HomeMy WebLinkAboutDuffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group 2006THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP
MINUTES OF MEETING #1/06
AUTHORITY
MEETING #5/06
JUNE 23, 2006
c.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS
WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06
February 22, 2006
Page JK1
The Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting #1/06 was held at the
Pickering Recreation Complex on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. The meeting was called to
order at 7:00 pm
PRESENT
Neil Acton Member
Neil Burnett Member
Joe Dickson Member
Doug Dodge Member
Lilli Duoba Member
Colleen Jordan Member
David Pickles Member
Susan Self Member
Patricia Short-GaIIe Member
STAFF
Gary Bowen Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Specialist
Joanna Parsons Administrative Assistant
Tim Rance Aquatic Management Supervisor
GUEST
Dave Brown Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Tim Field Town of Ajax
David Jansma Region of York
Jeff Stewart Town of Ajax
JK2 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from Jeff Stewart, Manager, Parks and Environmental Services, Town of
Ajax, dated February 1, 2006, re: Creation of the Greenwood Stewardship
Committee
RES. #JK1 /06
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Burnett
Patricia Short-Galle
THAT the above correspondence be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Gary Bowen be selected to represent the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group on the Greenwood Stewardship Committee CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Duffins and Carruthers Fisheries Management Plan
Tim Rance, Aquatic Management Supervisor at the Toronto and Region Conservation
Xuthority provided background information on the Duffins and Carruthers Fisheries
Management Plan. The 2006 projects planned with local angling groups were also
highlighted.
(b) Potential Stocking of Duffins Creek with Atlantic Salmon
Dave Brown, from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, presented a historical
look at salmon in Lake Ontario and introduced the idea of Atlantic Salmon being
reintroduced into a few Ontario streams. D. Brown highlighted project partners, the
community interest and a few details about the project. Duffins Creek has been
recommended for the project.
RES. #J K2/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Neil Burnett
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group support the project of
stocking Atlantic Salmon in the Duffins Creek in principal and offer its full support once
Duffins Creek has been selected CARRIED
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK3
(c) Town of Ajax Parks and Open Space Restoration Project
Jeff Stewart and Tim Field, from the Town of Ajax, presented some background on the
Open Space Restoration project. Areas of significance and potential opportunities for
enhancement were identified along with community partners. A map of planned project
sites for the next three years was also presented to the committee.
RES. #JK3 /06 - DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Acton
Neil Burnett
THAT the Fisheries Management Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek, dated
June 2004 be received;
THAT the Fisheries Management Plan for Duffins Creek be recognized as a companion
document to "A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek ";
THAT the Regional Municipality of Durham and Fisheries and Oceans Canada be thanked
for funding field work, public consultation, and the publication of the Duffins and
Carruthers Fisheries Management Plan;
THAT the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the
TRCA be thanked for coordinating the development of the Duffins and Carruthers
Fisheries Management Plan;
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group endorse the establishment
of an implementation committee for the Fisheries Management Plan;
THAT the implementation committee work with local interest groups to plan and
undertake aquatic rehabilitation projects on a subwatershed basis;
THAT local and regional municipalities consider the Fisheries Management Plan when
creating new planning documents and when reviewing and updating existing planning
documents;
AND FURTHER THAT a representative of the implementation committee report back to
the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group on a regular basis regarding
progress on implementation.
JK4 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
AMENDMENT
RES. #JK4 /06
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Acton
Neil Burnett
THAT Gary Bowen and Doug Dodge be selected to represent the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group on the Fisheries Management Plan Implementation
Committee;
AND FURTHER THAT Gary Bowen and Doug Dodge report back to the Duffins and
Carruthers Watershed Resource Group from the implementation committee.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Fisheries Management Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek is a framework
document that enables the incorporation of fisheries concerns and management priorities into
the watershed studies, land use planning and related permitting processes. It provides
background information on the state of the aquatic ecosystem as well as management
directions and targets.
The main objectives of the Fisheries Management Plan are to:
• present current and historical fisheries information;
• identify critical issues;
• outline management objectives; and
• recommend rehabilitation activities.
The Fisheries Management Plan also serves to:
• describe the existing conditions of the fish community and establish a benchmark of
ecosystem health;
• provide a framework for fisheries management at subwatershed, reach and site scales;
• promote the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources;
• outline measures required to achieve "no net Toss" of fisheries habitat;
• describe measures required to rehabilitate degraded fish communities and fish habitat;
• develop a greater knowledge of fish populations, fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems;
• promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of fisheries resources and
the aquatic habitats on which they depend; and
• involve organized angling associations, environmental interest groups and the general
public in fisheries management activities.
Implementation Arrangements
MNR, DFO and TRCA recently established an ad hoc implementation committee, which meets
on a regular basis to coordinate activities and discuss mechanisms to resource implementation
of the various management objectives. It is intended that this committee will work closely with
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK5
watershed municipalities, angler groups and interested stakeholders. The fish plan will be a
key resource document for MNR and DFO regulatory responsibilities, including permitting and
enforcement activities.
Cooperation is being sought with the Urban Development Institute, Aggregate Producers'
Association of Ontario, the golf course industry, and the rural agricultural community.
As required, this committee will advise the Federal and Provincial Government on watershed
related fisheries issues pertaining to the management, planning, and future use of Provincial
and Federal land holdings within the Duffins Creek watershed.
The implementation committee members will work in partnership with local interest groups to
plan and undertake aquatic rehabilitation projects. To date, riparian planting projects have
been identified for the Claremont Resource Management Tract, Greenwood Conservation Area,
and Paulynn Park. Funding for these community based projects will be arranged through the
Community Fisheries Involvement Program (CFIP) and other applicable grant programs.
RES. #JK5 /06 - TOWN OF AJAX PARKS AND OPEN SPACE RESTORATION
PROJECT
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
David Pickles
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group support the Town of Ajax
Parks and Open Space Restoration Project to restore natural areas on TRCA owned and
municipally owned lands in the Town of Ajax and that the Town of Ajax Council be so
advised;
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group recognize the importance
of this initiative in its contribution to fulfilling elements of the Watershed Plan for Duffins
Creek and Carruthers Creek;
THAT a volunteer from the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be
selected to assist with this project in an advisory capacity;
THAT the Town of Ajax Parks and Open Space Restoration Project be recognized for its
contribution in furthering the ability of the Town of Ajax and the TRCA to partner on
restoration projects and, therefore, to leverage funds from other sources for future work;
AND FURTHER THAT staff at the Town of Ajax and the TRCA be directed to report to the
committee on progress developing the project and highlight activities that have taken
place.
