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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlood & Pollution Control Advisory Board 1960Vetropottan 5oronto and Ieio,i Coii�eruatioii Jagority MINUTES C -1 Flood & Pollution Control Adv. Bd. April 12, 1960 The Flood & Pollution Control Advisory Board met in the North York Municipal Offices, 5000 Yonge Street, Willowdale on Tuesday April 12th commencing at 1.30 p.m. Present were: Chairman Members Authority Chairman Authority Vice Chairman Authority member Secretary Treasurer Director of Operations Geographer MINUTES R. G. Henderson C. W. Laycock A. E. Reeve J. S. Scott F. A. Wade Dr. G. R. Lord W. C. Davidson G. R. Mason F. L. Lunn K. G. Higgs Mrs. D. Sutter The minutes of meeting #2/59 were presented. Res. #1 Moved by C. W. Laycock Seconded by F. A. Wade That the minutes of meeting #2/59 as presented be adopted as if read. Carried Unanimously. No. 1 STAFF PROGRESS REPORT The Director of Operations presented the staff progress report on water control schemes to date. Res. '-2 - Moved by J. S. Scott Seconded by C. W. Laycock That the staff progress report on Water Control Schemes be received and appended as Schedule 'B' of these minutes. Carried Unanimously. EESERVOIR PLANNING POLICY Mrs. Sutter presented a staff report on Authority policy for reservoir planning in connection with the flood control plan. Res. ;,'3 - Moved by F. 2.. Wade Seconded by A. E. Reeve The Board recommends that the staff report on the Authority policy for reservoir planning as appended as Schedule 'A' of these minutes be approved and that the recommendations contained therein as amended and set forth herein be adopted - (a) That no private ownership or leases be permitted adjacent to the Reservoir proper. C -2 -2- (b) That the use of the water supply in the reservoir for domestic or agricultural purposes by private individuals be per- mitted only with the consent of the Authority. (c) That with the consent of the Authority and the Minister of Planning and Development the Right -of- Easement be granted to a municipality when required, but that no private easements be permitted. (d) That a buffer strip consisting of not less than 100 feet from the high water level be established around the reservoirs. (e) That the plan of development for the non re- creational reservoirs include provision for reforestation of the buffer zones and that the plans of development for the recreational reservoirs include reforestation for the buffer zones not to be used for recreation. Carried Unanimously. SCHEME WC 25 - ROUGE RIVER The staff presented a brief on proposed scheme WC 25 being "A scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation land in the valley of the Rouge River at Finch Avenue ". The proposal was discussed at length. Res. #4 - Moved by C. W. Laycock Seconded by J. S. Scott The Board recommends that Scheme WC 25 "i, Scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation land in the valley of the Rouge River at Finch :.venue in the Town of Scarborough" be adopted and in this connection the following action be taken - • (a) That the Murncipality of Metropolitan Toronto be designated as the benefitting municipality. (b) That the Minister of Planning & Development be requested to approve of the scheme and a grant of 50% of the cost thereof. (c) That when approved the appropriate Authority officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is required in connection with the scheme including the execution of any necessary agreements. Carried Unanimously. PROPOSED SCHEME WC 7,7 LOWER ROUGE RIVER The staff presented a report containing recommendations regarding the Lower Rouge Valley suggesting that the area be acquired as a water control scheme. Res. I5 - Moved by Dr. G. Lord Seconded by F. A. Wade The Board recommends that the recommendations of the Conservation :areas Advisory Board regarding the Lower Rouge Valley be approved and that the scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation lands in the lower Rouge -3- C -3 Valley be considered as a water control scheme and be designated Scheme WC 27 and that the staff be instructed to prepare the scheme as a top priority within the flood control plan. Carried Unanimously. PROPOSED SCHEME WC 2$ LOWER DUFFINS CREEK The staff presented a report containing recommendations of the Conservation Areas Advisory Board recommending that the acquisition of the Lower Duffins Creek area be carried out as a water control scheme. Res. #6 - Moved by W. C. Davidson Seconded by C. W. Laycock The Board recommends that the recommendations of the Conservation Areas Advisory Board re the Lower Duffins Creek Valley be approved and that the scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation lands in the Lower Duffins Creek Valley be considered as a water control scheme WC 2$ and that the staff be instructed to prepare the scheme as a top priority within the flood control plan. Carried Unanimously. SCHEME WC 26 EXTENSION OF THE FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM Recommendations were presented regarding the extension of the flood warning system as provided for in the 1960 budget. Res. in - Moved by A. E. Reeve Seconded by Dr. Lord The Board recommends that Schem WC 26 "A Scheme for the extension of the Flood Warning System be adopted and further in this connection that the following action be taken. (a) That all member municipalities be designated as benefitting (b) That the Minister of Planning & Development be requested to approve of the scheme and a grant of 50% of the cost thereof. (c) That when approved the appropriate Authority officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is required in connection with the scheme including the execution of any necessary agreements. Carried Unanimously. On motion the meeting adjourned at 4 p.m. R. G. Henderson F. L. Lunn Chairman Secretary- Treasurer. 