fmished 200
years ago, spelled the end of the Toronto Carrying Place Trail as a route for commerce,
exploration and travel.
Until 1806, settlement in the Humber
Watershed could only be described as
Suggestion: Mill village scattered. Simcoe had laid out the Town of
York close to the mouth of the Don River,
and the Humber was home only to a few
hardy farmers and millers. Development was
slowed by the ownership patterns in the
watershed: large tracts were set aside as
Crown land, Clergy Reserves and timber
reserves for the King's Mill, and hundreds of
acres in the south were held by Loyalist land
speculators. Settlement rates increased after
the completion of Yonge Street which opened
up Vaughan to "Pennsylvania Dutch" and
others. Immigration from Scotland, Ireland
and elsewhere in Europe increased after the War of 1812. Settlement began in the Townships of
Chincagousy, Toronto Gore, Albion and Caledon after the British Government purchased the
Mississauga Tract in 1818. By 1837, however, a visiting Scotsman, David Wilkins could still
write that the area offered "little comfort and no luxury". Settlement was spotty and amenities
were few. Communication and travel was difficult; the few roads that existed were corduroy,
plank, or dirt.
By 1830, villages were starting to spring into existence. They were slow in coming to the
watershed, and were generally of two types: "crossroads" villages or "mill" villages. Crossroads
villages such as Nobleton, Tullamore, Caledon East and Sandhill sprang up along major roads
and typically contained an inn, a smithy, a saddlery and a post office. Mill villages grew along
the banks of the river where mills were built. To early settlers, water-powered mills were vital
for sawing timber, grinding grain and weaving wool: proximity to a mill allowed farmers to
move beyond subsistence farming. Over time, almost a hundred mills were built on the Humber.
Each of these - Cooper's Mills in Lambton, Farr's Mills in Weston, Mono Mills, Bolton Mills,
and others - were centres of economic activity, eventually surrounded by general stores,
churches, blacksmiths, coopers, schoolhouses, distilleries and other amenities.
The rise of mill villages such as Pine Grove, Stanley's Mills, Thistletown, Woodbridge and
Kleinburg produced pressures on local government to build roads, and the traffic generated on
these roads created a demand for services such as harness shops, wheel and wagonwrights. As
villages grew, there was an increased demand for food and other raw materials that in turn
8 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
/Nrf.. sa/CJ {,
hastened the development of intensive agriculmre in the area. With improved roads and a hungry
city to the southeast, many farmers in the Humber watershed geared themselves to producing
food for the Toronto market. In a slow, steady way, the rural areas of the watershed boomed in
the middle of the nineteenth century.
By the 1870s, however, the population of the townships outside Toronto had peaked, and was in
decline. This was due to many factors: the depression of 1875-1880, the availability of farmland
in the prairies, the introduction of farm mechanization, and the attraction of cities and towns.
Widespread tree cutting in the watershed had put those involved with sawmilling out of business
in the 186Os. After 1870, some villages including Kinghorn, King Creek and Ballycroy
disappeared altogether; others shrank to pre-1840s size. With the exception of the (then)
Townships of Etobicoke and York, rural areas of the watershed were in continuous decline until
1921. It was the influence of a growing Toronto that kept Etobicoke and York from declining,
and in the 1920s as the city continued to expand, this influence began to be felt in the Townships
of Vaughan and King.
Since the 1920s, development in the Humber watershed has moved inexorably outwards from
Toronto, like ripples on a pond. Urbanization has progressed from the Metropolitan suburbs -
Etobicoke and North York - to the adjacent centre of Mississauga, and finally to the burgeoning
centres in the Regions of Peel and York - Bolton and Woodbridge. Houses, stores and
industries sit where once there was farmland. A network of roads and highways, gas pipelines,
storm and saniwy sewers, water lines, train tracks and hydro corridors carve up the landscape,
providing basic services and linking communities. The development of the twentieth century has
brought economic prosperity, cultural diversity and commercial and industrial success to the
Humber Watershed. But it has come at a cost to the environment.
Environmental A wakening
By comparison to the Don River, the early settlement in the Humber River Watershed was
slower, more sparse, and largely confined to its most southern reaches. By 1846, while most of
the land in the watershed was in private ownership, only a third had been cleared for
development or farming, with large areas kept intact for fumre use as woodlots, reserve
farmland, or in speculation that land values would rise. These large remaining forests functioned
in many ways: they maintained water flow in streams, kept streams cool for coldwater species of
fish, prevented erosion and provided habitat for mammals, birds and other wildlife. (Some of
these areas remain in a namral state today as conservation areas).
In the latter part of the nineteenth cenmry, in Ontario as elsewhere on the continent, namralists,
foresters, anglers and hunters began worrying about the destruction of wilderness areas, the
pollution of lakes and rivers, and the loss of fish and wildlife. The building of dams for mill
operations had stopped the spawning of lake-running trout and salmon. The settlers of the early
1800s had cleared land for farming or to build houses, and cut down trees for fuel, potash,
building materials, and the production of carriages, furniture, boats, plank roads and other items.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 9
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By 1850, sixty percent of the forests in Peel and York Counties had been depleted. By 1860, this
deforestation was having a noticeable effect on the river: mills weren't getting enough water to
operate. As early as 1898, a Mr. William Houston was writing to the Globe newspaper to argue
that trees and shrubs should be planted on the banks of the Humber and other Southern Ontario
Rivers to help reduce spring flooding.
By 1900, more than ninety percent of the forest cover in the Counties of Peel and York had been
removed. The outcomes of this deforestation - highly visible soil erosion, silting of streams, and
destruction of fisheries - caused alarm at Queen's Park. To counter the problems, in 1905 the
Province began to distribute trees for landowners to plant, and in 1922 began encouraging the
creation of County, Municipal and School Forests. Within the Humber Watershed, the
municipality of Mono started the first local municipal tree planting program in 1928. Between
1940 to 1945, we know that three million trees were distributed for private planting in Peel
County, and 15.3 million in York, a good portion of these in the Humber Watershed.
Tree planting, however, was not enough. By the 1940s, environmental problems were worsening
and many Ontario residents were alarmed. In 1941, the historic Guelph Conference was held at
which government representatives, university researchers and citizens met to discuss the most
pressing of these problems: floods, drought, erosion and deteriorating water quality. The report
on the Conference, foreshadowing the ecosystem approach which would become widely accepted
fifty years later, stressed that the natural resources of the Province "form a delicate balanced
system in which all parts are interdependent, and they cannot be successfully handled piecemeal. "
The province's water, soil, wildlife and forest resources were in an "unhealthy state", and
Conference participants urged actions to take place on a watershed basis. The Guelph Conference
led to the passage in 1946 of the Conservation Authorities Act which created watershed-based
Conservation Authorities.
The Humber Valley Conservation Authority held its inaugural meeting on May 13, 1948. One of
its first tasks was to study the conditions of the watershed. The fledgling Conservation
Authority's findings were published later that year as The Humber Valley Repon. The report was
explicit: the Humber River system was in serious trouble. Agricultural soils were eroding due to
poor farming practices, rivers were polluted with sewage and industrial wastes, deforestation was
threatening headwaters areas, flooding was a continuing threat to life and property, and wildlife
was at risk because of the cutting of woodlots and filling of wetlands. The solutions
recommended included reforestation on both private and public lands, protection and reforestation
of headwaters, stronger laws and better enforcement to control polluters, conservation soil tillage,
the building of dams, the creation of wildlife preserves, the protection of the Humber marshes,
and the control of development in floodplains. In anticipation of future population increases in the
area, the report also recommended the creation of a network of parks, conservation areas, and
nature preserves to serve as recreational areas, and to preserve landforms, vegetation and
wildlife.
The Humber Valley Conservation Authority began addressing the environmental problems in the
watershed. It built weirs, acquired lands for flood protection, reforestation and recreation. It
10 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
LJKSl//qh
planted trees, staned outreach programs to landowners and farmers, and began teaching children
about the environment. All seemed well in hand until 1954 when Hurricane Hazel paid a visit to
the Toronto area.
If The Hwnber Valley Report was a wake-up call for wiser resource use and better planning,
Hurricane Hazel was an air-raid siren. On October 14 and 15, 1954 the tail of the tropical storm
hit the Toronto Area. Centred over the Humber system, it dropped 28 centimetres of rain in 36
hours, washing out bridges, flooding low-lying areas and sweeping away homes. In its wake,
Hurricane Hazel left 81 people dead, $25 million in property damage, and widespread
acknowledgement of the need for better flood protection and stricter development planning. In
order to better address the problems facing a growing urban area, in 1956 the four Toronto-area
Conservation Authorities, including the Humber, were dissolved and in 1957 the Metropolitan
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) was formed.
Suggestion: Photo of Hurricane Hazel damage
In the forty years since its formation, the MTRCA's role has evolved to include flood and
erosion control, the protection of environmental features, functions and landforms, recreation,
heritage protection and conservation education. In 1989, MTRCA's role evolved still further
when it adopted the Greenspace Strategy for the Greater Toronto Region which gave it
responsibility for comprehensive natural resource planning in the area. As a result, the Authority
began to develop watershed management plans for each of the rivers in its jurisdiction.
As part of its watershed planning responsibilities, MTRCA created the Humber Watershed Task
Force in 1994 to develop an ecosystem-based strategy to achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed
for the Humber River. The Task Force's recommended strategy to protect the Humber is found
in Chapter Four; Chapter Three of Legacy sets the context for the strategy by examining the
problems and opportunities facing the watershed today.
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 11
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CHAPTER THREE
PRESENT: THE HUMBER WATERSHED TODAY
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The natural environment or natural heritage system of the Humber Watershed is the basic fabric
of the landscape. It includes the landforms that create a sense of place: the rolling gravelly hills
of the moraine, the flat Peel Plain, the old Lake Iroquois shoreline, and the incised river valleys.
It also includes the soils and the geological materials that lie beneath the soils, the surface and
groundwater systems that nourish and drain the watershed, the climate, and the plants and
animals that live here. These components of the natural heritage system are interconnected in
complex ways - the vegetation, for example, is influenced greatly by landforms, climate, and
the hydrologic cycle (how water moves through the system). Vegetation, of course, is also
influenced by human actions.
There is likely no part of the Humber Watershed that has not been changed in some way by the
presence of European settlers and their descendants. The features of the Humber's natural
heritage system exist throughout the watershed in a continuum from places which are in a fairly
natural state, such as the Lake St. George Field Centre, to places that are largely artificial, such
as the residential areas of Etobicoke, or the channelized ponions of the Black Creek.
land
The Humber Watershed lies within the Greater Toronto Area (see Map 3) and is varied in form
(see Map 4). Although the world-renowned Niagara Escarpment makes up only a small ponion
(four percent) of the Humber Watershed, it plays a critical role as a headwaters area for the Main
Humber. Its natural areas also provide imponant wildlife habitat and recreational opponunities.
The Niagara Escarpment is classified as a United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve, and its key biological and geological
resources are protected by the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
The Oak Ridges Moraine forms over a quarter of the area of the watershed: it performs critical
functions by recharging groundwater aquifers and providing baseflow for the headwater streams
of the Main and East Humber. The hills and forests of the Moraine provide valuable wildlife
habitat and its soils supply half of the sand and gravel used in the Greater Toronto Area.
Although the predominant land uses on the Moraine are rural and agricultural, there is great
pressure for housing development to take place, Balancing the desire for development and
aggregate extraction with the need to protect the Moraine's resources (its vistas, forests, sand and
gravel, peat, and water) is a great challenge.
South of the Moraine, one finds the South Slope which shares the gravel soils found on the
Moraine and is also an imponant headwater source for the east and west branches of the Humber
River. As on the Moraine, on the South Slope there are conflicts between water and aggregate
12 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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resource needs. Agriculture is a prominent feature of the Caledon and Vaughan portions of the
South Slope; the southern sections have been largely urbanized. Farther south still are the flat
Peel Plain and Iroquois Plain. These zones are almost completely urbanized and
characteristically have relatively impermeable soils and deeply incised river valleys. The South
Slope, Peel Plain and Iroquois landforms are not officially recognized in planning documents and
need this recognition for protection.
Water
The Humber Watershed is the largest of the nine watersheds in the MTRCA's jurisdiction,
encompassing 908 square kilo metres in all. The main branch travels 100 kilo metres from its
source to Lake Ontario, and drops over 350 metres in elevation on its way. The river system is
composed of 750 streams in total and these form 1800 kilometres of tributaries. (See Map 4).
To understand the Humber Watershed, one needs to understand how water moves in the system:
the hydrologic cycle (see Figure 1). Water cycles constantly through our environment. When
rain falls on the Niagara Escarpment or the Oak Ridges Moraine, water percolates downwards
through the fractured bedrock and gravelly soils to replenish or "recharge" groundwater in
underground aquifers. Some of this groundwater moves laterally and surfaces as springs and
flows to streams, rivers and lakes. (This is called "baseflow"). When rain falls in areas such as
the Peel Plain where soils are less permeable, less stormwater infiltrates the ground and more
travels overland to drain into streams and rivers. At anyone time, vast quantities of water are
stored in the Humber Watershed in wetlands, ponds, and other surface waters, in the soil, and in
vegetation. Water is constantly evaporating from the system to eventually fall back to earth as
precipitation.
Figure 1: Hydrologic cycle
The hydrologic cycle in the Humber Watershed has been significantly altered in many ways.
Many small tributaries have been moved, encased in concrete ("channelized") or buried in pipes
underground. Deforestation in headwaters areas and growing demands for groundwater to supply
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 13
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agricultural and residential needs has reduced the baseflow of many streams, leaving some dry
during the summer months. Recharge of groundwater has been significantly reduced throughout
the watershed because once-permeable forests and agricultural lands are now modern cities and
towns with acres of impervious roofs, streets and parking lots. Staggering numbers of wetlands
- nature's holding areas for stonnwater - have been drained or filled. Stormwater, once carried
naturally by the Humber River system, is now collected in catchbasins, transported through
pipes, and released into rivers that cannot handle the flow in heavy rains. The environmental and
economic costs of these alterations are enonnous: we need to re-establish a more natural
hydrologic cycle in the Humber Watershed.
As noted above, groundwater quantity is vital for maintaining the baseflow of streams and
rivers. Groundwater also serves as an impottant source of drinking water for farms, residences
and municipalities in the watershed. The communities of Bolton, Caledon East, Mono Mills,
Palgrave, King City, Nobleton, Oak Ridges and Kleinburg depend on groundwater, as do many
rural residents who have private wells. Between the 1970s and the 1990s, withdrawals of
groundwater for domestic use increased by three to four times their historic levels in places such
as King City, Oak Ridges, Kleinburg and Nobleton. Increased water taking can cause
neighbouring wells to go dry and can cause migration of contaminants from septic systems and
landfills. To protect groundwater resources, we need to develop a groundwater management plan
for the watershed. Such a plan would delineate key discharge and recharge areas and would set
limits for water withdrawal.
Groundwater quality has also been affected by humans in the watershed. The municipal well in
Mono Mills and many shallow private wells in Mono Mills, Palgrave and Albion have been
abandoned because of nitrate contamination. Nitrates in groundwater can come from manure,
fertilizer and septic systems. Potentially, groundwater can become contaminated with other
substances: pesticides from farms, homes and golf courses, chlorides from road salt, gasoline
from underground storage tanks, and leachate from the 30 closed landfill sites that dot the
watershed. We need more effective strategies to keep contaminants out of groundwater.
Alterations in the hydrologic cycle can have profound effects on surface water quantity in
extreme ways: by reducing baseflows, and causing increased peak flows. Widespread tree cutting
in the watershed and development in headwaters areas cause reduced baseflows. In some cases,
streams dry up in the summer months because of these factors. (In other cases, for example in
the West Humber, some streams may naturally dry up because of soil conditions and natural low
rates of baseflow). Increased peak flows during rainstonns, on the other hand, are caused by the
proliferation of impervious surfaces: these reduce the infiltration of stormwater into the ground
and increase the amount of surface runoff. To address these problems, we need to increase the
infiltration of rainwater, manage stonnwater better, and continue to regulate development in the
floodplain of rivers.
The surface water quality in the watershed strongly reflects the activities that take place in the
areas through which the river flows. Major pollutants include suspended solids (which come from
soil erosion and urban stonnwater), phosphorus (which comes from septic systems, fertilizers and
14 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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sewage treattnent plants), and bacteria (which come from livestock, farm runoff, septic systems
and illegal sewer connections). Chlorides enter the river as runoff from highways and snow
storage areas and heavy metals come from industrial sources, vehicle emissions and metal-
containing pesticides. Many chlorinated organic chemicals of concern were banned in the 1970s
and 1980s but will remain in the watershed for decades (primarily in bottom sediments and
animal tissues) because they break down very slowly.
In the headwaters areas on the Escarpment and the Moraine where densities are low, where rural
estate living predominates, and where there are still large namral areas, the water quality is very
good. The middle reaches of the rivers that drain the South Slope and Peel Plain run through
agriculmral areas, rural estate developments, and communities such as Bolton, King City and
Woodbridge. Here water quality is degraded by stormwater that carries a host of contaminants
including bacteria, nutrients, pesticides, road salt, oil, grease and metals. In the lower Humber,
the river runs through high density residential and industrial areas with their extensive road
networks. In these areas, urban stormwater and dilute sewage from combined sewers over flows
into the river and water quality is poorer still. To improve water quality, we need to reduce
contamination from construction sites, stormwater, sewers, homes, farms, industries and roads.
To protect our streams - especially our sensitive coldwater streams - we need to buffer them
from development, protect groundwater discharge areas, and control stormwater in development
projects.
Air
In the middle and lower Humber reaches, air quality is heavily influenced by emissions from
urban homes, industries and vehicles. Air quality in the rural areas of the watershed is likely
better than in urban areas but can be expected to worsen as development takes place and traffic
levels increase. Some eighteen air pollutants are routinely measured in the Greater Toronto Area:
of these, only suspended particulates and ozone exceed Ontario air quality criteria significantly.
About half of the ground level ozone (smog) which we experience in Southern Ontario comes
from sources in the United States. To improve air quality, we need to act at the local, regional
and international level.
Life
Plants
Plants are a vitally important, if somewhat under-appreciated part of the namral world. Plants
(whether aquatic or terrestrial) are the building blocks of life. Through the miracle of
photosynthesis, they use the sun's energy, carbon dioxide and water to manufactUre organic
molecules. Plants provide humans and animals with oxygen, food and shelter. They purify air
and water and protect against global warming by acting as "sinks" for carbon dioxide. Plants
prevent soil erosion, stabilize riverbanks, and help control flooding by increasing infiltration and
retaining vast quantities of water. As they decay, plants release nutrients back into the soil.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 15
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Plant communities and diversity have suffered in the last 200 years. Because of deforestation,
only 704 hectares of Carolinian forest remain in the watershed. Many species characteristic of
Carolinian forests - sycamore, blue beech, tulip-tree, shagbark hickory and black walnut - are
now rare. Where extensive Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forests containing red oak, sugar maple,
beech, basswood and white ash once stood, we fmd today only isolated stands. Loss of wetlands
has contributed to the loss of bog species such as pitcher plant, showy lady's slipper and labrador
tea, and loss of grasslands has meant the disappearance of many tall-grass prairie species.
However, many locally and regionally-rare plant species can still be found in isolated patches
throughout the watershed, notably in our Environmentally Significant Areas. In protecting these
species, we preserve the watershed's native plant associations, maintain genetic diversity and
keep links to the past.
Wildlife Habitat
Habitats ~e the places that support animal life. Each habitat reflects the particular landforms,
soils, micro-climates and communities of plants found in an area. Habitats may provide for all a
species' needs - shelter, food, water, areas for spawning, roosting, rearing or hibernating - or
they may function during a particular season or part of an animal's life cycle. Without
appropriate habitat, animal communities cannot survive. The Humber Watershed, for all it has
changed at the hands of humans, still possesses a wide diversity of habitat types. (See Maps 6 to
9). These are usually divided into two types: aquatic and terrestrial.
The aquatic habitat of the Humber Watershed includes the river and its many tributaries, and
some 600 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The condition of these habitats reflects the land uses
around them, and they generally become more degraded as the level of urbanization increases.
On the less-developed Escarpment and Moraine, because they are fed by ample groundwater, the
Humber's tributaries provide coldwater habitat. Some of these streams provide good habitat for
coldwater species such as brook trout: they have consis~ntly cold temperatures (around 200 C),
abundant oxygen and low sediment loads. Many of these northern streams, however, no longer
support trout because of silting, warming, pollution, and dams that prevent movement. We can
return some of these to a healthy state through regeneration projects.
Suggestion: Line drawing of brook trout
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In the West Humber and middle reaches of the East and Main Humber, the streams generally run
through less pervious soil and are fed mostly by surface water runoff. Here, one fmds
warmwater habitat which suppons a wide range of fish species including sensitive varieties such
as rainbow darters and reds ide dace.
Many of the streams in the lower reaches of the Humber provide only limited habitat because of
poor water quality, streambank erosion, dams, high flows during rainstonns, lack of aquatic
plants, channelization, and loss of streambank vegetation. Degraded tributaries such as Black
Creek support only the most pollution-tolerant species (such as blacknose dace), while Emery
Creek suppons no fish life at all. To improve habitat in these areas, we need to improve water
quality, naturalize banks and revegetate.
The 600 lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the watershed provide habitat for warmwater species
such as small and largemouth bass, pike, bluegill and yellow perch. Poor water quality and
shoreline alterations have degraded habitat in Lake Wilcox, and both it and Lake St. George
suffer from a lack of oxygen in bottom waters during the summer months. Because of nutrient
pollution from septic systems and other sources, many ponds in the watershed have become
choked with aquatic plants including Eurasian milfoil, a non-native species.
The terrestrial habitat of the watershed includes forests, wetlands and grasslands and meadows.
Wetlands provide habitats for invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, some mammals,
waterfowl, wading birds and other animal species. In the middle and lower reaches of the
Humber Watershed, most wetlands have been lost to draining or filling; in the headwaters areas,
perhaps twenty to sixty percent have been lost. Only thirty-six officially classified wetlands
remain in the Humber Watershed. Of these, only two lie south of Highway 7; the rest are
concentrated on the Moraine. A number of smaller, unclassified wetlands still exist in the
watershed: these likely play a useful habitat role and need to be protected from development. The
marshes at the mouth of the Humber are one of the few remaining rivennouth marshes on the
north shore of Lake Ontario: after the Rouge Marshes, they sustain more species of fish than
elsewhere in the MTRCA area. Sadly, many of the watershed's remaining wetlands have been
damaged by the invasion of alien species such as carp and purple loosestrife.
Overall, only about fifteen percent of the watershed is covered with forest, with most of that
occurring in the headwaters area of the Main Humber, on the Oak Ridges Moraine and the
Escarpment. The forest that does remain, however, is highly fragmented and is usually found in
small blocks. These small blocks cannot sustain "interior species" of birds - birds such as
scarlet tanager and wood thrush that need to be at least 100 metres from an edge for protection
from predators. Most of the large forest blocks that provide interior habitat are clustered in
headwaters areas of the Main and East Humber. The West Humber and the middle reaches of the
Main and East Humber have considerably fewer large forest blocks, and the lower reaches of the
Humber Watershed have none. A similar pattern is found for Environmentally Significant
Areas (ESAs) and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs). To date, 61 ESAs and 45
ANSIs have been found in the watershed: these are often affected by surrounding land uses.
Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 17
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The grassland and meadow areas that remain in the watershed have little in common with the
native tall grass prairies that once were found here. These grassy areas, however, provide habitat
for species such as the vesper sparrow, bobolink, butterflies and many small mammals and so we
need to protect them.
Wildlife
A rich array of wildlife can be found in the Humber Watershed today, in the river itself, and in
the forests, fields, meadows, wetlands, lakes, parks and valley lands. Despite the human-induced
changes over the last 200 years, the variety of habitats and the relatively large natural areas that
remain support many different communities of plants and animals.
Many species of amphibians and reptiles are found in the ponds and wetlands of the Humber
Watershed. Worldwide, scientists have seen a decline in populations of amphibians: loss of
habitat may be partly responsible for this. In the Humber, spring peepers and wood frogs are
relatively abundant in the upper reaches but not in the more urban areas, even where wetlands
still exist.
Over the last 200 years, the Humber fishery has suffered because of overfishing, pollution, and
dam construction. Historically, the watershed supported more than 60 native species of fish;
today it harbours 49 native species. Two of these species - the reds ide dace and the northern
brook lamprey - are considered to be nationally vulnerable and sixteen other species are
regionally rare. Brook trout, brown trout and mottled sculpin - all sensitive coldwater species -
are found on the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine in some of the cool, clear
headwater streams of the Main and East Humber. South of the Moraine, on the Peel Plain,
warmwater streams support species such as the longnose dace and fantail darter. The Humber
Marshes at the mouth of the river support a vibrant community of resident warmwater fish and
migratory coldwater fish such as salmon and trout. In general, levels of persistent organic
chemicals in fish in the Humber have dropped significantly since substances such as DDT and
PCBs were banned in the 1970s and 1980s. However, anglers are still cautioned against eating
large sizes of some fish found in the Humber marshes.
In 1948, we know that the watershed supported 264 bird species; since then the number of
species has likely decreased. Many birds, including the great blue heron and the eastern screech
owl are known to breed here. Further habitat losses, especially losses of critical wetlands and
interior forest habitat (large blocks of forest), will adversely affect sensitive bird species.
Until the nineteenth century, native peoples and then Europeans trapped and shot beaver, fox,
deer and mink for food, clothing and trade. Intensive trapping decimated populations of fur-
bearing mammals and tree-cutting by settlers destroyed the habitat that 200 years ago supported
wolf, lynx, cougar, wolverine, pine marten and black bear. While these mammals have long
since fled, the watershed still supportS deer, beaver, mink, fox, coyote and more: 42 mammalian
species in all. Two mammals found here - the smokey shrew and the northern long-eared bat -
are provincially significant.
18 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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In order for wildlife to continue to flourish in the Humber, we need to protect habitats and
improve connections between them.
SOCIETY
The Humber Watershed is an ecological unit: its boundaries defme the land that is drained by the
Humber River and its tributaries. As illustrated on Map 2, the watershed is composed of parts of
five regional municipalities or counties and 13 local municipalities.
Table 1: Municipalities in the Humber Watershed
Region/County Loca1 Municipality
County of Simcoe Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
County of Dufferin Mono Township
Regional Municipality of Peel City of Brampton
Town of Caledon
City of Mississauga
Regional Municipality of York Town of Aurora
Township of King
Town of Richmond Hill
City of Vaughan
Regional Municipality of City of Etobicoke
Metropolitan Toronto City of North York
City of Toronto
City of York
Other major settlements in the watershed include: Woodbridge, Pine Grove and Kleinburg in the
City of Vaughan; Oak Ridges in the Town of Richmond Hill; King City and Nobleton in the
Township of King; and Bolton, Palgrave and Caledon East in the Town of Caledon.
Approximately 500,000 people live in the Humber Watershed. Others come here to work or for
recreation, but live outside the watershed.
Legacy." A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 19
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Culture
Here, as elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area, ethnic identity has continuously changed over
the last 200 years. Census data tell us that diversity within the watershed's population is
increasing. Native peoples and those of British, Italian, Chinese, South Asian, Jewish, African,
Portuguese, Southern European, Polish, German, Ukrainian, French, Dutch, Eastern European,
Northern European and other cultures are all represented here. Each culture or ethnic group
brings unique elements to the cultural mosaic that defmes the watershed.
The watershed is rich in cultural resources. Among these are about 450 contemporary institutions
and amenities such as pools, arenas, hospitals, schools, government buildings and parks. A
further 167 contemporary cultural features are found here. These include contemporary
architectural landmarks, art galleries, botanical gardens, cinemas, community centres,
fairgrounds, libraries, public art, and theatres. These cultural resources are part of the fabric
which strengthens and binds communities together across the watershed.
Heritage
As might be expected in an area that is so rich in history, the Humber Watershed is blessed with
heritage resources. Unfortunately, most residents have little awareness of our Humber heritage.
To date, archaeologists have been able to locate 269 Pre-European archaeological sites in the
watershed. These date back many thousands of years and tell the tale of the Humber's early
history. Many sites have been found through the development review process which requires
developers to determine whether archaeological resources are present. A number of important
archaeological sites including the Esox site near Lake Wilcox and Lake St. George, the Sunshine
Site at the Claireville Reservoir, and the Seed-Barker site near Woodbridge have been excavated
by the MTRCA.
Almost 800 post-European built heritage sites have been identified and documented within the
watershed. These include bridges, mills, houses, inns, farmhouses and barns. Forty-seven of
these heritage buildings can be found at Black Creek Pioneer Village, a reconstructed 19th
century village operated by MTRCA. While the overall number of heritage sites in the watershed
is impressive, only 85 are actually designated as "heritage structures" and are therefore protected
by law under the Ontario Heritage Act. Too often, important structures are lost because of
inconsistent definitions of what is a heritage resource, or lack of awareness of the economic
benefits that accrue from heritage preservation.
The outstanding heritage value of the Humber River is one of the cornerstones in MTRCA's
application for designation of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River. (Recreation is the other
outstanding value). The importance of the Toronto Carrying Place Trail for transportation, the
Trail itself, the French trading presence, native and historic settlements, the Humber mills, and
the paintings and buildings of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection are all part of this
heritage. If the Humber receives this designation, it will join other Heritage Rivers such as the
Grand and the Mattawa as a river that has had a unique influence on the historical development
20 Legacy.' A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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of Canada.
Suggestion: Heritage building
Education
The watershed contains dozens of primary and secondary schools, Seneca College, Humber
College and York University. MTRCA runs three outdoor education centres (the Albion Hills,
Boyd and Lake St. George Field Centres) that provide environmentally-related programming for
classes across the Greater Toronto Area. Environmental education is also provided at MTRCA's
Kortright Centre for Conservation and the Etobicoke Field Study Centre.
Recreation
The Humber Watershed contains the most extensive greenspace system in the Greater Toronto
Area: about ten percent (8,690 hectares) of the watershed is public land. Three-quarters of this
public land is owned by the MTRCA, and is a legacy of the valley and stream protection and
acquisition programs that have been in place since the Humber Valley Conservation Authority
was founded in 1948. Much of this land lies along the Humber and its tributaries and was
acquired for flood protection, to preserve environmentally significant features, to provide
recreational facilities, and for dam construction.
MTRCA's holdings include two active Conservation Areas (Boyd and Albion Hills), two closed
Conservation Areas (Claireville and Cold Creek), three Forest and Wildlife Areas (Glen Haffy,
Palgrave and Lake St. George), and many Resource Management Tracts (including Nashville and
Bolton). MTRCA also operates Black Creek Pioneer Village. Under lease or agreement, ponions
of MTRCA's lands are used for Wild Water Kingdom, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection,
the Humber Arboretum, Eglinton Flats Regional Spon Centre, the North Caledon Equestrian
Park, thineen Agreement Forests, and other amenities.
Within Metro Toronto, MTRCA's lands are managed by Metro Parks and Culture under
agreement. The Metro Parks system includes the linear parks along the lower Humber, Humber
Legacy.' A Strategy fpr a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 21
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Bay Park and the Metropolitan Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University. Throughout
the watershed, municipalities provide parks, recreation and cultural facilities and programs. The
watershed can also boast twenty-two golf courses, ten conference and retreat centres, 17 major
sports complexes, a cricket facility, five equestrian centres and three campgrounds. Many of
these facilities serve regional needs, and draw users from across the Greater Toronto Area and
beyond.
Tallies show that there are about 175 kilometres of trails through the watershed: some formal,
some informal; some single-use, others multi-use. In some cases these trails are connected and in
many cases others are not yet linked. Portions of inter-regional trails are also found in the
watershed: these include the Bruce Trail, the Great Pine Ridge Trail, the Caledon Trailway/Trans
Canada Trail, the Oak Ridges Trail, the Tommy Thompson Trail and the Waterfront Trail. In the
watershed, as elsewhere, rail lines are falling into disuse: this provides an opportunity for use of
the rail beds as trails.
Boating has always been part of life on the Humber: today canoeists use the Lower Humber up to
the Old Mill and can use the West Humber for about three kilo metres upstream of the Claireville
Reservoir. Humber Bay is used extensively by rowers and sailors.
The outdoor tourism and recreational facilities in the watershed generate dollars for the local
economy and contribute to community and family life by alleviating stress and promoting good
health. Statistics show that demand is increasing for outdoor activities such as walking,
swimming, golfing, horseback riding, camping and canoeing. As well, people are increasingly
interested in taking part in nature-related activities in the countryside such as birdwatching,
hiking, adventure travel and envirorunental education experiences. These factors, together with a
population in the Greater Toronto Area that is expected to increase from 4.2 million to 6 million
by 2021, suggest that there will be an increased demand for recreation in the Humber Watershed
in the years to come. Although part of this demand can be met through more intensive use of
existing facilities, in the long run we will need new venues for outdoor recreation.
22 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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ECONOMY
The Greater Toronto Area is considered both the financial centre and the economic engine of
Canada. As such, it attracts interprovincial migrants and immigrants from around the world. It is
largely because of this immigration that the population of the GT A grew by twenty-four percent
between 1981 and 1991 to reach 4.2 million. This growth has generally taken place at the fringes
of the urban areas, and has been low density, single-use development which has resulted in large
areas that are purely residential or industrial.
The land uses in the Humber Watershed vary dramatically: there are century farms on the Peel
Plain, while low density estate residential areas predominate on the Moraine and dense residential
and industrial development is found in Etobicoke and York. (See Map to). Today, fifteen percent
of the watershed is considered "developed" for residential, commercial or industrial use. Thirty
percent of the watershed is considered to be "developing" and fifty-five percent is rural. A large
amount - about forty-six percent - of the land base remains in agricultural use for livestock
(dairy, beef, poultry and horse farms) and cash crops (fruit, vegetable, grain, sod, nursery and
greenhouse products). Eight percent of the watershed is committed for future development and an
additional amount is undergoing approval for development.
The population of the watershed is estimated
at 488,000, with eighty percent of these Suggestion: Amended version of Population
people living in the developed municipalities Projection pie chart,
(Etobicoke, Mississauga, North York, page 32 Economics Report
Toronto and York). By 2011, the population
of the watershed will grow by fifty percent to
reach about 725,000. Importantly, virtually all
of this growth will take place in the
developing municipalities of Aurora,
Brampton, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. The
population of the developing municipalities
will jump from about 64,000 today to
297,000 people in 2011 - from thirteen to
forty-one percent of the watershed's total population.
Clearly, urban growth in the Humber Watershed will continue. The less-developed municipalities
will experience significant population growth. HmY. and where this growth takes place will have a
.... profound effect on the future of the natural envirorunent and the quality of life of those living
here.
Towards Watershed Economics
We live in a global economy. Traditionally, we have used economic methods such as Gross
Domestic Product to measure economic health and cost-benefit analyses to make decisions about
resource use. These traditional approaches, however, do not recognize the intrinsic economic
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 23
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value of natural or cultural features. This is a major failing in terms of achieving long-term
sustainability. To live sustainably over the long term, we need to consider the natural, cultural
and economic aspects of the ecosystem together. The adoption of watershed economics will allow
us to do this.
When a traditional economist looks at a woodlot, for example, he or she calculates its worth in
terms of board-feet of lumber, the jobs that would be supported by cutting of those trees, and the
fmancial costs involved in carrying out the operation. Decision-makers then look at this
information - do a cost-benefit analysis - and decide whether or not to cut the woodlot. A
watershed economist, in contrast, would ~ calculate the worth of the less-tangible values of the
woodlot and factor them into the equation. These other values might include the loss of wildlife
habitat, silting of nearby streams, diminished aesthetics, the loss of existing or future recreational
opportunities, and the loss of a heritage structure on the land. A watershed economist would
express these values in dollar terms and decision-makers would take them into account when
resolving whether or not to cut trees in the woodlot. Economists refer to this approach as "full-
cost accounting".
Full-cost accounting of resources includes consideration of long-term environmental and
economic costs of using the resource. Full-cost accounting for water, for example, would include
not only the financial costs of water treattnent and delivery, but also the envirorunental costs of
pollution, depletion of the water source, alteration of the water cycle and depreciation of
infrastructure. Because we are not currently paying the full cost of resources such as water, we
are leaving a debt for future generations. They will have to bear the costs of such items as
cleaning up aquifers, replacing infrastructure and regenerating streams and rivers. The logical
extension of full-cost accounting is that consumers ultimately should pay the full costs of this
resource use; this forces conservation.
The resources of the watershed are in high demand. In much of the watershed, groundwater is
used on farms (for irrigation, livestock watering, and drinking water) and in homes and
municipalities for drinking. Surface water resources are used for irrigation and livestock
watering, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. The forest resources of the watershed were
largely used up by European settlers by the year 1900, and efforts to reforest have been going on
since then. Although many species of fish, birds and mammals have been lost in the last 200
years, the watershed still boasts a rich diversity of wildlife supported by a mosaic of different
habitat types. Although large areas of good farmland remain, thousands of hectares of good
(Class 1 and 2) agricultural soil have been lost over the decades to development. Across the
watershed, soil erosion remains a problem due to poor construction practices and poor
stormwater management. In the Oak Ridges Moraine, peat, sand and gravel resources are under
pressure from companies wanting to service the hungry markets of the Greater Toronto Area.
Conservation of the watershed's natural resources can be encouraged through programs that
promote energy efficiency and the 3Rs (reduction, reuse and recycling). We can use alternative
products rather than topsoil and peat, and can use recycled sand and gravel instead of virgin
product. We need to encourage water conservation and the use of recycled water in residences,
24 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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businesses and industries. Protecting natural features and functions (forests, wetlands, stream and
valley corridors and groundwater recharge areas) will save us money over the long term, and
have a positive economic impact.
Incorporating greenspace into developments will not only protect natural areas, but will also
increase property values and improve quality of life. The use of compact, cluster developments
rather than low density sprawl-type development will conserve land, reduce the environmental
impacts of development, lessen infrastructure costs and maximise the potential for use of public
transit.
Suggestion: Illustration of greenspace incorporated into development
.
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 25
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FUTURE:
A StrateflY for a Healthy
Humber Watershed
CHAPTER
The Watershed Management Strategy for the Humber was developed by the Humber HOW THE
Watershed Task Force through the work of five subcommittees: Vision and Principles, STRATEGY WAS
Natural Heritage, Culture and Heritage, Community Involvement and Public Use, and
Economics. Each of these sub-committees examined issues within the context of the DEVELOPED
ecosystem approach which considers the environment, society and economy as being
integrally linked. The subcommittees' recommendations were woven together to form the
basis of this document
In carrying out their work, the Humber Watershed Task Force was guided by the vision of
a healthy Humber watershed, a place where people live in harmony with the natural
environment. This is expressed below as The Humber Challenge and is accompanied by a
set of seven principles which should guide our actions.
Our Challenge is to protect and enhance the Humber Watershed as a vital THE HUMBER
and healthy ecosystem where we live, work and play in harmony with the CHAUENGE
natural environment.
To achieve a healthy watershed, we should:
. Increase awareness of the watershed's resources; GUIDING
. Protect the Humber Watershed as a continuing source of clean water, PRINCIPLES
. Celebrate, regenerate and preserve our natural, historical and cultural heritage;
. Increase community stewardship and take individual responsibility for the health
of the Humber,
. Establish linkages and promote partnerships among communities;
. Build a strong watershed economy based on ecological health; and
. Promote the watershed as a destination of choice for recreation and tourism.
26 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
THE In traditional environmental planning, we considered.the natural environment separately
ECOSYSTEM from the economy and society - we thought of the namra1 environment as external to
people. By contrast, the ecosystem approach puts people back into the natUral environment.
APPROACH We define an ecosystem as: air, land, water and living organisms including humans, and the
interactions among them. An ecosystem therefore includes not only the natu.ral environment.
but also people and their structures, institutions and systems.
The most fundamental aspect of ecosystems is interconnectedness - "everything is
connected to everything else". As a stone thrown into a pond has a ripple effect. so too do
our actions have a ripple effect on our ecosystem. Ifwe badly pollute a stream. for example,
it will have a damaging effect on local air quality, the land surrounding the stream. and
nearby plants, animals and humans. Similarly, if we bring a stream back to health, we
incrementally improve air quality and land, and improve the health of plant. animal and
human communities. Our actions can have profound effects on the environment around us,
both positive and negative.
The Humber Watershed Task Force developed the Humber Watershed Strategy using an
ecosystem approach to planning: the TaskForce considered the natural environment. society
and the economy at the same time, and focused on the links among them. In developmg the
Humber Watershed Strategy, the Task Force concentrated on the following aspects:
. "environment" which included land, water, air and wildlife life:
. "society" which included culture and heritage. education and recreation; and
. "economy" which included land use and resource use.
Of course, the natural environment, society and economy are all interconnected. As
illustrated in Figure 2:
. the interrelationship between the
environment and society is liveability;
. the interrelationship between the
environment and the economy is
sustainability; and
. the interrelationship between the
economy and society is prosperity.
If our actions result in a balance between
environmental, social and economic needs,
then the result will be liveability, sustainability
and prosperity. If this is achieved, we will have
met our challenge of achieving a healthy
Humber Watershed.
.
. t
PROSPERITY >11-"""
Figure]
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 27
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
The following strategy recommendations have been organized according to Environment. THE HUMBER
Society, Economy and Getting It Done. In each section. the strategy recommendations have WATERSHED
been presented as Objectives with corresponding Actions. The Actions may be carried out
by agencies, communities, interest groups or individuals, alone or in combination. Once the STRATEGY
Actions have been successfully implemented, the relevant Objective should be realize~
when all the Objectives are met, we will have met our challenge of achieving a healthy
Humber Watershed - one that is liveable, sustainable and prosperous. The Objectives and
Actions are not presented in order of priority. and are interdependent - that is. they are all
muttlally supportive.
Protect Significant Landforms ENVIRONMENT
Objective 1: Protect the form and function of 14ndforms such as the .Viagara
Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine and the South Slope. ~
. Apply policies, plans and guidelines that provide for landform protection, including
municipal planning documents, the Niagara Escarpment Plan, the draft Oak Ridges
Moraine Guidelines and MTRCA's Valley and Stream Corridor Management
Program.
, .....
. Encourage landform protection through conservation easements and private land
stewardship programs where public ownership is not feasible.
. Recognize the value of protecting the South Slope in municipal planning documents.
j.
28 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
~ Protect Water Resources (Quantity)
Obj~ctiv~ 2: Prot~ct th~ form and function of th~ Humb~r Riv~r and its tributaries.
. Apply policies that recognize and respect natural hazards, such as the Valley and
Stream Corridor Management Program and stormwater management policy.
. Develop and implement policies to protect groundwater recharge and discharge
areas.
. Maintain or increase the baseflow of streams and rivers.
. Renaturalize channelized watercourses.
. Revegetate the banks of the rivers and streams in the watershed.
Objective 3: Use ground and surfac~ water at sustainable rates.
. Prepare a water budget for the Humber watershed to set limits on water-takmg
and promote its use.
. Promote water conservation through use of full-cost accounting, education and
awareness programs.
. Encourage water conservation in residential areas through the use of low flow
technologies, ram barrels, cisterns and planting native ground covers.
. Evaluate the cumulative effects of groundwater-taking on an aquifer basis and the
effects of nver, pond and ~ake water-takmg on a watershed or subwatershed basis.
. Review and amend the application and monitoring requirements for issuing water-
taking permits to address the impacts from, and the cumulative effects of water-
taking.
Objective 4: Protect groundwater sourc~s.
. Develop and implement a Groundwater Management Plan for the watershed.
. Develop targets and implement policies to maintain or increase current rates of
groundwater recharge.
. Develop and implement policies to protect groundwater recharge areas.
Objective 5: Manage stormwat~r to protect people and the health. of streams
and rivers.
. Set criteria for stormwater management (rates and volumes) based on watershed
studies.
. Identify problem areas where surface runoff has high volumes and high peaks and
develop strategies to manage storm water in these areas.
. Develop stormwater management policies based on best management practices
and include them in municipal and agency planning documents, operational
procedures and engineering standards.
. In developing areas, manage storm water to ensure that post-construction rates
and volumes meet criteria, habitats are not affected and watershed health
is sustained.
. Improve stormwater management in areas where existing controls are inadequate.
. Promote "at source" stormwater management (such as downspout disconnections).
. Renaturalize channelized watercourses to slow the rates of water movement.
. Maximize the permeable area in both existing and new urban developments
in order to maximise infiltration of storm water.
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Protect Water Resources (Quality)
Objective 6: Prevent groundwater contamination.
. Identify areas of groundwater recharge and prohibit or restrict contaminating land
use activities from those areas.
. Develop and implement wellhead protection programs that regulate land use and
promote awareness of groundwater concerns.
. Promote urban and rural land use practices that are compatible with the
Groundwater Management Plan.
Objective 7: Reduce the amount of sediment that enters surface waters.
. Encourage municipalities to enact erosion and sediment control by-laws under
the Topsoil Preservation Act.
. Strengthen municipal compliance monitoring and enforcement programs duringall
phases of constnlction, from land clearing to post-construction.
. Provide training on erosion and sediment control techniques for developers.
contractors, consulting engineers. farmers and regulatory agency staff.
. Promote munIcipal catchbasin cleaning programs at existing levels and upgrade
catchbasins as roads are re-constTUcted.
. Reduce strearnbank erosion by using storm water management techniques to restore
natural stream processes.
. Promote Agriculture Canada's Best Management Practices for soil management.
30 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
ObjectWe 8: Reduce the amount ofnutrlents lUId bacterill that enter ground and
surface waters.
From combined sewer oveiflows
. Promote the completion and implementation of sewer system master plans.
. Where possible, reduce flows in combined sewer systems by promoting downspout
disconnections, disconnecting foundation drainage and preventing groundwater
infiltration to sewers.
. Use municipal sewer use by-laws to regulate and enforce the quantity and quality
of wastewater and stormwater entering the sewer system.
From agricultural practices
. Promote the proper use of fertilizers as recommended by the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Agriculture Canada.
. Encourage effective control and treatment of runoff from manure piles and
milkhouses.
. Restrict livestock access to watercourses.
. Promote the protection or establishment of vegetated buffers between surface
waters and agricultural operations.
From septic systems
. Promote awareness of septic system maintenance practices.
. Establish systems to monitor the maintenance of septic systems.
From pets and waterfowl
. Promote "Stoop and Scoop" practices.
. Strengthen the enforcement of pet litter by-laws.
. Reduce the numbers of problem waterfowl (such as geese) in greenspace areas by
using management techniques such as renaturalization and public education.
ObjectWe 9: Reduce the amount of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, oil, grease, metals,
road salt and other contaminants that enter ground and surface waters.
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers
. Encourage Farm Best Management Practices that reduce the need for pesticides
and fertilizers.
. Promote the development and implementation of Environ menta! Farm Plans.
. Promote integrated pest management programs for farms, golf courses, parks,
businesses and residential areas.
. Promote the use by homeowners of alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers, such
as naturalized landscaping, diverse planting and integrated pest management
practices.
. Promote proper application rates and timing, where pesticide and fertilizer use is
necessary .
Oil. grease. metals and other contaminants
. Promote the use of and expand existing collection and recycling programs.
. In urban areas, promote the use of stormwater management facilities that use best
management practices to treat runoff.
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Road salt ObJ~ClllI~ 9 cOll11llu~d
. Reduce the use of road salt while ensuring that public safety is maintained.
. Control and treat runoff from snow disposal sites.
. Promote sand and other de-icing alternatives for residential and business use.
Objective 10: Protect ground and SlIrface waters from spills and illegal
discharges of hazardollS materials.
. Promote awareness of the links between
personal actions and watershed health to
reduce inappropriate use and disposal of
household and industrial chemicals.
. Incorporate safeguards against spills in
developments, especially on roads and in
industrial, commercial and institutional
areas.
. Promote the use of appropriate
management practices for handling, storage
and transporting hazardous materials in
... industries, institutions and commercial establishments.
. Provide information regarding potential sewer problems to financial institutions,
real estate boards, vendors and purchasers and advocate that legal plumbing hookups
be a standard precondition of property sales.
. Strengthen municipal sewer outfall monitoring, inspection, and enforcement
programs especially in priority industrial~ commercial and institutional areas.
. Promote existing Hazardous and Biomedical Waste Disposal Programs and encourage
agencies and municipalities to make these programs more accessible.
. Identify problem areas of ground and surface water contamination from spills and
illegal discharge of hazardous materials.
. Promote use of the "Spills Hotline" for reporting spills and discharges.
Improve Air Quality
Objective 11: Reduce air poUution in the Humber watershed.
. Protect existing vegetation and increase the amount of vegetation in the watershed
by planting trees, shrubs, grasses and crops in agricultural areas, greenspace areas,
parks, yards and along streets.
.. Support programs and policies that reduce commercial, residential, industrial and
vehicle emissions, including public education programs.
. Advocate compliance with accepted international standards and conventions for
reducing air pollution.
. Enforce existing legislative controls on air emissions.
32 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
WR7~/rh
The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
Protect Wildlife and Habitats
Objective 12: Protect and regenerllte aquatic hllbitats.
· Reduce streambank erosion by maintaining and restoring natural stream processes.
· Re-establish riparian vegetation, including trees and shrubs. adjacent to streams.
rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands.
· Uncover buried watercourses and renamralize those that are channelized.
· Enhance the aquatic habitat in lakes and ponds by creating cover and spawmng
areas, and by improving water quality.
· Maintain and, where possible, increase rates of groundwater recharge to increase
baseflow in streams.
· Prepare a Fisheries Management Plan for the Humber Watershed that identifies
... fish community targets and management requirements for all tributaries.
"i:"\ · Mitigate the effects of in-stream ponds and other barriers to allow fish to move.
.:"'\., :~'f;:.~.\ ...._.-...._.-;::; reduce water temperatures. and allow the natural transport of stream sediments.
~~..r:' ~.;.e~~-.~~ZJ . Protect and regenerate aquatic habitat
" ~. "'\' ...... ...
- ~(~";'~-v"-::':::. · Advocate the use of Guidelines for Natural Channel Systems and other relevant
'~L .~::r publications when designing stream regeneration projects.
:-l: 1. i"s~~~~r ~'} · Require that stream regeneration projects include a range of natural matenals.
:G~~\. ..~~.. .-. such as logs, boulders and plantings.
f. t..I.'\o.
~. ; .'\~'I"""''' .... · Promote programs such as adopt-a-creek, adopt-a-pond. stream watch. yellow-
~\' :1 ~ /<:;: fish-road and the placement of signs on roads indicating watercourse crossings.
~ r"~ .... ~./.-
\ I.. ,,_~-
.'. I t-_ ./ _'''' I
.... ~ :..."...." I;'
",'.' ':'i\...;~f:::;;
J~" '~:~...i.0. Objective 13: Protect and regenerate terrestrial habitats.
~ ,?l~ ~.",~
;r ~;;~~ l(!? Valley, stream and tableland corridors
'i\ ,~.(;;;::::- .~. Develop a Natural Heritage
.~ ,,~r .:; Management Framework which
/k ,\, ~ identifies critical habitat and linkages
ti\\\ \ rtp L~~ and recommends a detailed
/7\\'~\ t/ . protection/regeneration strategy.
/--"" ~\ J---07-- · Include policies consistent with the
(C'-r f'j/'::::7' Humber Natural Heritage
\ \ \1 II Management Framework in
.~ \ municipal and agency planning
i\ \\ documents and operational policies.
· Establish well-vegetated wildlife
Goldr1lrod corridors to connect tableland with
valley and stream corridor habitats to
facilitate animal and plant movement
· Protect wildlife corridors through the municipal planning process, public
acquisition, conservation easements and private land stewardship.
· Provide wildlife crossings at major barriers such as highways, if appropnate.
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Woodlands ObJ~ctlv~ I J co,,",,"ud
. Prepare a Woodland Management Strategy which recommends areas for
protection and targets for improvement or revegetation (including targets for
StruCUlral and biological diversity).
. Protect woodlands through the municipal planning process (including tree by-
laws), public acquisition, conservation easements and private land stewardship
programs.
. Promote responsible woodlot management as recommended by the Minisuy of
NaUlral Resources.
. Increase the size of forest blocks. optimize their configuration. and regenerate
their edges to provide interior habitat areas and a safe haven for plants and
animals.
. Reconnect woodland habitats to facilitate movement and recolonization of plants
andanimals.
. Where natural succession is already proceeding, allow it to continue.
. In restoration projects, encourage the use of native species and control of invasive.
non-native species.
Wetlands
. Protect the remaining wetlands in the watershed through the municipal planmng
process, public acquisition, conservation easements and private land stewardship.
. Recognize the importance of small wetlands.
. Link wetland areas with upland habitats to support species such as amphibians
and watenowl that need different habitats for different parts of their life cycle.
. Create new wetland habitats.
. In restoration projects, encourage the use of native species and control of invasive,
non-native species.
-
34 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
Ob)eC:l/ve /1 c:o,lllllutld Areas of Natural and Scientific 11Ileresr and E1f\Jironmenzailv Sensitive Areas
. Protect ANSIs and ESAs through management-land use planning and policIes.
. Routinely update status and boundaries of ANSIs and ESAs.
Grasslands and meadows
. Advocate the application of appropriate weed control and property standards by-
laws and the Ontario Weed Control Act. recognizing the differences bet\\'een
rural and urban settings.
. Recognize the importance of grasslands and meadows as habitat and protect
them.
. In restoration projects, encourage the use of native species and control of invasive
non-native species.
SOCIETY Preserve and Promote the Humber's Cultural Heritage
Objective 14: Identify and document cultural and heritage
resources.
. Identify and document cultural and heritage resources and
their interrelationship WIth the natural environment.
. Strengthen and expand the documentation process for
culture and heritage inventories to improve effectiveness
and consistency across the watershed.
. Develop consistent criteria and standards for the
identification and interpretation of cultural and heritage
resources across the watershed.
. Encourage partnerships with municipalities. heritage
organizations and developers that promote heritage
investigation and conservation prior to changes in land use.
. Encourage cultural and heritage organizations to develop and
foster partnerships with environmental groups and the development industry.
'. .'.: ;.~. ~~~~ ':.::~~~~.i.::'.
0:' .. .. -
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 35
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Objective 15: Protect and conserve heritage resources. ~
· Recommend that the Province revise the Ontario Heritage Act to resolve ..
legal uncertainties surrounding the protection of heritage resources. U U
· Encourage the Province to recognize heritage sites as
environmental resources in order to increase protection. ..
. Resolve inconsistencies in the municipal planning process in order
to protect culmral and heritage resources that are unique to individual
communities.
. Encourage municipalities to recognize the importance of heritage
protection and interpretation and to adopt heritage policies
through the municipal planning process.
. For consistency, define pre-European archaeological sites using
Cultural Heritage Management Plan defmitions.
. Recommend that Local Architectural Conservation Advisory
Committees (LACACs) and other municipal heritage committees
use standardized data collection methods.
Objective 16: Celebrate the diverse culture and heritage resources
of the Humber watershed.
. Pursue designation of the Humber watershed as a Canadian
Hentage River.
. Promote the value of and raise awareness of the links between
the natural heritage, cultural heritage and recreational resources "Jhc. TORONTO
of the Humber watershed. CAR..J?YLVG PLAa
. Identify and mark the location of the historic Carrying Place 1619 -1i'9~
Trail, and create and promote a contemporary trail.
. , I ~
.sc~l..:
--- R"lJe. ,2'- I-"'.'~.
Ob' . 17 rde ify d th . I .~ I I A."C:5'~"':" "" Tr..t
'lecnve : .I, nn an promote e economIc va ue OJ cu tura \o.l! ~ ^:~"~.lwW..<.
d h . ! ..",..... .J:^U
an entage resources. ~:i '^".N.,. v.(j~. .I.::J
. .-
. Encourage watershed partners to collect information on and
promote the economic benefits of cultural and heritage resources.
. Encourage communities to support municipal plans that
incorporate cultural and heritage values and themes.
. Recognize the economic value of culture and heritage resources
in the municipal planning process in order to protect resources
and gain economically.
. Develop active revenue-producing culmral and heritage facilities
and programs.
CarrYing Plac~ Trail
36 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber RIver Watershed Management Strategy
. Improve Recreational Opportunities
u ~
.. Obj~ctiv~ 18: Cr~ate an acc~ssible and conn~ct~d gr~~nspac~ system.
. Create a linked greenspace system for the watershed that connects recreation,
education and tourism areas.
. Recognize the greenspace system in municipal and other planning documents.
. Identify greenspace lands suitable for acquisition.
. Include alternative ways of accessing private land in a land acquisition program,
including private rand stewardship, land trusts, bequests, donations. easements.
density bonuses and property tax incentives.
. Coordinate the provision and management of greenspace and clarify the role of
municipalities, agencies and the MTRCA.
. Designate publicly owned greenspace lands along the Humber River as pan of an
inter-regional park system.
Objective 19: Develop a system ofinter-r~gionaJ trails through the greens pace system.
. Inventory existing trails and access points.
. As a priority, establish greenspace connections in areas where linkages between
existing trail systems are needed.
. Ensure that trails are accessible, useable and safe.
. Ensure that existing and future trail uses are compatible with the natural. cultural
and heritage features and the needs of user groups.
. Provide educational opportunities on trails by highlighting natural, cultural and
heritage features.
. Continue to develop guidelines for safe and environmentally-sound trail design
and use.
Obj~ctive 20: Identify and develop local and r~gional-scale recreation, educatio~
and tourism destinations within the greens pace system.
. Prepare management and concept plans for destinations that integrate public,
community and private sector interests and are compatible with environmental
protection.
. Encourage elements of conservation, restoration, environmental and heritage
education at each destination.
. Ensure public safety is considered in greenspace design.
. Maximize opportunities for creating appropriate economic spinoffs by promoting
opportunities for private and public sector involvement, and local initiatives, on
publicly owned lands.
. Ensure that recreation, education and tourism destinations are financially viable
on a long-term basis.
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Use Land Wisely ECONOMY
Objective 21: Balllnce economic development with protection of the environment
and society.
. In land use planning, consider economic, environmental and social issues.
. In new developments, use compact built forms in order to conserve land and other
resources and encourage transit use.
. Amend planning rules to allow compact and cluster built forms in new
developments.
. Base planning decisions on an evaluation of the non-market values of the resource,
such as aesthetics, as well as by traditional cost and benefit analysis.
. Charge consumers the full cost of water and other infrastructure services that are
associated with rural and urban developmenL
. Calculate taxes and user fees based on full costs of the use.
. Identify the long-term environmental, social and economic costs of different land
uses and land use changes using full-cost accounting principles.
. Promote the development of a fair and equitable municipal tax system throughout
the watershed in order to stabilize the intra-municipal movement of businesses.
. Promote the creation of new business opportunities within the watershed as well
as the relocation of compatible business from elsewhere.
Objective 22: Incorporate greens pace in all urban and rural developments.
. Suppon policies, such as the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program,
that protect significant environmental components of the greenspace system.
. Promote plans for redeveloping urban areas that incorporate compact, clustered
and multi-use forms adjacent to greenspace.
. Promote the incorporation of greenspace and cultural features as focal points in
community designs.
. Provide safe access to and opportunities for education, recreation, health and
fitness in the greenspace system.
Objective 23: Protect the integrity of and the economic viability of
agricultural areas.
. Promote sustainable farming operations.
. Maintain or improve the soil through the use of soil conservation techniques.
. Establish a Watershed Agricultural Program to educate and assist farmers in
improving and implementing environmental management practices.
. Suppon new and existing programs that provide technical and financialassistance
to farmers who undenake environmental enhancement projects or develop
environmental farm management plans for their property.
38 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
Use Resources Wisely
Objective 24: Conserve the ftlltll1'll1 resources olthe Humber wlltershed.
. Ensure that there is no net loss or impairment of forest, fish and wildlife resources.
. Increase energy efficiency in order to conserve natural non-renewable resources.
. Promote 3Rs Programs and the composting of organic waste to reduce the
environmental impacts of waste disposal.
. Suppon technological and business initiatIves that develop or use environmentally-
friendly mechanisms as alternatives to depleting natural resources.
. Use renewed or recycled alternatives to aggregate, soil and peat resources and
promote their use.
. Promote water conservation and recycling of greywater for residential, business
and agricultural uses.
. Develop a long-term forest management program that is both economically and
r~~ environmentally sustainable.
. Enact by-laws to regulate the removal of aggregate, soil and peat resources.under
~/{~~ legislation such as the Topsoil Preservation Act and the MuniCipal A.ct.
. Promote the rehabilitation of abandoned sand and gravel pits.
a:;;-..::-. "'"
;:)
....
........
....::,
$
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Objective 25.- Create a Humber Watershed Council to facilitate implntlentlltion of GElTING IT DONE
the Humber Watershed Stra~.
. Model the Council after the Humber Watershed Task Force. with representation =f;=
from citizens, interest groups, agencies and elected officials. The Council will:
. undertake fundraising initiatives, support local community groups. promote
education and awareness of watershed issues through community events and
technical seminars, and initiate projects designed to protect or improve the health
of the watershed;
. promote signing of The Humber Pledge which addresses the protection,
conservation and regeneration of the watershed; and ,
. appoint those who actively support The Humber Pledge as "Patrons of the
Humber".
. Continue the established relationship of reporting and accountability to the
MTRCA. and through the MTRCA to the municipalities and the public.
. Liaise with the Province of Ontario and other agencies on watershed management
issues in the Lake Ontario basin.
Objective 26: Cultivate partnerships between indjviduals, community groups,
businesses and public agencies in order to implement the Humber
Watershed Strategy.
. Encourage grassroots implementation of the Humber Watershed Strategy.
. Promote partnerships among environmental, cultural, heritage. recreation and
education organizations. private industry and public agencies.
. Encourage action-oriented initiatives to protect, conserve and regenerate the
Humber watershed.
. Encourage implementation of the Community Action Site projects.
. Provide administrative and technical assistance to community groups.
. Establish public agency partnerships to streamline watershed planning by
ensuring consistent applications oflegislation, regulations and planning guidelines.
Objective 27: Market the Humber Watershed lIS a destination of choice for healthy
living, working and playing.
. Encourage municipalities to erect signs at major road crossings of the Humber
River and its major tributaries.
. Develop and implement a marketing strategy for greenspace, recreation, tourism,
education, and trail destinations.
. Develop marketing literature, such as guide books, trail maps, the HumberRiver
Watershed Atlas, the Humber Advocate and news releases of events and activities.
. Encourage the participation of local media in Humber watershed events.
. Work with municipal and regional tourist organizations to market the watershed.
. Celebrate the watershed through community-based and watershed-linked events
such as Paddle the Humber and Hike the Humber.
40 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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The Humber River Watershed Management Strategy
::f;= Objective 28: D~elop educational programs that focus 011 the Humber WatershecL
Formal education
. Incorporate information and programs about the watershed. such as historical
and geographic features and methods of environmental rehabilitation. in school
curricula for all primary, secondary and post-secondary schools in the area.
. Foster partnerships with school boards. colleges and universities.
Use the Humber Watershed Atlas as an educational tool.
Technical education
. Develop educational workshops on land use activities and related issues, such as
those associated with storm water, golf course and agricultural management
practices.
. Communicate advances in watershed management techniques and technologtes.
Commumry educatlon
. Design programs that cater to all members of the commumty and support the
awareness activities of local interest groups.
. Develop and distribute fact sheets on watershed management issues, such as the
management of natural watershed processes.
. Include Humber watershed infonnanon on the MTRCA' s home-page on the Internet
to promote an understanding of the Humber watershed.
. Promote the use of outdoor education centres in the watershed.
. Encourage adopt-a-park and other programs.
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Chapter 4 - A Strategy For A Healthy Humber Watershed
Obj~ctiv~ 29: Fund the implement/ltion of the Humber Watoshed
Strategy through existing and new sources.
Public agency sources
. Request the federal and provincial governments to continue to fund
environmental protection and regeneration programs.
. . Request the province to honour lottery-based funding commitments for
culture, heritage and recreation projects.
. Request the province to change the Income Tax Act to facilitate gifts of
land to public agencies without paying capital gains penalties.
. Investigate opportunities for allocating a percentage of municipal water
bills as revenue to fund water management projects.
Community sources
. To generate corporate and community sponsorship, provide incentives
such as tax credits, acknowledgments in the Humber Advocate, and
recognition on signs.
Private foundation sources
. Request that the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto raise funds for
specific Humber-related projects.
. Initiate a challenge fund to match corporate donations.
. Develop a strategic investment program to suppon cultural and heritage initiatives.
Objective 30: Develop the Humber Report Ctll'd to monitor th~ health of the ecosystem.
