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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDon Watershed Regeneration Council 2006THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #1/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #5/06 JUNE 23, 2006 Consservat on for The Living City theDoi MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #1/06 January 19, 2006 Page F1 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #1106 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday January 19, 2006. Peter Heinz (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Peter Heinz Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Stephen Cockle Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Douglas Obright Member Carolyn O'Neill Member Janice Palmer Member GUESTS John Hopkins Guest Bogna Jaworski Guest Philip Mathias Guest Andrew McCammon Guest, Taylor Massey Project Emily McNamee Guest Hyman Schwartz Guest Nicole Worsley Guest, Environmental Studies, York University STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Joanne Jeffery Stewardship Program Administrator - Kelly Montgomery Remedial Action Plan Project Manager Amy Thurston Don Watershed Resources Planner Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Technical Clerk January 19, 2006 PRESENTATION TRCA Stewardship and Outreach Education Programs Page F2 Joanne Jeffery, Stewardship Program Administrator, TRCA, provided a presentation on the Toronto and Region Conservation's programs for private landowner stewardship, community stewardship and education. The TRCA stewardship programs focus on small scale events. The goal is to influence attitudes and behaviour, in order for community members to effect change in their own areas. Tonight's presentation focused on the Community Stewardship model. Eight main projects are currently in place, at the Bartley Smith Greenway, Centreville Creek, Clairville Conservation Area, Duffins and Carruthers Creek, Frenchman's Bay, Highland Creek, Pickering and Malton. These projects involve plantings, hikes, clean -ups, enhancing trails and monitoring by volunteers, among other initiatives. Partnerships have been formed between TRCA, municipalities, residents and businesses. Public events geared toward families, such as the nocturnal hike "Hoot and Howl ", are popular and help to educate residents about local wildlife. TRCA staff also provide leadership through events such as the Stewardship Forum which is held . Information about this event was included in the Agenda package for this DWRC meeting as Information Item 5.7. Michelle will update the DWRC and guests with registration information for the event when it becomes available. (Editor's note: an email was sent January 20, 2006 to all DWRC members and guests with this information). These programs would not be possible without partnerships between TRCA, government, industry and residents. The average cost of implementing a stewardship program is $80,000 per year. In addition, significant in -kind contributions from businesses and individuals greatly add to the success of these programs. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (S. Cockle) Is it possible to have TRCA Stewardship staff present to community groups? Response Yes, we can arrange that. Comment (A. McCammon) Is it possible to request a community event such as an owl hoot outside the targeted areas? Response For 2006, we are unfortunately limited to events already budgeted for. We would not likely to be able to fit in new events at this time. January 19, 2006 Page F3 Comment (A. McGammon) The TRCA has also done ecological surveys of ravines through the Natural Heritage Inventories. Are these surveys incorporated into the work that you do within local areas? Response Yes, we try to effectively communicate with other departments and their initiatives. Comment (A. Thurston) Colleen Cirillo of TRCA Stewardship was present at last year's Mill Pond Splash and provided a presentation at a past DWRC meeting on the Healthy Yards program. There is a great website for this program that provides useful information for each municipality in the TRCA jurisdiction. Response The address for the website is on the bookmarks provided tonight. Colleen has researched the activities of other groups and a map on the website shows initiatives being conducted in a given area. Comment (M. Buchinger) Is your program coordinated with the City of Toronto's Community Program for Stormwater Management (CPSWM)? Response (A. Freeman) The TRCA does not receive funding from that program. We are supportive of groups that receive funding from CPSWM THAT Joanne Jeffery be thanked for her presentation CARRIED MINUTES RES. #F1/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #10/05 Moved by Janice Palmer Seconded by: Doug Obright THAT the minutes of meeting #10/05, held on November 17, 2005 be approved .... CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING January 19, 2006 Page F4 4.1 Geographic Naming Request - Pomona Creek Letter to the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Ministry of Natural Resources - December 1, 2005 Members of the DWRC inquired as what party initiated this request. Peter Heinz replied that he did not know, but it was likely the Town of Markham. Peter confirmed that Pomona Creek has been the name used for the tributary but that it was not made official before this proposal. The DWRC had no objection to the name Pomona Creek for the indicated Don River tributary. OUTGOING 4.2 Comments on Watertight: The Case for Change in Ontario's Water and Wastewater Sector Letter to the Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, on the Watertight report, from Mel Plewes, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - November 18, 2005 4.3 Grant for the Don River Watershed Letter to Victoria McGrath, Manager, Environmental Leadership, Town of Markham from Peter Heinz, Chair, Outreach Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - November 21, 2005 4.4 Presentation to the City of Toronto Roundtable on the Environment Text of the presentation on behalf of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council by Carmela Canzonieri to the City of Toronto Roundtable on the Environment- November 23, 2005 Carmela updated the DWRC with the status of the action on green roof initiatives. The DWRC will continue to monitor green roof policy, and Carmela restated her desire to be involved in any action taken on green roofs. 4.5 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and Review Process Letter to the International Joint Commission, Great Lakes Regional Office, from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - November 28, 2005 4.6 Taylor- Massey Creek Storm Outfall Monitoring Program Letter to Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager, Toronto Water, from Don Cross, Acting Chair Don Watershed Regeneration Council - January 13, 2006 4.7 Comments on Ontario Trails Strategy Letter to the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion, from Peter Heinz, Chair, Outreach Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - January 13, 2006 January 19, 2006 Page F5 RES. # F2/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by. Seconded by: Moyra Haney Margaret Buchinger THAT correspondence items 4.1 through 4 7 be received . CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Contract for Construction of CN's Kingston Subdivision Bridge Extension and Bala Subdivision Underpass Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #9/05, November 25, 2005 Adele Freeman updated the DWRC on the status of the lower Don work The tenders for the contracts are out and will come in to TRCA within a few weeks. TRCA is expecting bids from approximately six parties. 5.2 Canada -U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Review Letter from Conservation Ontario to the International Joint Commission, Great Lakes Regional Office, November 30, 2005 5.3 Conditions for Approval of Building Permits in the West Don Lands Report from Steve Heuchert, Senior Planner, Development Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Executive Committee Meeting #10/05, December 2, 2005 Adele Freeman updated the DWRC on the status of this issue. Previously, work in this area could not go ahead until all infrastructure was built. We can now proceed with some of the building while planning is conducted concurrently. Until flood protection is complete, buildings in the area will not be able to be occupied. 5.4 York - Durham Sanitary Sewer Projects in Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Jurisdiction (Projects in the Don Watershed) Report from Beth Williston, Watershed Policy and Planning Specialist, Development Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #4/05, December 2, 2005 Michelle Vanderwel will check for upcoming public meetings on the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer Project and inform the DWRC of these meetings. (Editor's Note: No such meetings are scheduled at this time) January 19, 2006 Page F6 5.5 West Don Lands Stakeholder Meeting - December 5, 2005 Memo to the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - December 5, 2005 Adele Freeman stated that there will be a kick -off event for the West Don Lands project once site demolition begins, expected in late February to early March, 2006. Staff will inform the DWRC when details are received. 5.6 Community Program for Stormwater Management Open House- February 2, 2006 Notice from Lisa Turnbull, Project Manager, Humber Watershed, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation Moyra Haney will attend this event and give a report on it to the DWRC. Margaret Buchinger noted that North Toronto Green Community was a former recipient of the CPSWM funding for the green garden visit in Hogs Hollow. Margaret requested Don Council permission to present to the DWRC on the results of this initiative. The report on this project is presently being completed by the project manager and will be ready for the February DWRC meeting. 5.7 Regeneration: Our Land, Our Selves, 2006 Stewardship Forum- February 11, 2006 City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation notice ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Proposed end - to-end hike of the Don Watershed Peter Heinz spoke on this proposed idea to publicize the issues surrounding the Don watershed and familiarize residents with the river. The Outreach team would organize the hike. Peter presented a map to the DWRC that showed the location of existing paths along the Don. He noted that some gaps exist, for example, at golf courses. Signs could be placed at the gaps to suggest detours. The DWRC discussed how this hike could be organized. It could be self - guided, through information signs, led by the Toronto Field Naturalists, or some combination of these. It may be linked to the Toronto Trails Festival, held in the fall. Janice Palmer noted that an end -to -end hike would take most hikers about a day. It was suggested that hikers may wish to keep a log of the days that they hiked and could submit their logs to show that the entire route had been completed. A scavenger hunt -type event could be organized, where some proof of being at a specific location is noted and submitted by hikers. January 19, 2006 Page F7 Adele Freeman pointed out that this year is the 60th anniversary of the Etobicoke - Mimico Conservation Authority and 2008 is the 60th anniversary for the Don Valley Conservation Authority. As the public may be experiencing an overload of public meetings, we would like to engage them in a different way. It was noted that the main branch of the hike would be 36 km, but with side branches and tributary trails, a 60 km hike could be devised, in honour of the 60' anniversary. Todmorden Mills trails could be included here. Perhaps promotion materials would require that hikers complete the 60 -km course by January 1, 2008? Philip Mathias suggested that a clean -up of the river banks could be included in this hike. Peter Heinz noted that awareness and fostering of smaller, focussed groups would certainly occur. Several DWRC members noted that with coordination with the City and if gloves were provided, a clean -up event could be organized. Hyman Schwartz suggested that distance markers could be placed along the trails. A "zero position" would need to be decided upon- the river mouth at the lake is a likely candidate. Then, people could give their position relative to a marker for clean -up. Stephen Cockle suggested that the trail could be divided into reaches, with speakers posted at a location at each reach to give information on that river section. Andrew McCammon noted Taylor Massey Project's division of Taylor Massey Creek into reaches. He also suggested tying in a hike with the increasing popular health /weight loss industry (e.g. Weight Watchers). Stephen suggested a possible link with one of the many charitable organizations that hold walks for fundraisers. Janice Palmer noted that ideas regarding the hike would be discussed at the next Outreach Team meeting, scheduled for January 26, 2006. 6.2 Recruitment of new Don Watershed Regeneration Council members Adele Freeman noted that several guests were present at tonight's meeting, and initiatives such as the bus tour of the lower Don (November 26, 2005) increased awareness of and interest in the DWRC. However, more opportunities are needed, such as the proposed hike, above. Outreach activities for the Integrated Watershed Management Plan are to begin shortly. Next week (January 26, 2006), the Watershed Planning team will meet and some discussion of this issue may be held there. Adele also noted that a link to universities is needed. Several graduate students should sit on the council, at this time, none do. The DWRC should encourage students to present on their research at council meetings. The DWRC should also hear presentations by Don River researchers, to learn of the research being conducted on the river. Hopefully, some of these researchers and students may be interested in joining the council. Increased representation of individuals and /or groups located north of Steeles is also needed. Stephen Cockle could help with outreach to increase membership from this region. January 19, 2006 Page F8 It was noted that although new members have been recruited, they do not necessarily regularly attend meetings. Adele suggested that she call members who rarely attend meetings to catch up with them. Moyra Haney suggested that in order to get input from members who do not regularly attend meetings, action items from the meeting minutes be sent out by Michelle Vanderwel before the meeting minutes are finalized. Adele agreed that this would be useful, and Michelle will now do this as soon as possible after each meeting. Peter Heinz questioned whether members felt that agenda packages were useful in their present form. Do all members read the material? Carmela Canzonieri stated that she is satisfied with the packages. Michelle Vanderwel requested that members who wished to receive only electronic versions of the packages contact her to let her know. Hard copies will continue to be sent out unless a member requests electronic versions only. 6.3 Update- Don Mouth Naturalization and Flood Protection Project (DMNP) Adele Freeman updated DWRC on the January 10, 2006 meeting and the status of this project. The team is in the process of finalizing the Terms of Reference (ToR). Approximately 160 people attended the January 10 meeting. Twenty -two written comments were received. The TRCA will be sending the draft ToR to the members of the CLC, TAC, and the public attendees of the DMNP events in early February for a two -week review period. The document is to be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment in early March. Comments received were generally quite supportive in terms of the direction of the project. COMMITTEE REPORTS POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Editor's note: Minutes from the Meeting #1 /06 - January 12, 2006 were not available for inclusion into the agenda packages for the current meeting. They will be available with the materials for The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #2/06. Margaret Buchinger reported on the Policy and Advocacy Team's last meeting. The final draft of the Growth Plan review is being prepared and will be finalized in time for the January 27 deadline. A letter of support for the Source Protection Planning proposed Clean Water Act is being drawn up; Bev Thorpe is leading this. Peter Heinz thanked Margaret for taking on the responsibilities of Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Team. January 19, 2006 TORONTO AND AREA REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN GENERAL UPDATE Page F9 Kelly Montgomery gave an update on the Toronto RAP The next progress report is in production Previous reports are available on the RAP website (www.torontorap.ca.) in pdf form Kelly can also supply hard copies of these reports The 2001 report identified six priorities: wet weather flow management; pollution prevention; habitat restoration; smart growth; education and involvement; and monitoring. Interim targets will be evaluated and updated as the work progresses. Research from academics, MOE, and other sources is being brought together for the new RAP report. UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Phil Goodwin reported on the East Don Parkland Partners activities A schedule of events for 2006 is presently being planned and Phil is meeting with representatives of the "Nature Clean" company as a potential sponsor for Paddle the Don and other initiatives Taylor Massey Project's activities were reported by Andrew McCammon. TMP is producing their annual report. In 2005, their events drew 1061 attendees with expenditures of only $840. 2006 priorities will include the Warden Woods ecosystem inventory and the Taylor Massey Trail. The Toronto Bay Initiative is planning its 2006 events, including a production of "Hair" scheduled for late April. Moyra Haney reports that TBI's newsletter "Baywatch" is available online. A project to produce an explorer's map is in the works. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location Event Description Tuesday, February 2, 2006 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Metro Hall, Room 308 Community Program for Stormwater Management Open House The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation are pleased to announce the launch of Year 3 of the Community Program for Stormwater Management (CPSWM). January 19, 2006 Page F10 Date / Location Event Description Tuesday, February 2, 2006 6:00. pm - 9:00 pm Metro Hall, Room 308 Community Program for Stormwater Management Open House (cont'd) Attend an Open House to find out more about this program. To RSVP or for more information, contact Lisa Turnbull at 416- 661 -6600 ext 5325 Saturday, February 11, 2006 9:00 am - 9:45 am Registration 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Speakers /Events Kortright Centre for Conservation Regeneration: Our Land, Our Selves. The 7`h Annual Stewardship Forum The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation present the 2006 Stewardship Forum, featuring Dr. John Ferguson speaking on "What Sustains Sustainability ? ". For information, contact Joanne Jeffery at 416- 661 -6600 ext. 5638 or Kim Statham -Bray at 416 - 392 -1339 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday February 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday May 18, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 15, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 January 19, 2006 Page F11 POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday February 9, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 9, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Tuesday May 11, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 8, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 13, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Tuesday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 10/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 1/06 Thursday January 26, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 2/06 Thursday March 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Tuesday May 4; 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday June 1, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Tuesday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 9/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 January 19, 2006 Page F12 WATERSHED PLANNING TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 1/06 Thursday January 26, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 2/06 Thursday February 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 27, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Tuesday May 25, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 22, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 27 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 28 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 26, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 3 # 10/06 Thursday November 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 CHAIRS TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 2/06 Wednesday February 8, 2006 9:00 am # 3/06 Wednesday March 8, 2006 9:00 am # 4/06 Wednesday April 12, 2006 9:00 am # 5/06 Wednesday May 10, 2006 9:00 am # 6/06 Wednesday June 7, 2006 9:00 am # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006 9:00 am # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 am # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 am # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 am January 19, 2006 Page F13 NEW BUSINESS Carmela Canzonien asked whether the DWRC would be interested in a presentation on designs for stormwater management from jurisdictions outside of North America. Council members expressed interest, so Carmela will prepare a presentation for a future DWRC meeting. It was requested that council members and team members check the contact information provided for the DWRC and the Outreach, Policy and Advocacy, and Watershed Planning teams and correct any information require corrections. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:13 pm. Peter Heinz Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #2/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #5/06 JUNE 23, 2006 TORONTO AND REGION "Y- onserva tfon for The Living City theDoi' MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #2/06 February 16, 2006 Page F14 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #2106 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday February 16, 2006. Don Cross (Vice Chair, Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Jane Darragh Member Martin German Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member Brenda Lucas Member Roslyn Moore Member Janice Palmer Member Ron Shimizu Member GUESTS Max Dida Guest Becky Freedman Guest Speaker, Don Valley West One -Tonne Challenge John Hopkins Guest Philip Mathias Guest Andrew McCammon Guest, Taylor Massey Project Emily McNamee Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Amy Thurston Don Watershed Resources Planner Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Technical Clerk February 16, 2006 PRESENTATION Don Valley West One -Tonne Challenge Page F15 Becky Freedman, Coordinator, Don Valley West One -Tonne Challenge (DVW One -Tonne Challenge), provided a presentation on the history of this initiative and the upcoming community forum organized by the DVW One -Tonne Challenge group to engage local citizens. DVW One -Tonne Challenge is hoping that groups such as the DWRC can help to promote the event among their contacts. The One -Tonne Challenge is a Canadian initiative to reduce greenhouse gases by one -tonne per capita per year. It is a local grassroots program, based on community outreach. The DVW One -Tonne Challenge began with a March 2004 community meeting among stakeholders, NGOs and academia. Becky is organizing a second meeting to be held March 26, 2006 for the general public to voice their opinions on climate change and suggest solutions. This forum will not have a speaker giving a lecture but rather is based on the "Open Space" concept. This type of event is a facilitated discussion during which the audience suggests its own topics and forms the agenda, and participants discuss the items that interest them with a similar- minded group and take their own minutes. The general idea behind this format is that it allows people to connect with others who have similar interests and prevents the perception of having wasted time with discussions that do not interest the participants. The meeting location is still to be determined. (Editor's note: an email was sent February 27, 2006 to all DWRC members and guests with this information. The meeting location will be the Noor Centre, 123 Wynford Drive, March 26, 2006, 12:30 - 4:30 pm.). The website for the DVW One -Tonne Challenge has more information at http : / /www.dvwonetonnechallenge.ca. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (P. Goodwin) Is your organization entirely volunteer -run or do you receive funding? Response We do receive federal funding. Comment (P. Goodwin) How does the Open Space process operate? How does a participant learn about the issues? I'm concerned people may walk away disappointed. Response Everyone speaks in the group. Neighbours may have great ideas and "lived experience ". There will be someone in the group with an answer or the forum leaders can follow up with answers. Open Space assumes that everyone is in the room that needs to be there. There will also be brochures and displays available. Comment (J. Palmer) I have the same concern. People could walk away believing a myth, especially if it was presented by the most vocal of the participants. February 16, 2006 Page F16 Response There will be stakeholders and NGO representatives present also, so we hope to avoid such a situation. Comment (B. Lucas) Where does the information from this forum go next? Response We hope to use the information gathered to inform the DVW One -Tonne Challenge Program, but mostly this forum is meant to meet the needs of the public. Comment (A. Thurston) Our Council's interests and activities cover the entire Don River watershed. Is your program specific for one area, and if so, are there other organizations and programs for other areas? Response We do cover just the Don Valley West area. There are other groups covering different areas, such as One -Tonne Toronto (covers all of Toronto) and Windfall Ecology Centre's program (covers York Region). We don't, however, want to exclude anyone with ideas and interest. Comment (R. Moore) Is there a way to alert people in advance of the forum format? I would recommend that you use shorter, "punchier" messages than what you currently have on your flyer, be more explicit. Response Thank you, we are trying to put out the message that this forum will not be the usual speaker- oriented type of event. Comment (D. Cross) What can the DWRC do to help? Is more formal advertising being done? Response Right now we are focussing on bulletins and word of mouth through various community groups. We are also issuing press releases to local newspapers and networking with groups such as the DWRC. Comment (M. Buchinger) I would also suggest sending flyers to community centres and libraries. Response Thank you. Comment (J. Palmer) Printed material on the One -Tonne Challenge is currently being sent to people's houses. For those that have read it, what will be gained at a forum such as this one? Comment (R. Moore) I would suggest that I would go to such a forum to become engaged in community - oriented strategy. People may know what to do, so they can talk about why they are not doing it. Comment (D. Cross) I think that the event will attract some, perhaps not others. When the location is final and you have a final flyer, please send it to Amy and Michelle, and they will forward it to Council members that were not here tonight. I encourage members to attend. Response I also have flyers for an event this weekend at the Don Mills Centre, for those who are interested. February 16, 2006 PRESENTATION North Toronto Green Community Hogg's Hollow Stormwater Management /Green Garden Visit Project Page F17 Margaret Buchinger, DWRC member and North Toronto Green Community member, spoke on NTGC's stormwater management study and their pilot project on Green Garden Visits in Hogg's Hollow. The stormwater management study confirmed that stormwater runoff is a major source of sewer overflow and river pollution. NTGC's top priority for capturing such runoff before it impacts rivers is lot -level actions, then ditches and conveyance, then end -of -pipe controls. Outreach and education is vital for source control. The Community Program for Stormwater Management (CPSWM, managed by the TRCA and the City) offers funding for groups with proposals to manage stormwater. NTGC applied for and received this funding last year for its proposal on the Green Garden Visit program. This proposal focussed on two fronts. The first was a training program for advisors to conduct visits and provide advice to homeowners on such stormwater management issues as decreased use of fertilizers, increased use of native plants, decreases in monoculture, etc. The second was to offer home visits for no charge to residents of the Hoggs Hollow area. The Green Garden program began in 2002 with one advisor who conducted 20 home visits. In 2004, the program had expanded to 200 visits by two advisors. There were not enough advisors to meet the demand, so the funding proposal involved training additional advisors. It was then decided that trained advisors would offer the visits to residents of Hoggs Hollow, an area of 400 homes between Yonge Street and the hill at Highland Crescent (west of Bayview Avenue) and south of York Mills Road to the area of the Rosedale Golf Club. Margaret provided a map (copies are available from Michelle). This area is very low -lying and has always been subject to flooding. Although the Don River in this area was channelized in the 1950's as a flood control measure, many homes in the area remain subject to surface flooding. Citizens in the area are knowledgeable and receptive regarding stormwater management initiatives, especially after a local EA on road reconstruction. NTGC advertised heavily for people with horticulture and gardening experience. Recruits worked in NTGC's community garden to gain further experience. They then observed experienced advisors conducting Green Garden Visits and eventually conducted their own under supervision. A marketing campaign for the visits involved hand - delivering letters to each household, flyers, community newspapers and organizing two demos on private properties. Visits, usually $75, were offered for free to interested households. The results of training were very good. Sixteen new volunteers were trained to be advisors, with eight assigned to Hoggs Hollow and the remaining eight covering other areas. The advisors conducted 38 Green Garden Visits from June through December 2005. Every household's February 16, 2006 Page F18 awareness of these issues increased after the program. However, NTGC had set a goal of conducting 150 visits in Hoggs Hollow, so the result of 38 was disappointing. After the program was completed, the coordinator wrote a report and included some of the challenges and barriers faced during the project Barriers included the fact that many residents in this high- income neighbourhood were out of town during the key summer months. The flyers delivered to homes were sent second -class and may have gone unread. There were many requests for rain barrels, but the City has a waiting list for these so some may have lost interest when their request could not be fulfilled Further, there were limitations to the number of visits that the volunteer advisors could do, given that the average visit takes 2' /z hours and volunteers were not available full -time Some residents wanted gardening services or immediate implementation; requests that could not be fulfilled. So, while huge opportunities existed to change mind -sets, the "carrot" was there but perhaps not the "stick ". Bylaws may also be necessary to control householder activities in conjunction with incentives such as that offered by the free Green Garden Visits. