Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWaterfront Advisory Board 1976 ~ H-l , the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD THURSDAY-MARCH-l8-l976 #1/76 The Waterfront Advisory Board met at the Authority Office, 5 Shoreham Dri ve, Downsview, on Thursday, March l8, 1976, commencing at l:30 p.m. PRESENT WERE Chairman M.J. Breen Vice Chairman Mrs. S. Martin Members G. Ashe Mrs. J.A. Gardner C.A. Mackie J. Morton G. Norton A.E. O'Donohue P.B. Pickett, Q.C. Mrs. N. Pownall G. B. Sinclair R.W. White Chairman of the Authority R.G. Henderson Vice Chairman of the Authority Mrs. F. Gell Secretary-Treasurer F.L. Lunn Dir. - Planning & Policy W.A. McLean Adm. - Waterfront Division M.R. Garrett Site Development Engineer B.E. Denney Supvr. Planning T.E. Farrell Research Assistant Mrs. A. Deans (Ian D. Macnab) ABSENT Member B.G. Harrison MINUTES The Minutes of Meeting #4/75 were presented. Res. #1 Moved by: P. B. Pickett, Q.C. Seconded by: G. Norton RESOLVED THAT: The Minutes of Meeting #4/75, as presented, be adopted. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; WATERFRONT PROJECT 1972-l976 1975 PROGRESS REPORT A comprehensive Progress Report on the Waterfront Project 1972-l976 covering the year 1975 was presented and reviewed by Mr. Garrett. Res. #2 Moved by: A.E. O'Donohue Seconqed by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner RESOLVED THAT: The 1975 Progress Report on the Waterfront Project 1972- 1976, as presented by the staff, be received; and further THAT copies of the Report be sent to Metropolitan Toronto, all participat- ing municipalities, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; B-2 -2- AQUATIC PARK PLANNING S'IUDY A staff communication dated March 10, 1976, together with verbal presentation by the Consultants having regard to the Aquatic Park, were presented. Res. #:3 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: G. Norton RESOLVED THAT: The Aquatic Park Naster Plan and discussion of implement- ation be received; and THAT copies of the Master Plan be forwarded to The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto and the Toronto Harbour Commissioners, for consider- ation and comment. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; WATERFRONT PLAN 1972-l976 SCARBOROUGH SECTOR Amendment to Master Plan - Bluffer's Waterfront Area A staff communication was presented having regard to Amendment to Master Plan - Bluffer's Waterfront Area, Scarborough Sector, Waterfront Plan 1972-l976, together with the Environmental Review undertaken by the Consultants to determine the optimum design of the boat basin. Res. #:4 Moved by: G. Norton Seconded by: R.W. White RESOLVED THAT: The staff communication and Environmental Review having regard to. Amendment to Master Plan - Bluffer's Waterfront Area, Scarborough Sector, be received; and THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The Amendment to the Master Plan for the Bluffer's Waterfront Area, Scarborough Sector, Waterfront Plan 1972-l976, as outlined in the Environmental Review, be approved; and THAT the Amended Plan be submitted to The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto and The Province of Ontario for their approval. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; CIRCULATING WATER DISCHARGE PICKERING NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION A staff communication, together with communication from Ontario Hydro having regard to Circulating Water Discharge, Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, were presented. Res. #5 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: Mrs. S. Martin RESOLVED THAT: The staff communication and communication from Ontario Hydro on Circulating Water Dis~harge, Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, be received; and THAT no action be taken at this time. . CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; MEETING #2/76 OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD IT WAS AGREED THAT a site visit to the Aquatic Park Area would be in- cluded on the Agenda for Meeting #:2/76 of the Waterfront Advisory Board, scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 1976, 1:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m., March 18. M.J. Breen F.L. Lunn Chairman Secretary-Treasurer <? .~ . 1(. , " "',- '. H-3 - '::-"'.' (i7 the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes W^TERFRONT ^DVISORY BOARD THURSDAY-MAY-20-l976 #:2/76 TI1e Waterfront Advisory Board met ~t 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 20, 1976. The Meeting was preceded by an inspection tour of the Aquatic Park area, on board the Toronto Harbour Commission I Kimber t . The meeting commenced at 2: IO p. m. , in the I Probe Room I , 235 Queen's Quay ~vest. PRESENT WERE Chairman M.J. Breen Vice Chairman Mrs. S. Martin Members G. Ashe Mrs. J.A. Gardner B.G. Harrison J. Morton G. Norton A.E. O'Donohue P. B. Pickett, Q.C. Mrs. N. Pownall G.B. Sinclair R.W. White Vice Chairman of the Authority Mrs. F. Gell Beak Consultants Representatives James F. MacLaren Limited Representatives Secretary-Treasurer R.G. Higgs Special Adviser F.L. Lunn Adm. - Water Resource Division M.R. Garrett Head, Waterfront Section B.E. Denney Project Planner T.E. Farrell ABSENT Member C.A. Mackie MINUTES The Minutes of Meeting #:1/76 were presented. Res. #:6 Moved by: G. B. Sinclair Seconded by: B.G. Harrison RESOLVED THAT: The Minutes of Meeting #:1/76, as presented, be adopted. CARRIED; Res. #:7 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: B.G. Harrison RESOLVED THAT: A vote of thanks be extended to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners for their hospitality in arranging for the tour of inspection of the Aquatic Park area. CARRIED; H-4 -2- S'l'1\FF PROGRESS REPOR'r Mr. Gurrett presented a verbal Progress Report of projects presently under way on the Waterfront. Res. ff8. Moved by: !'irs. IT.A. G<1rdner Seconded by: G. Ashe RESOLVED THAT: The Sta ff Progress Report be recei ved wi th apprecia'tion. C.l\RRIED; 1975 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME A comprcllensive report, together with a summary of the 1975 Environ- mental Monitoring Programn1e was presented by Beak Consultants Limited. Res. #9 Moved by: fI..E. O'Donohue Seconded by: G.B. Sinclair RESOLVED THAT: The 1975 Environmental Monitoring Programme~ together with the Summary, presented by Beak Consultants Limited, be received; and that the following action be taken: A copy be referred to the Metropolitan Works Commissioner for his information and comment. CARRIED; HUMBER MOUTH STUDY A report on the Humber Mouth Study undertaken by James F. MacLaren Limited was presented and discussed in some detail. Res. #IO Moved by: A.E. O'Donohue Seconded by: G. Norton RESOLVED THAT: The report on the Humber Mouth Study by James F. MacLaren Limited be received and copies provided to The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, the Borough of Etobicoke and The City of Toronto for their information and comment. PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES 1977 The staff presented the Preliminary Budget Estimates for 1977 and pointed out