JK6 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
AMENDMENT
RES. #JK6 /06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Joe Dickson
David Pickles
THAT Doug Dodge be selected as the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group
representative to present a deputation to the Ajax Town Council in support of the Town of
Ajax Parks and Open Space Restoration Project and to assist with the project in an
advisory capacity.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Stewardship and Outreach Education staff and their community stewardship programs,
operate within the Education, Stewardship and Outreach section in the Watershed
Management Division at TRCA. Twelve full time staff are directly responsible for various
stewardship programs and projects and actively engage a number of other staff, agencies and
community partners in the planning and implementation of their work.
The intent of the community stewardship programs is to provide TRCA watershed stakeholders
with the knowledge and tools required to support our watershed strategies. Fundamentally the
goal is to begin changing people's attitudes and behaviour to help TRCA and its stakeholders
create sustainable communities throughout TRCA's jurisdiction.
Through the following community stewardship programs, we engage youth, schools,
businesses, community groups and government partners in a variety of hands -on restoration,
habitat creation, maintenance and volunteer monitoring programs. Our 2005 Community
Stewardship programs include:
• The Bartley Smith Greenway Business and Community Outreach Initiative
• The Centreville Creek Community Outreach and Environmental Stewardship
Program
• The Claireville Community Stewardship
• Conservation Seminars
• The Frenchman's Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Project
• Healthy Yards Program
• The Highland Creek Environmental Stewardship Program
• The Malton Environmental Stewardship Program
The Markham Backyards Naturalization Program
• The Multicultural Environmental Stewardship Program
• Pickering Healthy Communities
• Preston Lake Management Plan
• The Stewardship Resource Centre
• The West Shore Habitat Initiative - Frenchman's Bay
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1106 JK7
Each community stewardship program or project has a different funding formula. On average,
the annual cost to cover staff costs and materials to deliver our "community specific"
stewardship program model is approximately $80,000 plus in -kind support. For the most part,
core funding has been provided through multi -year grants received from agencies such as
EcoAction Community Fund and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. To complement this core
funding, additional annual financial support is requested from our regional municipalities and
through the preparation of funding proposals to corporate and private foundations. Significant
in -kind contributions are sought from businesses, private landowners, municipalities,
institutions, community organizations and youth groups with a vested interest in environmental
stewardship across our jurisdiction.
One of the challenges in applying the traditional community stewardship model in the Duffins
and Carruthers Creek watersheds is that these watersheds are located outside of the Remedial
Action Plan Area of Concern. Another challenge is maintaining a quality stewardship program
covering five local municipalities.
In 2004, the Duffins- Carruthers stewardship program was initiated by dedicating a stewardship
staff person to research and review existing programs and projects and to identify
opportunities in the watersheds where components of our community stewardship model
could be implemented with limited resources.
This research resulted in a 2005 work plan that included community plantings, conservation
seminars, clean up events, school group activities and presentations regarding Healthy Yards
program to new homeowners, Environmental Advisory Committees and assisting
municipal /local partners in implementing their projects.
Confirmed revenues to support our 2005 Duffins- Carruthers Stewardship Program total
$61,000 with the majority of support received through the TRCA request to Durham Region for
watershed planning and implementation . Additional funding applications to support material
costs for program implementation have been submitted and are awaiting approval.
RES. #JK7 /06 - TOWN OF AJAX WATERFRONT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Burnett
Patricia Short-Galls
WHEREAS the Ajax Waterfront Management Plan - Final Report was presented to Town of
Ajax Council on June 27, 2005;
WHEREAS the Ajax waterfront is impacted by decisions made in other parts of the
watersheds;
JK8 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
WHEREAS the updated Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan has taken into
consideration new thinking in terms of watershed management and terrestrial natural
heritage;
WHEREAS the updated Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan has improved on the
1995 plan by strengthening the implementation component of the plan, including
financial and funding considerations for planned work;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan represents a key
component in fulfilling the recommendations of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RECOMMENDED THAT the Town of Ajax be commended on the
completion of the update to the Ajax Waterfront Management Plan;
THAT it be recognized that many of the principles of the Waterfront Management Plan are
in common with those of the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek;
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group support the creation of a
Shoreline Management Plan by the Town of Ajax in consultation with the TRCA;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group consider
the completion of the updated Waterfront Management Plan when establishing priorities
for action in 2006 CARRIED
BACKGROUND
This report is based upon a report prepared by the Town of Ajax for the Town of Ajax Council.
In 1995, the Town of Ajax completed its first Waterfront Management Plan as a guide for future
development of the waterfront. Although this first plan was prepared with extensive community
and stakeholder consultation and was well received, the plan had not been updated in ten
years. Several factors led to the updating of the 1995 plan.
•
•
•
•
Many components of the plan, such as the construction of a marina and landmark
public building and Harwood point, are not in step with current community opinion;
Changes to local and regional planning documents have not been incorporated into the
plan;
New approaches to watershed management and natural heritage by the Conservation
Authorities have not been considered in the plan;
Lack of a strategy for implementation and financial analysis hampered some elements
of implementation.
In 2004, the Town of Ajax initiated a Waterfront Management Plan update process. A
Waterfront Work Group was formed and this group worked with consultants to prepare an
updated Waterfront Management Plan. Updating of the plan was completed in two phases.
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1106 JK9
Phase one began in early 2004 with the assistance of Suzanne Barrett of the Waterfront
Regeneration Trust and included the following:
• preliminary research into the current planning and regulatory framework;
• analysis of progress in implementing the 1995 Waterfront Management Plan;
• consultation with Council, senior staff, government agencies and special interest
waterfront stakeholders.
Phase one culminated in a community meeting, the first major public participation session, on
May 18, 2004.
Phase two continued this public consultation process through a series of Focus Group
Workshops in September and October of 2004, and two general public meetings in late
November. Outcomes of these meetings were used by the consultants for review. Project
management for the study was completed with the assistance of an inter - agency Working
Group Committee, with representation from an inter - departmental group of Town of Ajax staff,
the consulting team and representatives from the two Conservation Authorities.
Throughout the consultation process, the level of positive feedback and consensus regarding
waterfront issues was apparent. While there were the expected public concerns of preventing
overuse and over development of the waterfront, there was also strong agreement in the
feedback that the waterfront needs improved environmental diversity along with more facilities,
such as washrooms, for structured spaces and recreation areas.