14. 4. 60 FLOOD & POLLUTION CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD C -4 REPORT j1 (being recommendations to the Executive Committee) 1, That the staff report on the Authority policy for reservoir planning as appended as Schedule 'A' of meeting 01 of Flood & Pollution Control Advisory Board be approved and that the recommendations contained therein as amended and set forth herein be adopted - (a) That no private ownership or leases be permitted adjacent to the Reservoir proper. (b) That the use of the water supply in the reservoir for domestic or agricultural purposes by private individuals be permitted only with the consent of the Authority. (c) That with the consent of the Authority and the Minister of Planning and Development the Right -of- Easement be granted to a municipality when required, but that no private easements be permitted. (d) That a buffer strip consisting of not less than 100 feet from the high water level be established around the reservoirs. (e) That the plan of development for the non recreational reservoirs include provision for reforestation of the buffer zones and that the plans of development for the recreational reservoirs include reforestation for the buffer zones not to be used for recreation. 2. That Scheme WC 25 "A Scheme for .the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation land in the valley of the Rouge Riverat Finch Avenue in the Town of Scarborough" be adopted and in this connection the following action be taken - (a) That the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto be designated as the benefitting municipality. (b) That the Minister of Planning & Development be requested to approve of the scheme and a grant of 50% of the cost thereof. (c) That when approved the appropriate Authority officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is required in connection with the scheme including the execution of any necessary agreements. 3, That the recommendations of the Conservation Areas Advisory Board regarding the Lower Rouge Valley be approved and that the scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation lands in the lower Rouge Valley be considered as a water control scheme and be designated Scheme WC 27 and that the staff be instructed to prepare the scheme as a top priority within the flood control plan. 4. That the recommendations of the Conservation Areas Advisory Board : o the Lower Duffins Creek Valley be approved and that the scheme for the acquisition and development of flood plain and conservation lands in the Lower Duffins Creek Valley be considered as a water control scheme WC 2$ and that the staff be instructed to prepare the scheme as a top priority within the flood control plan. 5. That Scheme WC 26 "A Scheme for the extension of the Flood Warning System be adopted and further in this connection that the following action be taken. (a) That all member municipalities be designated as benefitting -2- C -5 (b) That the Minister of Planning & Development be requested to approve of the scheme and a grant of 50% of the cost thereof. (c) That when approved the appropriate authority officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is required in connection with the scheme including the execution of any necessary agreements. SCHEDULE 'A' C -6 To: Flood & Pollution Control Advisory Board M. T.. R. C. A. Re: Authority Policy for Reservoir Planning The Authority staff has recently commenced the preparation of plans for the proposed Claireville Reservoir. During the preliminary discussions, it was concluded that a basic planning policy should be established in order to act as a guide for the staff in the planning and development of the 15 reservoir sites involved in the Authority's flood control plan. It is felt that the initial establishment of basic policy will be important in the overall success of the implementation of the plan. We have as a guide the experience of other similar bodies carrying out flood control work, i. e. the Muskingum Conservancy District of Ohio and the Miami Conservancy District of Ohio. The following points were discussed as being important basic policy and are recommended for adoption by the Authority. 1. THAT NO PRIVATE OWNERSHIPS OR LEASES BE PERMITTED ADJACENT TO THE RESERVOIR PROPER. It has been the experience of other flood control bodies that it is very desirable to own and control a margin of land around the reservoir site. If the Authority does not own the lands adjoining the reservoir site, it then loses control over the use to which the water in the reservoir may be put. Where a reservoir is to be developed for recreational use, this point becomes even more important; private ownership bordering the reservoir could lead to very unattractive developments which would be detrimental to the Authority's program. Where land bordering a reservoir site is not to be used for recreation, it will be advantageous to put this land to some other conservation use. This would not be possible if the land were privately owned. 