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (R. Moore) Will the CPSWM program continue? Response (A. Freeman) Yes, the funding available has been increased this year to $350,000. Comment (A. McCammon) How much was awarded last year? Response (A. Freeman) Of the $250,000 available, $220,000 was awarded. Comment (R. Moore) With respect to targeting households for the Green Garden Visit program, would it be best to start earlier in the year, given that many were away during the summer? • Response Yes, we would change many things were we to repeat the program, and starting earlier would be one goal. Comment (J. Palmer) Were there more than 38 requests from householders for the Green Garden Visits? Response I would need to inquire with the coordinator- that information is not in the final report. Comment (J. Palmer) Perhaps homeowners feel that a free service lacks value, and would actually place more value on the advice if it was offered at a small cost? Also, many hire landscapers, and may be unwilling to question the advice given by professional landscapers. Response One goal of the project was to change mind -sets so that homeowners would feel empowered to instruct their landscapers accordingly. Comment (J. Palmer) I would suggest follow -up contacts for those that received the February 16, 2006 Page F19 Green Garden Visit information but did not request a visit to learn why they did not do so. Response Good suggestion, thank you. Comment (J. Palmer) Would you repeat the project? If so, would it be in the same area? Response This was a one -time only project, but the results would be interesting to see if we did repeat it. Comment (P. Goodwin) I would strongly suggest you apply for more funding and do repeat it. This is very valuable information, and could be useful for other communities. I suggest that the Outreach team provide input and help with this. Response Our intent was to try this as a pilot project to evaluate whether it could be run across the city. Comment (R. Moore) I would like to add my support for applying for more funding in order to continue this valuable project. THAT Becky Freedman and Margaret Buchinger be thanked for their presentations . CARRIED MINUTES RES. #F3/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #1/06 Moved by: Janice Palmer Seconded by: Moyra Haney THAT the minutes of meeting #1/06, held on January 19, 2006 be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Institute for Conservation Leadership and Sustainability Network Mott Foundation Survey on Water Groups February 16, 2006 Page F20 Letter to Mel Plewes from the Institute for Conservation Leadership and Sustainability Network, dated February 6, 2006 OUTGOING 4.2 DWRC Comments on the Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Letter to Jason Thorne, Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, on the Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - January 27, 2006 4.3 DWRC Comments on the Proposed Clean Water Act Letter to Sarah O'Keefe, Strategic Policy Branch, Ministry of the Environment, on the Proposed Clean Water Act from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - February 3, 2006 RES. # F4/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by Seconded by: Jane Darragh Moyra Haney THAT correspondence items 4.1 through 4.3 be received CARRIED Regarding correspondence item 4.1, Amy Thurston clarified that Mel Plewes had responded on the survey after he left the Don Council. An inquiry was made as to whether any other Council members or guests would like to attend the event. Moyra Haney agreed to attend as a DWRC representative. Adele Freeman also wished to attend. Michelle Vanderwel will contact the organizers of the event to arrange this. - INFORMATION ITEMS 5 1 Places to Grow: Proposed Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Executive Committee Meeting #11/05, January 20, 2006 5.2 CN's Kingston Subdivision Rail Bridge Extension and Bala Pedestrian Underpass, Award of Contract Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #11/05, January 27, 2006 5.3 Draft Clean Water Act, 2005, Establishment of Source Protection Planning Requirements Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #11/05, January 27, 2006 February 16, 2006 Page F21 5.4 Environmental Assessment for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, Terms of Reference Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #11/05, January 27, 2006 5.5 Bill 51 Amendments to the Planning Act and Conservation Land Act Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #11/05, January 27, 2006 5.6 Stronger City of Toronto For a Stronger Ontario Act, 2005 Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Business Excellence Advisory Board Meeting #7/05, January 20, 2006 5.7 Great Lakes Charter Annex 2001, Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 Moyra Haney requested an update on the timing of the signatory status of Ontario on this agreement. Michelle Vanderwel will contact relevant TRCA staff and update DWRC members accordingly. (Editor's note: although requested, we have not yet received this update.) 5.8 York -Peel- Durham - Toronto Groundwater Management Study, Completion of Modelling Report and Proposed Peer Review Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 5.9 Don Watershed Regeneration Plan - Workplan Update Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 5.10 Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Planning Studies Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 5.11 2005 Rural Clean Water Program Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 February 16, 2006 Page F22 Adele Freeman clarified that this initiative focuses on domestic septic tanks used in agricultural areas. However, where funding is not available for rural homeowners (e.g. Duffins Watershed, as RAP funding does not include that area), TRCA does give advice to such homeowners on water quality issues. Roslyn Moore suggested that there was a need for support for recreational property owners in rural areas. Adele agreed, and suggested that OMNR has stewardship coordinators working on this issue, and that TRCA's Stewardship department is looking to coordinate the efforts of groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, etc. for the Oak Ridges Moraine. The goal is that a homeowner contacting one group should be able to receive advice and assistance from all appropriate groups. 5.12 Update on West Nile Virus Surveillance Programme for 2004 -2005 Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 5.13 Changes to Membership, Don Watershed Regeneration Council Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #6/05, February 10, 2006 Andrew McCammon pointed out that he left the Don Council before Martin German's appointment, so that it was not entirely accurate to suggest that Martin was replacing Andrew as the FODE representative on Council. Adele Freeman clarified that communications to the Watershed Management Advisory Board on membership changes are only done when there are a few changes to report. This may mean only one or two communications per term of the Council. 5.14 Summary of the Toronto Harbour Liaison Council Meeting, January 26, 2006 Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Moyra Haney, DWRC - February 14, 2006 5.15 Summary of August 19, 2005 Rainstorm City of Vaughan Staff Report to the Committee of the Whole, February 6, 2006 Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Amy Thurston, TRCA - February 16, 2006 Adele suggested that recent activity on the part of the City of Vaughan on stormwater management issues has increased dramatically. Amy suggested that City staff may be able to provide a presentation to the DWRC at a future DWRC meeting. RES. # F5/06- LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CITY OF VAUGHAN INITIATIVES ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Moved by: Phil Goodwin February 16, 2006 Page F23 Seconded by: Roslyn Moore THAT DWRC send a letter to the City of Vaughan to show support for the City's initiatives regarding stormwater management issues and request a presentation to the DWRC at the appropriate time CARRIED RES. # F6/06- Moved by: Seconded by: INFORMATION ITEMS Margaret Buchinger Martin German THAT information items 5.1 through 5.15 be received . CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Presentations from Don Watershed Groups Don Cross pointed out that at the last Chairs Teleconference, the issue of future presentations to DWRC was discussed, and it was suggested that the Don watershed groups that are represented at the DWRC table may wish to present to the Council on what the group in general does, or on a specific project such as that presented today by Margaret on the NTGC Green Garden Visit project. The suggested length of such presentations would be 10 to 30 minutes. The presenter need not be the Council member. The opportunity exists for a bigger overview of what the groups do than is possible during the updates given at DWRC meetings. Martin German (FODE) agreed with the need for such information, and suggested that it is a goal of the FODE website project. Martin would like to present to the DWRC the results of the initial stage of this project when completed. Phil Goodwin (East Don Parkland Partners) agreed that the idea of such a presentations is a good one, as did Janice Palmer (Task Force to Bring Back the Don). Janice suggested that while updates usually focus on completed projects and their results, this is an opportunity to discuss projects while in progress. Don requested that those groups with interest in presenting contact Michelle with a potential date for the presentation. Also, groups that are not represented on the Council but with which Council members and guests have contacts should be invited to present to the DWRC. Andrew McCammon pointed out that there is a larger opportunity here in that the DWRC could organize a forum for Don watershed groups to bring all of these groups together to network. Brenda Lucas agreed that there would be a large benefit from such a forum. Adele suggested that this concept may be similar to the recent Stewardship Forum held by TRCA. Janice suggested that at the Stewardship Forum (which she attended) there was little chance to share issues or solicit new members as most attendees already belonged to a group, were there to represent it, and there was no opportunity for specific networking time. Phil Goodwin agreed that formally setting aside such time would be valuable. Adele will pass this feedback to the coordinators of the Stewardship Forum, for consideration for next year's forum. Andrew February 16, 2006 Page F24 commented that he was suggesting a new event, with the specific focus of networking Don suggested that the Outreach team may wish to discuss this issue at their next meeting. RES. # F7/06- OUTREACH TEAM TO DISCUSS WHETHER TO HOLD A DON WATERSHED GROUP EVENT Moved by: Seconded by. Martin German Phil Goodwin THAT the Outreach Team discuss whether a DWRC supported event for the purposes of providing Don watershed group networking be organized and for the team to make recommendations to Council based on this discussion CARRIED 6.2 Toronto Water Invitation for DWRC to Appoint a Representative to Sit on the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee Janice Palmer commented that the DWRC should appoint a representative to sit on this advisory committee. Ron Shimizu moved to nominate Margaret Buchinger. RES. # F8/06- Moved by: Seconded by: DWRC TO APPOINT MARGARET BUCHINGER AS ITS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE WET WEATHER FLOW MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Ron Shimizu Brenda Lucas THAT the DWRC agree to appoint a representative on the above -name committee and that this representative be Margaret Buchinger CARRIED (Editor's note: the documents were submitted to the City and accepted). COMMITTEE REPORTS POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM No comments, the minutes to this meeting were considered to provide all necessary detail. OUTREACH AND WATERSHED PLANNING TEAMS Peter Heinz reported that 19 people attended a joint meeting for the two teams, with the resulting joint meeting minutes provided in the addendum to the agenda for tonight's meeting. A proposed schedule for the watershed plan was laid out at the joint meeting and was discussed at length. February 16, 2006 Page F25 Phil Goodwin updated the DWRC on the status of the 2006 Paddle the Don event. Transcontinental Publishing will be participating in the Corporate Challenge portion of Paddle the Don and will feature the event in Outdoor Canada Magazine. This magazine is published by Transcontinental and has a circulation of 125,000. Banrock Station Winery will again be a sponsor of the event, and the LCBO will again be involved. There may be a post -event wine tasting at a local pub. Nature Clean may become a corporate sponsor; talks with this company continue. Martin German provided an update on the hike of the Don that accompanied the paddle last year and will do so again in 2006. This year, the hike will begin at the same time and place as the paddle, and will end at Todmorden Mills. An event at Todmorden Mills for the hikers is being planned. Adele Freeman added that more focus on the beginning of the event and opening ceremonies is expected this year. There could also be a corporate challenge for the hike in addition to the one for the paddle. Amy Thurston added that, although not formalized, there were many corporate participants who took part in last year's hike. Ron Shimizu commented on the minutes of the Watershed Planning Team. He noted that although the discussion on undeveloped land in the upper reaches of the Don was in the minutes, he felt that it should be further emphasized. He stressed the significance of this last remaining parcel of undeveloped land in the Don watershed. The Watershed Plan should formally identify this area and its relevance, especially in terms of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy. Several members agreed that the opportunity to identify such an area and its importance was valuable and that the Watershed Plan should address this up front. UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Phil Goodwin reported that the East Don Parkland Partners was having its annual "Quest for Chowder" fund - raising event next Saturday February 18. Taylor Massey Project's website would be receiving a major update during the coming weekend, as reported by Andrew McCammon. DWRC members and guests were invited to view the new site on Sunday. Moyra Haney reported on several upcoming events on Don River issues. February 23 will see the Riversides public forum and panel discussion on road salt and possible mitigation of its effects, and on February 28, the TWRC will hold a public forum on its Marine Strategy. Moyra also reported that she attended the Community Program for Stormwater Management Open House on behalf of both TBI and the Don Council, and found it quite informative. February 16, 2006 ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Page F26 Date / Location Event Description Tuesday, March 21, 2006 9 30 am - 2:30 pm Sustainability Network Offices 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 128 Mott Foundation Survey on Water Groups The Sustainability Network and the Institute for Conservation Leadership invite you to a presentation and discussion on the results of a very extensive survey of water - related organizations. To RSVP, contact Saul Ett lin at infoPsustain web.ca by Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 3/06 Thursday March 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday May 18, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 15, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 The DWRC discussed whether to reschedule DWRC meeting #3 /06,as it fell during the March break period of a number of school districts. This scheduling did not affect any members present at the current meeting, so meeting #3/06 will remain scheduled on March 16, 2006. February 16, 2006 Page F27 POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 3/06 Thursday March 9, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday May 11, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 8, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 13, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 10/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday March 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday May 4, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday June 1, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 9/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 Editor's Note: Outreach Team meeting #2/06 was later cancelled. An email informing team members of this cancellation was sent March 1, 2006. Instead, an email discussion will take place between group members regarding current issues. February 16, 2006 Page F28 WATERSHED PLANNING TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday February 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday March 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday April 27, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday May 25, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 22, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 27, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 28, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 26, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 3 # 10/06 Thursday November 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 It was decided at the present meeting to cancel Watershed Planning team meeting #2/06. An email reminder of this cancellation was sent to all team members February 17, 2006. CHAIR'S TELE CONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 3/06 Wednesday March 8, 2006 9:00 am # 4/06 Wednesday April 12, 2006 9:00 am # 5/06 Wednesday May 10, 2006 9:00 am # 6/06 Wednesday June 7, 2006 9:00 am # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006 9:00 am # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 am February 16, 2006 Page F29 CHAIR'S TELE CONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 am # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 am NEW BUSINESS Building on the discussion that took place at the Outreach and Watershed Plan teams joint meeting, Adele discussed potential directions that the Council might take in this, the last year of its term. The DWRC needs to complete a Don Watershed Report Card as part of its mandate. The current conditions reports will be available in a few months to provide the technical background information to prepare the Report Card. When this Council's term ends in November 2006, Adele suggested that for 2007 a Task Force be established, with a one -year mandate. This Task Force would focus on completing the Watershed Plan. A Task Force with a short mandate could stimulate more effective involvement by politicians and other stakeholders. Adele suggested that she would report on this potential plan more fully over the next few weeks. Don Cross pointed out that the focus of the current Council should be the Report Card. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #3/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #5/06 JUNE 23, 2006 C onvsera t o n for The Living City t MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #3/06 March 16, 2006 Page F30 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #3106 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday March 16, 2006. Don Cross (Vice Chair, Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Stephen Cockle Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member Douglas Obright Member Jane Pitfield Member Ron Shimizu Member GUESTS Scott Hicks Guest John Hopkins Guest Philip Mathias Guest Paul Murray Guest, General Manager, Gartner Lee Ltd. Cheryl Shour Guest Speaker, Toronto Green Community STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Technical Clerk PRESENTATION Toronto Green Community Initiatives Cheryl Shour, Executive Director, Toronto Green Community, gave a presentation on the Toronto Green Community (the organization recently changed its name from North Toronto Green Community). The presentation was an overview of Toronto Green Community, to better March 16, 2006 Page F31 familiarize the DWRC with this group. Toronto Green Community (TGC) is a non - profit environmental group, whose mission is to empower, engage and promote environmental action through community based programs and activities. This mission results in four action principles. community -based plans, a holistic approach to issues, volunteer and community partner support, and programs based on practical action for real environmental change. TGC is not a lobby group. Rather, they take a holistic view to planning and implementing projects and initiatives. For example, a community garden project would involve examining the history of the site and the impact to the community, as well as the details of the garden itself. Green Communities began as an initiative when Bob Rae was Premier, with several communities starting up organizations. Within six months, there was a change of government and the Green Communities program was cancelled. However, at this point the North Toronto Green Community was going strong and was able to continue its activities without provincial government support. TGC concentrates on six main areas: clean air, healthy green spaces, sustainable transportation, energy conservation, waste management and clean water. Projects for all of these areas were quickly developed. Several projects have spun off from NTGC ideas and are now run independently of Toronto Green Community. These include a windmill project and the Autoshare project. TGC's core projects are currently: Community Gardens, Speaker Series, and the Lost River walks. Eglinton Park Heritage Community Garden was the first TGC Community Garden; there are now many. This project took two years to get all approvals and was a valuable learning experience for TGC. Now that the organization's mandate covers the entire City, partnerships with many community groups will be possible for the Gardens. The Speaker Series has been popular. A recent direction for these talks has been on green consumerism; these talks are attracting a lot of interest. The Lost Rivers Walks is a partnership program with Toronto Field Naturalists, and is quite a well -known initiative. Participants are led on guided walks of areas within the City where the rivers and creeks have been buried or rerouted, and learn about the natural and built heritage of the areas. The Toronto Green Community offers lots of opportunities for involvement and volunteering, from "one -off" events such as attending or assisting with a Lost River walk, to more intensive opportunities. Last year, 550 volunteers were involved with the various programs. There is a small base membership which the organization is looking to expand. Also, a special effort is being made to engage high school students, including sushi - and -movie nights. March 16, 2006 Page F32 The North Toronto Green Community was the only remaining Green Community after several smaller groups morphed into other organizations or folded. The Board agreed in October 2005 to change the organization's name to Toronto Green Community to reflect its new, broader focus. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (D. Cross) There is a website for the Lost River Walks. Walks held in the Don that I have attended have been amazing. Response Yes, the website is at www.lostrivers.ca. Comment (A. Freeman) Has TGC done anything on green energy? Response We have a few initiatives. Last year we participated in Doors Closed, a new project which encourages businesses to leave their doors shut in the summer and not waste air conditioning energy. This program will be expanding in 2006 and TGC is looking to help. Comment (A. Freeman) I'd like to encourage your participation in such programs. For instance, the One -Tonne Challenge offers good opportunities. Response Thank you for the idea. Comment (S. Cockle) Does your group receive funding? Response Three years ago we received core funding from the Trillium Foundation. This funding is ending in May, so we are looking to diversify. Last year, we also held a fund - raising party. Comment (A. Freeman) I suggest that you apply to the Friends of the Environment, also. Response Thank you. Comment (D. Cross) Thank you, Cheryl, for this presentation. The Don Council is looking to know more about the groups with which our members are involved and presentations such as yours help provide us with that information. THAT Cheryl Shour be thanked for her presentation CARRIED MINUTES RES. #F9/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #2/06 Moved by: Moyra Haney Seconded by: Peter Heinz THAT the minutes of meeting #2/06, held on February 16, 2006 be approved CARRIED March 16, 2006 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING Page F33 4.1 Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe: Response by Rouge River Watershed Task Force Letter to Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal from the Rouge River Watershed Task Force, dated February 16, 2006 4.2 Policy and Finance Committee Report 1, Clause 20: Making Green Roofs Happen Letter from the City of Toronto City Clerk's Office, dated February 22, 2006 OUTGOING 4.3 Response to the Don Mouth Draft Terms of Reference by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council Letter to Michelle Vanderwel, Don Watershed Technical Clerk, TRCA, on the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - March 8, 2006 4.4 Response letter, City of Vaughan Stormwater Management Initiatives Letter from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council to Michael Frier, City of Vaughan - March 8, 2006 RES. # F10/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger Ron Shimizu THAT correspondence items 4.1 through 4.4 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Notice of Study Completion - Pioneer Park Stormwater Management and Restoration Project, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of completion of study from Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment (former) and John Nemeth, Manager of Water Resources Engineering & Public Works Department, Town of Richmond Hill, February 21, 2006 John Nemeth will be addressing this issue at the May DWRC meeting by way of a presentation March 16, 2006 Page F34 to the Council. At that meeting, a topic of discussion will be whether the DWRC should write a letter of support for the Pioneer Park project. 5.2 Markham Green Neighbourhoods Organic Lawn Care Workshops Markham Green Neighbourhoods Organic Lawn Care Workshops Flyer and Registration Form It was decided that a member of the Don Council should attend a workshop. Stephen Cockle will attend the March 23 workshop. Doug Obright suggested that funding such as that offered by the Town of Markham may offer an opportunity for Toronto Green Community to expand their programs into the area north of Toronto. Margaret Buchinger noted that the workshop approach being pursued after the pilot program for the Green Garden Visits will be quite similar to what Markham is offering here. Doug noted that the demand will be there; new bylaws preventing pesticide use means that homeowners that had used pesticides in their gardens for years will need new options and are looking for advice. 