that it was very difficult at this time to be specific in this regard because the leve~ of funding for the period will not be known until later this year when the second 5-year programme has been fully approved. Res. #11 Moved by: G. Ashe Seconded by: R.W. White RESOLVED THAT: The 1977 Preliminary Budget Estimates be approved in principle; and further - THE BON{D RECOMMENDS ~IAT: The 1977 Preliminary Budget Estimates, as appended as Schedule "1\" of these Minutes, be included in the 1977 Preliminary Budget Estimates of the Authority. CARRIED; -3- 1-1-5 CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN AQUATIC PARK TI1e Conceptual Master Plan for Aquatic Park was presented and discussed in some detai 1. Mr. Morin of the Toronto Field Naturalists' Club presented a submission on behalf of the Club in regard to the Aquatic Park Master Plan; and Mr. R.V. Doty made a presentation on behalf of the Central Waterfront Planning Committee. Submissions from The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, Central Waterfront Planning Committee, ontario Sailing Association and Toronto Field Naturalists' Club were tabled. MOTION Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: G. Norton THAT the Conceptual Master Plan for Aquatic Park be approved in principle and forwarded to The Province of Ontario for their comments and approval; THAT The Province of Ontario jointly with The Municipality of Metro- politan Toronto designate the MTRCA as the implementing agency for Aquatic Park; THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto be designated as the benefiting municipality, and be requested to fund 50% of the cost of development; THAT The Province of ontario be requested to grant 50% of the cost of development; THAT the Authority be requested to investigate the alternative methods of funding and levels of funding, with The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto and The Province of Ontario, and report back as to the most feasible method of implementing the proposals of the Conceptual Master Plan in an appropriately staged manner; THAT subject to funding for the Project being arranged, the staff be directed to prepare a detailed Master Plan of Development, including phasing as it relates to the level of funding; for the approval of th~ Au thori ty , The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, The Ci ty of Toronto and The Province of Ontario; . THAT, in accordance with the direction of the Minister of Natural Resources, the Toronto Harbour'Commission be requested to assume re- sponsibility for basic site stabilization; THAT the Authority obtain, for a nominal sum, those land and water areas required for the development and operation of the park; THAT the Authority place the park lands under agreement with The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto for management and operation; and further - THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto enter into such tri- party agreements as may be necessary for the management of specific elements within the paDc. Res. #12 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: A.E. O'Donohue H-6 -4- RESOLVED 'l'HA'r: Consideration of the MOTION to approve, in principle, the Conceptual Plun for Aquutic Waterf:r:ont Plull be deferred to the next meeting of the Board. CARRIED; ADJOURNMENT On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m., May 20. , M.J. Breen K. G. Hiqqs Chairman Secretary-Treasurer ~ . ~ , , 1 9 7 7 CAPITAL BUDGET ESTIMATES - . . PROGRAM WATERFRONT PLAN PAGE - r.r. 0 I . , ...... ...... ..... t=:j v . c:; PURPOSE: The purpose of the Waterfront Plan is to create, on 'the Lake Ontario shoreline within the area ti t=:j of the Authority's jurisdiction, a handsome waterfront balanced in its land uses which will complement adjacent areas, taking cognizance of existing residential dev~lopment and making >' available, wherever possible, features which warrant public use. = 1977 OBJECTIVES: continuation of the landfill project at Humber Bay West , . . continuation of the landfill project at Bluffer's Park, Phase II . the completion of Ashbridges Bay Waterfront Area for opening to public use . the site development of Humber Bay, Western Beaches and Lower Duffin's . the continuation and expansion of the environmental monitoring and assessment progra~ FuNDING: This is a shared program; a grant of 50% of costs is available from the Province of Ontario, the balance being funded by the Waterfront Capital Levy on all participating municipalities. . - - .. - . . . . ~ . - ; , 1 9 7 7 CAPITAL BUDGET ESTIMATES . PROGRAM WA'I'ERFRCNI' PI.A~ PAG~ 1977 BUDGET SOURCES OF FINANCING 1976 ACT0ALS r 1976 3-;.'-~GE: ACTIVITi NET PROVINCIAL HUNICIPAL E.X?E~J)ITu~S I L<.:::_\"2;-\..-:::::. EXPD.'"D ITURES REVENUES EXPENDITURES GRANT LEVY OTHER EXPE~ITURES REVE~~S ":.c-::-iC):ce ~~r, i'liInico ::-c':":-c 400,000. - 400,000. , 220,000. = -':c::::i.CJke Sector, Hurr:ber =-y I, ::00,000. - 1,500,000. . 70,000. - '2S~o:rn :Beaches, Surmyside --- 550,000. - 550,000. 25,000. - c...ster:1 3e2.cr-.e5, ~::;:-~=i~se' s "'Ea.] 100,000. - 100,000. 1,235,OOO. - .("::> rtoroush Sec'-LDr, . l1..:==er, sPark 1,000,000. . - 1,000,000. . 371,000. ' - "-~~~'~-/~jax Pe~ti.coat - _______':;.... '. t... ........::::::..c:..'~ - - - ~~"- 8,000. - . , t; 0. i es/P.esearcJl - - - 60,000. - "i.Vi ---o:-rr:ental i'bnitoring '::"osra.-:l l50,000. - 150,000. . 120,000. - :~:):;::-el ; r:e E&"1.C.Se:Te.'1t. 500,000. - 500,000. 5,000. - :i te Cloaral1ce, All Sector~ - ..,. - 15,000. - 2~'"'ri i'-a:;u.i.sition, ~l SeC-LD:-S 200,000. - ::nO, 000. 584,000. - ::r; I I)) If 4,400,000. I 4,400,000 ir I I J[ I l[ 2,"713,000. I - ~ H-9 , the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD THURSDAY-SEPTEMBER-9-l976 #3/76 The Waterfront Advisory Board met at the Authority Office, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, on Thursday, September 9, 1976, commencing at l:30 p.m. PRESENT WERE Chairman M.J. Breen Vice Chairman Mrs. S. Martin Members G. Ashe Mrs. J.A. Gardner C.A. Mackie J. Morton . G. Norton A.E. O'Donohue P.B. Pickett, Q.C. Mrs. N. Pownall G.B. Sinclair Chairman of the Authority R.G. Henderson Vice Chairman of the Authority Mrs. F. Gell Dir. - Planning & Policy W.A. McLean Special Adviser F.L. Lunn Adm. - Water Resource Division M.R. Garrett Head, W/F Section, W.R.Div. B.E. Denney Project Planner W.R.Div. T.E. Farrell Project Biologist W.R.Div. I. Macnab ABSENT WERE Members B.G. Harrison R.W. White MINUTES The Minutes of Meeting #2/76 were presented. Res. #13 Moved by: G. Norton Seconded by: G. Ashe RESOLVED .THAT: The Minutes of Meeting #2/76, as presented, be adopted. CARRIED; DELEGATION - NATIONAL YACHT CLUB Mr. N.J. Campbell, Liaison Officer of the National Yacht Club, presented a submission to the Board, requesting consideration be given at some time in the future to making available additional space on the Waterfront to the Yacht Club. Res. #l4 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: G. Norton RESOLVED THAT: The submission of the National Yacht Club, as presented by Mr. N. J. Campbell, Liaison Officer, having regard to future develop- ment requirements