2. THAT THE USE OF THE 'Ji.TER SUPPLY IN THE RESERVOIRS FOR DOMESTIC OR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES BY PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS BE PERMITTED ONLY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE AUTHORITY. It is felt that it is undesirable to permit unrestricted use of the water supply that will be available in the reservoirs by private individuals for any purpose. Just who should be permitted to use the water and for what purpose is a matter for further consider- ation, but at this time it appears important to establish that the -2- C -7 Authority should control this matter from the beginning. Again, where the reservoirs are to be used for recreational purposes, the matter becomes more important. For example, it would be undesirable to permit the reservoirs to be used as animal watering places where animal pollut- ion of the water would affect a swimming area. 3. THAT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE AUTHORITY THE RIGHT OF EASEMENT BE GRANTED TO A MUNICIPALITY WHEN REQUIRED, BUT THAT NO PRIVATE EASE- MENTS BE PERMITTED. This statement is in keeping with #1. It is recognized that from time to time easements for municipal purposes will be necess- ary, but that easements granted to private individuals or organizations can be just as undesirable as private ownership fronting on the reser- voir. The Authority has already taken action which establishes this policy. The Executive Committee refused to grant an easement in the Boyd Conservation Area to a private subdivider who wanted to establish a pumping station and pipe line in order to get water to his subdivision. The reason for the Executive's refusal to grant this easement was that they felt they should not grant easements to private individuals and that they would rather the request came from the municipality involved, in which case they would consider the easement again. In the case of municipalities requesting an easement, serious consideration by the Authority should be given to the project for which the easement is necessary, for in many cases an alternative solution to the municipalities' needs can be found. 4. THAT A BUFFER STRIP CONSISTING OF NOT LESS THAN 100 FEET FROM THE HIGH WATER LEVEL BE ESTABLISHED AROUND THE RESERVOIRS. Where the reservoir is to be developed for intensive recreational use, much more land will be required. On hundred feet is the minimum distance that should be considered for a margin strip around the reservoirs to act as a buffer from urban encroachment. While many of the reservoirs which are to be built are located in areas which at this time are remote from urban development, it can be anticipated that development will be encouraged in their vicinity. The presence of a lake is a factor conducive to increasing land values and increasing the demand for land. At the Muskingum Conservancy District the experience has been that people are -3- C -$ very prone to wanting home sites near the reservoirs. For this reason it is most desirable that we in the first instance protect ourselves adequately from urban development by providing a wide band of land between reservoir and anticipated urban development. 5. THAT THE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NON RECREATIONAL RESERVOIRS INCLUDE PROVISION FOR REFORESTATION OF THE BUFFER ZONES AND THAT THE PLANS OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE RECREATIONAL RESERVOIRS INCLUDE REFORESTATION FOit THE BUFFER ZONES NOT TO BE USED FOR RECREATION. This final point follows from #4 that where a buffer strip is to be provided its effectiveness will be increased if it is planted to trees. If the reservoirs are bordered by lines of trees which will screen out from view urban development, the seclusion necessary for a recreational development will have.been achieved. Also tree lined slopes adjoining reservoirs will reduce the amount of silt that is liable to be washed into the reservoir during rainy, periods and times of snow melt. These five recommendations for basic policy regarding reservoir sites are respectfully submitted for your consideration. SUMMARY OF RECOMENDATIONS 1. That no private ownership or leases be permitted adjacent to the Reservoir proper. 2. That the use of the water supply in the reservoir for domestic or agricultural pur.poses by private individuals be permitted only with the consent of the authority. 3. That with the consent of the authority the Right -of- Easement be granted to a municipality when required, but that no private ease- ments be permitted. 4. That a buffer strip consisting of not less than 100 feet from the high water level be established around the reservoirs. 