The updated plan addresses reported problems with Canada geese and contains provisions to
limit desirable goose habitat by reducing the extent of mown bluegrass. Shoreline erosion was
another problem identified by many in the consultation sessions. It was recognized that there
is a need for a Shoreline Management Plan for the Ajax Waterfront, similar to the one
completed by the TRCA for lands to the west of Ajax.
The final report has been presented to the committees and boards of the Central Lake Ontario
Conservation Authority and the TRCA. Both Authorities provided positive responses to the
Plan and have recommended acceptance of the document. The TRCA acknowledged that the
Plan will serve as a guiding document for the future of the Ajax Waterfront in context with the
established Joint Management Agreements in place for these lands.
RES. #JK8 /06 - PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF A WATERSHED
PLAN FOR DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS CREEK
Moved by:
Seconded by:
David Pickles
Colleen Jordan
JK10 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
WHEREAS the Terms of Reference for the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource
Group (DCWRG), Section 3.5 states "A DCWRG representative will report, at least on a
semi - annual basis, on projects and progress to the Watershed Management Advisory
Board of TRCA';
AND WHEREAS a presentation was made to the Watershed Management Advisory Board
on Friday, February 10, 2006 on progress;
THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the, "Progress Report on Implementation of A
Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek" be received;
THAT local and regional municipal staff be thanked for their contributions to the Progress
Report;
THAT it be recognized that progress has been impressive to date;
THAT the process for creating the Progress Report was useful in identifying successful
action as well as gaps that need to be addressed in the future;
AND FURTHER THAT outcomes of the progress report be used by the DCWRG
to establish priorities for action in 2006 and beyond CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 2003, the Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers watersheds was completed
and subsequently endorsed by TRCA, the five local and two regional municipalities with
jurisdiction in the watersheds. The following year, the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed
Resource Group (DCWRG) was formed to oversee implementation of this plan. Following the
DCWRG directions, TRCA staff worked directly with local and regional municipalities and
watershed NGOs to implement the watershed plan on a subwatershed basis.
Recognizing that the watershed ecosystem is a complex network of interrelated features and
functions, the watershed plan reduced the watershed ecosystems to a set of simpler
component systems. Studies were undertaken within the following technical areas:
• groundwater quantity and quality
• surface water quantity and quality
• aquatic habitat and species
• terrestrial habitat and species
• human heritage
• put?lic use - outdoor recreation
• sustainable communities
The watershed plan is a blueprint for action and includes a brief summary of current watershed
conditions. It identifies the issues to be addressed and the opportunities that exist. It sets out
a vision for the future, a management philosophy, and a framework of management strategies
including watershed management goals, objectives, and the required actions. The plan
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK11
outlines effective implementation mechanisms, and provides guidance for implementation
priorities at a subwatershed scale and areas within the watershed where initial implementation
activities should focus.
To coordinate on -going implementation of the watershed plan, TRCA staff arranged a series of
meetings with the watershed municipalities to assess the current status and their priorities for
implementation. This exercise was strategic in nature and was intended to identify areas for
improvement and to gauge the success of collective efforts.
Consultation with Municipal Staff
Municipality
Meeting Date
City of Pickering
September 13, 2004
Town of Ajax - Planning Staff
February 9, 2005
Town of Ajax - Parks Staff
May 26, 2005
Regional Municipality of Durham
June 9, 2005
Regional Municipality of York
June 13, 2005
Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville
June 29, 2005
Township of Uxbridge
October 7, 2005
At these consultation meetings, progress on the management actions was reviewed and a
status of "No Action ", "Proposed ", "Underway ", or "Complete" was assigned. If a management
action was determined to be "Underway" or "Complete" it was assigned a value of one. A report
grade was then assigned to each goal based on the number of management actions identified
as being "Underway" or "Complete" ( "Proposed" actions did not receive a score). Detailed
tables documenting implementation progress within the watersheds are available and have
been provided to watershed municipalities. These detailed tables will be made available to
DCWRG members at the February 22, 2006 meeting for those who are interested. Overall, 180
of the 202 recommended management actions listed in the watershed plan are either
"Underway" or "Complete ".
A shortcoming with respect to the human heritage components of the watershed plan was
identified in the initial municipal meetings. Following suggestions from municipal and TRCA
staff, a workshop was organized to discuss implementation of the management actions with a
broader range of stakeholders involved in human heritage activities in the Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek watersheds. This workshop was held on September 14, 2005, at the Glen
Major Fishing Club in Uxbridge. Discussions at the workshop revealed that the previous score
did not fully capture the extent of human heritage activity in the two watersheds. As a outcome
of the workshop, the score for the human heritage component of the watershed plan was
revised to reflect the progress being made.
TRCA staff has made presentations on the status of watershed plan implementation to
municipal councils in the two watersheds. For the Town of Markham, which has only a small
portion of the Duffins Creek Watershed within its boundary, a staff report was provided on the
overall progress.
JK12 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06
February 22, 2006
Presentations to Municipal Councils
Municipality
Presentation Date
City of Pickering
June 20, 2005
Town of Ajax
June 27, 2005
Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville
July 12, 2005
Township of Uxbridge
November 21, 2005
Regional Municipality of York
November 30, 2005
Regional Municipality of Durham
December 6, 2005
TRCA staff met with the Durham Chapter of the Urban Development Institute on October 25,
2005 regarding the outcome of our implementation assessment. Given the development
industry's role in the two watersheds, continued consultation with UDI on implementation
approaches will be beneficial to all parties.
Many activities have contributed to fulfilling the goals and objectives of the watershed plan. The
full implementation report documents progress on all of these activities. Examples of some of
the activities that are currently underway in the two watersheds include:
Private Land Stewardship (with funding from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation)
TRCA Regional Monitoring Program
York -Peel- Durham - Toronto Groundwater Study
Implementation of the Fisheries Management Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers
Creek
Restoration efforts at Duffins Creek Marsh
• Public use trail planning
• Seaton Lands Planning
• Consultation with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority regarding studies for the
proposed Pickering Airport
• Development of Generic Watershed Policies for municipalities on the Oak Ridges
Moraine by the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition
• Town of Ajax Parks and Open Space Restoration Plan
• Stouffville Greenway Project
• Establishment of the Uxbridge Township Watershed Advisory Committee
There have been a number of provincial and federal initiatives that have recently come into
place that help support many elements of the Watershed Plan. Examples include:
• Oak Ridges Moraine Act and Conservation Plan
• Greenbelt Protection Act and Greenbelt Plan
• Places to Grow Act and the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan
• Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation Funding for Glen Major
• Updated Provincial Policy Statement
• Drinking Water Source Protection Study
• Transport Canada Greenspace Draft Master Plan
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK13
The documented success in the implementation of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Plan
is a reflection of the commitment of the various partners to the watershed plan. Through
continued efforts, it is envisioned that the Carruthers Creek watershed health will improve, and
the Duffins Creek watershed will maintain its status as one of the healthiest in TRCA's
jurisdiction.