of the said Club, be received and referred to the staff for consideration, in conjunction with the overall planning of boating facilities on the Waterfront. CARRIED; H-lO -2- PROGRESS REPORT The staff presented an illustrated Progress Report on Waterfront De- velopment to date. Res. ff15 Moved by: G. Ashe Seconded by: G.B. Sinclair RESOLVED THAT: The staff progress report, as presented, be received with appreciation. CARRIED; INTERPRETIVE SIGNS OPERATION DOORSTEP ANGLING The staff presented a detailed description, with samples, of the Inter- pretive Signs proposed to be erected at appropriate locations on the Waterfront, for the information of the Board. Res. ff16 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: J. Morton . RESOLVED THAT: The staff presentation of Interpretive Signs - Operation Doorstep Angling, proposed to be erected at appropriate locations on the Waterfront, be received. CARRIED; MARINA ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME BLUFfERS PARK - PHASE II The staff presented a communication having regard to the financial assistance to be received from the Federal Government for the Marina Assistance prograwme at Bluffers Park, for the information of the Board. Res. ffl7 Moved by: G. Norton Seconded by: Mrs. S. Martin RESOLVED THAT: The staff report on the action taken by the Executive Committee in regard to the Marina Assistance Programme, Blu ffers Park - Phase II, involving Federal Government financial assistance, be received with appreciation; and THAT a hearty vote of thanks be tendered those involved in obtaining the said assistance. CARRIED; SUPERVISION OF' RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ALONG THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO WATERFRONT The staff presented a Brief prepared and submitted by the Executive Committee to the Metropolitan Toronto Executive Committee, having regard to Supervision of Activities along the Metropolitan Toronto Waterfront. Res. #=18 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: P.B. Pickett, Q.C. RESOLVED THAT: The Brief entitled 'Supervision of Recreational Activities Along the Metropolitan Toronto Waterfront', dated August 9, 1976, be received for information. CARRIED; -3- H-ll SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS - EROSION HAZARD Copies of communications forwarded to the Borough of Scarborough, advising of the potential hazard to four dwellings along the Bluffs, were presented for the information of the Board. Res. #19 Moved by: P.B. Pickett, Q.C. Seconded by: G.B. Sinclair RESOLVED THAT: Copies of communications forwarded to the Borough of Scarborough having regard to the potential hazard to four dwellings along the Scarborough Bluffs be received; and THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: All municipalities be advised of any potential hazards to dwellings occurring as a result of erosion, both on the waterfront and along river banks in the area under the jurisdict- ion of the Authority, and further; advising that the Authority will not assume the responsibility of advising individual owners and occupants, as a matter of policy, of dwellings that are unsafe as a result of such erosion. CARRIED; WATERFRONT PROJECT 1972-1976 ETOBICOKE SECTOR MARIE CURTIS AREA CANADIAN ARSENALS PROPERTY A staff communication was presented having regard to the proposal of the Federal Government to phase out its operations on the property known as the Canadian Arsenals, which is located on Lake Shore Road East, adjacent to the west side of Marie curtis Park, and the proposal for the City of Mississauga to acquire the land and buildings on the said property. Res. #20 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: Mrs. J~A. Gardner RESOLVED THAT: The Authority agrees that part of the Canadian Arsenals property would be a significant and useful addition to the Marie Curtis Waterfront Area, and that the property be obtained by the City of Mississauga; and further . THAT subject to the property being obtained, Authority staff undertake a detailed review of the Marie Curtis Waterfront Area, taking into .account the acquisition and report back to the Waterfront Advisory Board with a revised Master Plan. CARRIED; STAFF REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE TO SAVE ETOBICOKE'S LAKEFRONT MOTEL STRIP BRIEF A staff communication was presented having regard to the staff report on the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront. Res. #=21 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: Mrs. N. Pownall RESOLVED THAT: The staff report on the brief prepared by the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront with regard to the Motel Strip area, Borough of Etobicoke, be received and appended as Schedule "A" of these Minutes; and THAT a copy of the staff report be forwarded to the Co~nittee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront and to the Borough of Etobicoke. CARRIED; H-l2 -4- AQUA TIC PARK A staff communication, together with various communications having regard to the Master Plan for Aquatic Park, were presented and consider- ed in detail. Res. #22 Moved by: P.B. Pickett, Q.C. Seconded by: J. Morton RESOLVED THAT: The staff communication having regard to Aquatic Park be received; and THE BOARD RECOMMENDS 'rHAT: The Master Plan for Aquatic Park be approved in principle and forwarded to The Province of Ontario for approval; THAT The Province of ontario jointly with The Municipality of Metro- politan Toronto designate The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservat- ion Authority, as the implementing agency for Aquatic Park; AND SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO: THAT the development of Aquatic Park be funded as part of The Metro- politan Toronto and Regiort Waterfront Project 1977-1981; THAT the staff be directed to prepare an implementation plan, taking into consideration the comments of all interested agencies for Aquatic Park which set~ out those items of development which can reasonably be included within the Waterfront Project 1977-1981, and their phasing; and those items which can be funded by other levels of Government and other agencies, including the private sector; THAT in accordance with the direction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto; the Toronto Harbour Commissioners be requested to assume responsibility for the armouring of the outer shoreline, and that the Authority support the Toronto Harbour Commissioners in any submission for funding to The Government of Canada in this connection; THAT the Authority obtain, for a nominal sum, thos e land and water areas required for the development and operation of the Park; THAT the Authority place the park lands under the existing agreement with The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto for management and operation; and further THAT The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto enter into such tri-party agreements as may be necessary for the management of specific elements within the Park. CARRIED; ADJOURNMENT On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m., September 9. M.J. Breen K.G. Hiqqs Chairman Secretary-Treasurer SCHEDULE "A" H-13 TO: THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting #3/76 RE: Staff Report on the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront MOTEL STRIP Brief Introduction At meeting #20/75 of the Executive Committee, the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront presented a brief outlining several queries with respect to the Authority's development at the Humber Bay sites and the Motel Strip area, Etobicoke. In this regard, the following resolution was adopted: IIRes.