5.3 TRCA Greatest Hits in 2006 Communication from Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Business Excellence Advisory Board Meeting #1/06, March 3, 2006 5.4 Request by the Task Force to Bring Back the Don to Undertake and Ecological and Hydrological Assessment of Chester Springs Marsh Economic Development and Parks Committee Meeting Agenda, Item 15, March 9, 2006 RES. # F11/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Doug Obright Moyra Haney THAT information items 5.1 through 5.4 be received CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Alternatives To Paul Murray, General Manager, Gartner Lee Limited, was on hand to provide background on the DMNP Alternatives To and to answer questions from Council members on the decisions made regarding the Alternatives To being proposed in the Terms of Reference (foR). Ron Shimizu had previously questioned why the list of Alternatives To being considered did not include Alternative 5, which seemed to meet the main project objectives, given the early stage of this EA. Thus, Paul was invited to be present at the discussion of the issue of Council March 16, 2006 Page F35 support for the ToR and to provide information on the ToR. Margaret Buchinger, Don Cross and Carmela Canzonieri had all attended DMNP public meetings and /or Technical Advisory Committee meetings and had the benefit of this information while reviewing the ToR. To provide background for other DWRC members, Paul outlined the project goal, objectives and the four Alternatives To being included in the ToR, as well as Alternative 5 and the reasons for not including it. The project goal is to establish and sustain the form, features and functions of a natural river mouth within the context of a revitalized City environment while providing flood protection up to the Regulatory Flood. The project objectives are to naturalize and rehabilitate the mouth of the Don River utilizing an ecosystem -based approach; provide flood protection for Spill Zones 1 and 2; maintain the provision for navigation and existing flood protection through sediment, debris and ice management; integrate existing infrastructure functions that could not be reasonably moved or removed (including road, rails, utilities, trails and power); encourage additional compatible recreation, cultural heritage opportunities and public /handicap accessibility; contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of the waterfront and coordinate with and inform other planning and development efforts and associated certain and foreseeable infrastructure, and design and implement this project in a manner consistent with TWRC's Sustainability Framework. Paul pointed out that much discussion and consultation has occurred on the project goals and objectives. The consensus from these consultations was that no objective could be considered as more important than the others. The City's Central Waterfront Secondary Plan showed a pathway for the Don plus other features such as the redevelopment of lands and the new Commissioners Park. These other development projects must be considered while looking at alternatives for the Don Mouth EA. The first Alternative To the undertaking is to Do Nothing. This option needs to be included in an EA as a baseline, but of course would not meet the project goals. Paul then referred to the display boards that illustrated Alternatives To 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the Evaluation Chart showing how each Alternative To rated against each project objective. Paul clarified that consistency with TWRC's Sustainability Framework involved the amount of contaminated soil that must be removed from a site and the degree of the contamination. Paul pointed out that Alternative 2 was based largely on the vision of the Task Force to Bring Back the Don, while Alternative 3 was based on aligning the Don Mouth with the corridor to be provided by the Don Greenway. Alternative 4 combined the two options to have a main and an overflow channel. During public discussions, other alternatives were raised. Alternative 5 was proposed through public consultation, and is a design aimed at forming a natural delta with three discharge points. Paul clarified that the "Naturalization" objective was based on the area available for naturalization in the footprint for each Alternative To. While this includes the entire footprint, the "Integration with Infrastructure" and "Coordination with Other Planning Efforts" objectives rank an Alternative To against the amount of existing infrastructure estimated to have .to be moved March 16, 2006 Page F36 and the other planned uses of the land within the footprint. Thus, while some Alternatives To may seem to provide a large area for naturalization and would rank highly for this objective, they may rank low for the "Integration with Infrastructure" and "Coordination with Other Planning Efforts" objectives if these footprints contained large areas of infrastructure that would need to be moved or areas in which developments (parks, businesses, etc.) are already approved. Further, the "Recreation, Culture and Heritage Opportunities" objective ranks Alternatives To against the existing recreational facilities in the area that would be removed under this alternative. Stephen Cockle asked for clarification on whether the Keating Channel would be filled in for Alternative 3, and Paul stated that it would. Philip Mathias asked whether the water would flow through areas indicated in red (footprints). Paul stated that these areas are like river valleys for one or more flow channels. Don Cross stated that the full area indicated in red would be flooded under the Regional Storm, but not under regular conditions. Stephen asked whether dredging would increase or remain the same. Paul answered that water flow would be modelled and sediment rates estimated from these models, so this is not known yet. In discussing Alternative 5, Paul pointed out that it is incompatible with the Secondary Plan, as much of the area within its footprint is slated for development. Also, a number of existing recreational opportunities would be lost (an entertainment centre, the current dock walls). Adele pointed out that the public have been vocal in their opposition to any plan that results in losing these dock walls. Paul clarified that the large footprint for this Alternative To also results in a large amount of contaminated soil that would have to be managed. As the project goal specifies naturalization and flood protection within the context of a revitalized Port Lands, the objectives were not ranked against each other; all were considered to contribute toward the project goal. Thus, Alternative 5, while ranking more highly than Alternatives 6 through 8, involved serious concerns with its coordination with the Secondary Plan, Toss of existing recreation, and the large amount of badly contaminated soil that would need to be moved. Philip Mathias questioned whether it will be difficult to move existing businesses from these areas. Adele clarified that we have made significant effort to contact TEDCO's leaseholders in the area to notify them of this project. Ron Shimizu stated that the largest problem with the Don Mouth currently is the 90 degree turn at the Keating Channel. He saw Alternative 5 as offering the best future for a naturalized river mouth as it held the widest options. Clarification was sought on flood control for each Alternative To. Adele and Paul confirmed that all of the Alternatives To (2 through 8) eliminated the Spill Zones 1 and 2, as this was a requirement of any Alternative To. Ron then mentioned that the option closest to a natural delta was Alternative 5, and that it was the most likely option for decreasing the dredging in the area. Ron also mentioned taxpayer investment in this project, and how return on tax dollars in terms of decreased dredging costs should be considered. Don stated that he had originally come to the TAC meetings with some of these same concerns - March 16, 2006 Page F37 was now convinced that the Alternatives To being considered in the EA are the best options. Due to elevation in the area, he does not believe that any of the Alternatives To will eliminate dredging. Carmela pointed out that redesigning the Don Narrows may help, but Don stated that change in elevation at the river mouth would still be needed. Adele commented that hydraulics greatly constrains the options, and that if any work done were to increase the flooding of the Don Valley Parkway, it would be unacceptable. Also, any restoration work done within the Don Narrows would have to be done within the walls. Paul pointed out that these Alternatives To were generalized and will be further refined during the EA phase of the project. An option with aspects of both Alternative 4 and Alternative 5 may be a possibility, with increased information. Adele stressed the need to move forward, both in terms of taxpayer return on investment in the project and the need to inform other projects in the area (including three EAs and also the 2015 World Fair Bid). The discussion then focussed on the consensus of the Don Council position on the Alternatives To. The letter from the DWRC commenting on the ToR was approved and sent. Don clarified that any member of the DWRC could respond individually on this issue. Ron Shimizu thanked Paul for the opportunity to hold this discussion and to receive clarification. He explained his view that as a Don Council member, the Council had the opportunity to prioritize objectives and that the health of the Don watershed was the main issue of interest to the Council. As such, political trade -offs need not enter into a DWRC response to the ToR. The only power of the Council, in Ron's view, is its advocacy role. Ron agreed that the letter issued by the DWRC on the ToR was acceptable (and had already given his consent to its release) but felt that this discussion was needed as a Council. Stephen Cockle asked how the current 90 degree turn would be remediated through Alternative 3, which appeared to also use such a turn, but at the Ship Channel. Paul clarified that the turn need not be 90 degrees, since this is a generalized footprint only. Also, the Ship Channel is much wider than the Keating Channel. Adele Freeman pointed out that the technology currently used for sediment management may be refined once the project gets to the actual operations stage. Ron Shimizu questioned whether the sediment quality is currently bad, and Adele confirmed that the sediment does not meet open water disposal guidelines and is sent to Tommy Thompson Park for containment. The cost of managing this sediment is now $600,000 per year. John Hopkins questioned whether the study area was sufficient to clean the water. Adele stated that it was not, and referred to the report by Bill Snodgrass (City of Toronto) referenced in summary notes to Public Forum #2 for the project, which stated that an area four to eight times the size of the Inner Harbour would be required. To clean the water, a whole watershed approach is needed. Adele clarified that the study area indicated in green is not to all be naturalized but will contain the naturalized area. The study area has been tripled over what was in the Secondary Plan, and remains flexible such that if new opportunities for naturalization arise, TRCA will incorporate them as possible. Don noted that some people would like to include the entire Port Lands to create a marsh but this is not practical. If the conditions are too stringent, nothing will happen, and that would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and a lost opportunity. As long as everything the Council does makes the system at least a little better, we should definitely push for taking these actions. March 16, 2006 Page F38 Don thanked Paul for coming to discuss the Don Mouth project. 6.2 Upcoming Meeting Dates Peter Heinz requested that, if the schedule was able to accommodate the switch, that the April 27 Watershed Plan Team meeting be switched with the May 4 Outreach Team meeting to allow any last minute changes in the planning for the Paddle the Don event to take place the week before the event This request was withdrawn subject to the discussion below on the Watershed Plan and Report Card. 6.3 Watershed Plan Update Adele Freeman reported that staff will have the current conditions report completed soon. Janet Ivey will go through this report and compile information that will address the Don Council report card issues. The targets which are traditionally included in these report cards may not be available from this report and it is uncertain whether the full "story" is there. Efforts (such as legislation in place) will not be captured in the current conditions report. There is still a great deal of work to do to get a report card completed. Adele recommended that at the next Watershed Plan Team meeting, the report from Janet on the information available from the current conditions report be examined so that the Council can determine where the gaps are and what the next steps will be. Don Cross reminded DWRC members that the report card must be completed by the end of this year. Ron Shimizu questioned whether the current conditions report would include snapshot- or trend -type data. Adele confirmed that the request was for trends to be documented; however, it remains to be seen as to what actually was available. TRCA may need to acquire more data. Adele referred to the walk -in memo to DWRC members on the report card. It summarized some of the information above and suggested either a new subcommittee be formed or that the Watershed Plan Team be transformed into the Report Card Team. All DWRC members will have the opportunity to be on this team. (Editor's note: Amy Thurston sent an email to all DWRC members with this memo attached and containing an invitation to contact Amy if interested in joining the Report Card Team. The new Report Card Team will assume the old Watershed Plan Team meeting dates starting in April. This means that the first meeting of the Report Card Team is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2006; 6:30 p.m. at the North York Civic Centre, Committee Room #1.) 6.3 Draft DWRC Comments, Proposed Ontario Building Code Amendments Margaret Buchinger noted that while only technical comments have been requested by the province, as a Council, there should be concern regarding such a major proposal as this. The proposal offered four levels of improvement in the code from modest to "extensive "; but even those in this last category were not too advanced, and some builders in the province were achieving much higher targets for green technology already. Margaret's recommendation in March 16, 2006 Page F39 her draft letter was for the province not to settle for small improvements, and instead legislate more advanced measures. Carmela Canzonieri volunteered would review the comments prior to Council approval. The Council agreed that these comments should be sent. Michelle Vanderwel will check into TRCA's response letter, expected from Carolyn Woodland. (Editor's note: Carolyn did not send a response, but rather commented directly to the Minister on the legal aspects of these changes. TRCA did not issue a response from other departments, as staff are working with the province on the Building Code changes). COMMITTEE REPORTS OUTREACH AND WATERSHED PLANNING TEAMS The last team meeting was cancelled. Instead, a discussion of current issues was held by email over the period of March 2 - 12, 2006. This email discussion is summarized and included in the notes in the addendum to the agenda for this DWRC meeting. Peter Heinz updated the DWRC on the results of this email discussion. End -to -End Hike of the Don: Peter explained that much of the land in the northern and western reaches of the Don is on private property and cannot be included in the hike. Either a self - directed walk with literature made available or a guided walk with leaders is possible. We want to encourage people to do the hike at their leisure, and take time to appreciate the Don. The question of time lines arose, and Adele Freeman suggested Fall 2006. The event need not be one -time only, but we currently do not have events held during the autumn, and the Council needs to promote more engagement. Adele suggested that it would be easier to arrange the hike with leaders rather than getting in -hand material. Leaders could then suggest topics for material for next year's hike based on feedback received during this hike. Peter suggested the hike be held within Richmond Hill, Toronto and Markham, based on maps available. Adele suggested that the MNR property in Vaughan and the Bartley Smith Greenway would be good hike locations. Don Watershed Groups Networking Forum: The suggestion of holding a Don Networking Forum was suggested by Andrew McCammon at the last Don Council meeting and was further discussed by the Outreach Team over email. Peter solicited input from the Council on the forum regarding the suggested format and dates. Adele suggested that the event could also help with collecting information required for the report card, in which case holding it towards the end of September would be timely. Don Cross suggested that the event should be a one -off, with no expectation of repeating it. Adele suggested that TRCA staff help with the event, and also the Martin German of FODE may wish to offer assistance. March 16, 2006 Page F40 ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location Event Description Tuesday, March 21, 2006 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM Sustainability Network Offices 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 128 Mott Foundation Survey on Water Groups The Sustainability Network and the Institute for Conservation Leadership - presentation and discussion on the results of a survey of water - related organizations. Wednesday, March 22, 2006 and Wednesday, March 29, 2006 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (both days) Bayview Hill Community Centre (Leuschner Room) 114 Spadina Road, Richmond Hill Evergreen and the Town of Richmond Hill Two - Session Workshop on Environmental Grant - Seeking Two sessions on practical tips for writing strong proposals. - How to find sources of support for your greening project - How to design fundable projects and communicate their importance to funders. - Work on a real grant proposal. Sunday, March 26, 2006 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Noor Cultural Centre 123 Wynford Drive Clearing the Air: The Don Valley West One - Tonne Challenge Forum The "Clearing the Air" forum will be an open discussion format where community members use their knowledge and experience, working together in small groups, to develop solutions to issues affecting us all To RSVP, phone (416) 638 -6663 or email infoPdvwonetonnechal lenge.ca March 16, 2006 Page F41 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 4/06 Thursday April 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday May 18, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 15, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday July 20, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday April 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday May 11, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday June 8, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday July 13, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 March 16, 2006 Page F42 OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday March 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday May 4, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday June 1, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 8/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 WATERSHED PLANNING TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday March 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday April 27, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday May 25, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday June 22, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday July 27, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday September 28, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 8/06 Thursday October 26, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 3 # 9/06 Thursday November 23, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 March 16, 2006 Page F43 CHAIR'S TELE CONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 4/06 Wednesday April 12, 2006 9:00 AM # 5/06 Wednesday May 10, 2006 9:00 AM # 6/06 Wednesday June 7, 2006 9:00 AM # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006 9:00 AM # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 AM # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 AM # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 AM NEW BUSINESS As per a handout available at the meeting, the status of several EAs currently in progress was summarized in tabular form and presented to the Council by Amy. The Policy and Advocacy Team previously sent comments on the York Region Transportation Master Plan EA (last entry) and also on the EA Act. The letter on the EA Act suggested that a map showing these EAs might help to determine cumulative impacts in the watershed, and TRCA is now working to produce one. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #4/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #5/06 JUNE 23, 2006 C onserva t on for The Living City theDoit MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #4/06 April 20, 2006 Page F44 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #4/06 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday April 20, 2006. Don Cross (Vice Chair, Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Jane Darragh Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member Roslyn Moore Member Carolyn O'Neill Member Janice Palmer Member Bev Thorpe Member GUESTS John Hopkins Guest Philip Mathias Guest Korice Moir Guest Nicole Worsley Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk April 20, 2006 PRESENTATION The Clean Water Act: Where We Are, Where We're Going Page F45 Beverley Thorpe, Project Manager, Source Water Protection Project and Don Council member, gave a presentation on the Clean Water Act. The legislation received first reading in December 2005 and went through second reading in April 2006. Over the summer, it will be sent to the Scanning Committee and is expected to pass this fall. The purpose of the Act is to protect drinking water. This is the first action of a multi- barrier approach recommended by Justice O'Connor after the investigation into Walkerton. This legislation will address municipal water supplies only. It is meant to address safety (bacterial and chemical) and also future water supplies, including protecting the safety of these anticipated sources. The legislation is "enabling ", in that general authority of the Minister is defined but details will follow through regulations. The legislation has a watershed focus. The roles and responsibilities of conservation authorities, municipalities and the province are defined. Multi- stakeholder committees will oversee the development of the plans. New enforcement powers for municipalities are defined. For example, septic systems will be subject to mandatory inspection. The Act creates 19 source water protection areas, some of which amalgamate areas covered by different conservation authorities. For each of these, there is a lead CA. For instance, the Don watershed is located in the Credit Valley- Toronto (CTC) area, and Toronto and Region Conservation is the lead CA. Under the Act, the province is responsible for legislation and standards, research, auditing and funding mechanisms. Conservation authorities will coordinate plan development and bring stakeholders together, monitor and report progress and provide technical advice to municipal and provincial agencies. Municipal responsibilities include: growth strategies, water /wastewater infrastructure plans, land use planning and zoning, permitting activities, inspection and enforcement, wellhead and intake protection programs. The Source Protection Planning Committee is required to submit a Terms of Reference that defines how the assessment report and source protection plans will be prepared. The province determines review periods on a case -by -case basis, closer to every 3 years in a quickly developing urban region, longer (likely closer to every 10 years) in a region with little development. The Act is not meant to result in reports and data collection to be duplicated, but to build on the existing data available from conservation authorities. Regulations will focus on drinking water, rather than on issues such as wildlife habitat. April 20, 2006 Page F46 The Great Lakes had previously not been covered by the Act, but recently have been added. Private water supplies (e.g. private wells) are not covered, except when municipalities choose to designate a number of private wells and assess them as a municipal well field. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (R. Moore) What is the arrangement with respect to areas not covered by conservation authorities? Response There are plans for some conservation authorities to broaden their mandate. For other areas, the province will fill the CA's role for source water protection. For example, large areas of the north have no CA and are not included in a municipality. For other areas which are included in a municipality, the municipality will fill this role. Comment (J. Palmer) Is there a difference between protection for a private well on a farm and one that the public accesses, e.g. a campground? Response No, this Act only covers municipal supplies There is a Safe Drinking Water Act which does cover wells, that requires testing and monitoring or signage to indicate that the water is not potable. However, the well's source is not covered. Regulation 903 of the Ontario Water Resources Act covers siting and construction of wells. The Ministry of Health offers free testing of well water (recommended but not required). If results indicate problems, the Health Department is required to advise the well's owner on treatment. Comment (J. Hopkins) Is there interaction with First Nations on this issue? Response Yes, First Nations are contacted and informed, but the province cannot fund any action on a Reserve or compel any Band to action, as this would be under federal jurisdiction. Engagement with First Nations is being actively sought. Comment (C. O'Neill) Is there a provision for protection of source water quantity? Response Yes, and this Act will cover the permitting to take water. Response (D. Cross) There are several areas in Ontario where groundwater is declining, for example in eastern Ontario. This is a huge issue with several pieces of legislation coming into play. Comment (P. Goodwin) Does the Crown own the water in Ontario? Response Yes, it does. Also, it does not sell water, as it would then be considered a commodity under NAFTA. Water bottling companies do not pay for the water they take, but they do pay for a permit to take it. These permits specify the quantity that may be removed. Comment (P. Mathias) Do these companies receive free testing? Response No. Comment (D. Cross) Water bills received by homeowners are for the treatment and delivery of water, not for the water itself. Thank you, Bev, for this presentation. April 20, 2006 Page F47 MINUTES RES. #F12/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #3/06 Moved by. Moyra Haney Seconded by. Jane Darragh THAT the minutes of meeting #3/06, held on March 16, 2006 be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Town of Markham Small Streams Study, Preparation of Final Report Letter from Alan Brown, Town of Markham, dated March 13, 2006 Margaret Buchinger pointed out that a meeting to consider the final draft report will be held May 4 and that she will attend. OUTGOING 4.2 DWRC Comments on the Proposed Changes to Ontario's Building Code Letter to Carol Mercer, Building and Development Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, on the Proposed Changes to Ontario's Building Code, from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - March 27, 2006 4.3 DWRC Letter on EBR Request for Review of Ontario Regulation 339 Letter to Hon. Laurel Broten, Minister of the Environment, in support of the request from RiverSides Stewardship Alliance for a Review of Ontario Regulation 339, from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - March 30, 2006 RES. # F13/06- Moved by: Seconded by: CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Bev Thorpe Jane Darragh April 20, 2006 Page F48 THAT correspondence items 4.1 through 4.3 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 City of Toronto Green Development Workshop Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, DWRC 5.2 City of Toronto Clean and Beautiful City Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/06, April 7, 2006 (Full action plan available online at: http: / /toronto ca /legdocs/ 2004 / agendas / council /cc041130 /pof9rpt /c1003. pdf 5.3 Stormwater Assessment Monitoring and Performance (SWAMP) Program Communication from Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/06, April 7, 2006 5.4 Permeable Pavement and Bioretention Swale Demonstration Project Communication from Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/06, April 7, 2006 5.5 Greening Retail: A New Program of the Living City Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/06, April 7, 2006 5.6 Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program Communication from Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #1/06, April 7, 2006 5.7 Mill Pond Splash 2006 Advertisement for Mill Pond Splash 2006 Sign -up sheets for those interested in volunteering to help out at the Mill Pond Splash were made available for Council members and guests. 5 8 Don Watershed Forum, Proposed Design /Event Plan Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, Don /Highland Creek Watersheds, Toronto and Region Conservation Discussion of this item is included in section 6.1. April 20, 2006 Page F49 5.9 Progress on the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, DWRC Bev Thorpe commented that the implementation of the WWFMP could still be accelerated if the Source Water Protection initiative identifies an impact on drinking water quality of wet weather discharges to Lake Ontario, or another area. Council members questioned whether a lack of political will or of funding was the primary cause of the failure to accelerate this plan. Adele Freeman reported that the Works Department is currently spending 70 -80% of its available budget. Approvals and requirements are bogging down their work rather than funding. This matter was referred to the next Policy and Advocacy team meeting to discuss and report back at the next Council meeting. 