RES. #JK9 /06 - HUMAN HERITAGE WORKSHOP - OUTCOMES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Neil Burnett
THAT attendees of the human heritage workshop be thanked for their participation and
input and that a copy of the Human Heritage Workshop Outcomes report be sent to them;
THAT the Human Heritage Workshop be recognized as an important event that helped to
bridge the gap identified in implementing the human heritage component of the Duffins
and Carruthers Watershed Plan;
THAT the outcomes and recommendations from the workshop be used to guide future
work to address the human heritage recommendations in the Watershed Plan;
THAT Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group members consider the contacts
they have in the educational system as a means of engaging schools in human heritage
projects;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group consider
the possibility of hosting a future workshop to track progress and coordinate activities
among watershed municipalities. CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Meeting #4/05 of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group, held on September
14, 2005, was a special meeting intended to address the perceived shortcoming in
implementing the human heritage component of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek. In addition to members of the DCWRG, a special invitation was extended to
individuals and groups involved in human heritage work across the watersheds. The intent of
the workshop was to identify programs and activities that are currently taking place in the
Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds that address the human heritage
recommendations in the Watershed Plan; to update the Watershed Plan Implementation
Progress Report accordingly; and to identify gaps and possible future projects and actions.
Sue Cumming of Cumming + Company was retained to facilitate the workshop.
Prior to the workshop, progress on implementation of the human heritage component of the
Watershed Plan received a failing grade with only four out of 20 management actions
underway. Workshop participants' knowledge of human heritage programs and activities in
JK14 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1106 February 22, 2006
the watersheds, however, revealed that many more management actions were being
addressed. Therefore, as an outcome of the workshop, the score for human heritage
increased to 15 out of 20. The five management actions that have not been addressed are as
follows:
1. Encourage local media to include stories on human heritage issues.
2. Provide opportunities for pre -1615 and local Euro- Canadian history in the school
curriculum.
3. Establish an integrated tourism plan involving human heritage resources in coordination
with existing eco- tourism opportunities.
4. Develop active revenue - producing human heritage facilities and programs that can
assist in sustaining non - revenue producing programs.
5. Develop criteria for priority setting (i.e., Best Management Practices) for built heritage
(i.e., historic buildings and other structures).
Several of the recommendations that came out of the workshop were aimed at addressing one
or more of these management actions.
Workshop Outcomes
For each of the three human heritage objectives in the Watershed Plan, specific
recommendations were made at the workshop. The objectives and some of the
recommendations are discussed below.
Objective #20 - Identify and document human heritage resources for protection
Some of the recommendations to address this issue include:
• Standardization of documentation, signage and verbiage;
• Standardization of documentation on human heritage under private ownership;
• TRCA and most municipalities have undertaken natural heritage inventories and have
developed policies and protocols to manage these resources but this level of attention
has not been extended to human heritage resources;
• Responsibility for the upkeep of rural, pioneer, and abandoned cemeteries.
Through the workshop, it was revealed that there is agreement on the need to compile a more
complete list of heritage buildings in the watersheds. It was suggested that this be done
through working with local arts and heritage groups to identify and document history and to
build awareness and explore resources available through architectural conservancy and
others.
It was further noted that there may be merit in exploring the opportunity for registering some
areas as heritage districts. It was also agreed that there needs to be more advocacy at the
municipal and regional level and with the public to create more interest around inventorying
human heritage resources within the watersheds. Generally, it was felt that there is a need for
more discussion on how to protect rural heritage on federal and provincial lands.
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK15
Objective #21 - Increase awareness and appreciation of inherent value of human heritage
resources
Participants felt it was best to provide history in small doses and to keep the information fresh
and visual. By exploring "how we got here" and "where we are going ", it was felt we may be
able to widen the audience interested in heritage. One important element of this is to engage
the educational system. This can be done by making presentations at schools, by exploring
other opportunities to involve younger generations, and by creating opportunities for education
by linking nature enjoyment (hiking and walking) with plaques, sculptures, and information
kiosks.
Some general ideas include the following:
• Publish information in the Ontario Heritage Society newsletters;
• Build on Heritage Pride Plaque Program - history and date on each house
• Tie in with Heritage Week events;
• Create a visual piece around the history of the Duffins Marsh through displays and
sculptures that "tell the story";
• Utilize available displays in the Rotary Park Pavilion;
• Provide information along trails, atkiosks, in municipal buildings, libraries, and
museums, and other places such as malls.
More specific ideas presented at the workshop include the development of a campaign to ask
the public for heritage artifacts and keepsakes. Also suggested was the development of a
pictorial history of mills in the watersheds. The use of the internet was considered with the
creation of a local historical web site or by utilizing existing web site to disseminate information
on events and happenings. It was noted that Pickering -Ajax Digital Archive, which can be
accessed at www.pada.ca , houses an extensive pictorial history of Pickering and Ajax. The
archive is also available on CD.
Again, the involvement of high school students will be an important component of many
projects. It was noted that some members of the DCWRG have good contacts with local
schools and may consider contacting them to explore opportunities.
Objective #22 - Apply a standardized approach to protecting human heritage resources at all
levels of government
Through the discussion, it was agreed that this objective will require further consideration as
Objectives #20 and #21 are more fully implemented. It was suggested that there may be
opportunities to explore what is happening in other areas around standardization and that
more discussion was needed with other levels of government.
Much of the work that has been done in the watersheds can be attributed to local and regional
municipalities and heritage groups who are committed to protecting and promoting local
human heritage. The commitment of these groups is best reflected in Objective #20 and #21,
which relate to on- the - ground human heritage activities. Improvements to the
recommendations in Objective #22, however, are primarily due to changes in provincial
JK16 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1106 February 22, 2006
legislation. For instance, the provincial government has recently made amendments to the
Ontario Heritage Act that should address many of the management actions identified in
Objective #22. The Provincial Policy Statement and Planning Act have also been amended to
include stronger wording to better protect human heritage, and federal and provincial
governments have partnered on the Historic Places Initiative, which provides new tools to
protect historic places.