5. That the plan of development for the non recreational reservoirs include provision for reforestation of the buffer zones and that the plans of development for the recreational reservoirs include reforestation for the buffer zones not to be used for recreation. SCHEDULE 'B' REVIEW OF WATER CONTROL SCHEMES FLOOD AND POLLUTION CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD APRIL 12, 1960 C -9 WC 1 - GOODWOOD - The pumping station was in readiness for the spring floods, but has not been required as yet this year. WC 3 - ETOBICOKE RIVER IN THE TOWN OF BRAMPTON - The Town of Brampton has approved of the flood line maps and has recommended the passage of a by -law restricting buildings from the flood plain of the Etobicoke Creek. - No further action has been taken on the Scheme. WC 4 - LOWER HUMBER - The final two weirs in the lower Humber are about three - quarters completed. Completion is expected shortly and the Metro Parks Department will then begin development of the properties new under the ownership of the Authority. - The Metro Works Department are carrying out the sanitary land fill operation which was authorized by the Authority. - The hearing before the Municipal Board for the final arbitration of the properties expropriated in connection with the scheme was set for March 28th, but was postponed for the present. A second date should be set shortly. WC 5 - HIGHLAND CREEK - The Authority successfully negotiated sixty -three properties in the Lower Highland Creek (south of Highway #2) in the first twe years of the Scheme and have removed the buildings from the flood plain. These properties along with the Lash property, consisting of 167 acres, are presently under development by the Metro Parks Depart- ment. - The apportionment for land acquisition ($200,000) for 1960 has been committed. Further negotiations will commence late in 1960 for the 1961 acquisition. The scheme covers a four year period concluding in 1961. WC 6 - BLACK CREEK CHANNEL - PHASE I - The improvements to the Humber River which are being carried out in conjunction with the completed channel between Scarlett Road and the Humber River are about 80% completed, and final completion is expected shortly. - The date for the arbitration of properties expropriated in connect- ion with this scheme has not been set. WC 9 - FLOOD LINE MAPPING - The maps and hypothetical flood lining of these maps have been received from Hunting Associates Limited. The report on the maps is presently being studied by the Conservation Branch of the Department of Planning and Development, and the maps will be released to the municipalities as soon as the Department's report is finalized. -2- C -10 WC 11 - HUMBER RIVER AT WESTON - The construction of the upper weir has been completed and the lower weir should be completed within a month's time. - The solicitor is completing the final arrangements with the Town of Weston for the transfer of their lands to the Authority. - Plans of expropriation have been filed on the remaining properties in order that construction can be completed. It is expected that these properties can be successfully negotiated. Several propert- ies have been settled to date. WC 12 - DON RIVER AT YORK MILLS - The channel improvements have been completed. - It is expected that the Metro Parks Department will commence development of the area for recreation purposes within the month. WC 14 - DON RIVER - EAST YORK - The scheme has been approved by Metropolitan Toronto Council. - The Township of East York have agreed to turn over their valley lands to the Authority as soon as survey plans are submitted. A portion of this survey work is almost completed and the remainder is underway. - The Scheme will be submitted to the Minister of Planning and Develop- ment within the month. Phase I will consist of the municipally owned properties only. Phase II will include the privately owned lands required by the Authority and will be prepared as soon as adequate evaluations are secured. WC 15 - DON RIVER - WEST BRANCH, EGLINTON TO LAWRENCE AVE. - A survey plan has been received for the lands south of Eglinton Avenue and will be filed within two weeks. - Dr. Lord has been authorized to negotiate with the Board of Governors of the University of Toronto for the valley lands within the Glendon Hall property. - The Gundy Estate has been turned over to Metro Toronto for development under this Scheme. - Metropolitan Toronto, the Town of Leaside and the Township of North York have been requested to transfer their valley lands to the Authority. This matter is under way. WC 16 - DON RIVER, FINCH AND BAYVIEW (LESLIE) - The Authority has successfully negotiated the Oriole Dam site property with the Waterworks Division of the Metro Works Depart- ment. Since this property was self - liquidating, negotiations had to be carried out. - The remaining property included in the Scheme has been acquired. - Negotiations are underway with the Township of. North York for the transfer of their valley lands to the Authority for a nominal sum. WC 17 - HUMBER RIVER (MIDDLE) - Property negotiations in connection with this Scheme have been completed. - Seven properties were acquired under this Scheme consisting of flood plain land. -3- C -11 WC 1$ - EXTENSION OF THE FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM - Recording stream gauges have been constructed on the Don River at Lansing and on the Duffin Creek at Pickering. WC 19 - BLACK CREEK - PHASE II - FLOOD RETARDATION DAM - The flood retardation dam is presently under construction and was sufficiently completed to be of use during the heavy spring run -off. It is anticipated that construction will be completed in the early spring. - The Authority has filed plans of expropriation