. Develop the Humber Report Card with targets and indicators of progress as a
strategic program to monitor the health of the watershed
. Publish the Humber Report Card every three years and use as a marketing tool for
celebrating success or generating action.
I
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CHAPTER FIVE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
The Humber Watershed is composed of five subwatersheds: the Main, West, East, Black Creek
and Lower, as shown on Map 3.When we think about implementing the Humber Watershed
Strategy, it is useful to think about doing so in units that are smaller than the entire 908 square
kilometre watershed. One useful unit is the subwatershed, (although some actions may focus on
smaller units still - reaches or catchment areas of small streams).
Why should we think about subwatersheds? Each of the subwatersheds within the Humber is
unique: they each have different landforms, soils, land uses, envirorunental conditions and
opportunities. Some of the actions recommended in the Humber Watershed Strategy apply to only
one, or a few of these subwatersheds. We can better describe the problems and the opportunities
for regeneration when we use subwatershed units. Using subwatersheds, it is also easier to
develop a sense of community ownership of projects: people who live near the mouth of the
Humber, for example, are generally more interested in problems facing the Lower Humber than
in problems that are unique to the East Humber Subwatershed.
A Call to Action: Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy has been produced by the
MTRCA as a companion document to this report. A Call to Action contains Subwatershed Action
Plans that profile each of the subwatersheds and provide a more detailed (and more technical)
examination of conditions and issues in them. This chapter provides an overview of the Humber
subwatersheds and focuses on the some of the possibilities for early action.
There are dozens and dozens of protection and regeneration projects underway in the watershed
right now. These are being carried out by a variety of government agencies, municipalities,
MTRCA, citizen's groups, ratepayers associations and individuals. They include projects as
diverse as improving stormwater management, pollution prevention programs for industries,
naturalization of channelized streams, tree-planting days and public awareness programs. Each of
these helps to improve envirorunental conditions and move us towards a healthy watershed.
As part of the Humber Watershed Task Force process, watershed residents have nominated
seventeen projects as possibilities for early regeneration: we have called these Community Action
Sites. (There are of course many more possible regeneration projects). At this stage, the
Community Action Sites have merely been nominated: to proceed requires resources and the
input from and agreement of communities, partners, and in some cases regulators. The Task
Force has selected three of these projects - the Caledon East Wetland, Lake Wilcox and Sun
Row Park - as sites where action can take place immediately. Starting to regenerate these three
sites will not only help to improve the health of the Humber Watershed, but will set an example
of what can be accomplished by partnerships in which public and private sector interests are
united in a common vision - a healthy Humber.
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THE MAIN HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The Main Humber Subwatershed drains 357 square kilo metres of land, about 40 percent of the
entire Humber Watershed. The river starts in the north west on the Escarpment and the rolling
hills of the Moraine near the villages of Caledon East, Palgrave and Mono Mills. From here it
travels through the South Slope by the rapidly growing Village of Bolton. Two large coldwater
tributaries of the Main Humber - Centreville Creek and Cold Creek - begin on the Moraine
and contain the greatest amount of significant natural areas in the entire Humber watershed.
Centreville Creek enters the Humber in Albion Hills Conservation Area and Cold Creek joins the
main channel just east of the King-Caledon Townline. Below here, the river passes through the
heavily-forested Nashville Resource Management Tract, past Kleinburg with its historic town
centre, and meanders down to Woodbridge, once a mill village, and now a bustling commercial
and residential centre.
The main challenge we face in terms of the Main Humber Subwatershed is to protect its
resources (its forests, water, peat, sand and gravel, and natural areas) as development occurs. It
will be especially important to protect the resources and landforms of the Niagara Escarpment
and the Oak Ridges Moraine, key recharge and discharge areas, the subwatershed's many ESAs
and ANSIs, and the cold water streams that support brown and brook trout. We also need to
protect the subwatershed's groundwater which supplies the drinking water sources for residents in
Mono, Adjala-Tosorontio, Caledon, King and.parts of Vaughan.
There are also aspects of the Main Humber Subwatershed that need regenerating. In order to
improve water quality in wetlands and kettle lakes such as Gibson, Widget, Scott and Thompson
Lakes, we need to plant vegetation around and control stormwater and sedimentation around
them. Revegetation of streambanks will require programs to educate residents about its benefits.
Main Humber Community Action Sites
The Caledon East Wetland (Selected for Immediate Action)
The Caledon East Wetland is located on the east side of Airport Road on Centreville Creek. (See
Map 11). The wetland is a node in a natural corridor that runs through the Village of Caledon
East: it links up greenspace and ESAs immediately up and downstream. The integrity of the
creek and wetland has been compromised by the construction of local roads, a bridge and a
sewage pumping station. The recent installation of storm and sanitary sewers in the area caused
the loss of a large portion of the wetland.
The proposed project involves constructing a wetland and habitats in parkland adjacent to the
Caledon Trailway. Linking the wetland to stormwater outfalls will allow sediment collection and
improve water quality. Aquatic habitats will also be improved in Centreville Creek and extensive
planting will improve terrestrial habitats. Education and interpretation will be important aspects
of the project, and regeneration technology will be demonstrated. The Caledon East Wetland
project will be undertaken as a partnership among agencies, interest groups and residents.
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Bolton Resource Management Tract (Nominated)
This project continues the construction of a pedestrian trail which will link Bolton with the
Albion Hills Conservation Area. The project could incorporate habitat rehabilitation, education
and nature interpretation. The project is a partnership between the Humber Valley Heritage Trail
Association and the MTRCA.
Fundale Park (Nominated)
This project involves naturalizing the river bank within the floodplain, building trails, and
constructing bridges in Fundale Park and Nort Johnson Park. This is a well-used local recreatiori
area for concerts, family picnics, and casual sports. The project is a partnership involving the
City of Vaughan, public agencies and private businesses.
THE EAST HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The East Humber subwatershed drains an area of 200 square kilometres. The East branch of the
Humber starts in Richmond Hill in the kettle lakes of St. George (which is relatively pristine) and
Wilcox (which is highly urbanized). From here the river flows westward across the South Slope,
through the rolling hills and farm fields of King Township. South of King City is a provincially
significant wetland which forms the headwaters of one of the East Humber's small feeder
tributaries. Near Nobleton, the river turns southwards and enters the well-defined valley corridor
that cuts through the Peel Plain in the rapidly developing City of Vaughan. The East Humber
passes near the Village of Kleinburg and joins the Main just north of Highway 7 in Woodbridge.
The East Humber Subwatershed is one of the parts of the Humber where extensive development
is expected to take place over the next twenty-five years. Accordingly, it will be vitally important
to protect the area's key resources from the impacts of urbanization. Among these are the
resources and landforms of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the landforms of the South Slope. It will
be important to protect the groundwater which provides drinking water for the residents of Oak
Ridges, King City, Nobleton and Kleinburg from over use and contamination. We will also need
to protect key recharge and discharge areas and maintain the health of the coldwater tributaries.
In terms of regeneration in the subwatershed, we need to reforest the barren areas of the Moraine
and South Slope and improve aquatic habitats by removing barriers to fish migration, lowering
water temperatures and planting on stream banks and lake edges. We also need to improve the
health of Lake Wilcox which currently suffers from poor water quality.
East Humber Community Action Sites
Lake Wilcox (Selected for Immediate Action)
This project (See Map 12) focuses on improving water quality and habitat in Lake Wilcox by
implementing the Lake Wilcox Rehabilitation Plan. In the mid-twentieth century, Lake Wilcox
became a popular vacation and cottage area. Over the years the cottages were converted to year-
round dwellings and recently more intensive development has taken place. This has caused a
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deterioration in water quality characterized by high levels of nutrients, higher temperatures,
excessive algae growth. Aquatic habitat has also been diminished due to lakefilling, construction
of a dam and shoreline alterations.
Key elements of the Rehabilitation Plan include:
. improving drainage on private lots, in ditches and on public lands;
. creating a stormwater management facility;
. naturalizing the shoreline;
. creating habitat in the lake and maintaining pike spawning areas;
. increasing water level fluctuations to improve pike spawning habitat and increase growth
of aquatic plants on shorelines; and
. increasing public awareness of the benefits of habitat protection and rehabilitation.
The project is a partnership of the Town of Richmond Hill, many public and private groups and
Lake Wilcox residents.
Boyd Complex (Nominated)
The Boyd Complex includes the Boyd Conservation Area, Kortright Centre for Conservation, the
Glassco property which contains an ESA, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The
project demonstrates how to develop an integrated, regional-scale recreation and tourism
attraction. It would include the identification and development of archaeological sites, the
restoration of stream habitat, and the creation of stormwater ponds, trails and interpretive signs.
The project will be implemented as a partnership involving MTRCA, other public agencies and
groups.
East Humber Restoration (Nominated)
This project focuses on a 20 kilo metre rural section of the East Humber stretching from
Kleinburg to King City. It involves pollution prevention, streambank erosion control, fish habitat
improvement, streambank plantings and val ley land improvements. The project has been initiated
by Action to Restore a Clean Humber (ARCH), and is a partnership involving private land
owners, agencies, academic and cultural institutions, community organizations, and non-
governmental groups.
THE WEST HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The West Humber subwatershed has a drainage area of 201 square kilometres. The west branch
of the Humber River begins on the gently rolling hills of the South Slope in the farm fields of
Caledon. The West Humber and its three major tributaries - Campbells Creek, Salt Creek and
Lindsay Creek - travel southeast through urbanizing Brampton and into the Claireville
Reservoir. From here the river continues southeast through urban Mississauga and Etobicoke
until it connects with the Lower Humber near Albion Road and Islington A venue. The extensive
agriculture and urbanization of the subwatershed mean that there is little forest cover. The
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wetlands that once existed here have largely been drained, and erosion causes sedimentation
problems in the river. Because of these factors, and the presence of relatively impermeable soils,
flash floods occur after almost every storm. The Claireville reservoir and dam were built in the
1960s control the effect of these floods on the Lower Humber.
The greatest population increase in the Humber in the next few decades will likely take place
within the West Humber Subwatershed. To keep the subwatershed healthy, we will need to
reduce surface run-off by improving stormwater management in general, require effective
stormwater control in new developments, and protect intermittent streams. As well, we will have
to protect areas of groundwater discharge, the few ESAs, ANSIs and wetlands that remain, and
the South Slope landforms. Urban sprawl can be partially controlled by charging consumers the
full cost of the provision of infrastructure.
A key aspect of regeneration for the subwatershed will to plant vegetation in valley and stream
corridors and on tablelands: this will help to reduce the flash floods which the subwatershed is
known for. We also need to regenerate the existing wetlands, increase the size of the forest
blocks that remain, and link them where possible.
West Humber Community Action Sites
Claireville Conservation Area (Nominated)
Claireville is a good example of how envirorunental, cultural, heritage and economic initiatives
can be integrated into develop a regional-scale recreation and tourism attraction. The project
includes the construction of a trail linking Metro to Brampton with associated educational and
heritage activities. Potential activities include improvement of fish habitat in the reservoir,
planting along the shore edges, and creation of nesting habitat. This project is a partnership of
MTRCA with other agencies and the private sector.
Humber Connections (Nominated)
This project is a component of the Humber Arboretum's operations in the City of Etobicoke. The
project aims to motivate people to help preserve the health of the Humber watershed and build
their knowledge and skills. It includes establishing wilderness gardens, creating a self-guided
interpretive trail, and expanding the existing Nature Centre to act as a resource facility for
community workshops and interpretive programs. The project is a partnership of the Arboretum
with other public agencies.
Pilot Agricultural Farm Plan (Nominated)
This project is located on a private dairy farm in Caledon and is focused on reducing discharge
of bacteria and nutrients from a manure storage area, a barnyard and a milkhouse. It involves
fencing to exclude cows from the stream, construction of a new covered manure storage facility,
construction of an experimental wetland to capture and treat farm runoff, and possible tree
planting. This project is being coordinated by MTRCA.
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THE BLACK CREEK SUBWATERSHED
The Black Creek is the smallest of the Humber subwatersheds with a drainage area of just 66
square kilometres. The headwaters of Black Creek lie in the City of Vaughan, just west of
Paramount Canada's Wonderland. From here the creek flows south through the communities of
Concord, Downsview and Weston and the municipalities of North York and York until it joins
the Main Humber about four kilometres from the shores of Lake Ontario.
Of all the Humber subwatersheds, the Black Creek is the most degraded. It runs through urban
areas for most of its length. Extensive sections of the creek have been channelized so that the
creek can carry the huge amount of stormwater that is piped into it during rainstorms. The
terrestrial and aquatic habitats that remain are of poor quality, able to support only the most
pollution-tolerant species. While some people still view the Creek as little more than a drainage
ditch, the Black Creek Project has been motivating citizens for years to help out with restoration
projects, and this has led many to appreciate the possibilities for regeneration.
As a degraded tributary, most of the effort on the Black Creek Subwatershed should focus on
regeneration. However, we still need to protect the distinctive landforms - the valley corridor
and the Iroquois Plain. We also need to protect surface water by reducing pollution from
combined sewers, illegal cross-connections, pets and wildlife, pesticides, fertilizers and other
sources.
Regeneration should focus on improving air quality, naturalizing the channelized sections of
Black Creek, and creating interior forest habitats by expanding woodlands and linking them. We
also need to develop a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the subwatershed that
increases infiltration and reduces peak flows. Finally, where possible, we should uncover the
streams that now lie buried beneath the earth.
Black Creek Community Action Site
Black Creek Park (Nominated)
This project is a model for stream naturalization in urban areas. It involves the potential removal
of a 500 metre long section of concrete channel in Black Creek Park. The channelized portion
would be replaced with a meandering stream that has natural banks, healthy streambank
vegetation and a healthy aquatic community. A boardwalk with interpretive signs would provide
educational opportunities. Park naturalization would lead to spin-off activities such as picnicking,
fishing, bird watching and wildlife viewing. The project involves a partnership with the Black
Creek Project, agencies and the public.
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THE LOWER HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The Lower Humber watershed drains an area of 84 square kilometres and begins on the clay soils
of the Peel Plain in Vaughan, just south of Woodbridge. Here the river travels south in a deep
valley corridor through fully urbanized sections of Vaughan, North York, York, Etobicoke and
Toronto. Near its mouth, the river passes through extensive marshes, under the
GardinerlLakeshore corridor, and empties into Humber Bay.
The river is heavily influenced by the land uses around it. The only undeveloped areas are the
valley corridors in the greenspace system. With some exceptions, the greenspace system runs
from the waterfront through Toronto, Etobicoke, York, North York and Vaughan. The few
remaining forests lie in the valley corridors. Many of the Lower Humber's smaller tributaries
have been channelized, and some have been buried. Many of the older developments were
constructed without stormwater controls and stormwater has a major impact on river water
quality .
Protection efforts in the Lower Humber Subwatershed need to include protection of the landforms
- the valley corridor, the old Lake Iroquois shoreline, and the part of the old South Slope in
High Park - reducing pollution from combined sewers, illegal cross-connections, pets and
wildlife, pesticides, fertilizers and other sources. In order to protect people and wildlife, it may
be necessary to clean up contaminated soils and bottom sediments.
Regeneration efforts in the Lower Humber should focus on improving air quality through tree
planting, removing or modifying barriers to fish movement in the river, and increasing the size of
and linking the fragmented forests that remain. We should support the ongoing naturalization of
High Park and the regeneration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats in and around Grenadier Pond.
We also need .0 develop a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the Lower Humber
that increases infiltration and reduces peak flows; installation of stormwater treatment
technologies in North York's Mede Pond area will improve the pond's water quality. Finally,
where possible, we should uncover buried streams.
Lower Humber Community Action Sites
Sun Row Park (Selected for Immediate Action)
This park links Valley Field Park and Westonwood Park in the City of Etobicoke (see Map 13).
The creek upstream from the park has been buried and used as a stormwater channel. The park
itself is manicured with few natural areas and little streambank vegetation. Many stormwater
outfalls are present in the park, and in many places stone-filled gabions which were placed to
stabilize the creek's banks have failed.
The project entails the stabilization and renaturalization of the banks of the Humber Creek and
the regeneration of the public park grounds. Tree planting will take place along the creek, around
remnant wooded areas, and on some upland areas. Potentially, the project will include
stormwater management, public awareness, nature interpretation, buffer planting, groundwater
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protection, public access improvements, and recreational opportunities. The Sun Row Park
project involves MTRCA, the City of Etobicoke, community groups and schools.
Grenadier Pond Shoreline Rehabilitation (Nominated)
Grenadier Pond in High Park suffers from high levels of nutrients. This project includes public
education, wetland improvements, water quality improvements, shoreline planting, and the
construction of a stormwater remediation pond. It involves the City of Toronto, the Metro
Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan, other agencies, community groups and local
residents .
Humber Savannah (Nominated)
This site is located north of the Humber Sewage Treannent Plant in Etobicoke, and was the site
of one of the first settlements on the Humber. The project involves restoring a remnant oak
savannah by planting meadow species and removing some undesirable tree species. It is being
coordinated by Urban forest Associates.
Lambton Park (Nominated)
Lambton Park is on the Humber River just south of Black Creek. The project involves the
restoration of a wildflower - the Wild Blue Lupine - and other native plants to the Black Oak
Savannah habitat. One goal of the project is the return of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly
which depends on the lupines. Project organizers hope that the education and interpretation
associated with the project will inspire others to carry out similar restoration projects within the
Savannah area. The Project is being coordinated by the Humber Heritage Committee.
Rowntree Wetlands (Nominated)
This site is at finch and Islington A venues in Etobicoke. There are three main wetland areas
here: the Rowntree Oxbow, the Rowntree Swamp and the Panorama Marsh. The project involves
evaluating the conditions of the wetlands, improving them, perhaps expanding them with an aim
of improving water quality using natural processes. The project is being coordinated by Action to
Restore a Clean Humber in partnership with agencies, schools and community groups and is part
of a larger program called SCRUB (Stormwater Cleanup by Restored Urban Biosystems).
St. Basil's Wetland Restoration (Nominated)
This site lies southwest of St. Basil's College near Weston Road in the City of York. The aim of
the project is to improve the existing pond and create a thriving wetland habitat for waterfowl.
Public awareness activities, interpretive signs, and pedestrian trails will be part of the project,
and it has the potential to be used for stormwater storage and filtration. The project is being
coordinated by St. Basil's College School.
Emery Creek Stormwater Rehabilitation Site (Nominated)
This site is at Finch and Islington Avenues in Etobicoke. Planning is underway for a stormwater
retention pond. Recently, bike paths and bridges have been built, and some reforestation has
taken place. The project is being coordinated by Urban forest Associates.
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CHAPTER SIX
GETTING STARTED
If we implement the Humber Watershed Strategy and fulfil the objectives laid out in Chapter
Four, we can achieve a healthy Humber to pass on to future generations. However, to
accomplish this, the Humber Watershed Alliance will need help from community groups, interest
groups, schools, colleges, local industries and businesses, and individuals as well as from
goverrunent agencies. For more information and to get involved, contact the Humber Watershed
Specialist at MTRCA (416-661-6600).
There are many ways you can help make the Humber cleaner, greener and healthier; some of
these are listed below.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A WATERSHED RESIDENT
Explore the Humber
. Visit a Conservation Area, a Resource Management Tract, a municipal park, or another
outdoor area that you've never been to before.
. Walk or cycle along one of the Humber trails, or one of the inter-regional trails that passes
through the watershed.
. Explore the river itself, from the headwaters on the Escarpment or the Moraine to the
marshes at the mouth.
. Visit a gallery, or a theatre, or a fairground, or a heritage village in the watershed.
Learn About the Humber
. Contact your local historical society or LACAC (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory
Committee) to find out more about history and heritage sites in your community.
. Visit Black Creek Pioneer Village or another historical site.
. Visit a local museum.
. Contact your local municipal envirorunental advisory committee.
. Read the Humber Advocate and other publications that tell about the Humber.
.
Sign the Humber Pledge
. Become a Patron of the Humber by signing the Humber Pledge.
. Get your ratepayers group, school, service club, business or church to sign the Humber
Pledge.
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Change Your Habits to Make the Humber Healthier
. Reduce your automobile use.
. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers on your property.
. Reduce or eliminate the use of household toxic products.
. Disconnect your roof and foundation drains, if possible, to reduce stormwater flow and
increase infiltration.
. If you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained.
. Naturalize your garden and yard.
. Conserve water and energy.
Help Others Regenerate the Humber
Many groups are already involved in regenerating the Humber Watershed, and have projects
underway that you can take part in. These include projects dealing with reforestation, stream
cleanup, habitat enhancement, trail building, preservation of natural and cultural resources and
history. Some of these groups are listed in Appendix A.
Ask Your Elected Representatives to Support the Humber
. Call, fax, E-Mail or write your local councillor, MPP or MP and ask them to support the
Humber Watershed Strategy.
. Ask your local councillor to promote Humber awareness events such as Watershed Awareness
Week.
Help Out with a Community Action Site
. Pitch in and help with a Community Action Site that's near you. Use your skills and
enthusiasm to plant trees, clean up a stream, stabilize streambanks, build trails, write a
newsletter or help raise funds.
Start a Humber Project of Your Own
. Start a local history project: When was your community founded? What did it look like then?
What were people's lives like?
. Adopt a local stream, pond or wetland, and help make it healthy again.
. Organize a crew to clean up a local stream, wetland or woodland.
. Become a community steward of a local park or conservation area.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A LANDOWNER LIVING ON THE RIVER
As a landowner, you can do any (or all) of the actions that a watershed resident can. But as a
landowner living on the Humber River or one of its tributaries, you can have a significant impact
on the health of the watershed through your actions. Here are some of the ways you can help
make the Humber healthy:
. Plant native trees, shrubs and grasses along the river bank.
. Protect habitats (wetlands, meadows and woodlands) on your property.
. Keep a diary of birds, animals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians that visit your property.
. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers in your garden.
. If you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained.
. Report any spills you see, or people dumping refuse into the river.
. Join together with your neighbours and "adopt" your section of creek, stream or river: help
keep it clean and free of litter.
. Consider an easement to allow a portion of your land to be used for a greenspace corridor.
. If you own a farm, enrol in Agriculture Canada's Envirorunental Farm Plan program.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A BUSINESS OWNER
. Through your company newsletter, make your employees aware of the resources of the
Humber watershed and the problems it faces.
. Develop a company envirorunental plan with employees and set targets so that your operations
will be cleaner, less wasteful and safer.
. Adopt a local wetland or stream and keep it clean as a company project.
. Start an annual company tree-planting program.
. Naturalize your company property - replace that turf with native bushes and trees!
. Subscribe to the Humber Advocate so you get news on the Humber Watershed.
. Sign the Humber Pledge.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL
As an elected official, you have an unparalleled ability to make things happen. Here's some
actions you can take to help make a healthy Humber:
Municipal Councillors
. Get your council to adopt the Humber Watershed Strategy and sign the Humber Pledge.
. Start your own Community Action Site to start regenerating the Humber.
. Get your council to become involved in Watershed Week, or better still, designate a Humber
Week once a year.
. Make sure Humber-related publications are available to your constituents.
. Sponsor Humber-related events such as speeches, hikes or special events.
. Get your council to put up Humber River signs at major road crossings of the river.
MPPs
. Work to revise the Ontario Heritage Act to afford greater protection to our heritage resources.
. Work to enact the Planning Guidelines for the Oak Ridges Moraine to protect its resources.
. Sign the Humber Pledge.
MPs
. Work to designate the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River.
. Sign the Humber Pledge.
There is no magic solution to achieving a healthy Humber Watershed. It will require changes in
attitudes and changes in behaviour from all the watershed's stakeholders - goverrunents,
municipalities, interest groups and individuals. It will require prudent planning and wise decision-
making. And it will require work - from thousands and thousands of hands. If we all pitch in,
we will achieve a healthy Humber Watershed, one that our descendants will treasure, as we do.
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APPENDIX A
RESOURCES FOR THE HUMBER WATERSHED
MATERIALS
A Call to Action: Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy A companion volume to
Legacy, this report, prepared by MTRCA, provides an examination of issues and conditions in
the Humber subwatersheds, and makes recommendations for actions to address these issues. Also
includes descriptions of Community Action Sites. Released November 1996. 63 pages.
Humber River (Brochure) A fold-out brochure highlighting the natural and cultural heritage
resources of the Humber. Produced by the Humber Heritage Committee, 1996.
Humber River Fisheries Management Plan Produced by MTRCA in concert with the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, this document establishes aquatic habitat categories, sets fish
community targets, and recommends rehabilitation activities and techniques on a subwatershed
basis. The draft report will be available early in 1997.
Humber River Watershed Atlas A technical report prepared by MTRCA that examines the
watershed's cultural features (history and contemporary settlement) and natural features (land, air
and water). Released 1996. 172 pages.
Humber River Watershed Strategy: Land Use Planning Study Phase I and Phase II
Prepared by Marshall Macklin Monaghan for MTRCA, these reports examine current land uses
and future potential urban growth in the watershed. Approx. 30 pages each. Released 1996.
Humber Watershed Community Involvement and Public Use Produced by the Humber
Watershed Task Force Community Involvement and Public Use Subcommittee, this report looks
at (and makes recommendations on) many aspects of recreation, tourism, outdoor education and
community involvement including delivery systems, inventory, mitigating impacts, benefits,
activity trends and development opportunities. Released 1996. 100 pages.
Humber Watershed Culture and Heritage Produced by the Humber Watershed Task Force
Culture and Heritage Subcommittee, this report examines the historical (archaeological and
heritage), cultural resources and cultural diversity of the watershed. The report identifies issues, a
vision, a primary goal, objectives and actions. Released 1996. 92 pages.
Humber Watershed Hydrology Report A report including modelling of the hydrology of the
Humber prepared by Aquafor Beech. To be released in 1997.
.
56 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
W;(~CJ/q{,
Humber Watershed Water Quality and Quantity Assessment - Groundwater
(Background Technical Report) This report reviews available information and studies relating
to groundwater quality and quantity in the vicinity of the Humber Watershed. A description of
aquifer conditions, groundwater quality and quantity conditions, and factors affecting these
conditions provides the basis for the development of management recommendations. Released
1996.
Humber Watershed Water Quality and Quantity Assessment - Surface Water
(Background Technical Report) This report reviews available data and studies
pertaining to water quality and quantity of waterbodies (lakes and rivers) of the
Humber Watershed. An assessment of past trends, current conditions and factors affecting
condition is provided as a basis for the development of management recommendations. Released
1996.
Natural Heritage of the Humber River Watershed Produced by the Humber Watershed Task
Force Natural Heritage Subcommittee, this report examines the conditions of the watershed with
respect to climate, land water and life, and recommends a vision, principles, goals, objectives
and actions. Released 1996. 98 pages.
Watershed Economics and the Humber Produced by the Humber Watershed Task Force
Economics Subcommittee, this report examines the evolution of watershed economics, municipal
economic development strategies, the economics of water-taking, urban development and outdoor
tourism and recreation, resource use, and achieving sustainability. Released 1966. 80 pages.
The above publications are available from MTRCA.
Contact the Humber Watershed Specialist (416-661-6600)
Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996 57
WR 100/q h
GROUPS INVOLVED IN THE HUMBER
Action to Restore a Clean Humber (ARCH): carries out projects throughout the watershed to
improve habitat, reduce pollution, and increase public awareness.
Black Creek Project: focuses on stream clean up and habitat and stream improvements in the
Black Creek.
Friends of the Humber: dedicated to envirorunental protection and heritage preservation
Humber Heritage Committee: dedicated to preserving heritage, increasing public awareness of
heritage resources and securing the designation of the Humber as a heritage river.
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association: conducts walks, carries out trail maintenance and
builds trails.
Oak Ridge Trail Association: focuses on developing a hiking trail along the Moraine and
organizes hiking events.
Save The Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM): focuses on protection of the Moraine and its
resources.
Ontario Streams: dedicated to stream rehabilitation.
Toronto Field Naturalists: focuses on the study of natural history; conducts nature walks in the
Humber Watershed.
Trout Unlimited: carries out fish habitat improvement projects and fish stocking.
Contact numbers for the above organizations are available from MTRCA through the Humber
Watershed Specialist (416-661-6600). Many of the above organizations have information and
publications on the Humber. In addition to groups listed above, there are many local groups
operating within the watershed with an interest in its natural heritage, cultural and recreational
resources.
58 Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (Final Text) Nov. 20, 1996
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GLOSSARY
Amenity Value
The value of the attractiveness of a feature, such as a forest, wetland or recreational area.
ANSI's - Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest
Areas that have been identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources as areas of land and water
containing natural landscapes or features which have values related to protection, natural heritage
appreciation, scientific study or education. ANSI's can be either ute Science (pertaining to natural areas)
or Earth Science (based on geological or geomorphological themes).
Aquifer
A layer of permeable material (rock, sand or gravel) beneath the land surface that is saturated with water.
Baseflow
The volume of flow in a stream channel that is not derived from surface run-off. It is characteristically the
minimum flow that is found in a stream after a period of little rainfall.
Carolinian Forest
Also called Deciduous Forest Region. The forests of Canada can be divided into nine regions based on
marked differences caused by terrain, soil and climate. The deciduous or Carolinian forest region is
widespread in the eastern United States and a small portion extends into southwestern Ontario including
the southern reaches of the Humber watershed. This forest region includes many species that are at the
northern limits of their range such as shagbark hickory, blue beech, black oak, sassafras and black
maple to name a few that are still found in the Humber.
Channelization
An alteration to the path of a watercourse that usually includes straightening or armouring.
Chlorinated Organic Chemicals (also known as organochlorine)
Complex organic molecules with chlorine atoms attached. These chlorinated organic chemicals (eg.
Organochlorine pesticides) are manufactured but can also be produced in combustion or formed in
waste disposal sites.
Classified Wetland
Also called an evaluated wetland, it is an area where field investigation and data has been compiled and
analysed using the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Cost-benefit analysis
ThiS term refers to the costs and benefits of undertaking a particular project. Traditionally, full cost
accounting practices are not used in this analysis; thus, the full cost of using resources is rarely
accounted for. The amenity value of the resource is also not included in the calculation.
W~ I03/Q(p
DOT - Dlchloro-dlphenyl-trlchloroethane
A widely used, very persistent pesticide in the chlorinated hydrocarbon group, now banned from
production and use in many countries.
Dolomite
A mineral consisting of mixed magnesium and calcium carbonate but rich in magnesium carbonate.
Drumlins
Celtic for little hill. Oval hills of glacial till with smooth, convex contours. In any area, the drumlins all point
in the same direction which is considered to be the direction of movement of the glacier which formed
them.
Economy
The social means by which human beings provide for their needs and wants. Using an ecosystem
approach, the economy is measured in terms of prosperity and sustainabinty.
Ecosystem
The interactions of the environment, society and economy. When these three elements are balanced, the
system is considered healthy.
ESA's - Environmentally Significant Areas
These are areas that, through ongoing work by the MTRCA, have been identified as having regionally
significant natural features and there is a need to provide for their protection, enhancement and
management through the mandates, policies, regulations and operations of the Authority. There are nine
criteria for designation.
Eurasian Watermllfoil - Myriophyllum spicatum
An aquatic plant species native to Eurasia and Africa that is extremely aggressive in lakes, ponds and
slow-moving streams. It has the ability to grow rooted in water more than six metres deep and under ice.
It holds little value to wildlife and can displace native plants. It may interfere with fish spawning and
human use for recreation, water transportation or for water reservoir use.
Full-cost Accounting
This accounts for the depletion and impacts on the amenity values that are incurred when cultural and
natural resources are used. Traditional economic accounting methods do not consider the depletion or
impacts on the amenity values in their calculations.
Groundwater Recharge Zones
Groundwater is the water that is found below the land surface at the level that the soils are saturated.
Groundwater recharge zones are areas on the landscape where surface waters readily soak into the land
to become groundwater.
Hydrologic Cycle
The cycling of water from the atmosphere onto and through the landscape and eventually back into the
atmosphere.
wI< {o'-l/9 ~
Impervious Surface
Generally used to refer to the surfaces in an urban development that do !'lot allow water to penetrate. For
example, asphalt or concrete roads, rooves and parking lots are considered to have impervious surfaces.
In some cases, the term can be used to describe compacted clay soils that also do not allow much water
penetration.
Infrastructure
This includes the structural services that are provided to the consumers, including roads, water and
sanitary pipes. Often, the cost of providing and servicing the infrastructure is subsidized by the
government.
Kames
Knobby hills irregularly stratified sand and gravel formed at the edge of a melting glacier.
Livability
The interactions between the environmental and social elements of the ecosystem.
Moraine
A knobby ridge of either (a) boulder clay built by a thrust of a glacier, or (b) gravel and sand deposited at
the edge of a glacier by escaping meltwater.
No net Loss
When resources are used faster than they can be replaced, there is a net or overall loss. The long term
result is a reduced standard of living. To ensure that the societal standard of living is maintained, the
renewable resources must be used at a sustainable rate and alternatives for non-renewable resources be
used. One way to ensure that there is no net loss is through full cost accounting.
PCB's. Polychlorinated biphenyls
A class of persistent organic chemicals that bioaccumulate.
Peat
Partially decomposed vegetation usually associated with swamps and bogs which has become
compacted and carbonized.
Prosperity
The interactions between the social and economic elements of the ecosystem.
Purple Loosetrlfe . Lythrum SaUcarla
A showy, perennial wetland species native to Eurasia with an erect stem and a spike of purple pink
flowers. It is an aggressive species that tends to crowd out native wetland plants that are valuable to
waterfowl and other wildlife.
LJ~ I 05/Q (I
Riparian Habitat
Riparian habitat is an area of transition between the aquatic ecosystem aod the adjacent terrestrial
ecosystem. It is located immediately landward of watercourses and other waterbodies. Soils that exhibit
signs of regular saturation and vegetation tolerant of periodic inundation characterize this zone. Riparian
vegetation provides habitat, food and shelter and contributes to both the adjacent aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems. For management purposes, the Authority has generally defined this zone as a minimum 10
metre wide vegetated area along both sides of a waterbody or watercourse.
Succession
When the natural vegetation is removed from a site, a sequence of colonization is set in motion. The first
species that colonize the area modify one or more environmental factors which, in turn, allows further
species to become established. This sequence is referred to as 'succession'.
Sustalnablllty
The interactions between the environmental and economic elements of the ecosystem.
Tableland
The area of land outside of the valley and stream corridors.
Tall Grass Prairie
Prairies have been defined as areas where evaporation through the growing season slightly exceeds
incoming rainfall favouring shrubs and grasses and discouraging trees. The eastern portions of the
prairie vegetation zones that have higher annual precipitation support tall warm season grasses such as
big blue-stem, indiangrass and switchgrass.
Valley and Stream Corridors
Natural resources associated with river systems characterized by their landform, features and functions.
Valley and stream corridors are distinguished from other physiographic features or resources by their
connectivity to the river system as a whole.
, , W~lOlp/q~
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", the metropolitan toronto an~ region conservation authority
-
A Call to Action: "
"
'Implementing the Humber
Watershed Strategy
The Humber Watershed Task Force
October 30, 1996
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace '
VJr\ I v Ira \U
A Cell to Action: Implementing the Humber W"IWhed Strategy
Preface October 30, 1996
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface: The Humber Watershed Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
The Humber Watershed - An Overview ...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
The Humber Watershed Strategy ....................................... vi
Using Sub watershed Action Plans and Community Action Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Chapter 1: The Main Humber Subwatershed .............................. 1
Chapter 2: The East Humber Subwatershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 3: The West Humber Subwatershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subwatershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwatershed .................................... 59
MAPS
Map 1 Humber River Watershed ............................................. v
Map 2 Main Humber Subwatershed ......................................... 16
Map 3 Caledon East Wetland Community Action Site ........................... 17
Map 4 East Humber Sub watershed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Map 5 Lake Wilcox Community Action Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Map 6 West Humber Subwatershed ................................ 48
Map 7 Black Creek Subwatershed .................................58
Map 8 Lower Humber Subwatershed ...............................73
Map 9 Sun Row Park Community Action Site ............ ............ .74
i
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A C8I1 to Action: Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy
Prefece October 30. 1998
PREFACE: THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
On October 15, 1994, on the fortieth anniversary of Hurricane Hazel, the Metropolitan Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority (MTRCAI launched the development of the Humber Watershed
Strategy, to be undertaken by a Task Force composed of stakeholders from across the watershed.
MTRCA invited members of the public to come forward as candidates for the Task Force. and over
60 individuals responded to newspaper advertisements. Applications were received and interviews
were held, and eventually fifteen watershed residents were appointed to the Humber Watershed
Task Force. The Task Force also included elected officials from twelve local and three regional
municipalities, representatives from five agencies and eleven interest groups, and the Chair of
MTRCA.
The Humber Watershed Task Force held its first meeting in February 1995. Its mandate was "to
develop a Humber Watershed Strategy to achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed for the Humber
River using an ecosystem-based approach". In carrying out its mandate, the Task Force identified
the environmental, social and economic issues facing the Humber as well as opportunities for
regeneration, and developed recommendations on how to achieve a healthy Humber watershed.
The Task Force toured the watershed to get an appreciation of issues, opportunities and its
complexities. Five working subcommittees were struck to help develop the watershed strategy:
these dealt with Vision and Principles, Natural Heritage. Culture and Heritage, Community
Involvement and Public Use, and Economics. The subcommittees met for over a year to develop
comprehensive background reports and strategy recommendations. These have been woven
together to form Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber and its companion volume, A Call to
Action: Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy.
The development of a vision for the Humber was central to the Task Force's work. The vision of a
vital and healthy Humber ecosystem allowed members to see beyond the probable and imagine a
future that could be dramatically different. The process of developing the vision - the forging of
commitment and consensus - was a vitally important step on the road to crafting a watershed
strategy for the Humber. The Task Force's vision is expressed as The Humber Challenge.
A key part of the Task Force's work was consultation and constituency-building with municipalities,
agencies, organized groups, institutions, businesses and members of the public. In order to increase
awareness of the Humber Watershed and the Task Force's work, the Task Force developed a
newsletter - The Humber Advocate - and routinely mailed it to almost 2000 groups and
individuals. A series of public consultation meetings was held to help develop the Humber vision, to
identify key issues, and to nominate Community Action Sites - areas where regeneration of the
Humber can take place. A key outcome of these consultations is the building of relationships and
the forming of partnerships to assure a healthy Humber Watershed.
- -
Throughout its existence, the Humber Watershed Task Force was involved in hands-on regeneration
projects across the watershed. To lay the groundwork for the implementation of the Humber
Watershed Strategy, residents of the watershed nominated seventeen Community Action Sites as
sites of future regeneration projects. The Task Force selected three of these - the Caledon East
Wetland, Lake Wilcox and Sun Row Park - as sites where action can take place immediately.
ii
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A Call to Action: Implementing the Humber Wate,.hed Strategy
Preface October 30. 1996
The Humber Watershed Task Force held its final meeting on November 12, 1996, twenty-one
months after it began its task. On November 29, 1996, MTRCA formally endorsed the
recommendations in Legacy. This has opened the door to implementation: the establishment of the
Humber Watershed Alliance, the nomination of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River, the
regeneration of Community Action Sites, completion of a Fisheries Management Plan, and a
hundred other initiatives. Although it is the continuation of a lifetime's work for some, for most of
us, it is the beginning of a new era in the history of the Humber Watershed.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Humber Watershed Task Force wishes to thank the Metropolitan Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority for its support, for its dedicated and committed staff and for its financial
resources.
We are grateful to the following consultants and institutions for their expertise, creativity and
hard work: Aquafor Beech, the Centre for Landscape Research at the University of Toronto,
LURA Group; McConnell-Weaver, Marshall Macklin Monaghan, Ogilvie, Ogilvie and Company,
and Trinity Theatre.
We wish to thank Susan Mallarky for her hard work and dedicated contribution as a Volunteer
Member and Honorary Chair of the Vision and Principles Subcommittee.
We acknowledge with thanks the work of hundreds of individuals who contributed to the
development of the Humber Watershed Strategy. In particular, we thank all those who provided
their time and expertise on sub-committees, participated in public meetings, made presentations
to the Task Force, and who reviewed drafts of this report. Thanks to the community groups who
shared their knowledge, inspiration and expertise with us, to the staff of agencies who provided
information and support, and to all the municipal councils in the watershed who supported the
project from its inception.
We dedicate Legacy to those individuals, groups and communities who are now working to
protect and restore the health of the Humber Watershed.
m
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A Call to Action: Implem.nting the Humb.r W8t....hed Strat.gy
Pr.f.c. Octob.r 30, 1996
THE HUMBER WATERSHED - AN OVERVIEW
The Humber River Watershed (see Map 1) is approximately 908 square kilo metres in size
and is the largest watershed in the MTRCA's jurisdiction. From atop the Niagara Escarpment
in the northwest, one can look easterly over the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. To
the south is the physiographic region known as the South Slope and a bit further, the flat
Peel Plain can be seen where a patchwork of agricultural use still exists. On a clear day one
can see historic villages and towns and city landmarks on the horizon along the waterfront
where the river empties into Lake Ontario. One can see the tracts of rural estate housing in
the northern settlement areas and the urban core in the southern part of the watershed.
In the upper reaches of the watershed, the coarse soils of the moraine and escarpment are
important for recharging groundwater aquifers. Many small watercourses are born here as
cold water discharges from these aquifers. Many cold water streams in these areas support
beautiful brook trout that once occupied a much larger range in the watershed. The same
aquifers also provide drinking water to people and, thus, sustain communities such as
Caledon East, Bolton, King City and Oak Ridges.
Today only fifteen percent of the watershed has forest cover and the majority of these
. forests are found within the valley and stream corridors. In many locations there is a
complete absence of forest cover. The larger areas of forest cover are located in the
headwaters - many are ESAs, ANSls, or surround wetlands. In total there are 146 areas of
environmental significance in the Humber Watershed.
Settlement of the Humber River began 12,000 years ago and it continues to be a
destination of choice today. The Carrying Place Trail, which linked lake Ontario to Lake
Simcoe and Georgian Bay, was a strategic trade route for native Canadians and European
settlers. The history of the watershed is demonstrated through the rich culture and heritage
resources one can discover here: an example of a 19th century pioneer village is found at
the Black Creek Pioneer Village in the Black Creek subwatershed. Evidence of human
presence has been discovered at over 270 archaeological sites. Old mill sites, historic
buildings and contemporary cultural resources such as public art, libraries and statues
contribute to the watershed's character. Outstanding recreation, education and tourism
destinations include the Kortright Centre for Conservation, the McMichael Canadian Art
Collection, High Park, York University, Humber and Seneca Colleges, the Caledon Trailwayl
TransCanada Trail and the Waterfront Trail.
Today, the Humber River Watershed is home to 500,000 people who enjoy employment,
recreation and education opportunities that exist. Over 6,000 acres of public land provide
open space for walking, picnicking, swimming, canoeing and many other popular pastimes.
The watershed, with its unique features and resources, affects us in many ways but it is
rarely recognized for the important and unifying role that it plays.
The people depend upon the river;
the river depends upon the land;
the land depends upon the people'.
1 Wilkins. G. 1996.
iv
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A c.l1 to Action: lmpI.".nting the Humber Watershed Strategy
Prefllce October 30. 1996
Map 1 - Humber River Watershed
,
v
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A Cell to Action: Implementing the Humber Wate,.hec:I Stnltegy
Preface October 30. 1996
THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY
ENVIRONMENT
Objective 1: Protect the form and function of landforms such as the Niagara Escarpment,
Oak Ridges Moraine and the South Slope.
Objective 2: Protect the form and function of the Humber River and its tributaries.
Objective 3: Use ground and surface water at sustainable rates.
Objective 4: Protect groundwater resources.
Objective 5: Manage storm water to protect people and the health of streams and rivers.
Objective 6: Prevent groundwater contamination.
Objective 7: Reduce the amount of sediment that enters surface waters.
Objective 8: Reduce the amount of nutrients and bacteria that enter ground and surface
waters.
Objective 9: Reduce the amount of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, oil, grease, metals, road
salt and other contaminants that enter ground and surface waters.
Objective 10: Protect ground and surface waters from spills and illegal dfscharges of
hazardous materials.
Objective 11: Reduce air pollution in the Humber Watershed.
Objective 12: Protect and regenerate aquatic habitats.
Objective 13: Protect and regenerate terrestrial habitats.
SOCIETY
Objective 14: Identify and document cultural and natural resources.
Objective 15: Protect and conserve heritage resources.
Objective 16: Celebrate the diverse culture and heritage resources of the Humber
Watershed.
Objective 17: Identify and promote the economic value of culture and heritage resources.
vi
WI< /13/1&
A Call to Action: Implementing the Humber Wete,.hed Stretegy
Preface October 30, 1996
Objective 18: Create an accessible and connected greenspace system.
Objective 19: Develop a system of inter-regional trails through the greenspace system.
Objective 20: Identify and develop local and regional-scale recreation, education and tourism
destinations within the greenspace system.
ECONOMY
Objective 21: Balance economic development with protection of the environment and
society.
Objective 22: Incorporate greenspace in all urban and rural developments.
Objective 23: Protect the integrity and the economic viability of agricultural areas.
Objective 24: Conserve the natural resources of the Humber Watershed.
GETTING IT DONE
Objective 25: Create a Humber Watershed Council to facilitate implementation of the
Humber Watershed Strategy.
Objective 26: Cultivate partnerships between individuals, community groups, businesses
and public agencies to implement the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Objective 27: Market the Humber Watershed as a destination of choice for healthy living,
working and playing.
Objective 28: Develop educational programmes that focus on the Humber Watershed.
Objective 29: Fund implementation of the Humber Watershed Strategy through existing and
new sources.
Objective 30: Develop the Humber Report Card to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
vii
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A C.I to Action: Implementing the Humber Wllterahed Strategy
Prefece October 30. 1996
USING SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS AND
IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY ACTI.ON SITES
Subwatershed Action Plans
The watershed has been divided into five subwatersheds: Main Humber, East Humber,
West Humber, Black Creek and Lower Humber. Subwatershed Action Plans have been
prepared for each of these smaller units to facilitate analysis, communications and a sense
of agency and community ownership. In this document, we present a brief description of
the environmental, social and economic characteristics of the subwatershed, and identify
priority actions have been identified to deal with the major issues effecting each
subwatershed. Priority actions are identified but are by no means the only actions that
should take place.
For each subwatershed, we have included a map that illustrates some key characteristics.
The map includes examples of priority objectives and illustrates where specific objectives
are applicable. Other priority objectives and actions exist but may have been identified only
within the written text. Throughout the chapter and on the Subwatershed Action Plan
maps, icons have been used to provide easy reference. The issues and actions are noted as:
[] [fl]
Issues Actions
The environment, society, economy and 'getting it done' are noted as:
~ ~ fit fg3
),0:.0.\"
.1......
. .-
Environment Society Economy Getting it Done
Community Action Sites
Community Action Sites are locations within the watershed where the public, interest
groups, municipalities and other agencies have identified a need for action. To date,
seventeen sites have been recommended for action and they are identified on the
Sub watershed Action Plan maps. A brief description of each site is provided below.
Remember, these are the sites identified to date and there are many more potential sites int
the Humber watershed that are in need of action tool
The Humber Watershed Task Force has selected three sites for immediate implementation:
Sun Row Park in the City of Etobicoke; Caledon East Wetland in the Town of Caledon; and
Lake Wilcox in the Town of Richmond Hill. For these three sites, a set of potential actions
are identified to show how natural, cultural, heritage, recreation, education and economic
needs and opportunities can be addressed. These specific actions are illustrated on a
conceptual plan for the location. The sites are intended to provide a one to five-year
blueprint for immediate action - one step closer to meeting the Humber Challenge.
viii
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Chepter 1: The Mein Humber Subwete,.hed October 30. 1996
CHAPTER ONE
THE MAIN HUMBER SUBWATE~SHED
The Main Humber sub watershed drains an area of 357 square kilometres - almost half of the
Humber watershed. The northern limits of the Main Humber include the Townships of Mono
and Adjala-Tosorontio, the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine. When looking
south from the highest point of land in Mono, the rolling hills of the Moraine, dense forests
and many wetlands can be seen. Some of these areas are publicly-owned recreation and
natural areas such as the Albion Hills Conservation Area, the Glen Hafty Forest and Wildlife
Area and the Cold Creek Conservation Area. Scattered between the forests are agricultural
fields and rural estate areas.
Travelling southeast along the Main Humber River over the Moraine, the river passes
through the Villages of Palgrave and Bolton. These communities have historic significance as
they were developed beside mills in the 19th century. Today, these villages are mainly
commuter communities. Centreville and Cold Creeks are two large cold water tributaries of
the Main Humber which contain the largest amount of significant natural areas in the
watershed.
The headwaters of Centreville Creek begin on the Moraine, just west of Caledon East in a
well-forested wetland area. The creek flows northeast through Caledon to Albion Hills
Conservation Area where it joins the Main Humber. Cold Creek also begins on the Moraine.
It has two main headwater sources - one in King Township and the other in the Town of
Caledon. Cold Creek flows south to just east of Bolton where it enters the Main Humber in
King Township.
From Bolton, the river travels south through the Nashville Resource Management Tract. The
tract is a large publicly-owned area that is distinctive for its deep valley corridor and
regenerating forests. The tract is used by local residents for passive recreation such as
fishing, and there is hiking on many informal trails. Except for two small pieces of land just
south of Kirby Side Road in Vaughan, the Tract connects Bolton with the communities of
Nashville and Kleinburg. Kleinburg is significant because of its pivotal location between the
Main and East Humber rivers and distinctive heritage features of the historic town centre.
~
ENVIRONMENT - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
.......
..:..- .
. -
LANDFORMS
The Niagara Escarpment:
In the Main Humber the river begins on the world renowned and nationally treasured Niagara
Escarpment, classified an United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve. The Escarpment is a steep bedrock slope that was
created by the erosion of an ancient sea bed over one million years ago. The groundwater
that seeps from the Escarpment forms the cold headwater sources of the river. The river
then flows through the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine where it picks up more
groundwater to become a larger and stronger watercourse.
1
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Chapter 1: The M.in Humber Subw.erahed October 30. 1996
00 The resources and landfonns of the Niagara Escarpment need to be protected for
future generations.
[fl] Objective 1:
(j) Use existing provinciBllegislBtion to protect the NiBgBrB EscBrpm.nt;
()) Adopt the NilllJa,a F!t~at:pnJlmt Plan in municipBI plBns;
<3> Protect significBnt fBBtures with eBsements Bnd stewBrdship progrBms.
The Oak Ridges Moraine:
The water, sand, gravel, forest and wildlife resources found on the Oak Ridges Moraine
have environmental, social and economic value. The importance of the Moraine to the health
of the Humber watershed ecosystem has been recognized by the local and regional
municipalities in their official planning documents. The province has also recognized the
Moraine through the development of Interim Planning Guidelines.
OCJ The resources and landforms of the Oak Ridges Moraine need protection.
[H Objective 1:
(J) Continue to protect the OBk Ridges MorBine through the municipBI plBnning
process in Mono, AdjBIB-Tosorontio, CBledon, King, VBughBn, PeelBnd York.
The South Slope and Peel Plain:
From the Moraine, the Main Humber River flows across the plateaus of the South Slope and
the Peel Plain. The clay soils of the Peel Plain are relatively impervious and the streams in
the area are fed mainly by surface runoff.
On the South Slope, the Main Humber River flows through well-defined valley corridors.
Rainbow Creek, a tributary feeding into the Main Humber, is located in a well-defined valley
that begins on the Peel Plain. Its headwaters are fed primarily by surface water runoff.
Before reaching the Main Humber River, the velocity of the water in this creek is high and,
over the years, the river has cut through the till that underlies the Peel Plain and has
intersected the aquifers. As a result, groundwater seeps into the creek providing a source of
cool and clean water. The quality of water in. the creek is quite degraded as it passes
through urban areas where uncontrolled storm water flows into the creek.
For Valley and Stream Corridors:
The valley and stream corridor system in the Main Humber is diverse. In the upper reaches,
~ huge tracts of wetland areas such as the Centreville and Cold Creek wetlands, are
transected by the stream corridors. The wide flood plain and steep valley walls that
surround Bolton were carved by the melting glaciers over 12,000 years ago. In the lower
reaches of the Main Humber, the river continues to travel through the glacial river bed, the
flood plain for the river today.
[] Development in the flood plain and on the valley slope are at risk of being damaged
by flooding and erosion.
~ Objective 1:
(j) Apply policies thBt recognize Bnd respect the nBturBI hBzBrds of flooding Bnd
.. . erosion;
~ AdvocBte public ownership, conservBtion eBsements Bnd stewBrdship
progrBms for vBlley Bnd streBm corridors.
2
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CNipter 1: The Mein Humber Subweterahed October 30. 1996
GROUNDWA TER
Groundwater Quantity:
On the Oak Ridges Moraine, the permeable sand and gravel soils absorb most of the rain and
snow-melt runoff waters. This water seeps into the numerous aquifer systems that lie
beneath the Moraine. These aquifers are important in many ways, they provide drinking
water to residents of Mono, Adjala-Tosorontio, King and parts of Caledon and Vaughan,
process water for industry and commercial uses, and they provide supply baseflow to
streams.
[[] The supply groundwater is finite and increased demand may cause shortages in the
future.
[fl] Objective 4:
<D Develop II groundwllter mllnagement plan for the watershed. The plan should:
. provide II wllter budget for the watershed;
. delinellte rechllrge IInd dischllrge IIreas;
. delineate zones vulnerable to contamination;
. delineate the coldwllter strellms.
Groundwater Quality:
Land uses on the Moraine have contributed to groundwater contamination problems.
Contamination can result from:
. Land uses such as landfill sites, septic fields and uncontained manure storage
facilities;
. Activities such as applying pesticides and fertilizers in vulnerable recharge
areas.
00 Groundwater quality needs to be protected from deleterious land uses and activities.
[HJ
M Objective 6:
(j) Develop II wellhead protection program, such as the Region of Peel's
WRllhRllrf PrntRr-tinn StTlltlVlY for the Main Humber.
SURFACE WA TER
Water Quantity and Quality in the River and its Tributaries:
Throughout the subwatershed where the aquifers intersect the surface, cold groundwater
seeps out to provide baseflow to the headwater streams of the Main Humber. Cold water
streams that originate from these sources in the Main Humber include Centreville and Cold
Creeks, as well as their many feeder tributaries.
The cleanest part of the entire Humber River is found upstream of Albion Hills Conservation
Area on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The relatively stable and low intensity land uses in the
area help to protect the river. As well, dense vegetation slows surface runoff and traps
sediment and other contaminants that would otherwise be transported to the river.
3
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Chepter ,: The Mein Humber Subwetershed October 30. 1996
Water quality declines downstream of Albion Hills where much of the land is actively farmed
or being developed. In this area, there is little or no vegetation to buffer the river. In urban
areas, the drainage systems carry untreated storm water directly into the river. Thus, in this
section of the Main Humber the amount of sediment and other contaminants that enter the
river increase. In Kleinburg, the Sewage Treatment Plant, while operating within the
approved effluent limits, discharges to the river. This effluent, when combined with the
contaminants from urban and agricultural areas such as road salt and pesticides,
cumulatively impact the river.
[[] Water quantity and quality impairments result in lost aquatic habitats, reduced
diversity and abundance of plant, animal and aquatic species, reduced enjoyment of
natural areas by people for recreation, and altered water levels downstream.
[flJ For the Subwatershed:
Objective 13:
(j) Protect headwater forest and wetlands, especially those associsted with
rechsrge sress, through the municipsl planning process.
.. -
For Urban Areas and Parks:
Objective 5: (f) Undertske retrofit storm water msnsgement works;
Objective 10: ~ Optimize operstion of the K/einburg Sewsge Trestment
Plant;
Objective 12: Q) RlHIstsblish ripsrisn vegetstion.
For New Urban Development Areas:
Objective 5: (j) Design and construct storm water management fscilities;
Objective 7: ~ Ensct snd enforce erosion and sediment control by-Isws.,
For Agricultural Areas:
Objective 8:
(f) Plsnt the riparisn ares and use proper crop ti/Isge practices;
~ Restrict livestock access to the river and reduce msnure storsge runoff;
a> Use fertilizers and pesticides wisely;
(j) Prepsre and implement environmentsl fsrm msnsgement plsns.
Kettle Lakes:
In the kettle depressions between the hills of the Moraine, there are many kettle lakes and
wetlands. In some areas, man- made ponds have been dug below the water table and are
sustained by groundwater discharge. Gibson, Widget, Scott and Thompson Lakes are all
located in the headwater areas of the Main Humber. These kettle features are distinctive of,
and unique to, the Moraine itself.
00 The quality of water in the kettle lakes has deteriorated because of human uses.
[flJ Objective 7: (j) Enforce stsndsrd sediment controls st new construction sites;
Objectives 5, 7 & 8:
" .. ~ Use storm water msnsgement techniques to trest storm runoff
in urbsn snd rursl sress.
4
I.,J (( /I '1 / 'f It:J
Chapter 1: The M.in Humber Subw.terahed October 30. 1996
AQUATIC HABrrAT
Protecting Aquatic Habitats:
Many of the rivers and streams in the Main Humber are fed by cool, clean groundwater. As
a result, they provide excellent habitat for many sensitive aquatic organisms. In fact, the
Main Humber contains most of the cold water habitat in the entire watershed. Sensitive
cold water species such as brook trout, are found in the tributaries north of Palgrave as well
as Centreville Creek and Cold Creek near Bolton. Brown trout and brook trout are also found
seasonally in the main stem of the river but particularly in Cold Creek and other small
streams that provide refuge during the summer's high water temperatures. Cold water fish
species are an important component of the aquatic ecosystem and act as indicators of
habitat quality and provide recreational fishing opportunities.
[J Aquatic habitats, especially the coldwater habitats that support trout and other
sensitive species need to be protected from impacts of changes in land use, poor
land use practices, and especially land uses that cause changes in groundwater
discharge to the streams.
[fl] Objectives 3 & 12:
(j) Protect rivel's, stl'8ams, lakes and groundwatel' rechsrge and
~ ..
dischsrge al'ess thl'ough the municipal planning pl'ocess;
Objective 12: ~ Ensul'e envil'onmental fsrm msnagement plsns include
pl'otection of aquatic habitats.
Restoring Aquatic Habitats:
Historically, the Main Humber would have supported Atlantic salmon. This migratory species
was lost 100 years ago due to changes in land use, pollution and the construction of dams
on watercourses. Today, the existing aquatic habitats are not functioning at their historical
potential as on-stream dams, ponds and weirs prevent fish passage and increase summer
water temperatures.
00 Aquatic habitats need to be improved in the subwatershed.
~ (j) Objective 5: Design stotTTIwatel' management I'etl'ofit works;
~ Objective 12: Constl'uct bottom drsw pond outlets 01' by-passes;
@ Objective 12: Plant tl'ees and shl'ubs in the I'iparian zone;
(J) Objective 26: Develop partnel'ships between community gl'OUpS,
landownel's, othel'individuals, agencies and
municipalities.
TERRESTRIAL HABrrA T
Forested Areas:
One of the most important indicators of environmental health is the number and diversity of
terrestrial habitats. The Main Humber has the most forest cover of the five Humber
subwatersheds. Almost half of the sub watershed is forested. primarily in Caledon. Mono and
Adjala- T osorontio.
5
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Chapter 1: The M8in Humber Subwat....hed October 30. 1996
These forests are fragmented into about 1,160 patches of habitat. Some patches are large
and provide significant amounts of interior forest habitats for some bird species. There are
652 hectares of forest that contain interior habitats located more than 100 metres from the
forest edge. Of these, 56 hectares are located more than 200 metres from the edge. These
are the only areas in the Humber Watershed where interior species such as the red-
shouldered hawk and the wood thrush are found.
OCJ The quality of woodland terrestrial habitat is degraded by forest fragmentation.
~ Objective 13:
(j) Plllnt nlltive trees IInd shrubs to increllss the IImount of interior forest hllbitllts
IInd to connect forested IIrells;
~ Enllct municipIII IBgisllltion to protect forest size;
(j) Eilcoursge forest protection through tllX incentives IInd stewllrdship;
@ Uss the municipIII plllnning process to ensure thllt there is no net loss of
hsbitsts.
Wetland Areas:
Meadows, grasslands and wetlands are other important types of terrestrial habitat. Wetlands
are areas where surface water is cleaned. Water movement is slowed in the flat, vegetated
area and sediment and other contaminants are filtered out. These wetland areas, including
Centreville Creek and Caledon East Swamps, provide a diverse array of habitats. In the past,
wetlands were drained for agriculture. Over the past 200 years, there has been a severe
decline in the number of wetlands in the Humber watershed.
-. '
-[l] It is vital to protect the remaining wetlands in the subwatershed to protect water
quality .
- o.
[tjJ Objectives 13 & 28:
<D Use legislation, education IInd stewardship to protect wetlsnds.
ESAs, ANS/s and Classified Wetlands:
Many of the large forest areas, wetlands and kettle lakes in the Main Humber have been
identified as being regionally or provincially significant. The 52 ESAs, ANSls and classified
wetlands cover 4,743 hectares of land. They are the core areas of habitat, quality and
biodiversity in the subwatershed. Of the ESAs in the Main Humber, sixty percent fulfill
criteria related to hydrologic function. They are the source areas for the Main Humber River.
As such, many of them are located on the Escarpment and the Moraine. Concentrations of
these special areas can be found in the headwaters of the Main Humber, near Caledon East,
Palgrave and along the Humber Valley in Vaughan.
[I] Urbanization is diminishing the features and functions of ESAs, ANSls and classified
wetlands causing loss, encroachment, isolation and overuse.
[}J Objective 13:
(j) Protect ESAs, ANSls IInd clllssified wetlllnds through IlInd use plans IInd
policies;
~ Develop mansgement plans for specisl Bress;
(j) Advocste privste stewardship IInd cllreful recrestion planning in specislllrells.
e
LV r<.. I t:I- 'I 7 (t)
Chlipter 1: The Mllin Humber Subw.t.rahed October 30. 1996
~ SOCIETY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
CUL TURE AND HERrrAGE
Archaeological Resources:
Evidence of settlement in the Humber over the past 12,000 years has been found adjacent
to the flood plain, wetland and kettle lake areas. The Moraine area is known to have been
inhabited for at least 10,000 years. The harper site north of Bolton is from that era. In the
Albion Hills Conservation Area, evidence of Middle Woodland settlement was discovered in
the Fall of 1995 as the area was excavated to make way for the expansion of the existing
campground. Another early site was discovered west of Gibson Lake - the Cache site. These
hunter-gathers lived by the river, kettle lakes and wetlands where there was an abundant
supply of wild game and vegetation.
To date, 102 prehistoric archaeological sites have been discovered in the Main Humber. A
low population density and lack of urban pressure have resulted in few site disturbances. As
a result, there are probably many more undiscovered archaeological resources.
00 Increased govemment, public and business awareness of the cultural importance of
archaeological resources is essential to prevent future losses.
lE Objective 14: (f) Use municipallegis!ation to preserve archaeological resources;
Objective 16: f2) Promote municipal partnerships so that the resources are
defined and preserved using similar criteria;
Objective 27: (3) Develop a strategic marketing plan for the resources.
Historic and Contemporary Resources:
The history of the Humber watershed is an important part of our past, present and future.
Part of the history can be seen when visiting the small historic communities that exist
today. This hamlet atmosphere is still present in Mono Mills, Ballycroy, Lockton and Albion.
In other areas such as Kleinburg, Caledon East and Palgrave, the communities are based on
a commuter lifestyle.
In the larger communities of Woodbridge and Bolton, residents both live and work in the
area. In these communities, there are a total of 210 identified heritage resources. In the
19th century, many mills were established along this section of the river. Most of these
mills are now destroyed. Hayhoe Mills in Woodbridge, however, is still in operation although
it is no longer dependent on the Humber River as a power source.
Cultural festivals in the Main Humber are a popular activity in each of the small
communities. Spring and Fall Fairs occur throughout, many of which are agriculturally-
based, such as the Albion-Bolton and Woodbridge Fall Fairs. The fairs provide local residents
and businesses with a sense of place: an opportunity for people to meet their neighbours
and enjoy their community.
7
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Ch8pter 1: The Man Humber Subw.te,.hed October 30. 1996
In the 1830s, William Lyon Mackenzie was the elected parliamentary representative for a
riding that included most of the Main and East Humber subwatersheds. His supporters were,
in large part, in favour of reforming the existing British electoral system that was considered
too far removed from Upper Canada reality. The reform movement grew amongst
Mackenzie's constituents in both the Humber and Don watersheds. In 1837, Mackenzie
was ejected from Parliament for the fourth time and on December 7th, his constituents
rebelled. Although the rebellion lasted only 20 minutes, the repercussions thereafter lasted
many years. Eventually the rebellion was the catalyst for an overhaul of government and the
establishment of the present day parliamentary system.