5.10 Explore the Port Lands Event, April 29, 2006 Flyer from TWRC 5.11 Don River Park Public Forum Report Memo to Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Don Cross, Acting Chair, DWRC Don Cross circulated a diagram to the Council showing the initial concept for the Don River Park as presented at the public forum. Michelle Vanderwel will keep the DWRC informed of future public meeting dates on Don River Park. RES. # F14/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Carolyn O'Neill Moyra Haney THAT information items 5.1 through 5.11 be received CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Don Watershed Group Networking Forum Peter Heinz reported that the Outreach team produced the table in item 5.8 as a consensus of the ideas presented for this Forum. The potential dates in September were discussed, and it was pointed out that September 23 was not an option as Rosh Hashanah falls on this date, and September 2 and 9 were considered difficult for those with kids in school. As the Council wishes to hold the Forum before October, in order to incorporate what is learned there into the Report Card, September 16 was agreed to be an appropriate Saturday date. The weekday evening date of September 14 was found to be Tess desirable than that of September 21, a date already held for a DWRC meeting. Council members asked whether the City and other municipalities were to participate, and it April 20, 2006 Page F50 was confirmed that a limited number of presenters, including some from the City and Province, will be invited. A suggestion was offered that the presentations could be guided by three questions submitted to each group to address. There are two goals for the Forum: to allow the DWRC to learn what others are doing (verbally or by written submissions) and to offer a networking opportunity between the groups. To this end, having groups submit answers to the guide questions, even if they are unable to present at the Forum, would be helpful. The opportunity for a "Don -o- centric" approach exists; it was suggested that the talks may be organized on a reach by reach basis. It was suggested that Council members, whether on the Outreach Team or not, that wish to assist with the planning of this event contact Peter Heinz. A group of four to five individuals was recommended. RES. # F15/06- MOTION TO PROCEED WITH DON NETWORKING FORUM Moved by: Seconded by: Janice Palmer Peter Heinz THAT the Don Council agree to hold a Don Networking Forum on either September 16 or September 21, and that the Outreach Team, designated Council members and TRCA staff take the lead to organize said Forum and report regularly to the Don Council on the progress of these plans CARRIED 6.2 Don Watershed Environmental Assessments Janice Palmer reported on her attendance at the April 5 Don Mills Road EA meeting. The meeting was very poorly attended and there was no new information offered over that given a year ago. The boards on view were the same as those displayed last year, and no information on progress during the past year was given. Jane Darragh reported on her attendance at the Don Valley Brick Works Open House also held on April 5. Plans for the Brick Works include a trail centre, a shuttle bus from the subway, market gardens, a restaurant and a green roof. A challenge exists to balance the needs of hikers and dog - walkers with the establishment of native plants. Janice Palmer clarified that Evergreen's lease for the Brick Works is only for the front section of the property (where the buildings are located), the City is responsible for security and maintenance of the back section (the wetlands and trails). However, City funding is insufficient, and Adele Freeman pointed out that there are security and graffiti issues. Rosedale residents would need to support Evergreen's proposal and actively encourage the City to work on this property. The management of this park must be improved to allow local residents to support it and donate to Evergreen for its improvement. The buildings are heritage buildings but also represent a liability. The buildings are also subject to flooding. Proposals to use the buildings for events such as weddings will need to consider that such events would be subject to cancellation and even evacuation in case of a flood warning. Currently, 10 - 12 flood warnings per year are issued for the Brick Works. April 20, 2006 Page F51 COMMITTEE REPORTS OUTREACH TEAM Peter Heinz reported that the Don Watershed Hike now has six coordinators. The hike has been divided into 2 -hour walking sections, which are listed in the Outreach Team meeting minutes. The hike would be too disjointed if it attempted to cover the entire Don. Janice Palmer plans to walk her section of the hike later this week and produce a prototype of the guide for the other coordinators to follow. Two guided walks, for specific areas, are planned for weekend days in late October and November. Michelle will provide the disclaimer used by the City on its trail maps to Janice for inclusion in her prototype. It was suggested that resources will include the Parks Department, City archives, and the Internet. The Outreach Team's next scheduled meeting date had been agreed to change from Thursday May 4 to Wednesday May 3 at the last team meeting. (Editor's note: the May 3 meeting was later cancelled). PADDLE THE DON Amy Thurston reported that nine Corporate Challenge teams are registered. All slots are booked and a waiting list established with over 30 boats on it. Dignitaries scheduled to attend include MPP Michael Prue, Councillor Paula Fletcher and MPP Kathleen Wynne. Post City magazine will be covering the event. The Keating Channel Pub will tentatively be holding a post - paddle event for corporate teams and volunteers. TORONTO AND AREA REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN Adele Freeman reported that a green technology seminar is scheduled for May 3 at Seneca College. Jane Darragh plans to attend. Although all spots are reserved at this point, Kelly Montgomery should be contacted if members wish to attend, and they will be added to the waiting list. TRCA's focus has been to do the science before approaching developers about new technologies. Permeable pavement technology, for example, is very specific to the climate of a given area, and has been little studied in Canada. UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Moyra Haney circulated the Toronto Bay Initiative's 2006 Calendar of Events. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 20, 2006 Page F52 Date / Location Event Description Friday April 21 - Saturday April 22, 2006 Public hours: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM Apr. 22 Study hours: 3:00 PM Apr. 21 onward (all night) Earth Day BioBlitz Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills Rd. Saturday April 22, 2006 10:00 AM - Noon Community Clean Up Day Donora Park Saturday April 22, 2006 10:00 AM - Noon Earthdav Underwriters' Reach Corporate Celebration Taylor Massey Creek Sunday April 23, 2006 10:00 AM - Noon Nature's Spring Awakening along the Don East off Don Mills Rd., just north of the DVP exit onto Don Mills Sunday April 23, 2006 Noon - 2:00 PM Halsey Plateau Tree Planting Meet at the west end of Halsey Avenue off of Dawes Road Sunday April 23, 2006 1:00 4:00 PM The 11th Annual Farlinger Ravine Clean -up and 2nd Clean -up of Eglinton Ravine Subway to Kennedy or park on Foxridge. Friday, April 28, 2006 8:00 PM (Private TBI reception, 6:45 pm) Hair! Bluma Appel Theatre Saturday May 6, 2006 10:00 AM - Noon Donora Park Planting Donora Park Sunday May 7, 2006 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Hike the Don /Paddle the Don Meet At E.T. Seaton Park. Saturday May 14, 2006 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Cherry Beach Community Planting Meet at Cherry Beach at the foot of Cherry Street, in the Toronto Port Lands. April 20, 2006 Page F53 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 5/06 Thursday May 18, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday June 15, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday August 3, 2006* 129 Hanna Road # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 * Adele Freeman was not available for the original date of July 20. Council agreed to reschedule this meeting for Thursday August 3. It will be held as a barbeque at 129 Hanna Road. POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 2/06 Thursday May 11, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 3/06 Thursday June 8, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday July 13, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 April 20, 2006 Page F54 OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 3/06 Wednesday May 3, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday June 1, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 8/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 REPORT CARD TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 1/06 Thursday May 11, 2006* NYCC Committee Room 1 * Bev Thorpe was unable to attend a meeting on April 27. Council therefore agreed to cancel this meeting and instead pair the Report Card Team meeting with the Policy and Advocacy Team meeting on May 11. (Editor's Note: All Report Card Team meetings will held jointly with Policy and Advocacy Team meetings, beginning with the May 11, 2006 meeting). CHAIR'S TELE CONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 5/06 Wednesday May 10, 2006 9:00 am # 6/06 Wednesday June 7, 2006 9:00 am # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006 9:00 am # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 am # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 am # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 am April 20, 2006 Page F55 NEW BUSINESS Adele Freeman reports that she put her name forward, through Conservation Ontario, to be on the review panel for the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and will keep the Don Council informed on this issue. LCBO, Banrock Station, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and Ontario MNR will be introducing 325,000 Atlantic salmon to the Duffins Creek early in May, with another introduction into the Humber expected in five years. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:55 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #5/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #8/06 OCTOBER 27, 2006 TORONTO AND REGION-10- t., onserva t:on for The Living City theDoiI MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #5/06 May 18, 2006 Page F56 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #5/06 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday May 18, 2006. Peter Heinz (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Peter Heinz Acting Chair Barb Anderson Member Margaret Buchinger 'Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Stephen Cockle Member Jane Darragh Member Roslyn Moore Member Doug Obright Member Janice Palmer Member Ron Shimizu Member GUESTS John Hewings Guest John Hopkins Guest Philip Mathias Guest Raza Moghal Guest Korice Moir Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Deb Martin -Downs Director, Ecology Division Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk May 18, 2006 PRESENTATION A Proposed Master Plan for the Donalda Club Page F57 Deb Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology Division, TRCA gave a presentation on the proposed Master Plan for the Donalda Golf Club. The Donalda Club is located near York Mills Road and Don Mills Road, with the Don running through it. The course suffered $1.5 million in damage from the August 19, 2005 storm. The club owners then came forward to TRCA with a plan to repair the damage and upgrade the course that involved some actions that would impact the natural areas of the course (e.g. removing some trees, work in naturalized areas). The TRCA suggested that Donalda Club produce a Master Plan, and as this would decrease flooding in the area, such a plan was considered beneficial for the club, also, and the owners agreed. Donalda was asked to consider stormwater management, trail linkages, invasive species management, and terrestrial and aquatic habitat improvements in developing their Master Plan. The resulting Master Plan drawingswere presented and displayed for Don Council members to view. ' Several of the club's committees have endorsed the plan. The membership as a whole still needs to provide their approval. Most of the work in the plan would be completed within four years, although it is a 10 -year plan . Deb then went through each drawing, which highlighted a different area of the golf course. The proposals included a stormwater pond to be used for mitigation, to replace as much as possible the pumping of Don River water, cutting the banks back in several areas to give the river more space and a gentler bank slope, several plantings of more desirable species and the management of invasive species (including Manitoba Maple and Buckthorn). The portion of the club that includes Deerlick Creek, a tributary of the Don, was identified as a problem. The eastern portion of Donalda's land includes the creek, but the club has stated that the City of Toronto is responsible for the exposed sewer in the area (exposed due to erosion of the creek bed) and the creek's failing gabion baskets . Thus, the club has no plans to do this,work. The houses in the area are elevated and not directly on the East Don river. Proposed trails would be on the east side of the property. There are some properties, however, that extend right to Deerlick creek. The City would need easements for the trails here. Overall, the proposal is expected to increase river functionality, increase native plant cover and decrease erosion. Steep vertical drops to the river will become more tapered and will be planted to help with stabilization. There are plans to expand the tennis courts that will require the removal of some mature trees. Overall, TRCA staff felt that the Master Plan would have a net benefit for the area and they have supported it in principle and will continue to work with staff at Donalda during the planning and implementation stage of the plan. It is clear that before proceeding, the required approvals must be obtained. May 18, 2006 Page F58 Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (P.Heinz) There is an existing trail which local residents use. Response There is a walkway through the course's centre, but it is not public. Donalda does let the community use it outside of golf season (it is not safe to travel while games are in progress). Comment (A. Freeman) The largest barrier in the Don River used to be at the Donalda Club and the Club allowed TRCA to remove it. They have been good partners for the Don. Response Yes, and this plan is a great step forward. Comment (B. Anderson) The Audubon Society offers a certification program for environmental approaches for golf course design. Perhaps Donalda can receive this certification? Response We will look into that. (Editor's note: this was researched, and Donalda is already certified under this program as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary). Comment (J.Palmer) Could the Club commence the work and not finish it, resulting in their completing the work that they most want to do (e.g. for tennis courts) and not the restoration work that TRCA would like to see done? Response That is a good question. A memorandum of understanding referencing the Master Plan could be produced. The Club and TRCA will work together on scheduling projects. Comment (R. Shimizu) How much consideration is given upstream, are we anticipating major changes there? Response The hydrologists are modeling the changes expected from any movement of the river's course through Donalda. Some leeway will be left for potential climate change effects. Deb then queried the Council on its interest in helping with the Master Plan activities. For example, in helping with plantings. Adele Freeman suggested local residents may be interested, and a stewardship event could possibly be sponsored by the Council. Adele also suggested that the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee, whose DWRC representative is Margaret Buchinger, should be informed of this plan and especially of the Deerlick Creek issues. RES. # F16/06- LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR DONALDA CLUB MASTER PLAN Moved by: Seconded by: Janice Palmer Doug Obright THAT the Don Council send a letter supporting in principle the Donalda Club Master Plan and May 18, 2006 Page F59 supporting the engagement of the community in holding local events to support the Plan's activities CARRIED MINUTES RES. #F17/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #3/06 Moved by: Barb Anderson Seconded by: Jane Darragh THAT the minutes of meeting #4/06, held on April 20, 2006 be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Healthy Yards Program, 2006 Update Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #1/06, April 21, 2006 Adele Freeman pointed out that this program could be implemented for local residents surrounding the Donalda Club. 5.2 Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition, 2005 Accomplishments Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #1/06, April 21, 2006 5.3 Delegations on Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Terms of Reference List of delegates to Authority Meeting #3/06, April 28, 2006 5.4 Notice of submission , Terms of Reference, Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Notice of submission , May 5, 2006 5.5 Native Gardening in Your Backyard Event notice from Task Force to Bring Back the Don, May 27, 2006 May 18, 2006 Page F60 5.6 Towards Better Protection of Species at Risk in Ontario Discussion paper, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, May, 2006 (Item 5.6 was discussed in Section 6.3). ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Paddle the Don and Hike the Don 2006 Amy Thurston reported that the 2006 Paddle was a success and thanked all those that attended and helped out. Any feedback on the event should be forwarded to Brent Bullough, TRCA, or to Amy. Funds raised totaled a record $28,000, including Banrock Station's three -year commitment. Sales of t -shirts were up, and the message ( "I Paddled the Don ") was appreciated. Twelve corporate teams entered the Corporate Canoe Challenge; a winner will be announced shortly. Last year, there were seven teams and a total $20,000 was raised. There were actually fewer canoes this year, with about 160. Some non - registered canoes were seen putting in above the put in location; next year it may be necessary to monitor these sites. Thompson Miller LLP (a local law firm) has expressed interest in participating in the corporate challenge next year, as a new team. A concern was raised that the public may have felt inconvenienced if corporate teams are increased; would there be a perception that there were less positions to register for as a member of the public? Amy replied that this could be an issue, this year we did hold quite a few spots for corporate teams and dignitaries at the beginning of the event. No complaints from the public were heard but we should anticipate that this may need to be addressed next year. It was noted that a number of the representatives of sponsors or corporate challenge team members arrived singly in cars, making parking difficult. It was suggested that carpooling and parking cars without canoes at the lot at the top of the hill be encouraged. Also suggested was the possibility of a shuttle from the upper lot to the put -in location. Many participants arrived at 9:00 am even though they were all assigned time slots. Although canoes were put in quickly, those volunteers at the first weir did not indicate that they were overwhelmed. Further suggestions included having brochures available for parking attendants to hand out, as the opportunity to explain the event was quite limited as cars entered. Another suggestion was offered for the hike organizers; that a "Hike meets here" sign be put in place, as hikers were not clear where they should congregate. Also, it was noted that there was more interest in gift certificates and t -shirts as give -aways for pledges than in other merchandise. It was suggested that day passes to locations such as the Kortright Centre might be offered. TRCA staff took note of this suggestion and confirmed this opportunity would be pursued for next year. 6.2 Don Watershed Networking Forum This issue will be discussed in more detail at the next Outreach Team meeting (scheduled for June 1, 2006). Michelle Vanderwel has been building a list of potential Don groups to invite and Amy Thurston will be refining the list. Locations are being determined by Michelle. At this time, there are many possible locations for a Thursday evening meeting and only a few possibilities for a Saturday meeting. May 18, 2006 Page F61 6.3 Species at Risk in Ontario Discussion Paper It was agreed that the Policy and Advocacy Team would take the lead to prepare a response to this discussion paper. Council members or guests who would like to assist with this response should contact Margaret Buchinger to express their interest, and attend the next Policy and Advocacy team meeting, at which this issue will be discussed. Roslyn Moore expressed interest in assisting with this response. In order to coordinate the Don Council's response with that of TRCA, Michelle Vanderwel will determine the appropriate contact at TRCA and the time line for TRCA's response. (Editor's note: TRCA's response will be coordinated by Natalie Iwanycki. Natalie has been contacted to determine the time line and the method for coordinating the response with that of the Don Council). COMMITTEE REPORTS OUTREACH TEAM Peter Heinz reported that the draft text for two of the walks for the Don Watershed hikes has been completed. Janice Palmer is still working on the brochure template. Janice questioned whether a map should be included in the brochure and it was agreed that it should. Since it could be a challenge to include all of the relevant information and the map, it was agreed that a meeting between TRCA layout and design staff and Janice and Peter would be arranged by Michelle Vanderwel. (Editor's note: this meeting was held May 29 and Peter and Janice will report back on it at the next Outreach Team meeting on June 1, 2006). POLICY AND ADVOCACY TEAM Margaret Buchinger presented the Council with a walk -in item, a memo on the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee process and priorities. The memo suggests that the committee support more rapid implementation of the Wet Weather Flow plan, the bundling of EAs by reach, sewer separation as a priority, a comprehensive framework, Taylor Massey subwatershed as a pilot project for an ecosystem approach to stormwater management, and better coordination with the 905 region. Also, the memo informs the committee of the new Don Watershed plan that is in preparation. It was pointed out that rather than separation of sewers, it should be a priority for the City to hold and treat water in tanks before entrance to the River or the Lake. Even the stormwater in downtown Toronto should be treated. If this occurred, separation would not be necessary. RES. # F18/06- ENDORSEMENT OF MEMO TO IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE FOR THE WET WEATHER FLOW MASTER PLAN Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Shimizu Jane Darragh THAT the Don Council support the memo as prepared for the Wet Weather Flow Master May 18, 2006 Page F62 Plan Implementation Committee, with the addition of data currently being prepared by Deb Martin - Downs, and with the changes to the focus for CSOs as noted above CARRIED REPORT CARD The format of the next Don watershed Report Card was discussed. Several members supported using the short version format, similar to Breathing New Life into the Don, 2003 (BNL). A 12- year retrospective was suggested as a focus for this Report Card. However, some members felt that this would result in too much repetition from other Report Cards, and that this aspect could be covered by just an introductory blurb. It was pointed out that longer Report Cards may not be read. Raza Moghal, a visiting student from York, pointed out that he and other students do reference the longer documents. He suggested including a glossary since some terms were not readily understood by the lay public. It was suggested that more background be provided on the web; this could be downloaded for those interested and the printed version could be kept short. There was some discussion on whether the focus should be the last ten years or the last three. Adele Freeman stated that we use the data we have, sometimes this covers more than three years. Carmela Canzonieri wanted to see more explanation in addition to the letter grades than in BNL. Ron Shimizu supported the longer format; he felt there was not enough information in BNL. Also, more clarity on grades is needed. For example, 75% storm sewer separation has been achieved but this was given a D grade. It was suggested that a layperson may be confused by this, and feel that 75% is good whereas a D grade is generally considered to be poor. Also, it was suggested that a newsprint short version (rather than a glossy) could be produced and efforts made to insert this into local papers. Roz Moore pointed out there was an intermediate size Report Card, Turning the Corner, 1997(TtC). Also, Roz wanted to see more effort to get media (TV) to cover this new Report Card. Succinct messages that make good sound bites are needed. Adele mentioned that the Council and TRCA had previously tried to get Report Cards inserted into newspapers, but no media partners were found. Without media willing to donate space, the costs are very high. Council and TRCA staff could try this again with the new Report Card. Carmela suggested essentially doing both versions - a long version for download and for use by students and a short version extracted from it for print. Janice Palmer felt the longer versions have a lot of repetition from earlier versions and that Council - should try to avoid this. Forty Steps to Bring Back the Don is too large even to download. Adele pointed out that time lines must be considered. If there is a need to hire a writer, the hiring process must be started very shortly. The context pieces for the Report Cards are expected around the end of June. Adele will be away in July. Council should try to have this Report Card completed and released in December to set the stage for the Watershed Plan. Adele mentioned that Pollution Probe is producing a report. This is not ready yet but could and should be joined with the Report Card rather than having the documents "warring". The Pollution Probe document is also expected at the end of the year but there is an outline now. It was decided that Pollution Probe should be invited'to address the Council. Their report will involve interviews with experts in this field. It was agreed that, if possible, Pollution Probe's report should be the topic of the night for the June 15 Don Council meeting. Pollution Probe May 18, 2006 Page V-63 representatives will be invited, and possibly also a facilitator. TORONTO AND AREA REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN Jane Darragh reported on her attendance at the RAP - sponsored Green Technology workshop The event was well attended, with a range of members of the public, engineers, businesses, etc. Glenn MacMillan spoke on the green roof at York University. City of Toronto representatives described the City initiatives, including a pilot project offering up to $20,000 for construction of a green roof (Toronto Hydro is a partner in this project). Dr. Karen Lu spoke on monitoring of green roofs in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Also, Seneca has a permeable pavement project on -site, and Jane viewed the control and experimental sites. The study found that impurities flowing through the pavement disperse, rather than being absorbed into the groundwater. A website on the project with details will be up soon at www.sustainbletechnologies.ca. Michelle Vanderwel will inform DWRC members when the site is up and running. UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Stephen Cockle reminded Council members that the Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash event will be Sunday June 4, 2006, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Volunteers for any part of the day (from 9:30 am to 5 pm)are still needed, and Council members were encouraged.to sign up on the sheet provided. Peter Heinz attended Toronto Bay Initiative's meeting on the waterfront Explorer's Map project. Gord MacPherson of TRCA was also there. A booklet or map will be produced. Margaret Buchinger attended a May 4 public meeting on the Small Streams Study in Markham. The goal is to evaluate and protect minor streams. The next step in the project will be an implementation plan, with a public presentation planned for the fall. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date�1 Lo Event ,eseriptioii Saturday, May 20, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon The Don Valley's History Task Force to Bring Back the Don and Bill Lewis. Saturday, May 27, 2006 9:30 am Riverdale Farm Native Gardening in Your Backyard The Task Force to Bring Back the Don is hosting a workshop on planting native plants. j May 18, 2006 Page F64 Date / Location Event Description Saturday, June 3, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Victoria Park subway station Bike Week Tour of the Don FODE invites you to tour the Don by bicycle. Saturday, June 3, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon East Don Parkland Wildflower planting at East Don Parkland Sunday, June 4, 2006 1:00 - 3:00 pm Tour starts at 955 Queen Street East Cycling the Port Lands Learn from Paul Young about the emerging vision for Toronto's Port Lands. Sunday, June 4, 2006 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm Trench and Mill, Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash Sunday, June 11, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Chester Subway Station Canadian Rivers Day Water Walk Sunday, June 11, 2006 1:30 - 4:00 pm Meet at Pharmacy and Ashtonbee. Tour of Taylor Massey's Possible Cycling Paths Saturday, June 17, 2006 9:45 am - 12:00 noon Meet at the tour boat (The Oriole), moored behind Queen's Quay terminal at the foot of York Street. Bay Boat Tour 1 Get an intimate view of our great waterfront, the Islands, and Tommy Thompson Park's breeding bird sanctuary. Toronto Bay Initiative, in partnership with Mariposa Cruises. Space is limited, cost $20. For information, phone (416) 598 -2277. UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 6/06 Thursday June 15, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 7/06 Thursday August 3, 2006 129 Hanna Road # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 May 18, 2006 Page F65 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 POLICY AND ADVOCACY/REPORT CARD TEAM Meeting # Date Location #3/06 Thursday June 22, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #4/06 Thursday July 13, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #5/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #6/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #7/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 OUTREACH TEM Meeting # Date - Location # 3/06 Thursday June 1, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 4/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1_ # 5/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 7/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 May 18, 2006 Page F66 CHAIR'S TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 6/06 Wednesday June 7, 2006 9:00 am # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006 9:00 am # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 am # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 am # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 am NEW BUSINESS Carmela Canzonieri introduced her guest, York student Raza Moghal. Raza's major project for his Master's degree involved developing a green infrastructure plan for the Bartley Smith Greenway. A copy of his thesis was circulated at the meeting, and given to Adele Freeman. Carmela solicited suggestions for topics for the course and the students' major papers next year. Taylor Massey Creek and German Mills Creek were suggested. Adele informed Council members that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project is on the EBR and public comment is being accepted by MOE until June 5, 2006. Don Council members that wished to comment on the ToR should do so through the Ministry; details are available on TRCA's website. Janice Palmer noted that the Task Force to Bring Back the Don had authorized John Wilson to send a letter to MOE supporting the ToR. Adele mentioned that in the federal government's budget speech it was announced that $30 million was allotted for Evergreen for infrastructure at the Brick Works. The City and TRCA are currently working on a lease agreement. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:55 pm. Peter Heinz Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #6/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #8/06 OCTOBER 27, 2006 3 TORONTO AND REGION' onserva tion for The Living City theDon MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #6/06 June 15, 2006 Page F67 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #6106 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday June 15, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Karen Boniface Member Margaret Buchinger Member Moyra Haney Member Roslyn Moore Member Doug Obright Member Janice Palmer Member Ron Shimizu Member Bev Thorpe Member Tom Waechter Member John Wilson Member GUESTS Mary Beth Ashbourne Guest Bogna Jaworski Guest Andrew McCammon Guest Korice Moir Guest Peter Telford Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Janet Ivey Project Manager, Don Watershed Plan Deb Martin -Downs Director, Ecology Division Kelly Montgomery Remedial Action Plan Project Manager Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk June 15, 2006 MINUTES RES. #F19/06- Moved by: Page F68 MINUTES TO MEETING #5/06 Margaret Buchinger Seconded by: Janice Palmer THAT the minutes of meeting #5/06, held on May 18, 2006 be approved subject to minor editorial changes by Adele Freeman CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS John Wilson expressed a pecuniary interest in the Pollution Probe Don Retrospective/ Prospective Workshop due to his position with Pollution Probe. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Taylor Creek Park Water Main Letter to Jerry Higgins and Ruthanne Henry, City of Toronto, from Nancy Penny, Acting Chair, Taylor Massey Project, dated June 6, 2006 4.3 Response, DWRC Review of Ontario Regulation 339, Environmental Protection Act Letter to Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Laurel Broten, Minister of the Environment, dated June 9, 2006 OUTGOING 4.2 DWRC Comments on the Proposed Changes to Ontario's Building Code Letter to Glenn De Baeremaeker and Janet Davis, Co- Chairs, Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee, from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - May 31, 2006 Andrew McCammon requested that Taylor Massey Project receive an electronic copy of this letter and permission be granted to post this letter on the TMP website. Permission was given, and Michelle Vanderwel will send the letter to Andrew. RES. #F20/05- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS June 15, 2006 Page F69 Moved by: Moyra Haney Seconded by: Ron Shimizu THAT correspondence items 4.1 to 4.3 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 City of Toronto Parks Renaissance Strategy Invitation to the Parks Renaissance Strategy workshop sessions and Parks Renaissance Strategy presentation 5.2 Todmorden Mills Community Consultation Workshop Final meeting record for community consultation held November 1, 2005 5.3 Environmental Assessment Improvements News release from Ontario Ministry of the Environment, June 9, 2006 Adele Freeman and Deb Martin -Downs confirmed that TRCA has no additional information on the changes to the Environmental Assessment process being proposed by MOE; Adele had checked with contacts at MOE for this information. 5.4 Lake Ontario Park Public Forum Memo to members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council from Don Cross, Acting Chair, DWRC on the Lake Ontario Park Public Forum held June 8, 2006 RES. # F21/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Moyra Haney Doug Obright THAT information items 5.1 through 5.4 be received CARRIED COMMITTEE REPORTS MILL POND SPLASH 2006 DWRC members were referred to Stephen Cockle's memo on the Mill Pond Splash event of June 4, 2006 (available at this meeting as a walk -in item). Adele Freeman added that thanks were due to Councillor Lynn Foster of Richmond Hill, who June 15, 2006 Page F70 offered her help at last year's Mill Pond Splash and assisted with the event throughout the planning of it. OUTREACH TEAM Janice Palmer reported that the Outreach Team's last meeting focused on the hikes for the Don watershed and the networking forum planned for the fall. The team agreed on the title of "Walk the Don" for the hikes. Three draft hike guides were produced for different areas within the Don watershed. After the meeting, Michelle Vanderwel walked the hike in the Burke Brook area using Janice's draft notes. This resulted in the need for considerable changes to the draft text, which Janice made and will then test again with new hikers. The networking forum plans were changed considerably from an earlier vision. The decisions made by the team and the rationale for these decisions were documented in the Outreach Team meeting minutes. Andrew McCammon suggested that the forum should have a watershed focus and that it should start with presentations by the TRCA and the RAP. Then watershed groups could give presentations; perhaps 5 — 8 groups. After, break -out groups could be formed. Janice clarified that no break -out groups were now planned; rather, presentations on various topics would be given to the audience as a whole. Andrew expressed concern that relationships with agencies, for example the Wet Weather Flow IAC, would not be fostered in this manner. The Acting Chair directed the Outreach Team to deal with this input into the forum design. TORONTO AND AREA REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN Kelly Montgomery reported on the RAP update, as detailed in the memo included as Item 8.1 in the Addendum to the Agenda. Ron Shimizu asked whether a specific set of targets would be included when a Memorandum of Understanding is negotiated. Kelly and Adele clarified that some specific actions would be included plus more general targets for which specific workplans would be drawn up later. The MOU covers a long period of time and new technologies may arise that would alter the actions taken. The current MOU ends March 2007.. UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Karen Boniface reported that in Markham, a German Mills Creek resident donated $1000 and offered another $1000 for local native plantings. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES June 15, 2006 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Page F71 Date / Location Event Description Saturday, June 17, 2006 9:45 am - 12:00 noon Bay Boat Tour 1 Toronto Bay Initiative Saturday, June 17, 2006 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Banbury Community Centre Ontario Urban Forest Council's: The Role of the Urban Seed Orchard Workshop for community volunteers Sunday, June 18, 2006 2:00 pm start Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue Lost River Walk: Burke Brook Leader Ed Freeman Thursday, June 22, 2006 5:00 - 8:00 pm Marie Curtis Park Celebrating 60 Years of Conservation: Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watersheds Report Card Launch Saturday, June 24, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Heritage Toronto Goulding Estate Walk FODE Heritage Toronto tour Sunday, July 9, 2006 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Toronto Bay Initiative, Family Fishing Day TBI and partners - free day of fishing Saturday, July 15, 2006 10:00 am - noon Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve • Summer in the Don Valley Bring Back the Don walk in the Don Valley (Forks of the Don north to E. T. Seton Park) Sunday, July 16, 2006 9:15 am - 2:00 pm Harbourfront Nautical Centre Toronto Island Canoe Tour 1 TBI's paddle the bay event in a voyageur canoe Wednesday, July 19, 2006 6:00 - 8:00 pm Eglinton Park Heritage Community Gardens Toronto Green Community: Xeriscaping and Dealing with Drought Sunday, July 23, 2006 1:30 - 4:00 pm Warden and St. Clair Lower Don Regeneration Cycling Tour Taylor Massey Project, TBI and Urbane Cyclist event Saturday, July 29, 2006 9:45 am - 12:00 noon Meet at the tour boat (The Oriole at Queen's Quay terminal) Bay Boat Tour 2 TBI with Mariposa Cruises. $20. (416) 598 - 2277. Wednesday, August 9, 2006 5:30 - 8:30 pm Meet at the parking lost just off the west side of Bayview between Pottery Rd at Bloor St. Ecology at the Brick Works TBI and Evergreen visit Toronto's largest engineered wetland. (416) 598 -2277. Pay what you can, bring a snack. June 15, 2006 Page F72 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 7/06 Thursday August 3, 2006 (BBQ) 129 Hanna Road # 8/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 9/06 s Thursday October 19, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 2 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 1,POLICY AND ADVOCACY /REPORT CARD TEAM Meeting # Date Location #4/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #5/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #6/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 4/06 Thursday July 6, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 5/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 7/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 June.15, 2006 Page F73 CHAIR'S TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 7/06 Wednesday July 12, 2006* 9:00 AM # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 AM # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 AM # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 AM *Editor's note: this teleconference has been rescheduled to Friday July 28, 2006, 9:00 AM. NEW BUSINESS Andrew McCammon reported that there were two clutches of turtle eggs observed in Terraview - Willowfield. Don Cross informed the Council that a stakeholders meeting for the Don River Park will be held on Tuesday June 20 and that Don would be attending as a representative of the DWRC. There will be a public forum on July 12. Adele Freeman reminded Council members that Don Mouth Naturalization events were anticipated to begin again in September. Also, Adele stated that an announcement would be made this evening (June 15) regarding $15 million in funding provided by the federal government for the Don Valley Brick Works. Moyra Haney reported on her attendance at the presentation for design of the slips for the waterfront. The announcement of the winning design was made June 2, and Moyra provided Council members with several articles on the winning team's (West 8) design. POLLUTION PROBE DON RETROSPECTIVE /PROSPECTIVE WORKSHOP John Wilson provided some background on Pollution Probe's involvement with the Don River, gave a brief history of the development of the Don Retrospective /Prospective project, and introduced Peter Telford, who will be the principal writer of the report. June 15, 2006 Page F74 What follows is a point form synopsis of the discussion that took place on the project, with general subject headings. General • • • • • • • • • • • Brief overview of Pollution Probe and involvement with Don Brief history of development of this project Big picture goal of project- tool kit- lessons from Don applied as exemplar for next generation of how to match local advocacy with a policy framework Emphasized- not duplication of other reports but complementation to them Some historical /descriptive sections may repeat info from elsewhere Peter Telford (PT) to be principle writer, John Wilson (JW) and others to assist DWRC members asked for some clarification on issues such as goal of project, a sample Table of Contents (will be distributed by email), whether other rivers /water bodies were considered as exemplars, whether achievements would be included in this report (should be covered by the Report Card) Concern raised - report too broad? Important to have clear context JW clarified- report to be 35 -50 pages, easy to work through "Tomorrow you've got to do things differently than you do today" Don Report card to include in -depth info from this report, science and data to be focus of the Card Disappointments • • • • • • • • • • • No agricultural land left in Don W/S in 20 years? Targets of Forty Steps not being met fast enough Lack of political buy -in Lack of financial support for infrastructure No change (+ or -) in water quantity or quality Lack of sedimentation control in development process Bylaws in effect but not effective Technology of constructed wetlands- some don't work to cleanse water No funds for design and planning of constructed wetlands Public apathy (especially about parks) No connection made by citizens on effects on environment and their own actions Challenges • Challenge is to have functional W/S even though almost totally urbanized • Successes take time • Stormwater management in urban environment- green technology plus land use policies needed • Focus for report needs to be on Don and municipalities in it • Be able to answer question "why rehabilitate river systems that are already degraded when costs will be so high "? • CSO control, as in Europe, is needed June 15, 2006 Page F75 • How to develop a different public mindset- from a car culture to a bike /pedestrian culture • Expanded development leads to more funds for parks but also more pressure on parks - park boundaries not changed, no new land for each urban park ■ Where to focus efforts over next 20 years? • What tools needed to know how to focus efforts? • How should intensification proceed? • Will cultural differences in the demographics in 20 years lead to changed environmental values? • Intensity and number of storms expected to increase under climate change • Failure of infrastructure due to increased storms means funds diverted from plans such as Wet Weather Flow • What if climate change forces those in coastal cities to move inland to areas such as Toronto? Successes • Non - natives now not planted in parks • Pesticide ban in Toronto • Wet Weather Flow, $1 billion plan over 25 years is a huge investment Legislation: Impacts on Management • Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt legislation helps small parts of Don watershed within these areas but increases pressure to urbanize in areas not covered • These policies didn't raise awareness in Don- almost all areas left undeveloped in Don already slated for development before these plans • No provincial legislation on green roofs, City of Toronto building standards arose from planning Urban Intensification • York Region shows new thinking on planning but not Toronto • Examples from Europe (highly urbanized rivers improved) - need those lessons here • Decisions made on intensification seem outside of an overall plan • Development proceeding without plan for trash removal, energy requirements, water treatment • Disagreement with above - policies exist (e.g. set backs from river banks, stormwater management) - not perfect but are being included in redevelopments now • Where is vision /master plan for Toronto? • Include green space per capita in policy for City • Redevelopment and regeneration addressed through Natural Heritage Strategy for unused land across TRCA jurisdiction ■ Recent change to regulation regarding small stream and micro - wetlands conservation - vaguer, so more applicable but may be harder to define and effort may be needed to confirm sites fit the criteria June 15, 2006 Page F76 ■ Official plans exist but are slanted toward development and intensification not environmental concerns • Plans in effect but not effective • Financial benefit to developer must be made clear - may be in delayed cost off -sets but exists and mind sets need to be changed toward long term costs /benefits • If it affects people's lifestyle (e.g. cost of gas too high to be affordable) then people change ■ Climate change may force lifestyle change Local Interests and Activism - Links to Broader Picture • Younger generation underutilized and not engaged • DWRC needs more outreach to 18 -30 yr olds • Take advantage of 40 hour volunteer requirement for high school students • TRCA multicultural outreach could be exemplar for outreach to youth? • 20 years ahead expect current new immigrants t be middle class, their kids as second generation and new immigrants • Interest in local planting events increasing in communities in Markham with high proportions of new immigrants • Climate change could galvanize public especially immigrants from hard -hit countries ■ Huge demand for change could be seen (not small scale changes but large ones) ■ Change to bike culture seen under climate change? • Huge academia disconnect - no one reading research • What do youth read? (not reports - how to engage them ?) • One sound bite messages needed Great Lakes Mayors Vision and the Don ■ If Roundtable includes only coastal mayors, not sufficient: should include mayors from north of Toronto (e.g. Richmond Hill) • Consider using a watershed approach (e.g. mayors from municipalities within each watershed draining to Great Lakes)? • Better intragovernmental cooperation needed - training staff and trickle -down of knowledge takes time • Governments need more investment from corporations in environment • Harness Great Lakes mayors to challenge corporate sector • World Mayors Declaration on climate change - e.g. 240 mayors in US cities have signed - all Great Lakes mayors should sign • Should be framework in mind before discussions with Mayors (or provinces) - help them see how they can contribute The notes made from this discussion will be condensed by Michelle Vanderwel and Amy Thurston and sent to John Wilson and Peter Telford. Adele Freeman stated that she envisioned a Report Card for the Don for which this report was the basis for the in -depth descriptive portion, and the rest of the card would synthesize the scientific data. June 15, 2006 Page F77 ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #7/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #10/06 JANUARY 5, 2006 TORONTO AND REGION "'V, `, onserva tion for The Living City theDoiI MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #7106 August 3, 2006 Page F78 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #7/06 was held at Adele Freeman's house (129 Hanna Road), on Thursday August 3, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Jane Darragh Member Peter Heinz Member James McArthur Member Doug Obright Member Carolyn O'Neill Member Janice Palmer Member Ron Shimizu Member John Wilson Member GUESTS Bryan Bertie Guest Philip Mathias Guest John O'Gorman Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Alexandra Papaiconomou Don Watershed Project Technical Assistant Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk August 3, 2006 Page F79 MINUTES RES. #F22/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #6/06 Moved by: Seconded by: Janice Palmer Ron Shimizu THAT the minutes of meeting #6/06, held on June 16, 2006 be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Appointments to CLC, Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, EA Stage Letter to Don Cross, Acting Chair, DWRC, from Toronto and Region Conservation, dated July 11, 2006 Don Cross informed the Council that Carmela Canzonieri, who represented the DWRC on the CLC during the Terms of Reference stage of the DMNP Project, had emailed to state her interest in again serving in this role for the upcoming stage of the Project. Don offered to be the back -up representative. Council agreed to Carmela and Don as appointees to the CLC. OUTGOING 4.2 Letter of Support for Donalda Club Master Plan Letter to Scott White, Assistant Golf Club Manager, Donalda Golf & Country Club, in support of the Donalda Club Master Plan, from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - June 19, 2006 4.3 Consultation on Proposed Legislative Changes Regarding Species at Risk in Ontario Copy of online submission to Ministry of Natural Resources from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - July 5, 2006 August 3, 2006 Page F80 RES. #F23/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Carolyn O'Neill Peter Heinz THAT correspondence items 4.1 to 4.3 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS - 5.1 Improvements to the Environmental Assessment Process Memo from Hon. Laurel Broten, Minister of the Environment, June 12, 2006 5.2 Collaborative Source Water Protection Study for Lake Ontario Based Municipal Drinking Water Supplies Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #3/06, July 14, 2006 5.3 Source Water Protection Memorandum of Agreement for Funding for 2006 — 2008 Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #3106, July 14, 2006 5.4 Don Valley Brick Works — Lease Agreement with Evergreen for Restoration and Operation of the Industrial Building Portion Communication from Jim Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #3/06, July 14, 2006 5.5 Naturalization of Finch Hydro Corridor Memo from Geoff Cook, Former Member Don Watershed Regeneration Council, July 17, 2006 The Council agreed to refer this issue to the Outreach Team. 5.6 Bill 43, Clean Water Act Notice of public hearings, July 18, 2006 5.7 Joint Meeting of the Roundtables on the Environment and Beautiful City on the Proposed Green Development Standard Memo from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, July 25, 2006 August 3, 2006 Page F81 5.8 Earl Bales Park Area Stormwater Management Plan - Notice of Study Completion Notice from City of Toronto, July 28, 2006. For more information see website at: http:// www.toronto.ca /wes /techservices /involved /wws /earl bales /index.htm Janice Palmer requested a summary of the plan and a diagram of the site, and was referred to Sameer Dhalla of TRCA for this information. RES. # F24/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Jane Darragh Ron Shimizu THAT information items 5.1 through 5.8 be received CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 70-200 Russell Hill Road Development John Wilson reported that Task Force to Bring Back the Don has been monitoring this development and the City report on it. Russell Hill Road runs from St. Clair Avenue south into Nordheimer Ravine, with Sir Winston Churchill Park nearby. The property is 20 metres from a wetlands recreation area that TFBBD and TRCA were involved in creating. The site is approximately 90% in the ravine, with one existing building in the north section not in the ravine (according to City maps. However, John stated that TRCA maps show this area as within the ravine, also). The development proposal involves removing the existing home and constructing apartment buildings. The City opposed the plan due to the location within the ravine, the nature of the neighbourhood and the City's Natural Heritage designation for the site. The site is currently mainly forested and includes mature oak, pine and hemlock. The City's position was that the development was too dense, too intrusive and violates zoning; they therefore refused the permit. The local ratepayers association supports the City's position, as does TFBBD. The developer appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and the case will be heard August 28. John stated that he will not be in Toronto on that date, although other TFBBD members plan to attend. The Don Council, should they support this view, could assist TFBBD by participating at the hearing by being on call for three days, or the Council could request TRCA do so. Adele Freeman clarified that this cannot be taken before the TRCA board in time for the hearing, but Steve Heuchert of the Planning and Development Division was already involved with this issue and would be producing any TRCA response. Steve then arrived at the meeting location and updated the Council on TRCA's position on the development. TRCA is currently evaluating the proposal. While it is true that the developer did not need a permit for this proposal from TRCA in the past, under a new regulation adopted May 8, 2006, a permit would be required. TRCA's review of the proposal is ongoing. There are no flooding concerns, but the potential ecological impact of the development is being examined. TRCA may be present at the August 28 OMB August 3, 2006 Page F82 hearing if it is determined that the proposal would have negative impacts. Janice Palmer asked Steve whether, if TRCA determined that there were no negative impacts to the proposal, staff would write in support of the developer? Steve replied that they would not; they would simply respond with a statement to the effect that TRCA had no objections to the proposal. Steve stated that his understanding of the proposal and site was that there were no slope stability issues, and that the existing building was already on the slope. John Wilson corrected this, stating that only the second of the proposed buildings would be located on the slope. Steve stated that his department would be examining the proposal closely. Mark Ratnas of TRCA (extension 5259) would be handling the proposal, DWRC members could contact Mark for more information. TRCA staff will inform the Don Council once a decision on TRCA's position is made. Carolyn O'Neill stated that the loss of aesthetic value and viewscapes for residents suggested to her that the Council should oppose the proposal. Don Cross questioned whether the resident group for the area is strong and active. John Wilson and Carolyn O'Neill stated that the group is strong but there are few members since it is a low density area. The residents group's position is that the proposal should not be permitted due to the character of the neighbourhood, aesthetics, and for ecological reasons (e.g. hawks have been seen in the area). John clarified that these proposed structures are three to four times the size of the large homes currently in the area. It was decided that Carolyn O'Neill would draft a letter on the Don Council's position opposing the proposal, and that the Policy and Advocacy team would review the letter, along with Janice Palmer. RES. # F25/06- LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CITY OF TORONTO'S REFUSAL OF PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AT 70 -200 RUSSELL HILL ROAD Moved by: Seconded by: Carolyn O'Neill Janice Palmer THAT DWRC send a letter to the OMB supporting the City of Toronto's refusal for a permit for the proposed redevelopment at 70 -200 Russell Hill Road CARRIED 6.2 Don Watershed Groups Networking Forum Peter Heinz referred the Council to page 113 of the agenda package for the list of forum topics agreed upon at the last Outreach Team meeting. Amy Thurston confirmed that all Council members had received an email from Andrew McCammon suggesting that water quality and quantity be added as a new topic. Also, suggestions were made by Andrew to change the titles of all of the other topics to: Terrestrial Natural Heritage - Planting and Invasive Species, Dealings with Agencies - Challenges and Obstacles, Capacity- Building for Watershed Organizations (which would combine Fundraising /Financial Planning and People Power). Council feedback was solicited on whether to make these changes. No support was offered to do so. Janice Palmer stated that while she was a part of the Outreach Team and had worked on plans for the forum, she was unable to attend the last meeting. However, Janice supported the topics as listed in the Outreach Team meeting minutes, and stated that she felt that the August 3, 2006 Page F83 changes that were made at that meeting were positive. Adele Freeman noted that the WWFIAC has already been established to discuss issues of water quality and quantity. It was suggested that Council members who wished to comment on this proposed change do so by email to Peter and Amy. Also, Council input on suggested speakers and the questions to be answered through these discussions was solicited, and again email to Amy was suggested. Three to four questions per topic were suggested, with a view to presentations on each topic being approximately five minutes each. To facilitate discussion, Amy suggested that the services of an outside, professional facilitator be contracted. Amy also noted that groups will be asked to provide information on their activities for the Report Card. Surveys will be requested to be submitted by the date of the forum, with a possible prize incentive to be offered. $500 in planting supplies was suggested as an incentive. Representatives of municipalities will be requested to attend to answer questions from their perspectives. Amy then introduced Alexandra Papaiconomou and explained her role in updating the Don Watershed Strategy contact list for the summer. In many cases the list was years out of date. A few issues were clarified for Council members on specifics of the forum, and potential speakers for one of the topics were suggested (Regeneration Activities, Janice Palmer or another representative of TFBBD). Adele Freeman also suggested that Beth McEwen of the City should be invited as a resource for answering questions. Carolyn O'Neill suggested that Paul Bubelis of the Sustainability Network be contacted as a helpful resource. Council members were urged to attend the forum and to solicit attendees from other groups. Council then endorsed the motion below regarding the leadership of the Outreach Team on the planning of the forum. RES. # F26/06- COUNCIL SUPPORT OF OUTREACH TEAM'S LEADERSHIP IN PLANNING THE DON WATERSHED NETWORKING FORUM Moved by: Seconded by: Jane Darragh James McArthur THAT the Don Council supports the direction of the Don Watershed Networking Forum as outlined in the Outreach Team meeting minutes and that the Outreach Team will continue to lead the planning for the forum CARRIED COMMITTEE REPORTS POLICY AND ADVOCACY /REPORT CARD TEAM No comments were made on these minutes. August 3, 2006 Page F84 OUTREACH TEAM Peter Heinz stated that Janice Palmer's name should be replaced with Jane Darragh's on the second page of the minutes (page 109 of the agenda package); Jane attended the Toronto Parks Renaissance Strategy on June 22, 2006, Janice did not. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location Event Description Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006 5:30 - 8:30 pm Bayview, between Pottery Rd. and Bloor St. Ecology at the Brick Works TBI and Evergreen hosting Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2006 5:00 - 8:00 pm Harbourfront Nautical Centre Toronto Island Canoe Tour 2 TBI event Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006 2:00 pm Yonge St. and Broadway Ave. Mud Creek Garden Tour Toronto Green Community. Thursday Sep. 21, 2006* 6:00 - 9:30 pm Memorial Hall, Burgundy Room B Don Watershed Networking Forum (Details to come) Saturday Sep. 30, 2006 10:00 am - noon Meet at the parking lot at the foot of Cherry Street. 3'd Annual Tate & Lyle Tree Planting Join TBI and Tate & Lyle employees to help plant trees and shrubs at Cherry Beach. Dress for the weather - planting rain or shine. Free. Monday Oct. 16, 2006 6:00 pm Allen's, 143 Danforth Avenue FODE Annual Fundraising Dinner Fantastic food, free beer and century-old willows. Enjoy while supporting FODE. Please contact FODE for more information at eco@fode.ca or (416) 657 - 2800: *Editors note: Networking forum has been rescheduled and relocated. It will now be held Thursday October 12, 2006 at St. John's York Mills Anglican Church, Auditorium (19 Don Ridge Drive, North York, ON, near York Mills subway station). August 3, 2006 Page F85 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location #4/06 Thursday September 21, 2006 (Don Watershed Networking Forum)* Memorial Hall, Burgundy Room B # 8/06 Thursday October 19, 2006* NYCC Committee Room 2 # 9/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 *Editors note: Networking forum has been rescheduled as above and DWRC Meeting #8/06 will be held as originally scheduled, September 21, 2006 at NYCC, Committee Room 1. Also, at Meeting #8/06 Council will decide whether to hold a Council meeting on October 19, only two days prior to the Networking Forum. ; POLICY AND ADVOCACY/REPORT CARD TEAM Meeting # Date Location #4/06 Thursday September 14, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #5/06 Thursday October 12, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 #6/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 OUTREACH TEAM s >; Meeting # Date Location # 5/06 Thursday September 7, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 # 6/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 7/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 August 3, 2006 Page F86 CHAIR'S TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 8/06 Wednesday September 13, 2006 9:00 AM # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 9:00 AM # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 AM NEW BUSINESS Amy Thurston brought to the attention of Council the walk -in agenda item comparing the 12- year progress report on Forty Steps to a New Don, Pollution Probe's Don Watershed Retrospective /Prospective report and the Don Integrated Watershed Management Plan. TRCA staff (Amy and Janet Ivey) are currently compiling the forty steps for the purposes of the progress report. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 7:35 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #8/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #10/06 JANUARY 5, 2006 C onvsera t o n for The Living City theDoir MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #8/06 September 21, 2006 Page F87 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #8/06 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday September 21, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member James McArthur Member Janice Palmer Member Ron Shimizu Member Bev Thorpe Member John Wilson Member GUESTS Sandy Cappell Guest John Hopkins Guest Nicole Worsley Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Janet Ivey Project Manager, Don Watershed Plan Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk September 21, 2006 Page F88 MINUTES RES. #F27/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #7/06 Moved by: Seconded by: Janice Palmer Peter Heinz THAT the minutes of meeting #7/06, held on August 3, 2006, be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Notice of Environmental Report Commencement Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. Letter to Don Watershed Regeneration Council from David Wesenger, Stantec Consulting Inc. - July 25, 2006 4.2 Resignation letter, Don Council Citizen Member Letter to Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Toronto and Region Conservation, from Barbara Anderson - August 3, 2006 4.3 Don Mills Road Transit Improvements Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference Letter to Don Watershed Regeneration Council, from Dela Ting, City Clerk's Office, City of Toronto - August 25, 2006 4.4 Toronto Port Lands Reinforcement Project: South Section Letter to Don Watershed Regeneration Council from David Wesenger, Stantec Consulting Inc. - August 28, 2006 OUTGOING 4.5 OMB Case PL060214, DWRC Support of City of Toronto Refusal Report, 70-200 Russell Hill Road Letter to Patrick Hennessy, Secretary, Ontario Municipal Board,- from Don Cross, Acting Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - August 22, 2006 4.6 City of Toronto Staff Report: Don and Waterfront Interceptor Trunk Capacity and CSO September 21, 2006 Page F89 Control Project Letter to Councillor Shelly Carroll, Chair, Works Committee, City of Toronto, in support of the report, from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - September 8, 2006 RES. #F28/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Moyra Haney Margaret Buchinger THAT correspondence items 4.1 to 4.6 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Trunk Watermain Replacement, Spadina Ave. /Darcy St. to Gerrard St. /River St. Class Environmental Assessment Study Notice of Commencement Letter from Mike Baldesarra, Chisholm, Fleming and Associates, to Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, August 23, 2006 5.2 Conservation Ontario Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy Hearings on the Proposed Clean Water Act Copy of submission from Conservation Ontario, August 22, 2006 5.3 Notice of Completion of Environmental Study Report, Dufferin Street Class Environmental Assessment, City of Vaughan Letter from Salim Alibhai, Project Manager, Roads, York Region, to Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, August 23, 2006 5.4 Support for June 11 Tour of Possible Cycling Paths in Taylor Massey Creek Letter from Nancy Penny, Chair, Taylor Massey Project to Councillor Michael Thompson, City of Toronto, August 24, 2006 5.5 Don and Waterfront Interceptor Trunk Capacity and CSO Control Project (undertaking of a Comprehensive Class Environmental Assessment Study) Toronto Staff Report, to Works Committee, from Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager. Toronto Water, September 1, 2006 (recommendations follow) 5.6 Taylor Massey Creek, Suggestion for Watershed Management Coordinator Letter from Nancy Penny, Chair, Taylor Massey Project to Councillors Janet Davis and Glenn De Baeremaeker, Co- Chairs, City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Implementation Advisory Committee, September 4, 2006 September 21, 2006 Page F90 5.7 Changes to Bill 43, the Proposed Clean Water Act News release and backgrounder, Ministry of the Environment, on changes to Bill 43, the proposed Clean Water Act, regarding drinking water in rural Ontario - September 6, 2006 5.8 City of Toronto Staff Report: Don and Waterfront Interceptor Trunk Capacity and CSO Control Project Letter to Councillor Shelly Carroll, Chair, Works Committee, City of Toronto, in support of the report, from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management and Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation - September 8, 2006 5.9 Options for Implementing a Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program (City -wide) Letter to Councillor Shelly Works Committee agenda, City of Toronto and accompanying Staff Report of August 25, 2006 from Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager, Toronto Water - September 11, 2006 5.10 York Region EA Tracking Update, Don Watershed Update on York Region Environmental Assessments in the Don Watershed, TRCA and York Region - September 13, 2006 5.11 70-200 Russell Hill Road Proposed Development TFBBD Submission to OMB on the Russell Hill Road Proposed Development, August 28, 2006 Janice Palmer reported that the Task Force to Bring Back the Don attended the OMB hearing on this development but no decision could be expected until mid - October. 5.12 Community Program for Stormwater Management Open House Flyer from Toronto and Region Conservation for Open House, September 27, 2006 5.13 Coatsworth Cut EA Open House Flyer from City of Toronto and Region Conservation for Open House, September 30, 2006 5.14 13t Annual Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner for the Living City Event listing from Toronto and Region Conservation for event, November 9, 2006 5.15 Priorities 2003 - 2005, Priorities Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, A Report to the International Joint Commission Preamble from report, June, 2006 Council members may obtain the full report from Michelle or Amy on request. RES. # F29/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Moyra Haney Peter Heinz September 21, 2006 Page F91 THAT information items c 1 thrnurjh 5 15 hp rPrPhterl CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Forty Steps to a New Don Progress Report Working Session Council discussed the key success stories and next steps for Steps 1 -12 of the original Forty Steps (Caring for Water steps) and for Steps 13 - 23 (Caring for Nature). Top success stories for Caring for Water steps were identified as: • DWRC effort on WWFMMP development and implementation • Downspout disconnect (recent Toronto decision to make disconnection mandatory and to provide incentives for disconnection for disconnection from the stormwater sewers) • Sewer use bylaw • Pesticide bylaw • Naturalization of the Don mouth naturalization Top next steps for this section were: • Continue effort on WWF implementation • Consider development charges to finance re- capitalization of infrastructure due to intensification and increased pressure on sewer systems and other infrastructure • Strengthen and make consistent monitoring of water quality and quantity for both surface and ground water sources • Advocate for a Water Festival in Toronto (such as that in Brisbane, Australia) For Caring for Nature, Council identified the top success stories as: • The amount of work being done and the numbers of people involved (e.g. increasing naturalized areas on both public and private property, clean -ups now viewed as an acceptable activity for groups to participate in, and better involvement of people attending events) • Removal of in- stream barriers • Don Valley Brick Works Concept Site • The genesis of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy and DWRC's role in developing this project Top next steps for this section were: • Continuation of public education on key issues • Coordination of information and information management (keeping people informed) • Urban tree canopy issue • Continue to protect the good areas that do exist and restore degraded areas in the face of intensification • Planting /naturalization vs. stormwater management - what gives the biggest bang for the buck? • Connection with real life - educate so that people know they CAN make a difference All discussion points were entered into the charts for these two sections, which will be used to develop the Don Watershed report card. September 21, 2006 Page F92 6.2 Don Watershed Networking Forum Amy Thurston reported that she had recently met with Dave Hardy of Hardy Stevenson, the facilitator for the forum. Council was reminded that the forum is scheduled for October 12, 2006. Response regarding attendance has been slow, including response from Council members. Members were encouraged to RSVP and to attend the forum. Additionally, an appeal was made for members to encourage representatives of various groups not represented on the Council to attend the forum and to RSVP as soon as possible. A sign -up sheet for attendance at the forum was available at tonight's meeting. Further, an advertisement was placed in the upcoming issue of Now magazine. H2O Info would also circulate this notice. COMMITTEE REPORTS POLICY AND ADVOCACY/REPORT CARD TEAM Council members were encouraged to augment the comments in these minutes with any input of their own on the forty steps update and submit comments to Amy Thurston. Adele Freeman presented a proposal on the writing of the report card. While all data and information are being received by the Don Watershed TRCA staff, a writer should be hired. The writer would draft a proposal /outline in October. A more detailed report would be produced in November to be finalized in December. This plan requires two to three people as an editing team, as well as TRCA staff input. Janice Palmer, Peter Heinz and Margaret Buchinger volunteered for this team. Carolyn O'Neill was suggested as a potential team member (however, Carolyn was not present at tonight's meeting to confirm her acceptance). (Editor's note: Moyra Haney requested inclusion on this team by email on October 3, 2006). RES. # F30/06- AGREEMENT OF DON COUNCIL WITH PLAN TO PROCEED WITH HIRING OF WRITER TO COMPLETE DON WATERSHED REPORT CARD Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Shimizu Peter Heinz THAT DWRC agree that a writer will be hired by TRCA to complete the Don Watershed Report Card by December 2006, subject to review and input by the report card review team as listed above CARRIED OUTREACH TEAM Council members were referred to the minutes for this meeting, which were considered complete. Amy Thurston noted that a meeting would occur in early October with TRCA's website staff regarding the electronic versions of the Don Watershed walk write -ups. September 21, 2006 Page F93 UPDATES FROM OTHER DON WATERSHED GROUPS Phil Goodwin reported that East Don Parkland Partners have spotted spawning salmon in German Mills Creek this week. Work is being conducted on the Hydro Corridor nearby directly in the riverbed, so there is some concern regarding whether this will disturb the spawning fish. An event held by EDPP attracted a good crowd, half of which consisted of newcomers to Canada. Next Saturday (September 23) will be EDPP's last planting of the season. Margaret Buchinger reported that Toronto Green Community has been working with University of Guelph students on a stormwater management project at the Canadian Film Centre site. Sixteen designs have been developed and the City of Toronto has agreed to finance the development of detailed plans once these are narrowed to three to four alternatives. This site, on public property, could potentially be used as a template for other sites. Adele Freeman noted that the Community Program for Stormwater Management still has funds available for groups working on stormwater management, and encouraged Council members and any other groups with which they are familiar to apply for this funding. The question was raised as to whether there would be another funding cycle in 2007. Adele responded that while she could not guarantee deadlines at this time, applications made now may be able to be funded in January 2007. James McArthur noted that FODE's annual fall fundraiser would be held October 16, 2006, as listed in the calendar of events in tonight's meeting agenda. FODE's fall plantings were now listed on their website. An update was provided on the Don River Park public meeting held on September 19, 2006. The park will be situated on the flood protection Iandform currently being constructed to the west of the river. The outline of the design is starting to come together. Urban prairie will likely be a significant portion of the habitat, as vegetation that is woody or with deep roots will not be able to be used on the river side of the Iandform, which will be wet during flooding. The west side of the Iandform (facing the city) will include a wetland feature and will build up soil on the Iandform so that plant roots can sit above the Iandform itself. The park design will be interesting. It will be a city park, but will include important habitat linkages, mostly for migratory birds (rather than terrestrial linkages). Don Cross stated that he had attended the stakeholders' meeting on Don River Park held prior to the public meeting, and his report on that meeting was included as a walk -in agenda item for tonight's Don Council meeting. Council members are encouraged to check TWRC's website at http: / /www.towaterfront.ca for notice of all meetings held on projects around the mouth of the Don. Moyra Haney reported on her attendance at the new Toronto Botanical Gardens (TBG). The site has a sloping green roof with an interesting design. On Monday September 25, the St. Lawrence Centre forum is holding a forum on climate change. There is _no charge for the event but donations are welcome. Audio of the forum may be downloaded at http: / /forum.stic.com /audio.php. Moyra also informed Council of TBI's third annual Tate & Lyle tree planting at Cherry Beach, 10:00 am to noon on Saturday September 30. Interested Council September 21, 2006 Page F94 members may wish to read an article written by Christopher Hume on Lake Ontario Park that was in the Toronto Star today (September 21, 2006). Peter Heinz pointed out that TBG and Edwards Gardens share a very large parking lot that still needs to be resurfaced. This site is an excellent opportunity for permeable pavement to be used. John Hopkins raised the question of when the two bridges over Wilket Creek would be fixed by the City. No Council members could respond to the question. Amy Thurston will raise this issue with the City. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location ent Descri v d Saturday Sep. 30, 2006 10:00 am - noon 3rd Annual Tate & Lyle Tree Planting TBI and Tate & Lyle employees help plant trees and shrubs at Cherry Beach. Saturday Sep. 30, 2006 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Terraview Willowfield Park Taylor Massey Creek Subwatershed of the Don Task Force to Bring Back the Don and Toronto Bruce Trail Club joint hike Thursday Oct. 12, 2006 6:00 - 9:00 pm St. John's York Mills Anglican Church, 19 Don Ridge Drive. Don Watershed Networking Forum Discussion around topics of interest to groups working in the Don watershed Saturday Oct. 14, 2006 10:00 am - 3:30 pm From Broadview Subway Station Fall Hike in the Lower Don TFBBD and Toronto Bruce Trail Club and joint hike Saturday Oct. 14, 2006 12:30 - 4:30 pm 170 Villiers Street Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Site Walk and Boat Cruise TRCA's Site Walk and Boat Cruise of the area of the Don Mouth Naturalization Saturday Oct. 14, 2006 1:00 - 3:00 pm Iron Chefs Cooking Demonstration and Tasting at Todmorden Mills Old- fashioned treats prepared food on an open fire or wood stove Monday Oct. 16, 2006 6:00 pm Allen's, 143 Danforth Avenue FODE Annual Fundraising Dinner Mingle, laugh and enjoy while supporting FODE in this crucial fundraising drive Saturday Oct. 21, 2006 10:00 - 11:30 am Fall Colours in a Special Pocket of Nature TFBBD explores the Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve September 21, 2006 Page F95 Date / Location Event Description Sunday Nov. 5, 2006 . 2:00 - 4:00 pm Walk starts and ends at the main entrance to Sherwood Park at the east end of Sherwood Ave Burke Brook Subwatershed of the Don Join Janice Palmer of TFBBD to see what volunteers have done to improve the quality of the natural environment in Sherwood Park UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 (Rescheduled to October 26 -see below) NYCC, Committee Room 3 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC, Committee Room 1 Council discussed the October date for the next Council meeting. It was decided that the next Council meeting would be rescheduled to Thursday October 26, 2006. There will be no meeting held on October 19. The meeting will be held at North York Civic Centre, in Committee Room 3. POLICY AND ADVOCACY /REPORT CARDIEAM' Meeting # Date Location #5/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 Council agreed that the discussion of the report card would continue at the full Council meeting on October 26. Therefore, the Policy and Advocacy Team meeting originally scheduled for October was cancelled. The last team meeting will be held on Thursday November 30, 2006. OUTREACH TEAM b Meeting # Date Location # 6/06 Thursday October 5, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 # 7/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 September 21, 2006 Page F96 CHAIR'S TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 9/06 Wednesday October 11, 2006 (Rescheduled to October 18 -see below) 9:00 AM # 10/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 AM Council agreed to reschedule the Chairs Teleconference in Tight of the rescheduling of the Council meeting. The next teleconference will now be held Wednesday October 18, 2006 at 9:00 am. Michelle Vanderwel will email all Council members to inform them of the rescheduled meeting dates. (Editor's note: this information was sent on September 22, 2006). ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:12 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /my Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #9/06 AUTHORITY MEETING #10/06 JANUARY 5, 2006 TORONTO AND REGION 1r- `. onserva tron for The Living City theDoii MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #9/06 October 26, 2006 Page F97 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #9106 was held in Committee Room #3a at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday October 26, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Phil Goodwin Member Peter Heinz Member Roslyn Moore Member Doug Obright Member Janice Palmer Member Azadeh Rashvand Member Ron Shimizu Member Bev Thorpe Member GUESTS Sandy Cappell Guest Bill Glenn Guest, Don Watershed Report Card Writer STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk October 26, 2006 Page F98 It was noted that a quorum was not present. Therefore, all resolutions were sent by email to Council members to vote on before being considered final. Eight voting members attended the meeting (plus the Chair). (Editor's Note: four additional votes were received by email, to make a quorum of twelve members. The current Council consists of 36 votes between members and their alternates.). MINUTES RES. #F31/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #8/06 Moved by: Seconded by: Peter Heinz Ron Shimizu THAT the minutes of meeting #8106, held on September 21, 2006, be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Proper Disposal of Pharmaceutical Drugs Letter to Adam Ciulini, Ministry of the Environment from Lois Griffin, Chair, Humber Watershed Alliance - September 26, 2006 Janice Palmer raised the idea of a Don Council letter supporting the view taken in the Humber Alliance's letter. It was agreed that Janice will draft such a letter and it will be sent to the Policy and Advocacy Team for review. 4.2 Enbridge Gas Toronto Port Lands Reinforcement Project Letter to Don Watershed Council, from David Wesenger, Stantec Consulting Ltd. - September 29, 2006. 4.3 Environmental Enforcement Statute Law Amendment Act — Draft Regulations and Draft Policies Letter from Laurel Broten, Minister of the Environment - October 5, 2006 October 26, 2006 Page F99 4.4 Don Mills Road Transit Improvements Environmental Assessment Draft Terms of Reference Letter from Ulli Watkiss, City Clerk, City of Toronto - October 6, 2006 Janice Palmer pointed out that the Don Mills Road Transit Improvements project has been in the works for three years at this point and questioned whether grouping these environmental assessments will further delay or speed up the EA process. Adele Freeman stated that she did not know the status of all of the transit EAs that this EA will be grouped with. Two of these are already before the Minister but Adele has no knowledge of the Kingston Road EA. The Information Item refers to Toronto Ward 34, which is Don Valley East. After the municipal election, Adele will follow up with the Ward 34 Councillor regarding this EA. 4.5 Don and Waterfront Interceptor Trunk Capacity and CSO Control Project Letter from Ulli Watkiss, City Clerk, City of Toronto - October 6, 2006 RES. #F32/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Janice Palmer Doug Obright THAT correspondence items 4.1 to 4.5 be received CARRIED INFORMATION ITEMS 5.2 Environmental Assessment for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, Community Liaison Committee Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Executive Committee Meeting #8/06, October 13, 2006 5.2 Toronto Green Building Festival Communication from Deborah Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #3/06, October 13, 2006 5.3 Building Code Energy Standards, Recommended Changes Communication from Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Sustainable Communities Board Meeting #3/06, October 13, 2006 Adele Freeman stated that she had just reviewed the Rouge Park draft integrated watershed management plan, which included recommendations on changes to the building code. Similar sections may be included in the Don integrated watershed management plan. October 26, 2006 Page F100 5.4 Settlers Park Design Letter to Councillor Erin Shapero, Chair, Settlers Park Design Committee, from John O'Gorman, Grandview Area Residents Association, October 13, 2006 5.5 Settlers Park Update Memo from Deborah Martin - Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, October 26, 2006 Ron Shimizu questioned what the contentious issue with Settlers Park was- whether it was the straightening of the stream or leachates. Both issues were identified as important. Ron then pointed out that there were legal precedents where organizations had taken the Province to court regarding active sources of leachates. Adele Freeman pointed out that Councillor Erin Shapero has been actively championing rectification of the problem, showing a government interest in this issue. Amy Thurston pointed out that some new technologies are being used to attempt to address the leaching. Adele stated that the problem has existed for about 27 years. Phil Goodwin asked what type of leaching was occurring. Amy clarified that it is household waste, not industrial or hazardous waste. For more information, Council members should contact Deb Martin -Downs in TRCA's Ecology division. Deb Martin -Downs gave background information in her memo (Item 5.5) to assist the Council if the decision is made to write a letter in response to John O'Gorman's letter (Item 5.4). Council agreed that the items should be considered by the Policy and Advocacy Team to write a response, if deemed appropriate. 