#387 The Brief presented by Mrs. J. W. Maben on behalf of the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront, be received and referred to the staff for study and report to the Waterfront Advisory Board; and That a copy of the staff report be forwarded to the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront." The brief outlined seven (7) major questions: 1. ARE WE CORRECT IN SAYING THAT THE MAJOR PART OF THE 85-ACRE PARK IS APPROVED, FINANCED AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION? The Master Plans for Humber Bay West, Phase I and II, and Humber Bay East Waterfront Area~ have previously been approved by the Province 'of Ontario, Metropolitan Toronto, the Borough of Etobicoke and the Authority. As part of the Waterfront Project, 1972-1976, 21 acres of land were created at Humber Bay West, Phase I and the park was officially opened to the public in June, 1974. A start has been made on the creation of land for Humber Bay West, Phase II, and to date, approximately 5 acres have been created. At Humber Bay East, filling has been completed with 44 acres of land being created. Funding for waterfront development at this time is provided by the 1972-1976 Waterfront project. The Authority has prepared a second Waterfront project, 1977-l98l, which is presently going H-l4 TO: THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting #3/76 RE: Staff Report on the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront MOTEL STRIP Brief PAGE 2 through the required approval process. The approval of this second Project and the securing of funds would allow for the completion of development at Humber Bay West, Phase II and Humber Bay East within the period 1977-198l. An approved project boundary, as part of the Waterfront Project, 1972-l976, does exist for the Motel Strip area, although a master plan of development has not been prepared. Development of the Motel Strip area by the Authority is anticipated to be post 1981. 2. IS THE LOOP ROAD STILL PART OF THE AUTHORITY'S PLAN? The loop road concept for the Etobicoke Sector was first brought out in the 1967 Waterfront Plan prepared for the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Board. The loop road concept was also part of a Master Plan prepared for the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Board in Octc.ber 1970. However, after being designated by the Province of Ontario as the implementing agency for major sections of the Waterfront Plan in November, 1970; the Authority felt it necessary to revise the Waterfront Plan and existing master plans, so as to be implementable within designated time frames and economic parameters. The loop ro~d concept for the Mimico Creek.area has never been included in the Authority's plans for the Etobicoke Waterfront. 3. COULD THE KIND OF LAND EXCHANGES CONTEMPLATED BY McLAUGHLIN AND THE AUTHORITY NOT OCCUR BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE PRESENT AND ANY LAND OWNER? There are basically three alternative means by which the Authority can acquire land in this area: (a) acquisition on the open luarket (b) acquisition through expropriation (c) acquisition through an exchange of lands H-lS TO: THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting #3/76 RE: Staff Report on the Conunittee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront MOTEL STRIP Brief PAGE 3 The acquisition of land on the open market by the Authority is possible, but due to the number of land owners involved in this area, such an endeavour could prove extremely time consuming and possibly expensive. Subject to proving need, the expropriation of the waterfront strip is possible by the Authority. The major problem that could arise with expropriation is that the settlement is usually based on the highest and best use to 'which the land could be . used. For the Motel Strip, medium ?r high density residential uses are possibilities for re-development and if so, the cost settlement f~r the land could be high. An exchange of lands between the Authority and the present landowners is indeed possible. However, Crown holdings are not uniformly distributed across the Motel Strip, and in many instances, transfer of lands between the present landowners and the Authority is not applicable. 'rhis would imply the need for a dual programme of exchange of lands and acquisition of lands, property by property across the frontage of the Motel Strip. 4. HOW MANY ACRES OF THE MOTEL STRIP IS ACTUAL MAINLAND? The existing land base proposed for re-development in the Motel Strip area is approximately 47 acres. 5. HOW MUCH OF THE MOTEL STRIP IS FILLED AND UNFILLED WATER LOTS? As there are numerous water lots in the Motel Strip area, and as the area has a lengthy history of filling in these water lots and illegal filling on Crown land, it is virtually impossible to determine the extent of filled, unfilled, and illegally filled water lots without a detailed title search for each individual property in the Motel Strip area. H-16 TO: THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting #3/76 RE: Staff Report on the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront MOTEL STRIP Brief PAGE 4 -- --- -- _. ---- ----_.~ 6. HOW MANY ACRES OF THE MOTEL STRIP ARE PRESENTLY DESIGNATED CROWN LAND? As indicated in the response to question #5, to determine the exact extent of Crown land in this area would partially involve a title search for each property to determine, if any, illegal filling on Crown land; however, approximately II acres of existing land in the title of the Crown can be readily identified at this time. . 7. COULD THE AUTHORITY NOT ACQUIRE WHAT IS PRESENTLY CRrn~ LAND AS A NUCLEUS TO COMMENCE A LONG TERM PROGRAMME FOR FURTHER ACQUISITION OR EVEN LEASING OF THE REMAINDER? It could be possible for the Authority to acquire the Crown land as a nucleus for a long term programme, but due to the surrounding land being private in several instances, the use of some of the Crown land for public purposes would be difficult. It is not possible for the Authority to 1 ease the remainder of t1':l.e land required for a'waterfront strip as it is an Authority policy that title to land must first be secured by the Authority prior to undertaking any development works. RECOMMENDATION Staff Report on the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront MOTEL STRIP Brief THA T : The staff report on the brief prepared by the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront with regards to the Motel Strip area, Borough of Etobicoke, be received; and, THAT: A copy of the staff report be forwarded to the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront and to the Borough of Etobicoke. M. R. Garrett Administrator Water Resource Division August 23; 1976 Enclosure: Tef/md ~~ '..'