The development of the Main Humber has historical significance to the development of
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area as a whole. The heritage of the Main Humber, with
its European settlement history dating back nearly 200 years, provides excellent
opportunities for marketing the area as a tourist destination. The watershed is a place where
we can celebrate our heritage: where we can discover how the early settlers met their
challenges, and maybe even learn how to use these solutions to meet today's challenges.
There is a comprehensive marketing plan for tourism initiatives in the headwaters of the
Main Humber. This is a joint venture linking the watershed features of the Humber,
Nottawasaga and Credit Rivers in a successful campaign.
OCJ There is no comprehensive marketing, tourism or education plan for the Main
Humber.
[E] Objective 27:
(f) Estllblish pllrtnerships between 10cIII culturlll and natural heritage groups,
businesses, tourism centres and residents to develop a marketing strlltegy,
including: . Prepackaged tours of the cultural features;
. Historical books of the local communities;
. The local fllirs.
~ Develop educational programs based on the historical and geographic
significance of the sub watershed.
RECREA TION, EDUCA TlON AND TOURISM
Public Greenspace Lands:
The Main Humber has the most outstanding and significant tourism and recreation amenities
in the watershed. There are 159 documented tourism and recreation sites in the Main
Humber. The outstanding sites include the MTRCA's Glen Haffy and Albion Hills
Conservation Areas. the Caledon Trailway/TransCanada trail, and the Woodbridge Village
Area. The other sites include fairgrounds, community centres. large tracts of publicly.
owned natural areas, golf courses, trails, equestrian centres, camps, hospitality centres.
campgrounds, education centres and cemeteries.
The diversity and number of public use amenities present in the Main Humber are, in part, a
result of the Main Humber having the highest percentage of public greenspace la,nds in the
watershed. The MTRCA owns 3,627 hectares of land in the Main Humber, most of which is
associated with the valley and stream corridor and environmentally significant areas. Some
of the greenspace lands between recreation and tourism destinations are privately owned.
There is an additional 408 hectares of parkland owned by the subwatershed municipalities.
Linkages across the Niagara Escarpment in Caledon, the Oak Ridges Moraine in King, and
the valley and stream corridors at key locations throughout the sub watershed are missing.
8
wt Jd 3/CjftJ
Chepter 1: The Mein Humber Subwetershed October 30. 1996
Some of these greenspace linkages could also be established through abandoned railway
lines, similar to the Caledon Trailway construction.
[I] The greenspace system is not linked between key destinations.
Objective 18:
lBJ (j) Encourllge public ownership of greenspllce limds thllt Hnk recrelltion IInd
tourism IIttrllctions;
.. . Support the estllblishment of privllte stewllrdship initilltives on public IBnds;
~
~ Encourllge corporllte sponsorship of existing IInd IIdditionlll public recrelltion
Bnd tourist fBC/7ities.
Trails:
There are six kilometres of formal, multi-use trails and twelve kilometres of informal,
unmarked trails throughout this subwatershed. Many 'of the existing trails are located on
land owned by the MTRCA or Caledon. Most of the land that is required for creating a
continuous formal trail system is currently in public ownership but the inter-regional trail
along the Main Humber is not connected between Caledon, King and Vaughan. In most
cases, the trails and access points are not built and the known trails and access points have
not been mapped. Approximately 34 kilo metres of additional multi-use trails are required to
link the existing multi-use trails in the Main Humber.
OCJ Efforts should be made to link trails in key areas.
,[~
Objective 19:
[tl
(j) Link the trBils on conservBtion BreB IBnds;
a> Design IInd construct both multi-use trBils IInd single-use trBil Blignments.
Improving Recreation and Tourism Destinations:
The Main Humber contains the most publicly-owned land in the Humber Watershed. The
sub watershed also contains many outstanding destinations for recreation and tourism, may
of which are associated with the Niagara Escarpment and Oak ridges moraine. However,
many of the facilities in the publicly-owned natural areas are seasonally over-used, such as
the trails. Natural features can be threatened if human use is not managed effectively.
Conversely, some public facilities are underutilised and not financially self-sustaining.
[[] There must be a balance between use of the natural areas for recreation and
[, establishing facilities that are self-sustaining in the long-term.
[fl] Objective 20:
(j) Prepllre plBns that highlight anvironmentBI mBnBgement and economic
viBbl7ity;
~ UpgrBde Bnd intensify existing fBcilities through business development
pllrtnerships;
(3) Ensure thBt new fBcilities are compBtible with existing uses.
9
W {( J d 1./1'1 (p
Chepter 1: The M8in Humber Subwate,.hed October 30. 1996
Marketing the Recreation, Education and Tourism Centres:
The recreation, education and tourism centres in the Main Humber provide for the needs of
the subwatershed residents, the growing recreational needs of the GT A residents, as well as
national tourism markets.
OCJ Recreation and tourism facilities would benefit economically from a coordinated
marketing plan based on human use and access to the river, the Niagara Escarpment,
and the Oak Ridges Moraine.
[flJ Objectives 12 & 19: a; Identify nllmes of the river, trll/7s IInd public IlInds on
~ .. signs;
Objective 15: ~ Seek designlltion of the Humber wlltershed liS II
Cllnlldilln Heritllge River;
Objective 27: ~ Estllblish pllrtnerships to develop recrelltion IInd tourism
guidebooks IInd mllps;
Objective 27: (J) Unk IInd mllrket recrelltion .nd tourism facilities under
the theme of the Toronto Cllrrying Place Trail.
Watershed Management Education:
Within the sub watershed, the education centres include primary and secondary schools, the
MTRCA's Albion Hills Field Centre and Kortright Centre for Conservation and the Etobicoke
Field Study Centre.
00 Few programs or courses in watershed management are offered at the education
centres in the Main Humber.
[HJ Objective 28:
(J) Establish additional watershed management courses and programs at existing
fllcilities;
~ Provide courses on environmental management and encourage owners and
mllnllgers of wlltershed fllcilities to sponsors these events.
~ ECONOMY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
LAND USE
New Developments:
The six local municipalities and two regional municipalities in the Main Humber have diverse
objectives for municipal growth and planning. In Mono and Adjala-Tosorontio, the northern-
most local municipalities, the predominant existing and projected land uses are open space,
agriculture and estate residential. Intense growth of residential, industrial and commercial
areas is not planned at this time.
Vaughan, Brampton and part of Caledon are developing municipalities. While they still
contain areas that remain agricultural, open space and estate residential uses, growth of
residential, commercial and industrial subdivisions is occurring in the Main Humber. With the
population expected to increase by fifty percent between 1996 and 2021, it is likely that
many new watershed inhabitants will seek residence and employment in the Main Humber.
10
WR I~ 519ft;
Chepter 1: The Mein Humber Subweterahed October 30. 1998
Our challenge is to manage these areas so the natural habitat is maintained or improved and,
at the same time, that human enjoyment is ensured.
[[] New development can cause adverse impacts on the land and air, ground and
surface waters. aquatic and terrestrial habitats and culture. heritage and recreational
resources. However. the costs of the environmental or social losses are not included
in the cost of the development. This is especially true of water - consumers do not
pay the environmental. social or economic costs of taking and using this valuable resource.
~ Objective 21:
(j) Undertake a comprehensive study of the full environmental, social and
, . economic costs of any new development:
~ Apply the principles of full cost accounting to water-taking.
Development in the Flood Plain:
The historic Villages of Bolton and Woodbridge were built in the flood plain beside the mill
on the river. These villages were devastated by flooding in the 19th century and again in
1954 by Hurricane Hazel. To prevent repetition of the damage which occurred in 1954, the
MTRCA constructed a flood control bypass channel and dykes through Bolton and a flood
control channel through Woodbridge. The province enacted legislation that prohibits new
development and mitigates redevelopment in flood plain areas.
[[] Life and property must be protected from flooding and erosion by controlling
development in flood plains.
lBJ Objective 22:
(f) Ensure that municipal policies or provinciallegis/ation is in place to prevent
.. . new development and restrict redevelopment in flood plains.
Flood Control Structures:
The historic engineering approach used to design and construct flood control channels and
weirs included the use of concrete and gabion baskets to build the structures. Planting
riparian vegetation and creating in-stream aquatic habitats were not considered in the early
designs.
00 Riparian revegetation needs to take place. However. programs to re-establish the
....= ... riparian area has been an issue in some local communities. The vegetation is
considered by some residents to be a safety hazard and a block to recreational
access of the river.
[B] Objective 12: (j) Mitigate in-stream barriers;
Objective 26: ~ Create and foster community partnerships:
.. . Objective 28: (3) Develop educational material to teach residents of the
environmental benefits of riparian habitat.
11
{;J f I ~~ /'1 (p
Ch8Pter 1: The Mein Humber Subwete,.hed October 30. 1996
RESOURCE USE
Draining Wetlands and Mining Peat:
Wetland draining and peat extraction are. to date. uncontrolled as peat is not considered an
aggregate resource (although it is non-renewable). In the Humber watershed. wetlands are
almost gone - only one percent of the watershed area (979 hectares) is considered
significant wetland. Over half of this. of 518 hectares. is found in the Main Humber. Today,
wetlands are being drained for two main reasons. They are drained to increase the amount
of viable agricultural and developable land and they are mined for peat for use as a fertilizer.
Wetlands, however, have other economic values which must be considered before
extraction occurs.
Wetlands have values that include recreation (angling and nature appreciation); groundwater
discharge (providing headwater sources to many Humber River tributaries) and as habitat for
many fish, bird and mammal species; as well as their natural capacity to mitigate flood and
erosion hazards and to improve water quality. The draining of wetlands is environmentally,
socially and economically disastrous.
[[] Wetlands need to be protected.
[H Objective 13: (j) Encourage the protection of wetlands through tax incentives,
density bonuses, municipal policies and provincial/egis/ation:
Objective 21: a> Support technological and business initiatives that develop or
use environmentally-friendly mechanisms as alternatives to
depleting n,alural resources;
Objective 23: (3) Promote environmental farm manegement plans: .
Objective 24: (f) Promote the use of renewable fertilizers.
Aggregate Extraction:
The primary area for aggregate extraction in the watershed is on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The Moraine consists primarily of sand and gravel deposits, sometimes up to 200 metres
deep. Extraction operations are regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which
requires permits to extract aggregates and for the rehabilitation of the pits prior to closing
once the resources have been exhausted.
Society depends on the aggregate industry. although this dependency is declining with
improved technology and recycling programs. Sand and gravel is required for the
construction of roads. homes and businesses. The resource. however, is non-renewable, and
the costs of extraction do not reflect the limited supply or the environmental costs that
ensue when groundwater resources are diminished or polluted and habitat is depleted.
Creating a sustainable balance between the true costs of aggregate extraction and use has
the potential to literally change the way we do business.
Society depends on growth, and the "physical growth of society is fully dependent on the
availability of sand, gravel and clay. Today, these aggregates are accessible and relatively
inexpensive. Tomorrow, the availability of aggregates will likely be limited and the
associated resources potentially impacted well beyond our capacity to regenerate. Using
traditional economic theory, once the supply is depleted. the prices will be exorbitant.
12
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Chapter 1: The Mllin Humber Subw8terahed October 30. 1996
[[] We need to balance the need for sand and gravel with the need to protect water and
other resources.
[tl] Objective 4: (f) Develop a groundwater management strategy that identifies
key groundwater recharge areas;
.. .. Objective 4: ~ Uss the municipal planning process and enact provincial
legislation to protect vulnerable Moraine areas;
Objective 24: ~ Use recycled materials for new construction;
Objective 24: <<J Rehabl7itate depleted mines and qu"rries.
~ GETTING IT DONE - COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Three Community Action Sites were nominated for action by partners in the Main Humber.
Partnerships are integral to any action plan as the community, businesses and government
agencies must work together to make the Humber a healthier place. The Caledon East
Wetland was chosen by the Humber Watershed Task Force for immediate action as it is a
good example of how the Humber Watershed Strategy may be applied.
-
THE CALEDON EAST WETLAND
The project is consistent with the Town of Caledon's environmental policies, which state
that the protection, maintenance, enhancement and restoration of ecological functions are
vital to the integrity of communities (both natural and cultural). Caledon East was named in
1851 when the post office opened. The community was established to serve early settlers
asd became a stop on the Hamilton and Northwestern Railway. A swimming hole existed on
the south side of the tracks and was used for well over 100 years. Development however
has altered the site in many ways.
The train stopped running in 1965 and the 22 kilometre line that ran from Terra Cotta to
Tottenham, was abandoned. In the 1990s the Town of Caledon acquired the rail lines. The
Town, supported by the Trailway Committee, transformed the lands into the Caledon
Trailway. Today, the trail way is a multi-use recreational corridor which has also been
accepted as a link in the future Trans Canada Trail. The Caledon East Wetland is located
near the beginning of this trail - near the first ever Trans Canada Trail Pavilion, adjacent to
Airport Road and in close proximity to the Town municipal offices and local parks.
The Community Action Site borders the Centreville Creek Area ESA and wetland. Centreville
Creek is a class "A" cold water stream, one of the few remaining in the GTA. The creek has
populations of brook trout, white suckers, mottled sculpin, American brook lamprey,
crayfish, and a host of other benthic organisms that are indicators of a healthy aquatic
habitat. The site is also viewed as a link in a natural corridor that runs through Caledon East,
and links fragmented public open spaces as well as ESAs upstream and downstream from
the Community Action Site. The site is located in the transition area between the Carolinian
and Boreal Forest Zones and represents an opportunity to regenerate this habitat in a highly
visable and accessable public location. .
13
-- WK l'Jrlq~
Ch8pt.r 1: The M.in Humber Subw8t.,.hed Octob.r 30. 1996
Over recent years. urban development, including the construction of the Airport Road
bridge. Mountcrest Road. and the Peel ICaledon East Sewage Pumping Station have resulted
in the loss of a major portion of the wetland. The creek has b~en channelized. the wetland
function diminished. and forest cover lost. Additional urban development in Caledon East
has resulted in stormwater outfalls being constructed to discharge, untreated, into
Centreville Creek.
The objectives and actions of the Humber Watershed Strategy apply to this community
action site. Priority actions are illustrated have been shown on the concept site map. (See
Map #3). The following specific and general issues have been identified:
1. Loss of wetland habitat;
2. Degraded water quality as a result of overland runoff and untreated stormwater
discharge;
3. Loss of forests and riparian vegetation;
4. Overuse of pesticides and herbicides;
5. Safe and abundant water for swimming and drinking;
6. Fragmented forests and other natural corridors;
7. Protect the Environmentally Significant Area;
8. Maintenance of recreational and educational opportunities including fishing. hiking
and other nature appreciation activities;
9. Assemble and connect greenspace;
10. Effects of future development on the natural environment;
11. Loss of ecological function and processes; and
12. Opportunities for community stewardship initiatives. partnerships and technology
transfer.
The objectives of the Humber Watershed Strategy have been applied to the community
action site. Specific priority actions that can be implemented to achieve the objective
include the following:
Objective 5: Manage stormwater to protect people and the health of streams by:
- Reducing rates and volumes of storm water entering Centreville Creek;
- Promoting at source' storm water management such as lot level storage areas;
- Maximizing permeable areas.
Objectives 8 & 9: Reduce the amount of contaminants that enter surface and ground water
by:
- Promoting the proper use of fertilizers and pesticides;
- Promoting the protection of vegetated buffers;
- Maintaining septic systems;
- Reducing contamination from pets and waterfowl.
Objective 10: Protect water from spills and illegal discharge of hazardous materials by:
- Promoting awareness of proper disposal methods.
Objective 11: Protect and regenerate aquatic habitats by:
- Establishing riparian vegetation using native plants;
- Stabilizing stream banks;
- Enhancing aquatic habitat.
14
f.,JK 1;)'1/'10
Chapter 1: The MM\ Humber Subwat.,.hed October 30, 1996
Objective 13: Protect and nJgenerate tfNT8stdlll habitats by:
- Establishing well-vegetated corridors;
- Protecting woodlands;
- Reconnecting woodland habitats;
- Creating new wetland habitats;
- Maintaining a mix of meadows and grasslands;
- Protecting Environmentally Significant Areas.
Objectives 14, 15, 16 & 17: Identify, protect, promote and ce/ebrste cultursl snd heritsge
resources by:
- Installing interpretive signage that highlights Centreville Creek and other
historical facts about the site.
Objectives 18 & 19: Develop and msintain a system of inte<<egionsl trsils through
accessible greenspllce by:
- Providing suitable access points;
- Ensuring compatible uses;
- Using the Caledon Trailway to link the site to the TransCanada Trail Park and
Town of Caledon parks system;
- Encouraging visitation through education and enhancement of the natural,
cultural and heritage features.
Objective 27: Market the Humber Wllteished by:
- Erecting signs at road crossings identifying the name of the river;
- Marketing the site using trail maps and information centres such as the
TransCanada Trail Pavilion.
Objective 28: Develop educationsl programs by:
- Fostering partnerships with schools, community groups, the municipality and
other agencies.
FUNOALE PARK
Fundale Park and the extension of parkland into the Woodbridge core area known as Nort
Johnson Park offers a variety of conditions and uses. This is a well-used recreation area for
concerts, family picnics and general recreational use. The aim of this project is to naturalize
the riparian zone along the flood channel and to undertake trail and bridge construction
through partnerships with the City of Vaughan, public agencies and private businesses.
THE SOL TON RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TRACT
This project involves the construction of a pedestrian trail linking Bolton with the Albion Hills
Conservation Area. Other opportunities include habitat rehabilitation, education and nature
interpretation. It is a partnership between the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association and
the MTRCA.
15
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Clwpter 1: The Mlin Humber Sub watershed October 30. 1996
Insert Map 2 - The Main Humber Subwatershed
.
16
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Chapter 1: The M.in Humber Subwatarshed October 30. 1996
Insert Map 3 - The Caledon East Wetland
,
17
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.
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Chapter 2: The Eat Humber Subw8te,.hed October 30. 1996
CHAPTER Two
THE EAST HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The East Humber is the third largest of the five Humber sub watersheds with a drainage area
of 200 square kilometres. The East Humber River begins on the oak Ridges Moraine, in the
kettle lakes of St. George and Wilcox in Richmond Hill. The Lake Wilcox community is highly
urbanized, and additional development is proposed. As a result of historic and present land
uses, aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the lake are degraded and water quality is poor.
From lake Wilcox, the river flows west through the Moraine features to the South Slope in
King Township.
The river crosses Yonge Street in Oak Ridges and flows west, through rolling hills and
across agricultural fields, to King City. Small tributaries feed into the river from the north
and south. At King City the river crosses King Road and begins to flow southwest, and then
west. Here, the river leaves the stream corridor and enters a well-defined valley corridor.
Most of the forested land in the area is in the valley and stream corridors. Just south of
King City is a provincially significant wetland, a headwater source for one of the small
feeder tributaries. South of Nobleton, the river takes a sharp turn south and enters Vaughan.
Here, the river passes through Humber Trails, a small piece of valleyland owned by the
MTRCA. While the East Humber in King Township remains predominantly rural in character,
in Vaughan the sub watershed is rapidly developing.
~ ENVIRONMENT - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
LANDFORMS
The Oak Ridges Moraine:
The Oak Ridges Moraine is an interlobate moraine that provides groundwater flow to many
of the East Humber kettle lakes, wetlands and tributaries. The surface waters drain from the
Moraine to the South Slope and the East Humber River. Much of the Moraine in the East
Humber has been modified by various land uses. While the rolling hills that distinguish the
Moraine from the South Slope largely remain, much of the forest has been cut or thinned to
allow for farmland and rural estate residential development.
The water, sand, gravel, forest and wildlife resources found on the Moraine contribute to its
regional significance and have important natural, social and economic functions. The
importance of the Moraine to the health of the East Humber ecosystem has been recognized
by the MTRCA, as well as the local and regional municipalities in their official planning
documents. The Province Government has recognized the Moraine through the development
of Interim Planning Guidelines.
00 The resources and landforms of the Oak Ridges Moraine need protection.
[B] Objective 1:
(j) Continue to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine through the municipal planning
" ..
process in Richmond Hill, King Township, Vsughsn snd the Region of York.
18
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Chepter 2: The East Humber Subwete,.hed October 30. 1996
The South Slope:
The East Humber River flows across the gently sloping plateaus of the South Slope through
King City and Nobleton. The South Slope is a till plain which was formed during the same
geologic period as the Moraine, between 22,000 and 13,000 years ago. Like the Moraine,
the South Slope is an important area because of its natural resources and cultural
significance.
[] The landform of the South Slope has been altered by the development of King City
and Nobleton and by the construction of King Road that cuts right through the hills.
To date, however, the South Slope has not been included in any of the Moraine
planning studies.
~ Obj8ctive 1:
([) R8cogniZfJ the importsnce of th8 South S1op8 in the municipsl plsnning
t/ .
prOC8SS.
For Valley and Stream Corridors:
From Lake St. George to Nobleton, the river is contained within a shallow valley and stream
corridor with wide flood plains. Near Nobleton, the river begins to flow south. down the
South Slope to the Peel Plain. The Peel Plain is a bevelled till plain, also formed during the
same period as the Moraine. It is here that the deeply incised valley of the East Humber
begins. This valley is a legacy of the ancient glaciers: as the glaciers melted over 12.000
years ago, they carved the wide flood plain and steep valley walls.
00 Within the valley and stream corridors, including Lake Wilcox and the surrounding
[. Lake Wilcox community, flooding and erosion occur naturally.
[B] Objective 1: (j) Apply policies thst recognize snd resp8ct th8 natural hazards of
flooding IInd erosion;
Objectiv8 26: ~ Updste th8 polici8s ss new infol7Tlstion snd t8chnologies are
discov8r8d.
GROUNDWA TER
Groundwater Quantity:
Groundwater not only sustains water in kettle lakes, wetlands and the river. it is also the
source of drinking water for many East Humber residents. The villages of Oak Ridges, King
City, Nobleton and Kleinburg all depend on groundwater supplied by regional well systems.
Rural area residents obtain their water from private wells. In these communities, domestic
groundwater withdrawals have increased by three to four times over the past twenty years.
Increased pumping volumes may cause water table drawdowns. In Woodbridge and Pine
Valley water is obtained from Lake Ontario.
00 The supply groundwater is finite and increased demand may cause future shortages.
Obj8ctive 4:
lfl]
<D Dev810p s groundwst8r msnsgement plsn for the wstershed. The plsn should:
. Provid8 II wster budg8t for th8 wstersh8d;
. D81ineste r8chsrge snd dischsrge sress;
. D81in8at8 zones vulnerllble to contamination;
. D81in8st8 th8 coldwst8r stresms.
~ Promot8 wster cons8I'Vstion techniques.
19
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Chapter 2: The E_ Humber Subwete,.hed October 30. 1996
Groundwater Quality:
Groundwater contamination is a result of many factors. Excessive applications of pesticides
and fertilizers, or improper storage of manure on vulnerable MC?raine or South Slope areas
can result in contaminants infiltrating into the ground and then to the groundwater supply.
Improperly managed septic systems can also leak into the groundwater supply. And finally,
because aquifer boundaries are not confined by watershed boundaries, the groundwater
contamination from Vaughan/Keele Valley landfill site located just outside the East Humber
watershed boundary may also have impacts on groundwater resources in the subwatershed.
The unconfined aquifer systems in the East Humber are especially vulnerable to
contamination. The problems of groundwater contamination can be further exacerbated if
significant water table drawdowns occur. The drawdowns may affect surrounding wells or
cause the migration of contaminant plumes.
00 Groundwater quality needs to be protected from deleterious land uses and activities.
[.
[fl] Objective 6: (j) Develop II wellhelld protection progrllm, such liS the Region of
Peers WAllhAlld PrntAr-tinn Strllt9f/Y for the Esst Humber;
Objective 8: ~ Estsblish II process to ensure thst septic systems s,e
msintllined;
Objective 8: a> Construct proper msnure storllge fscilities:
Objective 9: @ Reduce the spplicstion of pesticides snd fertilizers on
sgricultursl fields:
Objective 9: ~ Minimize the IIppliclltion of rolld sslt.
SURFACE WA TER
Water Quantity in the River
On the Moraine and parts of the South Slope where permeable sand and gravel soils
predominate, water infiltrates and there is little surface runoff. In areas where the land
surface intersects the underlying aquifers, baseflow for the headwaters of the many small
tributaries as well as the main part of the East Humber is produced.
In the headwater areas of the East Humber the land uses are changing with urbanization.
The population of Richmond Hill and Oak Ridges is expected to grow significantly over the
next few years. Growth is also expected for King City and Nobleton, but at a more
moderate rate.
Growth is also expected on much of the tableland areas in Vaughan. Here, the East Humber
River travels south over the Peel Plain and through a steep, well-defined valley corridor. In
this area the valleyland forests are thick, as is the riparian vegetation. The river is supported
by groundwater baseflow so that waters are cooled and those cool temperatures are
maintained by vegetation. The tableland areas on the Peel Plain, however, are relatively flat,
have few recharge zones and little forest cover. Surface runoff has a major impact on water
quality.
20
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Chapter 2: The East Humber Subwata,.hed October 30. 1996
New developments are planned on much of the tableland areas beside the valley corridor
and within the drainage area of Purpleville Creek (also locally known as Cold Creek).
Purpleville Creek is a cold water tributary of the East Humber River. The headwaters of
Purpleville Creek begin on the South Slope in the north part of Vaughan, south of the King-
Vaughan Sideroad and east of Highway 400. The creek flows southwest over the Peel Plain
to the Boyd Conservation Area where is joins the East Humber River.
OCJ land use changes have resulted in reduced rates of water infiltration and consequent
reduction in baseflow. As surface storage areas are lost. the volume and rate of
stormwater discharge to the river increases as does the potential for flooding and
erosion.
[tjJ The Subwatershed:
Obj8Ctive 4: (J) Develop a groundwater management plan for the watershed;
Objective 4: ~ hotect recharge and discharge amas through the municipal
plBnning process;
Objective 5: @ IncorporBte stormwBter management designs Bnd sediment
controls in BI/ new developments;
Objective 5: @ Use the policies of the Val/ey and Stream Corridor Management
hogram to ensure that risk from flooding or erosion does not
increase;
Objective 12: ~ MaintBin forest cover on recharge areas and increase vegetsted
cover in the riparian zone.
New Urban Development:
Objective 12:
(j) Ensure that the coldwater functions of this creek are maintained or improved
as land uses intensify by:
. Identifying and protecting recharge and discharge areas;
. Maintaining and enhancing riparian buffers and forest areas;
. Cresting snd maintsining stormwater msnagement snd erosion snd
s&dimentcon"olfscnftm~
Water Quality in the River and its Tributaries:
Water quality in the East Humber River has been measured near its confluence with the
Main Humber River. While water quality does not always meet all provincial water quality
objectives, the East Humber does exhibit some of the best surface water quality in the
Humber watershed. The better water quality results from the condition of the natural
resources and past land use planning decisions in the subwatershed. In the valleylands, the
river is well-vegetated and, thus, somewhat protected from the effects of sediment and
erosion runoff. As well, land uses have been relatively stable in the past. With new
development proposed in Richmond Hill and Vaughan, it will be important to ensure that the
condition of the river is maintained or enhanced.
Water quality conditions vary somewhat throughout the subwatershed depending on local
influences. Near the major roads there are high levels of chloride from the use of road salt.
There are also high levels of bacteria from livestock inputs, and high levels of phosphorus
from use of fertilizers by homeowners and farmers. High levels of bacteria and sediments
come from both urban and rural land uses.
21
1Vf< r.5I/"'!d
Ch.pt.r 2: The Eat Humber Subw.~...hed October 30. 1996
Water quantity and quality impairments result in lost aquatic habitats; reduced diversity and
abundance of plant, animal and aquatic species; reduced enjoyment of natural areas by
people for recreation; impairments to human health, and altered water levels down~tream.
[IJ Water quality needs to be improved in some areas of the subwatershed and areas
that are presently in good condition must be protected from future impacts.
[B] The Subwatershed:
Objective 73:
.. .. (j) Protect helldwllter forests IInd wetlllnds through municiplIl plllns.
Urban Areas and Parks:
Objective 5: (j) Undertllke stormwllter retrofit works;
Objective 8: ~ Estllblish II process to ensure thllt ssptic systems lire
mllintllined;
Objective 9: ~ Encourllge homeowners to use fertilizers IInd pesticides wisely;
Objective 72: (f) Re-estllblish the ripllrilln IIrell.
New Urban Development Areas:
Objective 5: (1) Design IInd construct stormwllter mllnllgement fllcilities;
Objective 7: ~ Enllct IInd enforce erosion IInd sediment control by-Illws.
For Agricultural Areas:
Objective 8:
(j) P1l1nt the ripllrilln IIrell IInd use proper crop tillllge prllctices;
a> Restrict livestock IIccess to the river IInd reduce mllnure storllge runoff;
~ Use fertl7izers IInd pesticides wisely;
(f) Prepllre IInd implement environmentlll fllrm mllnllgement plllns.
Kettle Lakes:
Kettle lakes are natural features found only on moraine areas. There are many of these lakes
on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the East Humber. Water levels in kettle lakes are sustained by
groundwater. Many of the kettle lakes are connected to the East Humber via small
tributaries. These lakes include Wilcox, St. George, Mary, Thompson, Eaton Hall and Bell.
Other kettle lakes, such as Bond, are not joined to the Humber River by surface water
connections. All of these small lakes have important biological functions. They are resting
areas for migratory birds, food sources for aquatic species and home to many small reptiles
and mammals, as well as the larger coyotes and deer.
In Lake Wilcox, the storm water runoff to the lake from the urban community carries
pollutants including phosphorus from lawn fertilizers and chloride from road salt. This
pollution has contributed to the eutrophication of Lake Wilcox and to the water quality
degradation of the East Humber River downstream of the lake. While water quality levels in
the lake are generally within provincial standards for swimming, they have been
deteriorating since 1984.
Development around Lake Wilcox will increase in the near future. The Town of Richmond
Hill has been working with the Lake Wilcox community to restore the natural health of the
lake. Lake Wilcox has been selected as a Community Action Site for the Humber Watershed
Strategy. With community, business and public agency partnerships, the plan must be
implemented to improve the health of the lake and the East Humber River downstream.
22
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Chaptar 2: Tha East Humbar Subw8tarshec:l October 30, 1996
00 Some natural areas beside and within the lakes have been damaged by urban dsvslufjffic,1
and recreational uses. Nutrient and bacteria-laden Nnoff from malfunctioning septic
systems, mowing grass to the lake edge, and waterfowl are the main problems.
Water quality in these kettle lakes needs to be improved.
~ Objective 5: (J) Improve stOTmwater management controls to ensure runoff is
treattK/;
Objective 8: ~ Maintain ssptic systems on a I'8gular basis;
Objective 8: ~ Discourage the public from feeding waterfowl;
Objective 9: @ Use alternatives to pesticides and fertl7izers;
Objective 13: ~ Plant native species and discourage grass mowing adjacent to
the kettle lakes to I'8store habitat;
Objective 26: ~ Encourage partnerships to improv8 the health of the East
Humber's kettle lakes.
AQUATIC HABn'AT
Preserving Aquatic Habitats:
The East Humber includes a broad spectrum of aquatic habitats. The kettle lakes. especially
Lake Wilcox, provide habitat for warm water fish species. Lake Wilcox is well known for the
presence of northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish and many other species
of fish. At the other end of the habitat spectrum is Purpleville Creek which provides
cold water habitat that supports brook trout and redside dace.
In the past, the East Humber River supported a greater amount of cold water habitat than it
does today. Stream resident brook trout and migratory Atlantic salmon would have used
much of the lower and middle reaches of this watercourse. Today, sensitive cold water fish
species are limited to smaller tributaries and seasonal use of the main East Humber River.
Although many of the headwater tributaries of the East Humber originate on the Moraine,
the rate of groundwater discharge (or baseflow) in these streams is less than expected and
many have only intermittent flow during the summer months. Groundwater discharge plays
an important role in determining the ability of the habitat to support sensitive cold water
species.
00 Groundwater discharge needs to be increased to protect and enhance coldwater
habitats.
.... ..
[1j] Objectives 3, 4 & 12:
(j) Develop a water budget and an overall groundwater management plan to
.. . guide water use.
~ Protect and enhance groundwater recharge areas to increase infiltration and
to increase the quantity of surface storage to attenuate overland runoff.
Restoring Aquatic Habitats
Some historic and present land use practices tend to increase nutrient loadings that cause
excessive algal and plant growth. In the case of Lake Wilcox, long-term inputs of nutrients
and the resulting decomposition of algae and plants consumes oxygen from the deep waters
making these depths unfit for fish and other organisms. The lack -of oxygen also draws
nutrients, particularly phosphorus from the bottom sediments further aggravating the
situation.
23
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Chapter 2: The East Humber Sub watershed October 30. 1996
Further, a number of in-stream dams, ponds and weirs have been constructed on the East
Humber and its tributaries over the past 100 years. These barriers prevent fish passage,
increase summer water temperatures and stop the natural movement of stream sediments.
Loss of riparian forests and stream erosion from uncontrolled surface runoff have also
destroyed much of the in-stream cover for fish and other organisms.
00 Existing aquatic habitats are not functioning at their historical potential due to
excessive nutrient loading, in-stream barriers, and loss of riparian habitat.
[8 For Mitigating Excessive Nutrient Loading:
Objective 9:
(j) Protect IIqulltic hllbitllts from excessive nutrient 10llding by:
. Using chemiclIl fert/7izers wisely;
. Designing IInd constructing stonnwllter mllnllgement facilities in urban
llrells;
. Restricting the IIccess of livestock to wlltercourses;
. Replliring faulty septic systems.
For Mitigating In-Stream Barriers::
Objective 12: (j) Mitigate the eHects of ba"iers to fish passage by allowing the
streams to bypass the ponds IInd modifying weirs to II110w fish
movement;
Objective 12: a> Crellte bottom drllw pond outlets or pond bypasses to lower
water temperatures;
Objective 26: ~ Assist IInd encourllge the implementation of community-based
IIqulltic rehabilitlltion projects.
.
For Mitigating Losses in Riparian Habitat:
Objective 12:
(j) Plllnt trees IInd shrubs in the ripllrian zone to increllse stream shade, reduce
streambank erosion and increase in-stream cover.
TERRESTRIAL HABITA T
Forested Areas:
In the East Humber, eighteen percent of the subwatershed is covered in forest - the second
largest amount of forest cover in the watershed. The forests are distributed among 717
patches. This includes 59 patches that contain interior forest habitats located more than
100 metres from the forest edge. Three of these patches contain interior habitats located
more than 200 metres from the forest edge.
Half, or fifty-three percent, of the forest cover is associated with valley and stream
corridors. This is slightly lower than the percentage of forest cover found in the valley and
stream corridors of the other subwatersheds, suggesting that the East Humber contains
slightly more upland habitats.
~s areas in the East Humber such as Richmond Hill. urbanize. the viability of forest habitats
're threatened. When habitats are reduced or isolated. species that are dependant on
iiverse habitats to complete their life cycles, such as amphibians and waterfowl. can no
Jnger survive.
24
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Chapter 2: The En! Humber Subwete...hed October 30. 1996
[] Intensified land uses in Vaughan and Richmond Hill will lead to greater recreational
use of the valleys. As well, forest and wetlands will become isolated.
[tj Objective 13:
(J) Ensure thllt gTfHlnspllce uses lire complltible with environmentlll functions.
.. . a> Unk wetlllnd IInd uplllnd forest hllbitllts.
~ Advocllte public ownership, privllte stewllTdship, tllX incentives IInd density
bonuses for the preservlltion of forest llrells.
Wetland Areas:
Within the East Humber, wetlands are most commonly found between the rolling Moraine
hills, often adjacent to the kettle lakes as well as on the gently sloping hills of the South
Slope. Groundwater discharge sustains water in wetlands and many of the wetlands feed
the river. The wetlands provide habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. They
also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
In the past, wetlands were drained to increase the amount of land available for agriculture.
" Over time, however, it was realized that intensive agriculture, especially growing row crops
on the Moraine, was unproductive. Once the trees were stripped from the sandy soils and
the wetlands drained, the soils eroded. Crops had a difficult time growing on the steep,
unstable slopes. Today, much of the agricultural land on the Moraine and South Slope is
pasture, grassland and meadow habitat ane wetlands are regenerating in depressional areas.
[] Only a fraction of the original wetlands remain in the East Humber. As a result, their
benefits in providing habitat and water quality improvements are diminished. It is
vital to protect the remaining wetlands.
[1j] Objective 13:
CD Preserve smlll/ wetlands that have habitat and hydrologic functions.
a> Protect wetlands through the municipal planning process, acquisition and
stewardship.
~ Create new wetland habitats by restoring drainage patterns and planting
native wetland species.
ESAs, ANSls and Classified Wetlands:
Many of the large forest areas, wetlands and kettle lakes in the East Humber have been
identified as significant. The 41 ESAs, ANSls and classified wetlands cover 1,772 hectares
of land. They are the core areas of habitat, quality and biodiversity in the subwatershed.
There is a concentration of ESAs associated with the spectacular East Humber valley,
between Highway 7 and King Road.
[] The features and functions of these ESAs, ANSls and classified wetlands are being
diminished through direct loss, encroachment and overuse.
~ Objective 13:
CD Protect special areas through land use plans and policies.
~ Develop mllnagement plans for specialllreas.
a> Advocate private stewardship IInd careful recreation plllnning in special areas.
25
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Chtipter 2: The E-.t Humber Subwetershed October 30. 1996
~ SOCIETY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
CUL TURE AND HERITAGE
Archaeological Resources:
The East Humber is rich in heritage resources partly because of the existence of kettle lakes.
The lakes have a natural, social and economic history that date back over 12,000 years.
Archaeological discoveries of Paleo-Indian sites between Lake St. George and Lake Wilcox
suggest that these lakes may have been joined at the end of the last ice age. Many
arrowheads and spear points have been found near the kettle lakes of the East Humber
showing they were valued hunting areas. It is known that species that no longer exist in
southern Ontario, including caribou, lynx, elk, timber wolf and black bear, once depended on
these lakes as sources of food.
To date, 77 prehistoric archaeological sites have been discovered in the East Humber. A low
population density and a lack of urban pressure have served to preserve the archaeological
sites in the East Humber. As a result, there is potential for locating a large number of
presently undiscovered archaeological and built heritage resources in the subwatershed.
The most famous archaeological site in the subwatershed is the Seed-Barker Site located in
Boyd Conservation Area. It is suspected that band conflicts, band integration and
technological advances occurred more than 500 years ago. In combination, these features
make the Seed-Barker site a unique part of Ontario's heritage. Areas beside the kettle lakes
and wetlands also abound in archaeological resources - clear evidence of the importance of
such areas for native peoples.
The ancient Toronto Carrying Place Trail once traversed the East Humber through the valley
corridor in the lower reaches and over the hills of the Moraine in the upper reaches. The
Carrying Place Trail extended from Lake Ontario, up the Main Humber to the East Humber,
crossing at King Creek, and then over the Moraine to the Holland River. It followed the
Holland River to Lake Simcoe. Travellers would then navigate this lake, through Lake
Couchiching to Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. The trail itself is evidence of the evolution of
society that occurred over the past 12,000 years in the Humber watershed.
[[J It is important to prevent future losses of archaeological resources.
,[.
[BJ Objective 14: (j) Use municipllllegisllltion to preserve IIrchlleologiclIl resources;
Objective 16: ~ Promote municiplIl pllrtnerships so thllt the resources lire
defined IInd preserved using similllr criterill;
Objective 27: ~ Develop II strlltegic mllrketing pllln for the resources.
For Historic and Contemporary Resources:
The history of the Humber watershed is an important part of our past, present and future.
By visiting the small historic communities that exist in the East Humber, one can glimpse the
cultural past, present and future. To date, 344 sites containing cultural and heritage
resources have been identified. These include 65 contemporary cultural resources; 22 non-
designated heritage resources; 180 designated or listed built heritage resources as well as
the 77 archaeological resources. From both historical and contemporary per~pectives, the
most significant and unique resource is the ancient Toronto Carrying Place Trail.
26
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Chapter 2: The East Humber Subwatershed October 30, 1996
In the headwaters, Lake Wilcox was developed as a cottage community in the early part of
this century. Today, the cottages are being redeveloped into large, lake-front residential
homes. Lots between the cottages are being infilled. New subdivisions are being built
around the lake as well as in Oak Ridges. Many of the residents commute to work. As the
communities grow, it is expected that many residents will both live and work in the area.
In the 19th century, Nobleton and King City were developed as crossroad communities.
They were staging areas where travellers could rest and change horses, and centres for the
farming communities to meet and trade their wares. Hogan's Inn in King City is the historic
hotel, the centre of the community. It remains a popular pub and restaurant, although it is
no longer operated as a hotel. Today the communities service both the city commuter and
the farming community.
Two of the smaller communities in King Township, Laskay and King Creek, were established
around mills. Laskay was a stop on the main coaching route - there was even a small in this
little hamlet. While" today the mills are no longer remain, smalls residential community
remain at each location.
In Vaughan, the Kleinburg and Pine Grove communities were established around mills. While
these mills are now destroyed, the communities have grown. Kleinburg retains its village
atmosphere, with a distinct village core of country shops and restaurants. The village is a
tourist centre, with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Binder Twine Festival
being the main draws to the area. Many of the remaining historic buildings were the
commercial and residential foundations for these milling communities.
[] There is no comprehensive marketing, tourism or education plan for the East
Humber.
[t] Objective 27:
(J) Establish partnerships between local cultural and natural heritage groups,
" .. businesses, tourism centres and residents to develop a marketing strategy,
including: . Prepackaged tours of the cultural features;
. Historical books of the local communities;
. The Carrying Place Trail route map and historic features.
a> Develop educational programs based on the historical and geographic
significance of the subwBtershed.
RECREA TION, EDUCA TlON AND TOURISM
Public Greenspace Lands:
In the East Humber there are many cultural areas, recreation centres and tourism
destinations. Most of these are near the Boyd Conservation Area in Kleinburg. It is here that
the ancient Toronto Carrying Place Trail, which begins near the mouth of the river at Lake
Ontario, leaves the Main Humber at King Creek and follows the East Humber River branch.
While the East Humber River and its tributaries are not navigable, it has ve.ry attractive
pastoral and scenic qualities. The kettle lakes support canoeing.
There are 137 documented recreation and tourism sites in the East Humber, the second
lowest in the Humber watershed. The outstanding sites include Seneca College (King
Campus), the Augustinian Monastery, parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, Kleinburg
Village, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the MTRCAs Boyd Conservation Area
and Kortright Centre for Conservation.
27
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Chapter 2: The East Humber Subw8tershed October 30. 1996
The other sites include parks. community centres. heritage museums. large tracts of publicly
owned natural areas. trails. education centres. golf courses. hospitality centres and
cemeteries. In total. there are 1050 hectares of MTRCA own~d lands and 111 hectares of
municipal parkland.
[[] The greenspace system between the recreation and tourism destinations is not linked
across the Moraine or through the valley corridors in King Township and Vaughan.
~ Objective 18:
(1) Encourllge pubHc ownership of greenspllcelllnd$ thllt link I'fIcl'fllltion IInd
tourism attractions;
~ Support the estllblishment of private $lewan/ship initilltive$ on public IlInds;
~ Encourage corporate sponsorship of existing and additionlll public recreation
IInd tourist fllCl7ities.
Improving Recreation and Tourism Facilities:
The sub watershed has many outstanding cultural and educational destinations. however.
some public facilities are considered underutilised and are not financially self-sustaining.
Conversely. other parts of some public natural areas are seasonally over-used such as trails.
Natural features can be threatened if human use is not managed effectively.
00 There must be a balance between use of natural areas for recreation and establishing
facilities that are self-sustaining in the long-term.
~ Objective 20:
(f) Prepllre concept development plsns for destinations thst highlight
. .. environmentsl msnllgement snd economic visbility;
~ Develop p"rtnerships with the privllte sector to ensure thllt there is long-term
sustsinllbility;
~ Estsblish sdditionsl economicslly visble fscilities which sre compstible with
existing fsc/7ities.
Trails:
Large forest tracts that contain partial trail systems are found within the valley corridor in
Vaughan, and on the high crest area of the Moraine in King Township. To date. four
kilometres of multi-use trails exist and an additional eleven kilometres of trails are required
to link the existing trails. In Vaughan, the valleyland areas are mostly owned by the MTRCA
or the City. Included in these MTRCA lands are the Kortright-Boyd Area. Across the
Moraine. there is a distinct lack of trails. either informal or formal. This, in part, is due to the
lack of publicly owned Moraine lands in King Township. Some public lands do exist,
including the 239 hectares of federal and provincial land that forms Seneca College.
00 The interregional trail along the East Humber is discontinuous in Vaughan, King
Township and Richmond Hill. In most cases. the trails and access points are
unknown and unmapped.
~ Objective 19:
(f) link the trll/7s on conservstion IIrell IlInds;
aJ link the Humber Trllils, the Trsns Cansda Trsl711nd the Ollk Ridges Morsine
Trll/7 IIcross the crest of the Oak Ridges Morlline;
~ Design IInd construct multi-use trs/7s and single-use trllils trBi/lllignments.
28
w (( / 'I'-I/9(P
Chepter 2: The eat Humber Subw~ershed October 30, 19915
Marketing the Recreation, Education and Tourism Centres:
Recreation, education and tourism centres provide for the needs of subwatershed residents,
the growing recreational needs of GT A residents as well as national tourism markets.
00 There is no coordinated marketing plan on the recreation and tourism destinations of
the East Humber.
lB Objectives 12 & 19 (j) Identify nllmes of the river, trll/7s IInd public IlInds on
signs;
.. .. Objective 14: ~ SHk designlltion of the Humber wlltershed liS II
Cllnlldilln Heritllge River;
Objective 27: ~ Estllblish pllrtnerships to develop tourism IInd recreation
guidebooks IInd mllps;
Objective 27: (J) link IInd mllrket reCTelltion IInd tourism facilities under
the theme of the Toronto Cllrrying Plllce Trail.
Watershed Management Education:
Within the subwatershed, the education centres include primary and secondary schools,
Seneca College, and the MTRCA's Boyd and Lake St. George Field Centres and the Kortright
Centre for Conservation.
00 There is a lack of diverse public uses. linked greenspace and publicly-owned land in
the East Humber. There is also a lack of environmental education for a wide
spectrum of ages, issues, topics, as well as interest and cultural groups.
[EJ Objective 28:
(f) Estllblish IIdditionlll wlltershed mllnllgement courses IInd programs at existing
facilities;
f?) Provide courses on environmental mllnllgement for II wider audience IInd
target owners Bnd mBnBgers of wBtershed fBcilities to sponSOr these events.
. . "'- C'"
29
lJK / YS/Cjf./J
Chepter 2: The eest Humber Subwete,.hed October 30. 1996
ii ECONOMY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
LAND USE
New Developments:
The development objectives of Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King are quite diverse. Vaughan
is developing suburban communities; Richmond Hill is redeveloping the cottage community
surrounding Lake Wilcox as well as developing new suburban communities. The community
plans for King City and Nobleton also provide for increases in population.
In King Township, development policies are being reviewed. Council is investigating the
potential of connecting sanitary sewer pipes to the York-Durham system which empties into
Lake Ontario. A sewer main would be constructed along King Road to King City, and
possibly to Nobleton. If this occurs, suburban growth may follow if development charges
and an increased tax base are required to offset the cost of the pipes. There is concern
among some residents of King Township that expanding these communities will occur at the
expense of agriculture, and the character of the predominantly rural landscape will change.
Contemporary land use in King is characterized and distinguished by rural estates, horse
farms and the traditional agricultural operations. If development on the rich agricultural clay
soils that overlay the Moraine is permitted, the rural character of the Township will change.
New developments cause adverse impacts on the land and air, ground and surface waters,
aquatic and terrestrial habitats and culture, heritage and recreational resources.
The costs of environmental or social losses caused by development are not included
00 in the cost of the development. This is especially true of water. Consumers do not
pay the environmental, social or economic costs of taking and using this valuable
resource.
Objective 21:
[BJ (j) Undertake a comprehensive study of the full environmental, social and
economic costs of lIny new development.
" .. ~ Apply the principles of full cost accounting to water-taking.
Development in the Flood Plain:
The historic cottage community surrounding Lake Wilcox was built in the flood plain of the
lake. To protect against flooding, the MTRCA and Richmond Hill are establishing a Special
Policy Area for Lake Wilcox. In the future, new development will be permitted only if
stringent Provincial policies can be met.
00 Life and property must be protected from flooding and erosion by controlling
development in flood plains.
Objective 22:
[t}] (f) Ensure that municipal policies or provinciallegis/ation is in place to prevent
new development or restrict redevelopment in the flood plain.
t' '.
30
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Chllpter 2: Thll Ells! Humbllr Subwlltllrshed October 30. 1996
~ GETTING IT DONE - COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Three Community Action Sites were nominated for action in the East Humber.
Partnerships are integral to any action plan as the community, businesses and government
agencies must work together to make the Humber a healthier place. The Lake Wilcox
Rehabilitation Plan was chosen by the Humber Watershed Task Force for immediate action
as it is a good example of how the Humber Watershed Strategy can be applied.
THE LAKE WILCOX REHAB/UTA TlON PIAN
Lake Wilcox is located in the community of Oak Ridges in the Town of Richmond Hill. The
lake lies within the Oak Ridges Moraine which is characterized by rolling topography,
complex glacial soils and kettle lakes. Lake Wilcox is a kettle lake. Prior to early settlement
around the Lake Wilcox area, it is likely that the subwatershed was heavily forested.
However as settlement proceeded northward, the lake became a popular vacation and
cottage area. Aerial photographs from 1954 show the north side of the lake under intensive
development with cottages and seasonal dwellings and, to a lesser extent, the south shore
of the lake. This development was serviced by wells and septic systems. Most of the
surrounding catchment area had also been cleared for agricultural purposes.
Over the years, the septic systems began to fail causing contamination. Most of the
cottages have been converted to permanent dwellings and all are now serviced by water
and sewage lines. In the recent past there has been little new development in the Lake
Wilcox area. However, urbanizing pressures will become intense in the near future as the
new subdivision construction has recently been approved for the Oak Ridges/Lake Wilcox
planning area.
The lakeside development and nearby subdivisions have caused deteriorated water quality in
Lake Wilcox. Phosphorus loading from fertilizers, soil erosion and animal waste, has
degraded water quality and caused excessive algae and aquatic plant growth. The habitat
and migration of northern pike has been significantly altered through lakefilling and the
construction of an outlet channel and control dam. Riparian habitat has been lost due to
hardening of shorelines and the construction of lawns and boating facilities. These activities
severely limit the shoreline habitat available for fish and wildlife and the ability of the
riparian zone to filter nutrients in the runoff from adjacent lands. Swimming and boating are
affected by poor water quality and excessive aquatic growth on the surface of the lake.
The following specific and general issues are from the Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy of
1996. The Lake Wilcox Remediation Plan was designed to study three specific issues:
<D The impacts that the past use of septic systems have had, or are continuing to have,
on the lake;
~ Potential effects of the future development of the surrounding lands on lake water
quality;
a> The impacts that installation of the sanitary sewer has had on groundwater flows to
the lake and the resulting water quality in the lake.
31
lJ I< / Lf 71lf Co
Chapt.r 2: The Eat Humb.r Subw8te,.hed October 30. 1996
The Plan was designed to achieve nine objectives:
()) Clear lake water that is able to support life;
~ Improved lake oxygen conditions;
Q) Reduced algal and aquatic microphyte growth;
@ Reduced odours in the near shore sediments;
~ Safe water for swimming;
~ Protect predator fish and their habitats;
(j) Maintain recreational uses of the lake. some reduction of motorized watercraft and
fishing access may occur;
@ Enhanced nature appreciation opportunities; and
(ID Opportunities for residents to be involved in the lake remediation process through
monitoring. changing of individual land use practices or assisting with remediation
works.
The objectives of the Humber Watershed Strategy have also been applied to the community
action site. The objectives and actions which can be illustrated are shown on the concept
site map, (see Map 5).
The actions that will be undertaken to implement the Lake Wilcox include the following:
Objectives 4 & 7: MBnBge Bnd reduce storm water runoff to reduce surface wBter
contamination by:
<D Constructing a storm water management facility at Fergus Avenue to reduce
phosphorus loading;
~ Decommissioning septic systems;
Q) Providing drainage improvements on private lots and ditches to reduce nutrient loads.
Objectives 6 & 7: Prevent excessive sediment and nutrient contBminBtion by:
<D Promoting hypolimnetic withdrawal and limited sediment injection techniques;
~ Reducing aquatic vegetation associated with mil foil mats.
Objective 12: Enhance and rehBbilitBte IIquatic environments by:
<D Removing woody vegetation to permit regeneration of emergents and grasses at pike
spawning areas;
~ Creating additional pike spawning habitat along the East Humber River and at the
dam and the outlet channel;
0) Seasonally aerating the bottom waters with oxygen to enhance fish habitat.
Objectives 15 & 17: Identify Bnd recognize the economic vBlues of culture and heritBge
resources by:
CD Promoting the programs of the Lake St. George Field Centre;
(2) Documenting archaeological sites;
Q) Documenting the economic impact of the Richmond Hill Canoe Club.
Objectives 17 & 19: Create Bn IIccessible connected greenspBce system Bnd trBI7 network
by:
<D Promoting internal linkage of existing parks and conservation area facilities;
(2) Developing a trail network on roads surrounding Lake Wilcox.
32
lJ f< l'If /9fs,
Chepter 2: The En! Humber Subw.erehed October 30. 1996
Objectives 21 & 22: Balance economic development with protection of the environment by:
<D Including ecological restoration when planning surrounding development; and
~ Encouraging local stewardship of water and greenspace amenities to increase
property values.
Objectives 28 & 30: Communicate an awa,eness of heahh, partnerships, and environmental
education by:
<D Targeting residents to reduce use and disposal of chemicals, fertilizers and liquid
waste;
~ Encouraging residents to establish riparian vegetation.
There are numerous community groups involved with the study and implementation of the
Lake Wilcox Remediation Strategy. The implementation of the many tasks associated with
the issues and objectives will necessitate multiple partnerships with these groups and the
Town of Richmond Hill.
The Boyd Complex
The Boyd Complex includes the Boyd Conservation Area, Kortright Centre for Conservation,
the Glassco property which contains an ESA, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
The project demonstrates how to develop an integrated, regional-scale recreation and
tourism node. It would include the identification and development of archaeological sites,
the restoration of stream habitat, the creation of storm water ponds, trails and interpretive
signs. The project will be implemented as a partnership involving the MTRCA, other public
agencies and groups and the public.
The East Humber Restoration Plan
The East Humber Restoration (EHR) project is being initiated by Action to Restore a Clean
Humber (ARCH). The area targeted for restoration is a reach of the East Humber River that
is over 20 kilometres in length. The study reach begins south of Kleinburg and extends
northeast to King City. The EHR is a project based on an ecosystem approach to watershed
management in a rural setting. The project will be undertaken through partnerships between
private land owners, government agencies, academic and cultural institutions, and
community and non-government organizations involved in water pollution prevention,
remedial action, ecological restoration, and habitat enhancement. The project combines
streambank erosion control, fishery habitat improvement, riparian zone restoration and
: valleyland enhancement.
33
Wf\-I'f 1/'tft/
Chapter 2: The Eest Humber Subwetershed October 30, 1996
Insert Map 4 - The East Humber Sub watershed
34
w~ J50/qff;
Chapter 2: The Eat Humber Subweterwhed October 30. 1996
Insert Map 5 - Lake Wilcox
.
.4 "
.
. ."
,
.
35
U(( /5 J /9&1
-
Chapter 3: The We.t Humber Subw..,.hed Octob.r 30. 1996
CHAPTER THREE
THE WEST HUMBER SUBWATERSHED
The West Humber is the second largest of the five Humber subwatersheds with a drainage
area of 201 square kilometres. The West Humber River begins in the agricultural fields of
the South Slope in Caledon. The river and its three major tributaries - Campbells, Salt and
Undsay Creeks - travel south through Brampton. Campbells Creek joins Undsay Creek just
north of Highway 7 and meet the main branch of the West Humber. Salt Creek joins the
main branch in the community of Castlemore. The river then begins to flow southeast
through the urban area of Brampton in a well-defined valley corridor and finally empting into
the Claireville Conservation Area reservoir. From the Claireville Conservation Area, the river
continues to flow southeast through Mississauga and Etobicoke. In Etobicoke, the river joins
the Lower Humber River near Albion Road and Islington Avenue.
In the headwater areas of the West Humber subwatershed the tableland is characterized by
the gently rolling topography of the South Slope till plain. The land use is predominantly
agricultural. Through Brampton, the tributaries cross the Peel Plain, a very flat till plain that
once offered the best agricultural land in the watershed. Today, this area is rapidly
urbanizing. In Mississauga and Etobicoke, the Peel Plain has been almost fully developed.
Downstream of the reservoir, the valleylands form part of a connected and publicly-owned
greenspace and trail system in Metro Toronto.
The intensive agricultural and urban land uses in the West Humber have resulted in this
watershed having little forest cover, the wetlands that once existed on the South Slope
were drained, and sediment is entering the river from the tablelands. Flooding is most
spontaneous in the West Humber where flash floods frequently occur. The Claireville
reservoir and dam was built to control the effects of these floods on the Lower Humber.
~ ENVIRONMENT - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
" \\
I ...:.;
- LANDFORMS
The South Slope:
The West Humber River begins in Caledon on the gently rolling hills of the South Slope. This
landform is a bevelled till plain, formed as the last ice age ended 13,000 to 22,000 years
ago. The South Slope is an important area because of its natural and cultural resources.
There are extensive agricultural areas on the South Slope. Their development resulted in the
forests being cut down and wetlands being drained. Although most of the South Slope will
remain in an agricultural state over the next 20 years, the increasing pressures for urban
development near Bolton and Caledon East in the Main .Humber subwatershed may extend
into the West Humber. There are also intensive urbanizing pressures in Brampton.
36
wt/5:J/9ftJ
Ch8Pter 3: The West Humber Subw.terwhed October 30. 19915
[[] To date. no studies have been undertaken regarding the form and function of the
South Slope. Thus, it remains unprotected in the municipal land use planning
documents.
[fl] Objective 10:
(j) Analyss and pmtect the natural fonn and function of tlHJ South Slope through
the municipal planning pmce$S.
The Peel Plain:
The river flows off the South Slope in Caledon and across the Peel Plain in Brampton. The
Peel Plain is a bevelled till plain that was created by a glacial lake during the melting of the
last ice age. Today, till soils have eroded to fine textured silt and clay loams. These fertile
soils, combined with the flat topography, moisture and the growing season, made the West
Humber the best agricultural area in the watershed.
00 There is tremendous pressure to develop the Peel Plain. By 2021, little. if any, of this
rich agricultural soil will remain in the West Humber.
[tl] Objective 21:
(j) Umit the economic advantage of urban sprawl on the Pesl Plain through:
. Charging consumers the full cost of all water and infrastructure costs;
. Promoting a fair and equitable tax base thmughout the watershed;
. Using a model that incorporates a full-cost assessment of developing
on this limited resource.
Valley and Stream Corridors:
The headwater reaches of the West Humber River flow through small stream corridors. The
middle reaches flow through stream corridors that are defined by a wide flood plain. In the
lower reaches, the West Humber River flows through shallow, yet well-defined valley
corridors before reaching the Claireville Reservoir. South of Claireville, the river continues
through a well-defined valley corridor.
[[J Urbanization is encroaching upon the valley and stream corridors of the West
Humber. Intermittent streams are often considered insignificant and are piped or
altered to accommodate new development or agricultural practices.
[H] Objective 10:
(j) Protect the natural form and functions of the valley and stream corridors
ff .. through the municipBI plBnning process.
37
UK /5'3/9&
Chepter 3: The Wnt Humber Subwaterehed October 30. 1996
AIR
Air Quality:
Brampton is rapidly urbanizing and Mississauga and Etobicoke are already urbanized. Air
quality will deteriorate as the subwatershed develops because there is little vegetation
present, more vegetation will be removed, and vehicle transportation will increase.
OCJ The urban and urbanizing nature of the subwatershed is creating problems with air
quality, especially in the lower areas near the developed areas and by major
transportation corridors.
[tj Objective 11:
(j) Reduce vehicle, commercilll, industrilllllnd commercilll emissions;
~ PllInt IInd mllintllin vegetation.
GROUNDWATER
Groundwater Quality and Quantity:
The aquifer system beneath the South Slope and Peel Plain in the West Humber is directly
connected to the aquifer systems beneath the Oak Ridges Moraine. These aquifers are not
confined by watershed or subwatershed boundaries. As a result, the groundwater supply in
the West Humber is affected by land uses both within the subwatershed and beyond. As
the aquifers intersect the surface of the South Slope, the resulting groundwater discharge
provides baseflow to the headwaters of the West Humber River.
In Caledon, the small communities of Victoria, Campbells Cross, Tullamore, Sandhill and
Macville are dependant on the groundwater supply for drinking water. The farms and estate
residential homes in the area also depend on groundwater from private wells. In Brampton,
most of the communities are serviced by a pipe from Lake Ontario to Caledon East. This
pipe provides water services to the East Gate, Sandringham-Wellington and Castlemore
communities in Brampton. Smaller Brampton communities, such as Wildfield as well as the
estate residential and farms, receive their water supply from the ground.
Because the geologic formation beneath the Peel Plain the groundwater can contain sulfur
and sometimes tastes quite salty. Hence, one of the tributaries was named Salt Creek by
the early farmers in the area.
Incidences of nitrate contamination in wells have been found in Castlemore and Campbells
Cross. It is important that land use practices both within and beyond the subwatershed be
managed to control the infiltration of nitrates, chlorides and bacteria in the groundwater
aquifers.
38
W((} 54 /qlP
Chapter 3: The Welt Humber Subwetershed October 30. 1996
[] The supply of groundwater is finite and increased demand may cause shortages in
the future.
~ For Groundwater Quantity:
Objective 4:
. . (J) Promote development of II groundwllter mllnllgement pllln for the wlltershed:
~ Protect III'fIIIS of groundwllter dischllrge through the municiplIl plllnning
process;
~ EVlllullte the nfHHI to enhllnce dischllrge III'f1I1S through l'flforestlltion or
wetlllnd crelltion.
For Groundwater Quality:
Objectives 8 & 9:
(f) Store mllnure properly, minimize the IIppliclltion of pesticides IInd fertilizers,
maintain septic systems IInd reduce the IIpplication of road salt.
SURFACE WATER
Water Quantity in the River and its Tributaries:
The tributaries of the West Humber River are considered 'flashy' due to the high frequency
of flash floods that occur after a storm. While groundwater recharge feeds the headwaters
of the streams, the flow to these streams is maintained by surface runoff once they reach
the Peel Plain. The two main tributaries of the West Humber River, Salt and Lindsay Creeks,
as well as the main branch itself, are all intermittent. Due to the lack of baseflow, these
streams may dry-up or become standing pools during the summer. Through the land use
planning process, the small, intermittent streams that feed into the three larger tributaries
are often piped to accommodate increased development densities on the land. Piping these
small creeks further increases the volume and velocity of storm water runoff to the river in
the West Humber.
Historically, the West Humber streams were surrounded by forests and wetlands. These
features created areas of surface depressional storage and mitigated the rate of surface
runoff to the streams during storm events. Today, the wetlands are mostly gone, as are the
forests resulting in the loss of surface depressional storage areas to urban development and
agricultural land uses. As well, the rate of surface runoff during storm events tends to be
exceedingly high as are the incidences of flooding. In 1961, the Claireville Reservoir and
Dam was constructed just north of the boundary between Metro Toronto and Brampton to
control flood waters running off the South Slope and Peel Plain before the waters reached
urban communities in the Lower Humber and Metro Toronto.
.
39
W(( I 55/'1{LJ
Chapter 3: The Wnt Humber Subwetershed October 30. 1996
00 Land use changes in the West Humber subwatershed have resulted in increased
volumes of stormwater being discharged to the river and has increased the potential
for flooding and erosion.
[EJ Objective 5:
(J) Undertllke stormwlIter retrofit projects;
~ Require sformwlIter controls tor new urban developments;
~ Minimize flood IInd erosion hllZlInJS through thelllnd use plllnning process.