RES. #JK10/06 - TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE GOLF COURSE POLICY
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Neil Acton
THAT the Township of Uxbridge Golf Course Policy be received;
THAT one member of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be assigned
to the Golf Course Policy Advisory Committee being established by the Township of
Uxbridge;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be updated
on the progress of the Golf Course Policy Advisory Committee and the outcomes of the
Golf Course Policy initiative.
AMENDMENT
RES. #JK11/06
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Neil Acton
THAT Gary Bowen be appointed as the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource
Group representative on the Township of Uxbridge's Golf Course Policy Advisory
Committee, with Susan Self acting as his alternate.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the December 12, 2005 Township of Uxbridge Council meeting, the Township of Uxbridge
Golf Course Policy was approved. The policy, initiated by Uxbridge Naturally, was created with
the full support of all eight golf courses in the Township and Township Council.
A sub - committee of the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee (UWAC), called the Golf
Course Policy Advisory Committee, has been convened to establish a reporting mechanism for
progress on meeting the requirements of the policy. A golf course industry representative has
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK17
been appointed to the UWAC and will chair the Golf Course Policy Advisory Committee. A
member of the DCWRG will also be appointed to the committee.
It is believed that this policy is the first of its kind in Ontario. The Golf Course Policy was
developed to address public concerns about the golf course industry, to promote a better
working relationship with the industry, and to showcase initiatives the industry is undertaking to
protect watershed functions.
RES. #JK12/06 - GENERIC OAK RIDGES MORAINE MUNICIPAL PLANNING POLICIES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Neil Acton
THAT the report "Watershed Planning: From Recommendation to Municipal Policies: A
Guidance Document" be received;
THAT this document be recognized as partially fulfilling the original concept of
incorporating a chapter on policy in "A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers
Creek";
THAT staff at local and regional municipalities with jurisdiction in the Duffins Creek
watershed be encouraged to use the document when establishing new policies and plans
or when updating existing policies and plans;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff provide continued assistance to our municipal partners
when using this document CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Municipal planning documents have long been regarded as a primary means of implementing
the recommendations of watershed plans. However, experience has shown that watershed
plan recommendations do not easily translate into municipal official plan policies or zoning
by -laws. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) requires watershed plans to be
undertaken for all watersheds on the moraine and to incorporate, by amendment into
municipal official plans, the objectives and requirements of each watershed plan. To help
bridge this gap the York, Peel, Durham, Toronto (YPDT) Groundwater study, in conjunction
with the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition (CAMC), initiated a project to conduct a
series of facilitated workshops to develop model policies for ground and surface water
resources, natural heritage systems, landform conservation and infrastructure. TRCA retained
the consulting partnership of Ogilvie, Ogilvie & Company and Anthony Usher Planning
Consultant to provide facilitation and planning policy services.
Throughout the duration of the project, the provincial government was active in undertaking a
number of policy initiatives such as the Greenbelt Plan, Source Water Protection and updating
the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). These initiatives potentially give the model policy project
JK18 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
an even wider application as the value of and direction for undertaking watershed plans is
recognized in both the Greenbelt Plan and the new PPS.
Model Policies
The consultant created model policies based on seven facilitated workshops. A core group of
regional and local municipal planners and conservation authority watershed planners attended
each workshop. Technical experts attended the workshops relevant to their area of expertise. A
total of 28 people, including biologists, hydrogeologists, ecologists, water resource engineers
and planners, shared their expertise over the course of the seven workshops. Copies of the
document were made available to interested DCWRG members at the February 22nd meeting.
: -rte
The document identifies, for each of the four policy topics _Mater resources; natural heritage;
Iandform; infrastructure), the mandate of and authority for the policy, candidate planning goals
and key planning issues. A number of policies have been developed for each of the four policy
topics. Each policy contains discussion on why the issue is important, how the policies could
be varied for different municipal circumstances and other possible implementation
mechanisms.
The water resource policies provide guidance on defining, mapping and protecting important
ground and surface water areas. Policies that address source water protection, stormwater
management best practices, cumulative effects assessment, among others, are included. The
natural heritage policies provide guidance on defining, mapping and protecting a present and
future natural heritage system. Policies are included which provide guidance for achieving net
gains to the natural heritage system and for restoring natural cover and connections in the
proposed future system. Similarly, policies are included which provide guidance for identifying
and conserving important Iandforms. The infrastructure policies establish a hierarchy of first
avoiding environmental features and functions, then minimizing impacts through mitigation and
finally, compensation.
The decision of the project steering committee was that this document be treated as an interim
or working draft. The model policy guidance document would then be circulated in electronic
format to all agencies conducting watershed plans on the Oak Ridges Moraine for their use
over the next year. Based on real use "in the field ", the document would then be finalized based
on any feedback received. TRCA will use the guidance document, in conjunction with our
municipal partners, in the ongoing watershed planning studies.
At the request of stakeholders, a half -day information session was hosted by TRCA on
December 8, 2005, at the Rexall Centre to assist in review of the document. The purpose of the
session was to provide a description of the policy framework and background on the
supporting technical and scientific basis for the model policies.
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK19
RES. #JK13/06 - SOURCE WATER PROTECTION IN THE DUFFINS CREEK
WATERSHED - UPDATE
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Doug Dodge
THAT the Source Water Protection in the Duffins Creek Watershed update be received;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff provide a report to the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group at the next meeting regarding progress on redefining the
scope of work for the consultant, Dillon Consulting, and work that is to begin at the end
of February 2006 CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The TRCA retained Dillon Consulting to assist in preparing a drinking water source protection
plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds in December 2004.
Dillon began work on the project and provided the following deliverables in early 2005:
A draft Terms of Reference for source protection planning at TRCA;
A methodology for using TRCA's conceptual geologic model for mapping the intrinsic
susceptibility index (ISI) for aquifers across our jurisdiction.
Initial consultation meetings were held with Transport Canada and Ontario Realty Corporation
to determine if information from their properties in the Duffins Creek watershed could be
shared with TRCA to advance source protection planning within the Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek watersheds. Staff also completed a windshield reconnaissance survey of the
two watersheds to identify potential contaminant threats.