. ... , ^\.: H-l7 (:7 I/o ! < , the metropolitan toronto and region conservation authority minutes WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD THURSDAY-JANUARY-6-l977 #4/76 The Waterfront Advisory Board met at the Authority Office, S Shoreham Drive, Downsview, on Thursday, January 6, 1977, commencing at 1:30 p.m. PRESENT WERE Chairman M.J. Breen Vice Chairman Mrs. S. Martin Members G. Ashe Mrs. J.A. Gardner B.G. Harrison C.A. Mackie J. Morton G. Norton P.B. Pickett, Q.C. Mrs. N. Pownall G.B. Sinclair Vice Ch~irman of the Authority Mrs. F. Gell Delegations: Etobicoke Humber Boating Federation Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront Motel & Property OWners' Association - Etobicoke and various other citizens Dir. - Planning & Policy W.A. McLean Adm. - Water Resource Division M.R. Garrett Project Planner - W.R.Div. T.E. Farrell ABSENT WERE Members A.E. O'Donohue R.W. White MINUTES The Minutes of Meeting #3/76 were presented. Res. #23 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: G. Norton RESOLVED THAT: The Minutes of Meeting #3/76, as presented, be adopted. CARRIED; ETOBICOKE HUMBER BOATING FEDERATION At the invitation of the Chair, Mr. C.F. McKeon, Acting Secretary- Treasurer of the Etobicoke Humber Boating Federation presented a Brief on behalf of the Federation, expressing the interest of the Federation in Obtaining interim mooring slips for the year 1977 in the Humber Bay West Waterfront Area. The Anministrator of the Water Resource Division presented a verbal Progress Report on the Metropolitan Toronto Boating Study, which is being conducted by the Authority in cooperation with the Metropolitan Toronto Parks Department, and advised that the results of the Study would be available at the next meeting of the Board. H-l8 -2- Res. #24 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: G.B. Sinclair RESOLVED THAT: The Brief as presented by Mr. C. F. McKeon, Acting Secretary-Treasurer of the Etobicoke Humber Boating Federation, and the verbal Progress Report presented by the staff, be received; and THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The Etobicoke Humber Boating Federation be considered by the Metropolitan Toronto Parks Department, as operators of interim boating facilities, for all or part of the Humber Bay Water- front Area during the year 1977. CARRIED; DELEGATIONS RE MOTEL STRIP HUMBER BAY WATERFRONT AREA The Chairman advised that in addition to the Brief which had been received from the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lake front, a request had been made by the Motel and Property OWners' Association to make a presentation to the Board. Res. #25 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: Mrs. S. Martin RESOLVED THAT: The Board hear the presentation of the Motel and Property OWners' Association after hearing the presentation of the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront. CARRIED; At the invitation of the Chair, Mrs. Ruth Maben (Chairman) made a presentation on behalf of the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront. At the invitation of the Chair, Mrs. Mary Legg made a presentation on behalf of the Motel and Property OWners' Association. The Chairman invited Mrs. Maben (on behalf of the ~ommittee to Save Etobicoke's Lake fron t) to reply to the remarks of Mrs. Legg (on behalf of the Motel and Property OWners' Association. Res. #26 Moved by: B.G. Harrison Seconded by: G. Ashe RESOLVED THAT: The Briefs presented on behalf of the Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront and the Motel and Property OWners' Association, be received and appended as Schedules "A" and "B" of these Minutes. CARRIED; STAFF PROGRESS REPORT Mr. Garrett, Administrator, Water Resource Division, presented a verbal Progress Report of the work carried out by the Division on the Waterfront and included in his presentation Item #IO on the Agenda - 1977 Fill Programme for the Bluffers Waterfront Area, Phase II and the Humber Bay West Waterfront Area, Phase II. Res. #27 Moved by: P.E. Pickett, Q.C. Seconded by: G. Ashe RESOLVED THAT: The Progress Report, as presented, and the 1977 Fill progranune Report be received for information. CARRIED; -3- H-19 SUPERVISION OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ALONG THE METROPOLITAN TOHONTO WA'fERFRONT A staff communication, together with correspondence from The Municipal- ity of Metropolitan Toronto, having regard to Supervision of Recreational Activities along the Metropolitan Toronto Waterfront were presented. Res. 1t28 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: P.B. Pickett, Q.C. RESOLVED THAT: The staff communication and the communication from The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, dated November 4, 1976, regarding the Supervision of Recreational Activities Along the Metropolitan Toronto Waterfront, be received for information. CARRIED; OPERATION DOORSTEP ANGLING Res. 1t29 Moved by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner Seconded by: G. Ashe RESOLVED THAT: Item 1t6 on the Agenda - Operation Doorstep Angling, be deferred to the next meeting of the Board. CARRIED; FUTURE OF CARRUTHER'S CREEK MARSH TOWN OF AJAX A staff communication, together with Brief - "A Biological Assessment - Carruther's Creek Marsh" were presented and discussed. Res. 1t30 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: C.A. Mackie RESOLVED THAT: The Brief "A Biological Assessment - Carruther's Creek Marsh" , dated December-1976, as amended and appended as Schedule "c" of these Minutes, be recei ved; and THAT copies of the Brief be forwarded to The Regional Municipality of Durham and The Town of Ajax, for consideration and input to their respective planning processes for the Carruther's Creek marsh area; and further THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT: The Brief "A Biological Assessment - Carru ther 's Creek Marsh", dated December-l976, and the recommendations contained therein, as amended and appended as Schedule "c" of these Minutes, be approved. CARRIED; FRENCHMAN'S BAY TOWN OF PICKERING Future Development The staff presented a report for the information of the Board which had been considered by the Executive Committee, concerning planning con- siderations for the future development of the Frenchman's Bay Area in The Town of Pickering. Res. 1t3l Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: B.G. Harrison RESOLVED THAT: The communication having regard to the future development of Frenchman's Bay in 1~e Town of Pickering be received for information. CARRIED; ~ H-20 -4- AQUATIC PARK The staff prescnted a report und correspondence from The Toronto Harbour Commissioners with respcct to the proposed Aquatic Park. Res. #32 Moved by: G. l\she Seconded by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner RESOLVED THAT: No further action be taken with respect to the Master Plan for Aquatic Park until the Plan has been reviewed by The Province of Ontario. CARRIED; FUTURE OF THE SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS The staff presented a report outlining some alternatives for policy with respect to the shoreline management programme for the Scarborough Bluffs. Res. #33 Moved by: B.G. Harrison Seconded by: G.B. Sinclair RESOLVED THAT: The staff report on the future of ;~e Scarborough Bluffs be received and copies forwarded to the Borough of Scarborough for information; and further THAT the staff be directed to prepare scenarios for shoreline management alternatives and provide information for discussion by the Board, assess- ing the impact of the alternatives. CARRIED; SHORELINE EROSION STUDY A staff communication, together with report of Mr. Peter Halsall with respect to Shoreline Erosion Study, were presented. Res. #34 Moved by: G.B. Sinclair Seconded by: Mrs. J.A. Gardner RESOLVED THAT: The staff communication and report of Mr. Peter Halsall having regard to Shoreline Erosion Study, be received; and THAT the staff extend to Mr. Halsall the appreciation of the Board for his efforts in producing an excellent report. CARRIED; ADJOURNMENT On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m., January 6. M.J. Breen W.A. McLean, Dir. Planninq & Policy Chairman Acting Secretary SCHEDULE "A": H-2l TO: WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD - METROPOLITAN TORONTO & REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FROM: COMMITTEE TO SAVE ETOBICOKE'S LAKEFRONT - RE: STAFF REPORTS REGARDING THE COMMITTEE'S BRIEF ON THE - LAKEFRONT MOTEL STRIP INTRODUCTION . At meeting #3/76, the Waterfront Advisory Board considered a staff report responding to a brief presented by the Committee to Save Etobicoke's La~efront to the Executive Committee of the Authori~y at meeting #20/75. ,- This brief Laised questions regarding the Authority's plans for the HumbE - , Bay area and more specifically-the lakefront b~tween the Humber River ant;. the Mimico Creek, an area commonly known as the Motel Strip. An earlier staff report with covering letter, dated February 2, 1976, was als,o received in response to the Committee's brief. The following comments and questions relate to these reports. I In reference to both of these staff reports it is clearly stated that redevelopment by one developer on the motel strip expedites thE plans of the ~uthority in acquiring a public access strip along the \ shoreline. The intent or the MTRCA in taking steps to acquire public access to this shoreline is commendable. However, our prime concern is that in its desire to achieve this conceptually commendable goal the Authority may not have given consideration to all the negative ramifications of redevelopment and specifically the McLaughlin , proposal. . The Authority's acceptance of the McLaughlin proposal results in the few who favour redevelopment of the strip appearing to be on the side of conservation and the Jong term public good. H-22 - 2 - Those who are very concerned about the permanent loss to the public of an important non-renewable resource, namely, lake front land, find themselves with no support to date from the source where one could most logically expect it, namely, ,from this Conservation Authority. . Essentially, the position of our Committee is that the benefits of a narrow public access strip along "the lake at this site do not compensate for all the negatiye features of redevelopment. It seems significant to note that the letter from Mr. T. W. Lane, Solicitor, Attorney-General's Department, presenting the view of the Legislative Committee on this matter contains the following statement: , . , "It is recognized that while the MTRCA parkland and waterfront strip. will be of considerable public benefit. the primary beneficiaries would be the future residents of the balance of the lands." We assume that the prime objective of the MTRCA, initially, in carrying out the Metro Waterfront Plan and developing the Humber Bay parks system was to provide a needed regional facility. We are certain that it was not the original objective to provide parkland essentially for the 8000 to 10,000 people who would live adjacent on the Palace Pier site and the proposed McLaughlin development. It is our contention that land assenIDly and redev~l0pment of the motel strip should not be supported by this Authority for the ' . following reasons. . . 1) Redevelopment presents a major threat to the visual, aesthetic and physical conservation of an irreplac~able natural resource. 2) The A~thority recently adopted conservation guidelines which are considered desir~b1e for inclusion in }runicipal Official Plans, namely: . . "River Valleys, ravines and shorelines are non-renewable resour~ which Council intends to protect from development inconsistent with their natural character." The criterion wi1~ be negated if the Authority continu~s with its present. position on this si , H-23 - 3 - 3) The motel strip which already embodies considerablc crown land could cventually all bccomc public parkland. If it is re- developed now its fate is sealed virtually forever. Wc bclicve . the Authority, despite the prcsent stringent economic circumstances, must remain visionary and give consideration to the projected environmental needs ,of a greatly increased population of urbanites 10, 20, 50 years from now. In fact, the economics and finit~ness of our energy situation will , dictate the necessity for a shift in priorities to provide greater expanses of open land in or near large urban areas. In this regard we wish to draw to the Authority's attention f0~ consideration, the recently developed ,policy of the Provincial Parks Council concerning the projected needs and criteria for establishing near-urban ~rovincial Parks. . The area in question is presently rich with the wildlife of wetlands and could well become a most unique urban endeavour. II The Authority's dedication to the principle of retaining crown ........ lands in public ownership as enunciated by Mr. Garrett at a meeting of General Committee of Counci:, Borough of Etobicoke. May 3rd, 1976. is recognized and lauded by our Committee. Because the crown lands involved are scattered throughout the site we understand .the dilemma in this particular situ?tion. as outlined by the staff in their reports. We realize that it might not be possible to develop all of the crown land involved, be~ause of its location. However. should the Authority gain title to the crown land on the motel strip it would seem possibl,e for some of this land to immedi~tely be developed or. at least designated as public open space and used as such. '~e urge the Authority to give further study to this possibility. ~II The items in the staff reports in response to our query concerning ............ the numbers of acres of crown land' contained in the motel strip present a discrepancy. The figures g~ven vary from 11 to 15 acres. However, we are lcss concerned with 'the detail of the discrepancy than the cause. As noteu in Mr. Garrett's report the discrepancy is attributable to a lack of clarity regarding land titles. ~.--, -' ."..- '~ . .....r---.~.._.. ...