Objectives 12 & 13:
(J) Regenerllte forest IIrells;
t2> Creete wetlllnds;
Q) MlIintllin the function of the CIlIirtlVl71B ReseNoir IInd DlIm liS II flood control
structure, improve IIquatic and terrestrilll hllbitats IInd provide for increased,
but complementary, rscrtllltionlll use;
(j) Protect the intermittent strellms through the municiplll planning process;
~ Require thllt ripllrilln IIrees be plllnted when IlInd uses lire chllnged.
Water Quality:
Water quality in the West Humber River is degraded. It is affected by agricultural activities,
rural estate developments in the headwaters, the urbanizing areas that fringe Brampton and
the urban land uses within Etobicoke and Mississauga in the lower subwatershed.
[IJ Water quality needs to be improved and areas that are in good condition must be
...: ., protected from further impacts.
[E] Objective 7: (J) Offer erosion IInd sediment control trllining for farm operlltors
IInd developers;
Objective 7: t2> Enllct municiplll erosion IInd sediment control by-laws IInd
municipal compliance monitoring;
Objective 8: ~ Control runoff from manure piles IInd restrict livestock IIccess
to wlItercourses;
Objective 8: (j) Reduce road salt applications;
Objective 9: ~ Use IIlternlltives to fertilizers IInd pesticides.
AQUA TIC HABITAT
Protecting Aquatic Habitats:
The West Humber is unique as it contains a large number of tributaries which tend to be
intermittent in summer. This is due to the lack of groundwater discharge or sustained
surface flow from wetlands and ponds. In fact, historic records from the gauging station at
Highway 7 indicate that the main branch of the West Humber River itself has dried up
during prolonged dry periods.
Camp bells Creek, which flows through Campbells Cross, is the only recorded cold water
habitat in the subwatershed. It contained brook trout during the 1940s, but it is unknown if
they are still present today.
40
w r2 I 5~ /9 v
Chapter 3: The We.t Humber Subwete,..hed October 30. 1996
The numerous small, intermittent watercourses in the West Humber play an important role
in attenuating surface flows. They can provide aquatic habitat both directly on a seasonal
basis, and indirectly by moderating the flow regime for downstream habitats that have
permanent flow.
[jJ Due. in part. to the small size and large quantity of watercourses in the West
Humber. developers often want to bury or pipe the streams. The form and function
of these streams needs to be protected.
[t}] Objective 12: (1) Encourllge municiplIHties to protect rivers IInd strellms through
the municiplIl plllnning process;
Objective 28: ~ Dsve/op sduclltion IInd IIwllreness progrllms to better inform
the public of the importllnce of wllteTCourses.
Restoring Aquatic Habitats:
Due to the flow conditions in the West Humber, the existing aquatic habitat generally
supports a more pollution-tolerant fish community. However, features such as the
Claireville Reservoir provide habitat for a wide variety of aquatic species including
largemouth bass, pumpkinseed. rosy face shiners and many others. Historic aerial
photography and maps have indicated that the West Humber once contained many more
productive wetlands than it does today and thus would have supported many more aquatic
species and overall, a healthier subwatershed.
[[] Impacts from historic land uses have caused degradation of aquatic habitat. including
loss of tree cover along watercourses. loss of wetlands. loss of surface storage and
increased sediment loading to watercourses. Aquatic habitat needs to be improved.
[tj] Objective 12: (1) Encourllge landowners to plant trees and shrubs in' the riparian
III'f1I1S;
Objective 13: ~ Develop partnerships to create or regenerate wetlands;
Objective 26: ~ Prepllre IInd implement environmental farm management plans.
TERRESTRIAL HABITAT
Forested Areas:
One of the most important indicators of environmental health is the number and diversity of
terrestrial habitats. The West Humber has the least forest cover of the five Humber
subwatersheds as only six percent is forested. Of this, sixty-four percent is located in the
valley and stream corridors. These forests are fragmented into about 416 patches of cover.
Few of these patches are large enough to provide a significant amount of interior forest
habitat. There are 15 hectares of forest that contain interior habitats greater than 100
metres from the forest edge. These habitats are found in 14 different patches.
[jJ Fragmentation of the forests in the West Humber through land use changes has
degraded the health of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
[tj] Objective 13:
(j) Identify IInd protect forests through the municipal planning process;
~ Add edge plllntings IInd link forested IIrells with diverse, nlltive plant species;
~ Protect forests through tax incentives, density bonuses IInd stewardship
progrllms.
41
W((/57/9&
Chaptar 3: The West Humbar Subwatarshed October 30. 1996
ESAs, ANSls and Wetlands:
Other important types of terrestrial habitats include wetlands, grasslands and meadows. In
the West Humber, most of the wetlands have been lost to agricultural and urban
development. There are only six natural areas that have been identified as environmentally
significant. This includes three ESAs, two ANSls and two classified wetlands, covering 94
hectares of land. These areas are considered special in that they provide core habitats for
terrestrial and aquatic species.
The three ESAs in the West Humber are all designated because they provide habitat for rare
species of regional, provincial or national significance. The small size of these ESAs and the
fact that other ESA criteria, such as high quality habitats and large habitat blocks, are not
fulfilled is a reflection of the depleted nature of the natural system in the West Humber.
[[] Land use changes are causing direct loss, encroachment and overuse in ESAs, ANSls
and classified wetlands. This is impacting the features and functions of the natural
habitat area resulting in their deterioration.
[EJ Objective 13:
([) Protect special areas through land use plans and policies;
~ Develop management plans for special areas;
~ Advocate private stewardship and careful recreation planning in speci81 8re8S.
~ SOCIETY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Archaeological Resources:
The West Humber has distinct cultural and heritage resources. Archaeologists have found
evidence of prehistoric human occupation on the flat till plain of the Peel Plain and the
gently sloping hills of the South Slope. This area has been inhabited for the past 12,000
years. To date, 53 archaeological sites have been discovered in the subwatershed. This is
evidence that for centuries, the West Humber has been used for hunting, fishing and
travelling. In fact, the early archaic Tegis site was discovered in 1992 during an
archaeological investigation prior to the construction of Highway 407 through a portion of
land in the Claireville Conservation Area. The Tegis site is one of two known early archaic
sites in Ontario, and is therefore of great cultural significance. In the area where Salt,
Lindsay, Campbells and the and the main tributary of the West Humber River intersect, there
are likely many more archaeological sites. Some of these sites have been lost through
previous urbanization, others remain, but are in jeopardy as urban intensification pressures
in the area continue.
The West Humber is characterized by a blend of rural and urban areas. Low population
density and lack of urban pressure in the north part of the subwatershed has resulted in few
site disturbances and therefore a number of undiscovered archaeological resources may
exist on both the tablelands and in the valley and stream corridors.
42
we J 5 "/9(,
Chllpter 3: The West Humber Subwlltershed October 30. 1996
OCJ Increased government, public and business awareness of the cultural imponance of
archaeological resources is essential to prevent future losses.
[BJ Objective 14: ([) Use municipllllegis/Iltion to pl'8S8rvB llt'Chll80logicllll'8sout'Ces;
Objective 16: ~ Promote municiplll pllrtntNMips so thllt the I'flsout'Ces IlI'f1
. ., definfHIllnd preseNed using sim/71lr criterill;
Objective 27: (,p Develop II strategic mllrketing plan for the I'flSOUTCes;
Historic and Contemporary Resources:
The history of the Humber watershed is an important part of our past, present and future.
By visiting the small historic communities that exist in the West Humber, a glimpse of the
cultural past, present and future can be seen. To date, 157 individual cultural and heritage
resources have been identified. These include 76 contemporary cultural resources, 19 non-
designated heritage resources and 62 designated built heritage resources.
In the 19th century, the communities of Victoria, Campbells Cross, Tullamore, Sandhill,
Macville and Wildfield were developed as crossroad communities. They were staging areas
where travellers could rest and change horses, and centres for the farming communities to
meet and trade their wares. Today, these small villages remain largely rural catering to a
predominantly agricultural community base. Conversely, new urban developments have been
developed around the historic crossroad towns of Castlemore and Sandringham-Wellington.
These two areas cater to commuter lifestyles. In 1997, the Peel fair will relocate to the
West Humber subwatershed.
[[] As urban development in the West Humber continues, it is imponant that the historic
character of the crossroad communities be incorporated into the new communities.
IMI :m,jee~V9 74: (J) Protect culture and heritage resources through the municipal
planning process;
Objective 17: ~ Increase Ilwareness of the importance of cultural and heritage
resources to the community;
Objective 22: (',p Incorporate culture and heritage resources in new community
development plans.
RECREATION, EDUCATION AND TOURISM
Public Greenspace Lands:
The West Humber has 97 documented sites of tourism and recreation - the fewest in the
Humber watershed. The outstanding sites include the MTRCAs Claireville Conservation Area,
Indian Line Campground and the Ebenezer Resource Management Tract, the Claireville
Equestrian Ranch, Wild Water Kingdom, Humber College, the Humber Arboretum and the
West Humber Trail. The other sites include trails, parks, recreational complexes, golf courses
and cemeteries (which provide opportunities for passive recreational sues, such as walking
or bird-watching).
In total, there are 990 hectares of MTRCA owned lands and 452 hectares of municipal
parkland. However, most of the greenspace lands between tourism and recreation
destinations are privately owned.
43
{AI( 15'1/'1 h
Chllpter 3: The West Humber Sub watershed October 30. 1996
00 Linkages are needed from the Clairevnle Conservation Area to the communities of
East Gate, Castlemore and Sandringham-Wellington and further north to connect
with the trails in the Main Humber in Caledon.
~ Objective 18:
(j) Encourage public ownership of gTfHlnspace lands;
. . ~ Support private stewardship initiatives on public lands;
(J) Encourage corporate sponsorship of existing and additional public f'fIcreation
and tourist facilities.
.
Trails:
Within Metro Toronto, most of the multi-use trails are formal and linked. Outside Metro
Toronto, most of the trails are informal and unidentified. Only Brampton has additional
developed multi-use trails. It is expected that the trails in Metro Toronto and Brampton will
be linked through the Claireville Conservation Area Complex. Today, there are
approximately 13 kilometres of formal trails and it is estimated that another 13 kilo metres of
trail is needed to link the trail networks in the West Humber.
[[] The interregional trail along the West Humber is discontinuous in Brampton. In most
cases, the trails and access points are unknown and unmapped.
[t}] Objective 19:
(f) Link the trails on conservation and other public lands;
~ Design and construct both multi-use tral7s and single-use trail alignments.
Improving Recreation and Tourism Destinations:
There are very few outstanding recreational destinations and with the growing urban
populations in the West Humber, the need for additional outdoor recreation opportunities in
natural areas will increase. It is necessary to evaluate the demand for these facilities and
plan for potential change in public uses.
00 The options for recreational uses on public lands need to be evaluated.
i,
[tlJ Objective 20:
(j) Prepare concept development plans for destinations that highlight
environmental management and economic viability;
~ Develop partnerships with the private sector to ensure that there is long-term
sustainability;
(J) Establish additional economically viable facilities which are compatible with
existing facilities.
44
VJ K /OVI:!{[)
Chapter 3: The Weet Humber Subwate,.hed October 30. 1996
Marketing the Recreation, Education and Tourism Centres:
The recreation, education and tourism centres in the West Humber provide for the needs of
the sub watershed residents, the growing recreational needs ~f GT A residents, as well as
national tourism markets.
[l(] There is no coordinated marketing plan for the recreation and tourism destinations of
the West Humber.
[BJ Objectives 12 & 19: (J) Identify mImes of the river, trll17s IInd public IlInds on
signs:
.. " Objective 15: ~ Seek designlltion of the Humber wlltershed liS II
Canadian Heritage River:
Objective 27: ~ Establish partnerships to develop I'tIcreation and tourism
guidebooks and maps.
Watershed Management Education:
Within the subwatershed the education centres include primary and secondary schools,
Humber College, and the Etobicoke Field Study Centre.
[lJ Few programs or courses in watershed management are offered at the education
centres of the West Humber.
[EJ Objective 28:
(f) Establish additionsl environmental courses at the educstion centres:
. . ~ Encourage owners and managers of watershed facilities to sponsors
environmentsl mansgement courses.
it ECONOMY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
LAND USE
New Developments:
Brampton is rapidly urbanizing. All the agricultural areas that exist in the West Humber are
planned for future urban development. This land is considered some of the best agricultural
land in the Humber watershed. In Mississauga and Etobicoke, the West Humber is highly
urbanized although infill developments are still occurring.
Through urbanization, the amount of impervious surfaces increases resulting in increases in
the rate and volume of surface water runoff to the river. These increases, in turn, cause
potential increases in the risk of flooding and erosion downstream in the Lower Humber
River. Thus, danger to the residents and properties in the Lower Humber exists when the
risk of flooding in the West Humber increases.
45
f.,JIC liP 1/9v
Chlipter 3: The w..t Humber Subweterahed October 30. 1996
00 Not only is the rapid urban sprawl in the West Humber causing a loss in the amount
of productive farm land, but it is also resulting in increased volumes of stormwater
runoff .
~ New Developments:
ObjBCtive 4:
(j) Design IInd construct nonnwllt. mllnllgement fIlCl7ities:
~ Support policies IInd progrllms thllt TfJCogniZll IInd I'IIspect nlltural hazards.
Objective 21:
(j) Undertllke II comprehensive nudy of the fun environmental, social and
BConomic costs of any new deVfJlopment;
~ Apply the principles of full cost IIccounting to water-taking.
Agricultural Areas:
Objective 23:
(j) Promote farm operations that Ill'll self-sustaining;
~ Maintain Dr enhllnce so/7 cllpabilities:
~ Prepare and implement environmental enhancement projects and
environmentlll fllrm management plans.
~ GETTING IT DONE - COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Three Community Action Sites were nominated for action by partners in the West Humber.
Partnerships are integral to any action plan as the community, businesses and government
agencies must work together to make the Humber a healthier place.
AGRICULTURAL FARM PLAN
The Agricultural Farm Plan project is located on a private dairy farm in the Town of Caledon
where there is a problem with contaminated runoff to the West Humber River. Runoff from
the manure storage area, the barnyard and milkhouse washwater are all problems. Water
quality monitoring has been conducted upstream and downstream of the project site and it
has been found that the aquatic habitat is degraded. This degradation has impacted
terrestrial habitat and aesthetics as well as downstream water quality. The project involves
partnerships with government agencies and the landowners. The project includes:
1. Fencing to exclude livestock from the watercourse (completed);
2. Construction of a new covered manure storage facility to reduce contaminated runoff
from the existing storage;
3. Construction of a wetland to capture and treat milkhouse wash water as well as
barnyard and manure storage runoff; and
4. Possible tree planting.
The covered manure storage area will reduce, but not eliminate, the amount of runoff that
must be handled by the wetland. MTRCA, MOEE, and experts from the United States have
been working together to design a wetland which will consist of a lagoon, a pond, two
wetland areas and a hay field. This wetland technology is experimental in nature but it may
represent a low cost alternative to handling the farm runoff within the Humber watershed
and other areas in Ontario.
46
Wf( 1{P;J.(q (p
Chllpter 3: The W..t Humber Subwete...hed October 30. 1998
Humber Connections
The Humber Connections project is at the Humber Arboretum in the City of Etobicoke. The
goal of the project is to provide educational resources to the public to gain motivation,
knowledge and skills for ensuring the ecological integrity of the Humber watershed. This
project includes establishing wilderness gardens and a self-guided interpretative trail, as well
as expanding the existing Nature Centre as a resource facility for community workshops and
interpretative programs. This is to be accomplished through partnerships with public
agencies.
Claireville Conservation Area
The Claireville Conservation Area is strategically located near the intersection of Highways
7, 407 and 427 in the City of Brampton. There are opportunities for the integration of
environmental, cultural, heritage, social, and economic initiatives on this site. Potential
activities include the enhancement of fish habitat in the reservoir, riparian planting and
creating bird nesting habitat. The project involves establishing a formal trail link between
Metro Toronto and the City of Brampton. As well, educational and cultural heritage
opportunities will be provided. Implementing this project is dependent on partnerships
between the community, public agencies and the private sector.
-. '.. .
- .
'.
.
47
iN!:-/ {p :1/'1 (p
Chepter 3: The W..t Humber Subw~.,.hed October 30. 1996
Insert Map 6 - The West Humber Subwatershed
48
() (l/ (p 4/9&
;
WI< lid S/9~
Chapter 4: The !leek Creek Subwatershed October 30. 1996
CHAPTER FOUR
THE BLACK CREEK SUBWATERSHED
The Black Creek subwatershed is the smallest of the five Humber sub watersheds with a
drainage area of 66 square kilometres. The headwaters of Black Creek begin in Vaughan just
west of Canada's Wonderland. The creek flows south through North York and York, both of
which are located in Metro Toronto. The confluence of Black Creek and the Lower Humber
is in the City of York. The communities of Concord, Downsview and Weston are all located
in the Black Creek subwatershed.
The Black Creek subwatershed is in the most degraded condition of all the Humber
sub watersheds due to urban land uses, channelization, little storm water management and
overuse that has occurred in the valley corridor. These changes have resulted in social
health and safety issues and is reflected in the substantial loss of aquatic and terrestrial
habitats. There is also a perception by some that the chanelized and degraded creek is a
drainage ditch of little environmental or community value.
~
".. THE ENVIRONMENT - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
" ...-
LANDFORMS
The Valley Corridor and Iroquois Plain:
The upper reaches of the Black Creek subwatershed begin on the clay soils of the Peel Plain
in Vaughan. The relatively flat topography of the land has left a wide, natural flood plain
area.
As the river travels south, it crosses into North York and enters a shallow valley corridor.
This corridor was formed by the retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The river
continues moving south, onto the South Slope and Iroquois Plain in York. Where the river
changes course and travels west to meet the Lower Humber River, it has moved onto the
flat topography and sandy soils of the Iroquois Plain.
00 The valley corridor and remnant section of the Iroquois Plain are the only distinctive,
.[. undeveloped landforms that remain in Black Creek, and they should be protected.
ldJ Objective 1:
(f) Use existing policies to protect the landforms;
.. Of ~ Advocate public ownership of private land stewardship of the landforms.
49
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Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
AIR
Air Quality:
Urban land uses have adversely impacted air quality. Black Creek is located within an .urban
heat island". The effects of mass transportation and urbanization in the Metro Toronto area,
combined with the proximity of the urban area to Lake Ontario, have increased air
temperatures. The cold winter climate is moderated and the hot summer climate is
increased.
There are also a number of major roads that transect the Black Creek subwatershed and the
mass vehicle emissions produced pollute the air. Highways 7, 400, 401 and 407 as well as
Black Creek Drive, are also major networks to move people and goods between the
downtown core and outlying areas. Air quality is of concern because there are high levels of
ground level ozone and suspended particulates. This causes respiratory and other health
problems. Sources of these contaminants include motor vehicle exhaust, road dust and
industrial emissions.
00 Air quality needs to be improved in the area.
[EJ Objective 11:
(f) Promote programs aimed at reducing emissions.
@ Plant vegetation throughout the sub watershed.
GROUNDWATER
Groundwater Quantity and Quality: . ~
On the Peel Plain, the fine grained clays and hardened surfaces limit infiltration of
stormwater. Thus, baseflow to the river is low. Groundwater discharge in Black Creek does
occur on the South Slope where the aquifers intersect the surface. The sand and gravel
deposits of the Iroquois Plain also produce seepage. These cold water inputs playa role in
cooling the warm waters of the creek and in stabilizing flow.
SURFACE WATER
;. Water Quantity in the Creek and-its Tributaries:
The gently sloping topography and relatively impermeable soils in the upper reaches of the
subwatershed are conducive to a lot of surface runoff. This is especially prevalent after a
rain storm. Shallow depressions on the landscape help reduce runoff by providing only small
areas where flood storage, evaporation and infiltration can occur; however, this has minimal
influence on the overall hydrology of the subwatershed.
~
On the Peel Plain the flood plain is considered wide. The natural flood plain will be modified
in the near future to accommodate a development proposal northwest of Weston Road and
Rutherford Road in Vaughan. The flood plain alterations will include natural channel design
techniques and the use of accepted policies and procedures for establishing a new flood
plain and channel width.
50
. ,. WIC/f8 /1'1VJ
.....;1,
Ch8Pt.r 4: The Bleck Creek Sub",..,.." ," - October 30. 1998
As York and North York urbanized, some small streams that drained to Black Creek. such as
Lavender Creek. were buried. They are now part of the underground storm sewer system.
As well, there is limited infiltration of stormwater in the Black Creek subwatershed which is
a result of the dense urban areas and impervious surfaces. Although the amount of
precipitation soaking into the ground is limited, the volume of water transported directly to
the river via the storm sewer system is substantial.
[] Impervious surfaces and engineered water management systems have increased the
rates and volumes of stormwater runoff, river bank erosion, flooding and water
contamination.
~ Objective 4:
(f) Enhance the infiltration of relatively clean surface water.
.. ..
Objective 5:
(f) Use recommendations contained in the Humber Hydrology Study to reduce
potential risks of flooding and erosion:
lZ Retrofit inadequate storm water management facl1ities:
Q) Ensure storm water retrofit works in vaJ/eylands are complimentary to any
recreational uses that already exist:
@ Uncover buried streams and renaturalize channelized streams wherever
possible.
Water Quality in the Creek and its Tributaries:
Black Creek is the most polluted branch of the Humber River. The highways and Black Creek
Drive contribute to consistently high nutrient, suspended sediment, bacteria, phosphorus
. and chloride levels in the creek. In fact, the concentrations of chlorides are among the
highest levels of any branch of the Humber River.
,
Other pollution sources include pet and wildlife fecal matter, sediments, fertilizers and
vehicle emissions that are carried with stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows and
cross connections between the sanitary and storm sewer systems. There are three
combined sewer overflow points to the creek in the City of York.
Synthetic organic contaminants are another of the water quality problems in Black Creek.
Chemicals including PCB, DOT and chlordane were found in fish tissue sampled from the
creek. As well. there are residual contaminant levels from historic sources in the bottom
sediments of the river that are taken-up by bottom dwelling organisms and enter into the
food chain.
-
51
w((.((Pg/qt,
Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subw.e,..hed October 30. 1996
00 The severe water quality degradation in Black Creek is the result of poor land .use
practices, urbanization and impacts from upstream dnlinage. Water quality needs to
be improved.
ldJ Objective 8: (f) Reduce .nd treat combined SIlwer overflows and storm water
runoff;
. .. ~
Objective 8: Tr.ce and COl'TBCt Hleg.1 CfOu-connections;
Objective 8: ~ Discourage people from feeding .nd attracting wl7dlife;
Objective 9: @ Minimiztl the use of fertl7izers, pesticides .nd road salt;
Objective 1 0: ~ Encourage good housek88ping practices at residential, industrial
.nd commercial sites;
Objective 10: ~ Remediate contaminated sol7s and leachate problems from old
landfill sites;
Objective 26: 0 Establish and foste, community-based partnerships, such as the
Black Cr88k Project, to cleanup Black Cr88k.
AQUATIC HABITAT
Restoring Aquatic Habitats:
The highly urban character of the Black Creek sub watershed has led to degraded aquatic
habitat. Impacts to the aquatic environment have included channelization, piping of
watercourses, uncontrolled storm water runoff and spills of hazardous materials. Despite the
impacts, the creek continues to support fish species such as creek chub, blacknose dace,
white sucker and fathead minnows.
00 The flow regime in the subwatershed is a major factor affecting the aquatic
environment. Uncontrolled runoff from urban areas has degraded the habitat due to
high peak flows, removal of in-stream cover, increased rates of bank and' bed
erosion, and elevated levels of contaminants. Stormwater needs to be effectively
addressed.
[fi] Objective 5: (}) Develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the retrofit of
storm water quantity and quality control in urban areas;
Objective 5: ~ Retrofit existing stormw.ter facilities;
Objective 12: ~ Dflvelop a comprehensive plan for naturalizing the channelized
sections of the Black Creek;
Objective 13: @ Identify areas within the valley where off-stream wetlands and
other types of surface storage could be created.
TERRESTRIAL HABITAT
. Forested Areas:
Only two percent of the Black Creek subwatershed is forested. This is distributed among
138 small patches most of which are located in the valley corridor. The forest cover in the
valleylands provides routes for the migration of flora and fauna but it is fragmented.
.
-
52
Wf< I (P'1/ '1VJ
Ch8Pter 4: The Bleck Creek Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
Projects to regenerate forest habitats are ongoing. The Black Creek Project is a community-
based organization that was established over 14 years ago to improve the environment.
They actively promote and participate in tree planting, wetla~d creation and stream
rehabilitation projects, as well as education and awareness programs. Metro Parks and
Culture have also undertaken a number of regeneration projects in Black Creek such as
habitat plantings in Northwood Park.
00 There are no interior forest habitats in the Black Creek subwatershed.
~ Objective 13: (1) Plant native species adjacent to the forest edge:
Objective 13: ~ Link fragmented forest areas with native plant species:
Objective 26: (J) Foster community-based partnerships for implementing
regeneration projects.
~ SOCIETY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Archaeological Sites:
To date, 19 archaeological sites have been discovered in the Black Creek subwatershed.
Many of these sites are in the flood plain of Black Creek where hunting grounds would have
been abundant with elk, caribou and birds. The earliest documented site is Late Archaic -
4500 years ago. Many other archaeological sites have been lost through urbanization.
[lJ Increased govemment, public and business awareness of the cultural importance of
archaeological resources is essential to prevent future losses.
~ Objective 16: (f) Promote municipal partnerships so that the resources are
definad and preserved using similar criteria.
Objective 27: ~ Develop a strategic marketing plan for the resources using the
ancient Toronto Carrying Place Trail as a theme.
Historic and Contemporary Resources:
The history of the Black Creek subwatershed is an important part of our past, present and
future. By visiting the Black Creek Pioneer Village. we can see glimpses of our cultural and
technological history. Through visiting the small, now urban, communities of Weston we
can see how this milling community developed. The milling communities are of great
importance to Canadian history. Through the 20th century these communities have been
infilled with mass scale urban development. One example of this is Downsview, which was
largely developed during the 1960s urban sprawl movement.
Today, the dense population and urbanization of Black Creek has resulted in diversity of
both culture and language. The remaining heritage resources in the Black Creek
subwatershed that have been identified include 13 non-designated heritage resources, 100
designated or listed, built heritage resources and 218 contemporary cultural resources.
53
Wk!.170jq(p
Chapter 4: The Bleck Creek Subwete,..hed October 30. 1996
[[] As urban redevelopment of the Black Creek subwatershed continues it is important
that the historic character of the communities is retained.
l8J Objective 22:
(f) Incorporate cuhural and heritage resources in redevelopment IInd new
community plllns;
~ IncreaSB community IIwareneu of the cuhurB/ IInd heritage resources in the
neighbourhood.
RECREATION, EDUCATION AND TOURISM
Public Greenspace Lands:
Black Creek, with 217 documented sites, has the second highest number of recreation and
tourism destinations within the entire Humber watershed. Black Creek Pioneer Village and
York University are two of the most outstanding destinations within the entire Humber River
Watershed. C.F.B. Downsview one of the largest open space areas in the Greater Toronto
Area and it has outstanding potential for future public use development. The subwatershed
has the lowest percentage of MTRCA lands at only 234 hectares; most of which is managed
by Metro Toronto for recreational use. There is an additional 374 hectares of municipally
owned parkland.
The subwatershed has the highest percentage of cemetery lands at 91 hectares. These
cemeteries provide for significant passive open space use. Other sites include parks, sports
fields, community centres. golf courses and trails. A future attraction is the proposed York
City Centre Complex which will contain recreation facilities.
OCJ The greenspace systems between recreation and tourism destinations is missing key
linkage areas in the valley corridor.
lB] Objective 18:
(f) Encourage public ownership of greenspace lands that link recreation and
.. .. tourism attractions;
a> Support the establishment of private stewardship initiatives on public land;
~ Encourage corporate sponsorship of existing and additional recreation and
tourist facilities.
Trails:
Most of the multi-use trails in the sub watershed are found in the Metro Toronto park system
in North York. Overall, there are approximately eight kilometres of formal trails. Another
eleven kilometres of trails are needed to link the trails in Black Creek.
.
[[] The regional trail along Black Creek is discontinuous through York, North York and
Vaughan.
. "
[tl] Objective 19:
(f) Unk the trails on conservation and other public lands.
~ Encourage the twinning of overused tra/7s,
~ Design and construct both muhi-use and single-use trail alignments.
54
tJl( 17 1/9b
Chapter 4: The Bleck Creek Subw..,.... Octob.r 30. 1996
Improving Recreation and Tourism Destinations:
There are few recreation and tourism destinations in Black Creek. However. those that do
exist are considered underutilised and are not financially self-sustaining. Parts of some
public natural areas are seasonally over-used, such as trails. Natural features can be
threatened if they are not managed effectively.
00 There must be a balance between use of the natural area and establishing facilities
that are self-sustaining.
[fl] Objective 20:
(f) Continue to prepare plans that highlight environmental management and
recreational opportunities:
~ Ensure new facilities are compatible with existing uses and features.
Marketing Recreation, Education and Tourism Centres:
Recreation. education and tourism centres in the area provide not only for the needs of the
residents of the sub watershed, but also for the growing recreational needs of the GT A and
national tourism markets.
00 Recreation and tourist areas would benefit economically from developing a marketing
plan focused on human use and access to the river.
[BJ Objective 15: (j) Seek designation of the Humber watershed as (I Canadian
H Heritage River.
Objective 27: ~ Establish partnerships to develop recreation and tourism
guidebooks.
Objective 27: ~ Link and market recreation and tourism facilities under the
theme of the Toronto Carrying Place Trail.
Watershed Management Education:
Within the subwatershed the education centres include primary and secondary schools as
well as the Black Creek Pioneer Village and York University.
00 Few programs or courses in watershed management are offered at the education
centres in the Black Creek subwatershed.
.,
[B] Objective 28:
(f) Establish watershed management courses at the existing education centres.
~ Encourage owners and managers of watershed facilities to sponsors
environmental management courses.
55
W K/7 'J/9{p
Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subwate,..hecf Octobar 30. 1996
[it ECONOMY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
lAND USE
Existing Developments:
The Black Creek sub watershed is dominated by residential, commercial and industrial land
uses. It is almost entirely located within North York and York although its headwaters are in
Vaughan. In Vaughan, the few remaining areas of agricultural lands are zoned for
development. In Metro Toronto, only small areas of tableland remain where infill
development can occur. In recent years, industries that were situated downtown have
moved to the suburban fringe where land prices and tax rates are less expensive.
00 The decentralization of businesses has resulted in degraded and vacant industrial
lands.
lBJ Objective 21:
(j) Develop partnerships between the watershed municipalities to create a fair
.. .. end equitable tax base;
~ Charge consumers the full cost of water and the associated infrastructure;
~ Create new business opportunities and develop marketing strategies to attract
foreign businesses.
Redevelopment Areas:
Recently, there has been a movement toward converting industrial lands to other uses.
primarily residential, to build communities and bring people back to the city. There has also
been a trend toward gentrification of the older residential and commercial areas which is
another attempt at bringing the communities together.
[[] Redevelopment plans should consider greenspace.
lBJ Objective 22: .
(f) Include greenspace in plans for redeveloping degenerated urban areas;
.. .. ~ Design the greens pace system as a focal point of the community;
~ Provide safe access and recreational uses in the greenspace system.
Development in the Flood Plain:
During Hurricane Hazel, flooding and erosion affected the flood plain and valley edge
properties in Black Creek. To ensure this could not recur. the MTRCA and the province
established a flood control program that included remedial works, acquisition and
prevention. The MTRCA acquired vulnerable sections of the valley corridor where they
constructed flood control channels in the creek and stabilized erosion problems on the valley
slope. The province enacted special policies for development in the flood plain areas.
Areas of concern include drainage between the Oakdale Golf Course and the Lower Humber
River. as well as at the Jane Street culvert in Black Creek Park. Legislation enacted by the
province prohibits new development and mitigates redevelopment in flood plain areas; thus
ensuring that the devastation 'of Hurricane Hazel does not recur.
56
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Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subwete,..hed October 30. 1996
00 Ufe and property must be protected from flooding and erosion by controlling
development in flood plains.
[f1] Objective 22:
(f) Ensure that municipal policies or provincial legislation is in place to prevent
new development and restrict redevelopment in the flood plain.
~ GETTING IT DONE - COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
One Community Action Site was nominated for action by partners in Black Creek.
Partnerships are integral to any action plan as the community, businesses and government
agencies must work together to make the Humber a healthier place.
Slack Creek Park
The Black Creek Project is proposing to renaturalize the existing concrete channel in Black
Creek Park. The channelized section in Black Creek Park is approximately 500 metres long
and both sides of the site the stream is encased in concrete. The smooth concrete walls
provide no aquatic or terrestrial habitats. Due to the lack of riparian habitat, the channel is
exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day which results in increased water
temperatures.
The concrete along some of the channelized areas is now beginning to deteriorate and will
soon require extensive maintenance or replacement. The Black Creek Project proposes to
create a stream that flows along a more natural path. with meanders, a healthy riparian
habitat and diverse aquatic species.
By regenerating the channel in Black Creek Park the community would be encouraged to use
the site for nature-related activities such as bird-watching, wildlife viewing, picnicking and
fishing. The project could facilitate the further incorporation of a boardwalk with
interpretative signs, making it an excellent site for nature/outdoor education. The Black
Creek Park Channel Renaturalization Project is hoped to be used as model for the future
naturalization of other tributaries within the Humber Watershed.
57
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Chapter 4: The Black Creek Subw.e,..hed Octob.r 3l'. 1998
Insert Map 7 - The Black Creek Sub watershed
.
58
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Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
CHAPTER FIVE
THE LOWER HUMBER SUBWAT~RSHED
The Lower Humber sub watershed has a drainage area of 84 square kilo metres. The
sub watershed is the urban part of the Main Humber, located primarily in Metro Toronto. The
only undeveloped areas are the valley corridors in the greenspace system. With a few
exceptions, this greenspace system is linked by a network of publicly owned lands and trails
that stretch from Lake Ontario, north to Toronto, Etobicoke, York, North York and Vaughan.
The urban areas of the Lower Humber range from the affluent Baby Point community to
older, degraded industrial subdivisions. Settlement in Baby Point is actually dated to
prehistoric times. Because of the extensive urban development, natural areas are fragmented
and degraded. Most of the forests remain only in the valley corridor. Many of the smaller
tributaries have been piped to accommodate development. Many older developments were
constructed without storm water controls, thus resulting in a degraded river system.
~
THE ENVIRONMENT - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
\ ..."
.'1......:
LANDFORMS
The Valley Corridor, Iroquois Shoreline and Old South Slope:
The upper reaches of the Lower Humber subwatershed begin on the clay soils of the Peel
Plain in Vaughan, just south of Woodbridge. The river is located within a deep valley
corridor formed by the retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. In fact. near Raymore
Drive Park one can see the shale bedrock formations that have been cut through by the
glaciers to form the valley corridor. The river travels through the valley all the way to Lake
Ontario. passing through North York and Etobicoke, York and Toronto along the way.
In the upper and middle reaches of the Lower Humber, the tableland areas are all located on
the Peel Plain. While this area was once part of the most productive agricultural land in the
GTA, it is now fully urbanized. Just south of Highway 401, the river traverses a bevelled till
formation - the South Slope. This landform was formed during the retreat of glaciers 13,000
to 22,000 years ago. Like the Peel Plain, the South Slope tablelands have been urbanized.
About 12,000 years ago, the melting glaciers caused the water levels in Lake Ontario to be
much higher than what they are today resulting in a prehistoric lake known as Lake Iroquois.
In the Humber watershed, Lake Iroquois extended all the way to Dundas Street. Here, the
distinctive ridge of the Lake Iroquois shoreline can still be found. Through land use planning
policies, development on this ridge has been restricted.
From this northern limit to about Dundas Street, the land was once covered by the ancient
lake. The water levels were low and a stratified till plain similar to that of the Peel Plain
existed. Later, this area was prime agricultural land. Today the land is fully developed. There
is another section of the South Slope just south of the Iroquois Plain, but unlike its more
northerly cousin, this plain was formed during a period of glacial retreat between 22,000
and 50,000 years ago. It here that High Park, including Grenadier and West Ponds, is found.
There is further geologic evidence that High Park was part of a huge delta that once existed
at the mouth of the Humber River.
59
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Ch8Pter 5: The Lower Humber Subwete,..hed October 30. 1998
[] The valley corridor, Iroquois shoreline and part of the old South Slope in High Park
are the only distinctive landforms that remain in the Lower Humber. They should be
protected.
~ Objective 1:
(f) Use existing policie:l to protect the I,lndform:l;
~ Protect the I.ndform:l using pubDc ownership, private stewardship, tax
incentive:l and density bonuSBs.
AIR
Air Quality:
Urbanization has adversely impacted air quality. The Lower Humber is located within the
urban "heat island." The effects of mass transportation and urbanization in the Metro
Toronto area, combined with the proximity of the urban area to Lake Ontario have increased
the temperature. The cold winter climate is moderated and the hot summer climate is
increased.
There are also a number of major roads that transect the Lower Humber and the mass
vehicle emissions produced pollute the air. However, Highways 400.401, 407. 409, 427,
the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard as well as the CNR tracks. are also major
networks to transport people and goods between the downtown core and outlying areas.
High levels of ground level ozone and suspended particulates cause respiratory and other
health problems. Sources of these contaminants include motor vehicle exhaust, road dust
and industrial emissions.
00 Air quality needs to be protected.
Objective 11:
[EJ (f) Promote programs aimed at reducing emissions;
~ Plant vegetation throughout the sub watershed.
GROUNDWATER
Groundwater Quantity and Quality:
Baseflow conditions in the Lower Humber River are largely sustained by the groundwater
inputs to the river in the Main and East Humber subwatersheds. They are also sustained
from deep aquifers that begin in the Oak Ridges Moraine and extend to Lake Ontario.
Therefore, management of land use activities in the Main and East Humber sub watersheds is
critical to the Lower Humber.
There are also areas of groundwater discharge in the Lower Humber. In particular, discharge
occurs on the Iroquois shoreline where the aquifers intersect the ridge. The sand and gravel
deposits of the Iroquois Plain also produce seepage. Protection of groundwater quality is of
particular importance as it ultimately mixes with Lake Ontario water. Lake water is the
source of drinking water for 80% of the people who live in the Lake Ontario drainage basin.
60
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Ch8Pter 5: The Lower Humber Subw.e,..hed October 30. 1996
[] Groundwater originating in the Main, East and West Humber subwatersheds all
contribute to the health of the ecosystem in the Lower Humber. The degradation of
upstream groundwater sources will impact aquatic and. terrestrial habitats in the
lower reaches of the river.
[B] Objective 4:
(J) Develop an groundwater management plan for the Humber watershed.
.. ..
THE RIVER
Water Quantity in the River and its Tributaries:
On October 15 and 16, 1954, Hurricane Hazel hit the Humber Watershed. In the Lower
Humber. flood depths reached four to five metres near Bloor Street. High water velocities in
the river caused massive flooding and erosion in the valley corridor. Near Raymore Drive. 31
people were killed in the flood waters. In response to the flooding disaster and to prevent
future occurrences, in 1958 and 1959 the MTRCA purchased about 2700 metres of
valleyland from the Old Mill at Bloor Street, to the mouth of the river. In the 1960s, the
MTRCA channelized the Humber River to control flooding. The riverbanks were protected
with concrete and six weirs were constructed. These lands are now an important part of the
Metro Parks system and are used extensively for recreation.
Today, flood control measures are proactive rather than reactive. New development in the
flood plain is prohibited by the province. Enhancing developed areas through infilling or
redevelopment is allowed but is strictly regulated.
As Toronto, North York and Etobicoke urbanized, many small streams that drained to the
Lower Humber River were buried. They are now part of the underground storm sewer
'System. In other areas, surface drainage wa.s directed from the Humber River to adjacent
watersheds. Drainage has also been directed from other drainage basins to the Humber
River. Today there is only limited infiltration of stormwater in the Lower Humber. a result of
the dense urban areas and amount of impervious surfaces. The amount of precipitation
soaking into the ground is limited and the volume of water transported directly to the river
via the storm sewer system is substantial.
00 Impervious surfaces and engineered water management systems have increased the
rates and volumes of stormwater runoff, river bank erosion, flooding and water
contamination. These problems need to be addressed.
~ Objective 4:
(f) Enhance the infiltration of relatively clean surface water.
Objective 5:
(j) USlI recommendations contained in the Humber Hydrology Study to reduce
potential risks of flooding and erosion;
@ Require storm water management facilities for all new urban developments in
the Humber watershed;
(j) Retrofit inadequate storm water management facilities;
@ Ensure storm water retrofit works in val/eylands lire complementary to any
recreational uses that already exist;
~ Uncover buried streems and renaturalize channelized streams wherever
possible.
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Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwatershed October 30. 1996
Water Quality in the River and its Tributaries:
Water quality the Lower Humber River is degraded by contaminants in stormwater. overflow
from combined sanitary sewers, pet and wildlife feces, contaminant spills and leachate from
old landfill sites. The river water contains high levels of phosphorus, suspended solids,
bacteria, and synthetic organic contaminants, including PCBs, DOT and chlordane.
Emery Creek, a tributary of the Lower Humber River, is the most significant contributor of
these pollutants. North York and Metro Toronto are currently investigating the construction
of a storm water pond to help improve water quality in the creek before it reaches the Lower
Humber River and lake Ontario. The Humber River is noted as the most significant source of
PCB contamination to the Great Lakes in this area.
Some of the contaminants found in the Lower Humber are remnant from historic loadings
and are still found in the bottom sediments of the river. These contaminants are being
ingested by bottom dwelling organisms and entering the food chain. As a result, there are
restrictions on consuming some of the larger fish species where high levels of mercury,
mirex and PCBs have been found in their bodies.
[] The severe water quality degradation in the Lower Humber River is the result of poor
land use practices, urbanization and impacts from upstream drainage.
" ..
~ Objective 8: (j) Reduce and treat combined sewer overflows and storm water
runoH;
.. .. Objective 8: ~ Treat and co"ect 17/egal cross-connections;
Objective 8: ~ Discourage people from feeding and attracting wildlife;
Objective 9: (/) Minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides and road salt;
Objective 1 0: ~ Encourage good housekeeping practices at residential, industrial
and commercial sites;
Objective 10: @ Evaluate the need for remediation of bottom sediments in the
river;
Objective 10: (/) Remediate contaminated soils and leachate problems from old
landfill sites;
Objective 26: @ Establish and foster co,!,munity-based partnerships to cleanup
the Humber River.
Water Quality in the Ponds:
In the middle of the 19th century, the natural drainage outlet from Grenadier Pond to Lake
Ontario was altered. When road and rail beds for Lakeshore Boulevard, the Queen Elizabeth
Way, and the CNR tracks were constructed early in the 20th century, the bayshore bar was
filled and outlet was piped to the Humber Bay Marsh. Today, the pond and its 129 hectare
drainage area is part of the Humber watershed.
Grenadier Pond is highly polluted. Large populations of Canada geese thrive on the mown
grass habitat of the surrounding parkland. If is estimated that these geese add up to 40 per
cent of the phosphorus load to the pond. Other pollutants, including bacteria, metals and
sediment are also carried into the Pond by storm water. As a result, the Pond contains
significant amounts of suspended solids and has some of the highest chlorophyll
concentrations in all of the Greater Toronto Area lakes. It also has little oxygen in the
bottom waters and contains toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide. It is estimated that
storm water runoff makes up about 50% of baseflow, while the other 50% is from
groundwater discharge.
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Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwete,..hed October 30. 1998
Mede Pond (also known as Crang Pond) is located in the flood plain near Weston Road and
Sheppard Avenue. This pond was operated as a wayside pit for aggregate extraction during
construction of Highway 401. Uke Grenadier Pond, Mede Pond is becoming stagnant. It
receives untreated stormwater runoff from a large residential-commercial-industrial area. As
well, it is impacted by occasional contaminant spills. The City of North York is currently
working with businesses in this drainage area to construct a storm water pond. It is hoped
that by installing storm water treatment technologies, the quality of the water entering the
pond will be improved.
00 Deteriorated water quality in the ponds has resulted in poor aquatic habitats and
increased loadings to the Humber River and Lake Ontario. These problems need to be
addressed.
[E] Objective 8: (f) Discourage people from feeding and .ttracting wildlife:
Objective 9: ~ Minimize the use of fert/7izers, pesticides and road salt;
Objective 10: CP Prevent sp/7/s of hazardous substances to the creek:
Objective 12: @ R88stablish riparian plantings using n.tive species;
Objective 26: ~ Support the community-based efforts of Toronto and North
York in regenerating the IIquatic and terrestrial habitats in
Grenadier Pond and in Mede Pond, respectively.
AQUATIC HABITAT
Restoring Aquatic Habitats:
In terms of aquatic habitat, the best known area of the Lower Humber is likely the Humber
Marsh. This area. and the river itself, provide habitat for a fish community that consists of
more than 35 species. There is a resident fish population that includes pike and largemouth
bass and there is a migratory population that includes Pacific salmon, rainbow trout and
brown trout. The migratory species move into the river during the spring or fall to spawn
and travel up the river, sometimes as far as Eglinton Avenue.
Because the Lower Humber River drains directly into Lake Ontario, this subwatershed
supports many more species than the other subwatersheds. Many lake resident species use
the river and the marshes for spawning, as nursery habitat and to feed. The Lower Humber
River also acts as a gateway to the rest of the watershed in providing a corridor for the
movement of migratory fish species. Thus, aquatic habitats in this sub watershed playa
very important role integrating the function of the watershed with the function of Lake
Ontario.
There are many in-stream barriers to fish passage: most are weirs that were constructed to
dissipate energy when the river was channelized and shortened in the 1960s. These barriers
are one of the main reasons that Atlantic salmon were eliminated from the watershed before
the turn of the century. Today, barriers stop the movement of most migratory fish at the
first weir near Bloor Street and they prevent all migratory fish from passing the seventh weir
north of Eglinton Avenue. Thus, salmon, trout and other lake species cannot reach the
spawning. nursery and feeding habitats in the middle and upper reaches of the watershed.
63
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Chepter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed Octob.r 30. 1996
OCJ The barriers in the Lower Humber are single purpose structures, designed to only
dissipate energy and do not provide functions necessary for a healthy aquatic
community .
[tj] ObjtJCtive 11:
(]) Develop II plan to mitigllte the eHtJCts of in-8tr811m bllmers to fish pllSSllge;
~ Develop pllrtnerships with groups interested in raising money to mitigllte the
impacts of in-st,eam bamers IInd ,aising public IIwII,eneu.
TERRESTRIAL HABITAT
Forested Areas:
The terrestrial forest habitats in the subwatershed are few and fragmented. In fact, only 2 %
of the Lower Humber is forested. This is distributed among 248 small patches, 60% of
which are located in the valley corridor.
Some areas of valleyland habitats are manicured grass - an attraction for geese and ducks
that cause water quality problems. The lack of forest cover also restricts use of the Lower
Humber as a migratory corridor. Bridges constructed across the valley with abutments at the
river's edge also restrict the movement of people and limit the migration of flora and fauna
along the river.
00 Only 0.5 hectares of the Lower Humber forests are considered to have interior
habitats. This lack of interior habitat limits species diversity.
[t}] Objective 13:
(]) Use native plant species to link fragmented forest blocks;
.. .. ~ Plant native species adjacent to the forest edge to increase forest size;
a> Redesign bridges so people can pass beneath and so flora IInd fauns can
migrate beneath.
ESAs, ANSls and Classified Wetlands:
There are 13 ESAs, ANSls and classified wetlands in the Lower Humber, covering 167
hectares of land. The nine Lower Humber ESAs are a collection of forest, flood plain and
wetland communities. Almost all are within the valley corridor. Of the ESAs, 90% are
considered significant because there are rare and uncommon species, such as white
sassafras. Most of the ESAs exhibit a high degree of disturbance, a result of their proximity
to urban areas and intense recreational uses.
[I] Urbanization is diminishing the features and functions of ESAs, ANSls and classified
wetlands causing loss, encroachment, isolation and overuse.
[E] Objective 13:
(f) Protect significant areas through the municipal planning process;
~ Manage special areas to ensure they are not damaged by encroachments or
overuse.
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Chaptar 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
~ SOCIETY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
CUL TUftE AND HERITAGE
Archaeological Resources:
Evidence of settlement in the Humber over the past 12,000 years has been found adjacent
to the flood plain, wetlands, ponds and the river mouth. To date, only 18 archaeological
sites are known. Many areas have been lost through urbanization.
Archaeological resources have been discovered in two main areas in the Lower Humber:
near the mouth of the river and in the community of Baby Point. At the mouth of the
Humber and in High Park, evidence of prehistoric people hunting and fishing has been
proven through archaeological investigations. It is likely that a number of sites exist beneath
the lake waters as the water level was once much lower than it is today. This delta area
would have provided the native peoples with excellent opportunities to hunt and fish.
Baby Point is located on the Iroquois shoreline where it intersects the valley. This was a
strategic position for both trading and war. The settlement area, known as Teiaiagon, was
inhabited by native peoples more than 500 years ago. The ridge location provided a
strategic lookout. Because it was located on the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, it was a
profitable trading centre. Today, Baby Point is one of the most affluent areas of the
watershed and local residents often find arrowheads in their backyards.
00 Increased government, public and business awareness of the cultural importance of
archaeological resources Is essential to prevent future losses.
.... ..
~ Objective 14: (f) Use municipal legislation to preserve resources;
Objective 15: ~ Develop and promote a contemporary Toronto Carrying Place
Tral7 along the valley corridor of the Main Humber that is linked
with the East Humber;
Objective 16: ~ Promote municipal partnerships so that the resources are
defined and preserved using similar criteria;
Objective 27: (J) Develop a strategic marketing plan for the resources.
Historic and Contemporary Resources:
The history of the Humber watershed is an important part of our past, present and future.
By visiting the small historic communities that exist in the Lower Humber, a glimpse of the
cultural past, present and future can be seen. A significant number of preserved heritage
resources have been identified 0 far: 21 are non-designated and 172 are designated or
listed. As well. because of the dense population and urbanization of the Lower Humber over
time, there are diverse cultures. In fact, of the 398 identified heritage resources in this
subwatershed, 187, are contemporary cultural resources. This is the largest number in the
Humber Watershed.
In the 18th century, Mayasin Royal (1720) and later Fort Toronto (1750) were constructed
at the mouth of the Humber River by the French. They were located on the Toronto
Carrying Place Trail to take advantage of local trading opportunities. About 300 acres of
land surrounding the fort were cleared for settlement. In 1759, the French burned the fort
as they retreated to keep it from British control.
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Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
The communities of Old Mill, Lambton and Weston were constructed in the 19th century as
mills were developed. These mill sites still exist and are formally recognized for their historic
importance to Canadian settlement. Through the 20th century these communities have been
infilled with mass scale urban development. Swansea was constructed in the early part of
the century; Downsview and Rexdale were constructed during the 1960s urban sprawl
movement.
[lJ As urban redevelopment in the Lower Humber continues, It is important that the
historic character of the communities are retained and awareness of their social
importance generated.
[BJ Objective 22:
(j) Incorporate cultural and heritage resources in redevelopment and new
.. .. community plllns;
~ Increase community awareness of the cultural and heritage resources in the
neighbourhood.
RECREATION, EDUCATION AND TOURISM
Public Greenspace Lands:
The Lower Humber has the highest number of recreation and tourism destinations. with 278
documented sites that offer public use opportunities. The outstanding sites include Eglinton
Flats, the Old Mill Area, High Park and the Waterfront Trail/Humber Bridge. Other sites
include parks, trails, gardens. hospitality centres, sports fields, community centres, golf
courses and cemeteries. Many of these sites are managed by Metro Toronto, although they
may be owned by other public agencies, including the MTRCA.
The Lower Humber contains 778 hectares of municipal parkland and 525 hectares of
MTRCA owned land. It has a large, linked greenspace system and a large number of
municipal parks. Most of this parkland is located in valley and stream corridor areas owned
by the MTRCA or municipalities. The MTRCA lands within Metro Toronto are managed by
the regional municipality.
00 The greenspace system is missing key linkage areas between recreation and tourism
destinations in the valley corridor.
[EJ Objective 18:
([) Encourage public ownership of greens pace lands that link recreation and
.. . tourism attractions;
~ Support the establishment of private stewardship initiatives on public land;
" Encourage corporate sponsorship of existing and additional public recreation
IInd tourist facilities.
66
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Chepter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
Trails:
To date, Metro Toronto has developed about 15 kilometres of multi-use trails in the Lower
Humber. There is an additional 12 kilometres of multi-use trail$ required in the subwatershed
to link the existing trail segments. Found in the Lower Humber are sections of two
interregional trails - the Tommy Thompson Trail and the Waterfront Trail, both of which are
also multi-use routes.
[] The interregional trail along the Lower Humber is discontinuous in Vaughan, North
York and Etobicoke. In most cases the trails and access points are unknown to
residents. In Vaughan the trails are not mapped.
lE Objective 19:
(f) Unk the trails on conservation and other public I.nds;
~ Encourage the twinning of overused tral7s;
~ Design and construct both muhi-use tra/7s and sing/~uS8 tral7 alignments.
Improving Recreation and Tourism. Destinations:
Parts of some public natural areas such as trails are seasonally over-used. Natural features
can be threatened if they are not managed effectively. Conversely, some public facilities are
considered underutilised and are not financially self-sustaining.
00 There must be a balance between use of the natural area and establishing facilities
that meet public demands for use.
lE Objective 20:
(f) Continue to prepare plans that highlight environmental management and
.. . recreational opportunities;
~ Ensure that new facilities are compatible with existing uses and features.
Marketing the Recreation, Education and Tourism Centres:
Recreation. education and tourism centres in the area provide not only for the needs of the
residents of the subwatershed. but also the growing recreational needs of the Greater
Toronto Area and national tourism markets. Interesting ties to the natural heritage of the
sub watershed exist in the recreation and tourism destinations. For example. the Eglinton
Flats Regional Sports Facility and the Scarlett Woods Golf Course were both constructed in
sand extraction sites. The Lower Humber River is navigable from Bloor Street south to the
Humber Marshes and Lake Ontario. The ,mouth of the Humber River is heavily used by
motor and sail boats, rowing clubs and canoeists.
[[] Recreation and tourism areas would benefit economically from developing a
marketing plan focused on human use and access to the river, South Slope, and Peel
Plain and Iroquois Plain.
[tl] Objective 15: (f) Seek designation of the Humber watershed as a
Canadian Heritage River;
.. .. Objective 27: ~ Establish partnerships to develop recreation and tourism
guidebooks;
Objective 27: ~ Unk and market recreation and tourism facilities under
the theme of the Toronto Carrying Place Trail.
67
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Ct\8Pter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hec:l October 30. 1996
Watershed Management Education:
Within the sub watershed the education centres include primary and secondary schools, as
well as the potential for reestablishing the Forest School Education Centre in High Park.
OCJ Few programs or courses in watershed management are offered at the education
centres in the Lower Humber.
ldJ Objective 28:
(j) Establish watershed management courses lit the existing education centres;
~ Encourage owners and managers of watershed faCl7ities to sponsor
environmental mllnllgement courses.
it ECONOMY - ISSUES AND ACTIONS
LAND USE
Existing Developments:
The Lower Humber is almost fully developed and only small tableland areas remain for infill
development. In recent years, many industries that were located downtown have moved to
the suburban fringe where land prices and tax rates are less expensive.
OCJ The decentralization of businesses has resulted in degraded and vacant industrial
lands.
LEJ Objective 21:
(j) Develop partnerships between the watershed municipalities to create a fair
and equitable tax base;
@ Charge consumers the full cost of water and the associated infrastructure
costs;
@ Create new business opportunities and develop marketing strategies to attract
foreign businesses.
Redevelopment Areas:
Recently, there has been a movement towards converting industrial lands to other uses
primarily residential, to build communities and bring people back to the city. There has also
been a trend toward gentrification of the older commercial areas which is another attempt
at bringing the communities together.
[[] There is a lack of greenspace in older industrial areas. To increase the social and
economic benefits of converting industrial areas into residential areas, the value of
greenspace must be recognized.
ldJ Objective 22:
(j) Include greenspace in plans for redeveloping degenerated urban areas;
~ Design the greens pace system as a focal point of the community;
Q) Provide safe access and recreational uses in the greens pace system.
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Chaptar 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
Development in the Flood Plain:
The communities of Scarlet Road and Raymore Drive are located in the flood plain. Other
Lower Humber communities have been built next to the vallev corridor. When Hurricane
Hazel struck in 1954, the properties and lives of people in these areas were jeopardized by
flooding and erosion.
To ensure that the devastation that occurred in the Raymore Drive community will not
recur, the MTRCA purchased the flood plain and valley edge properties and removed the
houses. The MTRCA also constructed a flood control channel in the Lower Humber and
established erosion control policies. The province enacted special policies for development in
the flood plain areas. This area is now operated as an urban park. Provincial legislation
prohibits new development and restricts redevelopment in the flood plain.
[[] life and property must be protected from flooding and erosion by controlling
development in flood plains.
[H Objective 22:
(j) Ensure that municipal policies or provinciallegisfation is in pI lice to prevent
~ Of new development and to restrict redevelopment in the flood plain.
~ GETTING IT DONE - COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Seven Community Action Sites were nominated for immediate action by partners in the
Lower Humber. Partnerships are integral to any action plan as the community, businesses
and government agencies must work together to make the Humber a healthier place. The
Sun Row Park site was chosen by the Humber Watershed Task Force for immediate action
as it is a good example of how the Humber Watershed Strategy can be applied.
SUN Row PARK
Sun Row Park is located in Ward 9 in the City of Etobicoke, near the intersection of
Islington Avenue and Dixon Road. The park is classified as a District Park, which is defined
as a park serving a district function as well as a community and/or neighbourhood function
to the immediate residential area and may contain major recreational facilities. Sun Row Park
is 9.71 hectares in size and contains two areas with play equipment, large open grassed
areas, small naturalized areas on slopes and along the watercourse, and a memorial planting
of centennial crab apple trees. The trail system is comprised of an asphalt and stone dust
path through the site including three bridges which cross the creek. The park adjoins
Wincott Park to the northwest, and Valleyfield, Weston Wood and Chapman Valley Parks, to
the southeast.
The area was originally settled in the early 1800s, and until the 1940s the area was
agricultural. The farms produced fruit and vegetable crops, as well as prime livestock. It was
not until 1946, following the Second World War, that the area experienced rapid industrial
and urbanization. In 1948, Etobicoke Council approved the area master plan and much of
the residential area was developed up until the 1960s. During this time. the park was also
developed but few natural areas were protected. The creek upstream from the park has
been buried and is being used as a storm water channel. The park itself has a manicured
appearance with large grassed areas and few natural areas or riparian vegetation to protect
the creek or create wildlife habitat.
69
WK ff{{PftlP
CMpter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
Many stormwater outfalls are also evident throughout the park and, due to increased flows,
stone filled gabions were added to stabilize and channelize the banks. Over recent years,
these gabions have failed in many places and have not been r~paired. A play equipment area
was added however, there have been few upgrades to the park or creek environment over
the past 35 years. Public facilities include Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Valleyfield Public
School, St. Eugene Separate School and a large Loblaws store.
The following specific and general issues have been identified:
Specific Issues
. excessive storm water flows can be a safety hazard during peak runoff, have severely
eroded the existing gabions and have created new areas of erosion;
. there is a lack of riparian habitat between the creek and the trails;
. there is a lack of aquatic habitat due to poor water quality and high peak runoff
rates;
. nearby residents and businesses need to be educated on use of storm sewers and
disposal of liquid wastes;
. although the linear trail has been closed and a temporary bridge and trail link have
been constructed to create a safe alignment, people choose to follow the old unsafe
trail which has been fenced off and signed.
General Issues
. lack of local stewardship of park resources;
. lack of native plant species;
. excessive mowing of areas near the creek, slopes, inaccessible areas or near property
lines;
. lack of buffer plantings near property lines and Islington Avenue;
. lack of interpretive signage.
The City of Etobicoke, Parks and Recreation Services, Parks and Forestry Advisory
Committee have published a Planning Document for Environmental Action which includes
the underlying principle that "the success of action plans requires community partnerships
and education." The purpose of the document is to promote the restoration, protection and
conservation of parks, open spaces and natural environments. It has been developed to
cover a broad range of issues which will permit the development of detailed action plans by
interest groups. The document is available from Parks and Recreation Services.
The objectives of the Humber Watershed Strategy have been applied to the community
action site. Specific priority actions that can be implemented to achieve the objectives
include the following:
Objective 2: Protect and enhance natural seepage and wetland areas by:
- Renaturalizing the channelized sections of the watercourse;
- Planting the riparian area to stabilize eroding banks.
Objective 5: Manage stormwater by:
- Reducing storm water velocity and volume from upstream sources; and
- Initiate a storm water education program for commercial and residential
properties.
70
tJf If7/9t:J
Chepter 5: The Lower Humber Subwete,..hed October 30. 1996
Objectives 7 &8: Prevent excessive erosion, ssdiment and nutrient contamination by:
- establish riparian vegetation at location of storm water outfalls; and
- stabilizing erosion at stream edges and failed gabions.
Objectives 9 & 10: Reduce water contamination from chemicals, pesticides, fertl7izers and
hazardous materials by:
- targeting residents to reduce water use and disposal of liquid wastes; and
- encouraging revegetation as an alternative to use of fertilizers and herbicides.
Objective 12: Enhance and rehabl7itate aquatic environments by:
- Protecting and regenerating the wet area for wildlife habitat and to provide for
educational opportunities; and
- using a diverse range of natural materials including native plants. logs and
boulders to improve aquatic habitat.
Objective 13: Rehabl7itate tefTflstrial habitat by:
- Protecting existing natural areas;
- Connect woodlands with terrestrial corridors using native plantings;
- Establishing vegetative cover on slopes and adjacent to the perimeter areas of
the property and adjacent to the stream;
- Removing the unsafe. eroded trail and naturalizing the path area;
- Establish a meadow with herbaceous plants to attract butterflies and birds;
- Construct bird boxes at near property lines.
Objective 16: Celebrate the cultural and heritage resources in Sun Row Park by:
- Relocate the existing centennial plaque to a more prominent viewing area; and
- Promote the value of cultural and heritage resources to the community.
Objectives 18, 19 & 20: Create an accessible connected greens pace system with linked
interregional trails by:
- Maintaining a connected greenspace system and granular trail linkage with the
Chapman Valley ESA;
- Enhancing the playground with tree plantings;
- Retaining the toboggan hill and grassed areas; and
- Maintaining grassed areas in high traffic zones to provide for low intensity
recreational uses.
Objectives 28 & 30: Communicate awareness of health, partnerships, and environmental
education by:
- Removing debris near commercial areas, park boundaries and along the creek;
- Providing litter and recycle bins at playgrounds and park entrances;
- Providing interpretive signage at park entrances and in a viewing area at the
storm water outfall. Signage should include information on naturalized areas,
streambank stabilization and storm water management.
- Encouraging residents to assist in storm water management through
disconnecting their downspouts and using rain barrels.
- Encourage the Etobicoke Board of Education and, in particular, the Valleyfield
Public School to develop and support educational and stewardship programs.
The park has opportunities to involves local residents, schools and businesses in the
stewardship of the site. It is possible that once the environmental enhancements have been
made, the park could be used as a demonstration and educational site for future
environmental regeneration projects within the Humber River Watershed.
71
W (( If{ ~/'1(P
Chepter 5: The Lower Humber Subwatershed October 30. 1996
GRENADIER POND SHOREUNE REHABIUTAnoN
Grenadier Pond is located northeast of Humber Bay and the Gardiner Expressway.
Urbanization and over-population of Canadian Geese have re~ulted in significant amounts of
phosphorus and nutrient loadings to the pond and caused eutrophication of the waters.
Proposed activities by the City of Toronto, the Remedial Action Plan and the community
include public awareness. enhancing wetland areas, improving water quality and
establishing riparian habitat areas. This will be done through construction of a storm water
remediation pond.
Humber Savannah
The Humber Savannah is located north of the Humber Sewage Treatment Plant in the City
of Etobicoke. The area is a remnant oak savannah that has the potential to be restored
through establishing appropriate meadow species and removing some undesirable tree
species. This site is of historical importance as it was one of the first areas in the Humber
watershed to be settled by the Europeans. The work will be undertaken through public and
private partnerships led by Urban Forest Associates.
Emery Creek Storm water Rehabilitation Site
The Emery Creek Rehabilitation site is located at Finch Avenue and Weston Avenue in the
City of North York. It is owned by the MTRCA and managed by the Municipality of
Metropolitan Toronto. Recently, bike paths and bridges have been constructed and some
reforestation has started. Metro Toronto, together with the City of North York and Urban
Forest Associates, is proposing to construct a storm water retention pond to improve
stormwater quality in the Emery Creek sub watershed before it enters the Lower Humber
River.