In early 2005, the government of Ontario provided draft guidance and funding for conservation
authorities to undertake source water protection planning across the province. For the
purposes of this work, the TRCA was linked with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Central
Lake Ontario Conservation (CLOCA) to form the CTC Watershed Region. Workplans for
Januaryto July 2005 and August 2005 to June 2006 were developed and preliminary
watershed characterization reports were produced by each of the CA partners in October of
2005.
On December 5, 2005, the Minister of the Environment introduced the proposed Clean Water
Act. The Act comprises five parts, including:
• Part I - General - Establishes source protection areas (including the lead CA for each
area) and the requirement for a source water protection plan for each area.
• Part II - Preparation, Amendment and Review of Source Protection Plans - Establishes
the process for developing and approving source protection plans, including the
membership in and formation of a source protection committee (SPC).
• Part III - Effect of Source Protection Plans - Outlines requirements of municipal Official
Plans to conform with Source Protection Plans, and primacy of other provincial plans
JK20 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
(i.e., Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Greenbelt Plan) relative to source
protection, where the plan that offers the greatest protection of the quality and quantity
of drinking water prevails.
• .Part IV - Regulation of Drinking Water Threats - Outlines municipal responsibility for
source protection and the ability of municipalities to delegate that responsibility to third
parties (i.e., conservation authorities). This section also describes the appeal process
via the Environmental Review Tribunal, and provides guidance on what constitutes an
offence under the Act.
• Part V - Other Matters - Establishes the authority of the Minister of the Environment to
set targets for the Great Lakes as a source of drinking water, the requirement of various
public bodies to share information needed for source protection planning, details the
offence provisions (maximum penalties of $25,000 to $100,000 per day), and amends
other legislation.
Conceptual water budgets are currently being developed by each Conservation Authority and
will be undergoing external peer review over the next few weeks. The provincial funding for the
CTC Watershed Region from November 2004 to December 2005 totalled over $1.3 million. In
January 2006, the Ministry of the Environment released Terms of Reference for up to $7.5
million in additional source protection studies by municipalities and Conservation Authorities.
About 90 proposals were received, with total requested funding of $18 million. One of the
proposed projects involves modelling and assessment studies to assess present and future
risks to drinking water supplies in the Lake Ontario basin. Decisions are expected by the end
of February.
Because of the focus on TRCA -wide source protection, the local work in the Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek watersheds was put on hold while the TRCA evaluated the best approach to
move this initiative forward concurrently with the provincial process. Guidance modules for
water budgets and watershed characterization were released after the draft legislation was
introduced, which has clarified the requirements. Therefore, TRCA staff is confident that this
project can proceed without further encumbrance from provincial requirements.
In late 2005, a decision was made to refocus Dillon's efforts on the assessments of threats,
particularly towards rural private water quality, which is not a primary focus of the provincial
initiative. The TRCA is in the process of redefining Dillon's work scope to address this issue and
we expect the work to begin later in February. Staff will continue to communicate with the
DCWRG regarding the progress of this important project and the overall source protection
process at TRCA.
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK21
RES. #JK14/06 - ENVIROMONSTERS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Joe Dickson
Patricia Short-Gallo
THAT members of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be made
aware of the upcoming EnviroMonsters event, to be held at the Pickering Town Centre,
April 20 -23, 2006.
THAT the Durham West Arts Centre, TRCA, Town of Ajax Works Department, City of
Pickering Works Department, and the Pickering Town Centre be recognized for their
efforts in 2005 and 2006;
THAT the Enviromonsters be recognized for engaging the arts community and high
schools in an event that benefits the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Watersheds;
AND FURTHER THAT members consider ways in which they may help support the
Enviromonsters event CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The first ever EnviroMonsters event was held in the City of Pickering and Town of Ajax in 2005.
For the event, TRCA staff coordinate clean up events with high school students from Pickering
and Ajax. Students collected garbage from nearby watercourses while searching for objects
that may be used to create a sculpture. The garbage was cleaned and students assembled
sculpture from the waste. Four secondary schools participated in the 2005 event and each
received an award as follows:
Pine Ridge Secondary School
J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate
Pickering High School
Dunbarton High School
1st Prize ($1000)
2nd Prize ($500)
People's Choice Award ($200)
Enthusiasm Award ($200)
It is estimated that between 250 and 300 children helped collect garbage from nearby
watercourses to contribute to the art projects in 2005. Media coverage was impressive. An
article and photo were published in the Pickering -Ajax News Advertiser and one of the
sculptures was featured on Rogers local cable programming during Environmental Affairs
Week in the Town of Ajax.
The support of all the partners ensured success of the event in 2005. Durham West Arts
Centre staff provided administrative assistance and were the main liaisons to the schools.
TRCA stewardship staff coordinated and oversaw the stream cleanups. Municipal staff at the
Town of Ajax and City of Pickering helped to transport the collected waste and power -wash
soiled items, and the Pickering Town Centre provided the venue for display and the awards
ceremony.
JK22
DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
2006 Event
The TRCA and the Durham West Arts Centre have again partnered to present this unique
event. Sculptures will be on display at the Pickering Town Centre beginning April 20th through
the 23`d. An awards ceremony will be held at the Pickering Town Centre on April 23rd. The
sculptures will be placed in the prominent Centre Court of Pickering Town Centre. This central
location in the mall provides a larger area for displaying the sculptures. Larger concentrations
of patrons in this area of the mall will result in increased exposure of the sculptures and the
event.
The prize breakdown for 2006 is as follows:
First Prize: $750 Second Prize: $500 Third Prize: $250
People's Choice Award: Boston Pizza Party Certificate for 30 people
TRCA Environmental Enthusiasm Award: To be determined
Judging for the first, second, and third prizes will be conducted by world- renowned sculptor,
Edward Falkenberg, and by a pioneer of the Blue Box program, Jack McGinnis. Mall patron
votes will determine the People's Choice Award, and the TRCA Environmental Enthusiasm
Award, new this year, will be awarded by TRCA staff based on the level of participation and
enthusiasm at clean up events.
Student awareness of litter problems is increased through their participation in EnviroMonsters.
By participating in cleanups as a means to create art, students are more fully engaged in the
clean up process and are inclined to remove larger objects from watercourses than they may
during standard clean up events. By considering the extent and impact of litter during the
event, longer term changes in attitude towards littering are expected from the students.