5.6 Third Reading of Clean Water Act Press Release from Canadian Environmental Law Association and Environmental Defence, October 18, 2006 Bev Thorpe clarified that the Act has received Royal Assent but is not yet enforced. The next step is for the Ministry of Environment to produce regulations. These will be posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights website for public and agency comment. The Don Council will wish to examine the regulations, as enforcement will be based on these. Source water protection should be integrated with watershed management. These regulations will likely be available for comment by spring 2007. This initiative includes $18.5 million for source water protection, with much more focus than previously on the Great Lakes. Discharge 'to the Lake Ontario harbour from the Don River is identified as a potential impact on Lake Ontario intakes. Roz Moore asked what the feeling among professionals is with respect to Gord Miller's review of this Act, which was critical of the fact that money for implementation was lacking. Bev agreed with this critique, and stated that municipalities have held off support for the act based on this uncertainty. The way that water is costed may well need to change. Roz pointed out that recent findings indicated a previously unconsidered source of well water coliform contamination — earwig feces. Apparently, populations of the insects have recently increased and water quality measures may need to take such unusual sources of contamination into consideration. Bev pointed out that in some cases, it is not clear what party bears the cost_of fixing a water quality problem. Whether this falls on the municipality or onto small business owners will be a potential issue. More planning is needed when land is developed. Bev recommended that the Council continue to watch this issue, as the details will be in MOE's regulations. Council members October 26, 2006 Page F101 should let Adele and Bev know how they would like to participate in public consultation for source water protection. 5.7 Update to Don Council on the Don Retrospective Report Report from Pollution Probe, October 23, 2006 Bev Thorpe asked whether TRCA staff had yet seen the draft report. Amy Thurston and Adele Freeman confirmed that they had not; only the memo included here has so far been received. Adele stated that she had spoken to Peter Telford and while the draft report may not yet be fully completed to the point of submission to TRCA, she was assured that it will be available soon. 5.8 Oak Ridges Moraine and All Its Beauty Show and Sale Flyer from Richmond Hill Group of Artists for event (reception Nov.3, show Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12) RES. # F33/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Phil Goodwin Peter Heinz THAT information items 5.1 through 5.15 be received CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION 6.1 Don Watershed Report Card Amy Thurston summarized the communication for Council members. Two pages did not print properly in the agenda package, so Amy will email the full communication to all members. (Editor's Note: this was done on October 27, 2006). Council input had been solicited at Policy Team meetings, the previous Council meeting and by email. Further, Amy reviewed all previous Council and Team minutes to add thoughts based on earlier discussions. The report writer, Bill Glenn, attended the current meeting and was available to give his input on the design and plans for the report card. Amy requested that Council members provide input on this outline, and confirm that this is the direction that Council agrees to take for the report card. Amy clarified that the-term "valley love -in" in this memo originated with Margaret Buchinger, to describe the increased interest from the public in the Don Valley. Amy noted that several of the themes were repeated in different steps; these may be the themes that should be well highlighted. Council discussed the concept of air quality raised at the last Council meeting. Janice Palmer stated that air quality issues impact water quality, e.g. air pollution settling into the river. Questioned whether Council believes this to be a key focus, Bev Thorpe stated that it is important to make people aware of external pressures on the river October 26, 2006 Page F102 such as this. Roz Moore asked whether the report card could somehow link to sustainable transportation initiatives by the City. Don Cross agreed that issues such as funding for transit versus road infrastructure with accompanying increased vehicle traffic were important, but he was unsure of how this fits with the Don Council focus. Roz stated that this issue could be considered under the Next Steps section of the card. Don questioned how we would deal with this problem since it has not been quantified. Adele Freeman suggested that indicating the need for future development to be designed sustainably would cover this. Members questioned whether sources of air pollution within the Don watershed are within the mandate of the Council. It was suggested that this stressor on the environment could not be considered to be external to the watershed. Bev clarified that air pollution involves external and internal stressors. It was suggested that rather than waiting until a source of pollution enters the Don, Council should address it as soon as it is identified. Bev stated that Council should encourage more work to be done on the degree of impact on water quality by air pollution; for example, a study on Lake Simcoe found that approximately 60% of the phosphorus in the water originated from the air. Bev also stated the need for more data, including the extent to which ground -level ozone impacts native plants and the degree to which trees and plants in the Don help to clean the air. Emissions from cars combine with sunlight to produce toxic ground -level ozone. Don Cross stated that he was concerned that this issue would not be well understood by the report card's target audience, the general public. Adele clarified that the report card could certainly identify issues broader than the Don; a progressive and widespread view is necessary if the goal is to change people's behaviour. Bev suggested that a subgroup made up from all the watershed advisory groups may wish to examine such broad topics as this one. A question was raised regarding the organization of the material in the report card. As it was suggested that the report writer would present draft organization ideas, Bill Glenn stated that the Don report cards had, in his opinion, evolved over the years to be tighter. The report card will not be able to cover everything; therefore, the Council needs to decide what the primary message should be (e.g. a call to arms? A focus on costs, or on successes since Forty Steps, etc.). Space restrictions need to be kept in mind. Doug Obright asked whether, given the integrated watershed plans being done for each watershed, there would be some umbrella document that would pull this all together and form the basis for these reports. Adele stated that the TRCA's Living City Strategy could be considered such an umbrella. Bev questioned whether the next steps portion of the report card could be broader than the original forty steps; it was agreed that this is the case. Janice Palmer suggested that the next steps could be listed separately from the four categories, due to both repetition and the potential wider context. Both Phil Goodwin and Adele mentioned that changing behaviour would be an important goal of the next steps, in terms of public education and public action. Adele also emphasized federal, provincial and municipal legislation and funding for large -scale projects as important factors in the next steps. Federal funding especially is important, with the current federal budget surplus. A dual message of individual responsibility plus leadership from governments should come through. It was suggested that the discussion of the report card could continue next Thursday, November 2, 2006, in place of the Outreach Team meeting. Peter Heinz, Chair of the Outreach Team, and Amy Thurston confirmed that there were no items on the Outreach Team agenda October 26, 2006 Page F103 presently, and it was agreed that the Team did not need to meet on Nov. 2. Don Cross agreed to chair the meeting on Nov. 2, and all Council members would be invited to attend. Bill Glenn will attend the meeting and will submit an outline and suggested layout to Amy before the meeting to distribute to members. Amy thanked all Council members that had submitted the Registry of Accomplishment forms. These will be summarized and will also feed into the report card. 6.2 Don Council Member Input into the One -Year Don Task Force Adele Freeman reminded Council members that the current Don Council had only a few meetings left in its term. Then there is one year in which to produce the integrated watershed management plan. Adele is looking into what Deb Martin - Down's division is producing in terms of data. Adele expects that the one -year task force would begin meeting in February or March 2007. In the past, watershed alliance terms were tied to municipal terms, and ended in election years. However, the Humber Alliance decided that four -year terms were too long and will likely change to two -year terms for its members. The Don task force to follow the Council will be for a one -year term. Adele asked Don Council members to consider how to engage city and regional councillors to make serving on this task force attractive, how large the task force should be, whether meetings should be in a fixed location or whether they should move throughout the watershed, and for any other input into how the task force should operate. This discussion could be furthered by email discussion, to solicit more input. Bev Thorpe suggested that while municipal politicians may attend meetings, it is more important to take specific items to each councillor during the plan development stage and again during the implementation stage. One or two briefing sessions per year on specific actions that the task force hopes that the Councillors will take action on may be more effective than general Don meetings in which much of the material may not be relevant to that Councillor. Bev also suggested that we ask the politicians how we can best engage them. Roz Moore agreed that the task force will need to focus the attention of politicians on specific issues. Janice Palmer brought up the bulk of recent DWRC meeting agendas; it cannot be expected that Councillors will read all of this material and will be only concerned with what affects their ward. Therefore, we need to be specific on local effects. Peter Heinz clarified that the Rouge had good success with Councillor involvement since they are closely identified with Markham, but the Don is spread across five municipalities so that, in each, the Don may only be a small portion of the area. Ron Shimizu reminded Council of Jane Piffield's discussion at the Don Watershed Forum on how to engage.City Council; she stated that action should be made during the budget process on initiatives requiring funding. Bev suggested that different strategies may be needed in Toronto versus the outside areas (905 zones), as different government operations were seen in the 905. Doug Obright suggested preparing•a profile for each ward, with the key issues and initiatives within each, in the form of a briefing book. Adele clarified that the new task force could still be called the Don Council if that name was preferred, but its focus would need to be the integrated watershed management plan, and it would need to be completed in one year. Don Cross stated that, although it was not identified in Forty Steps as a particular focus for the Council, a lot of good work was done on Policy, including a lot of comment on various government (and non - governmental) initiatives and regulations. Don was concerned that this useful work may be lost if the new task force had to October 26, 2006 Page F104 entirely focus on the watershed plan. Adele and Bev stated that there would be no Policy Team, at least until the plan was completed. Adele clarified that TRCA could not support additional groups. Don clarified that the work on policy could be done by email rather than through meetings. Adele agreed that such comment was necessary, and task force members or prior Don Council members were always free to comment individually. The Rouge Park Alliance has always operated this way. If a separate committee to work on policy was to be put in place, it would be vital to get more active members. The issue of the name of the task force was discussed. As Task Force to Bring Back the Don already exists, a number of members commented that this group should not be called a task force, to avoid confusion. No agreement was reached on a name for the group. While the focus of this group will be the watershed plan, some members commented that it would also be important for the group to determine what the role of the Don Council to follow it should be. Adele stated that this could be part of the group's mandate but the watershed plan would need to be completed first. Council then discussed the integrated watershed management plan. Adele clarified that the plan will be published by TRCA but written by the task force group, as was the case with Forty Steps. Once TRCA approves the plan, it will be taken to the municipalities for approval. Questioned whether there was confirmation from the municipalities that they wanted an updated plan, Adele stated that under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, York Region requires watershed plans by 2007. York Region and the City of Toronto are providing funding for the plan. While some portions of Forty Steps are now out of date, this document is implemented by TRCA and used at OMB hearings, so an update is needed and will be used. The new plan will be approved by the Authority and City Council will be asked to approve it. Early engagement of Councillors will be vital to this process. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the group was discussed, in terms of what should be included in the group's ToR. Adele stated that the ToR should be narrower than the current Council's and very clear on what the group's task is. A number of members stated that determining what the group's membership should be without a draft ToR was difficult. Adele agreed to provide an initial outline for the next Council meeting. In addition to policy work, the need for Council members to assist with events such as Paddle the Don was identified. Janice Palmer expressed confidence that for the few major events in the year (Paddle the Don, Mill Pond Splash) volunteers could be recruited from task force group members and /or former Don Council members. A concern regarding the number of meetings per month was raised. Several members commented that one or two meetings per month would be acceptable but not three. Adele clarified that when working on the plan previously, the committee met once per month as a whole, but the work would be done in advance and brought to these meetings. Much of this work can be expected to be done through email discussions. The previous committee would meet outside of regular meetings only when they felt it necessary. It was suggested that this issue be addressed again at the next Council meeting. Also, a "call to arms" should be raised regarding this important issue; members should strongly encourage October 26, 2006 Page F105 as many members to attend this meeting as possible. Janice raised the idea that if members have not been active in the DWRC, it would help greatly if they could let the Council know why, so that issues can be addressed for the next group. This discussion and the report card will form the basis of the next Council meeting, Thursday November 16. 6.3 Renewal of the Canada - Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Ron Shimizu endorsed the letter, as did Don Cross. Don suggested that Margaret Buchinger sign the letter. A communication regarding this issue will go before the TRCA Authority at the end of November. Bev Thorpe suggested adding the IJC to the list of those receiving a copy of the letter. (Editor's Note: at the State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference held November 1 - 3, 2006, it was announced that a two -year extension was being considered but no funding was mentioned.) ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location = Eve Pt DesCriptwn Saturday Oct. 28, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Tree Planting at Halsey Avenue FODE planting along Taylor Massey Creek Saturday Nov. 4, 2006 10:00 am - 12:00 noon E.T. Seton Park Tree Planting in E.T. Seton Park FODE planting along the edge of West Don River Sunday Nov. 5, 2006 2:00 - 4:00 pm Sherwood Park Burke Brook Subwatershed of the Don Janice Palmer, TFBBD on the natural environment in Sherwood Park. Sunday Nov. 26, 2006 6:00 - 9:00 pm Todmorden Mills FODE Potluck Dinner and 13th Annual General Meeting FODE will supply the coffee, cream, and sugar, as well as utensils. This year they will also be saluting volunteers and partner organizations, before the Annual General Meeting. Guest speaker will be Frank De Jong, leader of the Green Party pf Ontario, speaking about sustainable living. October 26, 2006 Page F106 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location # 9/06 Thursday October 19, 2006 (Rescheduled to October 26 -see below) NYCC, Committee Room 3 # 10/06 Thursday November 16, 2006 NYCC, Committee Room 1 Council discussed the October date for the next Council meeting. It was decided that the next Council meeting would be rescheduled to Thursday October 26, 2006. There will be no meeting held on October 19. The meeting will be held at North York Civic Centre, in Committee Room 3. POLICY AND ADVOCACY/REPORT CARD TEAM Meeting # Date Location #5/06 Thursday November 30, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 1 Farewell Dinner Thursday December 7, 2006 Black Creek Pioneer Village Council was canvassed as to whether the date of December 7 would work to hold the wrap -up meeting and farewell dinner for the Council. Phil Goodwin stated that he was unable to attend that day, but no other conflicts were identified. Council members that were unable to attend tonight's meeting will be canvassed by email. OUTREACH TEAM Meeting # Date Location # 7/06 Thursday November 2, 2006 NYCC Committee Room 4 Council decided that the Outreach Team meeting on Thursday Nov. 2 would be cancelled but that this time could be used instead to continue discussion of the Report Card outline. The report writer, Bill Glenn, will attend and will send the outline to Michelle Vanderwel prior to the meeting to distribute to Council members. All Council members are invited to this Nov. 2 Report Card meeting (at NYCC, Committee Room #4). October 26, 2006 Page F107 CHAIR'S TELECONFERENCE Meeting # Date Time # 9/06 Wednesday November 8, 2006 9:00 AM NEW BUSINESS Peter Heinz pointed out that the need for signage in the Don is still an issue. A recent bus tour of the Don that Peter led for a university women's group highlighted this issue as many participants were not aware when overpasses crossed the Don that the river was underneath them. Highway crossings of the Humber are well signed. DWRC members should contact the candidates for the position of their local Councillor to bring attention to the need for Don River signage, as members of the public have increased access to these candidates during the election period. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:07 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #10/06 TORONTO AND REGION Y- `, onserva tion for The Living City theDoii MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #10/06 November 16, 2006 Page F108 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #10/06 was held in Committee Room #1 at the North York Civic Centre, on Thursday November 16, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Stephen Cockle Member Jane Darragh Member Phil Goodwin Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member Brenda Lucas Member Roslyn Moore Member Doug Obright Member Janice Palmer Member Azadeh Rashvand Member Ron Shimizu Member Tom Waechter Member GUESTS Sandy Cappell Guest Bill Glenn Guest, Don Watershed Report Card Writer Philip Mathias Guest Andrew McCammon Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Janet Ivey Project Manager, Don Watershed Plan Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk November 16, 2006 Page F109 MINUTES RES. #F34/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #8/06 Moved by: Seconded by: Jane Darragh Janice Palmer THAT the minutes of meeting #9/06, held on October 26, 2006, be approved CARRIED (Editor's note: subsequent to the meeting, Ron Shimizu informed Michelle Vanderwel that under 6.1, the points regarding air quality attributed to him was not in fact stated by him. The minutes were amended accordingly.) DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE OUTGOING 4.1 Renewal of the Canada - Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Letter to Rona Ambrose and Laurel Broten, Federal and Provincial Ministers of the Environment, from Margaret Buchinger, Chair, Policy and Advocacy Team, Don Watershed Regeneration Council - November 7, 2006 INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Coyote Study at Tommy Thompson Park, Lower Don River Port Lands and Downsview Park Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #8/06, October 27, 2006 5.2 Consultation on Crother's Woods: Interest Groups Invitation Invitation to the Interest Groups meeting on November 20, 2006 (2:00 - 4:30 pm) from Trisha Kaplan, City of Toronto, Parks, Forests and Recreation Amy Thurston noted that Roslyn Moore had already confirmed that she would attend the November 16, 2006 Page F110 afternoon meeting on behalf of the DWRC. The Council could send two representatives, if another member wished to attend the Interest Groups meeting. Janice Palmer offered to attend the meeting and Amy will inform Trisha Kaplan of Janice's attendance. Andrew McCammon questioned whether the Council had a position on Crother's Woods, stating that the area used to be an ESA. Janice clarified that the ESA does not include all of Crother's Woods. Adele Freeman stated that the position of this Council has, over the years, been one of working with all groups to manage issues. It was noted that there are diverse interests in this area, including those of bikers and those interested in the development of new wetlands by the Parks Department. 5.3 Public Consultation on Crother's Woods Notice of Public Meeting on November 20, 2006 (7 - 9 pm) from Trisha Kaplan, City of Toronto, Parks, Forests and Recreation 5.4 Settlers Park Presentation on the former Sabiston landfill site in Settlers Park, presented at a public meeting by the Town of Markham, October 4, 2006 Amy added that there will be a site tour of the Donlands landfill on December 2, 2006, at 1:30 pm. The work on this site is similar to that done on the Sabiston site. Amy will send the notice out to all members for this site tour. (Editor's note: sent by email November 27, 2006). 5.5 Don Watershed Forum Summary notes from October 12, 2006 forum 5.6 Sherwood Creek — Burke Brook Fish Passage Notice of study completion for Class Environmental Assessment by City of Toronto, October 27, 2006 5.7 Don Report Card — Next Steps Draft outline from Bill Glenn, November 14, 2006 Discussion of this item follows as Item 6.1. 5.8 Draft Outline, Terms of Reference for Don Council 2007 -2008 Communication from Adele Freeman, November 15, 2006 Discussion of the items follows as Item 6.2. RES. # F35/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Moyra Haney Margaret Buchinger THAT information items 5.1 through 5.15 be received CARRIED November 16, 2006 Page F111 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION Don Watershed Report Card Bill Glenn attended the meeting and updated the Council on the status of the report card. Based on information provided at the last Council meeting, the written comments submitted by Council members, and meetings with TRCA staff, Bill consolidated the information into twelve actions to be considered for implementation. Enough detail was included in the draft report card to explain the intent. It was organized by process, from more specific to more general, ecosystem -wide issues. The actions were not listed in order of importance. Bill requested direction from Council on the content, level of detail and order of the actions. Amy clarified that Council members should state whether any actions that are necessary have not been captured here. Andrew stated that he would like to see a succinct statement on water quality issues as the first action. Margaret Buchinger stated that action on climate change should be the first action. Margaret expressed concern over the number of actions, suggesting that twelve was too many and the message would not be "punchy" enough. She suggested reducing these to six, by combining them. Also, the use of technical language needs to be reduced. Stephen Cockle suggested that listing these items could be perceived as a statement that none of them are happening already, yet some are. Stephen also suggested highlighting the need for reduction of point source pollution. Phil Goodwin suggested that the Council's mandate has always focused strongly on water quality and that the introduction of climate change as the major concern when it was not mentioned in earlier report cards would be confusing. Phil did not agree that climate change issues should be considered the most important concerns in the report card; water quality should be. Margaret stated that climate change was a major issue in the public eye now, and this report card represents a unique opportunity to recognize the importance of climate change. However, this could be done with a blanket statement rather than elevating climate change to the number one concern of the report card. Ron Shimizu agreed that climate change was significant in that it changes the context of water management. A statement to this effect could be worked into the introductory paragraph of the report card, setting the context for the next steps. Roz questioned whether, as part of the mandate of the new Council would be to weave the issues raised in the report card into the integrated watershed management strategy, the strategy considered climate change as the major concern in the watershed. Adele stated that the strategy is not yet written but will consider climate change. The strategy is presently on hold until the Rouge and Humber strategies are completed. The work on the Don strategy will begin in January. Adele stated that climate change is being modeled for the Rouge and Humber strategies. Don Cross stated that if the issue of climate change dovetails with the next steps to the last fourteen years' work on the Don, then it should be included. Council members agreed that climate change should be included in the action items for the report card but differed in opinion as to its relative importance amongst the actions. Stephen then suggested the use of the term "global warming" rather than "climate change ". Janice suggested that the term "global warming" does not imply, to some, moisture regime November 16, 2006 Page F112 changes as would be seen, nor would all areas warm even though overall temperatures would be expected to rise, so she preferred the term "climate change ". Andrew stated that habitat destruction and endocrine disrupters are very serious issues more closely associated with the role of the Don Council and that he felt that these issues should have more prominence in the report than climate change. Phil Goodwin suggested the message should include the idea of thinking globally (in terms of climate change) but acting locally (in terms of recognizing its impact on the watershed). Roz stated that expected erratic weather (due to climate change) and its impact on flooding should be mentioned. Adele cautioned that the messages should not give the impression that flooding is not natural, and that the advice in the report card needs to be in the form of short statements. Carmela Canzonieri questioned item #2. Rather than "planning for urban intensification while accommodating increased pressure for multiple recreational uses ", she suggested stating this as planning for ecological infrastructure while considering urban intensification. Brenda Lucas noted that no message on water quantity came through in the actions, in terms of the growing population's demands on water use. Janet Ivey noted that because Toronto draws water from the lake, there is little concern about water quantity; the issue is more often infrastructure. Water quantity awareness tends to be higher in areas where source water is threatened or there is less infrastructure. Adele clarified that the biggest cost for water is the energy cost to pump it. There will be a message on water quantity included in the integrated watershed management plan. Janice raised the concern that making the actions shorter would result in the loss of their message; they are already quite succinct. Amy suggested that key phrases in each action could be bolded so that they stand out. Bill clarified that the fold -out layout suggested earlier may no longer work and a more traditional booklet style may need to be used. Andrew reminded the Council that more information was to be included on the web than what would be in the printed report card, and it was confirmed that this is still the plan. Council members questioned the use of the factoids. Bill explained that at the last meeting, it was requested that statements be quantified whenever possible, so the factoids are examples of how this could be done. They could stand alone or be incorporated into either the success stories or the next steps. Amy clarified that these factoids must be taken in light of the fact that the data for the integrated watershed management plan have not yet been finalized. Margaret said that she liked the factoids, and pointed out that the negative facts help to make clear what the challenges to river rehabilitation are. Andrew questioned the 109,788 figure for plantings. He wanted to know whether these included