Lambton Park
Lambton Park is located near Royal York Road and Dundas Street West in the City of
Etobicoke. A remnant Black Oak Savannah exists in the park and restoration of Wild Blue
Lupine and other indigenous species to the savannah habitat is proposed. The ultimate goal
of the Humber Heritage Committee is to foster the return of the endangered Karner Blue
Butterfly to the area (this butterfly depends on the Lupines as habitat for survival). There is
potential for this site to become a demonstration site for Humber projects. There would also
be educational and interpretative opportunities for promoting similar restoration activities on
private and public lands within the savannah area.
Ro wntree Wetland
This site is located at Finch and Islington Avenues in the City of Etobicoke. There are three
main wetland areas here: the Rowntree Oxbow, the Rowntree Swamp and the Panorama
Marsh. The project involves evaluating conditions of the wetlands, improving them and
perhaps expanding them with a aim of improving water quality using natural processes. The
project is being coordinated by Action to Restore a Clean Humber in partnership with
agencies, schools and community groups.
St. Basil's Wetland Restoration
St. Basil's Wetland is located southwest of St. Basil's College near Weston Road in the City
of North York. The College is proposing to enhance the existing pond to create a thriving
wetland habitat for waterfowl. Public involvement, increased awareness by improving
interpretative signage and improved recreational opportunities through trail enhancement is
proposed. Storm water storage and filtration may also be undertaken.
72
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Chapter 5: The Lower Humber Subwate,..hed October 30. 1996
Insert Map 8 - The Lower Humber Subwatershed
73
tJ (((10/9 (p
Chapter 5: The Lower Hwnber Subw.....hed October 30. 1998
Insert Map 9 - Sun Row Park Community Action Site
-
74
wR 1'1 1/9~
GLOSSARY
Amenity Value
The value of the attractiveness of a feature, such as a forest, wetland or recreational area.
ANSI's - Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest
Areas that have been identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources as areas of land and water
containing natural landscapes or features which have values related to protection, natural heritage
appreciation, scientific study or education. ANSI's can be either Ufe Science (pertaining to natural areas)
or Earth Science (based on geological or geomorphological themes).
Aquifer
A layer of permeable material (rock, sand or gravel) beneath the land surface that is saturated with water,
Baseflow
The volume of flow in a stream channel that is not derived from surface run-off. It is characteristically the
minimum flow that is found in a stream after a period of little rainfall,
Carolinian Forest
Also called Deciduous Forest Region, The forests of Canada can be divided into nine regions based on
marked differences caused by terrain, soil and climate, The deciduous or Carolinian forest region is
widespread in the eastern United States and a small portion extends into southwestern Ontario including
the southern reaches of the Humber watershed. This forest region includes many species that are at the
northern limits of their range such as shagbark hickory, blue beech, black oak, sassafras and black
maple to name a few that are still found in the Humber.
Channelization
An alteration to the path of a watercourse that usually includes straightening or armouring,
Chlorinated Organic Chemicals (also known as organochlorine)
Complex organic molecules with chlorine atoms attached. These chlorinated organic chemicals (eg.
Organochlorine pesticides) are manufactured but can also be produced in combustion or formed in
waste disposal sites.
Classified Wetland
Also called an evaluated wetland, it is an area where field investigation and data has been compiled and
analysed using the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Cost-benefit analysis
This term refers to the costs and benefrts of undertaking a particular project. Traditionally, full cost
accounting practices are not used in this analysis; thus, the full cost of using resources is rarely
accounted for. The amenity value of the resource is also not included in the calculation.
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.
DDT - Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane
A widely used, very persistent pesticide in the chlorinated hydrocarbon group, now banned from
production and use in many countries.
Dolomite
A mineral consisting of mixed magnesium and calcium carbonate but rich in magnesium carbonate,
Drumlins
Celtic for little hill. Oval hills of glacial till with smooth, convex contours. In any area. the drumlins all point
in the same direction which is considered to be the direction of movement of the glacier which formed
them.
Economy
The social means by which human beings provide for their needs and wants. Using an ecosystem
approach, the economy is measured in terms of prosperity and sustainability,
Ecosystem
The interactions of the environment, society and economy, When these three elements are balanced, the
system is considered healthy,
ESA's - Environmentally Significant Areas
These are areas that, through ongoing work by the MTRCA, have been identified as having regionally
significant natural features and there is a need to provide for their protection, enhancement and
management through the mandates, policies, regulations and operations of the Authority. There are nine
criteria for designation.
Eurasian Watermilfoll - Myriophyllum spicatum
An aquatic plant species native to Eurasia and Africa that is extremely aggressive in lakes, ponds and
slow-moving streams, It has the ability to grow rooted in water more than six metres deep and under ice,
It holds little value to wildlife and can displace native plants. It may interfere with fish spawning and
human use for recreation, water transportation or for water reservoir use.
Full-cost Accounting
This accounts for the depletion and impacts on the amenity values that are incurred when cultural and
natural resources are used. Traditional economic accounting methods do not consider the depletion or
impacts on the amenity values in their calculations,
Groundwater Recharge Zones
Groundwater is the water that is found below the land surface at the level that the soils are saturated.
Groundwater recharge zones are areas on the landscape where surface waters readily soak into the land
to become groundwater,
Hydrologic Cycle
The cycling of water from the atmosphere onto and through the landscape and eventually back into the
atmosphere.
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Impervious Surface
Generally used to refer to the surfaces in an urban development that do not allow water to penetrate, For
example, asphalt or concrete roads, rooves and parking lots are considered to have impervious surfaces,
In some cases, the term can be used to describe compacted clay soils that also do not allow much water
penetration.
Infrastructure
This includes the structural services that are provided to the consumers, including roads, water and
sanitary pipes. Often, the cost of providing and servicing the infrastructure is subsidized by the
government.
Kames
Knobby hills irregularly stratified sand and gravel formed at the edge of a melting glacier,
Livability
The interactions between the environmental and social elements of the ecosystem.
Moraine
A knobby ridge of either (a) boulder clay built by a thrust of a glacier, or (b) gravel and sand deposited at
the edge of a glacier by escaping meltwater.
No net Loss
When resources are used faster than they can be replaced, there is a net or overall loss, The long term
result is a reduced standard of living, To ensure that the societal standard of living is maintained, the
renewable resources must be used at a sustainable rate and alternatives for non-renewable resources be
used, One way to ensure that there is no net loss is through full cost accounting.
PCB's. Polychlorinated biphenyls
A class of persistent organic chemicals that bioaccumulate.
Peat
Partially decomposed vegetation usually associated with swamps and bogs which has become
compacted and carbonized.
Prosperity
Th~ interactions between the social and economic elements of the ecosystem,
Purple Loosetrlfe . Lythr~m Sallcaria
A showy, perennial wetland species native to Eurasia with an erect stem and a spike of purple pink
flowers. It is an aggressive species that tends to crowd out native wetland plants that are valuable to
waterfowl and other wildlife.
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Riparian Habitat
Riparian habitat is an area of transition between the aquatic ecosystem and the adjacent terrestrial
ecosystem. It is located immediately landward of watercourses and other waterbodies. Soils that exhibit
signs of regular saturation and vegetation tolerant of periodic inundation characterize this zone. Riparian
vegetation provides habitat. food and shelter and contributes to both the adjacent aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems. For management purposes, the Authority has generally defined this zone as a minimum 10
metre wide vegetated area along both sides of a waterbody or watercourse.
Succession
When the natural vegetation is removed from a site, a sequence of colonization is set in motion, The first
species that colonize the area modify one or more environmental factors which, in turn, allows further
species to become established. This sequence is referred to as 'succession'.
Sustainabillty
The interactions between the environmental and economic elements of the ecosystem.
Tableland
The area of land outside of the valley and stream corridors.
Tall Grass Prairie
Prairies have been defined as areas where evaporation through the growing season slightly exceeds
incoming rainfall favouring shrubs and grasses and discouraging trees, The eastern portions of the
prairie vegetation zones that have higher annual precipitation support tall warm season grasses such as
big blue-stem, indiangrass and switchgrass.
Valley and Stream Corridors
Natural resources associated with river systems characterized by their landform, features and functions.
Valley and stream corridors are distinguished from other physiographic features or resources by their
connectivity to the river system as a whole.
wf< ,q'1 A/ql.o
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #1/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING '1/96
MARCH 1. 1996
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~
, the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
F1
January 11, 1996 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #1/96
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met in the Councillor's Lounge, at North York City Hall,
5100 Yonge Street, North York, on Thursday, January 11, 1996. The meeting was called to order
by Mark Wilson at 6:45 p,m,
PRESENT Members - Paul Albanese Denis McKee
Alternates Gail Blackburn John Nemeth
Margaret Buchinger Gavin Miller
John Court Rosalyn Moore
Norman Crone John Nemeth
Stephen Cockle David Shiner
Don Cross Dalton. Shipway
Bernie Green Linda Tu
Peter Hare Tom Ward
Tija Luste Mark Wilson
Deborah Martin-Downs
Kevin Mercer
MTRCA Staff Alyson Deans Adele Freeman
Brian Denney Craig Mather
Brian Dundas Russel White
:
w(( Iq(p/q(P
F2 Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 - January 11. 1996
MINUTES
Res. #1/96 Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Rosalyn Moore
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #9/95 be approved. ........................... CARRIED
PRESENTATION
(a) Craig Mather presented the Council with an overview on the Provincial Economic Statement
(see Item 2 of these minutes, page F4).
Res. #2/96 Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger
THAT the above presentation be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the adhoc committee meet to discuss policy issues and the Don Regeneration
Council's response to Bill 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND ITEMS OF INFORMATION
(a) Urban Natural Open Space in Richmond Hill, a brochure published by the
Town of Richmond Hill, Parks and Recreation Department.
Res. #3/96 Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Margaret Casey
THAT the above item of information be received. ............................ CARRIED
W((/Q7/Q/P
January 11. 1996- Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 F3
1. REPORTS FOR WORKING COMMITTEES
- Minutes of Meetings
KEY ISSUE
The minutes of meetings for the Working Committees,
Res. #4/96 Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Tija Luste
THAT the draft minutes of meetings be received from the following committees:
Community Outreach and Education Committee
-Meeting #10/95, December 12, 1995
Heritage, Names and Trails Committee
-Meeting #10/95, December 5, 1995
Projects and Concept Sites Committee
-Meeting #10/95, November 23, 1995
Watershed Reporting and Monitoring Committee
-Meeting #13/95, December 4, 1995
THAT the committees' proceed with their work as identified in their respective works plans;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the committees be adopted.
AMENDMENT Moved by: Don Cross
Res. #5/96 Seconded by: Tija Luste
THAT the committees for 1996 of the Don Regeneration Council be adopted as follows:
.
- Community Outreach and Education Committee
- Community Based Projects Committee
- Report Card Committee
- Adhoc Policy Committee
THE AMENDMENT WAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS. . . . . . . . .... . . . .. . .. . .. . .. .. .. . . . CARRIED
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F4 Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 - January 11, 1996
2. THE PROVINCIAL ECONOMIC STATEMENT
-Amended
KEY ISSUE
The Provincial Economic Statement of November 29, 1995, and the provisions of the Omnibus Bill
have significantly altered the funding base of Conservation Authority Programs as well as the basis
of funding and a number of administrative details. The fundamental mandate of the Authority has
not changed.
Res. #6/96 Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Tija Luste
THAT the report regarding the impacts of the Provincial Economic Statement of November 29.
1995 on The Metropolitan Toronto Region Conservation Authority, be received for information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In the Provincial Economic Statement of November 29, 1995, total funding for all conservation
authorities of $34 million will be reduced to $17 million in 1996 and to $10 million in 1997. In
1996, $12 million will be available for operating and $5 million for capital. In 1997, it appears
there will be no capital funding.
The $10 million will be conditional grants for the operation and maintenance of flood control
structures and taxes on conservation lands of provincial significance. The Province proposes that
grants for these purposes will be matched by municipal levy. How will this affect The
Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) and the continuation of your
work with the development and implementation of watershed strategies?
While there is no doubt that the work of the MTRCA will be scaled back from an operating budget
of approximately $20.7 million in 1995 by $1.8 million or about 10%, I want to assure you that the
planning and management of the watersheds within our jurisdiction is our business and continues to
be our most important function. We have anticipated a significant decrease in funding for some
time. This Authority has over the past three years been refining its work and refocusing its efforts
on the essential elements of watershed planning.
We see the role of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council and the Humber Watershed Task Force
as very significant to the long-term health of the rivers and of the communities of the watersheds.
Critical to this work is the involvement and commitments of the community and individuals
throughout the watersheds. You are an essential component of our work. We will endeavour to
continue to support your efforts and we thank you for them.
(,J~19q/q~
January 11, 1996- Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 F5
2. THE PROVINCIAL ECONOMIC STATEMENT (CONTO.)
-Amended
The funding reductions by the province directly affect the Humber and Don Strategies as they were
funded in part from the provincial capital grant. However. the Authority has the flexibility to use
revenues, levy received from the municipal partners and other revenues. We strongly believe, and
many of our member and local municipalities concur, that the role of the Authority in terms of
watershed management on a watershed basis will continue to be supported.
The Authority, as you are aware is primarily comprised of municipal elected officials. At Authority
Meeting #11/95, December 15,1995, Resolution #A277/95 was adopted:
"THA T the Authority receive the report of the Chief Administrative Officer concerning the
effect of the province's financial statement on watershed management;
THA T the Authority advise its member and local municipalities that its mandate for
watershed management has not changed;
THA T, whereas the future economic health of the greater Toronto region includes ensuring
a healthy environment;
THA T the Authority has and will continue to be the environmental advocate and advisor to
its member and local municipalities;
THA T the Authority will continue to provide quality service to protect, restore and enhance
the environment within their communities;
THA T the Authority is changing how it works to meet the changing circumstances;
AND FURTHER THA T the Authority will work with its member and local municipalities to
ensure the quality of life in the greater Toronto region."
The staff is in the process of identifying the necessary budget changes for 1996. We are
committed to redistributing our resources from operations to watershed management and
maintaining the focus on the development of the watershed strategies. Our communication
strategies must be and will become more focused and effective. We are working with the other
authorities within the GT A to streamline our operations and share resources to provide the
government and our municipalities with the best service to protect and regenerate watershed health
in this climate of severe restraint. We believe that we cannot fall silent on environmental health
and protection at this time but that we must come up with the means and methods to accomplish
our core mandate as watershed managers,
You can continue to assist us by considering carefully your priorities for the forthcoming year and
fund-raising and sourcing in-kind contributions that will augment our budgets.
Finally we ask for your support in meetings with representatives of all government levels for the on-
going work of watershed management,
Report prepared by: (Adele Freeman. ext. 238; Madelyn Webb, ext. 331)
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F6 Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 - January 11. 1996
3. APPOINTMENT OF DON WATERSHED COUNCil MEMBER
-Implementation Strategy for Metro Toronto Remedial Action Plan
KEY ISSUE
Appointment of a Don Watershed Council member to attend a workshop to develop an
implementation strategy for the Metro Toronto Remedial Action Plan.
Res. #7/96 Moved by: Bernie Green
Seconded by: Tom Ward
THAT the Chair, Mark Wilson, represent the Don Watershed Regeneration Council at a meeting
hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy to develop a strategy for the implementation of
the Metro Toronto Remedial Action Plan;
AND FURTHER THAT a brief report on the outcome of that meeting be provided at the next
meeting of the Don Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1994, Clean Waters, Clear Choices was published by the Government of Canada and the
Province of Ontario on behalf of all those that had worked to prepare an action plan to restore the
polluted waterways and waterfront in the Metro Toronto area. The Metro Toronto area of concern,
which involves the watersheds and waterfront from Etobicoke Creek in the west to the Rouge River
in the east, was designated as one of "43 Areas of Concern" around the Great lakes in accordance
with the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
The development of Clean Waters, Clear Choices was guided by a RAP "Team" representing senior
agency representatives, a Public Advisory Committee, and a Technical Advisory Committee. The
efforts have been supported by a RAP office and secretariat within the Ministry of Environment and
Energy.
The Terms of Reference for the Don Watershed Task Force in 1992 recognized the need for the
integration of the work for the individual watersheds with the Metro RAP process.
Representatives of both the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Public Advisory Committee
are currently members of the Don Regeneration Council and the Humber Watershed Task Force.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy have begun development of an implementation strategy for
Clean Water, Clear Choices which recognizes the ongoing responsibilities of the federal and
provincial governments in the remediation efforts within the Metro Toronto area and the current
and established roles of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the MTRCA. The mechanisms set
up for the development of the Don and Humber strategies and the implementation of the Don
strategy are considered essential to addressing the highly complex issues and problems of this area
and involving the public throughout the multiple watersheds.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy is hosting a workshop during February to further develop
this implementation model. A member from the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, the Humber
River Task Force and the Rouge River Alliance are invited to participate in this workshop.
For information contact: Adele Freeman (ext, 238)
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January 11, 1996- Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 F7
4. WORKSHOP REGARDING DON WATERSHED REPORT CARD INDICATORS
-February 3, 1996
KEY ISSUE
A workshop to select indicators and targets for the Don Watershed Report Card.
Res. #8/96 Moved by: Bemie Green
Seconded by: Tom Ward
THAT the report regarding the workshop for the Don Watershed Report Card Indicators, dated
January 5, 1996, be received for information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
.
Over the last three months, the Watershed Reporting and Monitoring Committee has undertaken a
series of workshops with members of the public. scientific experts, municipal staff members and
Don Council Members in order to arrive at indicators of progress or "signposts of change" which are
to be reported in the Don Report Card.
Approximately 200 people attended the seven public meetings held in November to discuss ways to
measure progress in revitalizing the Don communities!
Initial results have been compiled from the workshops. and there are some very strong trends
emerging: for example: education, protection of natural habitats, and daily habits of people in the
watershed are very important to all of us, and will be reflected in the Don Report Card.
The next tasks are to:
- Determine the specific measurements for the water, nature and community
indicators.
- Set targets for the indicators chosen.
To assist us with this task. a workshop will take place on Saturday, February 3, from 9:30 a.m. -
1 :00 p.m., at North York Civic Centre (Committee Rooms 1, 2 and 3). Invitations will be sent to all
participants in the process.
Following the workshop the final content and form of the Report Card will be produced. It is not
anticipated that extensive data collection will be carried out for this first effort. However, the
Report Card will include recommendations for future monitoring requirements. We plan to release
the Report Card in early May,
Please contact Brian Dundas at (416) 661-6600, ext. 262, to confirm your attendance and to
receive the agenda and detailed information for the workshop. Due to limited space, attendance is
restricted to 70 people.
Report prepared by: (Brian Dundas, ext, 262)
... wf<&oa/q(, ,
Fa Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 - January 11, 1996
5. UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
KEY ISSUE
The proposed meeting schedule for Watershed Council and Working Groups.
Res. #9/96 Moved by: Bemie Green
Seconded by: Tom Ward
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule_be received for information;
AND FURTHER THAT municipal councillors be canvassed to determine if they would like to host a
meeting in their respective municipalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings. Please note because of the changes in the Committees, these
dates will be under review.
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
DATE TIME LOCATION
January 11, 1996 6:30 p.m, North York Civic Centre
March 7, 1996
April 25, 1996
June 27, 1996
August 22, 1996
September 26, 1996
November 28, 1996
HERITAGE. NAMES & TRAILS COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
December 5, 1995 7:00 p.m. 4141 Y onge Street
January 16, 1996 7:00 p.m. 4141 Y onge Street
February 20, 1996 7:00 p.m. 4141 Y onge Street
March 19, 1996 7:00 p.m. 4141 Y onge Street
April 23, 1996 7:00 p.m. 4141 Yonge Street
WATERSHED REPORTING AND MONITORING COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
January 8, 1996 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Trust offices
W~d()3/qfo
January 11. 1996- Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 F9
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
· January 16, 1996 5:00 p.m. 4141 Yonge Street
February 13, 1996 7:00 p,m. City of North York (to be confirmed)
· Please note change of date. time and location.
PROJECTS AND CONCEPT SITES COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
January 25, 1996 7:00 p,m. North York City Hall
OTHER EVENTS
Works hOD for Don Watershed ReDort Card Indicators
February 3, 1996 9:30 a,m. - 1 :00 p.m. North York Civic Centre
Committee Rooms 1, 2 and 3
For information contact: Adele Freeman (extension 238)
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION OF APPRECIA TION Moved by: Don Cross
Res. #10/96 Seconded by: John Court
THAT the Chair and Members of the Don Regeneration Council send gratitude and appreciation to
Mr. Ian Deslauriers for his dedication and hard work he put forth for the Don Council. . . . CARRIED
Res. #11/96 Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Roslyn Moore
THAT the Chair review the status of Members on the Don Council and recommend a course of
action at the next Council meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
W f!. ~Oy/q(,
F10 Don Watershed Regeneration Council #1/96 - January 11, 1996
New Business Contd.
Res. #12/96 Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Roslyn Moore
THAT the Chair and Members of the Don Regeneration Council send gratitude and appreciation to
the family of the late Charles Sauriol for his lifetime of work and dedication to the Don River
Watershed. ...................................................... CARRIED
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p,m.
Adele Freeman J. Craie Mather
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
Ipl.
~()04A/q(o
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #2/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING '2/96
APRIL 19. 1998
VJ~dOS!q(P
~
, the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #2/96 Page F11
March 7, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met in the Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive,
Room M31-M32, Third Floor. The meeting was called to order by Mark Wilson at 7:00 p.m.
Present
John Adams ..... 0 . 0 . . 0 . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0 . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . Member
Paul Albanese . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . Member
Margaret Buchinger . 0 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . Member
Jason Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .'. . . . 0 . . . 0 . . 0 Member
Margaret Casey 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 0 . . 0 . . 0 Member
Stephen Cockle 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . 0 . . 0 . . 0 . . 0 Member
John Court ............. 0 . . 0 . . . . . 0 . 0 . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 . . 0 Member
Don Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . . : Member
Paula Davies 0 . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 Member
Tija Luste .. 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . 0 . 0 Member
Peter Hare . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Deborah Martin-Downs ....... 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . . . . 0 . 0 . 0 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 . 0 0 . . . 0 . . Member
Denis McKee. 0 . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 0 . . 0 Member
Steven Peck 0.. 0 . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . 0 . . 0 Member
Linda Tu . . 0 . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . 0 . . 0 Member
Mike Tzekas . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . 0 Member
Mark Wilson . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . Chair
Guests
Elizabeth Bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . 0 . . . . . . 0 . . . . .. Guest
Ivan Lorant . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . .. MoM. Dillon
Andrew McCammon ............ 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . 1000 Small Steps
Ljubica Pelletier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . .. Associate Member
David Stonehouse .... 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 0 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . 0 . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . o. Guest
Staff
Brian Denney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . .. Director, Watershed Management
Brian Dundas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technician
Adele Freeman ................................... o. Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
Paula Leggieri ..................................... 0 . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . .. Adm. Asistant
Jim Tucker ....................................... 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . Supervisor
Marta Soucek. . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . .. Technical Assistant
Russel White. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . 0 . 0 . 0 . . . . 0 . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technician
l.J ((dO ~ /q(p
F12 March 7, 1996 - Don Watershed Regeneration Council '2/96
RES #13/96 - MINUTES
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1196 be approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Mr. Steve Klose declared a conflict of interest regarding the GTA Panel, Res. #16/96, page F14 of
these minutes. Mr. Klose did not participate in discussion or vote on this matter.
PRESENTATION
(a) Mr. Ivan Lorant of M.M. Dillon reviewed and received comments on the Don River Fishway
Study for the mitigation of the Pottery Road Weirs.
RES #14/96 - DON RIVER FISHWAY STUDY
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: John Adams
THAT Deborah Martin-Downs review the draft proposal for the Don River Fishway Study. . . . CARRIED
PRESENTATION
(b) Mr. Andrew McCammon reported on the status of the site concept plan and the Business
Outreach Strategy of Ecopark, signing of the Don Accord by Vaughan businesses and the
fourth coming public meeting for March 28, 1996.
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) A letter addressed to Mark Wilson, from Joanne Jeffrey, MTRCA, dated
February 14, 1996, regarding the "Celebrate Your Watershed I .. Week.
(b) A letter from George Vasilopoulos of the Borough of East York,
dated February 23, 1996, regarding Spring Clean-up of green space.
RES #15/96 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Tija Luste
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the above correspondence be received. .................................. CARRIED
w ~{)o 7/q ft;
Don Watershed Regeneration Council '2/96 - March 7. 1996 F13
RES #16/96 - GTA PANEL
Moved by: John Adams
Seconded by: Margaret Casey
THAT WHEREAS the Don Watershed Regeneration Council is dedicated to the implementation of the
vision contained within the report Forty Steps to a New Don and to the three principles contained
therein being:
to protect what is healthy;
to regenerate what is degraded; and
to take responsibility for the Don;
AND WHEREAS the Don Watershed Regeneration Council fully supports the planning and management
for natural resources based on watershed units;
THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council advise the GTA panel of its support for the two
recommendations contained within the Report of the GTA Task Force, January 1996;
being: Recommendation 38 -
The Province should devolve delivery of the environmental permitting and approval functions
currently delivered by district and regional offices of the MOEE, MNR. OMAFRA, to the Greater
Toronto Council. These should be carried out by restructured conservation authorities that
report directly to the Council and are responsible for delivering their current functions, as well
as those newly devolved from the Province, on a watershed basis;
and Recommendation 39
Environmental services for the city-region should be coordinated at the regional level.
The Greater Toronto Council should coordinate and streamline planning, administration,
and delivery of services currently split among several provincial ministries, five regional
governments, and five conservation authorities;
AND FURTHER THAT of its support for the mechanism of flexible service districts, as outlined in
Recommendation 35, for the purpose of conservation. ............................ CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The provincial government is seeking public comment on the recommendations put forward in the
report of the Task Force on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Chair of the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council is scheduled to make a presentation on March 11, 1996.
While the document covers many elements of governance which individual members of the Don
Council mayor may not support it would be potentially useful for the Don Council to support the two
recommendations that relate to the management of watersheds and a regional approach to watershed
management.
W~'dOg/q(p
F14 March 7, 1996 - Don Watershed Regeneration Council '2/96
RES #17/96 - REPORT CARD
Moved by: Tija luste
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the Council approve the seven report card indicators presented by the Report Card Committee.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
A final synthesis public meeting was held on February 3, 1996. As a result of this meeting and a
number of subsequent meetings with Council members, scientists and municipal staff, the following
seven final indicator themes have been generated:
. the river;
. habitat and wildlife;
. regeneration projects;
. protected natural area;
. stewardship;
. awareness and education;
. use and enjoyment.
The Report Card Committee anticipates an early September date for publication of the Report Card.
RES #18/96 - DON IDENTIFIER
...
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the verbal report from Maragaret Casey on the Don Identifier be received;
THAT the Don Council endorse the Don Identifier;
AND FURTHER THAT the Don Identifier group develop use guidelines and report back to the
Council at a later date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Don Identifier has been developed by the City of Toronto to assist the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council to raise the awareness of watershed regeneration projects and intiatives within
the watershed. Margaret Casey and David Stonehouse, on behalf of staff at the City of Toronto,
presented the two-colour identifier for review of the Council.
wr<aoo,/qf..p
Don Watershed Regeneration Council #2/96 - March 7, 1996 F15
RES #19/96 - REPORTS FROM WORKING COMMITTEES
Minutes of Meetings
Moved by: John Adams
Seconded by: Margaret Casey
THAT the minutes of meetings from the following Committees, including specific recommendations as
noted. be received and endorsed:
THAT the Committees proceed with their work as identified in their respective work plans;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the Committees be adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITrEE
Meeting #1/96, held January 16, 1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Meeting #2/96, held February 20, 1996
Recommendations as follows:
RES #20/96 - GROWING SOFT STEMMED BULRUSHES IN CLASSROOMS
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT information on the Aquatic Plants Program be promoted through the Don Education Kit;
THAT this project be considered and promoted in conjunction with all Don projects involved in wetland
creation; .
THAT schools within the Don Watershed involved in this program be approached to sign the Don
Accord;
THAT sourcing corporate funding for this program be considered when approaching businesses to sign
the Don Accord;
AND FURTHER THAT staff of the Authority consider contacting the Evergreen Foundation for
assistance in planting materials. .................................... . . . . . . . . CARRIED
W~dIO/q(P
F16 March 7. 1996 - Don Watershed Regeneration Council #2/96
RES #21/g6 - ECOPARK
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT an Outreach Strategy be developed for other Business Communities within the watershed,
drawing from the experience at Ecopark;
THAT this strategy be presented to the Community Outreach and Education Committee at its next
meeting, if possible;
THAT the Business Outreach Strategy be developed in concert with the Don Challenge so they are
mutually supportive;
THAT funding sources be sought;
THAT consideration be given to establishing a Don -business community. in each of the Don Watershed
municipalities;
THAT the Conservation Found~tion of Greater Toronto be requested to assist in this work should
applications to potential funding partners be required from a charitable institution;
AND FURTHER THAT the Rivennede Access in Ecopark be considered as an access point on the Don
Map Brochure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES #22/g6 -MAP BROCHURE
Moved by: John Adams
Seconded by: Margaret Casey
THAT limited edition prints of the Don Watershed map be considered for development as a ftmdraiser.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES #23/g6 - FUNDRAISING
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT Mountain Equipment Co-op and Canada Trust be approached for funding an appropriate project.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
W~d ll/ql;J
Don Watershed Regeneration Council #2/96 - March 7, 1996 F17
DON EDUCA nON MEETING, HELD FEBRUARY 15, 1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting.
DON ACCORD MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 29,1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting.
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
Meeting #1/96, held January 25, 1996
Recommendations as follows:
RES #24/96 - THE DON ACCORD
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT The Community Projects Working Group will in consultation with the Don Accord Sub-Committee
assist groups with local projects resulting from the signing.
THAT MTRCA staff and members of the Don Council provide names of groups and organizations to the
Community Projects Committee for follow up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES #25/96 - SUGGESTIONS
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT the Community Projects Group identify a list of activities that interested community groups and
individuals can do to achieve the 40 Steps vision. These groups and individuals will be utilized in
projects that are underway in an effort to get these projects completed. The result will be to direct
interested community members to people and projects in the watershed which require assistance. The
Community Projects Committee will be the facilitator.
AND FURTHER THAT the Community Projects Committee continue to work to establish its new
mandate in keeping with the discussions at this meeting. .................. . . . . . . . . CARRIED
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
Meeting #2/96, held February 24, 1996
The recommendations are as follows:
we. ~ 19(Cfip
F18 March 7. 1996 - Don Watershed Regeneration Council #2/96
RES #26/96 - PROJECTS AND CONCEPT SITES
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT the list of projects and concept sites be circulated to all members and alternates of the Don
Council, MTRCA staff and municipal contacts for further additions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
Meeting #1/96, held January 8, 1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting.
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
Meeting #2/96, held February 19, 1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting.
AD HOC POLICY COMMITTEE
Meeting #1/96, held February 8, 1996
Recommendations as follows:
RES #27/96 - BILL 20
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT a Don Watershed Regeneration Council response be developed for the Chair's signature by
Margaret Buchinger and MTRCA staff for submission to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
THAT copies of the Don Council's response to Bill 20 (draft appended) be sent to the Clerks and to the
municipal councillors within the Don watershed;
That groups with an interest in the regeneration of the Don be encouraged to advise the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing with their comments on Bill 20;
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Don Council be encouraged to contact their local MPP's
regarding the Anne Golden Report and other intitiatives dealing with the governance of the Greater
Toronto Area to emphasize the critical linkages between the economic health and environmental health
of the community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
wte;}, 3/q,(,p
Don Watershed Regeneration Council '2/96 - March 7. 1996 F19
RES #28/96 - UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule be received for infonnation;
AND FURTHER THAT municipal councillors be canvassed to determine if they would like to host a
meeting in their respective municipalities. ..................................... CARRIED
KEY ISSUE
The proposed meeting schedule for Watershed Council and Working Groups.
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATFRSHED REGl=Nl=RATlON COUNCIL
DATE TIME LOCATION
March 7, 1996 6:30 p.m. Scarborough Civic Centre
April 25, 1996 6:30 p.m.
June 27, 1 996 6:30 p.m.
August 22, 1996 6:30 p.m. D. Martin-Downs - Residence, Thornhill, Onto
September 26, 1996 6:30 p.m.
November 28, 1996 6:30 p.m.
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
February 19, 1996 5:30 p.m Waterfront Trust offices
March 14, 1996 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Trust offices
April 18, 1996 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Trust offices
COMMUNITY OlJTRFACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTFF
DATE TIME LOCATION
February 13, 1996 7:00 p.m. City of North York
April 9, 1996 7:00 p.m. City of North York
May 28, 1996 7:00 p.m.
July 23, 1996 7:00 p.m.
September 17, 1996 7:00 p.m.
w~;;>{4IqlJ
F20 March 7. 1996 - Don Watershed Regeneration Council #2/96
COMMUNITY BA~m PRn_lfECT~ COMMITTfEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
February 24, 1996 5:30 p.m. MTRCA offices
March 28, 1996 6:00 p.m. City of North York
AD HOC POLICY CnMMITTFF
DATE TIME LOCATION
February 8, 1996 7:00 p.m. 4141 Y onge Street
For infonnation contact
Adele Freeman (extension 238)
NEW BUSINESS
RES #29/96 - MOUNTAIN BIKING
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Steven Klose
THAT Steve Klose, John Court, Rosalyn Moore, Linda Tu and Michael White fonn a sub-committee to
develop a strategy in accordance with Res#84/95, adopted at Don Council Meeting #9/95, held
November 23 ,1995, regarding Mountain Biking in the Don Watershed. ................ CARRIED
APPOINTMENT - WATERSHED TECHNCIAL ASSISTANT
Marta Sojeck is the new Watershed Technical Assistant and begins her duties March 18, 1996 at
MTRCA.
IJ (<;) 15 /q (p
Don Watershed Regeneration Council '2/96 - March 7, 1996 F21
TERMINA TlON
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m.
.
AdAIA FrAAmAn .1 ~rAig MAthAr
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
Ipl.
W~~15A/q&J
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #3/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING 13/96
MAY 17. 1996
W~dl{olq (p
~
, the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #3/96 Page F22
April 25, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met on Thursday, April 25, 1996, in the Councillor's
Lounge. North York City Hall, 5100 Y onge Street, North York. The meeting was called to order by
the Chair, Mark Wilson at 6:45 p.m.
Present
Blackburn. Gail , , . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . , . . . . . , , , . . . . . , . Member
Casey, Margaret. , , . , , . , . , , , . . , . . . . . . . . , , . . , , , . , . . . . . . . . . . , , , . . . , . , . Member
Cockle, Stephen . . , . , . , , , , . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . , , . . . , . . . . , , , . , , , , , . . Member
Court. John . . . . . . . , . . . , , , , . . . . . . . , . . . . , , . . . , , , , . . . . . . . . . . , . , , , , . . . Member
Crone. Norman . . . . . , . . . . . , . . , , . . . . . . . . . , , . . , , . , , . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . Member
Cross, Don , . . , . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . , . , , . , , . . , , , , , , . . , , . . , . , . , , , . , , , , , . . Member
Davies, Paula . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . , , . . . , , , . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . . . , , , . . . . , , , , . . . Member
Hare. Peter , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . . , , , . . . . . , , . , , . , . , . . . . . . . . . Member
Klose. Steven . . , . . , . , , . , . , . , , . . , . . . . . . , , . . , . . . , , , . . , , . . . . . . , , . . . . , , Member
Luste. Tija . , , . , . . . . , . . . . . , . , , , . , , , . , . . , . , , . . , . . , , . . . . , . , . . . , , , . . . . Member
Martin-Downs, Deborah . . . , , , . , , . . , . . . . , , , . . , . . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . , . . , . , , . . Member
McKee, Denis , . , . , . . . . , , , . , , . . . . , , . , , , . , , . . . . , . , . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . Member
Moore. Rosalyn . . . , . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . , , . . . , , , . . . . Member
Steven Peck . . , , . , . . . , . . , , . . . . . , . , , . , . . . , , . . . . . . . , . . , . , . . . , . , . . . , . . Member
Shiner, David . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . , . . , . . , . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . . Member
Tu, Linda . . . . , . , , . . . . , , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . , , . . . . . , , . . , , , . . . Member
Ward, Tom , . , . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . . . . , . . . . , . . Member
White, Michael . . . . . . , . . , , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . . . . . Member
Wilson, Mark , . , , . . . . . , . . , , , . , . . , . , . . . . . . , . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . , , . . . . . . . . . Chair
Guests
Chessie, Pat , . , . . . . , . , , , . , , . , . . , , . , . , . , . . . , . , . . . , . , , . . , . . . Metro Works Dept.
Evenson, Jeff. . , , , , . . . , , . , . . . , , . , . . . , , . . . . . , . , . . . " Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Moffat, Pat .,..,',.,..,',..",.,....".,.".,.,..".....,.,.."..., Writer
Sado. Ed , . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , , . . , . . . . . . . , . , , . , , . Metro RAP
Shipway, Dalton. , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . , . . . , , , . . Task Force to Bring Back the Don
Stonehouse, David .,.................,............ Task Force to Bring Back the Don
Wilson. John . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . . , , . , . . , , . . . , . . . . , . . Task Force to Bring Back the Don
Young, Don, . . . . . . , , . , , , . . , . . . . . , . . . . , , . . , . , . , , . . . . . . . . . . , Metro Works Dept.
Staff
Denney, Brian . , , . . , , , . , , , , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , .. Director, Watershed Management
Dundas, Brian . . . . . . . . . , , , . . . . . . , . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . , , . . . . . . . Technician
Freeman, Adele . , . . , . . . , . . , , . . . , . , . . , . , . , . . . . . . . Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
Leggieri. Paula ....,',."..,.........,....,...,...,.....,....., Adm, Asistant
Mather, Craig , . . . . . . , , , . , , . . . . . . , . . . , , . . . . , . . . , , . . . , . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . CAO
Soucek, Marta . . , , . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . Technical Assistant
White, Russel. . . . . . . , . . . . , . . , . . . , . . . . , , , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . Technician
W(<-;J17/Q(,
F23 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 April 25, 1996
RES. #30/96 - MINUTES
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/96, held April 25, 1996, be approved. ............ CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Deborah Martin-Downs declared a conflict of interest regarding Presentations (a) and (c) of these
minutes. Her company may be a potential bidder on the mentioned projects. She did not
participate in discussion or vote on this matter.
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) A letter and report. addressed to the former Chair of The Metropolitan Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority (MTRCA), William Granger, from Denis Kelly, City Clerk, City of
North York Environment Committee, dated February 27. 1996, regarding the impact of the
province's finance statement on the MTRCA.
RES. #31/96 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the above item of correspondence be received. .....,...........,.,..... CARRIED
W~d I~ /9'-'
April 25, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 F24
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Mr. Jeff Evenson, Director. Central Waterfront Projects, Waterfront Regeneration Trust,
spoke on the West Don Lands and other Don Projects.
(b) Mr. Don Young, Senior Engineer. Water Pollution Control, Metro Works Department, spoke
on the future of North Toronto Sewage Treatment Plant.
(c) Mr, Pat Chessie, Senior Engineer, Metro Works Department, spoke further to the
Metropolitan Toronto Watersheds Master Plan, see Res. #39/96, page F27 of these minutes.
RES. #32/96 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the above presentations be received. .....,...,.....,....,.,.".,..,. CARRIED
RES. #33/96 - REPORTS FOR WORKING COMMITTEES
Minutes of Meetings of Working Committees
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the draft minutes of meetings be received from the following committees:
. Community Outreach & Education Committee
Meeting #3/96, April 9, 1996;
. Community Based Projects Committee
Meeting #3/96, March 28. 1996;
. Report Card Committee
Meeting #3/96, March 14, 1996.
THAT the committees' proceed with their work as identified in their respective works plans;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the committees be adopted. . . . . , , . , . CARRIED
WRdlQ/Qf1
F25 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 April 25, 1996
Community Outreach and Education Committee
Meeting #3/96, held April 9, 1996
Recommendations as follows:
RES. #34/96 - COMMUNITY BASED MAP
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council request staff of The Metropolitan Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority to discuss the community based map project with the Community
Outreach and Education Committee. ..................................... CARRIED
Community Based Projects Committee
Meeting #3/96, held March 28, 1996
Recommendations as follows:
RES. #35/96 - EAST YORK CONCEPT SITES
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the Community Based Projects Committee coordinate the April 20th Bus tour of potential
concept sites.
AND FURTHER THAT staff prepare an itinerary in conjunction with Paula Davies of FODEY and a
one page ranking sheet to prioritize concept sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES. #36/96 - REACH LIST
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT each member of the Community Based Project Committee select a reach of the Don that the
member will walk and identify projects which could be conducted. These projects could be added to
the list of potential projects on the Don;
AND FURTHER THAT Stephen Cockle attend an upcoming Community Based Projects Committee
meeting to coordinate his efforts to solicit the Don Accord with the efforts of the Community Based
Projects Committee.
wI!. a aO/9 f.p
April 25, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 F26
RES. #37/96 - TASKS/ACTIVITIES
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the members of the Community Based Projects Committee continue to conduct activities
related to Don Accord signing opportunities, Reach List completion, Concept Site development and
the Consultant's Challenge. ........................................... CARRIED
RES. #38/96 - POTTERY ROAD WEIR
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT Jim Tucker of MTRCA with the assistance of Deborah Martin-Downs finalize the lamprey
issue by getting an expert opinion on the extent of the potential lamprey problem on the Don which
could occur with changes to the weir;
AND FURTHER THAT we explore the possibility of receiving a donation of limestone block from
St. Mary's Cement to reduce the cost of the project. . , , , , . . , . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
Report Card Committee Meeting #3/96
held March 14, 1996
There were no recommendations arising from this meeting,
For information contact:
Adele Freeman, ext. 238
LJf d'dl/q(P
F27 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 April 25. 1996
RES. #39/96 - METROPOLITAN TORONTO WATERSHEDS MASTER PLAN
Appointment of a Don Watershed Council Member and Alternate to the Steering
Committee for the Metropolitan Toronto Watersheds Master Plan
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT Mark Wilson be appointed to the Steering Committee for The Metropolitan Toronto
Watersheds Master Plan, and that Linda Tu be appointed as an alternate;
THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto be congratulated on proceeding with this work;
THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto advise Environment Canada of this work and in
particular the Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund be requested to support this initiative if possible;
AND FURTHER THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council. with the support of MTRCA and
other agencies accelerate its efforts to address issues of stormwater runoff within the Metro
Toronto Region to assist in the development and implementation of The Metropolitan Toronto
Watersheds Master Plan.
AMENDMENT
RES. #40/96
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT Mark Wilson. Linda Tu and Peter Hare be appointed as members of a small working group,
developed to address the Don Watershed Regeneration Council concerns with respect to paragraph
4 of the main motion.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ...... , . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . . . CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION. AS AMENDED. WAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MOEE) requested The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto
to undertake a Master Plan for Wastewater Systems on a watershed basis for watersheds within
the Metropolitan Toronto boundaries, This request was made during the consideration by the
Minister of MOEE in conjunction with the installation of the Western Beaches Tunnel Project,
Draft Terms of Reference were forwarded to Mr, Mather of the MTRCA for comment. While a
formal request for the appointment of a member has not been made, the Don Council may wish to
appoint a member and alternate at this time for the purpose of reviewing the draft Terms of
Reference and to support this important initiative,
wf!.;)d9lq~
April 25, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 F28
The draft Terms of Reference also recognize the important role watershed task forces have had and
the leading role the Don Council must play in dealing with the issues of storm water management.
This is an issue that is central to the work of both the MTRCA and the Don Council and identified
throughout, "Forty Steps to a New Don'.
The improvement of stormwater Quality is being addressed in a number of projects that are
underway or being considered within Metropolitan Toronto, These include the work at Terraview
Willowfield on TaylorlMassey Creek and concept projects potentially being considered for East York
and North York as well as the Watershed Education and Infracstructure Project for which funding
partners will include Action 21, the City of Toronto and others. While these are important
initiatives, this work should be accelerated to achieve improvements to the watershed.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman, Ext. 238
RES. #41/96 - DON WATERSHED CULTURAL HERITAGE INVENTORY
"THE DON MILLENNIA: ASPECTS OF HERITAGE IN THE DON WA TERSHED"
The Heritage, Names and Trails Committee report "The Don Millennia: Aspects of
Heritage in the Don Watershed" has been completed,
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Margaret Casey
THAT the report dated April 17, 1996, be received for information. .........,.,... CARRIED
STATUS
This document, now substantially complete in typescript and electronic database formats,
represents a major element of the work plan approved last year by Council for the Heritage, Names
and Trails Committee. It was carried out by the Heritage Subcommittee working with volunteers
from each Don Watershed municipality's expert heritage committee (LACAC), and through the
significant involvement at key stages by MTRCA's Project Archaeologist, Robert Burgar, and
contract researchers. As indicated in the Introductory chapter, the database elements were initially
provided in 1993 by the LACACs. After project staff created the initial database using GIS
technology, a meeting was held (June, 1995) with LACAC representatives to go over the
methodology with them, Their inventory listings were returned to them at that time for checking.
Confirmations were received back from all LACACs last Fall and at the same time, project staff
verified the information through field checks, Archaeological site data, on the other hand, are
uniformly registered with the Province, which provided that data for the watershed,
uR. 'J;;'3/9~
F29 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 April 25, 1996
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
The electronic database will now form an integral part of MTRCA's computerized GIS programs for
watershed planning and monitoring. For the same purposes, this data will also be provided to each
municipal Planning Department in the watershed. The report will be publiShed in soft cover format
(similar to Forty Steps) with the database appended on a diskette. Complimentary distribution will
include all branch and reference libraries in the watershed, universities, school boards, municipalities
and LACACs, and other local heritage and conservation organizations. Other copies to promote
awareness and education, will be made available on cost-recovery basis. A sponsor will be sought
to defray printing and publication costs.
A launch event targeted for September will be held at the ROM, which has provided various in-kind
support for the project. A prominent speaker (such as John Sewell) will be sought who is
knowledgeable on heritage and its importance for watershed and community planning. The ROM
will be approached to prepare a walk-around display.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman ext. 238
John Court (222-1445, ext. 223)
RES. #42/96 - UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Steven Peck
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule be received for information. . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
DATE TIME LOCATION
April 25, 1996 6:30 p.m. North York City Hall. Councillors Lounge
June 27, 1996 6:30 p.m. City of Toronto - Comminee Rm, 4
August 22, 1996 6:30 p.m. D. Martin-Downs Residence. Thornhill
September 26, 1996 6:30 p.m.
November 28, 1996 6:30 p,m,
Wf!.~;)l//qh
April 25, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 F30
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
May 28, 1996 7:00 p.m.
July 23, 1996 7:00 p.m.
September 17, 1 996 7:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
April 25, 1996 5:30 p.m, North York City Hall
AD HOC POLICY COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
OTHER EVENTS
May 5-11, 1996 "CELEBRATE YOUR WATERSHED!" WEEK
May 5, 1996 Paddle the Don
May 25, 1996 Watershed Tour
July 6/7, 1996 A Don Festival sponsored by Southbrook Farms
For information contact:
Adele Freeman Ext. 238
NEW BUSINESS
(a) Members are urged to participate in the Celebration at Milne Hollow - Charles Sauriol
Conservation Reserve; events include a clean-up, picnic, site walk, wildflower planting and
more; and will be held on Saturday, June 22, 1996, starting at 8:00 a.m, Please confirm
attendance by calling (416) 661-6600, Ext 235 or 317, Help is required for the barbeque
picnic, If you would like to help with the barbeque, please call Marta Soucek at
(416) 661-6600, Ext. 283.
(b) Copies are now available of the Lower Don River; Regeneration Strategy and Naturalization
Plan, Potter Road and the Forks, Please call Marta Soucek for further information at (416)
661-6600, Ext. 283,
(c) Friday, April 26, 1996 is MTRCA Arbor Day. A tree will be planted honouring The Chair of
the Don Council, Mark Wilson and his commitment to the restoration and rehabilitation of
the Don River system.
LJ R. d 'J5/Qfp
F31 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3/96 April 25, 1996
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 1996.
Adele Freeman J. Craio Mather
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
/pl.
W~;}d5A/qv
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #4/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING '5/98
SEPTEMBER 13, 1998
~ W(( 'J{)ltJ / Cf (p
, the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #4/96 Page F32
June 27, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met on Thursday, June 27, 1996, in Committee Room #4,
City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto. The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mark Wilson
at 6:45 p,m.
Present
Adams, John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . Member
Buchinger, Margaret ....,...........,.........,..............,..,.,....., Member
Cockle, Stephen .......................,.....,.........,..,......,...", Member
Court, John . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . , . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . , , . , , , , Member
Crone, Norman ........,...,......,.,....,.....................,.,...", Member
Cross, Don .,...,.,..,.....,.....,.,.,.....,.."....,.......,."",.." Member
Davies, Paula ................,.........,...............,.......,..".., Member
Hare, Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . . . , , , , Member
Klose, Steven ..............,......,..............................".." Member
Martin-Downs, Deborah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . Member
Mercier, Kevin. . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . , , . Member
Moore, Rosalyn . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . , . , , . . . , Member
O'Brien, Richard ...........,....,...,.,..............,...,.,.. Chair of the Authority
Steven Peck .,.,...,......,....,.......,....,......"..........,..,..., Member
Tu, Linda .,.............."...,....,..,.,..,.......,...,.,..,...",." Member
Waiver, Tony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . , . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . , , , . . , . Member
White, Michael ............,.,........,.........................."...,. Member
Wilson, Mark , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . . . . , . , . , . . . . . , . , Chair
Guests
Montgomery, Susan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . , , . . . . . , . .. Guest
Naylor, Don, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Don Naylor and Associates
Wraith, James , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . , . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . ,. Guest
Waberman, David ................,.,..........................,.,.",.... Guest
Staff
Dundas, Brian .........................,.,.......................,.... Technician
Freeman, Adele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
Mather, Craig .......,.................,.,.,..,...,...,..,.,.,.,..".."., CAO
White, Russel ....,..................................,.....,..,.,..". Technician
W~()d7/qv
F33 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 June 27,1996
RES #F43/96 - MINUTES
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/96, held April 25, 1996, be approved. ............... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
That Res. #34/96 - Community Based Map of Minutes of Meeting #3196, held April 25, 1996, be
replaced with the following:
RES #F44/96
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT in light of the funding cutbacks imposed on Conservation Authorities by the provincial
government, the Don Watershed Regeneration Council request staff of The Metropolitan Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority to discuss the Council's fundraising requirements with The Conservation
Foundation of Greater Toronto, in respect to those projects that would benefit from private funding
support, such as production of the Community Maps and publication of the Don Watershed Cultural
Heritage Inventory Report. ............................................... CARRIED.
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Don Naylor of Don Naylor and Associates presented the Members of the Council with
information regarding Rupert's Pond Concept Site.
(b) Kevin Mercer gave a presentation on the Watershed Infrastructure Ecology Program (WIEP).
(c) Adele Freeman updated Committee Members about the Milne Hollow Trail Head of the Charles
Sauriol Conservation Reserve.
RES #F45/96 - PRESENTATIONS
Moved by: Linda Tu
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the above presentations be received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
wf.~t}g/q(p
June 27,1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/96 F34
INFORMATION ITEMS
(a) Class Environmental Assessment Applications; Schedule B Projects
(i) Rehabilitation or Replacement - O'Connor Drive Watermain
Woodbine Avenue to Glenwood Crescent, Borough of East York
(ii) Bayview Avenue from Steeles Avenue to laureleof Road,
Town of Markham, Region of York
(b) MTRCA Role - Metropolitan Toronto Remedial Action Plan
Report to The Water and Related Land Management Committee, MTRCA
Meeting #4/96, June 21, 1996.
RES #F46/96 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT the above items of information be received. ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES #F47/96 - REPORTS FROM WORKING COMMITTEES
The minutes of meetings for the Working Committees
Moved by: Steven Peck
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT the draft Minutes of meetings from the following Committees, including specific
recommendations as noted, be received and endorsed;
Report Card Committee Meeting #4/96, held April 27, 1996
Community Outreach and Education Committee Meeting #4/96, held May 28, 1996
Community Based Projects Committee Meeting #5/96, held May 23, 1996
THAT the Committees proceed with their work as identified in their respective works plans.
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the Committees be adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES #F48/96 - COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Meeting #4/96, May 28, 1996
Moved by: Steven Peck
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT Municipalities be approached to use the Don Identifier in conjunction with Don projects
(i.e. Metro Trails). ...................................................... CARRIED
RES #F49/96- COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
W~ d'dq/GJf,
F35 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 June 27,1996
Meeting #5196, May 23, 1996
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Kevin Mercer
THAT the members of the Community Based Projects Committee contact the Accord Signatories as
follows:
Paula Davies Waldorf School
Borough of East York
LACAC
East York Rotary
Leaside Rotary
Unda Tu Ontario Hydro
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Deborah Martin-Downs Ladies Golf Club
THAT members of the Community Based Projects Committee meet with representatives from Metro
Parks and area municipalities to discuss the merits of the Don Consultant Challenge in an effort to gain
their support.
AND FURTHER THAT a Downspout Disconnection Program be included on the list of concept sites
being discussed at a meeting being scheduled with East York staff, the Environmental Advisory
Committee, Friends of the Don East York, MTRCA and the Lower Don Task Force. . . . . . . . . CARRIED
. . WR.d30/'1(l
June 27.1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/96 F36
AMI;NDMI;NT
RI;S #F50/96
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Kevin Mercer
THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council strike an adhoc policy committee requestin'g
representation from:
(a) each municipality with responsibilities for reviewing andlor enforcing sediment controls;
(b) The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority; and
(c) the Don Watershed Regeneration Council (including a municipal council representative from
Vaughan, Markham or Richmond Hill).
THAT the committee be directed to report back to the Council with a recommended course of action to
take to member municipalities for their consideration. The report shall include recommendations for
both new and redeveloping areas and cover:
(a) information requirements and design standards;
(b) review;
(c) inspection;
(d) incentives and penalties; and
(e) implementation.
AND FURTHER THAT Margaret Buchinger, Deborah Martin-Downs and Steven Klose be appointed as
members of this Adhoc Committee.
THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
Background
Sediment and erosion control plans are a required part of new development applications, and possibly on
larger redevelopments. On smaller scale redevelopments uncontrolled sediment release may occur,
although unlikely to be of the magnitude of larger scale developments.
Sediment is both natural in systems as well as a pollutant. It can blanket the beds of streams, fill ponds
and reduce the quality of habitats for aquatic life. In severe circumstances, the sediment transport can
further erode the stream banks and fill depositional areas such that changes to the channel may result.
Ultimately, in the Don watershed, the sediment ends up in the Keating Channel to be dredged out at high
cost and disposed of in special containment cells. Bank reconstruction, sediment removal and habitat
restoration throughout a watershed are all part of the costs of inadequately conceived and maintained
sediment plans.
W(('d3\jQ(p
F37 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 June 27,1996
Generally, the sediment and erosion control plans receive scrutiny early in the process by conservation
authorities and municipalities to ensure that they are located properly and designed to standards.
However, two significant problems may occur:
(a) standards are not suitable to reduce or remove the type of sediment generated from the property;
(b) the design is not implemented correctly and/or maintained properly once installed.
Large scale redevelopments are typically subject to the requirement for sediment and erosion controls.
However, many areas in the watershed are currently undergoing redevelopment at a site level where
controls are not in place. Furthermore, the transport mechanisms are much better developed here than in
new developments such that the storm sewers, usually without treatment, result in the rapid and direct
conveyance of sediment, albeit of limited quantities, to the watercourse.
The question then becomes, what are the mechanisms available to ensure adequate design and compliance
throughout the development/redevelopment process. With limited resources for enforcement, there
remains a need to develop new mechanisms within the changing planning framework.
What are the incentives to require developers to take this as seriously as the survival of their street trees,
to see that the costs extend beyond their site 7
For information contact:
Adele Freeman (ext. 238)
ADHOC MOUNTAIN BIKING COMMITTEE
Steven Peck reported that the Adhoc Mountain Biking Committee met with Ms. Patricia McNamee of the
Metro Mountain Biker's Association and Mr. Brian Rutherford of The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto
staff. The Committee concluded that the underlying issue of mountain biking is one of sustainability. The
Committee will research further and report back to the Council at a future date.
w~~3~/q t:;
June 27,1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/96 F38
RES #F51/9S - DON WATERSHED IDENTIFIER
Use of the Don Identifier to foster increased awareness of the Don River and
watershed.
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the City of Toronto Clerk's Department be thanked for the development of the Don Identifier;
THA T The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) staff finalize the use
guidelines for the Don Identifier in consultation with the City of Toronto Clerk's Department;
THAT the MTRCA on behalf of the Don Council administer the use of the Identifier;
THAT the Don watershed municipalities be requested to incorporate the Identifier in existing trail, park and
project signs, printed and other media that promotes awareness of the Don Watershed and regeneration
actions congruent with the vision, principles and actions contained within "Forty Steps to " New Don ~
AND FURTHER THAT other groups, organizations and agencies be similarly encouraged to use the
Identifier. ............................................................ CARRIED
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman (ext. 238)
W~~33/~G,
F39 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 June 27,1996
RES #F52/QS -SIGNING OF THE DON ACCORD
Appreciation to David Williams for his role in signing the Don Accord
Moved by: Kevin Mercer
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT gratitude and appreciation of the Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council
be sent to Mr. David Williams, President of National Grocers Ltd. and his staff, for their significant
contribution towards the -Cslebration of the Don Accotd - event, held on June 13, 1996 at Serena Gundy
Park.
AMENDMENT
RES #F53/QS
THAT The Don Watershed Regeneration Council consider holding a special event/walk for the managers
or designates of the Loblaws stores that would assist them in some way andlor recognize their significant
contribution towards the -c./ebration of the Don Accotd - event;
AND FURTHER THAT The Community Outreach and Education Committee work towards finalizing a
method and developing mechanisms in which to reciprocate private organizations, such as National
Grocers, who make significant contributions towards pursuing the mandate of The Don Watershed
Regeneration Council. and report back to the Council at a later date.
THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman, Ext. 238
wt< ~3y/q~
June 27.1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 F40
RES #F54/9S - UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
The proposed meeting schedule for Watershed Council and Working Groups
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule be received for information.;
AND FURTHER THAT municipal councillors be canvassed to determine if they would like to host a meeting
in their respective municipalities. ........................................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATERSWFD REGENFRATlON COUNCil
DATE TIME LOCA TlON
June 27, 1996 6:30 p.m. City of Toronto - Committee Rm. 4
August 22, 1996 6:30 p.m. D. Martin-Downs Residence - Thornhill
September 26, 1996 6:30 p.m. Vaughan
November 28, 1996 6:30 p.m. Richmond Hill (to be confirmed)
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TlON
June 24, 1996 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Regeneration Trust
COMMUNITY OlJTREACW AND FOUCATlON COMMI'TTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TlON
September 17, 1996 7:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY BASED PRO.IECTS COMMI'TTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TION
June 28, 1996 5:20 p.m. City of Toronto, Committee Rm 4
AD WOC POLICY COMMITTEE - SEDIMENT CONTROl
DATE TIME LOCA TlON
w(l'd 35/GflJ,
F41 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/98 June 27,1996
OTHFR FVENT~
EVENT DA TE &TlME LOCA TlON
Rupert's Pond Concept Site July 4, 1996 Rm. A, Maple Library
Detailed Design Public Mtg. 7:00 p.m. Keele St. north of Major Mackenzie
.
Don Heritage Days July 6 & 7/96 Southbrook Farms
(Press Release attached) 11 am - 4 pm Major Mackenzie Drive west of
Bathurst Street
For information contact:
Adele Freeman (extension 238)
NEW BUSINESS
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:05 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 1996.
AdAIA FrAAman .f Craig MathAr
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
/pl.
W(<g35A/q~
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCil
REPORT ON MEETING #5/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING 16/96
OCTOBER 18, 1996
rJ~d3(P/q(P
~
"the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #5/96 Page F42
August 22, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met on Thursday, August 22, 1996, at the residence of
Deborah Martin-Downs, 91 Kirk Drive, Thornhill. The meeting was called. to order by the Chair, Mark
Wilson at 6:45 p.m.
Present
Buchinger, Margaret . . . . . . . . . , . . . , , . . , . . , . . , , . . . . , , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . Member
Cockle, Stephen ..........".','.',.""",..",'......"",.",..."... Member
Court, John . . . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . , . , , , , , . . , , , . . , . . , . , , , . . . Member
Cross, Don ,.""."....,.,....",.""".,."...,..,..,.".,....",.., Member
Hare, Peter . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . , , . . , . . , , , , , , , . , , , . . . . , , . , , , . , , . , , . . . , , , . . . Member
Klose, Steven ..............",...",.""...,...,.....".".,.".,.,... Member
Martin-Downs, Deborah , , . , . , , . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , , . . . . . . , . , . . , . , . . . . , . . Member
Mercier, Kevin, . , , . , , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . , , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , , , , . . Member
O'Donell, Bill , , , , , . , , , . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . , , . . . , . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . Member
Shipley, Dalton .......".......,...............,..,.....".",.."",.., Member
Tu, Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . , . , . . . . , . . . . . . . , , . , . . . . . , . . . , . . . , , . , , . . . . Member
Ward, Tom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . , , , . , , . . . , , , , , . , . . , . . . . , . , . . Member
Wagner, Tony. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . , , , . . . . . , , , . . . . . , , , . , , . , . . . . . . . Member
Wilson, Mark. , . . , . . , , . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . . , , . , . . . . , , , , . . , . . , . . . , . , . , , . . Chair
Staff
Dundas, Brian .".,."..' , . . , . . , . . . . , . , , . . . . . . , . . . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . Technician
Freeman, Adele . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . , . , '. Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
Mather, Craig ,.".,..,.,.......,.,.".",....".."".."."..".,..,.... CAD
McCammon, Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , , . . . . , , , . . . . . , , . . . . . . Outreach Coord./Don
Soucek, Marta , , . , . . . . . , . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , , . . . . . . , . . Technical Assistant/Don
Webb, Madelyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . , , . . Humber Watershed Specialist
White, Russel ....,...,..,...,.,.,..,..,...""..,."....",..,...",. Technician
Prior to the meeting, Members and Staff participated in a clean-up and site walk of a section of the
Pomona Creek, a tributary of the East Don River. Thank you to all those who participated,
MOTION OF APPRECIATION
RES #F55/96
Moved by: .Tom Ward
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT a special thank you, from the Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council
and staff, be sent to Deborah Martin-Downs for hosting the Don Meet:ng and providing dinner. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
wfl.. ~3 7/9 ~
F43 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #5/96 August 22, 1996
RES. #F56/96 - MINUTES
Moved by: Margaret Buchinger
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4/96, held June 27, 1996, be approved. . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND ITEMS OF INFORMATION
(a) A letter, dated August 9, 1996, from Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczinski and Councillor Dan
Leckie, Wards 2 and 5 respectively of The City of Toronto regarding the -Establishment of
Non-Structural Working Group for Storm Water Management", dated August 9, 1996.
(b) A letter, dated August 20, 1996, from William A. McLean, Chair of The Conservation
Foundation of Greater Toronto, regarding the Charles Sauriol dinner to be held on October
3, 1996.
(c) Copy of a communication to Executive Committee Meeting #6/96, held August 16, 1996,
regarding the Keating Channel Dredging.
RES. #F57/96 - CORRESPONDENCE
& ITEMS OF INFORMATION
Moved by: Linda Tu
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the above items of correspondence {Ia) and Ibl} and Item of Information (c)
be received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
RES. #F58/96- UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
The proposed meeting schedule for Watershed Council and Working Groups.
Moved by: Tom Ward
Seconded by: Stephen Cockle
THAT the proposed meeting dates and event schedule be received for information.;
AND FURTHER THAT municipal councillors be canvassed to determine if they would like to host a
meeting in their respective municipalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
WRd3glq~
August 22, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #5/96 F44
BACKGROUND t
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
DATE TIME LOCATION
August 22, 1996 6:30 p.m. D. Martin-Downs Residence - Thornhill
September 26, 1996 6:30 p.m. Vaughan
November 28, 1996 6:30 p.m. Richmond Hill
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TION
August 14, 1996 5:30 p,m. Waterfront Regeneration Trust office
September 14, 1996 9 am-1 pm Waterfront Regeneration Trust
office
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TION
September 17, 1996 7:00 p.m,
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TION
September 26, 1996 5:00 p.m.