Students are given the opportunity to showcase their work and interact with the public at
Pickering Town Centre. The experience is empowering to students and assists in raising the
profile of youth and their contributions to the community.
The Enviromonsters event promotes the arts and the environment in an integrated manner.
Participation in the clean ups encourage the students to think about human impact on the
environment and how they can express this impact through art. By using materials collected
from the clean ups, the students present thought provoking representations of waste, reuse
and human impact on our watersheds to the community.
RES. #JK15/06 - SCHEDULE OF 2006 EVENTS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Neil Acton
THAT the list of stewardship events planned for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek
watersheds in 2006 be received;
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK23
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be advised of other
watershed events as details become available;
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group
be encouraged to attend various stewardship events to show support for watershed
activities and to promote the work of the DCWRG CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Listed in the table below of known events planned for 2006 in the Duffins Creek and Carruthers
Creek watersheds.
Event
Date
Location
Heritage Connections - Youth
Workshop Series
February 25, 2006
Ajax
Hoot and Howl
February 26, 2006
Stouffville
Hoot and Howl
March 4, 2006
Glen Major
EnviroMonsters
April 20 to 23, 2006
Pickering Town Centre
Earth Day - Adopt a Park
April 22, 2006
Pickering
Environmental Affairs Week
April 22 to 30, 2006
Ajax
Event Details
Heritage Connections Youth Workshop
Participants learn about the lives of past inhabits of the Ajax area and their connections to
nature and the land on which they lived. The workshop features interactive presentations from
local archeologists and historians, hands on activities, and a walking tour of Pickering Village.
Participants help to develop interpretive signs for the trails and ideas for future cultural heritage
events. This event is hosted in partnership with the Ajax Environmental Advisory Committee.
Hoot and Howl
A short slide presentation on owls and coyotes is followed by a trip into the woods. Participants
then call out to the animals to encourage them to hoot or howl back. This has been very
successful. Registration is sometimes required due to high levels of interest. The upcoming
Stouffville Hoot and Howl event was noted on CBC's Rick Mercer Report.
EnviroMonsters
A detailed description of this event is provided in the report "EnviroMonsters 2006" as part of
this agenda.
Earth Day - Adopt a Park
Schools, community groups, associations and business are encouraged to register and Adopt
a Park in celebration of Earth Day.
JK24 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 February 22, 2006
Environmental Affairs Week Ajax
Several events will be held around the Town of Ajax.
TRCA staff and members of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group are
encouraged to share knowledge of other events in the watersheds. Staff will notify the DCWRG
as additional events and dates are determined.
RES. #JK16/06 - 2006 MEETING SCHEDULE AND PRIORITY SETTING
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Patricia Short-Galle
Joe Dickson
WHEREAS the term of the current Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group will
end in November 2006;
AND WHEREAS section 7.0 of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group
Terms of Reference lists specific responsibilities for the DCWRG;
IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED that the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource
Group revisit the Terms of Reference and, based on the stated responsibilities in the
Terms of Reference and accomplishments to date, determine priorities for action in 2006;
THAT Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group consider changes to the
current format and structure of the group;
THAT the term of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be extended
until the end of 2007 in order to accomplish objectives;
AND FURTHER THAT Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group members
approve the proposed schedule of meetings for 2006 and determine which actions will be
addressed as a theme for each of the remaining meetings.
AMENDMENT
RES. #JK17 /06
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Patricia Short-Galle
Joe Dickson
THAT the date for Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting # 4/06 be
changed to Wednesday, September 13, 2006.
February 22, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #1/06 JK25
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The following meeting schedule is proposed for the remainder of 2006.
Meeting Number
Date
Location
2/06
April 19, 2006
Uxbridge
3/06
June 21, 2006
Ajax
4/06
September 20, 2006
Pickering
DCWRG members are asked to come prepared to discuss the recommendations at the
forthcoming meeting.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:50 p.m., February 22, 2006.
Adele Freeman
Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP
MINUTES OF MEETING #2/06
AUTHORITY
MEETING #10/06
JANUARY 5, 2006
c.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS
WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06
April 19, 2006
Page JK26
The Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting #2/06 was held in the
Committee Room at the City of Pickering Civic Hall on Wednesday, April 19, 2006. The
meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.
PRESENT
Neil Acton Member
Joe Dickson Member
Doug Dodge Member
Colleen Jordan Member
Susan Self Member
Patricia Short-Galle Member
Peter Waring Member
Alan Wells Member
STAFF
Gary Bowen Watershed Specialist, Duffins & Carruthers
Joanna Parsons Administrative Assistant, Duffins & Carruthers
Brent Bullough Project Manager, Duffins & Carruthers
GUESTS
Heather Brooks Planner, Township of Uxbridge
Tom Fowle Chair, Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee
Howie Herrema Councillor, Township of Uxbridge
Tom Melymuk City of Pickering
Paul Neuman Town of Ajax
Beverly Northeast Councillor, Township of Uxbridge
Tom Winters Resident, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville
JK27 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 April 19, 2006
RES. #JK18/06- MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Acton
Patricia Short-Galls
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/06, held on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 be received
as amended CARRIED
DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Tom Winters, a resident of the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, speaking in regards
to Reesor Creek.
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from Brian Denney, CAO of the TRCA to Susan Self, Chair of the Duffins and
Carruthers Watershed Resource Group, dated March 20, 2006, re: the Duffins and
Carruthers Watershed Plan (TRCA Resolution #A10/06).
RES. #JK19/06-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Susan Self
Alan Wells
THAT the above correspondence be received CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Sustainable Pickering Initiative
Tom Melymuk, Division Head of Corporate Projects and Policy for the City of Pickering,
provided an overview of the City's sustainability program.
April 19, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 JK28
RES. #JK20 /06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Neil Acton
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group invite Mr. Tom Melymuk to
a future meeting to provide an update on the City of Pickering's Sustainability .