plantings by the community groups and /or the City. Andrew also stated that the removal of fish barriers should be highlighted in category 1, and that he felt that highlighting Paddle the Don was too selective to the Don Council, without mentioning other groups' Don events. Amy clarified that more of the factoids were being prepared at this time. Bill stated that the factoids could be used as captions in text boxes or photo insets, as well as in success stories. Several members pointed out that the negative factoids would need to be included in the next steps. Stephen asked whether the number of items per category was still fluid. Bill stated that for reasons of space limitations, three to five per category would be the limit. November 16, 2006 Page F113 Don reminded the Council that extra material will be posted on the web, and suggested that this be stated in the document. Adele also clarified that the electronic version can link directly the websites of other groups. For example, within a success story on planting, links to groups doing plantings in the Don could be placed. Council members were requested to send any feedback to Amy by Monday November 20, 2006. Bill explained that the schedule for the report card is to have the first draft ready by November 22 for the review committee. Reviews would need to come in over a few days, with a revised draft due December 1 to the TRCA design staff. Don Watershed Council — Next Term Adele stated that she had been asked by Council members to put together a draft outline of the Terms of Reference for the next term of Council. Changes from the current Terms of Reference include a two -year term, beginning in approximately March 2007 and continuing until December 2008. Adele suggested that appointments to outside committees already in place (for instance, Margaret Buchinger's appointment to the Wet Weather Flow Implementation Advisory Committee and those of Carmela Canzonieri and Don Cross to the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project CLC) be continued until the new Council is formed and meets to discuss the appointments. Michelle Vanderwel will make a list of all such appointments to consider at the December DWRC meeting. Adele suggested that Council meetings would take place approximately every six weeks, on Wednesdays. No objections to meeting on this day were raised at the meeting. Other watershed specialists were consulted on how their councils operated. The Humber Watershed Alliance has 12 to 14 committees, but they meet only sporadically. The Don Council was informed that budgets have not been increased, so funding is a consideration. More emphasis will be seen in the short term on interregional, inter - watershed groups to discuss issues that cross watersheds. Adele stated that the Terms of Reference need to go before the TRCA Authority at the January meeting. Therefore, concerns will need to be raised to Adele at the present meeting or by email as soon as possible. Margaret stated that since the major focus of the next Council would be the watershed management plan, this should be made more clear in the Terms of Reference. Margaret then asked for clarification on whether the new Council would form separate committees as the present one has. Adele stated that this would be determined by the new Council members; the watershed plan would be the major task but need not be the only one. Margaret suggested that, for issues affecting numerous watersheds, it would be more effective to have representatives of different watershed councils all at one table, rather than having one group write a letter which is then circulated to the other groups. Adele agreed, and said that she tried to capture this idea in the draft outline presented here. Stephen questioned involvement such as his own with initiatives such as Mill Pond Splash. March 2007 would be too late to begin the planning of MPS and Paddle the Don. Adele agreed that such involvement could certainly continue, and Council could discuss this in December. November 16, 2006 Page F114 Andrew asked why the Council was changed to two years from three, and whether the group would change its name. Adele clarified that advice from current members was that the current term, as tied to City Council terms, was too long. Two years would be preferred, and this is also the deadline for producing the integrated watershed management plan. While the goal for the plan's completion was originally December 2007, December 2008 is now the deadline for its completion. The Council need not change its name, as no support for this was garnered. Roz stated that the new Council faced an enormous amount of work, and that attrition and difficulty in getting current members to commit to tasks was being seen in the current Council. She suggested that either the Council needs a clear mandate that encompasses all its tasks in advance, or a flexible mandate allowing Council to determine their tasks. Don clarified that there is a renewed mandate for the Council to complete the watershed plan. While this Council has done lots of policy work and this work was very valuable, during the development of Forty Steps, very little of such policy work was done. There may not be time for the next Council to take on policy - related tasks. For important issues, perhaps one or two Council members will work with members of the Humber or Rouge Alliance rather than the full Don Council. Events such as MPS can continue with very little time devoted to it by the full Council. If the Council continues its work as it has been doing it for the past six years, there will not be sufficient time to work on the watershed plan. Don stressed that advertising for members should make this point clear. Roz stated that the specifics of what was expected from members should be made very clear. Ron Shimizu suggested that the Council needed fewer citizen members and more representatives of Don groups. The groups could then assist with hosting meetings with funding assistance from TRCA. Ron also suggested a newsletter for the Don Council. Don stated that he sat on the Task Force that worked on Forty Steps for 14 months, and that the group had no time for any additional tasks. While the Don Council was developed to do more of the other tasks, the next Council really will be more of a task force, whatever its name. Adele stated that there were three or four high - profile initiatives being completed in the Don over the next few years, including the mouth of the Don EA, the City's CSO initiative, and the Don corridor roads EA. She suggested that Council will want to be involved with projects such as these. The workload for work on the watershed plan will be somewhat different than that for Forty Steps, as the Humber and Rouge plans will be started beforehand, giving some basis for the Don plan. Consultation with other groups and newsletters will definitely be a part of the outreach plan for the watershed plan. Phil Goodwin suggested emphasizing the first point, that the watershed plan's completion is the goal of the Council, with all other activities secondary. He then asked how to engage graduate students as potential new members. Adele stated that it is vital to engage the politicians, and that she would be meeting with several Councillors directly. Because there is a specific goal, it will help with engagement. Brenda asked about the linkage between the integrated watershed management plan and Source Water Protection. Adele clarified that SWP has a very specific mandate, and that the Clean Water Act does not address issues such as habitat. The watershed plan will go much further than SWP will. Andrew then suggested that since SWP now has administration and funding supporting it, there is a concern that the Don Council will not be involved with it unless the Council's mandate mentions source water protection. Adele clarified that SWP is very specific on the role of conservation authorities and the Don Council advises TRCA. Doug Obright suggested that a context piece as a guide to the new Council would be helpful; e.g. the purpose of the watershed plan and its place within the Living City umbrella. Adele November 16, 2006 Page F115 suggested providing an executive summary of the Rouge Plan, it was agreed that would be helpful. Janet Ivey clarified that there are two reasons why Forty Steps is being updated. The first is the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, which requires municipalities to have a watershed plan if any development is to occur on the Moraine. There will not be any developable parcels of land in the Don left by the deadline. This is the reason that the Humber and Rouge plans are proceeding before the Don plan. However, the second reason for the new plan is that the last one is now twelve years old. There is much more knowledge now about terrestrial natural heritage, groundwater, and many other issues. The plan will guide municipalities, NGOs and residents on the science behind watershed issues. General Update, Toronto and Area Remedial Action Plan Adele informed Council that at the State of the Lakes Ecosystems Conference held November 1 to 3, 2006 in Wisconsin, it was announced that the federal government would potentially be extending COA. Discussions have begun but no mention of funding was made at the announcement. COA provides the funding for RAP. Mayor Miller will continue as the Chair of the St. Lawrence Great Lakes Mayors Initiative, and then the position will revert to a U.S. mayor for a one -year term. After this, the Chair will again be a Canadian mayor, but not Mayor Miller. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is up for renewal, there was a meeting on this two weeks ago. Conservation Ontario and TRCA have hired Dr. Gail Krantzberg to draft a paper on guiding policy in relation to the Great Lakes as a call to federal and provincial ministries to support the renewal of COA and the GLWQA. Minister Flaherty, as the GTA Minister, has been contacted. Since there are no MPs from Toronto, it is difficult to lobby the federal government on Toronto issues. Ros stated that the importance of RAP is being missed in the community; there is no public knowledge of RAP and therefore no pressure from the public for action. Andrew noted that at the last public RAP meeting, held two to three years ago, a spills report was to be made public in 2006, and he questioned its status. Adele stated that it is being worked on, with municipalities. Etobicoke - Mimico watershed staff had done most of the work on this, since most spills are within this watershed. Someone could come to a meeting of the new Don Council to speak on this issue. Updates from Other Don Watershed Groups Moyra Haney updated the Council on October 14, 2005 Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project site walk and boat cruise. It was a great event with over 180 people attending despite the weather. Don reminded Council members of the December 5, 2006 public meeting, where similar information as presented at the Site Walk will be available, plus new, updated status information on the project. Phil mentioned his attendance at the Charles Sauriol dinner. There were a number of awards for donations of land, and there were a very large number of these donations, including land on November 16, 2006 Page F116 the Oak Ridges Moraine. Phil also reported on Paddle the Don's mention in Outdoor Canada magazine. Phil met with TRCA staff recently to discuss sponsorship for Paddle the Don 2007. Banrock Station is again being approached as a potential partner. The management of the walk portion of the day is being discussed. An event, possibly licensed, is being planned for the end of the paddle. This year, it is planned that the promotional material will be mostly electronic, with a limited print run only for those that need paper copies. Andrew reported on the last year of Taylor Massey Project's operations. Over 800 participants were involved with events such as clean -ups, walks and tree plantings. A fund raising dinner in September raised $1050, the annual operating budget which is now in place. Next year, TMP plans a significant shift toward lobbying and away from events. With a new City Council term, TMP will be lobbying on Wet Weather Flow and the Warden corridor. There is some City Council support for putting up signs in the Taylor Massey subwatershed. Also, TMP's website will have a new section, with five self - guided tours on the site by June 2007. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date / Location Event Description Sunday Nov. 26, 2006, Todmorden Mills FODE Potluck Dinner and 13th Annual 6:00 - 9:00 pm General Meeting Guest speaker Frank De Jong, leader of the Green Party of Ontario. Tuesday Dec. 5, 2006, Metro Hall, 55 John TRCA/TWRC Don Mouth Naturalization and Street, Room 308/309, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Port Lands Flood Protection Project Public Forum #3 Join us at a Public Forum and Open House where you can: • View the results from the technical screening of alternatives • Learn about how the alternatives will be further refined • Comment on the proposed evaluation criteria that will be used to select a short list of alternatives • Speak with the project team • Be updated on related projects November 16, 2006 Page F117 UPCOMING MEETING DATES DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Meeting # Date Location Farewell Dinner Thursday December 7, 2006 Black Creek Pioneer Village NEW BUSINESS Adele mentioned that Greg Sadowski was organizing a walk in the new marsh in Vaughan. When the date is decided, an email will be sent to all Council members and regular guests, all are welcome on the walk. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING #11/06 TORONTO AND REGION', `, onserva tion for The Living City theDoit MEETING OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #11/06 December 7, 2006 Page F118 The Don Watershed Regeneration Council Meeting #11/06 was held in the Main Theatre at the Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Thursday December 7, 2006. Don Cross (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. PRESENT Don Cross Acting Chair Margaret Buchinger Member Carmela Canzonieri Member Stephen Cockle Member Jane Darragh Member LiIli Duoba Member Moyra Haney Member Peter Heinz Member James McArthur Member Helen Mills Member Doug Obright Member Janice Palmer Member Azadeh Rashvand Member Ron Shimizu Member Bev Thorpe Member Tom Waechter Member GUESTS Bryan Bertie Guest STAFF Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division Janet Ivey Project Manager, Don Watershed Plan David Love Executive Director, Conservation Foundations of Greater Toronto Deb Martin -Downs Director, Ecology Division Kelly Montgomery Project Manager, Remedial Action Plan Amy Thurston Don Watershed Project Manager Michelle Vanderwel Don Watershed Administrative Clerk December 7, 2006 Page F119 PRESENTATION The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto: Gifts of Clean Air and Clean Water David Love, Executive Director, Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto gave a presentation on the Foundation and the Gifts of Clean Air and Clean Water program. The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto (CFGT) is the private fundraising arm of TRCA, equivalent to the Sick Kids Foundation's fundraising for Sick Children's Hospital. All the projects funded by CFGT are TRCA projects. One of these projects was the Don Valley Brick Works; both the purchase of the property and the rehabilitation of the back area were done with funds raised by CFGT. CFGT's record has been one of raising money for specific projects such as the Brick Works. Recently, the Charles Sauriol dinner was held and approximately 800 people attended. The dinner helped to celebrate three large gifts of land to the CFGT, including one on the Oak Ridges Moraine. TRCA is now moving towards sustainability with the Living City initiative. Raising funds for this program has been a great challenge for CFGT. Projects being funded include the building of a sustainable house at Kortright and the Greening Healthcare program aimed at helping hospitals save energy. Getting people together to discuss such programs has led to the most change in behaviour. Overall, CFGT has raised over $25 million. The Gifts of Clean Air and Clean Water program offers people a chance to give a charitable donation to the CFGT instead of a gift card or other gift during the holidays. Gifts are $25 each and tax receipts are issued. Funds can be earmarked by the donor to a particular watershed. David made order forms available to Don Council members, and each was marked so that donations would go directly to projects in the Don. Don Watershed Regeneration Council Comments Comment (M. Haney) What projects has CFGT funded in the Don? Response (Adele Freeman) Projects include plantings and maintenance at Todmorden Mills, interpretive signage at Baker Sugar Bush (now underway), work done at Beechwood Wetland, Terraview - Willowfield and Sherwood Park, and support for the Don report cards. Comment (S. Cockle) How much money do you distribute each year? Response This year, $3 million in land and cash distributions. Comment (B. Thorpe) What are the criteria for funding? That is, do you require that partnerships be in place? Response This is at TRCA's discretion. CFGT raises the funds. December 7, 2006 Page F120 Response (Adele Freeman) In terms of the Bartley Smith Greenway project, CFGT raised $450,000 which, when the project is complete, will have leveraged $10 million through partnerships. David Love informed the DWRC that the Gifts of Clean Air and Clean Water could also be purchased online. If members do so, please be sure to inform David Love that the gift should be used for Don projects. Bev Thorpe questioned whether these would be available by Christmas if purchased now, and was assured that they would be. MINUTES RES. #F36/06- MINUTES TO MEETING #10/06 Moved by: Seconded by: Moyra Haney Janice Palmer THAT the minutes of meeting #10/06, held on November 16, 2006, be approved CARRIED DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS There were no pecuniary interests disclosed. CORRESPONDENCE INCOMING 4.1 Regional Municipality of York, Bayview Avenue Class EA Study, John Street to Major Mackenzie Drive Letter to Adele Freeman, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, on the Public Consultation Centre for the above study on December 6, 2006 RES. #F37/06- CORRESPONDENCE ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Bev Thorpe Doug Obright THAT correspondence item 4.1 be received CARRIED December 7, 2006 Page F121 Amy Thurston informed DWRC members that one item, outgoing correspondence regarding support of the Humber alliance letter on pharmaceutical disposal, is still pending. It will be finalized shortly and sent under Margaret Buchinger's signature. (Editor's note: this letter was sent December 15, 2006). INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Master Plan Summary, Evergreen at the Brick Works Report from Evergreen 5.2 Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy Communication from Deb Martin- Downs, Director, Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #9106, November 24, 2006 Adele Freeman clarified that this item did not go through to the Authority as scheduled. With short notice, the item was deferred to the January 2007 meeting at the request of MNR, PIR and MAH (Ministries of Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure Renewal and Municipal Affairs and Housing). MNR and MAH have been involved with the TNHS Strategy planning throughout the process. However, concerns were raised just prior to the Authority meeting regarding designation of lands currently outside of development areas, the greenbelt and the Moraine designations. TRCA will work closely with municipalities and agencies on this initiative and will advise the new Don Council on its progress. (Editor's note: the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy was approved at the Authority meeting #11/06, on January 26, 2007). 5.3 Coatsworth Cut EA Study Open House Notice of December 12, 2006 Open House 5.4 Progress Report, Third Draft Progress report from Bill Glenn, to Chair and Members of the Authority Meeting #9106, November 30, 2006 This item was discussed under Discussion Item 6.1. 5.5 Update to Don Watershed Strategy Contact List Communication from Alexandra Papaiconomou, December 6, 2006 Alexandra Papaiconomou worked for TRCA's Don staff during the summer of 2006 and has continued on part-time throughout the fall. Here, she has provided a summary of her activities updating the Don Watershed Strategy contact list. The updated list currently contains 847 contacts. Staff will discontinue use of the old list shortly, and when consultation begins, the new list will be used. Attempts were made to contact all of the members of the old list by mail, email and /or phone. The old list was very out -of -date and was not useful without this update. December 7, 2006 Page F122 5.6 Don Council Members - Appointments to Outside Committees Communication from Michelle Vanderwel, December 6, 2006 Input was requested on the table of outside appointments to various committees for representatives of the Don Council. The table is shown here with corrections as suggested by DWRC members. Committee DWRC appointed member Bartley Smith Greenway Advisory Committee Stephen Cockle Crothers Woods Master Plan Committee Roslyn Moore Janice Palmer (alternate) Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project CLC Carmela Canzonieri Don Cross (alternate) Don River Park CLC Don Cross Mill Pond Splash Planning Committee Stephen Cockle Tom Waechter Paddle the Don Planning Committee Phil Goodwin Walk the Don Trail Guide Project Peter Heinz Janice Palmer Phil Goodwin Philip Mathias Stephen Cockle Jane Darragh Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Implementation Advisory Committee Margaret Buchinger Changes made were: • Janice Palmer confirmed that she is the alternate member for the Crothers Woods Master Plan Committee. • Don Cross confirmed that he is the member for the Don River Park committee, for which the proper title is "Community Liaison Committee ". • The Pomona Mills committee, properly the Pomona Mills Task Force, has no appointed member but it is not necessary to appoint one at this time. • The Town of Markham Stakeholder Advisory Group was confirmed by Lilli Duoba to be inactive at this time. It will be reformed but this is not expected to occur for the next six months. Therefore, the appointment of a DWRC representative can wait until the new Don Council is formed. • All other appointments were confirmed and members will continue to serve on these committees until the new Don Council can appoint members as necessary. (Editor's Note: Adele Freeman will advise the committee chair or the organizer of each committee of this interim arrangement.). RES. # F38/06- INFORMATION ITEMS Moved by: Seconded by: Bev Thorpe Tom Waechter December 7, 2006 Page F123 THAT information items 5.1 through 5.6 be received CARRIED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION Don Watershed Report Card Amy Thurston provided an update on the drafts of the report card. The second draft was produced by Bill Glenn and reviewed by the Don Council review team, as determined at an earlier meeting. The team provided their comments and Bill then produced a third draft, as shown in Item 5.4. This draft has been circulated for comment to technical staff at TRCA, municipal partners, and representatives of all of the watershed organizations mentioned in the report. A very tight timeline is necessary to meet the report card deadlines. Amy clarified that a web -based version of the report card, with additional information to that included in the paper card, is still being planned. As this was not made clear in the email sent to the reviewers, Amy will send out an email to clarify this December 8, 2006. The date for the card to go to the design staff was originally the end of the year, but this will now be in early 2007. The title of the report card was discussed. The new title on the current draft, "Forging a New Deal ", was suggested by Adele. DWRC members were asked to comment on the title in the feedback that they send to Amy. Also, comment was requested on the next steps to be included in the card. In the present draft, there are 11 next steps. Janice Palmer questioned whether the order in which the steps were listed implied the order of priority. David Love agreed that the first in the list would likely be considered highest priority. Janice did not think that ranking the steps would result in agreement amongst DWRC members, nor did she feel that the steps should be ranked, as all are important. Peter Heinz stated that the step that he felt most strongly about, the need for branding of the Don through the use of signs, was not included in the current list. Adele asked whether it was currently included in a factoid, and Amy stated that it was not, although it could be added. Ron Shimizu stated that the RAP update's factoid of 361 spills in two years (one spill about every two days) ought to be included in the report card. Amy and Kelly Montgomery have discussed this figure, which may be conservative, since only 64% of all spills reported to the MOE are traceable back to one watershed. As time was short, DWRC members were requested to submit their comments on the report card to Amy by December 13, 2006. Members were requested to contact Amy as soon as possible if their input was of a more major nature. Margaret Buchinger stated that she preferred having 10 next steps to having 11, as this appears more to be a well- considered list. Suggestions for dropping one step and including it instead as a factoid should be sent to Amy. December 7, 2006 Page F124 Don Watershed Council — Next Term Adele thanked all of the members that had provided comments to date on the plans for the next Don Council. She will take this input under advisement while preparing the communication to the Directors Committee. In addition to the Don Council, new councils will be formed for Etobicoke - Mimico, the Humber and the Rouge. These groups have diverse interests and a plan for one may not work for all. Suzanne Barrett of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed Coalition has expressed interest in a cross - watershed policy group. If any such policy issues arise before a new Don Council is formed, TRCA staff will, with the members' permission, contact the existing Policy Team's members for input. The suggestion has been made to issue a jurisdiction -wide report card every five years (approximately) as this is a scale at which physical changes may be seen to the environment (i.e. conditions reports, including data on water quality, cover, fish species, etc.). Staff would be shared across the groups as needed. Within this report card, there would be a focus on each watershed such that each council contributes its own piece with consistency across the watersheds. Approximately every two years, each council could produce a progress report on "effort ". Regarding newsletters, as suggested by DWRC members, Adele agrees for the need for these. Again, a cross - watershed newsletter would be best. This could be produced in a format suitable for posting on the TRCA website. The Etobicoke - Mimico staff and council may coordinate this. Adele will prepare the communication detailing the plans for the next Don Council and request input from 2004 — 2006 DWRC members and interested parties (e.g. regularly attending guests) in approximately mid - January 2007. Again, the Don Council term is expected to be two years, beginning in March or April 2007. General Update, Toronto and Area Remedial Action Plan Kelly Montgomery provided an update on the RAP activities as outlined in the addendum item 8.1. NEW BUSINESS Adele updated members on the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection (DMNP) Project. The most recent public meeting was held two days ago, December 5, 2006, at Metro Hall. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting. Chris Glaisek of TWRC announced an international design competition at the meeting to look for design teams to help define a vision for both the DMNP Project and TWRC's other surrounding projects (e.g. Commissioners Park, East Bayfront, Don River Borderlands, etc.). This team will assist Mark Schollen, the DMNP Project's designer, with ideas and concepts. For instance, linkages between pathways can be envisioned and brought to paper. John Campbell of TWRC and Brian Denney of TRCA fully support this competition. MOE was also supportive of the idea at a meeting held earlier this week. The launch is expected later this month (December 2006). December 7, 2006 Page F125 Adele stated that more press interest in the project should be seen soon. An article may appear in this Saturday's Toronto Star. (Editor's Note: The December 9 edition of the Toronto Star did include an article on the Don Mouth by Christopher Hume. Please contact Michelle Vanderwel if you would like a copy of this article.). The Public Forum requested comment from the public on the proposed evaluation criteria to be used to reduce the number of alternatives for the Don Mouth from fourteen to five. The table with these criteria was available at tonight's meeting for Don Council members to take and comment upon. Comments are due to Marc Rose of Gartner Lee (contact information is on the table) and Michelle Vanderwel by December 21, 2006. Ron Shimizu commented that international design competitions were becoming more frequent, yet it is important to concentrate on using Canadian designers. Adele clarified that the competition is TWRC's initiative, but a local firm is almost always teamed with any international group. There is a requirement to link such firms with local designers if the lead consultant had not previously worked in the area. The opportunity to work with a diverse group of people on this project is an exciting one. ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 7:50 pm. Don Cross Acting Chair /mv Brian Denney Chief Administrative Officer