AD HOC POLICY COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCA TION
OTHER EVENTS
EVENT DA TE & TIME LOCA TION
Ruperts Concept Plan Site Walk Tues" Sept. 27 Fieldgate off Keele Street (Maple)
Don Valley Brick Works Sat, Sept. 14 550 Bayview Avenue
Open House 2-4 p.m.
Charles Sauriol Dinner October 3 Toronto Prince Hotel
Reception 6 p.m, 900 York Mills Road
Dinner 7 p,m,
For information contact:
Adele Freeman (extension 238)
W~d3q/qlJ
F45 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #5/96 August 22, 1996
RES #F59/9S- REPORTS FOR WORKING COMMITTEES
The Minutes of meetings for the Working Committees.
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the draft Minutes of meetings from the following Committees. including specific
recommendations as noted, be received and endorsed;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the Committees be adopted. ........... CARRIED
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION COMMI1TEE
Meeting #5/96, August 13, 1996;
No recommendations made
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMI1TEE
Meeting #6/96, June 27,1996;
Recommendation as follows:
, THAT MTRCA staff continue to provide updates on the status of the Pottery Road Project
and work towards its implementation in the summer of 1997.
.
REPORT CARD COMMI1TEE
Meeting #5/96, June 24,1996.
No recommendations made
Meeting #6/96, July 29,1996
No recommendations made
For Information contact:
Adele Freeman (ext. 238)
W f-'J'-fo/q (p
August 22.1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #5/96 F46
MOTION TO DEFER
RES #FSO/9S - ESTABLISHMENT OF NON-STRUCTURAL WORKING GROUP
FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Appointment of Don Watershed Council member to the City of Toronto Non-
Structural Working Group for Stormwater Management.
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Steve Klose
THA T the above item be deferred to Don Council Meeting #6/96, to be held September 26, 1996. ...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:30 p,m., ThurSday, August 22, 1996,
Anp.lp. Frp.p.m:m .J CrO'lig MO'Ithp.r
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
/pl.
wr<~40A-/q(P
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #6/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING #6/96
OCTOBER 18, 1996
~ LJ~;;llfl/q(P
", the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #6/96 Page F47
September 26, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met on Thursday, September 26, 1996, at the
Public Hearing Room, Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Maple. The meeting
was called to order by the Chair, Mark Wilson at 6:45 p.m.
Present
Albanese, Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Buchinger, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Casey, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Cockle, Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Cross, Don . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Green, Bernie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Hare, Peter .................................................. Member
Klose, Steven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Luste, Tija . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Martin-Downs, Deborah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mercer, Kevin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
McKee, Denis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Tu, Linda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Member
Wilson, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair
Staff
Dundas, Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Technician
Freeman, Adele ............................ Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
McCammon, Andrew .................................. Outreach Coord./Don
Soucek, Marta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical Assistant/Don
Sheila Boudreau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest
Lee, Yuk Woo ................................................. Guest
McConnell, Barb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest
Wilson, John .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest
RES #FS1/9S - MINUTES
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Linda Tu
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #5/96, held August 22, 1996, be approved. .. . .. CARRIED
W r<dl/ dlq(P
F48 Don Watershed Regeneration CouncR Meeting #8/98 September 26, 1996
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Don Watershed Report Card by Angus Reid Group, was presented by Natalie Lacey.
(b) Bernie Green and Andrew McCammon presented a draft brochure of the Keffer Marsh
Design by Mark Setter.
RES #F62/96 - PRESENTATIONS
THAT the above presentations (a) and (b) be received;
THAT a Communications Strategy Sub-Committee be formed to review the Don Watershed
Report Card;
AND FURTHER THAT Margaret Buchinger, Margaret Casey, Stephen Cockle, Don Cross,
Linda Tu and John Wilson be appointed to the Communications Strategy Sub-Committee. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
RES #F6:J/96- REPORTS FOR WORKING COMMITTEES
The Minutes of meetings for the Working Committees.
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by; Linda Tu
THAT the draft Minutes of meetings from the following Committees be received and
endorsed;
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendations of the Committees, as outlined below, be
adopted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
- Meeting #6/96, September 17, 1996;
RECOMMENDA TION
THA T a thank you letter be sent to Bob Willows and atsff of the Forut Valley
Education Centre for support of the Teachers Workshop.
w~a43/qv
September 28, 1998 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #8/98 F49
RECOMMENDA TION
THA T the Community OutrHch and Education Committee proceed with the
development of the Don Council Volunteer Program;
AND FURTHER THA T Don Council members be circulated with the draft of the
Volunteer Manual.
MOUNTAIN BIKING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
- Meeting #2/96, September 12, 1996
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
- No meeting was held
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
- No meeting was held
For information contact:
Adele Freeman Ext. 238
RES #F64/96- ESTABLISHMENT OF NON-STRUCTURAL WORKING GROUP
FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The request by the City of Toronto for the nomination of a member of
the Don Watershed Regeneration Council to the Non-Structural Working
Group was deferred at Meeting #5/96.
Moved by: Steven Klose
Seconded by: Michael White
THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council thank the City of Toronto for the
opportunity to nominate one of its members to the Non-Structural Working Group for
Stormwater Management;
THAT Mr. Peter Hare, Mr. Kevin Mercer and Mr. Dalton Shipway have been nominated by
The North Toronto Green Community, WIEP on behalf of the East Toronto Green Community
and the Task Force to bring Back the Don respectively;
AND FURTHER THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council draft a letter of support to
the nominations of these individuals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
LJ Rdtty /Cf(P
F50 Don Watershed Regeneration Councn Meeting #6/98 September 26.1996
BACKGROUND
These persons, Mr. Hare, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Shipway have been associated with and/or are
members of the Don Council and the Task Force to Bring Back the Don for a number of
years. Mark Wilson recommended that nominations of these persons be supported as they
are all advocates of "Forty Steps to a New Don. and the use of non-structural alternatives to
storm water management to assist in the regeneration of the Don.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman Ext. 238
RES #FS5/9S- UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
The proposed meeting schedule for the Don Watershed Regeneration
Council and Working Groups.
Moved by: Deborah Martin-Downs
Seconded by: Tija Luste
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule be received for information;
AND FURTHER THAT municipal councillors be canvassed to determine if they would like to
host a meeting in their respective municipalities. ....................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCil
DATE TIME LOCATION
November 28, 1996 6:30 p.m. Richmond Hill
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
October 8, 1996 5:30 p.m. Waterfront Regeneration Trust
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
October 17, 1996 7:00 p.m.
November 12, 1996 7:00 p.m.
December 12, 1996 7:00 p.m.
January 22, 1997 7:00 p.m.
February 20, 1997 7:00 p.m.
March 20, 1997 7:00 p.m.
LJRa4s/Q to
September 26,1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #6/96 F51
COMMUNITY RASED PRO.JECTS COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
September 26, 1996 5:00 p.m.
AD HOC POLICY COMMITTEE
DATE TIME LOCATION
OTHER EVENTS
EVENT DATE & TIME LOCATION
Charles Sauriol Dinner October 3, 1996 Toronto Prince Hotel
Reception 6:00 p.m. 900 York Mills Road
Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate Community October 5, 1996 MacKenzie Glen Event
Parks Week 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. City of Vaughan
Volunteers needed: Please contact DEBORAH MARTIN-DOWNS AT (905) 477-8400.
For information contact:
Adele Freeman, Ext. 238
NEW BUSINESS
RES #F66/96- MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAPLE DISTRICT OFFICE
LANDS, SOUTH OF TESTON ROAD, EAST OF DUFFERIN
STREET, CITY OF VAUGHAN
Moved by: Margaret Casey
Seconded by: Bernie Green
THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council supports the formation of a task force
consisting of the City of Vaughan, The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority, citizens and other concerned agencies, to develop a strategy and plans to protect
the significant lands at the Ministry of Natural Resources in Maple.. . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
WRd~{o /q (p
F52 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #6/96 September 26,1996
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 1996.
AdF!lF! FrF!F!man J Craig MathF!r
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
/pl.
{}Jr<~y l.PA/CJ&
THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL
REPORT ON MEETING #7/96
WATER AND RELATED LAND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING '7/96
NOVEMBER 29, 1996
~ W~dlf7/q(P
"the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
MINUTES OF DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #7/96 Page F53
November 28, 1996
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met on Thursday, November 28, 1996, at the
Town of Richmond Hill, Municipal Office, Committee Rooms 1 &. 2, 225 East Beaver Creek
Road, Richmond Hill. The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Mark Wilson at
6:30 p.m.
Present
Albanese, Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Blackburn, Gail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Buchinger, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Casey, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Cockle, Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Cross, Don . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Court, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Green, Bernie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Hare, Peter .................................................. Member
King, Joan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lee, Yuk Woo ................................................ Member
Martin-Downs, Deborah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
McKee, Denis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Moffat, Pat .................................................. Member
Moore, Rosalyn ............................................... Member
Nemeth, John ................................................ Member
Tu, Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Ward, Tom ................................................... Member
White, Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Wilson, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Wilson, Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair
Staff &. Guests
Denney, Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director - Watershed Management
Dun~as, Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Technician
Fiorini, Sonya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary - Watershed Management
Freeman, Adele ............................ Don/Highland Watershed Specialist
Mather, Craig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.A.O./Sec. Treas
Soucek, Marta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical AssistantlDon
Boudreau, Sheila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest
Flores, Maria .................................................. Guest
McConnell, Barb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Consultant
w((dye/'lll
F54 Don Watershed Regeneration CouncU Meeting #7/98 November 28, 1998
RI;S #66A/96- MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #6/96, held September 26, 1996, be approved.....CARRIED
PRESENTATION
(a) Brian Denney, Director of the Watershed Management Division, gave
a brief update on the Province of Ontario's decision to dispose of the
former Ministry of Natural Resources Lands in Maple, Ontario through the Ontario
Realty Corporation.
RI;S #67/96- PRESENTATION
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Peter Hare
THAT the above-noted presentation (a) be received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
W~dy~/q~
November 28, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting.#7/96 F55
RES #68/96- DON REPORT CARD
Review of the final draft indicators and targets for presentation in the
Don Watershed Report Card.
Moved by: Bernie Green
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the indicators and targets presented be endorsed (in principle) for inclusion in the Don
Watershed Report Card.
AND FURTHER THAT the Report Card Committee present the final draft of the Report Card
format to the Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Watershed Reporting and Monitoring Committee commenced preparation of a Don
Report Card in 1995. The purposes and objectives of the Don Report Card as defined by
the Council are :
1. To celebrate progress and actions in regenerating the Don watershed.
2. To cause further action in regenerating the watershed.
3. To educate the watershed community and communities beyond about both
the health of the watershed and actions and activities taken by people in the
watershed.
Eight public workshops, one municipal staff workshop and one workshop with scientists and
experts have been held as part of this process. In addition, numerous meetings have been
held throughout 1996 in order to further refine the specific indicator definitions and the
targets assigned to them. The accumulation of baseline data has been under way since
June 1996.
The indicators, statistics and targets were presented and discussed at the meeting.
Report prepared by:
Brian Dundas, ext. 262
LJ~ dSO/qC,
F56 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/96 November 28, 1996
MOTION OF APPRECIATION
RES #69/96
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by Don Cross
THAT the Watershed Report Card and Monitoring Committee members be commended for
tI1eir hard work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
RES #70/96- DON REPORT CARD LAUNCH
Public Launch of the Don Watershed Report Card.
Moved by: Bernie Green
Seconded by: Gail Blackburn
THAT the Report Card Committee review comments and bring back suggestions to the next
Don Council meeting on January 16, 1996.
AND FURTHER THAT the discussion of the media event wait until the next Don Council
meeting. ................................................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Watershed Report Card and Monitoring Committee has been concerned that a suitable
media event be organized for the release of the Report Card. After some deliberations it
was concluded that the event should take place in the southern portion of the watershed,
preferably on a Monday morning and in close proximity to the river. The event should
include something visual, ie. not just a press conference and include a media briefing
comprised of some snappy slides, graphics, maps, etc.
The Committee believe the report card will be available for launch during the latter half of
January. The event suggested included a fish fry where it would be pointed out that fish do
live in the Don and that while they are fit for human consumption on an occasional basis,
the water quality does fall below many targets. Members of the Committee have also
offered to take a polar plunge I
Wf'J.S I/qlP
November 28, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting .#7/96 F57
At a recent Community Outreach and Education Committee meeting, some opposition was
voiced regarding this approach, particularly on eating the fish. This matter is before the Don
Council for consideration. It is imperative that the plans begin for the media launch.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman, ext.238
RES #71/96- DON VOLUNTEER PROGRAM LAUNCH
Launch of the Don Watershed Volunteer Program.
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: Rosalyn Moore
.
THAT the Don Watershed Volunteer Program be launched in January 1997;
THA T an information night for volunteers be held in January and be advertised as fully as
possible recognizing funding constraints and that an article be included in the next On the
Don;
THAT the Don Watershed municipalities, other agencies and interest groups be advised of
the launch and format of the program;
THAT members of the Council review and provide Margaret Buchinger with comments on
the draft manual and list of volunteer partners by December 7, 1996;
AND FURTHER THAT Margaret Buchinger and the members of her sub-committee be
thanked for their work in putting this program together.
AMENDMENT
RES #72/96
THAT the Volunteer Program be launched prior to the launch of the Don Report Card
THE AMENDMENT WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
W~o5d/9(,
F58 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/98 November 28,1996
BACKGROUND
Members of the Community and Education Committee have been working to develop a
volunteer program. A draft volunteer manual and the list of volunteer positions are nearing
completion. A copy of the draft manual was attached for the review of the Council.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman, ext. 238
RES #73/96 - DON COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Review of the Don Watershed Communications Plan for
implementation in 1996-1997.
Moved by: John Court
Seconded by: Don Cross
THAT the draft 1997 Communications Plan be received;
THAT the members provide additional comments to staff;
THAT a final Communications Plan be prepared;
AND FURTHER THAT a staff work and resource plan be provided at the next Council
mee1:ing. ................................................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1995, McConnell Weaver provided a draft Communications Plan for the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council. A number of key recommendations have been instituted over the
past year including the watershed survey conducted by Angus Reed and Associates.
McConnell Weaver have been retained to provide a draft communications plan both for the
Don Council and to assist Authority staff in keeping the work of the Don Council and
Authority in the public eye to focus on the key messages and to determine what funds will
be required over and above those currently available in the 1997 budget allocations.
An initial group met with Barb McConnell to assist in focussing the work plan based on a
preliminary outline. The first draft of the plan was presented to the Community Outreach
and Education Committee meeting on November 19, 1996.
W~~53IqlJ
November 28, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting. #7/96 F59
It is recommended that members of the Don Council provide their comments, the report be
finalized with a staff report on the resources available and tabled at the next Council
meeting.
Report prepared by:
Adele Freeman, Ext. 238
RES #74/96- BAKER WOODLOT
ESA #128
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the item, Baker Woodlot, ESA #128, be deferred until the next Council meeting. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRI ED
RES #75/96- REPORTS FROM WORKING COMMITTEES
The Minutes of meetings for the Working Committees
Moved by: Don Cross
Seconded by: John Court
THAT the draft Minutes of meetings from the following Committees be received and
endorsed:
AND FURTHER THAT the recommendation of the Committees, as outlined below, be
adopted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. CARRIED
COMMUNITY OUTREACH 8r. EDUCATION COMMITTEE
- Meeting #7/96, October 17, 1996
No Recommendations.
w~ d5Y/9f.o
F60 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/96 November 28, 1996
COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS COMMITTEE
- Meeting #7/96, September 26, 1996
- Meeting #8/96, October 24, 1996
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Paul Albanese of the City of Scarborough continue to pursue an
opportunity for planting and cleanup at the Hydro Lands site - T erraview
Willowfield and report at a future meeting.
THAT the Committee Members assist in the implementation of the planting
and cleanup as required.
AND FURTHER THAT the Committee continue to review their progress in
facilitating and implementing concept site development.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Community Based Projects Committee continue to pursue the idea
of establishing a series of Charettes for continued implementation of small
scale projects on the Don Watershed.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Authority staff provide a background report to the Community Based
Projects Committee to be utilized in preparation for an upcoming workshop
tentatively scheduled for Jan 1997. Further that the Committee work
towards the preparation and completion of this workshop.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Authority staff continue to work with municipalities within the Don
Watershed to implement concept sites. Further, that they continue to
develop new sites for rehabilitation in keeping with the vision of Forty Stflp~
to 8 NAW Don and further,
THAT the Community Based Projects Committee continue to assist in the
identification and implementation of new concept site within the Don
Watershed.
W{(d55/9b
November 28, 1996 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/96 F61
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the Community Based Projects Committee assist in the efforts by
FODEY to develop a concept site in East York .
REPORT CARD COMMITTEE
- Meeting #8/96, October 15, 1996
For information contact:
Adele Freeman Ext. 238
RES #76/96- UPCOMING MEETING DATES AND EVENTS
The proposed meeting schedule for the Don Watershed Regeneration
Council and Working Groups.
Moved by: Peter Hare
Seconded by: Deborah Martin-Downs
THAT the proposed meeting and event date schedule be received for information. CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Schedule of upcoming meetings:
DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCil
DATE TIME LOeA TION
November 28, 1996 6:30 p.m. Richmond Hill
January 16, 1997
March 6, 1997
April 24, 1997
June 19, 1997
August 13, 1997 (tentative)
September 17, 1997
November 27, 1997
LJf()5~1 '1lo
F62 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/98 November 28,1996
COMMUNITY OUTR~ACH ANn ~nUCA TION COMMITT~~
DATE TIME
December 12, 1996 7:00 p.m.
January 22, 1997 7:00 p.m.
February 20, 1997 7:00 p.m.
March 20, 1997 7:00 p.m.
OTH~R ~V~NTS
EVENT DA TE & TIME LOeA TION
Volunteer Information Night January 30, 1997 7:30 p.m. To be confirmed.
For information contact: Adele Freeman, Ext. 238
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 10:00 p.m., Thursday, November 28, 1996.
Adp.lp. Frp.p.m::ln .J Cr::lig M::lthp.r
Don/Highland Watershed Specialist Secretary-Treasurer
/sf
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
4vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #1/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
G1
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, January 9, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
John McFall
Heather Broadbent
Marjorie Mossman
David Burnett
John Nemeth
Tony Carella
Karen Partanen
Ken Coffey
Mel Plewes
Ron Coles
Steve Roberts
Fiona Cowles
John Ryerson
lain Craig
Ed Sado
Jim Early
Dave Simpson
Kristin Geater
Vito Spatafora
Lois Griffin
Maurice Stevens
Michael Izzard
Tony Wagner
Debra Kosemetzky
Dan Weaver
Luciano Martin
Richard Whitehead
Glenn Mason
William Wilson
Authority Staff Bob Burger
Sonya Meek
Jon Clayton
Betty Ann Mosher
Dave Dyce
Elena Reitblat
Don Haley
Greg Rich
Lie Lappano
Madelyn Webb
Dena Lewis
Andy Wickens
Craig Mather
Gary Wilkins
Visitors Dave Dilks, LURA Group
Jamie Bennett, Marshall Macklin
Monaghan
Dorothy Izzard, Save the Oak Ridges Moraine
MINUTES
Res. #1/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #11195 be approved.
Glenn Mason
Ron Coles
G2 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996
CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
With respect to page G81, New Business, item (iii), M. Izzard wrote a letter of appreciation to Ian
Deslauriers on behalf of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
1. LAND USE PLANNING STUDY - PHASE II
Mr. Jamie Bennett of Marshall Macklin Monaghan made a presentation to the task force members on the
Humber River Watershed Strategy Land Use Planning Study, Phase II Report of February, 1995. This will
ultimately assist in the preparation of the hydrologic model that is being developed by the Natural Heritage
Sub - Committee.
Mr. Bennett was thanked for his presentation.
2. 'VISION' PRESENTATION
M. Webb gave a slide presentation on the 'vision'of the Humber Watershed. This presentation will be used
as part of the public consultation process. Members and staff in attendance were given an opportunity to
submit written comments on the slide presentation.
3. 'PRINCIPLES' WORKING SESSION
M. Webb and D. Kosemetzky facilitated a working session towards the development of the task force
principles. The exercise was done in the five sub - committee groups. Each group was asked to identify
what actions and behaviours are required to achieve each element of the vision while keeping the values in
mind. The submissions will be assimilated and tabled at the next Vision and Principles Sub - Committee
meeting.
4. CRITERIA FOR CONCEPT SITE SELECTION
KEYISSUE
Criteria to assist in the selection of concept sites within the Humber River Watershed.
Res. #2196 Moved by: Vito Spatafora
Seconded by: Mel Plewes
THAT the selection criteria for concept sites be received;
THAT task force members, agencies, residents and other groups be encouraged to suggest
potential concept sites which satisfy the selection criteria.
AND FURTHER THAT the preferred concept site locations be brought back to the Humber
Watershed Task Force for approval.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the Humber Watershed Task Force meeting #11/95 held on November 28, 1995, the revised work plan
was approved. A model for preparing the Humber Strategy document was also received for information. In
both cases, concept sites were identified as a required element of the project. The work plan required the
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996 G3
selection of concept sites by April 30, 1996.
RATIONALE
Concept sites are expected to demonstrate how the action statements within the strategy document can be
directly applied to a real location on the ground within local communities.
The concept site plans will provide a one to five year blueprint for immediate implementation by local,
regional and provincial agencies, the Authority and the public. The concept site plans will be included in the
final Humber Watershed Strategy as examples of how local action plans can contribute to achieving the
strategy's vision.
The following criteria are examples of what factors will be considered when choosing sites to profile in the
strategy document.
• provides opportunities for involvement by many partners (i.e. school groups, municipalities,
businesses);
• utilizes private and public lands;
• represents the different geographical areas of the watershed;
• represents urban and rural locations;
• allows for ongoing active participation after construction (i.e. monitoring /study of projects which
provide for educational opportunities as well as assists in the evaluation of the project;
• has a committed and willing host;
• has funding opportunities;
• protects and restores natural and cultural features, functions and linkages (i.e. water quality
improvement, fisheries habitat, archaeological sites);
• has educational and interpretive value;
• provides for public use opportunities (i.e. trails, recreational facilities);
• has opportunities for innovative economic approaches and design;
• has opportunities for monitoring to quantify improvements;
• promotes technology transfer (i.e. methods that can be used in other areas of the watershed);
• provides continuity between projects (i.e. connection to existing projects or facilities);
• has acceptable long term maintenance needs;
• produces short and long term benefits;
• is achievable within a reasonable time frame.
Concept sites will be recommended by a selection committee consisting of task force members, staff and
other stakeholders.
G4 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996
5. APPOINTMENT OF HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEMBER
- IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR METRO TORONTO REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
KEYISSUE
Appointment of a Humber Watershed Task Force member to attend a workshop to develop an
implementation strategy for the Metro Toronto Remedial Action Plan.
Res. #3/96 Moved by: Lois Griffin
Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman
THAT Luciano Martin represent the Humber Watershed Task Force at a meeting on February 8,
1996 hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy to develop a strategy for the Metro
Toronto Remedial Action Plan;
AND FURTHER THAT a brief report on the outcome of that meeting be provided at the next
meeting of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1994, "Clean Waters, Clear Choices" was published by the Government of Canada and the Province of
Ontario on behalf of all those that had worked to prepare an action plan to restore the polluted waterways
and waterfront in the Metro Toronto area. The Metro Toronto area of concern, which involves the
watersheds and waterfront from Etobicoke Creek in the west to the Rouge River in the east, was designated
as one of "43 Areas of Concern" around the Great Lakes in accordance with the Canada -US Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement.
The development of "Clean Waters, Clear Choices" was guided by a RAP 'Team" representing senior
agency representatives, a Public Advisory Committee, and a Technical Advisory Committee. The efforts
have been supported by a RAP office and secretariat within the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Task Force in 1994 recognized the need for the
integration of the work for the individual watersheds with the Metro RAP process. Representatives of both
the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Public Advisory Committee are currently members of the
Don Regeneration Council and the Humber Watershed Task Force.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy have begun development of an implementation strategy for Clean
Water, Clear Choices which recognizes the ongoing responsibilities of the federal and provincial
governments in the remediation efforts within the Metro Toronto area and the current and established roles
of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the MTRCA. The mechanisms set up for the development of the
Don and Humber strategies and the implementation of the Don and Humber strategies are considered
essential to addressing the highly complex issues and problems of this area and involving the public
throughout the multiple watersheds.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy is hosting a workshop during February to further develop this
implementation model. A member from the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, the Humber Watershed
Task Force and the Rouge River Alliance are invited to participate in this workshop.
6. PROVINCIAL ECONOMIC STATEMENT, NOVEMBER 29, 1995
KEYISSUE
The Provincial Economic Statement of November 29, 1995, and the provisions of the Omnibus Bill have
significantly altered the funding base of Conservation Authority Programs as well as the basis of funding and
a number of administrative details. The fundamental mandate of the Authority has not changed.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996 G5
Res. #4196 Moved by: Debra Kosemetzky
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT the report regarding the impacts of the Provincial Economic Statement of November 29,
1995 on the M.T.R.C.A., be received for information.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In the Provincial Economic Statement of November 29, 1995, total funding for all conservation authorities of
$34 million will be reduced to $17 million in 1996 and to $10 million in 1997. In 1996, $12 million will be
available for operating and $5 million for capital. In 1997, it appears there will be no capital funding.
The $10 million will be conditional grants for the operation and maintenance of flood control structures and
taxes on conservation lands of provincial significance. The Province proposes that grants for these
purposes will be matched by municipal levy. How will this affect The Metropolitan Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority ( MTRCA) and the continuation of your work with the development and
implementation of watershed strategies?
While there is no doubt that the work of the MTRCA will be scaled back from an operating budget of
approximately $20.7 million in 1995 by $1.8 million or about 10 %, 1 want to assure you that the planning and
management of the watersheds within our jurisdiction is our business and continues to be our most
important function. We have anticipated a significant decrease in funding for some time. This Authority has
over the past three years been refining its work and refocusing its efforts on the essential elements of
watershed planning.
We see the role of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council and the Humber Watershed Task Force as
very significant to the long -term health of the rivers and of the communities of the watersheds. Critical to
this work is the involvement and commitments of the community and individuals throughout the watersheds.
You are an essential component of our work. We will endeavour to continue to support your efforts and we
thank you for them.
The funding reductions by the province directly affect the Humber and Don Strategies as they were funded
in part from the provincial capital grant. However, the Authority has the flexibility to use revenues, levy
received from the municipal partners and other revenues. We strongly believe, and many of our member
and local municipalities concur, that the role of the Authority in terms of watershed management on a
watershed basis will continue to be supported.
The Authority, as you are aware is primarily comprised of municipal elected officials. At Authority Meeting
#11/95, December 15, 1995, Resolution #A277/95 was adopted:
THAT the Authority receive the report of the Chief Administrative Officer concerning the effect of
the province's financial statement on watershed management;
THAT the Authority advise its member and local municipalities that its mandate for watershed
management has not changed;
THAT, whereas the future economic health of the greater Toronto region includes ensuring a
healthy environment;
THAT the Authority has and will continue to be the environmental advocate and advisor to its
member and local municipalities;
THAT the Authority will continue to provide quality service to protect, restore and enhance the
environment within their communities;
THAT the Authority is changing how it works to meet the changing circumstances;
G6 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996
AND FURTHER THAT the Authority will work with its member and local municipalities to ensure
the quality of life in the greater Toronto region."
The staff is in the process of identifying the necessary budget changes for 1996. We are committed to
redistributing our resources from operations to watershed management and maintaining the focus on the
development of the watershed strategies. Our communication strategies must be and will become more
focused and effective. We are working with the other authorities within the GTA to streamline our
operations and share resources to provide the government and our municipalities with the best service to
protect and regenerate watershed health in this climate of severe restraint. We believe that we cannot fall
silent on environmental health and protection at this time but that we must come up with the means and
methods to accomplish our core mandate as watershed managers.
You can continue to assist us by considering carefully your priorities for the forthcoming year and fund-
raising and sourcing in -kind contributions that will augment our budgets.
Finally we ask for your support in meetings with representatives of all government levels for the on -going
work of watershed management.
7. ORAL HISTORY OF THE HUMBER
KEYISSUE
To develop a series of stories outlining the history and experiences of living in the Humber Watershed based
on interviews with watershed residents. The material will form the basis for an oral presentation on the
history of the Humber Watershed for use in audio and audio - visual presentations.
Res. #5/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
THAT the Oral History project be deferred until completion of the Humber Watershed Strategy and
implemented as funds are available.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At its meeting held November 1, 1995, the Humber Watershed Task Force considered the matter of the Oral
History of the Humber project as follows:
"MOTION Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Ron Coles
THAT the Oral History of the Humber River project be approved;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be hired to undertake the interviews for the
Oral History of the Humber Project at a cost not to exceed $5,000.00.
THE MOTION WAS .......................... ............................... NOT CARRIED
Res. #51195 Moved by: Vito Spa tafora
Seconded by: Luciano Martin
THAT the Oral History of the Humber River project be deferred to the
next meeting of the task force to be held on November 28, 1995.
CARRIED"
The matter was not considered at the November 28, 1995 meeting as background material was not yet
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996 G7
available. It is, however, being brought to the attention of the task force at this time.
RATIONALE
Members of the Culture and Heritage Sub - Committee investigated the implications of this project. It is the
opinion of the Ontario Oral History Society that the funds available at this time are insufficient to conduct the
work required. The sub - committee recommends that this important project be deferred until such time as
the Humber Watershed Strategy is completed and funds are available to conduct the program according to
recognized academic standards.
8. HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY WORKSHOP AGENDA
KEYISSUE
The Humber Watershed Strategy Workshop Agenda is provided for information.
Res. #6/96 Moved by: John McFall
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
THAT the Humber Watershed Strategy Workshop Agenda for January 16, 1996 be received for
information.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Task Force has a mandate to develop a Humber River Watershed Strategy to
achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed for the Humber River using an ecosystem -based approach.
To date, the task force has been preparing background reports in the areas of natural heritage, culture and
heritage, economics and community involvement and public use.
Before proceeding further with recommendations and specific strategies, it is important to meet with
municipal staff from various departments and other partners to hear their views and priorities which will help
focus the future work of the task force. With the recent announcements by the government of cutbacks to
programs, we wish to ensure that the Humber Watershed Strategy provides the information and other tools
that will be most useful to our partners in the future.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION UPDA
M. Webb reported to the task force members that Trinity Theatre has been engaged to frame the public
consultation for the Humber Watershed. Task force members and M.T.R.C.A. staff have volunteered to be
interviewed by Trinity staff as part of the process. 19 'activities' have been identified including public
meetings and small group consultations to ensure a broad cross - section of the community is involved.
10. SUB - COMMITTEE CHAIR VERBAL PROGRESS REPORT
In the essence of time, it was agreed that this item not be dealt with at this time.
G8 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #1/96, JANUARY 9, 1996
11. SUB - COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEYISSUE
The minutes of the meetings for the following sub - committees are provided for information.
Res. #7/96 Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman
THAT the following minutes, be received:
*Meeting #9 of the Community Involvement and Public Use Sub - Committee;
*Meeting #8 of the Culture and Heritage Sub - Committee;
*Meeting #9 of the Natural Heritage Sub - Committee;
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:20 p.m., January 9, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
CARRIED
G12 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #2/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, February 6, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:40
p.m.
PRESENT Members
Mary Louise Ashbourne
Marjorie Mossman
Margaret Britnell
Bill Munson
Heather Broadbent
John Nemeth
David Burnett
Brian Nixon
Tony Carella
Mel Plewes
Ken Coffey
Steve Roberts
Ron Coles
John Ryerson
Fiona Cowles
Ed Sado
lain Craig
Dave Simpson
Kristin Geater
Maurice Stevens
David Hutcheon
Christine Tu
Dorothy Izzard
Tony Wagner
Michael Izzard
Dan Weaver
Luciano Martin
Richard Whitehead
Glenn Mason
William Wilson
John McFall
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, V &P
Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff
Bob Burgar
Sonya Meek
Jon Clayton
Lorraine O'Byrne
Christine Crinnion
Greg Rich
Brian Denney
Madelyn Webb
Lia Lappano
Ann Marie Weselan
Bernie McIntyre
Andy Wickens
Sonya Meek
Gary Wilkins
Visitors
David Ash, York University
Sheila Boudreau, University of Waterloo
Phil Ferguson, York University
Elisabeth Jerch, York University
Halyna Koba, "Communicating"
Craig Larlee, York University
Natalie Ottaviano, York University
Philippa Wild, York University
The Chair advised the task force members that agenda packages will be sent out on the Wednesday prior to
each task force meeting.
The Chair expressed his grateful thanks to L. Lappano, Humber Watershed Strategy Secretary, for her
assistance.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996 G13
MINUTES
Res. #8/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1196 be approved.
1. CULTURE AND HERITAGE SUB - COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
Tony Carella
Glenn Mason
CARRIED
H. Broadbent, Chair of the Culture and Heritage Sub - Committee, presented the sub - committee's strategy
recommendations to the members of the Humber Watershed Task Force. A draft Executive Summary
dated February, 1996 was circulated to all task force members.
2. ECONOMIC SUB - COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
T. Carella, Chair of the Economic Sub - Committee, presented the sub- committee's strategy
recommendations to the members of the Humber Watershed Task Force. A draft report entitled,
"Watershed Economics and the Humber ", dated February 6, 1996, was circulated to all task force members.
3. VISION AND PRINCIPLES FOR THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY
KEYISSUE
Vision and Principles for the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #9/96 Moved by: Margaret Britnell
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT the draft Vision and Principles for the Humber Watershed Strategy be received;
THAT staff be directed to seek input on the draft Vision and Principles as part of the public
consultation process for the Humber Watershed Strategy;
AND FURTHER THAT the draft Vision and Principles be reviewed based on the comments received
and brought back to the Humber Watershed Task Force at a later date for approval.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #10/95 held on November 1, 1995, the Humber Watershed Task Force adopted resolution
#53/95 which states:
THAT the short working draft version of the Humber Watershed Vision Statement consisting of seven
elements, as follows and, as recommended by the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee, be approved.
"Our Vision of the Humber Watershed is...
•A river system that supplies clean water to watershed residents and contributes to the quality of
the Great Lakes bioregion;
•A healthy ecosystem abundant with life;
G14 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996
•A diversity of interdependent communities connected geographically and historically by the
watershed;
•A sustainable system which recognizes that ecological health is the foundation for a healthy
watershed economy;
•A safe place, a destination of choice, where people have fun and celebrate with a
renewed watershed consciousness;
•A special place for life -long learning: creatively expanding our minds, sustaining our bodies
and nurturing our spirit;
*Our legacy to future generations ensured through community partnership, stewardship and
individual responsibility."
THAT the sub - committees adopt the relevant elements of the Vision Statement as the framework for
developing their watershed strategies.
From a communications perspective, it is considered desireable to have a short vision statement followed by
an annotation to reflect, in more detail, the distinctiveness of the Humber Watershed. As a result, the
project writer, in cooperation with staff and the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee, has prepared the
following vision statement:
Our vision for the Humber Watershed is:
A healthy and sustainable ecosystem where we live, work and play
in harmony with the natural environment.
The Humber Watershed ecosystem is a living web of many different plant and animal species, including
humans, interacting with each other and a multi- featured landscape. A vital watershed consciousness has
emerged. To ensure sustainability, close, supportive links are necessary among the environment,
communities and economy. We must all work with nature.
The seven elements from the draft vision adopted in resolution #53/95 have been translated into principles
that express a 'code of conduct' that everyone must respect to achieve the vision.
Our decisions and actions should:
*Celebrate and preserve our natural, historical and cultural heritages.
*Maintain the Humber Watershed as a continuing source of clean water.
*Establish the watershed as a place for diverse, healthy and safe communities.
*Base a strong watershed economy on ecological health.
*Make the watershed a destination of choice, where people have fun and enjoy numerous
recreational activities.
*Maintain the watershed as a special place for lifelong learning, where our bodies are
sustained, our minds creatively expanded and our spirits nurtured.
*Carefully manage the watershed's legacy for future generations.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Staff will seek input on the Vision and Principles as part of the public consultation process for the Humber
Watershed Strategy.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996 G15
4. HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED ATLAS
KEYISSUE
Volunteer members from the Humber Watershed Task Force to provide technical and advisory assistance
during the preparation of the final edition of the Humber River Watershed Atlas.
Res. #10/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Maurice Stevens
THAT the following Humber Watershed Task Force members form part of an advisory committee
to assist in the preparation of the final edition of the Humber River Watershed Atlas - Phase II:
Fiona Cowles
John McFall
John Ryerson
Dan Weaver
AND FURTHER THAT progress on the preparation of the final edition of the Humber River
Watershed Atlas be reported to the Humber Watershed Task Force on a regular basis.
CARRIED
ZL�L'LH:��1tL`L;
In March, 1995, Authority staff provided copies of the Humber River Watershed Atlas, Phase I, to members
of the task force. The Atlas was meant to be a reference document to assist the task force members to
understand the diverse characteristics within the watershed. The March 1995 edition of the Atlas was also
considered an interim document - one which would be revised and finalized on or shortly following the
completion of the Watershed Strategy document. It is anticipated that much of the data that has been
collected during the preparation of the Watershed Strategy can be included in the final Atlas.
Staff would benefit from the expertise of task force members when preparing the final Atlas. Skills in
software development, education presentation and editing would be particularly useful. Four members of
the Humber Watershed Task Force have volunteered to be members of an advisory committee to assist
staff during the preparation of the final editions of the Humber River Watershed Atlas.
The four members are Fiona Cowles, John McFall, John Ryerson and Dan Weaver
5. OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION SCOPE AND FORMAT
KEYISSUE
To provide the task force members with the purpose, scope and format of the public consultation process for
the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #11/96 Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT the staff report on the Overview of Public Consultation, Purpose, Scope and Format of the
public consultation process for the Humber Watershed Strategy, be received.
CARRIED
G16 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996
BACKGROUND
Puroose of Public Consultation
In developing an approach to public consultation for the Humber Strategy, a number of needs were
identified. These included obtaining public input, getting the Task Force message to the public in an
engaging and informative way, and building a constituency in the watershed to ensure long term
involvement of the grass roots communities in implementation projects. Past MTRCA experience in public
consultation indicated that an innovative effort would be required to involve a representative cross - section of
community including business, interest groups, citizens and elected officials.
Scope of Public Consultation Meetings
Staff considered a number of options towards such an innovative approach. Limited staff time and recent
budget restraints, were factors considered in selecting the preferred option.
In 1995, Trinity Studio, whose credentials include over ten years experience in corporate and community
education on environmental and social issues, approached the Authority with a model for ecosystem
education. The model was developed through work in the Great Lakes basin over the past three years,
funded, in part, by Environment Canada's Environmental Partners Fund. The purpose of the "ecosystem
learning model" was to reconnect individuals with their "place" in the ecosystem. The facilitation techniques
developed for use with the model include: rapport building, personal mapping and interactive theatre using
pre- scripted readings. As well, Trinity is able to present sketches drawn from the technical material
available on the Humber Watershed. They also bring skills in workshop design and working with technical
experts and scientific information. This mix of skills and experience in facilitation addressed many of the
needs of the Humber Strategy in the area of public consultation.
Trinity is interested in using this model on a regional scale, such as a watershed. Trinity is also able to bring
matching funding from a corporate sponsor, Consumers Gas, who is interested in promoting the work done
by Trinity..
Part of Trinity's approach is working with local groups selected through networking in the communities.
They initiate the process by bringing together a multi - sectoral group that represents a diverse array of
interests.
In December 1995, Trinity was contracted by the MTRCA to tour the watershed to obtain information on its
varied attributes, and interview key stakeholders (e.g. Task Force members, interest group leaders and
others). The results of this initial work in constituency building indicated support for, and offers of,
assistance with the public consultation including the development of local 'niche' constituency or focus
groups. The benefits of constituency building with small groups prior to larger scale public meetings was
recognized by those interviewed.
Based on this initial work, Trinity, working with staff have developed a format for the formal public
consultation process to be completed in two phases in February /March, and May /June.
Format of Public Consultation Meetings
Public consultation of the Humber Watershed Strategy will be completed in two phases:
Phase #1: Role of the Task Force - Vision and Principles
a. Presentation Development
-Task Force Orientation (Trinity Presentation February 6)
-Staff Project Team Orientation (Workshops Inhouse for MTRCA Staff)
-Staff Project Team Technical Input (Determining formal public meeting design)
-Staff Project Team Presentation (Finalizing formal public meeting design)
- MTRCA Staff and Task Force Presentation (Preview of public consultation)
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996 G17
b. Constituency Building
- Public Focus Groups in local areas
- Business Focus Group for the watershed
C. Formal Public Meetings
d. Report to Task Force on April 2, 1996
Phase #2: Watershed Strategies; Request for Information on Concept Sites and
Subwatershed Action Plans
a. Presentation Development
-Staff Project Team Technical Input (Determining formal public meeting design)
-Staff Project Team Presentation (Finalizing formal public meeting design)
-MTRCA Staff and Task Force Presentation (Preview of public consultation)
b. Formal Public Meetings
C. Report to Task Force on June 25, 1996
6. OUTCOME OF HUMBER WATERSHED MUNICIPAL STAFF WORKSHOP
KEYISSUE
Consultation with municipal staff regarding issues, products and implementation actions for the Humber
Watershed Strategy.
Res. #12/96 Moved by: David Hutcheon
Seconded by: Ron Coles
THAT the staff report and summaries of discussion regarding the Humber Watershed Municipal
Staff Workshop held on January 16, 1996, be received for information.
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to send copies of the workshop results to the participants
together with a letter thanking them for their contribution and continued support.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #11/95 of the Humber Watershed Task Force held on November 28, 1995, the revised strategy
work plan was approved. The work plan identified the need for consultation with municipal staff. The
Authority hosted a workshop on January 16, 1996.
Staff has provided a brief progress report on the strategy deliverables and work plan. The majority of the
session was devoted to a workshop format to get responses to the following questions:
What are the issues, priorities and opportunities the strategy should consider?
2. What products or strategic management actions should the strategy incorporate into the
final document?
3. Where and how will strategic management plans be implemented?
Forty -seven municipal staff attended including representatives from the three regional municipalities and
eleven local municipalities. A member from the Toronto Historical Board also was present. The participants
were divided into five groups including natural heritage system, natural heritage - water, culture and
heritage, community involvement and public use and economic.
G18 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996
7. SUB - COMMITTEE CHAIR VERBAL PROGRESS REPORTS
In light of the fact that the work of all the sub - committees, except for the Community Involvement and Public
Use Sub - Committee, was discussed through other agenda items at this meeting, the Chair, J. McFall, gave
a brief verbal update on the work of the Community Involvement and Public Use Sub - Committee.
8. SUB - COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEYISSUE
The minutes of the meetings for the following sub - committees are provided for information.
Res. #13/96 Moved by: Kristin Geater
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the following minutes be received:
• Meeting #1196 of the Community Involvement & Public Use Sub - Committee;
• Meeting #1/96 of the Economic Sub - Committee;
• Meeting #1196 of the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee;
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Strategic Develooment Worksho
The Humber Watershed Task Force members were polled to determine a suitable date for a Strategic
Development Workshop. The purpose of the full day workshop is to establish a consensus of goals in the
Humber Strategy. The agreed -upon date is Saturday, March 23, 1996 at Black Creek Pioneer Village,
South Theatre.
(ii) Humber Advocate:
The Chair announced that the latest edition of the Humber Advocate is now available. Task Force members
are encouraged to submit articles for future edition to the attention of M. Webb.
(iii) Watershed Week'96:
This year, Watershed Week will be held from May 5 to May 11, 1996. Several events are planned across
the watershed such as 'Paddle the Don', 'Tour the Rouge' etc. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
iv) Task Force Members Grouo Activities
As several task force members are involved in planning activities for their own organizations /groups, they
are encouraged to bring these activities to the attention of the Humber Watershed task force membership
Flyers should be sent to the task force care of L. Lappano for inclusion in the next task force meeting
package.
(v) York University Student Volunteers:
S. Mullarky introduced several York University students in attendance at the task force meeting.
She indicated that the students have volunteered to assist, in any way possible, in the work of the Humber
Watershed Strategy. The Chair thanked the students for their support.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #2/96, FEBRUARY 6, 1996
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:20 p.m., February 6, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
G19
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
4vthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT
ON MEETING #3/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
G20
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, March 5, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
PRESENT Members
MINUTES
Res. #14/96
Mary Louise Ashbourne
Heather Broadbent
David Burnett
Tony Carella
Ron Coles
Fiona Cowles
lain Craig
Jim Early
Kristin Geater
Lois Griffin
Dorothy Izzard
Michael Izzard
Debra Kosemetzky
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, V &P Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff
Jon Clayton
Brian Denney
Dave Dyce
Joanne Jeffery
Lia Lappano
Craig Mather
Bernie McIntyre
Sonya Meek
Luciano Martin
Glenn Mason
John McFall
Marjorie Mossman
Steve Roberts
Ed Sado
Ray Stukas
Christine Tu
Tony Wagner
Dan Weaver
Richard Whitehead
William Wilson
Betty Ann Mosher
Greg Rich
Madelyn Webb
Ann Marie Weselan
Andy Wickens
Gary Wilkins
Beth Williston
Visitors David Ash, York University
Sheila Bondreau, University of Waterloo
Colleen Isherwood, Cami Communications
Elisabeth Jerch, York University
Halyna Kobe, "Communicating"
Craig Larlee, York University
Natalie Ottaviano, York University
Philippa Wild, York University
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Kristin Geater
Glenn Mason
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/96 be approved with the following amendment to page G19, New
Business, Item (v): "S. Mullarky introduced several York University students in attendance at the
G21 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
task force meeting. She indicated that the students have volunteered to "participate in the public
consultation process."
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #15/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Ron Coles
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Letter from Joanne Jeffery, M.T.R.C.A. Watershed Week Coordinator,
dated February 14, 1996.
Flyer from Kristin Geater, Citizen Representative of the Humber Watershed Task Force,
re: "The Growth of Chester Springs Marsh: Creating a Wetland in the Lower
Don Valley."
Invitation from lain Craig, Citizen Representative of the Humber Watershed Task Force,
re: Celebration of Yonge Street's 200th Anniversary (appended to these minutes).
CARRIED
1. NATURAL HERITAGE SUB - COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
M. Izzard, Chair of the Natural Heritage Sub - Committee, presented the sub - committee's strategy
recommendations to the members of the Humber Watershed Task Force. A draft report entitled, "Strategies
for the Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Heritage System in the Humber River Watershed ", dated
March 5, 1996, was circulated to all task force members.
2. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PUBLIC USE SUB - COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
J. McFall, Chair of the Community Involvement and Public Use Sub - Committee, presented the sub-
committee's recommendations to the members of the Humber Watershed Task Force. A draft Executive
Summary, dated March, 1996, was circulated to all task force members.
3. SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS AND CONCEPT SITE PLANS
-Terms of Reference
KEYISSUE
Preparation of Subwatershed Action Plans and Concept Site Plans as components of the Humber
Watershed Strategy.
Res. #16/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Christine Tu
THAT the staff report and Terms of Reference for Subwatershed Action Plans and Concept Site
Plans be received;
AND FURTHER THAT staff give consideration to renaming concept sites to "watershed action
sites".
CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996 G22
BACKGROUND
The Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Task Force identified the need to develop resource
inventory, opportunity maps and conceptual management plans for each subwatershed.
Subwatershed Action Plans and Concept Site Plans are considered important elements of the Humber
Watershed Strategy. The primary objectives are as follows:
• provide information about subwatershed condition;
• illustrate opportunities on a broad subwatershed scale;
• express "strategies" in terms necessary to implement site specific plans;
• communicate with and involve the public.
Five Subwatershed Action Plans will be prepared, including one for the West Humber, Main Humber, East
Humber, Black Creek and Lower Humber. The Subwatershed Action Plans will include a map, text and
illustrations that describe the existing conditions, identifies opportunities and illustrates where specific
management actions from the strategy document can be undertaken to deal with particular issues.
Concept Site Plans will be real locations in local communities where strategic actions can be undertaken.
Sites will be chosen based on the list of criteria previously reviewed by the Humber Watershed Task Force
at Meeting #1/96 held on January 9, 1996. The Concept Site locations will be illustrated on the
Subwatershed Action Plans.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Finalize the base mapping for each subwatershed which will illustrate roads, communities, land use,
watercourses and other major natural features. These maps will be used in the consultation
process.
• Prepare a draft text that describes the existing conditions and identifies issues and priorities.
• Design the presentation of the maps for further review and comment by staff, task force members,
agencies and the public.
• Finalize the Subwatershed Action Plans and Concept Site Plans by July, 1996.
4. REPORT ON PUBLIC CONSULTATION BY TRINITY THEATRE
Actors from Trinity Theatre performed an animation and work exercises with the members of the task force.
They advised that they will keep members apprised of the public consultation process as it evolves. The
first round of public consultation will be held during the week of March 25, 1996 and members will be
circulated with a list of dates and locations.
5. HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED STRATEGY DOCUMENT
- Background Information: Draft #1
KEYISSUE
Preparation of the draft background information relating to the Humber River Watershed for incorporation
into the strategy document.
Res. #17/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Tony Carella
Lois Griffin
THAT the staff report and the Background Information for incorporation into the Humber River
Watershed Strategy Document Draft #1, dated February 28, 1996, be received.
CARRIED
G23 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
BACKGROUND
At their meeting on November 28, 1995, the Humber Watershed Task Force considered a staff report
outlining a model for the Humber Watershed strategy document. The areas for inclusion in
the document were listed as follows:
• Process used to develop the strategy;
• Vision and Principles;
• Background Information on the watershed;
• Key Elements of the Sub - Committee reports;
• Strategies;
• Subwatershed Action Plans;
• Concept Sites;
• Appendix.
In addition, a writer and designer were to be hired to assist staff with the writing of the document. The
Executive Committee of the Authority, on January 12, 1996, approved the awarding of the writing /design
contract to 'Communicating' of which Ms. Halyna Koba is the President. Ms. Koba has begun working with
staff to format the document and begin writing.
The Draft #1, Background Information, is the initial material which has been prepared.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
At this initial draft stage, members of the Humber Watershed Task Force are requested to review the
material and provide comments on content and direction. Specific suggestions as to wordsmithing may be
taken up individually with Ms. Koba. Alternatively, members may wish to edit and submit the draft with
written comments to Ms. Koba.
As comments are made, please realize that the background information is being prepared at an early stage
and some alteration should be expected as the remainder of the document is developed.
6. HUMBER WATERSHED ATLAS - PHASE II
KEYISSUE
Production of the Humber Watershed Atlas - Phase II.
Res. #18/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Tony Carella
Lois Griffin
THAT the staff report regarding the Humber Watershed Atlas - Phase II - be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Atlas Advisory Committee met on Monday, February 19, 1996 to discuss the
production of a revised edition of the Atlas.
The Atlas is seen as a reference document which will capture much of the important background information
that the individual sub - committees have produced. The document will strive to be useful to all client groups
but is seen as being particularly useful to students.
The purpose, content, format and target audiences were the major topics of discussion.
It was agreed that the existing general framework for the Atlas is acceptable. It presents the information
under the natural and cultural headings which fits the task force sub - committee structure and the format for
the Canadian Heritage Rivers Program.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996 G24
Several of the major suggestions for consideration include:
• add more maps and provide more information on each map;
• avoid fold out maps;
• simplify charts;
• reduce the amount of text and simplify the language;
• include a glossary and index;
• consider sidebars, quotes and "did you know" facts;
• choose a font size suited to the primary audience;
• produce hard copies and digital format, if possible;
• sell the document to recover the costs of production;
• consider a short and long version.
• Invite other focus groups to provide comments through the public consultation process;
• Investigate putting all or portions on the Internet;
• Investigate CD ROM options;
• Investigate retail sales opportunities;
• Investigate copyright;
• Confirm editorial assistance from task force members;
• Investigate preferences for font size, style or other presentation details by talking to publishers and
other communications experts;
• Investigate funding sources to produce the final document.
7. INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE PROGRAM
KEYISSUE
Request by two Local Organizing Committees - Townships of King and Mono - for the Authority to provide
support and in -kind services, through the Humber Watershed Task Force, to their community based draft
proposals, as International Countryside Stewardship Exchange host community sites during September 21
to 28, 1996.
Res. #19/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: lain Craig
THAT staff be directed to provide letters of support endorsing the objectives of the International
Countryside Stewardship Exchange Program, and the individual proposals as defined by The
Local Organizing Committees - Townships of King and Mono;
THAT staff be encouraged to supply in -kind services when possible, to assist with these projects;
THAT The Local Organizing Committees - Townships of King and Mono and the Canadian
Regional Coordinator be so advised;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force endorse both submissions.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The International Countryside Stewardship Exchange was created in 1987 to bring together land
conservation, rural development, and planning professionals from both sides of the Atlantic, typically from
Canada, USA, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and occasionally France, to work with and through rural
communities on common countryside stewardship problems. The Countryside Institute, based in New
England, is a private non - profit organization which is the lead group for the Exchange Program.
An exchange site typically involves a host community, sponsoring a week long visit by an International
Team of 5 to 7 professional volunteers, selected to address the local problems as defined in their proposals
by the host community through the Local Organizing Committee. International Team members are selected
G25 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
based on their expertise and matched to host community sites according to the issues defined by the Local
Organizing Committee. Host communities must compete to have their proposal, as sponsored by the Local
Organizing Committee, accepted by the Countryside Institute and the Canadian Regional Coordinator - Ric
Symmes. The International Team members are selected by the Countryside Institute and the British
Countryside Commission. International Team members are volunteers in the Exchange Program. At the end
of an intense week of meetings, discussions and field tours, each International Team delivers their
recommendations at a public forum to their host communities and partners. The recommendations are also
published in a final report by the Countryside Institute. The Canadian Coordinators providing joint leadership
and support for the Ontario 1996 Exchange are the Heritage Resources Centre - University of Waterloo, and
the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship - University of Guelph. Funding for the host community sites are
raised by the Local Organizing Committees, and program funding is raised by the Canadian Regional
Coordinator, and the Countryside Institute.
The goals of the Exchange are to:
• Build the capability of communities to address current problems relating to the countryside.
• Provide enrichment for and enhance the effectiveness of professionals and volunteers.
• Promote sharing of innovative stewardship approaches from several countries.
• Encourage new approaches to countryside issues through collaborative team problem solving.
• Raise public awareness of countryside issues and foster dialogue among concerned groups.
Exchange programs have taken place in Britain, the Northeast U.S., and Atlantic Canada. The Exchange
visits in Southern Ontario are scheduled for the week of September 21 to 28 1996, and will be the first time
the Exchange Program has visited Ontario. Currently, approximately seven communities are submitting
proposals to compete for three potential host community sites in the Ontario Program. The Ontario Program,
as defined by the Canadian Regional Coordinator, will bring the following benefits:
• Expose Rural Ontario communities, partners, and professionals, to new ideas and fresh approaches
from similar experiences elsewhere.
• Encourage communities to understand the barriers to their progress, build consensus on directions
and priority projects, and develop greater capacity to work together towards solutions.
• Link communities to agencies and organizations that may assist in achieving their goals.
• Assist rural communities to incorporate protection or enhancement of natural environments,
agricultural and community character with sustainable economic development.
RATIONALE
The goals and benefits of this program are closely aligned with the goals and objectives of the Humber
Watershed Task Force to develop integrated and community based approaches and initiatives to watershed
management. Authority staff has had several conversations with the Canadian Regional Coordinator, and
members of the Local Organizing Committees - Townships of King and Mono - for their proposals as host
communities. It is staffs opinion that these proposals explore creative methods of fostering and coordinating
community watershed stewardship, and
directly benefits the future initiatives of the Humber Watershed Task Force to establish community based
advisory committees and community stewardship subwatershed action plans.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
The Local Organizing Committees must submit their individual draft proposals by March 13, 1996 to the
Canadian Regional Coordinator. The Countryside Institute and the Canadian Regional Coordinator will
announce which proposals have been accepted as host community sites on March 20, 1996. If either
proposal is accepted, staff would then assist the Local Organizing Committee(s), on an as required basis, to
finalize the agenda for the Exchange visit by the International Team(s).
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The in -kind services requested may include use of a van for group field visits, hosting a watershed tour on
issues of the East Humber, Main Humber, the Oak Ridges Moraine, and provision of meeting room space,
information, maps, and data on the Humber River Watershed and Oak Ridges Moraine. These services are
typical requests made by host communities of their sponsorship partners. The Humber Watershed Task
Force would monitor the Exchange visit, as a visiting delegation to the Task Force. The Authority in 1995,
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996 G26
also provided a donation of $500 dollars in 'seed' funding from Account No. 408 -03 towards the overall
development of the Exchange Program in Ontario.
8. REVENUE PRODUCING INITIATIVES
- Facilities and Operations Division
KEYISSUE
The Facilities and Operations Division, in an effort to improve its delivery of regional recreation opportunities
while offsetting reduced funding from traditional sources, is undertaking a coordinated approach to revenue
generation.
MOTION Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Steve Roberts
THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force request the Authority to refer the matter of Claireville to
the task force for consideration as part of its work through the Natural Heritage and Community
Involvement & Public Use Sub - Committees;
AND FURTHER THAT items such as this be part of the public consultation process.
THE MOTION WAS ......................... ............................... NOT CARRIED
Res. #20/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Ron Coles
THAT the staff report outlining the Authority's revenue generating, public use initiatives be
received;
AND FURTHER THAT we request that the Humber Watershed Task Force have input to the
Conservation and Related Land Management Advisory Board.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Consistent with the Authority's commitment to watershed management as its core business, recent budget
reductions fell most heavily on the recreation, education and cultural heritage services provided by the
Facilities and Operations Division. For example, in 1996, the net operating budget for the Conservation
Areas Section will be reduced by approximately 17% and since 1992, the Section expenditure budget has
been reduced a total of 27 %.
Fiscal realities now facing the Authority and other public agencies have created the need for a
reconsideration of the Authority's role with regard to recreation development and the establishment of
various types of partnerships. To assist, a Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands (1995)
has been prepared to provide a clear framework for evaluating the acceptability of recreation uses on
M.T.R.C.A.land,
The Authority, in the pursuit of its original flood control objectives, and in the course of purchasing hazard
lands and environmentally significant properties, acquired significant acreages of table land. Staff believe
that there are a number of Authority properties which can be developed for recreation use while improving
the overall ecological health and integrity of the watershed. Table land is better suited to various types of
more intensive public use, and whether operated directly by the Authority, or in the context of a partnership,
can generate revenues which can be devoted to managing valleys and other significant natural areas.
Based on this concept, the overall strategy for the Facilities and Operations Division through the next three
years involves the pursuit of a number of revenue generating opportunities to be concentrated at a small
number of sites. These sites would be coincident with the existing active use Conservation Areas, with
Claireville Conservation Area being a particular focus due to its location in the market place and abundance
of less sensitive table lands.
G27 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
Historically, the Authority's public use facilities including the Conservation Areas, Black Creek Pioneer
Village, and the Kortright Centre for Conservation have had a stronger orientation toward revenue
generation than most public facilities. Despite this, revenue generation has been somewhat restricted
because of:
- bureaucratic, organizational structures;
-a reliance on traditional sources of capital funding;
-the lack of a clear process to determine acceptable uses;
- little active pursuit of partnerships;
-no clear mandate for staff to seek new opportunities for revenue generation.
Over the past six months the Facilities and Operations Division has undertaken a number of measures to
remove these impediments, including a staff reorganization and the active pursuit of new and creative ways
of delivering service to the public. While more work is required to reach long term objectives, a number of
initiatives are currently underway. Some of these are outlined below.
: 7��1�21rJ��3�21� :L•�lC[CIIaYi1_�i19�:
Partnerships
As noted above Claireville has been slated as a potential site for more intensive use. A variety of
partnerships are actively being discussed at this location, including the development of municipal facilities in
partnership with the City of Brampton on Authority land, full size and 'pitch and putt' golf courses, an
indoor /outdoor driving range facility and an equestrian facility. In the near future, the Authority will be
informing the general public about its intention to pursue the development of active recreational uses at
selected locations at Claireville. The public will be invited to provide input. Ultimately, the M.T.R.C.A.
wishes to invite proposals for the development of public uses at Claireville that are compatible with the
Authority's mandate. Partnerships are also being discussed at a number of other sites. Some examples of
these include the development of a permanent Scout camp at Cold Creek and partnerships with Ontario
Hydro for the establishment of demonstration sites for micro hydro generators.
Capital Development
The 1996 Facilities and Operations Capital Development Budget makes provision for a number of
developments which would enhance revenue production. Campground development and the establishment
of a water play facility is planned for Greenwood and construction of a retail store for Indian Line
Campground is currently underway. While in general, these projects have been financed from Authority
funds, it is anticipated that a number of other innovative sources of funding will be sought in the future. New
developments will only be pursued after successfully meeting the test of a return on investment analysis.
Special Events
The Kortright Centre, Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Conservation Areas have experienced a great
deal of success with various special events over the past few years. New ideas for events are actively
being pursued including concerts, shows, and sporting events. Some of these would be operated directly by
the Authority, and in other instances, the Authority would provide the site while the event would be run by a
promoter or perhaps, a service club.
Services
Success in the area of revenue generation will depend partly on retaining the approximately 850,000 visitors
who use Authority public facilities on an annual basis. It is important therefore that services for the public
continue to be improved. Staff are looking at improving existing programs and services through such
measures as sponsorship, and through improvements to existing food services at Conservation Areas.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Recognizing that funding from tax -based sources is likely to shrink for the foreseeable future, the Facilities
and Operations Division is aiming toward financial self- sufficiency for the facilities it operates on behalf of
the public. It is recognized that this approach may require some capital investment, but such investment will
be built around a solid business plan and will be based on the principle of generating a net revenue. This
net revenue will assist the Authority in delivering its core business of watershed management. The
approach outlined here is premised on the need to maintain public services while reducing the burden on
the general taxpayer.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996 G28
iAllIOa\IxH [of D]X9Al i]aXADOIIli 7[W1C[o75
M. Webb advised the task force members that the Strategic Development Workshop will be held on
Saturday, March 23, 1996 at Black Creek Pioneer Village, North and South Theatres from 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. Professor Robert Wright from the University of Toronto will facilitate the workshop. The first part of the
workshop will be devoted to synthesizing goals and the second part to subwatershed action plans.
10. SUB- COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEYISSUE
The minutes of the meetings for the following sub - committees are provided for information.
Res. #21/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Mary Louise Ashbourne
THAT the following minutes be received:
*Meeting #2/96 of the Community Involvement & Public Use Sub - Committee;
*Meeting #1196 of the Natural Heritage Sub - Committee;
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Watershed Week - Canoeing Event:
I. Craig invited task force members to a canoeing event on the west Humber at Claireville Dam during
Watershed Week'96. The event will be held on Sunday, May 5, 1996. A flyer is being prepared with the
help of G. Wilkins which will be distributed to task force members when it becomes available.
(ii) Black Creek Project:
K. Geater advised that the Hon. Sergio Marchi, Federal Minister of the Environment, presented the Black
Creek Project with a cheque in the amount of $39,476 for the rehabilitation of the Black Creek by school and
community groups under the 'Caring for your Watershed' program.
(iii) Watershed Action Sites:
The deadline for comments on Watershed Action Sites (Concept Sites) is March 15, 1996. All comments
should be forwarded to either M. Webb or G. Wilkins.
The Chair requested that members return plates and cups to the refreshment table at the end of the meeting
in order to assist the cleaning staff.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:45 p.m., March 5, 1996.
G29 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #3/96, MARCH 5, 1996
Brian E. Denney J. Craig Mather
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #4196 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, April 2, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
John Nemeth
David Burnett
Mel Plewes
Tony Carella
John Ryerson
Fiona Cowles
Ed Sado
lain Craig
Vito Spatafora
Kristin Geater
Maurice Stevens
Lois Griffin
Christine Tu
Michael Izzard
Tony Wagner
Luciano Martin
Dan Weaver
Glenn Mason
Richard Whitehead
John McFall
William Wilson
Marjorie Mossman
Authority Staff Peter Attfield
Lorraine O'Byrne
Bob Burger
Greg Rich
Jon Clayton
Madelyn Webb
Don Haley
Ann Marie Weselan
Lia Lappano
Andy Wickens
Bernie McIntyre
Gary Wilkins
Sonya Meek
Beth Williston
Betty Ann Mosher
Visitors Sheila Boudreau, University of Waterloo
Elisabeth Jerch, York University
Halyna Kobe, 'Communicating'
Robert White, Aquafor Beech Limited
Philippe Wild, York University
G33 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4/96. APRIL 2, 1996
MINUTES
Res. #22/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/96 be approved.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
John Ryerson
Christine Tu
CARRIED
With respect to page G25, Item #7, the Chair advised that two applications to the International Countryside
Stewardship Exchange Program were made by the Humber Watershed Task Force. We have now been
informed that the application submitted by Mono Township was accepted (see correspondence item) the
Chair thanked R. Coles for his submission on behalf of Mono Township, F. Cowles for her submission on
behalf of King Township and to Authority staff for their work in this endeavour.