---- . . H-24 - 4 - The matter of illegally filled waterlots has been of long-standing concern to the Lakefront Owners' Association'and, in the context of proposed development along the lakefront, it is of vital concern to our Committee. Until titles are searched all manner of, illegal exchanges could occur. For example - land sold to the developer could contain unidentified crown land. This land could constitute some of that which would be traded with the Authority for what it already believes to be crown land. In other words, S.B. McLaughlin and Associates could indeed be utilizing crown land in trade for other crown land. Similarly, a public agency, the Authority, could be trading land the ~tatus of which might not have been verified. However, this latter side of the negotiation should be of greater, concern to S.B. McLaughlin or any other developer who needs a clear title. ,I Our concern is that our Authority should not be placed in the possi~le position of giving crown land to S.B. McLaughlin enabling him to obtain the land configuration he wishes by exchanging with the Authority. The Canadian Environmental Law Association, in reply to queries from our group,' states: . "In this case, a title search would probably be necessary and if it were necessary to institute a legal action for a declaration if the Cro\vu owned the land in question, then money for disbursement would also be necessary." Ours is not a money-making organization. Ours is a citizens group which is urging its government agencies to act in the best interest of the citizens of this Region. IV In conclusion, and as a means of summary, there follow some questio arising from the foregoing. . ., (i)' Has the Authority or any of its Boards had any exchange of information with the Provinci31 Parks Council particu~arly wit regard to the latter's-newly formulated philosophy justifying the development of ncar-urban parks? If not, would the . H-25 - 5 - Authority consider doing so? (ii) An immediate continuous publicly owned strip along the shoreline is not essential or wanted by the public at the cost of redevelopment. As an alternative, would the Authority resolve to acquire title to and develop the land presently designated as public, including the approximately 1100 linear feet along the shoreline? (iii)Would the Authority agree to undertake to ensure ,that title searches occur before any agreement is made to trade land with any owner or owners along the strip? The nature of the Authority's financially constrained position is \ fully recognized by those citizens who oppose redevelopment of the Etobicoke Motel Strip. At this time we are not asking YG~ to buy this acreage for parkland but we are asking you to reconsider all of the ramifications of the steps that have been taken by the Conservation Authority thus far which facilitate redevelopment. There are ramifications beyond your jurisdiction, for example, school cost, traffic problems and the provision of community services. All . of these put an enormous burden on the taxpayer. We favour a continuation of the motel use as an alternative' to redevelopment. Residential redevelopment of the Etobicoke motel strip will irrevocably seal the fate of this land. In the opinion of the Committee and the hundreds of citizens it represents, this unique waterfront site which has all the attributes of a natural parkland setting, must be preserved for the future. COMMITTEE TO SAVE ETOBICO . 's LAKEFRONT RUTH YU\BEN, Chairman { ~- iUAc- : , <:2-:-i ( -.~ BOB BOYD , ,-", . ARDATH PETERSON C('11.~,n I ./- , <" (1, \,.1-..., -v{..,' LOIS RICHARDSON ~f.-<V a..~.~'7~/~~ JUDY BRANDOW cfJ;;; 7Z~--ij,., H-26 SCHEDULE "B" Mr. Chairman and Advisory Board Members: I appreciate this opportunity to appear as a deputation, on behalf of the Motel and Property Owners and, as owners, and whose very livelihood and future are at stake, it is fitting that their side should be ,heard. Several have owned property on the Motel Strip for seventy years - in fact, the average length of time of ownership is thirty-five years; so there is no way we can be accused of being SPECULATORS. This is a copy of the original document of The Ontario Municipal Board, dated Monday, June 26, 1967, for the Hearing of By-Law 133, passed February 20, 1967. TEN YEARS we have been shackled by this By-Law that states: "SECTION 8BI USE: No building, structure or land shall be used, and no building or structure shall be hereafter erected, structurally altered, enlarged or MAINTAINED. II The intent being that some form of .control be exercised over all the waterfront lands. -- The Board was nld.de aware of the lack of true planning that preceded this application, and it was informed that there was a study being made at THAT TIME, TEN YEARS AGO. Preparatory to the FINAL PLANNING disposition of the waterfront properties; - and I quote: "the Board is therefore justified in assuming that the nature of the By-Law before it is TRULY a HOLDING By-Law, despite PROTESTATIONS TO THE CONTRARY. The Borough suggested it did NOT want final approval as they wished to amend it as the occasion would dictate. The Board stated, quote: "Such action on the part of Council would certainly not give the kind of STABILITY and PERMANENCE to the AREA to which the RESIDENTS ARE ENTI'l'LED and for which the PLANNING ACT WAS ENACTED." . .. . /2 H-27 Schedule "B" cont'd -2- The Board, however, does agree that there is justification for some TEMPORARY control and will give TEMPORARY APPROVAL for ONE YEAR for all land involved in this application; and that was dated July 6, 1967. So now you are aware of why these motels are in such a DILAPIDATED STATE. AND THAT TEMPORARY HOLD IS STILL ON US AT THIS TIME - TEN YEARS LATER. People have asked us why we don't sell and get out. Would you buy an OLD - and I mean OLD - most are 30, 40 and 50 years old - motel that you weren't allowed to USE, structurally alter, enlarge or maintain???? (i) READ: - 12 report of Planning Board to Council 1968. These extensions went ON_ and ON ann on July 2lst, 1972, I wrote t6 The Ontario Municipal Board. (ii) READ: - Ontario Municipal Board letter July 21, 1972. As of today's date we have appeared at The Ontario Municipal Board SEVENTEEN times and the entire month of June Hearing. with all those exorbitant legal fees! The Ontario Municipal Board ruled in our favour and, as a further stalling tactic, the Borough appealed, hoping this developer would back off as they had caused the four previous developers to do. After they had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on plans, etc. , this developer has managed to still stay in there and will probably be committed for about EIGHTEEN MILLION before this is settled - and it gets more expensive every day. There are many more articles proving that we have been badly mistreated by this Borough - misleading By-Laws, deliberate falsehoods and many illegal tactics. However, I wish to refute several of statements made by The Committee to Save Etobicoke's Lakefront. Submitted by Mrs. Mary Legg on behalf of Motel and Property OWners' Association (dated January 6, 1977) H-28 SCHEDULE "e" 1\ BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CARRUTHER'S CREEK MARSH SUM}~RY AND RECOMMENDATIONS . - ............ Ian D. MiJ,cnab .' James Wingert December 1976 THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY' , H-29 l. l. SUMMARY The Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority undertook a biological survey of the Carruther's Creek marsh during the summer of 1976. The purpose of the study was to inventory the flora and the fauna of the area and to assess the sensitivity of the area to develop- ment or the effects of adjacent development. This would aid in deter- mining the suitability of the area for various activities. Carruther's Creek marsh is found on the Lake Ontario shoreline, in the Town of Ajax, at the eastern jurisqictional limits of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. To the west of the area are residential dwellings; land north and east of the marsh is agricul- tural. Access to the west side of the marsh may be gained from Shoal Point Road south of Bayly Street. The area surrounding the marsh is composed of Grey-brown podzolic soil, specifically Smithfield clay loam. This soil is slightly alkaline, colcareous clay with imperfect drainage. Within the marsh itself, the s("il is a mixture of saturated mineral soils and organic detritus. The marsh is separated from Lake Ontario by a low gravel bar, with a small outlet toward the western end of the bar permitting flow between the marsh and the lake. The average depth of water in the marsh is approximately one metre (3 ft.). Water quality data from the Ministry of the Environment were compared to standards necessary for the protection of fishes and other aquatic life. Based on these comparisons, the water quality of the Carruther's Creek marsh was considered satisfactory. Bacteriological criteria indicated that in terms of total coliforms the water was impaired for body contact recreation. I , H-30 2. 1. SUMMARY (continued) Ninety-four varieties of plants were found in the study area. The open water of the marsh was dominated by leafy pondweed (potamogeton foliosus), white water lily (Nymphaea tuberosa) and duckweed (Lemna sp.). Cattail (Typha latifolia) and arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) predominated along the edge of the marsh. Major terrestrial vegetation included red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), marsh milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), jewelweed (!mpatiens capensis), hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), white ash (Fraxinus americana) and black willow (Salix nigra). Thirty species of birds were observed during the study. Black tern (Childonias nigra surinamensis), CClU1\on tern (Sterna hirundo), red- wing blackbird (Agela~us phoeniceus),and herring gull (Larus argentatus) were the most abundant. Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) was sighted during all observation periods. Undoubtedly more varieties and numbers of birds migrate through the marsh in the spring and fall. Observations made on 253 species, by Rev. R. C. Long supports this hypothesis. Thirty mammal species were recorded within the area between 1963-1969 by Rev. R. C. Long. It was thought that species such as brush wolf (Canis latrans), otter (Lutra canadensis), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) were now (1976) probably rare to the area. Small, more adaptive mammals, such as raccoon (Procyon lotor), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) and species of the orders Rodentia and Insectivora were thought to be still abundant. Nineteen species of fishes were found in the marsh and eight of these were considered to have recreational value for the angler. The domi- nant species were brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis 2ibbosus). Rock bass (Ambloplitcs rupestris) and yellow perch (Perca flavcsccns) were also considered abundant. H-31 3. 1. SUMMARY (continued) Carruther's Creek marsh supports a variety of flora and fauna. The preservation of the marsh habitat is essential if future generations are to be ensured an opportunity to view and experience nature. Ornithological data indicate that the marsh is a feeding and breeding area for a variety of birds. The marsh is of further value as a resting area during waterfowl migration. The marsh provides food, shelter and spawning facilities which are vital to the maintenance of the warm water fish populations found in the area. The vegetation in the marsh has changed from cattail dominant to water lily dominant. This change is attributed to water inundation resulting from urbanization within the surrounding area. The change in vegetation has brought about changes in the wildlife community structure. However, the present biotic community can be maintained if guarded against further urben encroachment. Sensitive areas requiring preservation have one or more of the fOllowing components: (i) scientific or educational value; (ii) habitat of importance to the maintenance of fish and wildlife: (iii) being rare to the region, or containing or supporting rarities (flora, fauna, geological, historical, etc.). Carruthcr's Creek marsh possesses' all three qualities required for designation as a sensitive, area. H-32 4. 1- SUMMARY Ornithological and natural history data on the marsh collected since 1963 point out the marsh's scientific and educational value. The present study indicates that the marsh supports a variety of flora and fauna, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources designates the marsh as suitable for the support of wildlife, specifically puddle ducks (waterfowl) . Based on these land use capabilities, the marsh would appear to be suitable as a wildlif~ preserve. Carruther's Creek Marsh is one of six marshes along the waterfront under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Autho- rity. If the marsh is to continue. to support a variety of flora and fauna, and continue to serve as an area of enjoyment and education for future generations, then the marsh must be preserved. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: (i) The Carruther's Creek Marsh be recognized by the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Regional Munici- pality of Durham and the The Town of Ajax as a sensitive area and that any planning or development be cognizant of the fish and wildlife values in the area; (ii) The Town of Ajax be requested to reflect in its final plan the policies of the Authority with respect to the Carruther's Creek Harsh, including land acquisition and protection and make pro- vision for the prohibition of development, which would impair the fish and wildlife values in or immediately adjacent to the Carruther's Creek Marsh: and further .-. ... . .~ B-33 ... S. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS (continued) Development in proximity to the Marsh or adjacent to the Carruther's Creek upstream of the Marsh be regulated to ensure the maintenance of the Marsh in its natural state: (iil) the Marsh and surrounding lands be preserved as a natural wildlife area and use be restricted to passive activities such as bird watching, angling and nature appreciation and that these activities be regulated to ensure the preser- vation of the area. -. - -' _ .._....-7~..-- . .