on all the properties involved. Negotiations will commence within the month. WC 21 - EGLINTON FLATS - HUMBER RIVER - The Authority has adopted a scheme for the acquisition of the Eglinton Flats and the construction of improvements to the Humber River based on an engineering report received from James F. MacLaren and Associates. - The scheme will be submitted for preliminary approval to the Metro Parks Committee shortly. - Property evaluations will commence when approval is received from Metropolitan Toronto in order to put the scheme in order for sub- mission to the Minister of Planning and Development. WC 22 - BLACK CREEK - PHASE III - This scheme involves the construction of a concrete -lined channel in various sections of the Black Creek, predominantly between Scarlett Road and Rockcliffe Blvd. - L brief requesting a grant of 75% of the cost of preliminary engineering has been submitted to the Minister of Planning and Development, but the Authority has not received an answer as yet. WC 23 - HIGHLAND CREEK - This scheme is presently being prepared for submission to the Metropolitan Parks Committee. - The scheme involves the acquisition of flood plain lands south of Lawrence Avenue. WC 24 - BLACK CREEK AT LAWRENCE AVENUE - Scheme involves the construction of 1$0 feet of concrete -lined channel which is to be built in conjunction with the new Lawrence Avenue Bridge. - A brief requesting 50% of the cost of land acquisition and con- struction has been submitted to the Minister of Planning and Levelopment, but no word has been received concerning approval. WC 25 - ROUGE RIVER AT FINCH AVENUE - Scheme being submitted to the Flood and Pollution Control Advisory Board for consideration. - Consists of 40 acres of flood plain land on the Rouge River. C -12 CLAIREVILLE RESERVOIR - Preliminary engineering for the Claireville Reservoir has been approved by the Minister of Planning and Development, and a grant of 75% of the cost of this survey has been approved. WOODBRIDGE CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS ARTHUR PERCY RESERVOIR (GREENWOOD) YORK MILLS CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS (WEST BRANCH DON RIVER) - L brief requesting a 75% grant for preliminary engineering on these projects has been prepared for submission to the Minister of Planning and Development. FLOOD CONTROL AND T+4i ,TER CONSERVATION PLAN - The Plan has been approved by the Government of Ontario on the condition that the Federal Government participate up to 372% of the cost of the Plan. - The Plan is now to be submitted to the Federal Government. Vetropo/ttan 7001t0 an,c1 /Cer�io�c Con,Servation �uthorit� MINUTES C -13 Flood & Pollution Control Advisory Board October 27th, 1960 No. 2 The Flood and Pollution Control Advisory Board met in the Board Room, 17 Mill Street, North York, on Thursday, October 27th, 1960, commencing at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the Meeting, the Board held a tour of inspection whith raaved Clairville Reservoir Site Black Creek Dam - Scheme r.C. -19 Black Creek Channel at Lawrence Avenue Don Channel - Schemes W.C.-12 and W.C.-20, Following the Meeting, they toured the lower Highland Credc. PRESENT WERE: Chairman Members Authority Chairman Authority Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Director of Operations Assistant Director of Operations Geographer MINUTES: W. G. Henderson R. E. Jones A. E. Reeve F. A. Trade .Dr. G. Ross Lord Y. C. Davidson F. L. Lunn K. G. Higgs E. F. Sutter Mrs. H. D. Sutter The Minutes of Meeting No. 1/60 were presented. Res. #$,: Moved By:- F. A. Wade Seconded By:- A. E, Reeve ia`esolved That:- The Minutes of Meeting No. 1/60 as presented, be adopted as read. Carried Unanimously. STAFF PROGRESS REPCR T : Mrs. Sutter presented a Staff Progress Report on Water Control Schemes to the present time. Res, #9: Moved By :- A. E. Reeve Seconded By:- W. C. Davidson Resolved That:- The Staff Progress Report be received. Carried Unanimously. FLOOD CONTROL PLAN: The present status of the Flood Control Plan was discussed in detail and suggestions made as to how its approval might be expedited. Res. ;10: Moved By:- F. R. "ade Seconded By:-- R. E. Jones The Board Recommends That:- The Chairman - 2 - C -14 together with such others as he may see fit, be requested to meet with officials of the Canadian National Railways and such others as may seem desirable, in an attempt to obtain early Federal approval of the Plan For Flood Control And Water Conservation. Carried Unanimously. EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION: Res. #11: Moved By:- W. C. Davidson Seconded By :- F. A, Wade Resolved That:- A heartfelt expression of appreciation be tendered to Mrs. H. U. Sutter for her diligent efforts and excellent work during the past three years with the Authority. Carried Unanimously. On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. R. G. Henderson F. L. Lunn Chairman Werretary Treasurer Oct. 31/60 - 3 - FLOCD & FOLLUTION CONTROL ADVISORY Bc RD REPOT2 (being recommendations to the Executive Committee) C -15 1. That the Chairman, together with such others as he may see fit, be requested to meet with officials of the Canadian National railways and such others as may seem desirable, in an attempt to obtain early Federal approval of the Plan for Flood Control and Water Conservation..