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #23/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Luciano Martin
Kristin Geater
Letter from Denis Kelly, City Clerk, City of North York, dated February 27, 1996
re: Impact of the Province's Finance Statement
Letter from Councillor Glenn Mason, Township of Adjala - Tosorontio, dated March 7, 1996
re: "Pitch In Week"
Letter from International Countryside Stewardship Exchange, dated March 19, 1996
re: Selection by the Ontario Steering Committee
Flyer from Kristin Geater re: Presentation on the Waterfront Trail System
Flyer from Bill Wilson re: Humber Valley Hike
Flyer from lain Craig re: Paddle the Humber
Flyer from Fiona Cowles re: Oak Ridges Trail Association Events
CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4196. APRIL 2. 1996 G34
1. HUMBER HYDROLOGY STUDY PRESENTATION
Mr. Robert White of Aquafor Beech Limited made a presentation to the Humber Watershed Task Force on
the hydrology, hydraulics and storm water management study for the Humber River Watershed. He
presented the study objectives, land use scenarios, present hydrology and flood flows, hydraulic update and
water management strategies.
Mr. White was thanked for his informative presentation.
2. INTEGRATED DRAFT WATERSHED GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS: Draft #1
KEYISSUE
Progress on developing an integrated set of goals and objectives for the Humber Watershed Strategy from
the four sub - committee reports.
Res. #24/96 Moved by: Mel Plewes
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
THAT the staff report on the Integrated Draft Watershed Goals, Objectives and Actions - Draft #1,
be received;
AND FURTHER THAT this matter be brought forward to the next Humber Watershed Task Force
Meeting on April 30, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On March 23, 1996, the Humber Watershed Task Force met for a day long session to review the goals and
objectives and to work on the five subwatershed action plans. Rob Wright of the University of Toronto's
School of Landscape Architecture provided an introductory address and provided five students from the
School to act as facilitators of the subwatershed action planning exercise.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES SESSION
Staff had prepared an initial cut at integrating the goals and objectives that had been produced by the four
sub - committee: Culture and Heritage, Natural Heritage, Community Involvment and Public Use and
Economics. The goals had been integrated from a long list of 21 to 14.
The Task Force members were divided into five groups. Each group reviewed three goals and their
rspective objectives with the view to: ensuring the clarity of intent of the goal /objective; identify gaps, and;
recommend needed changes. Each group was also asked to review the whole list of goals and to integrate
similar goals with the view to reducing the overall number of goals.
SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS
By using scenarios of opportunities, each group identified specific areas and actions that related to their
subwatersheds. These will form part of the subwatershed action plans development and the opportunities
map. Some of the sketches developed by the students may be incorporated into the Strategy or the Atlas.
These sketches will be available at the Task Force meeting.
G35 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4/96. APRIL 2. 1996
RATIONALE
The major recommendations of the workshop were to improve the wording of the goals, and to add wording
that would reflect the Humber in the goals. This was done and a list of 8 goals, together with the respective
objectives and actions, is appended. As well, three themes were outlined: Human Activity, Education and
Stewardship, and Natural Systems.
The subwatershed action planning exercise may be expanded as a model for interactive workshops with
various audiences in the future.
3. HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED STRATEGY DOCUMENT
- Backaround Information: Draft #2
KEYISSUE
Preparation of the draft background information relating to the Humber River Watershed for incorporation
into the strategy document.
Res. #25/96 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman
Seconded by: John Ryerson
THAT the staff report and the Background Information for incorporation into the Humber River
Watershed Strategy Document Draft #2, dated March 27, 1996, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At their meeting on March 5, 1996, the Humber Watershed Task Force considered a staff report and
Background Information Draft #1. Staff and task force members reviewed the report with the writer, Halyna
Kobe.
The Draft #2, Background Information, as attached is the second draft which has been prepared.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
At this second stage, members of the Humber Watershed Task Force are requested to follow up with Ms.
Kobe on any outstanding materials which should be added or revised. A third draft of the material will be
prepared after the complete strategy has been prepared to the draft #2 stage.
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION - PHASE I - VISION AND PRINCIPLES
- Progress Report
KEYISSUE
To report progress on Phase I of Public Consultation for the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #26/96 Moved by: Lois Griffin
Seconded by: Maurice Stevens
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4196. APRIL 2. 1996
THAT the progress report of the Public Consultation - Phase1- Humber Watershed Strategy be
received.
BACKGROUND
G36
CARRIED
At its November 28, 1996 meeting, the Humber Watershed Task. Force received a communication on the
public consultation process. The purpose of Phase I of the public consultation was to begin the process of
building constituency for the Humber Watershed Strategy as well as conveying information about the
MTRCA, the Task Force's work to date and its future plans to bring the strategies forward for public
consultation at a later date.
To build interest and use a method to engage the community, the services of Trinity Theatre were
contracted to identify shareholders throughout the watershed, to develop animations on the Humber
Watershed, and to provide an interactive workshop, including theatre, in which the public would have an
opportunity to comment on the vision.
RATIONALE
The following outlines the public consultation sessions which have been held to date:
Monday, March 25
7 -9 p.m.
Swansea Hall,
95 Lavinia Ave., City of Toronto
Wednesday, March 27
7:30 -9 p.m.
Humberview School
Bolton
Monday, April 1
12 -2 p.m.
King City Seniors Centre
King City
Tuesday, March 26
7:30 -9 p.m.
St. John's Anglican Church
Town of Caledon
Thursday, March 28
1 -3 p.m.
McMichael Gallery
Kleinburg
Monday, April 1
2:30 -4 p.m.
Town of Richmond Hill
A verbal report was presented at the April 2, 1996 Humber Watershed Task Force meeting.
5. STRATEGY FRAMEWORK
- Purpose, Scone and Format: Draft #2
KEYISSUE
Revise the model for the Humber Strategy document.
Res. #27/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Vito Spatafora
Glenn Mason
THAT the staff report on the Strategy Framework - Purpose, Scope and Format Draft #2 for the
G37 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4/96, APRIL 2, 1996
Humber Strategy document be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At its November 28, 1996 meeting, the Humber Watershed Ltask Force received a communication
containing the areas being considered for inclusion in the Humber Watershed Strategy document. At this
time, the strategy document is beginning to take shape, and staff are providing an update on the
components that will be included and some ideas on how they will be presented.
RATIONALE
The following outlines the components of the Humber Watershed strategy document as they have been
developed to date:
Background and Introduction
* How the Strategy was Developed
Vision and Principles
* Focus on the entire Humber Watershed
*What the Task Force found
*Goals for the Humber Watershed
*Objectives to achieve the goals
Focus on the Subwatersheds - How our ideas will really help the Humber Watershed
The Main Humber
*Opportunities and Challenges
(Each subwatershed may include a description, vision and examples of
how objectives and actions will be interpreted 'on the ground'. A
vignette for the Main Humber could be "Focus on Groundwater
protection ".)
The East Humber
*Opportunities and Challenges
(Vignette - e.g. "Redeveloping Lake Wilcox - Economic Benefits ")
(...and so on for each subwatershed)
Moving forward to Implementation
- Community Action Plans
- Humber Watershed Council, etc
6. CONCEPT SITE PLANS
KEYISSUE
List of suggested Concept Site locations.
Res. #28/96 Moved by: Mel Plewes
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT the staff report summarizing Concept Site nominations, as of March 26, 1996, be received;
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4196. APRIL 2. 1996 G38
AND FURTHER THAT the deadline for nominating Concept Site locations be April 16, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the Humber Watershed Task Force meeting #11/95 held on November 28, 1995, the revised work plan
was approved. A model for preparing the Humber Strategy document was also received for information. In
both cases, concept sites were identified as a required element of the project.
Concept sites are expected to demonstrate how the action statements within the strategy document can be
directly applied to a real location on the ground within local communities.
The concept site plans will provide a one to five year blueprint for immediate implementation by local,
regional and provincial agencies, the Authority and the public. The concept site plans will be included in the
final Humber Watershed Strategy as examples of how local action plans can contribute to achieving the
strategy's vision.
Criteria to assist in the selection of concept sites were received by the task force at meeting #1/96 held on
January 9, 1996.
To date, five concept site nominations have been received. Each site is listed below and a map is provided
to illustrate the general location.
NAME
OWNER
SPONSOR
LOCATION
Humber Heights
Private
Humber Heights
Subdiv'n Ratepayers
Township of Adjala-
Tosorontio
Fundale Park
M.T.R.C.A.
City of Vaughan
Woodbridge
Black Creek Park
M.T.R.C.A.
Black Creek Project
City of York
Stormwater Wetland
(Finch /Islington Ave)
M.T.R.C.A.
Urban Forest
Associates
City of North York
Wetland Restoration
M.T.R.C.A.
St. Basil the Great
College School
City of North York
The proposed locations meet varying numbers of the selection criteria. The sites demonstrate opportunities
for:
• revegetation
• water quality improvement
• community involvement/partnerships
• education and interpretation
• channel re- naturalization
• trail development
The Humber Watershed Strategy work plan requires the selection of concept sites by April 30, 1996.
Therefore, the deadline for nominating sites is April 16, 1996.
G39 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4/96, APRIL 2, 1996
The final selection of concept sites will be recommended by a selection committee consisting of task force
members, staff and other stakeholders. The name 'Concept Sites' will also be considered at this time.
Suggestions to date include:
"Community Action Plans"
"Community Action Projects"
"Community Action Areas"
"Watershed Action Sites"
"Community Demonstration Sites
The preferred concept site locations and name will be brought back to the Humber Watershed Task Force
for approval.
7. MUNICIPAL STAFF WORKSHOP - PART II
KEYISSUE
An overview of the Municipal Staff Workshop - Part II.
Res. #29/96 Moved by: Tony Wagner
Seconded by: Kristin Geater
THAT the staff report on the municipal staff workshop - Part II, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On January 16, 1996, the M.T.R.C.A. hosted a Municipal Staff Workshop - Part I. At this workshop,
municipal staff were invited to participate in developing the strategies for the Humber Watershed. Members
were given an overview of the task force's work to date. They were then divided into working groups to
discuss issues within the Humber Watershed. These issues included water, nature, culture and heritage
and economics. At the conclusion of this workshop, municipal staff members expressed an interest in
continuing their work on the Humber Strategy. Appropriate task force sub - committee reports have since
been sent to the municipal staff members for review and comment.
It was also agreed that a second municipal staff workshop to discuss the sub - committee recommendations
and implementation of the strategy would be scheduled in April, 1996. The Municipal Staff Workshop - Part
II has now been scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, April 16, 1996 at Black Creek Pioneer Village.
RATIONALE
At the workshop, municipal staff will be given an overview of the public consultation process on the vision
and principles conducted by Trinity Theatre. In their original working groups, an opportunity to discuss the
task force sub - committee reports will be given. Following this, municipal staff will be asked to provide
technical input into the development of the Subwatershed Action Plans.
The involvement of municipal staff in the strategy development process has and will be key to successful
implementation of the plan. Their knowledge of and commitment to the watershed has proven to be an
invaluable resource. Their commitment to implementing the strategy recommendations in their local
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4196, APRIL 2, 1996 G40
municipality, in partnership with the MTRCA and Humber Watershed Task Force, is one step to achieving
the vision of a healthy watershed.
8. CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS DESIGNATION
- Status of Meeting with MNR
The Chair advised that due to the recent OPSEU strike, a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of
Natural Resources has yet to be scheduled. The outcome of the meeting will be reported to the Humber
Watershed Task Force members.
9. SUB - COMMITTEE CHAIR VERBAL PROGRESS REPORTS
In light of the fact that only two sub - committees met since the last task force meeting - Natural Heritage and
Community Involvement and Public Use - M. Izzard and J. McFall gave brief verbal updates on the work of
their respective sub - committees.
10. SUB- COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEYISSUE
The minutes of the meetings for the following sub - committees are provided for information.
Res. #30/96 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman
Seconded by: Mel Plewes
THAT the following minutes be received:
•Meeting #3/96 of the Community Involvement 8. Public Use Sub - Committee;
*Meeting #2196 of the Natural Heritage Sub - Committee.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
(1) Peel Children's Groundwater Festival:
The Authority is involved in the Peel Children's Groundwater Festival between June 4 -8, 1996 at the Bolton
Fairgrounds. Two booths will be staffed by the Authority at which the Humber Watershed Task Force will be
promoted. Students from the Region of Peel will be participating at the 30 -50 activity centres available.
June 8th is Community Day in which the general public is invited to attend.
(ii) Paddle the Humber:
I. Craig encouraged members and staff to participate in the Paddle the Humber event taking place on
Sunday, May 5, 1996.
G41 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #4/96. APRIL 2. 1996
(iii) City of York Public Meetings:
T. Wagner advised that the City of York is holding public meetings to review their official plan amendment to
designate and protect ravine lands on May 1 and 15, 1996. If any task force members are interested in
attending, they should contact M. Izzard or M. Webb.
Res. #31/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Tony Carella
lain Craig
THAT staff bring to the next task force meeting, an appropriate position paper which can be
submitted to the May 1 and /or 15, 1996 City of York public meetings on behalf of the Humber
Watershed Task Force.
CARRIED
(iv) Master Planning for Waste Water Systems:
The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto has requested Authority comment on their draft terms of reference
for Metropolitan Toronto Watersheds Master Plan as well as to seek representation on a steering committee
they plan to establish which would include membership from the Authority, the Ministry of Environment and
Energy, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, RAP, the Humber Watershed Task Force, the Don Council and
community stakeholders.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 5:20 p.m., April 2, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #5/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, North Theatre on
Tuesday, April 30, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
PRESENT Members
MINUTES
Res. #32/96
Mary Louise Ashbourne
Margaret Britnell
Heather Broadbent
Tony Carella
Ken Coffey
Ron Coles
Fiona Cowles
lain Craig
Michael Izzard
Debra Kosemetzky
Tija Luste
Luciano Martin
Glenn Mason
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, VRP Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff
Visitors
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Bob Burger
Jon Clayton
Brian Denney
Lia Lappano
Dena Lewis
Bernie McIntyre
Sonya Meek
John McFall
Marjorie Mossman
Brian Nixon
Dick O'Brien
Mel Plewes
Steve Roberts
John Ryerson
Ray Stukas
Christine Tu
Tony Wagner
Richard Whitehead
William Wilson
Lorraine O'Byrne
Greg Rich
Madelyn Webb
Ann Marie Weselan
Andy Wickens
Gary Wilkins
Beth Williston
Sheila Boudreau, University of Waterloo
Halyna Kobe, 'Communicating'
James L. Wales, Mayor, Twp. of Adjala - Tosorontio
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4196 be approved.
Luciano Martin
Mel Plewes
CARRIED
G44 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
(i) Paddle the Humber
I. Craig reminded task force members of the Paddle the Humber event scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 1996.
(ii) Peel Children's Groundwater Festival:
This event will take place between June 4 -8, 1996 at the Bolton Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help
staff the displays, greet visitors etc. The time involved would be 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the weekend. A two -hour training session is available on June 3rd.
(iii) Integrated Draft Watershed Goals, Oblectives and Actions: Draft #1:
M. Plewes enquired what the status of the above report was since, according to Res. #24/96, a report was
to be brought forward to the Humber Watershed Task Force Meeting on April 30; 1996.
M. Webb indicated that a more comprehensive report, including municipal staff input from their May 1, 1996
workshop, will be included. This matter will be brought to the May 28th task force meeting.
1. Editorial Sub - Committee
KEYISSUE
The need for an Editorial Sub - Committee to guide the development of the Humber Watershed Strategy
Document.
Res. #33/96 Moved by: Ron Coles
Seconded by: Glenn Mason
THAT the formation of an Editorial Sub - Committee for the Humber Watershed Strategy Document
be approved consisting of the following members:
John Ryerson, Chair
Heather Broadbent
Tony Carella
Michaellzzard
Debra Kosemetzky
John McFall
Bill Wilson
Alyson Deans (staff)
Madelyn Webb (staff)
BACKGROUND
CARRIED
The Humber Watershed Strategy Document is the final report of the Humber Watershed Task Force. To
date, the Natural Heritage, Culture and Heritage, Economic and Community Involvement and Public Use
Sub - Committees have produced background reports. The Vision and Principles Sub - Committee has
developed a vision and draft principles. The task force has developed a set of integrated goals, objectives
and actions.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G45
All of this material has been given to our writer who is working to provide a synthesis document, including
graphics, by mid -July, 1996 in accordance with a staff report presented to the task force members on
November 28, 1995,
RATIONALE
To ensure that the Humber Watershed Task Force has adequate opportunity for input into the final strategy
document, including text and graphics, the following individuals have been requested to form an Editorial
Sub - Committee to liaise among staff, writer and task force in the final months of strategy document writing
and production:
John Ryerson, Chair
Heather Broadbent
Tony Carella
Michael Izzard
Debra Kosemetzky
John McFall
Bill Wilson
Alyson Deans (staff)
Madelyn Webb (staff)
2. CONCEPT SITE PLANS
KEYISSUE
Selection of Concept Site Plans.
RES. #34/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Margaret Britnell
THAT the site selection be referred to a sub - committee of the Humber Watershed Task Force
consisting of lain Craig, Luciano Martin, Susan Mullarky, Mel Plewes, Ed Sado, Christine Tu and
appropriate M.T.R.C.A. staff;
THAT all sponsors be invited to make a short presentation on their proposal(s) at a meeting of the
sub - committee called for that purpose;
AND FURTHER THAT a summary and evaluation of the proposals and the sub - committee's
recommendations be forwarded to the full task force for approval at their May 28, 1996 meeting.
RES. #35/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: John McFall
THAT Concept Site Plans be renamed Community Action Sites.
CARRIED
CARRIED
G46 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
RES. #36/96 Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the following three staff recommendations be deferred to the sub - committee charged with
the responsibility to review the Community Action Site nominations:
THAT the staff report on Concept Site Plans be received;
THAT staff continue to work with the partners to validate each site based on existing
characteristics and potential;
AND FURTHER THAT staff prepare detailed plans for up to five of the nominated sites, including
Caledon East Wetland, Lake Wilcox, Boyd Complex, Agricultural Farm Plan, Sun Row Park and
Black Creek Park, subject to available funding.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #4/96 held on April 2, 1996, five nominations were received. As a result, resolution #28/96 was
adopted extending the deadline for nominations to April 16, 1996. An additional ten nominations were
received. Each site is listed below.
NAME
OWNER
SPONSOR
LOCATION
Humber Heights
Private
Humber Heights
Subdiv'n Ratepayers
Township of Adjala-
Tosorontio
Fundale Park
M.T.R.C.A.
City of Vaughan
Woodbridge
Black Creek Park
M.T.R.C.A.
Black Creek Project
City of York
Stormwater Wetland
(Finch /Islington Ave)
M.T.R.C.A.
Urban Forest
Associates
City of North York
Wetland Restoration
M.T.R.C.A.
St. Basil the Great
College School
City of North York
Sun Row Park
City of Etobicoke
To be determined
City of Etobicoke
Humber Savannah
Metro Toronto
Urban Forest Assoc.
City of Etobicoke
NAME
OWNER
SPONSOR
LOCATION
Humber Connections
Project
MTRCA /Humber
College
Humber Arboretum
City of Etobicoke
North Shore Parkette -
SWM Rehab'n Project
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Caledon East Wetland
Town of Caledon
Caledon Trailway
Committee
Town of Caledon
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G47
Lake Wilcox Pike
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Hatchery & Fisheries
East Humber
Boyd Complex
East Humber
Improvements
West Humber
Sun Row Park
Lower Humber
Lake Wilcox
Multiple Private &
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Remediation Strategy
Public
Rowntree Wetlands
M.T.R.C.A.
A.R.C.H.
City of North York
Boyd Complex
M.T.R.C.A.
MTRCA /McMichael
City of Vaughan
Canadian Art Collection
East Humber
Private & Public
A.R.C.H.
Woodbridge to
Restoration
King City
Community Action Sites are expected to demonstrate how the action statements within the strategy
document can be directly applied to a real location on the ground within local communities. Each project
should have the potential to demonstrate a maximum number of natural, cultural, heritage, recreation,
education and economic actions.
Community Action Sites will provide a one to five year blueprint for immediate implementation by local,
regional and provincial agencies, the Authority and the public. The Community Action Sites will be included
in the final Humber Watershed Strategy as examples of how local action plans can contribute to achieving
the strategy's vision.
Criteria to assist in the selection of Community Action Sites was received by the task force at meeting #1/96
held on January 9, 1996.
The nominations have been reviewed. Six sites are recommended for further consideration. There is at
least one site in each of the five subwatersheds. For the purposes of publication in the strategy document,
not all nominated sites will have detailed site plans prepared. However, all validated nominations will be
identified on the subwatershed action plans. The sites recommended for further consideration are as
follows:
COMMUNITY ACTION SITE
SUBWATERSHED
Caledon East Wetland
Main Humber
Lake Wilcox
East Humber
Boyd Complex
East Humber
Argricultural Farm Plan (Constructed Wetland)
West Humber
Sun Row Park
Lower Humber
Black Creek Park
Black Creek
The name "Concept Site" has been used to describe these locations in the past. Other suggestions which
have been provided are:
"Community Action Plans"
"Community Action Projects"
"Community Action Areas"
"Watershed Action Sites"
G48 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
"Community Demonstration Sites"
Task Force members were polled at the Strategic Development Workshop held on March 23, 1996. There
was consensus that the name should contain an element of 'community' in it. Therefore, it is recommended
that the sites be named, "Community Action Sites ".
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Validate each community action site;
• Select two to five proposals to profile in the strategy document;
• Prepare draft text and site plan(s) that illustrate objectives and actions from the strategy document;
• Consult further with all stakeholders through a public consultation process.
3. CITY OF YORK PROTECTION OF RAVINE LANDS
-Draft Official Plan Amendment
KEYISSUE
City of York Draft Official Plan Amendment - Protection of Ravine Lands.
Res. #37/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the staff report on the Draft Official Plan Amendment - Protection of Ravine Lands in the City
of York be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the letter dated April 24, 1996 from Michael Izzard, Chair, Humber Watershed
Task Force to Mr. R. Maurice, Clerk, City of York be submitted to the May 15, 1996 City of York
public meeting.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On October 26, 1995, the City of York Planning & Economic Development Department submitted a report to
Council recommending an Official Plan Amendment for the Protection of Ravine Lands in the City of York as
well as the Draft Official Plan Amendment.
The purpose of the ravine protection policies and by -laws as outlined in the Planning and Economic
Development Department Report is:
"to maintain the stability of ravine slopes and protect the slopes from erosion. This is achieved by
controlling the placement of fill and changes to grade, and regulating the removal of trees and other
vegetation."
The City's Ravine Lands Official Plan Amendment deals with regulating the cutting of mature, healthy trees
within designated ravine lands in the Humber River watershed. The policies will also prohibit the filling and
alteration of grades within the Gooch ravine. In other designated ravines the policies support existing and
proposed Authority protection policies and programs controlling filling and alteration of grades.
Plan Review staff of The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (MTRCA) has reviewed
the report as well as the Draft Official Plan Amendment and is encouraged by the City's support of the
Authority's ravine protection policies regulating filling and grade alterations. Comments have been
forwarded to the City of York to this effect.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G49
As the Draft Official Plan Amendment is also in keeping with the draft Goals, Objectives and Actions of the
Humber Task Force, a letter will be submitted on behalf of the Humber Watershed Task Force to the May
15, 1996 City of York public meeting.
4. METROPOLITAN TORONTO WATERSHEDS MASTER PLAN
KEYISSUE
Appointment of a Humber Watershed Task Force member and alternate to the Steering Committee for the
Metropolitan Toronto Watersheds Master Plan.
Res. #38/96 Moved by: Debra Kosemetzky
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT Margaret Britnell be appointed to the Steering Committee of The Metropolitan Toronto
Watersheds Master Plan, and that Bill Wilson be appointed as her alternate;
THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto be congratulated on proceeding with this work;
THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto advise Environment Canada of this work and in
particular the Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund be requested to support this initiative, if possible;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force, with the support of MTRCA and other
agencies accelerate its efforts to address issues of stormwater runoff within the Metro Toronto
Region to assist in the development and implementation of the Metropolitan Toronto Watersheds
Master Plan.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Environment and Energy requested The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto to undertake a
Master Plan for Wastewater Systems on a watershed basis for watersheds within the Metropolitan Toronto
boundaries. This request was made during the consideration by the Minister of MOEE with respect to the
installation of the Western Beaches Tunnel Project.
Draft Terms of Reference were forwarded to Mr. Mather of the MTRCA for comment. While a formal
request for the appointment of a member has not been made, the task force may wish to appoint a member
and alternate at this time for the purpose of reviewing the draft Terms of Reference and to support this
important initiative.
The draft Terms of Reference also recognize the important role watershed task forces have and that the
Humber Watershed Task Force must play in dealing with the issues of stormwater management.
The improvement of stormwater quality is being addressed in a number of projects that are underway or
being considered within and outside Metropolitan Toronto. In addition to the Emery Creek Project,
measures to manage stormwater include the alternative roadside drainage systems and source control
systems in urban areas as well as proactive planning to prevent impacts from new development in the
headwater municipalities. In rural areas, the Metro Rural Clean Water Program has been successful in
working with farmers to examine agricultural practices as they relate to water quality issues.
G50 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
5. BUILDING COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED
In recent public consultation sessions on the vision, staff discovered that people were not sure how they
were connected to the Humber Watershed. In order to build watershed consciousness, we have to make
these connections known and understood. M. Webb conducted a group exercise and discussion whereby
task force members were grouped according to their communities. Input was sought as to what 'community'
meant from different perspectives. Some of the information provided as part of this exercise will be used in
the introduction to the strategy document.
6. OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS - PHASE II
M. Webb gave a brief overview of public consultation, phase II. It is proposed that Trinity be hired to
conduct public meetings using staff for the most part. Trinity would undertake some theatre and coach the
entire presentation. A recommendation to this effect will be brought to the Authority's Executive Committee
for approval. Staff is proceeding to contact people; particularly, those who were not as heavily involved in
the first phase of public consultation, to arrange for tentative venues and to set up times. According to the
approved work plan, the second phase of public consultation will occur in late May or early June, 1996. R.
Whitehead suggested that we may wish to coincide a public consultation meeting with the upcoming
Caledon Transcanada Trail Kiosk Opening on June 22, 1996.
7. EMERY CREEK WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
KEYISSUE
Completion of the preliminary design for stormwater quality ponds to be constructed in the floodplain at the
confluence of the Emery Creek and the Humber River.
Res. #39/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Debra Kosemetzky
THAT the staff report concerning the Emery Creek Water Quality Improvement Project be received
for information;
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Humber Watershed Task Force be encouraged to participate
in the project by attending the public open house on May 1, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Emery Creek Watershed Quality Improvement Project is the result of a recommendation from the
Toronto Area Watershed Management Strategy (TAWMS) studies. The TAWMS studies found that the
stormwater runoff from the Emery Creek catchment area was a major source of pollution to the Humber
River. The study identified the major pollutants as being bacteria and heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and
copper.
Based on the results of the TAWMS studies Metro Works strengthened its efforts to trace illegal storm
sewer connections and implement source control measures. These measures were
implemented through Metro's Sewer Use By -law which outlines the parameters and enforcement
mechanisms for pollution abatement measures. Through the Sewer Use By -law Metro Works also
encourages industries to monitor and reduce pollutant discharges to storm sewer systems. Despite these
source control efforts, the TAWMS study advised that stormwater runoff from the Emery Creek catchment
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G51
area would continue to be a major source of pollution to the Humber River unless additional end -of -pipe
treatment was provided.
In 1993, Metro Works in consultation with a multi- agency Steering Committee initiated a Class
Environmental Assessment study to identify alternative solutions to the water quality problem and to identify
alternative locations for a treatment facility within the Emery Creek drainage area. The Steering Committee
is comprised of members from Environment Canada; Ministry of the Environment and Energy; MTRCA, the
City of North York, Metro RAP and members of the public.
The study resulted in the selection of a preferred treatment method which involves alternatives to retrofit an
existing channelized reach of Emery Creek. The project will consist of a three pond system designed to
provide water quality treatment for Emery Creek and associated stormwater runoff before it discharges into
the Humber River. The preferred alternative also recommends continuing source control treatment methods
which are currently being implemented by Metro Works.
The proposed ponds will be located near the confluence of Emery Creek and the Humber River. At this
location both valleys are well defined. Two ponds will be located in a linear formation parallel to Emery
Creek and the third pond will be located along the Humber River.
The majority of the valley lands are owned by the Authority and under Management Agreement with Metro
Parks and Culture. A portion of the valley corridor is traversed by a hydro corridor and a number of
underground utilities. The valley corridors have both been disturbed by the utility easements and adjacent
urban development. Emery Creek is contained entirely within a flood control channel from Weston Road to
its confluence with the Humber River. No significant vegetation will be removed or disturbed to
accommodate the proposed facility.
As part of the study process, extensive public meetings and workshops were held to allow community
residents to actively participate in the design of the proposed facility. The Steering Committee has also
worked closely with Ontario Hydro and the owners of the utility easements to ensure their involvement in the
design of the undertaking.
The public meetings have resulted in the establishment of the Emery Creek Environmental Association, a
network of local businesses and industries, who are now actively involved in implementing pollution control
measures within the industrial area.
Preliminary Desian Report
The proponent (Metro Works) has submitted to Authority staff a Preliminary Design Report (PDR) which
outlines the conceptual design of the proposed facility. The PDR illustrates a number of technical
components of the facility which include its effectiveness in pollutant removal, impact on flood levels and its
integration into the existing park setting. The proponent is requesting the Authority for approval in principal
for the location of the facility prior to undertaking further detailed design studies.
Authority staff is supportive of the preliminary design concept outlined in the FOR and its location within the
Humber valley. The pilot project conforms with the policies contained within Section 4.3 (C) of the
Authority's Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program for improving water quality and providing an
overall "net gain" to the watershed. The proponent has complied with Phase I (Conceptual Level) of the
Authority's Staff Review Guidelines for Use of Authority Owned Lands for Stormwater Management
Facilities.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
A public meeting is scheduled for May 1, 1996 to receive public input on the preliminary design of the
facility. Once comments are received, a design will be finalized. This information will then be compiled into
an Environmental Study Report (ESR) and placed on public record for 30 days. If no "bump -up" requests
G52 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
are received during this time period, the project may proceed to detailed design.
The details of work to be done include:
an archaeological investigation;
a geotechnical investigation;
finalization of a design that addresses the Authority's technical design criteria;
an easement being obtained by Metro Works for the maintenance and operation of the proposed
facility;
a permit being obtained under Ontario Regulation 158.
Detailed design is expected to be completed over 1996, with construction beginning in 1997.
RATIONALE
Authority staff is supportive of the work undertaken by Metro Works and the Steering Committee to
implement water quality improvements within the Humber River watershed. The above project is in keeping
with the goals and objectives of the Humber Watershed Task Force for improving the overall water quality of
the Humber River. The above pilot project is also in keeping with similar water quality improvement projects
that have been undertaken within the Don Watershed.
BENEFITS
The pilot project incorporates new technologies and design elements that maximize pollutant removal,
through a series of three ponds and ultra - violet disinfection. The combination of these facilities will remove
the contaminants which have been identified as being the major source of pollutants within the Humber
River. These facilities are designed. to:
- provide spills control;
- remove suspended solids, including heavy metals;
- remove bacteria by ultra - violet disinfection;
- be integrated into the existing park setting.
The pilot project will provide an opportunity for performance monitoring of stormwater management
facilitates through the Stormwater Assessment Monitoring Performance Program of the Authority and its
partners.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS /PROBLEMS
The pilot project is jointly funded by Metro Works, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and Environment
Canada. It is the responsibility of the proponent to finance all restoration works and to assume all on -going
maintenance and costs associated with the pilot project.
The above project will have no impact on the Authority's budget.
8. METRO RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM
KEYISSUE
Status of Metro Rural Clean Water Program.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G53
Res. #40/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Debra Kosemetzky
THAT the staff report on the Metro Rural Clean Water Program be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1995, The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority applied to Environment Canada
(Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund) for funding to develop a rural surface water quality improvement program
within its area of jurisdiction. The MTRCA was successful in obtaining that funding and at its meeting #5/95,
held on October 6/95, the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board of the MTRCA adopted in
part the following Resolution #W68/95:
"... AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to accelerate the Clean Up Rural Beaches (CURB)
Program by pursuing alternate funding to improve water quality in all rural areas of the Authority's
jurisdiction through the creation and implementation of the Metro Rural Clean Water Program."
The purpose of the Metro Rural Clean Water Program is to address rural non -point source pollution within
the Metro Toronto and Region Area of Concern (AOC) over a five year period. In accordance with the Metro
RAP Stage II document "Clean Water, Clear Choices ", the program targets those "actions" which relate to
rural water quality improvement, namely:
Action 3 - Improve controls on agricultural practices
Action 26 - Promote education on water conservation and other water issues
Action 27 - Promote education on the use of fertilizers and pesticides
The Metro Rural Clean Water Program is also highlighted in the draft Goals and Objectives of the Humber
Strategy as a means of promoting proper farm management practices including controlling runoff from
manure storages and restricting livestock access to streams.
The program addresses these concerns by providing technical and financial assistance and public
extension /education services to rural residents. More specifically it: 1) integrates soil, crop,
livestock and water managmenet issues; 2) reduces nutrient, bacteria and sediment loadings to the Great
Lakes from within the Metro Toronto and Region AOC; 3) increases public education and awareness and 4)
demonstrates technology which is transferable to other AOC's. The program encourages "at source" as
opposed to "end -of -pipe" pollution control.
Over the past year, ten remedial projects were completed with private landowners, eight of which were in
the Humber River watershed. Of these eight projects one septic system was repaired, one manure storage
was constructed, three livestock access restriction projects were completed and three riparian /windbreak
plantings were conducted. It was estimated that the projects reduced annual bacteria loadings to the
Humber River by 2.4 X 1013 E. coli. Total annual phosphorus loading reductions were estimated to be 46.2
kg. Approximately 1.77 km of the riparian zone has either been rehabilitated or protected since 1993 and
200 m of windbreaks have been planted to reduce soil erosion from fields.
In its first year of operation, the Metro Rural Clean Water Program has prompted private landowners to take
charge and improve surface water quality on their properties. Such participation should continue to be
encouraged as it is essential to the successful implementation of the Humber River Watershed Strategy.
G54 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996
9. SUB - COMMITTEE REPORTS
KEYISSUE
The Vision and Principles Sub - Committee minutes #2/96 are provided for information.
Res. #41/96 Moved by: Ken Coffey
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee minutes #2/96 be received.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
U Lower Humber Marshes Litter Cleanup:
L. Martin advised that ARCH and MNR, together with other partners, are organizing a litter cleanup of the
Lower Humber Marshes starting the weekend of May 4, 1996 and continuing over a period of time.
Volunteers are asked to contact L. Martin for further details.
(ii) Humber Tour:
M.L. Ashbourne will be leading a tour on Saturday, May 4, 1996 at 1:30 p.m. starting at St. Phillip's Church
in celebration of Watershed Week. Everyone is welcome to attend.
(iii) Humber Heritage Trail Hike:
B. Wilson invited members to the inaugural hike of the Humber Heritage Trail on Saturday, May 11, 1996
beginning at 10:00 a.m.
(iv) Waterfront Trail Relay Challenge:
T. Wagner displayed postcards to announce the Waterfront Trail Relay Challenge to be held on Saturday,
May 25, 1996. This event will mark the first anniversary of the opening of the 300 kilometre Lake Ontario
Waterfront Trail.
(v) Parks Day - Take a Hike:
M. Webb announced that Metro Parks is organizing "Take a Hike on Parks Day' scheduled for Saturday,
July 20, 1996 which will include hikes on the Humber, Rouge and Toronto Islands. Volunteers are being
requested to help plan Humber hikes.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #5/96, APRIL 30, 1996 G55
(vi) McMichael Gallery - May 28th Task Force Meeting:
The next meeting of the Humber Watershed Task Force will be held on May 28, 1996 and will be hosted by
the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The City of Vaughan has offered to pay for the cost of having the
gallery remain open after hours. Members are encouraged to arrive early and hike on the trail (20- minute
walk).
(vii) International Countryside Stewardship Exchange Program:
R. Coles advised that a meeting was held approximately one month ago with the Exchange Program staff
and that they hope to include some task force members for the local organizing commitee.
(viii) Tree Planting:
M. Izzard announced to the task force members that Paul and Maria Heissler are coordinating the planting
of 30,000 trees this Spring. 6 -7,000 of these trees will be planted on their 350 -acre farm and the remainder
will be planted in the Trent River Watershed. Paul Heissler recently celebrated his 89th birthday.
(ix) Humber Heritage Committee:
M. Mossman proudly announced that the Humber Heritage Committee has produced a brochure with
financial assistance from Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation who donated $10,000. The
brochure includes a map and some history of the Humber Watershed.
Res. #42/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Dick O'Brien
Debra Kosemetzky
THAT the Humber Heritage Committee be congratulated for the tremendous effort and time spent
in preparing such an excellent brochure.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:40 p.m., April 30, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
CARRIED
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #6196 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection on Tuesday, May 28,
1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
Lorna Bissell
Margaret Britnell
Heather Broadbent
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, V &P
Authority Staff
David Burnett
Tony Carella
Ron Coles
lain Craig
Jim Early
Kristin Geater
David Hutcheon
Michael Izzard
Debra Kosemetzky
Tija Luste
Alex Marchetti
Susan Mullarky
Bob Burger
Jon Clayton
Lia Lappano
Dena Lewis
Craig Mather
Bernie McIntyre
Sonya Meek
Luciano Martin
Glenn Mason
John McFall
Marjorie Mossman
Dick O'Brien
Mel Plewes
Steve Roberts
John Ryerson
Ed Sado
Bill Saundercook
Maurice Stevens
Christine Tu
Dan Weaver
Richard Whitehead
William Wilson
Lorraine O'Byrne
Greg Rich
Madelyn Webb
Ann Marie Weselan
Andy Wickens
Gary Wilkins
Beth Williston
Visitors Sheila Boudreau, University of Waterloo
Halyna Kobe, 'Communicating'
Eric Mills, Freelance Editing /Desktop Publishing
Munro Pace, Environment Canada
G58 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96, MAY 28, 1996
Special thanks were extended to John Ryerson of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Councillor
Tony Carella of the City of Vaughan for hosting the meeting.
The Chair welcomed Councillor Alex Marchetti as a newly- appointed member of the Humber Watershed
Task Force replacing Councillors Connie Micallef and Peter Milczyn of the City of Etobicoke.
MINUTES
Res. #43/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #5196 be approved.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
(i) Paddle the Humber
Glenn Mason
Heather Broadbent
CARRIED
The Chair thanked I. Craig and Authority staff, on behalf of the Humber Watershed Task Force, for
organizing Paddle the Humber held on May 5, 1996. This event was well- attended and enjoyed by all.
(ii) Peel Children's Groundwater Festival:
This event will take place between June 4 -8, 1996 at the Bolton Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help
staff the displays, greet visitors etc. The time involved would be 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the weekend. A two -hour training session is available on June 3rd. Anyone wishing to
devote time to this event should contact A.M. Weselan of the MTRCA.
(iii) Watershed Week:
Special thanks were extended to G. Wilkins, J. Jeffery and all Authority staff who helped organize
Watershed Week. Many communities participated in various activities and overall it was a very successful
week.
(iv) City of York Protection of Ravine Lands: Draft Official Plan Amendment
The Chair advised that he attended the May 15, 1996 public meeting with respect to the above -noted
matter. The delegation was well- received and Councillor Bill Saundercook's support was very much
appreciated.
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #44/96 Moved by: David Hutcheon
Seconded by: Debra Kosemetzky
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996 G59
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Flyer from John McFall, re: Tour Historic Bolton on Sunday, June 2, 1996 at 1:30 p.m.
Flyer from Bill Wilson, re: "The Play on the Trail" on Sunday, June 9, 1996 at 1:30 p.m.
Letter from the Town of Caledon dated May 27, 1996 re: Community Action Sites
CARRIED
1. HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY
nsive Draft Document
KEYISSUE
Receipt of the Humber Watershed Strategy comprehensive draft document.
Res. #45/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the Humber Watershed Strategy comprehensive draft document dated May 21, 1996, be
received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On November 28, 1995, the Humber Watershed Task Force received, for information, the model for the
Humber Strategy document. Criteria (communication approaches) for the document were set out in the
areas of writing, length, marketing and overall presentation.
At the April 30th task force meeting, an Editorial Sub - Committee consisting of the Chairs of the sub-
committees and others was struck to assist with the review of and decisions for the Humber Strategy
document.
At its first meeting held May 14, 1996, the November 28, 1995 communication was reviewed and the criteria
re- established as desirable from the current perspective. It was noted that the writing level was closer to a
Grade 8 level, or that of daily newspaper, due to the number of technical terms which will have to be
included. In additon, a detailed Table of Contents, based on work to date, was reviewed and suggestions
made (see Report of the Editorial Sub - Committee).
Referring to the detailed Table of Contents, Chapter 1 (to be written) will capture the diversity and richness
of the Humber Watershed through the eyes of the communities and people. Chapter 2 provides the
background emphasizing the natural and human history as a context. Its aim is to provide a "hook" to
engage the reader. It has been circulated to the task force and revised to second draft stage. Chapter 2 is
the rationale for the strategy and is a first draft. Chapter 3 of the Humber Watershed Strategy Document
"What the Task Force Found" is based largely on the sub - committee reports and is the first draft of this
material.
The theme of the Strategy document is the communities of the Humber. The idea is to begin with a chapter
on the communities and to end with the sub - watershed plans and their Community Action Sites as the route
to involving communities in the Strategy implementation.
G60 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96, MAY
2. REPORT OF EDITORIAL SUB - COMMITTEE
KEYISSUE
Report of discussion of Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #1.
Res. #46/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Luciano Martin
Bill Saundercook
1996
THAT the staff report summarizing the discussions held at Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #1,
held May 14, 1996, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Strategy Editorial Sub - Committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 1996
which was chaired by John Ryerson. The format of the Humber Watershed Strategy document was
discussed as follows:
Criteria
The criteria for the strategy document tabled at the November 28, 1995 task force meeting were reviewed
and confirmed as follows:
Audience: A general readership, grade 8 level
Length: Approximately 50 pages
Presentation: Highly visual, plain language, use of graphics
Table of Contents
A detailed table of contents summarizing the chapters of the strategy document as it is at present being
developed including chapter titles and description of content was reviewed. Some chapter headings will
need to be revised and "softened ".
Issues
The theme of communities to start and end the document received general endorsement. The use of
quotes from lay people was suggested. The importance of including information on why the strategy is
needed was emphasized. It was suggested that acknowledgements be restricted to one page of those who
contributed directly to the strategy development. Another suggestion was to address the issue of the
changing economic times in Chapter 3. The idea of stimulating community involvement through the
document was discussed as were benchmarking best practices and identifying leaders in BMP in the
watershed, developing partnerships to implement the strategy and clarifying policy directions (eg. re
agriculture). A gap in information exists around contemporary history. It was emphasized that maintaining
the quality of life of the Humber Watershed in the face of rising population was a main theme.
Design Concepts
H. Koba presented two design concepts for review. One received overwhelming support with some
modifications and will be recommended to the task force.
Criteria for Cover
It was agreed that there are two approaches - intellectual and emotional. Suggestions which will be taken to
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996 G61
the designer to come up with a concept that will be displayed at the May 28th task force meeting for
comment were discussed including:
a) Satellite photo of Humber Watershed
b) Pictures of placed throughout the Humber with key touchstone images.
Pictures of people were discussed but there may be problems associated with inclusive representation.
It was agreed that the writer should convey the sense of place of the Humber.
Timetable for Reviewing Draft
The sub - committee recommended that the task force be given ten days following the May 28th task force
meeting to review the draft. All comments should be returned to Madelyn Webb and brought to a sub-
committee meeting the week of June 6th. Issues requiring sub - committee review will be referrred to the
sub - committees. Issues requiring full task force review will be referred to a facilitated discussion at the June
25, 1996 task force meeting.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will include discussion of the comments on the May 28, 1996 draft as well as the
marketing opportunities for Humber Strategy products.
3. GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR STRATEGY DOCUMENT
KEYISSUE
Adoption of graphic design for inside pages of Humber Watershed Strategy document.
Res. #47/96 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman
Seconded by: lain Craig
THAT the graphic design, as presented by Eric Mills, Freelance Editing /Desktop Publishing at this
Humber Watershed Task Force Meeting, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the meeting of the Editorial Sub - Committee, two options for the graphic design of the inside pages (not
the cover) of the Humber Watershed Strategy document were reviewed. The design has the following
characteristics:
1. Chapter headings in large bold caps.
2. One column text adds to accessibility of text (eye moves without stopping).
3. Plain and elegant type.
4. Listing of main subheadings in the chapter on the margin of initial chapter pages.
5. Informal 'cartoon' sketches add flair and interest.
6. Generous use of graphics and vignettes.
7. Photos throughout.
The document will be printed on white stock. Two colour design is being considered.
G62 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96, MAY 26, 1996
4. SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS
KEYISSUE
Preparation of Subwatershed Action Plans as components of the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #48/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Tija Lusts
THAT the staff report on Subwatershed Action Plans be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Task Force identified the need to develop resource
inventory, opportunity maps and conceptual management plans for each subwatershed.
The concept of Subwatershed Action Plans have been developed and will be important elements of the
Humber Watershed Strategy. Their primary purpose will be to:
• provide information about subwatershed condition;
• illustrate opportunities on a broad subwatershed scale;
• express "strategies" in terms necessary to implement site specific plans;
• communicate with and involve the public.
Five Subwatershed Action Plans will be prepared, including one for the West Humber, Main Humber, East
Humber, Black Creek and Lower Humber. The Subwatershed Action Plans will include a map, text and
illustrations that describe the existing conditions, identifies opportunities and illustrates where specific
management actions from the strategy document can be undertaken to deal with particular issues.
Staff is currently preparing the text and maps. It is anticipated that draft products will be available for review
and comment at the upcoming public consultation meetings.
An example subwatershed action plan map is appended to illustrate how the priority objectives actions may
be illustrated to help guide future activities.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Finalize the map design and draft the text;
• Prepare full scale base mapping for each subwatershed which will illustrate roads, communities,
land use, watercourses and other natural features;
• Apply priority objectives and actions to the base map to help direct management activities in the
future;
• Invite comments on the subwatershed action plans through the public consultation process;
• Finalize the subwatershed action plans by July, 1996.
5. COMMUNITY ACTION SITE SELECTION
KEYISSUE
Selection of community action sites to profile in the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #49/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96, MAY 28, 1996 G63
THAT staff be directed to prepare detailed conceptual management plans for up to three of the
nominated community action sites, including Lake Wilcox, Caledon East Wetland, Sun Row Park,
subject to available resources and in consultation with all partners.
AND FURTHER THAT the remaining community action site nominations be identified in the
strategy document to acknowledge previous efforts and to encourage community participation in
the future.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Seventeen community action site nominations were received. Each site is listed below.
NAME
OWNER
SPONSOR
LOCATION
Humber Heights
Private
Humber Heights
Township of Adjala-
Subdiv'n Ratepayers
Tosorontio
Fundale Park
M.T.R.C.A.
City of Vaughan
Woodbridge
Black Creek Park
M.T.R.C.A.
Black Creek Project
City of York
Stormwater Wetland
M.T.R.C.A.
Urban Forest
City of North York
(Finch /Islington Ave)
Associates
Wetland Restoration
M.T.R.C.A.
St. Basil the Great
City of North York
College School
Sun Row Park
City of Etobicoke
To be determined
City of Etobicoke
Humber Savannah
Metro Toronto
Urban Forest Assoc.
City of Etobicoke
Humber Connections
MTRCA /Humber
Humber Arboretum
City of Etobicoke
Project
College
North Shore Parkette -
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
SWM Rehab'n Project
Lake Wilcox Pike
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Hatchery & Fisheries
Improvements
Lake Wilcox
Multiple Private &
Town of Richmond Hill
Town of Richmond Hill
Remediation Strategy
Public
Rowntree Wetlands
M.T.R.C.A.
A.R.C.H.
City of North York
Boyd Complex
M.T.R.C.A.
MTRCA /McMichael
City of Vaughan
Canadian Art Collection
Caledon East Wetland
Town of Caledon
Caledon Trailway
Town of Caledon
Committee
Claireville Conservation
M.T.R.C.A.
lain Craig
City of Brampton
Area
G64 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 26. 1996
Dean Agricultural Farm
Private
M.T.R.C.A.
Town of Caledon
Plan
East Humber
Private & Public
A.R.C.H.
Woodbridge to King
Restoration
At meeting #5/96 held on April 30, 1996, resolution #34/96 was adopted referring the site selection to a sub-
committee consisting of lain Craig, Luciano Martin, Susan Mullarky, Mel Plewes, Ed Sado, Christine Tu and
appropriate MTRCA staff.
All community action site sponsors were invited to make a short presentation on their proposal(s) at a
meeting of the sub - committee on May 14, 1996.
The nominations have been considered based on the criteria received by the task force at meeting #1/96
held on January 9, 1996. Several criteria of major importance include:
• the site's potential to demonstrate a maximum number of natural, cultural, heritage, recreation,
education and economic conditions;
• the site provides opportunities for partnerships between local, regional and provincial agencies, the
Authority and the public;
• funding opportunities exist;
• compactness for ease of illustration;
• achievable within a reasonable time frame.
Based on the written information and verbal presentations, a short list of sites was identified. The sub-
committee visited several of the locations to assist with the final selection.
The recommended sites include Lake Wilcox (East Humber), Caledon East Wetland (Main Humber), Sun
Row Park (Lower Humber), and Rowntree Mills Wetland (Lower Humber). Detailed conceptual
management plans should be prepared for at least two of these sites. The other validated nominations will
be acknowledged in the strategy document but to a lesser degree.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Prepare detailed conceptual management plans for at least two of the prioritized community action
sites;
Seek further input from all stakeholders through a public consultation process;
Finalize the text and site plans by July, 1996.
MUNICIPAL STAFF WORKSHOP -
KEYISSUE
Report of second Municipal Staff workshop held May 1, 1996.
Res. #50/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Glenn Mason
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996 G65
THAT the staff report regarding the second Municipal Staff Workshop, held on May 1, 1996, be
received for information.
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to send copies of the workshop results to the participants
together with a letter thanking them for their contribution and continued support.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the request of municipal staff, the Humber Watershed strategy process has adopted the practice of first
consulting with the municipalities before proceeding to public consultation. The first Municipal Staff
workshop was held on January 16, 1996, prior to the consultation on the Vision.
On May 1, 1996, a second Municipal Staff workshop was held at Black Creek Pioneer Village in accordance
with the workplan approved at meeting #11/95 of the Humber Watershed Task Force held on November 28,
1995. The objectives of the workshop were to review the March 28, 1996 draft objectives and actions and
to obtain input on priorities and issues for each sub - watershed. This was accomplished in two parts.
Part 1. The objectives and actions were divided up into four parts for review in the four groups.
Discussion centred on the following questions:
1. Does this objective /action reflect what you would like to see happen on this issue?
2. Does this objective /action go far enough to address the issue /problem?
3. Have any targets been set that relate to the objective /actions?
Part 2. Each group addressed all objectives and actions using the mapping exercise similar to the one
carried out at the March 23 Integration Workshop.
Discussion centred on the following questions:
1. What are the 2 -3 priorities that you see for your sub - watershed in the areas of Natural
Heritage; Culture and Heritage; Recreation; Economics?
2. What are the most viable actions to meet the objectives for your sub - watershed?
Part 2 served as a reality check against the listed objectives and helped to identify priorities within each sub -
watershed.
7. PUBLIC CONSULTATION - PHASE II
M. Webb gave a brief verbal overview of the second phase of the public consultation process. There will be
one public consultation meeting in each of the five subwatersheds. In addition, there will be an urban
workshop and a suburban workshop - one in the Bolton area and one in the lower part of the watershed.
The public meetings are now being scheduled for the last two weeks of June and the workshops will be held
in July, 1996. Trinity Theatre will be contacting various task force members to request their assistance,
input and participation.
8. CLAIREVILLE CONSERVATION AREA
- Public Use Development
KEYISSUE
Development of public uses in the Claireville Conservation Area.
G66 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96, MAY 2S, 1996
Res. #51/96 Moved by: Lorna Bissell
Seconded by: Richard Whitehead
THAT the staff report on the development of public uses in the Claireville Conservation Area be
received;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be encouraged to continue to consult with other agencies, community
groups and the public regarding public use development opportunities within the Claireville
Conservation Area and report back to the Humber Watershed Task Force.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Facilities and Operations Division of the MTRCA has initiated a proactive strategy to deal with the
effects of reduced funding from traditional sources. This strategy centres around the development of a
variety of revenue generating initiatives while maintaining services at locations and times when they will
have the most significant impact. The Claireville Conservation Area is an area of particular interest due to
its location in the market place and presence of less environmentally significant table land. Opportunities
are also being examined throughout the watershed at other Authority -owned properties.
At meeting #3/96, a staff report was received by the Humber Watershed Task Force which briefly described
the actions being pursued by the Authority to improve the delivery of regional recreation opportunities.
Five potential public use development zones have been identified in the Claireville Conservation Area. A
brief description of the five locations is provided below.
The first site is located west of Gorewood Drive and directly south of the Hydro right -of -way. It is
approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) in size, and it has been recently used for agricultural purposes. The
area is very flat and has a few single trees throughout. The field was declared surplus by the Authority as
set out in Resolution #A14/94 of Meeting #1/94, held on February 25, 1994. This decision followed a public
consultation process. The parcel has been offered for sale until recently when other opportunities were
identified.
The second site is located directly north of Highway 407 and directly east of Gorewood Drive. It is
approximately 4.5 hectares (11 acres) in size. The area is relatively flat old field, containing hedgerows and
some clumps of trees and shrubs.
The third site is located on the southeast corner of Steeles and Finch Avenues, and directly north of the
water theme park. The area is approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) in size. The topography is flat and the
vegetation is typical of old field succession. The prime location of this site may provide some opportunities
to incorporate a complimentary commercial and recreational land use. The location is currently under a
licence agreement between Wild Water Kingdom and the Authority for approximately 20 hectares (50
acres).
The fourth site is located along Finch Avenue directly south of site three, north of the CNR tracks. It is also
part of the land currently under the 20 hectares licence agreement between Wild Water Kingdom and the
Authority.
The fifth site is located north of Highway 407 and directly west of Highway 50. The area is flat and
approximately 10 hectares (30 acres) in size. A portion of the site was recently used for agricultural
purposes and the remainder is old field. There is very little existing tree and shrub vegetation in this area.
The Strategy for Public Use of Conservation Authority Lands (1995) provides a clear framework for
evaluating the acceptability of uses on Authority land. Community participation in this process is an
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996 G67
important element. On March 27, 1996, staff hosted an information session to receive input on the
proposed public use development zones in the Claireville Conservation Area.
Staff advertised the information session in the Brampton, Etobicoke and Mississauga local newspapers.
Signs were posted on the subject properties. Information packages were sent to 120 addresses, including
local neighbours, community groups and agencies. Approximately 30 people attended the public meeting.
There was general agreement that public use development south of Steeles Avenue may be possible
depending on the proposal. Staff hosted a second public meeting on May 16, 1996 to receive comments on
draft terms of reference for a call for public use development proposals south of Steeles Avenue in the
Claireville Conservation Area. Participants did not fully understand the magnitude of the Authority's financial
reductions. Therefore, some time was also devoted to discussing financial matters and the Authority's land
inventory.
What we heard:
Revenue
Claireville produces enough revenue with existing facilities (Wild Water Kingdom, Claireville Ranch,
Etobicoke Field Centre);
Revenues should be returned to Claireville;
Claireville should not be developed to fund other Areas.
Public Consultation
• Citizens should mobilize to support local Conservation Areas;
• Some suspicion about the Public Use Strategy was expressed;
• There was a perception that the decisions had already been made;
• Who is evaluating the public use development proposals?
Taxes
Who funds MTRCA?
How are Conservation Area lands taxed and who does the Authority pay taxes to?
General
• Everyone involved should personally walk each site;
• Use tableland as buffers from urbanizing areas;
• Tableland provides habitat to deer and many other wildlife species. Leave it alone.
• Tableland is irreplaceable and could be valuable woodlots in the future;
• Make no decisions for 2 -3 years and hope for a change in government philosophy and priorities;
• Sell land to environmental groups who will protect them;
• Have impact studies been done to determine the potential use of the Area?
• Where does the money go if land is sold?
• Wouldn't it be cheaper to keep the Area closed?
• What uses would be allowed?
• The land is for the public, not private development;
• The idea of public use is business - a land grab;
• Selling or leasing land does not save the land;
• Claireville is a unique resource - it is more valuable as it is because of where it is;
• Perhaps focus public uses south of Steeles Avenue as a compromise;
• What is the mandate of the Authority under the current government?
• Claireville has been the focus of development for 15 years. When will it end?
• Some support in private discussions for the approach.
G68 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996
• The citizens requested information on host programs and services due to funding reductions;
• Prepare a list of activities where citizens could assist to save money;
• Determine development density that would not have significant impacts on the environment;
• Maintain public access;
• Prepare a map of all existing and proposed uses.
The Community Involvement and Public Use Sub - Committee of the Humber Watershed Task Force has
addressed the issue of recreation, tourism and education as part of its mandate. The sub - committee has
made a number of recommendations related to this matter. Several examples include:
Goal 2: Provide an integrated and balanced approach to recreational public uses that contribute to healthy
communities and a healthy watershed.
Objective #1: Determine the needs and opportunities for local and regional recreational
uses.
Objective #2: Establish partnerships for the development of diverse, revenue - producing
and linked recreational facilities, public uses and tourism destinations.
Objective #3: Establish development nodes aimed at providing intensive recreation and
tourism facilities and uses.
The Authority's actions are in keeping with the above - mentioned recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The Authority has an obligation to continue to adequately manage the land which it holds in trust for the
public. Given reduced levels of municipal and provincial funding, other partnership arrangements must be
investigated. In the future, staff believes that watershed management activities can be partially funded
through revenues generated by recreational public use activities on carefully selected Authority properties.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Assist in the establishment of a community advisory group to assist the Authority in future public
use planning and land management activities in the Claireville Conservation Area;
• Call for proposals for public use development in the Claireville Conservation Area south of Steeles
Avenue;
• Investigate public use opportunities in other locations in the Claireville Conservation Area and other
Authority -owned properties;
• Apply the Public Use Strategy to screen proposals, seek community input and report back to the
Authority.
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Claireville Conservation Area:
Another public meeting at the Claireville Conservation Area is scheduled for June 6, 1996.
I. Craig requested that staff provide to the task force, at their June 25, 1996 meeting, an update on what is
proposed.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6/96. MAY 28. 1996
(ii) Community Involvement and Public Use in the Humber River Watershed - Background Report:
G69
The Community Involvement and Public Use Sub - Committee has produced their background report and it is
available to task force members for information. Comments on the report are welcome and should be
directed to either G. Wilkins or G. Rich at the MTRCA Office.
(iii) Environmental Youth Corps Students:
The Authority is in the process of hiring six EYC students to assist staff and task force members in Humber
Watershed related projects.
(iv) Canadian Heritage Rivers Designation:
The Chair advised that a meeting has been arranged with a representative of Parks Canada,
representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources, MTRCA staff and some task force members to
discuss the nomination process to have the Humber River designated as a Canadian Heritage River. The
meeting will be held on Friday, May 31, 1996 at 9 a.m. at the Authority Office.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:20 p.m., May 28, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96. JUNE 25. 1996
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Irthe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #7/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
G1
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, June 25, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
Marjorie Mossman
Heather Broadbent
Bill Munson
David Burnett
Dick O'Brien
Peter Carruthers
Mel Plewes
Ken Coffey
Steve Roberts
Ron Coles
John Ryerson
Fiona Cowles
Ed Sado
lain Craig
Bill Saundercook
Jim Early
Vito Spatafora
Lois Griffin
Ray Stukas
Michael Izzard
Christine Tu
Alex Marchetti
Tony Wagner
Luciano Martin
Dan Weaver
Glenn Mason
William Wilson
John McFall
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, V &P Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff Bob Burgar Bernie McIntyre
Brian Denney Greg Rich
Lia Lappano Madelyn Webb
Dena Lewis Ann Marie Weselan
Craig Mather Gary Wilkins
Sean Mcllveen Beth Williston
Visitors Halyna Kobe, 'Communicating'
MINUTES
Res. #52/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #6/96 be approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #53/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Glenn Mason
Ron Coles
Heather Broadbent
Bill Munson
CARRIED
THAT the newspaper article from The Liberal, dated June 16, 1996, re: "Growth threatens water
supply: study ", be received.
CARRIED
1. HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY - CHAPTER 5 (Draft #1)
B. Williston gave a brief presentation on the background and progress made to date with regard to draft
Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021. Task force members were then requested to meet in their
individual sub - committee groups to discuss the chapter in relation to the following three questions:
(a) Which icon do you think is best?
(b) Do the objectives and actions adequately reflect the recommendations of your sub-
committee?
(c) Are there any changes that must occur before municipal peer review is sought?
KEYISSUE
Endorsement of draft Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021, of the Humber Watershed Strategy document.
Res. #54/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Bill Saundercook
Lois Griffin
THAT draft Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021, of the Humber Watershed Strategy document be
received.
Res. #55/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Vito Spatafora
David Burnett
CARRIED
THAT written comments from the task force on draft Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021, be
received by staff no later than Tuesday, August 6, 1996.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96. JUNE 25. 1996 G73
CARRIED
Res. #56/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Mel Plewes
THAT staff be directed to circulate draft Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021, as amended, to
municipal staff for review and comment and that their comments be requested no later than
Tuesday, August 6, 1996.
CARRIED
Res. #57/96 Moved by: Ken Coffey
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report back to the task force with a third draft of Chapter
5 at the Humber Watershed Task Force meeting to be held on August 20, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #4/96 of the Humber Watershed Task Force, the following resolution was endorsed:
Res. #24/96
"THAT the staff report on the Integrated Draft Watershed Goals, Objectives and Actions - Draft #1
be received;
AND FURTHER THAT this matter be brought forward to the next Humber Watershed Task Force
meeting on April 30, 1996."
Following the April 2, 1996 task force meeting, staff conducted a detailed technical review of the Goals,
Objectives and Actions outlined in that report. Staff also designed a framework for Chapter 5 that was
vetted through the Humber Watershed Task Force Steering Committee on May 28, 1996. Draft Chapter 5:
A strategy to the year 2021 is based on this framework.
RATIONALE
The first draft of the Integrated Strategy Goals, dated March 28, 1996, was completed following the March
23, 1996 Humber Task Force Integration Workshop. This draft included eight goals and 34 objectives with
their respective actions. The goals, objectives and actions were divided into three themes, "Human Activity'
"Stewardship and Education" and "Natural Systems ". The March 28, 1996 draft report was presented to
municipal staff at the May 1, 1996 Municipal Staff Workshop. A detailed review of the actions had not been
undertaken for the March 28, 1996 draft report.
Following the April 2, 1996 Humber Watershed Task Force meeting and the May 1, 1996 Municipal Staff
Workshop, staff undertook a comprehensive review of the objective and action statements contained in the
March 28, 1996 draft report. Comments received from individual task force members and those received at
the municipal staff workshop were incorporated. As well, through this review, staff reviewed the three
themes. It was determined that the themes should be revised to: "Environment', 'Society" and "Economy"
for four reasons:
In the Humber Watershed Task Force terms of reference, it is stated that the ecosystem approach
G74 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96. JUNE 25. 1996
is to be used in developing the watershed strategies. Environment, society and economy are the
three components of this ecosystem approach.
Through reviewing a recent document from the Conservation Council of Ontario, the ecosystem
approach was modelled and the linkages of livability (between environment and society),
sustainability (between environment and economy) and prosperity (between economy and society)
were illustrated. Staff determined that this model articulated comments received from the task force
at the integration workshop. The Humber Watershed Task Force Steering Committee agreed with
this assumption at their May 28, 1996 meeting.
The themes of environment, society and economy were determined to be more user - friendly.
Organization of the future strategy document based on these three themes should provide readers
with an easily understood way of referencing areas of particular interest. For example, readers
concerned with water related issues should be able to easily deduce that these issues are dealt with
in the environment section.
Through the detailed review of the action statements, it was determined that there was less
duplication when the objectives and actions were encompassed in the environment, society and
economy themes rather than the human activity, stewardship and education, and natural systems
themes. For example, air quality issues were dealt with in the human activity section rather than the
natural systems section.
Once the themes were changed to environment, society and economy, the objectives and actions were
appropriately organized. The eight overriding goals, however, could not be placed within any of the themes
because each goal encompassed aspects relevant to the environment, society and economy. It was
decided that a preamble was needed to describe both the ecosystem approach in detail, and to relate this
approach directly to the Humber watershed by detailing the goals of the task force. This is section 5.3 of
Chapter 5.
Further, it was also determined that there were objectives and actions that dealt with how to implement the
strategy document in the future. Similar objectives and actions were found in each of the three themes. To
avoid duplication, and to provide readers with an easy reference, these objectives and actions were
amalgamated under the theme "Getting it Done'. This is section 5.4.4 of Chapter 5.
Based on the above rationale, the following framework was developed and the strategies of the Humber
Watershed Task Force were reorganized.
Framework for Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021
5.1 The Humber Challenge: The vision of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
5.2 The Code of Conduct: The principles of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
5.3 An Ecosystem Approach: The environmental, social and economic components of
the ecosystem, and the interrelationships between the
components, will be discussed. Specific discussion on the
Ecosystem Approach and the Humber (i.e., the Goals of
the task force) will be included.
5.4 Achieving a Healthy Watershed: The strategies of the Humber Watershed Task Force appear in
this section. The objectives and actions are detailed. The
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7196. JUNE 25. 1996 G75
strategies have been divided into the components of the
Ecosystem (environment, society and economy) and Getting it
Done (implementation strategies that influence all three
ecosystem components).
WORK TO BE DONE
Task force endorsement of draft Chapter 5: A strategy to the year 2021, of the Humber Watershed
Strategy document, will enable staff to circulate the draft chapter to municipal staff for peer review.
Such endorsement is intended to indicate to municipal staff
that the draft strategies detailed in section 5.4 reflect, for the most part, the recommendations of the
Humber Watershed Task Force for achieving a healthy watershed. Because the chapter is
endorsed rather than approved, it is understood that minor changes and editing will occur.
• The Vision and Principles Sub - committee must draft principles for task force approval and
subsequent inclusion in this chapter.
• Section 5.3 describing the ecosystem approach must be written.
• The chapter must be revised to reflect comments received through the task force and municipal
peer review processes. It is anticipated that the second draft of chapter 5 will be presented to the
task force at the August 20, 1996 meeting.
• The second draft of the chapter must be edited by the Humber writer to ensure similar language
and writing styles are used throughout the entire Humber strategy document.
2. SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS AND COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
KEYISSUE
Status report on the preparation of Subwatershed Action Plans and Community Action Sites.
Res. #58/96 Moved by: Dan Weaver
Seconded by: Bill Wilson
THAT the staff report on Subwatershed Action Plans and Community Action Sites be received for
information;
AND FURTHER THAT only comments from task force members be submitted to Gary Wilkins by
July 9, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Five Subwatershed Action Plans will be prepared as components of the Humber Watershed Strategy
document. The five areas include the West Humber, Main Humber, East Humber, Black Creek and Lower
Humber. The Subwatershed Action Plans will include a map, text and illustrations that describe the existing
characteristics, identifies opportunities and illustrates where specific management objectives from the
strategy document can be undertaken to deal with specific issues.
Staff has been working on the preparation of the five subwatershed action plans. Information from the four
sub - committees has been used to briefly characterize the geographic areas and identify key issues that may
G76 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96, JUNE 25, 1996
challenge the subwatershed. The information has been prepared following the subject areas of
environment, society and economy. A preliminary set of priority objectives and actions has also been
identified for each subwatershed. These will be finalized through future consultation. The agreed -upon
priority objectives and actions for each subwatershed will be interpreted to reflect the nature and uniqueness
of each subwatershed.
A preliminary outline of Chapter 6 - A Call to Action: Subwatershed Action Plans is provided below:
6.1 INTRODUCTION TO SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS AND COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Placing the five subwatersheds into context;
Purpose
How to Use Them
Their limitations
6.2 FOR EACH SUBWATERSHED
6.2.1 Caring for the Environment
- Describe the key water, land, air and life features;
- Identify the key issues facing the area;
- Identify the priority objectives and actions to deal with the issues and describe the
actions in a way that reflects the unique character and required solutions for the
area.
6.2.2 Caring for Society
- Describe the key culture, heritage, recreation and education features;
- Identify the key issues facing the area;
- Identify the priority objectives and actions and describe them in a way that reflects
the unique characteristics of the subwatershed.
6.2.3 Caring for the Economy
- Describe the key landuse and resource use features;
- Identify the key issues facing the area;
- Identify the priority objectives and actions and describe them to reflect the
characteristics and required solutions specific to the area;
6.2.4 Community Action Sites (3 priority locations)
- Describe the sites' key characteristics;
- Identify key issues;
- Describe what the local community said during public consultation process;
- Identify the priority objectives and actions and relate them to the specific site;
- Acknowledge other nominated community action sites with a brief description and
location identified on a map.
Task force members are encouraged to submit any comments they might have by July 9, 1996.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Invite comments on the Subwatershed Action Plans through the upcoming public consultation
process;
Continue to revise the material for clarity, accuracy and readability;
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7196, JUNE 25, 1996 G77
• Continue to work with the municipal staff and local communities to develop conceptual management
plans for the Community Action Sites;
• Finalize the maps and text.
3. HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED ATLAS
- Letters of Support
KEYISSUE
Letters of support to accompany funding applications to produce a revised Humber River Watershed Atlas.
Res. #59/96 Moved by: John McFall
Seconded by: Peter Carruthers
THAT the staff report on the Humber River Watershed Atlas be received;
AND FURTHER THAT task force members provide letters of support which will be used to
accompany funding applications to produce the final Humber River Watershed Atlas.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber River Watershed Atlas - Phase I- was designed by staff to provide the Humber Watershed
Task Force with a general understanding of the state of the watershed ecosystem.
Included in the Atlas is information regarding Cultural Heritage: Prehistoric, Historic and Contemporary
Settlement of the Humber River Watershed; Natural Heritage: Land, Air and Water features in the Humber
River Watershed; and a section on Canadian Heritage River nominations and designations.
It is intended that the Watershed Atlas, in its final form, will be used by local schools, community groups,
local interest groups, local and regional municipalities, provincial agencies, as well as the MTRCA as one of
the tools to base, focus and coordinate future learning, planning, stewardship, consultation and regeneration
efforts.
A sub - committee of task force members met on one occasion and provided staff with valuable suggestions
for revising the document.
The MTRCA has received funding for four students to begin the process of revising the Atlas based on the
comments and additional information obtained since the original Atlas was produced. The final document
will be prepared in paperback and CD ROM format, subject to available funding.
The Authority will be applying to a number of external sources to obtain funds to cover the production costs
of the Atlas. Letters of support from a variety of client groups would be an asset when applying for these
special funds.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Continue to revise the Atlas based on the available information;
Make applications to external sources for special funds to produce the Atlas;
Investigate the options for producing the Atlas in CD ROM format.
G78 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96, JUNE 25, 1996
4. CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS SYSTEM
- Nominatina Committee
KEYISSUE
To establish a Nominating Committee to promote the nomination of the Humber River as a Canadian
Heritage River.
Res. #60/96 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman
Seconded by: Peter Carruthers
THAT a Nominating Committee be struck to assist with the nomination of the Humber River under
the Canadian Heritage River System.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On May 31, 1996, some MTRCA staff and Humber Task Force members met with representatives of the
Canadian Heritage River System to discuss the feasibility of nominating the Humber River as a Canadian
Heritage River. A presentation was made by CHRS staff detailing the process and requirements for the
nomination of a river in the Canadian Heritage River System. MTRCA staff responded with a presentation
detailing the background research, strategy development and public consultation process ( including
constituency building) which has been undertaken for the Humber River Watershed since late 1994. As a
result of this discussion, CHRS staff were fully supportive of the MTRCA continuing to work towards the
nomination of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River.
WORK TO BE DONE
The Authority needs to establish a high profile Nominating Committee composed of individuals from political,
professional and private sectors who are committed to securing the nomination and designation of the
Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River.
The Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board recommended to the Authority on June 21, 1996
that the Nominating Committee be formed. The Board's recommendation will be considered by the
Authority on June 28, 1996.
5. REPORT OF EDITORIAL SUB - COMMITTEE
KEYISSUE
Report of discussion of Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #2.
Res. #61/96 Moved by: Ed Sado
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the staff report summarizing the discussions of the Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #2,
held June 11, 1996, be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Task Force sub - committee meetings with the writer be
arranged.
CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7196. JUNE 25. 1996
BACKGROUND
G79
The Humber Strategy document is being prepared for publication in 1997. The Editorial Sub - Committee met
to discuss the comments received from the draft circulated prior to the May 28th task force meeting.
As a result of the discussion at the May 28th, task force meeting, the Editorial Sub - Committee decided that
rather than hold further discussion, the document could be advanced by arranging meetings between the
writer and the sub - committees of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
It was agreed that a common framework be determined for each meeting in the form of a series of questions
to be discussed and that each sub - committee chair contact their members to arrange for a convenient date
to meet, preferably by early July.
6. EAST HUMBER RIVER SUBWATERSHED
- Summary of Proiects
KEYISSUE
Summary of projects in the East Humber River Subwatershed.
Res. #62/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
lain Craig
Bill Munson
THAT the staff report on projects in the East Humber River Subwatershed be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #6/96 of the Humber Watershed Task Force, staff was requested to provide an update on
projects in the East Humber River subwatershed from Boyd Conservation Area to Lake Wilcox.
The following is a summary of major projects and plans that staff is aware of in the East Humber River
subwatershed.
LOCATION
STATUS
1.
Boyd Conservation Area
MTRCA has initiated proposals for sale or lease options
-15 ac. surplus land
2.
Boyd Conservation Area
MTRCA is investigating revenue - producing options
- Concerts in the Park
3.
Boyd Conservation Area
40 acres being re- vegetated with public access, parking and
-New Kleinburg Forest at
trails
MacKenzie
Drive and Islington
Ave.
4.
Boyd Conservation Area
Six locations have been identified along Rutherford Road,
- Billboard Signs
Islington Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive
5.
Boyd Conservation Area
MTRCA is undertaking an inventory of the proposed
- McMichael to Kortright Trail
alignment; partners are searching for funding
6.
Marbloom Investments
Golf course proposal on approx. 225 acres
G80 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96. JUNE 25. 1996
7.
Velore Village
Future urban expansion area
8.
Nobleton Community Plan
Future urban expansion area
9.
King City Community Plan
Future urban expansion area
10. Lake Wilcox North Urban
Expansion Area
Future urban development
11.
Lake St. George Field Centre
MTRCA is investigating options for developing a day camp
facility with other partners.
12.
East Humber Restoration Project
Inventory, habitat rehabilitation and monitoring is being
undertaken through a partnership between ARCH, MNR,
landowners and MTRCA
13.
Oak Ridges Moraine Trail
The optimum trail route needs to be determined through
inventory and new landowner partnership agreements.
14.
Lake Wilcox
Community Action Site for the Humber Watershed Strategy.
7. HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE LOGO
KEYISSUE
Selection of a logo for the Humber Watershed Task Force.
Res. #63/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Bill Munson
Tony Wagner
THAT staff request task force members to submit logo ideas for the Humber Watershed Task
Force by July 12, 1996;
THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force members indicate their preference, by ballot, from all
logos submitted at the July 23, 1996 meeting;
AND FURTHER THAT the decision on the preferred logo be reported to the August 20, 1996
Humber Watershed Task Force meeting.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Communications Committee has been discussing the design and use of a logo representing the
Humber Watershed Task Force. The main purpose of adopting a logo is to identify and promote the
Humber Watershed Task Force on the Strategy document, written materials, and on signs, as required.
To date, 19 logos have been prepared by staff and task force members. These are attached for information.
RATIONALE
To ensure all task force member ideas are included in the selection process, staff is requesting submissions
from members by July 12, 1996. These submissions should be made to the attention of Greg Rich at
MTRCA. The selection will be completed in two phases.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7196, JUNE 25, 1996 G81
At their July 23, 1996 meeting, the task force members will be requested to vote on their preferred logo
option. The top three task force options will be displayed at the August 20th task force meeting, members
will be asked to vote again and a final choice will be determined.
"None of the Above" will also be an option in both phases of voting; thereby, ensuring that the majority of
task force members support the final selection of the logo for the Humber Watershed Task Force.
8. PUBLIC CONSULTATION INTERIM REPORT
M. Webb updated the task force members on the progress made to date with respect to the second phase
of public consultation. There has been a combination of public consultation and constituency with a focus
on partnerships. Meetings held, to date, include:
Subwatershed
Date
Location
Wednesday, July 10, 1996
1:30 -4:00 pm
Black Creek
June 20, 1996
Black Creek Pioneer Village
East Humber
June 20, 1996
Oak Ridges Community Centre
Upper Main
June 22, 1996
Caledon Trail Opening Day
Lower Humber
June 24, 1996
Old Mill
Upcoming meetings are as follows:
Subwatershed Date Location
West Humber June 26, 1996 Caledon Public Library, RF Hall
Community High School
Upper Main July 4, 1996 Chez Trombetino(Woodbridge)
In addition, Trinity Theatre is organizing two workshops to hone in on development issues as follows:
Suburban Workshop
Urban Workshop
Tuesday, July 9, 1996
Wednesday, July 10, 1996
1:30 -4:00 pm
1:30 -4:00 pm
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The Old Mill
Founder's Room
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Signage:
IAA :•.0
B. Saundercook will be taking the matter of erecting Humber River signage in the City of York to his Council.
The Chair advised that the task force and MTRCA staff would be available to assist in any way possible. S.
Roberts invited members interested in seeing examples of signage erected at all crossings and rivers to visit
the City of Mississauga.
G82 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #7/96. JUNE 25. 1996
(ii) One - Liners:
B. Wilson offered to compile a list of famous one - liners spoken by MTRCA staff and task force members.
This will be done for comic relief purposes only. All submissions should be sent or faxed directly to Bill
Wilson.
(iii) Humber Watershed Road Show:
At R. Whitehead's request, staff prepared a slide show with music and an accompanying script. In addition,
an arrowhead is also included in the package for demonstration purposes. This small artifact is 4,500 years
old and was found in the Humber watershed. This show will be made available to all task force members to
take to various municipalities, interest groups, schools, etc. There is only one copy at present and it can be
signed out through L. Lappano at 661 -6600, ext. 292. Task force members were invited to see the show
immediately following the task force meeting.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:40 p.m., June 25, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #8/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, July 23, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
Luciano Martin
Lorna Bissell
John McFall
Heather Broadbent
Marjorie Mossman
David Burnett
Steve Roberts
Tony Carella
John Ryerson
Ken Coffey
Ed Sado
Ron Coles
Bill Saundercook
Fiona Cowles
Carol Seglins
lain Craig
Tracy Smith
Kristin Geater
Vito Spatafora
David Hutcheon
Maurice Stevens
Michael Izzard
Richard Whitehead
Debra Kosemetzky
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, V &P Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff Bob Burger
Greg Rich
Brian Denney
Madelyn Webb
Lia Lappano
Ann Marie Weselan
Dena Lewis
Andy Wickens
Bernie McIntyre
Gary Wilkins
Sonya Meek
Beth Williston
Visitors Sandy Agnew, Black Creek Project
Gavin Miller, Black Creek Project
G85
MINUTES
Res. #64/96
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #8/96. JULY 23. 1996
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #7/96 be approved.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
(i) One - Liners
Debra Kosemetzky
Bill Saundercook
CARRIED
The Chair reminded the members that Bill Wilson is compiling a series of one - liners. Staff and members are
encouraged to fax any suggestions for this collection directly to Bill Wilson.
(ii) Humber Watershed Atlas Letters of Support
To date, we have received four letters of support from task force members which will accompany funding
applications for the Humber Watershed Atlas. Letters have been received from I. Craig, M. Izzard, J.
Ryerson and H. Broadbent. D. Weaver has expressed interest in preparing a letter for this purpose as well.
The Chair thanked the task force members for their support in this regard.
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #65/96 Moved by: David Hutcheon
Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Newspaper article from the Downsview /Weston Norwester, dated June 10, 1996, re: "Fount
of dreams hid ugly secrets ".
Letterfrom Mary Louise Ashbourne, Humber Watershed Task Force Member, dated July
17, 1996 re: Humber River Signage
Letter from Novina Wong, Metropolitan Toronto Clerk, dated July 5, 1996 re: Metro
appointments to the Humber Watershed Task Force.
CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #8/96, JULY 23, 1996 G86
1. SUBWATERSHED ACTION PLANS AND COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
WORKSHOP
The Humber Watershed Task Force members were assigned to the following subwatershed groups:
West Humber. East Humber. Main Humber. Black Creek and Lower Humber.
A discussion period was held and the members were asked to consider the following questions:
• Does the subwatershed description accurately reflect conditions in the subwatershed? If
not, what specific examples or characteristics should be added to describe the uniqueness
of the subwatershed?
• Do the actions reflect the types of efforts you feel are a priority in this subwatershed? If
not, what would you add?
• For the other subwatersheds:
Does the information help your understanding of a less familiar subwatershed? If not, how
could this be improved?
• Provide any other general suggestions.
Any comments with respect to Chapter 6 - draft staff report dated July 18, 1996 should be submitted to L.
Lappano by July 26, 1996.
KEYISSUE
Second draft of the Subwatershed Action Plans and Community Action Sites.
Res. #66/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
THAT draft Chapter 6: A Call to Action - Subwatershed Action Plans, be received;
THAT staff be directed to circulate draft Chapter 6: A Call to Action - Subwatershed Action Plans,
as amended, to municipal staff for review and comment and that their comments be requested no
later than September 9, 1996;
THAT written comments from the Humber Watershed Task Force on draft Chapter 6: A Call to
Action - Subwatershed Action Plans be received by staff no later than September 9, 1996;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report back to the Humber Watershed Task Force with a
revised Chapter 6: A Call to Action - Subwatershed Action Plans at the Humber Watershed Task
Force meeting to be held on September 17, 1996.
CARRIED
G87 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #8196. JULY 23. 1996
BACKGROUND
Staff is continuing to work on the text and maps for the five subwatershed action plans and the three
prioritized Community Action Sites. Information from the four sub - committees has been used to briefly
characterize the geographic areas and to identify key issues that may challenge the subwatershed in the
future. The information has been presented under the general subject areas of environment, society and
economy. A preliminary set of priority objectives and actions has also been identified for each
subwatershed.
It is important that the nature, uniqueness and priority actions be identified to ensure a valuable
representation of each subwatershed.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Invite comments on the Subwatershed Action Plans through the upcoming public consultation
process;
Continue to revise the text and maps for clarity, accuracy and readability;
Continue to work with the municipal staff and local residents and community groups to develop
conceptual management plans for the three priority Community Action Sites.
2. HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY - CHAPTER 2 (Draft #1) - "A Story of People and Places"
KEYISSUE
Draft Chapter 2 of the strategy document entitled, "The Humber ... A Story of People and Places ".
Res. #67/96 Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: John McFall
THAT the staff report and the first draft of Chapter 2 of the strategy document entitled, "The
Humber ... A Story of People and Places ", dated July 17, 1996 for incorporation into the Humber
River Watershed Strategy Document, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At their meeting on May 28, 1996, the Humber Watershed Task Force received a detailed Table of Contents
for the strategy document. Chapter 2 has the working title 'The Humber ... A Story of People and Places.
A new draft of this chapter by John MacMillan has been prepared. It should be noted that this draft has not
been reviewed by staff.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Task force members should review this draft and submit comments to Madelyn Webb by August 2, 1996.
These will be discussed by the Editorial Sub - Committee at its next meeting.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #8196, JULY 23, 1996 G88
3. PRINCIPLES FOR THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY
KEYISSUE
Presentation of the principles for the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #68/96 Moved by: Kristin Geater
Seconded by: Bill Saundercook
THAT the following set of six guiding principles constituting a code of conduct to ensure the
legacy of the Humber for future generations be received:
Our decisions and actions should:
1. Preserve, regenerate and celebrate our natural, historical and cultural heritage.
2. Establish linkages and promote partnerships among communities.
3. Protect the Humber Watershed as a continuing source of clean water.
4. Build a strong watershed economy based on ecological health.
5. Promote the watershed as a destination of choice.
6. Maintain the watershed as a special place for lifelong learning, sustaining our
bodies and nurturing our spirits.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the February 6, 1996 task force meeting, a challenge statement and a seven element vision statement
were approved for review in the public consultation process. Through this process, we heard a common
theme from many participants - that the vision statement should be brief and the wording should avoid
jargon. The Vision and Principles Sub - Committee approved the short "Challenge Statement" at its April 18,
1996 meeting, but was unwilling to put forward the seven elements as they were not considered sufficiently
'inspiring'.
On reviewing these elements, it became apparent that together they addressed the issue of conduct or
behaviour desirable for protecting, enhancing and enjoying a watershed. However, they were too wordy and
were not focused toward the major elements of the strategy.
As the strategy must fall from the vision and principles, these six guiding principles include reference to
behaviours suited to sustaining all three interacting elements of the ecosystem - environment, economy and
society- as well as addressing the education /awareness (lifelong learning), linkages, recreation and
community themes.
In the strategy document, each of the principles will include some annotation of the meaning and the
specific relationship with the Humber Watershed. Having the brief statements will be useful for
communicating expected behaviours to our current and future partners.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Each sub - committee should examine the principles to verify that they are sufficient to address the behaviour
that is implied by their objectives.
G89 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #8196, JULY 23, 1996
4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION SUMMARY REPORT AND NEXT STEPS
M. Webb gave a brief verbal update on the second phase of public consultation following the written
summary provided to the task force members at the meeting. M. Webb extended her thanks to staff for the
tremendous amount of time and effort they put into the public consultation process. M. Mossman suggested
that an outreach program be undertaken to include Rotary and other service clubs and schools. S. Roberts
also suggested that we consider having public consultation in selected malls.
5. HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE LOGO
The Chair notified the members that an additional logo (no. 21) has recently been submitted for
consideration by the members. Members were encouraged to cast their vote for one logo and deposit their
ballot in the ballot box provided. Alternatively, ballots may be mailed or faxed to the attention of L. Lappano
by Thursday, August 1, 1996. The results of the vote will be reported at the next task force meeting to be
held on August 20, 1996.
6. SUB - COMMITTEE REPORT
KEYISSUE
The minutes of the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee meeting are provided for information.
Res. #69/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
Marjorie Mossman
Heather Broadbent
THAT the minutes of Meeting #3/96 of the Vision and Principles Sub - Committee be received.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Signage
The installation of Humber River signs in the City of York is now underway. Generally, the members felt that
the installation of signs at all Humber River crossings was an excellent idea. Some conerns were raised
regarding standardization of the format and inclusion of the logo.
Res. #70/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Marjorie Mossman
Heather Broadbent
THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force endorse and encourage the concept of signage in the
Humber River Watershed.
CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #6196. JULY 23. 1996 G90
(ii) Open House
The members were advised that staff is organizing an Open House at the Boyd Conservation Area on
September 14, 1996 to promote the Humber Watershed Task Force and Strategy. Further details will follow
at a later date.
(iii) Ministry of Natural Resources Representative on the Humber Watershed Task Force
The Chair introduced Mr. Tracy Smith of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Maple District as our new
member on the task force. Mr. Smith replaces Mr. Dave Simpson as the MNR representative on the task
force.
(iv) Marathon Canoe Association
I. Craig and the Marathon Canoe Association held a canoe event at Sunnyside Park on Saturday, June 20,
1996. A donation to the MTRCA of $100 was presented to M. Izzard, the proceeds of which were derived
from the canoe races organized by the Marathon Canoe Association, recently held at the Claireville
Conservation Area. Mr. Craig was commended for all of his hard work and received the sincere thanks of
the Chair on behalf of the entire task force.
(v) Day Passes
The Chair advised that this year, in light of budget restraints, the Authority did not issue complimentary
passes to its volunteers. Day passes were issued instead; however, if members of the task force would like
to visit the MTRCA facilities on a regular basis, they are asked to speak to either D. O'Brien, C. Mather or
M. Izzard who are amenable to arranging free entrance for volunteers as a token of their appreciation. M.
Izzard was asked to bring a message to the meeting on behalf of D. O'Brien and C. Mather expressing their
gratitude and appreciation to volunteer members of the Authority for their generous donation of time and
expertise.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:10 p.m., July 23, 1996.
Brian E. Denney J. Craiq Mather
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.
t`
v
Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #9/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, South Theatre on
Tuesday, September 17, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to order at 6:40
p.m.
PRESENT
MINUTES
Res. #71/96
Members
Authority Staff
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Mary Louise Ashbourne
Margaret Britnell
Heather Broadbent
David Burnett
Tony Carella
Peter Carruthers
Ken Coffey
Ron Coles
Fiona Cowles
Jim Early
Lois Griffin
Michael Izzard
Tija Luste
Jon Clayton
Denney
Lie Lappano
Dena Lewis
Sandra Malcic
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #8/96 be approved.
Luciano Martin
Glenn Mason
John McFall
Marjorie Mossman
Mel Plewes
John Ryerson
Ed Sado
Bill Saundercook
Tracy Smith
Vito Spatafora
Ray Stukas
Christine Tu
Bill Wilson
Bernie McIntyre Brian
Lorraine O'Byrne
Madelyn Webb
Andy Wickens
Beth Williston
David Burnett
Heather Broadbent
CARRIED
G92 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Lord Simcoe Enactment
The Chair advised that the Marathon Canoe Association, the Simcoe Historical Society and the Toronto
Historical Board launched the Lord Simcoe Enactment event recently. Due to inclement weather, the trek
planned for the Carrying Place Trail was cancelled but will continue on the weekend of September 21 -22,
1996.
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #72/96 Moved by: Luciano Martin
Seconded by: Lois Griffin
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Letterfrom David Calderisi, Chair, Ontario Streams, dated August 12, 1996
re: Palgrave Dam Fish Habitat Restoration Project
Letter from Councillor David Hutcheon, City of Toronto, dated July 25, 1996
re: Humber River Signage
Letter from Councillor Peter Milczyn, City of Etobicoke, dated August 19, 1996
re: Humber River Signage
Flyer from Kristin Geater re: Black Creek Project's Fall Environmental Events
Flyer re: Black Creek Pioneer Festival on September 21, 1996
History of the International Countryside Stewardship Exchange
CARRIED
The Chair informed the members that if they were interested in attending the Black Creek Pioneer Festival
that they should contact L. Lappano to obtain a parking permit for free parking at York University for that
day. This privilege was being extended to special groups, such as volunteers, to encourage their
attendance at this event.
1. INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE PRESENTATION
R. Coles gave a brief presentation on the International Countryside Stewardship Exchange Program's
history and purpose. He advised that a stewardship exchange program will be starting in the Township of
Mono on September 21, 1996 for one week.
Mr. Coles was thanked for his most interesting presentation.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9196. SEPTEMBER 17. 1996 G93
2. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESENTATION
B. McIntyre and J. Clayton gave an update presentation on the Fisheries Management Plan. They informed
the members that the project was initiated in September, 1995 and a completed plan was anticipated by
September, 1996. For various reasons, the plan has not been completed but significant progress has been
made to date. J. Clayton presented the progress made to date with respect to data inventory, present
conditions, habitat conditions, slope, surficial geology, riparian vegetation and instream barriers to fish
movement. A draft document will be ready for review by year end.
3. LEGACY: A STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHY HUMBER
-Draft Manuscript
KEYISSUE
First complete draft of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript.
Res. #73/96 Moved by:
Seconded by:
John Ryerson
Bill Saundercook
THAT the first draft of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript entitled, Legacy: A Strategy for
a Healthy Humber, dated September 13, 1996, and prepared by Joanna Kidd of the LURA Group,
be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
A first draft of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript, prepared by Ms. Joanna Kidd, has been
prepared for task force review.
In addition, a draft staff report of the revised Subwatershed Action Plans, dated September 16, 1996, was
available at the meeting as an addendum.
Still to come are the acknowledgements and an executive summary.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Humber Watershed Task Force members were requested to forward their comments on this draft to the
Editorial Sub - Committee via Mrs. Alyson Deans by September 24, 1996.
4. REVIEW OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE WORKPLAN
KEYISSUE
Status report on the Humber Watershed Task Force Workplan
Res. #74/96
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Ken Coffey
Tony Carella
THAT the staff report on the Humber Watershed Task Force Workplan be received for information.
G94 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96. SEPTEMBER 17. 1996
AMENDMENT Moved by: Luciano Martin
Res. # 75/96 Seconded by: Mel Plewes
THAT the final version of the manuscript be formally approved by the Humber Watershed Task
Force;
AND FURTHER THAT an additional meeting of the Humber Watershed Task Force be scheduled on
Tuesday, November 12, 1996, for this purpose only.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ...................... ............................... CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ......... ............................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Task Force has approximately one month remaining in its mandate. In light of
this, an update on some of the outstanding deliverables of the process is needed. The following items
are of interest:
Humber Watershed Strategy - The strategy is targetted for completion, in manuscript form, for the
last meeting of the task force in October, 1996. Once approved by the task force, the manuscript
will be embellished with some photos and graphics and forwarded to the Water and Related Land
Management Advisory Board of the Authority for approval at their November 29, 1996 meeting.
Once this approval is achieved, the manuscript will be prepared for publication. The anticipated
publication date is March, 1997.
Canadian Heritage Rivers System - The Heritage Rivers Board will meet in January, 1997. At that
time a deputation on the Humber River nomination and designation process will be made by the
Canadian Heritage Rivers System Nominating Committee for the Humber River. The Board will
be informed of the nomination of the Humber River and will be updated on our progress to date.
5. LEGACY: A STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHY HUMBER
- Process and Timeline for Completion
KEYISSUE
Proposed process and timeline for completion of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript.
Res. #76/96 Moved by:_
Seconded by:
Vito Spatafora
Lois Griffin
THAT the process and timeline for completion of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript,
including the role of the Editorial Sub - Committee, be approved.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Editorial Sub - committee has met to consider a process to complete the Humber Watershed Strategy
manuscript. An editor has been interviewed and was approved by the Executive Committee of the
Authority on August 16, 1996. A process and timeline has been prepared.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9196, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 G95
Our goal is a completed manuscript for endorsement by the task force
on October 16, 1996.
All five
sub - committees of the Humber Watershed Task Force and the
members of the Humber Project
Team
have worked diligently to come to this point.
Under
the proposed process, the Editorial Sub - committee will be the liaison
with and advisor to the
editor.
The roles and responsibilities of the Editorial Sub - committee have been delineated.
1.
Identify elements of the Strategy Document
August 12.
2.
Approve writer /editor.
August 16
3.
Assemble all materials for draft.
August 16
4.
Complete contract with editor.
August 22
5.
Chapter 6 back from municipal review /add'I staff input.
September 9
6.
Prepare first draft by
September 13
6a.
Assemble photos and graphics.
7.
Task Force Meeting
September 17
8.
First draft review by Editorial Sub - Committee and staff.
September 18
8a.
Meeting of Editorial Sub - Committee
September 19
9.
Incorporate changes to first draft.
September 24
10.
Prepare second draft by
October 3
11.
Second draft review - by Editorial Sub - Committee and staff.
October 9
11 a. Meeting of Editorial Sub - Committee & recommendation
to Task Force
October 10
12.
Presentation to Task Force
October 16
12a.
Send draft manuscript to potential funders.
13.
Meeting of Editorial Sub - Committee to finalize report
October 24
13a.
Incorporate Editorial Sub - Committee recommendations
October 31
14.
Incorporate some photos, graphics.
November 14
14a.
Initiate marketing plan
15.
Presentation to Water & Related Land Management
Advisory Board.
November 29
16.
Preparation of manuscript for publication.
December '96 to March '97
16a.
Proof production copy.
G96 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996
17. Publication and media launch March '97
Assumptions:
• The Editorial sub - committee will receive drafts, advise the editor and resolve conflicts related to
the final strategy manuscript.
• Each sub - committee chair will represent the interests of her /his respective sub - committee.
• The Humber Project Team and the Editorial Sub - committee will review drafts simultaneously.
• Staff comments will be channelled through A. Deans.
• Project Team members will focus their review on areas of expertise.
• Final decisions will be made by the Editorial Sub - Committee which will strive to work by
consensus.
DETAILS OF THE WORK TO BE DONE
The adoption of a process and timeline is required to provide an efficient method for the production of the
Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript by the deadline date of October, 1996 and subsequent
presentation to the Water and Related Land Management Advisory Board in November, 1996.
The delegation of decision - making to the Editorial Sub - committee, which will strive to work by consensus,
is required.
It is anticipated that the Editorial Sub - Committee will assist staff through the production process, as
needed.
6. REPORT OF THE EDITORIAL SUB- COMMITTEE
KEYISSUE
Report of discussion of Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #3.
Res. #77/96 Moved by: Tija Luste
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT this staff report summarizing the discussions held at Editorial Sub - Committee Meeting #3,
held August 6, 1996, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript is being prepared for October, 1996. As the writer originally
hired has been let go, there was a need to seek other potential writers /editors. In the fall of 1995, seven
individuals or groups were interviewed. Several additional candidates were sought in the past month. Two
were selected for interviews, however, one withdrew as a result of a heavy workload in the fall.
The Editorial Sub - Committee agreed that the document should:
- deliver clear, focussed messages including the impact of growth and change in the watershed and a sense
of place and importance in the watershed;
-be a simple, professional and catchy document. A general document with back up materials available.
- target audiences which include municipal staff, ENGO's and municipal politicians;
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 G97
It was noted that our 'converted' audience needs a document that will support them in getting out the
message. Special interest audiences can be addressed in the marketing and product development stage.
Several themes were identified:
The health of the Humber;
A Watershed in Time;
The Water We Walk On.
The timeline for follow up is as follows:
Approval of a process for completing the document;
Approval of a writer /editor by MTRCA Executive Committee;
Review of the role of the Editorial Sub - Committee in the strategy document
completion.
7. HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE LOGO
KEYISSUE
To select a logo for the Humber Watershed Task Force.
Res. #78/96 Moved by: Bill Saundercook
Seconded by: Ken Coffey
THAT all ballots be deposited into the ballot box prior to the commencement of the September 17,
1996 Humber Watershed Task Force meeting;
THAT the winning logo for the Humber Watershed Task Force be announced prior to the
termination of the September 17, 1996 Humber Watershed Task Force meeting;
AND FURTHER THAT the winning logo be adopted as the Humber Watershed Task Force logo.
CARRIED
Prior to the termination of the meeting, the Chair announced that Logo #21, as indicated below, received the
highest number of votes and was officially declared as the Humber Watershed Task Force logo:
BACKGROUND
Early this year, staff was asked by the Chair of the Humber Watershed Task Force to assist him in
designing a logo to represent the Humber Watershed Task Force.
In total, 21 logos were designed by staff and task force members. These ideas were presented to the task
force at their July 23, 1996 meeting. At this meeting, members were requested to select a Humber
Watershed Task Force logo by means of a secret ballot. The top three logo choices were to be reported to
the task force for a final ballot vote and selection.
The top three choices are those shown on the ballot sheet (specifically nos. 21, 4 and 20). Logo number 21
G98 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996
received the highest number of votes; number 4 received the second highest number of votes and number
20 received the third highest number of votes.
Task force members were requested to submit their ballot prior to the commencement of the September
17th task force meeting in the ballot box provided at the meeting, or by fax to the attention of Lia Lappano
(661- 6898), no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 17, 1996.
At the last task force meeting, there was confusion regarding the intent of choosing a logo. The logo will be
an identifier for the Humber Watershed Task Force only. It is not intended to be used on Humber River
signage.
In accordance with Objective #27 of Chapter 5 of the strategy document, the task force has recommended
that a logo for the Humber Watershed be developed. It is likely that this logo will be developed by a
professional, graphic designer under the direction of the Humber Council as part of a marketing strategy for
the Humber.
RATIONALE
If the majority of members vote for 'None of the Above', there will be no logo for the Humber Watershed
Task Force. The future Humber Council will be responsible for selecting a logo for the Humber Watershed
as recommended by the task force in Objective #27 of Chapter 5 of the strategy document.
8. PUBLIC CONSULTATION - PHASE II REPORT
KEYISSUE
Report of the second phase of public consultation for the Humber Watershed Strategy.
Res. #79/96 Moved by: Vito Spatafora
Seconded by: Tony Carella
THAT this staff report and "Draft Humber Watershed Strategy Report on Public Consultation -
Phase 2 - Strategy" dated September 17, 1996, be received.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In May, June and July, 1996, Trinity and MTRCA staff of the Humber Project Team collaborated on Phase 2
of a public consultation on the strategic objectives for each sub - watershed.
The Phase 2 consultations were built on the work carried out in Phase 1 - Vision - conducted between
February and April, 1996.
Trinity's role was to provide an interesting and interactive workshop setting, including writing and presenting
scene pieces, creating exercises to stimulate an atmosphere conducive to participation and coordinating
technical presentations. As well, Trinity was to attract participation in the meetings by contacting potential
attendees in each sub - watershed, building upon a network of contacts that had been developed, working
with task force members and others, since the process began in December, 1995.
The Humber Project Team's role was to design the content of the meetings, including presentations on the
overall watershed, each sub - watershed's particular issues and objectives, and information about the
strategy development. Staff acted as facilitators of the breakout discussion sessions on the objectives for
each sub - watershed.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9196, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 G99
Phase 2 consultations consisted of a municipal workshop, five sub - watershed meetings, one per sub -
watershed: East Humber, West Humber, Lower Humber, Black Creek, Main Humber (including former
Main, Upper and Rainbow Creek); two workshops focussing on 'urban' and 'suburban' shareholders, and
one meeting with members of the Italian community in Woodbridge as an investigation into how to approach
'hard to reach' communities throughout the watershed.
What we observed during the process:
*Participants were willing to focus diligently on our objectives for the allocated time.
*In many places we could have used more time to discuss all the relevant objectives.
*That differences exist in the relative priority of issues in the different parts of the Humber
watershed.
*A common concern is water quality.
*That the experimental 'urban and suburban' workshops received differing reviews, with a more
positive response in the urban (which was the second) workshop.
What we learned:
*there was general agreement with the task force objectives;
*that we need to present the strategy in a way that will encourage partnerships and focus on
educating people to the benefits of greenspace, particularly for human health
*that there is a great deal of concern about development in the suburban areas and its impact on
community life.
*that people want to be linked across the watershed and hear about one another's issues and
actions.
*that additional agricultural objectives are needed
*that there is interest in the strategy from groups outside the watershed, particularly in the urban
areas.
9. HUMBER RIVER IDENTITY SIGNAGE
KEYISSUE
Draft of signage concept to identify the Humber River at road crossings.
Res. #80/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: David Burnett
THAT the Humber River identity signage concept be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the matter of identity signage be referred back to staff for a report at the next
Humber Watershed Task Force meeting to be held on October 16, 1996.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the July 23, 1996 meeting of the Humber W atershed Task Force, a signage model was presented. The
task force was informed that the City of York was investigating the installation of Humber River identity
G100 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #9/96. SEPTEMBER 17. 1996
signs based on the model. Generally, the members felt that the installation of signs at all Humber River
crossings was an excellent idea. Some concerns were raised regarding standardization of the format and
inclusion of a logo. It was suggested that staff prepare an identity signage concept which would be flexible
enough to meet municipal requirements for signage and incorporate an area for a future logo for the
Humber River watershed. The signs would most likely be placed within road rights -of -way, and as such,
this signage would be a municipal responsibility.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Task Force members are welcome to utilize the signage concept in order to gain the support of
municipalities to accept the challenge of implementing identity signage. The logo chosen for the Humber
Watershed Task Force would not be the logo chosen for the signage. It is expected that a logo for the
Humber River watershed will be determined in the future and that the logo would be retrofitted on any
signage installed before that date. The potential also exists to use the logo for the Canadian Heritage
Rivers System if the river is successfully designated.
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Metro Rural Clean Water Program
The Authority has received approval for $45,000 from Environment Canada's Great Lakes 2000 Clean Up
Fund to implement this program. The program will address surface water pollution in rural areas of the
Metro Remedial Action Plan. If anyone is interested in obtaining additional information, they are urged to
contact Ann Marie Weselan at the MTRCA.
Metro Reference Library DisDla
L. Griffin encouraged staff and members to attend a display of original audobon prints on Friday, September
27, 1996 from 6:00 -5:30 p.m. at the Metro Reference Library. The cost for this special event is $5.00 per
person and will include a guest speaker who will discuss binding.
(iii) Next Meetina
Councillor B. Saundercook expressed an interest in hosting a task force meeting at the City of York
Municipal Offices. The Chair thanked Councillor Saundercook and accepted his generous offer. Details will
follow.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:15 p.m., September 17, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #10/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Visitors Centre, Canada West
Room on Wednesday, October 16, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting to
order at 7:05 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne
Glenn Mason
Heather Broadbent
Marjorie Mossman
David Burnett
Dick O'Brien
Ken Coffey
Mel Plewes
Ron Coles
Steve Roberts
Fiona Cowles
John Ryerson
lain Craig
Carol Seglins
Kristin Geater
Maurice Stevens
Lois Griffin
Christine Tu
Michael Izzard
Tony Wagner
Debra Kosemetzky
Dan Weaver
Tija Luste
Richard Whitehead
Luciano Martin
Bill Wilson
Volunteer Member and
Honorary Chair, VRP Susan Mullarky
Authority Staff Alyson Deans
Greg Rich
Brian Denney
Madelyn Webb
Lia Lappano
Andy Wickens
Dena Lewis
Gary Wilkins
Craig Mather
Beth Williston
Bernie McIntyre
Visitors Bill Fox, Manager, Township of Adjala
- Tosorontio
Rosie Cooper, International
Countryside
Stewardship Exchange
G103
MINUTES
Res. #81/96
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #10/96, OCTOBER 16, 1996
Moved by:
Seconded by:
David Burnett
Ron Coles
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #9/96 be approved with the following amendment to page G92, item
(i) of Business Arising From the Minutes: "Lt. Gov. John Graves Simcoe Enactment'.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #82/96 Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Glenn Mason
THAT the following correspondence be received:
Letter from Metro Councillor Blake F. Kinahan, dated September 13, 1996
re: Humber River Signage
Letter from Councillor David Hutcheon, City of Toronto, dated September 18, 1996
re: Humber River Signage
Letter from Ontario Streams dated September 14, 1996
re: Palgrave Dam Fish Habitat Restoration Project
CARRIED
1. INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE PRESENTATION
F. Cowles gave a brief presentation on the International Countryside Stewardship Exchange Program held
in the Township of Mono on September 12 -20, 1996.
Ms. Cowles was thanked for her most informative presentation.
2. "LEGACY: A STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHY HUMBER"
- Second Draft
KEYISSUE
Adoption of the second draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ".
Res. #83/96 Moved by: John Ryerson
Seconded by: Lois Griffin
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #10/96, OCTOBER 16, 1996 G104
THAT the second draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ", dated October 3, 1996, not
be adopted as the final strategy document at this meeting;
THAT additional comments on "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ", dated October 3, 1996,
be submitted to Mrs. Alyson Deans by October 24, 1996;
AND FURTHER THAT the third and final draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber' be
considered for adoption by the Humber Watershed Task Force at its November 12, 1996 meeting.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The first draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" was distributed at the September 17, 1996
task force meeting for simultaneous task force and staff review. Seventeen sets of comments were
received by Joanna Kidd via Alyson Deans and incorporated in keeping with the overall direction of the
report - that it be aimed at a general readership and that the length remain about 50 pages.
The second draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" was circulated to task force members on
October 4, 1996 with comments to be forwarded to Joanna Kidd via Alyson Deans by October 10, 1996.
The Editorial Subcommittee met on October 10th to consider the draft in light of the comments received.
As well, the Editorial Subcommittee considered a mocked -up version of Chapter 4: A Strategy for a
Healthy Humber Watershed that included the use of the typeface and design approved at the May 26,
1996 task force meeting as well as sample photographs and graphics of the type that will appear in the
published version.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Graphics, photographs and vignettes will be added to illustrate specific technical details or highlight
opportunities and positive actions for achieving the vision of a healthy Humber Watershed.
The Editorial Subcommittee will oversee production of the final published document.
Copies of the final published report will be circulated to task force members and to all levels of
government, elected representatives and agencies, businesses, schools, interest groups and to the
public.
3. "A CALL TO ACTION - IMPLEMENTING THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY"
(Subwatershed Action Plans)
KEYISSUE
Adoption of the final report of "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy ".
Motion
THAT the final report of "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy ", dated
October 10, 1996, as appended, be adopted.
THE MOTION WAS ....................... ............................... NOT CARRIED
G105 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #10/96. OCTOBER 16. 1996
AMENDMENT Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Res. #84/96 Seconded by: Mel Plewes
THAT the above -noted motion be deferred to the November 12, 1996 meeting of the Humber
Watershed Task Force;
AND FURTHER THAT comments on "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed
Strategy ", dated October 10, 1996, be submitted to Mrs. Alyson Deans by October 24, 1996.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ...................... ............................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The strategy document of the task force titled, "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" consists of six
chapters which form the background to the presentation of the Humber Watershed Strategy. "A Call to
Action" contains an introduction to subwatershed action plans, descriptions of each of the
subwatersheds: Main, East, West, Lower Humber and Black Creek along with the priority actions for each
one.
At its July 23, 1996 meeting, the Humber Watershed Task Force received the revised draft of the
subwatershed action plans.
This part of the task force report has been circulated for municipal and task force review and revised
based on the comments received.
RATIONALE
It is recommended that the task force adopt "A Call to Action" and that it be put forward, along with
"Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ", to the Conservation Authority for endorsement.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Colour maps of each of the subwatersheds and concept plans for each of the three Community Action
Sites: Sun Row Park, Lake Wilcox and Caledon East Wetland will be added, as will any graphics required
Minor editing required to take the plans to the pre - publishing stage will be done.
The Editorial Subcommittee will oversee production of the final published document
Copies of the final published report will be circulated to task force members and to all levels of
government, elected representatives and agencies, businesses, schools, interest groups and to the
public.
4. HUMBER RIVER SIGNAGE GUIDELINES
KEYISSUE
Currently there are no standard guidelines for signs to identify the Humber River at road crossings.
Motion
THAT standard guidelines for the design, placement and naming of signs for the Humber River
and its tributaries be considered by the Humber Watershed Council.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #10/96. OCTOBER 16. 1996 G106
THE MOTION WAS ......................... ............................... NOT CARRIED
AMENDMENT Moved by: Lois Griffin
RES. #85/96 Seconded by: Marjorie Mossman
THAT the Humber Council be requested to review whether or not it is necessary to establish
guidelines for the design, placement and naming of signs for the Humber River and its tributaries.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ....................................................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the July 23, 1996 and September 17, 1996 meetings of the Humber Watershed Task Force,
discussions were held regarding signage. Some municipalities are proceeding with signs for crossings
within their respective jurisdictions.
NEW BUSINESS
(1) Zebra Mussels
A booklet, prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources, on Zebra Mussels was made available by M.
Mossman for information.
(ii) Conservation Prize Calendar
The members were directed to G. Wilkins if interested in purchasing the Conservation Prize Calendar now
on sale for $10. This combination calendar /lottery ticket is a fund - raising initiative by The Conservation
Foundation of Greater Toronto.
(iii) Mounted Humber Heritage Brochures
The Chair advised members of the availability of the Humber Heritage brochures in mounted form. One
side includes colour photos and text pertaining to the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Humber Marshes, flora and
wildlife along the Humber, aboriginal history and a short note on Hurricane Hazel. The other side includes a
map of the Humber watershed, a history of mills and information on The Toronto Carrying Place. The price
for the two -piece mounted set is $40.00. One mounted piece is $25.00. Any person interested in
purchasing the mounted pieces were asked to contact L. Lappano.
(iv) Economic Sub - Committee Report
The members of the Economic Sub - Committee met to finalize its sub - committee report and to endorse it as
a background report of the Humber Watershed Strategy.
G107 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #10/96, OCTOBER 16, 1996
(v) Caledon Groundwater Economic Study
The Chair advised that Environment Canada has nearly completed its report titled, "An Assessment of the
Ecological and Economic Value of Groundwater: Town of Caledon Case Study - June, 1996 ". If any
members are interested in obtaining more information with respect to this report, they are urged to contact
M.Izzard.
(vi) Husky Infection Molding Systems Ltd.
D. Weaver informed the members that Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd., has donated $20,000 to
Albion Hills Conservation Field Centre. This funding will enable students in Caledon to visit Albion Hills
Conservation Field Centre. It was noted that these partnerships have value and should be promoted.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:50 p.m., October 16, 1996,
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer
t` Working Together for Tomorrow's Greenspace
Othe metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority
minutes
REPORT ON MEETING #11/96 OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE
The Humber Watershed Task Force met at the City of York Municipal Offices located at 2700 Eglinton
Avenue West on Tuesday, November 12, 1996. Michael Izzard, Chair of the Task Force, called the meeting
to order at 6:45 p.m.
PRESENT Members Mary Louise Ashbourne Glenn Mason
Heather Broadbent John McFall
David Burnett
Tony Carella
Ken Coffey
Ron Coles
Fiona Cowles
lain Craig
Jim Early
Kristin Geater
Lois Griffin
Michael Izzard
Debra Kosemetzky
Luciano Martin
Marjorie Mossman
Bill Munson
Dick O'Brien
Mel Plewes
John Ryerson
Bill Saundercook
Ian Sinclair
Vito Spatafora
Maurice Stevens
Ray Stukas
Tony Wagner
Dan Weaver
Authority Staff Bob Burger
Greg Rich
Brian Denney
Madelyn Webb
Lia Lappano
Ann Marie Weselan
Dena Lewis
Andy Wickens
Craig Mather
Gary Wilkins
Bernie McIntyre
Beth Williston
Lorraine O'Byrne
Visitors Joanna Kidd, LURA Group
The Chair thanked Councillor Bill Saundercook, on behalf of the Humber Watershed Task Force, for his kind
invitation to hold the last meeting of the task force at the City of York Municipal Offices.
G109 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996
MINUTES
Res. #86/96 Moved by: Tony Carella
Seconded by: Debra Kosemetzky
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #10196 be approved.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
Res. #87/96 Moved by: Marjorie Mossman
Seconded by: Glenn Mason
THAT the letter from Peter K. Hillier, Manager, Metro Transportation to Councillor Lois Griffin,
dated October 16, 1996 regarding Humber River Signs, be received.
CARRIED
With reference to the above -noted correspondence, L. Martin advised that the list of signage locations
should be revised to include signage at Finch and Islington Avenues and on Finch Avenue at Highway 427.
Councillor Dick O'Brien displayed a sample of the design for the Humber River sign and advised that the
Cities of Etobicoke, Toronto, York and North York have contributed their portion of the funds toward
signage. The signs will be installed within the next three weeks at all bridge crossings. In this regard, D.
O'Brien recommended that a letter of thanks be sent to Messrs. Floyd and Hillier of the Metro Transportation
Department from the Chair of the Humber Watershed Task Force.
1. EDITORIAL SUB - COMMITTEE REPORT
J. Ryerson, Chair of the Editorial Sub - Committee, made a presentation to the task force with respect to the
status of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ". The presentation focussed on status of completion,
market identification, communication plan, production and accessibility.
Mr. Ryerson was thanked for his informative presentation.
2. CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER DESIGNATION
- Status of ADDlication
H. Broadbent, Chair of the Culture and Heritage Sub - Committee, updated the task force on the status of the
application submitted with regard to the nomination of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River.
Ms. Broadbent was thanked for the update.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 G110
3. "LEGACY: A STRATEGY FOR A HEALTHY HUMBER"
-Final Manuscript
KEYISSUE
Adoption of the third and final draft manuscript titled, "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ".
Res. #88/96 Moved by: David Burnett
Seconded by: Vito Spatafora
THAT the third and final draft of the Humber Watershed Strategy manuscript titled, "Legacy: A
Strategy for a Healthy Humber ", dated October 28, 1996, as appended, be adopted.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The first draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" was distributed at the September 17, 1996
task force meeting for simultaneous task force and staff review. Seventeen sets of comments were
received by Joanna Kidd via Alyson Deans and incorporated in keeping with the overall direction of the
report - that it be aimed at a general readership and that the length remain about 50 pages.
The second draft of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" was circulated to task force members on
October 4, 1996 with comments to be forwarded to Joanna Kidd via Alyson Deans by October 10, 1996.
The Editorial Subcommittee met on October 10th to consider the draft in light of the comments received.
At the Humber Watershed Task Force meeting held on October 16, 1996, the task force requested that a
third and final draft of the strategy document be prepared and circulated for discussion at the November
12, 1996 meeting. At the October 16, 1996 meeting, the task force discussed the second draft of
"Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ". The deadline for additional comments was October 24,
1996. The third and final draft has been prepared and was reviewed by the Editorial Sub - Committee at
their meeting on October 28, 1996.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Graphics, photographs and vignettes will be added to illustrate specific technical details or highlight
opportunities and positive actions for achieving the vision of a healthy Humber Watershed.
The Editorial Subcommittee will oversee production of the final published document.
Copies of the final published report will be circulated to task force members and to all levels of
government, elected representatives and agencies, businesses, schools, interest groups and to the
public.
Staff was commended on a job very well done
G111 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996
4. "A CALL TO ACTION - IMPLEMENTING THE HUMBER WATERSHED STRATEGY"
-Final Manuscript
KEYISSUE
Adoption of the final report of "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy ".
Res. #89/96 Moved by: Vito Spatafora
Seconded by: David Burnett
THAT the final report of "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy ",
dated October 30, 1996, as appended, be adopted.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The strategy document of the task force titled, "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" consists of six
chapters which form the .background to the presentation of the Humber Watershed Strategy. "A Call to
Action" contains an introduction to subwatershed action plans, descriptions of each of the
subwatersheds: Main, East, West, Lower Humber and Black Creek along with the priority actions for each
one.
At the October 16, 1996 meeting, the Humber Watershed Task Force received the latest revised draft of
the subwatershed action plans.
This part of the task force report has been circulated for municipal and task force review and revised
based on the comments received.
RATIONALE
It is recommended that the task force adopt "A Call to Action" and that it be put forward, along with
"Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ", to the Conservation Authority for endorsement.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Colour maps of each of the subwatersheds and concept plans for each of the three Community Action
Sites: Sun Row Park, Lake Wilcox and Caledon East Wetland will be added, as will any graphics required.
The Editorial Subcommittee will oversee production of the final published document.
Copies of the final published report will be circulated to task force members and to all levels of
government, elected representatives and agencies, businesses, schools, interest groups and to the
public.
It was recommended that the planning departments of all municipalities and the seven environmental
advisory committees within the watershed be included in the distribution list to receive a full set of
documents, including the background reports.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 G112
5. HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MTRCA
KEY ISSUE
Forwarding the Humber Watershed Task Force final report titled, "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy
Humber" and "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber Watershed Strategy" to The Metropolitan
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Res. #90/96 Moved by: Dick O'Brien
Seconded by: Luciano Martin
THAT the Humber Watershed Task Force express its thanks to The Metropolitan Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority ( MTRCA), the municipalities and the many organizations and
individuals who have contributed;
THAT the task force forward, with great pleasure, the final report to The MTRCA for their
consideration;
THAT The MTRCA be asked to sign The Humber Pledge;
AND FURTHER THAT The MTRCA be requested to establish the Humber Watershed Council as
soon as possible in order to implement the recommendations contained in "Legacy: A Strategy for
a Healthy Humber ".
AMENDMENT #1 Moved by: Dick O'Brien
Seconded by: Luciano Martin
THAT the name suggested for the Humber Watershed Council be re- considered
The following suggestions were put forward:
• Humber Watershed Alliance
• Humber Watershed Stewardship Council
• Stewards of the Humber
• Humber Watershed Implementation Committee
• Humber Watershed Council
• Humber Watershed Initiatives Group
The suggestions were put to a vote wherein each member had two votes. The final vote resulted in the
majority of members preferring the name Humber Watershed Alliance.
AMENDMENT #2
THAT the implementation group be named The Humber Watershed Alliance.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE .................... ............................... CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS ......... ............................... CARRIED
G113 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996
BACKGROUND
Terms of Reference
In October, 1994, the Authority approved the Membership Selection, Reporting Procedures and Terms of
Reference for the Humber Watershed Task Force. The task force was given a mandate to:
(a) Develop a Humber River Watershed Strategy to achieve a sustainable, healthy watershed for the
Humber River using an ecosystem based approach. This approach recognizes the
interrelationship between natural and cultural heritage, physical, biological and economic
processes, and the integration of conservation, restoration and economic activities to ensure the
continued health of the watershed. The Humber River Watershed Strategy should detail, but not
be limited to the following:
• the specific management actions required to protect, link and regenerate greenspace resources
within the watershed;
• the specific management actions required throughout the watershed to address water and other
watershed based resource and environmental management issues;
• the provision of controlled public access and recreation opportunities that are compatible with
environmental management objectives;
• an evaluation and report on the natural heritage, cultural heritage and recreational qualities of the
watershed that supports a recommendation to the Province of Ontario that the watershed be
nominated as a Canadian Heritage River;
• the development of resource inventory and opportunity maps for each subwatershed (as defined
in the Humber River Watershed Atlas);
• the development of a conceptual management plan(s) within each subwatershed (as defined in
the Humber River Watershed Atlas); and
• the mechanisms and integration required to protect, regenerate and sustain a healthy watershed.
(b) Assist and encourage individuals, interest groups, communities, business, industry and
government agencies in resource planning, stewardship and management activities within the
watershed. These activities could include:
• pilot or demonstration management projects;
• community "Adopt a Stream" initiatives;
• water quality public awareness;
• revegetation projects;
• watershed education including natural and cultural heritage; and
• public information including displays, newspaper articles, television and radio coverage and
communications to municipal councils.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 G114
(c) The task force membership shall:
• consult and involve individuals, interest groups, communities, business, industry and government
agencies in the development of the watershed strategy;
• report progress, on a quarterly basis, to the MTRCA through the Authority's Water and Related
Land Management Advisory Board;
• report progress to their respective agency, group or general public as required to maintain
effective communications between all partners;
• participate on technical working groups;
• review and comment on draft task force documents;
• assist with consultant selection;
• host local meetings so task force members become familiar with all geographical areas;
• follow the Authority's Policies and Procedures with respect to purchasing, hiring of consultants
and all other matters; and
• provide a draft strategy document to the Authority by June, 1996.
The first meeting of the Humber Watershed Task Force was held in February, 1995.
The work plan followed by the task force and the final report that was developed, substantially addresses
every element of the terms of reference.
The final task force report is titled, "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber ". A summary of this report
is as follows:
Chapter 1 The Legacy of the Humber Watershed. An introduction to the Humber River Watershed
and why people should become involved in its protection and restoration.
Chapter 2 Past: The History of the Humber. An historic overview of geology, pre- historic peoples,
European settlement and environmental awakening.
Chapter 3 Present: The Humber Watershed Today. An overview of the state of the Humber
Watershed's environment, culture and heritage, recreation and economics.
Chapter 4 Future: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber Watershed. The strategy for the Humber
Watershed containing 30 objectives organized according to an ecosystem approach
under Environment, Economy, Society (includes culture and heritage and recreation) and
Getting It Done.
Chapter 5 Possibilities for Action. An overview of the Subwatershed Action Plans and Community
Action Sites. Subwatershed maps identify specific objectives and locations for action.
Three Community Action Sites have been selected for inclusion in the strategy and
conceptual maps have been drawn. A total of seventeen sites have been nominated as
Community Action Sites and are acknowledged in the strategy.
G115 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96. NOVEMBER 12. 1996
Chapter 6 Getting Started. What individuals and municipal representatives can do to help achieve a
healthy Humber watershed.
Subwatershed Action Plans
The subwatershed action plans were developed through amalgamation of information from the four task
force subcommittees: Natural Heritage, Community Involvement and Public Use, Culture and Heritage
and Economics.
For each, the main issues and priority actions have been identified. Draft maps detailing the relevant
objectives, issues and actions have been prepared.
The subwatershed action plans were circulated for peer review to municipal and the staff of other
agencies. Comments received were incorporated into the report. While the subwatershed action plans
were prepared by MTRCA staff, the final draft was edited by Ms. Joanna Kidd of the Lure Group to ensure
consistency with the text of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber."
Municipal Review
Chapter 4 of "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" and "A Call to Action - Implementing the Humber
Watershed Strategy" have been reviewed by municipal staff and their comments have been incorporated
into the current texts.
Public Consultation
Public consultation in the Humber Watershed Strategy took place from December, 1995 to October,
1996.
The approach undertaken to public consultation was:
to focus on the main partners /implementers;
to build constituency that would develop a network of government departments, individuals,
interest groups, businesses and others from which a broad base of support for the strategy could
be built.
Trinity Theatre was engaged to facilitate two rounds of public consultation which resulted in 14 meetings
with members of the public in various areas of the Humber Watershed.
Communication
The task force has worked to build public awareness through a variety of means. Task force members
and staff have been involved in many public events such as fall fairs, The Children's Groundwater Festival
and the first annual Paddle the Humber at the Claireville Conservation Area. Seven issues of the task
force newsletter, The Humber Advocate, have been published and distributed to over 2,000 individuals,
businesses, schools, libraries and interest groups. Many task force members have spoken about the
Humber Watershed Task Force in their local communities. Presentations have also been made to
municipal councils,on television and to special interest groups.
HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96. NOVEMBER 12. 1996 G116
RATIONALE
Objective 25 in "Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber" recommends the establishment of a Humber
Watershed Council to facilitate implementation of the Humber Watershed Strategy.
It is recommended that The MTRCA be requested to be the first signatory of The Humber Pledge.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Report to the MTRCA with a proposed terms of reference for the establishment of a Humber Watershed
Council.
Develop The Humber Pledge as part of the mandate of the Humber Watershed Council.
Send a letter of thanks to the Authority for all the assistance it provided to the task force in fulfilling its
mandate.
NEW BUSINESS
(i) Background Reports
The Chair advised that task force members are entitled to receive one set of the sub - committee reports free
of charge. To order additional copies of any report, members are urged to contact L. Lappano. The four
sub - committee background reports are:
- Community Involvement and Public Use in the Humber River Watershed;
- Cultural Heritage Study of the Humber River Watershed;
- Watershed Economics and the Humber;
- Natural Heritage of the Humber River Watershed;
Lyndia Terre Art Display
The Chair directed members to the display of artwork by Lyndia Terre. Ms. Terre is an artist from Bolton
whose work focuses on, among other things, the Humber Watershed. Some pieces on display may be used
in future publications, others are available for sale. Ms. Terre will be having a show at her studio on
Wednesday, November 13, 1996.
Conservation Prize Calendar
M. Webb notified members that conservation prize calendars are still available for purchase. They are
selling for $10 each and there are 170 prizes to give away. All proceeds go to the Conservation Foundation
Members are to contact G. Wilkins to purchase any quantity of calendars.
(iv) University of Toronto
M. Webb advised that the University of Toronto is in the process of upgrading its geographic information
system in their map library. They are focussing on the Greater Toronto Area and the Humber Watershed.
$65,000 has been allocated for this project which will include a web site for the Humber. A partnership has
already been established between the MTRCA and the University of Toronto Geography Department.
G117 HUMBER WATERSHED TASK FORCE MEETING #11/96. NOVEMBER 12. 1996
(v) Acknowledgements
The Chair thanked everyone who volunteered their time to the Humber Watershed Task Force, to the
MTRCA for hosting the task force and supporting their work and to staff for their expertise.
L. Martin expressed his gratitude to M. Izzard, on behalf of the task force, for his time, dedication and hard
work. A note of thanks was also extended to the interim Chair. Debbe Crandall.
(vi) Presentations
D. O'Brien, Chair of the MTRCA and C. Mather, Chief Administrative Officer of the MTRCA, presented the
task force members with commemorative mounted maps of the Humber Watershed
which include the names of past and present task force members and the Humber Watershed Task Force
logo.
M. Izzard was presented with a jacket and cap commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Conservation
Authorities Act as a token of the Authority's appreciation.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 6:10 p.m., November 12, 1996.
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management
/L.
J. Craig Mather
Secretary- Treasurer