Program CARRIED
RES. #JK21/06 - DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
COMMITTEE
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Colleen Jordan
Alan Wells
THAT the verbal report from Gary Bowen regarding the Duffins and Carruthers Fisheries
Management Plan Committee be received CARRIED
RES. #JK22/06 - SUSTAINABLE PICKERING INITIATIVE
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Joe Dickson
THAT the City of Pickering be commended for initiating Sustainable Pickering and that a
letter of support be sent to the City;
THAT the Sustainable Pickering initiative serve as a starting point for cooperation when
implementing sustainability elements of the Watershed Plan in the City of Pickering;
AND FURTHER THAT other watershed municipalities be encouraged to pursue similar
sustainability initiatives in their jurisdictions CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In September 2005, City of Pickering Council established a committee to develop
benchmarking standards for sustainability for all new development in the City. The Committee
reported back to Council in November of 2005 recommending that the benchmarking exercise
be considered within the context of a citywide sustainability program, and that a broad,
widespread, and multi - faceted consultative process be used to develop the standards. Council
endorsed the Committee's recommendations and authorized the commencement of what is
JK29 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 April 19, 2006
now known as "Sustainable Pickering ".
Sustainable Pickering is currently focused on three projects:
Benchmarking Sustainability - establishing benchmarking standards for sustainability in
the City of Pickering
Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan - developing sustainability design guidelines for new
development in the City of Pickering
Partners for Climate Protection - a greenhouse gas emissions reduction program
A number of years ago, the City hired an Environmental Coordinator to develop, market, and
implement environmental awareness programs across the City. The Environmental
Coordinator plays in important role in promoting and implementing the Sustainable Pickering
initiative.
Sustainable Pickering is consistent with the principles identified in A Watershed Plan for Duffins
Creek and Carruthers Creek. Through the Pickering initiative and the Watershed Plan, a
framework for advancing sustainability in the two watersheds is provided. The Watershed Plan
and its supporting technical reports are intended to provide necessary data and guidance to
the local and regional municipalities, and senior levels of government so that they can make
informed land use decisions for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds.
Three of the Watershed Plan's 25 objectives deal specifically with sustainability. All contained
within the goal to achieve a behavioural shift in lifestyle and resource use in keeping with the
environmental objectives of the watersheds, the Watershed Plan identifies three objectives
necessary to achieve sustainable watersheds:
1. Increase awareness of watershed issues and use of available watershed knowledge in
decision - making to foster sustainability and sustainable living practices;
2. Promote lifestyles that are ecologically sustainable; and
3. Use sustainable urban design approaches to guide urban growth and development.
Sustainable Pickering reflects and supports these three objectives. For Pickering,
"sustainability" means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. It requires that future decisions and actions
consider and appropriately balance economic, social and environmental objectives.
Through the Sustainable Pickering initiative, the City is also considering the concept of Net
Gain. Dillon Consulting has been involved in the partnership between TRCA and Pollution
Probe exploring the advancement of the Net Gain principle. Dillon is also the lead consultant
for Pickering's SNP study, and will be looking at the issue of net gain in developing Sustainable
Neighbourhood guidelines. Net gain was also part of the management philosophy that guided
development of the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek.
April 19, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 JK30
The Sustainable Pickering web site contains links to resources to help citizens make informed
sustainable lifestyle choices. As well, several workshops and Town Hall meetings have been
held to solicit input from many stakeholders on the project, and begin the dialogue on choices
available as individuals and as a community to help forward the principles of sustainability.
By engaging the public in discussions on sustainability, the City of Pickering is fostering a
sense of community interest and ownership on the issue. This will help ensure the long -term
success of the initiative. Staff at TRCA has been and will continue to be involved in the
Sustainable Pickering project. This multi - stakeholder consultation approach was taken for the
development of the Watershed Plan and recent progress on implementation of the plan has
shown this method to be very effective.
RES. #JK23/06 - TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY'S
STRATEGIC PLAN: MOVING TOWARD THE LIVING CITY
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Joe Dickson
Colleen Jordan
THAT the Strategic Plan for the TRCA, Moving Toward the Living City, be recognized for
supporting the principles of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek;
THAT TRCA's Strategic Plan be used as a guiding document for member municipalities
and organizations embarking on sustainability initiatives;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff be invited to a future meeting of the Duffins and
Carruthers Watershed Resource Group to make a presentation on the Strategic
Plan CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At its Annual General Meeting held on February 24, 2006, TRCA released a new Strategic Plan
entitled Moving Toward the Living City. Building on the 1987 United Nations Brundtland
Commission definition of sustainability, which is, "meeting the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ", the Strategic
Plan adds that sustainability requires, "living respectfully within the natural environment." The
Strategic Plan goes on to define sustainable society as one that, "lives within its environmental
means. It mimics nature by using only renewable energy and resources, and by returning
'resources', not `garbage' or `pollutants', to the environment. It seeks creative synergies
among the needs of the environment, human society and the economy, and understands their
interconnections." The strategy is compatible with the City of Pickering's Sustainable Pickering
initiative, and supports the principles of the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Watershed
Plan.
JK31 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 April 19, 2006
The vision presented in the Strategic Plan represents the most radical redirection in the history
of the TRCA. By moving beyond the traditional mandate of the Conservation Authority, TRCA's
Strategic Plan challenges the organization to think critically about its environmental decisions
and actions vis -a -vis social and economic factors, and extends this challenge to partner
agencies and member municipalities. One of the main goals of this new direction is for the
TRCA to, "become trusted leaders, consultants and partners for other organizations desiring to
make similar changes to stall climate change and create a livable region in the future."
Shared perceptions of sustainability by the TRCA and member municipalities, and a renewed
interest in furthering sustainable initiatives within our organizations, reveals a common ground
from which we can proceed collectively. A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creed and Carruthers
Creek, created by the TRCA, member municipalities and watershed stakeholders, integrates
sustainability principles into its goals and recommendations and is an ideal vehicle to promote
sustainability on a watershed basis.
TRCA staff is available to attend a meeting of the DCWRG at a future date for a more detailed
discussion of the Strategic Plan.
RES. #JK24/06 - SEATON TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Acton
Peter Waring
THAT the Seaton Trail be recognized as an important component of the trails strategy as
outlined in A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek;
THAT the Regional Municipality of Durham be recognized for initiating the Regional Trail
Network and that a letter of thanks be sent to the Region acknowledging the Trail
Networks contribution towards fulfilling the public use component of A Watershed Plan
for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek:
THAT the Oak Ridges Trail Association be recognized for their contribution in assessing
the trail's condition and be thanked for their work;
THAT Ontario Realty Corporation and Dell Management Solutions be thanked for the
improvements to trail safety that have been made to date;
THAT the Oak Ridges Trail Association, City of Pickering and the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority application for funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation be
supported; -
April 19, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 JK32
AND FURTHER THAT the Chair of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group
send a letter to the Ontario Trillium Foundation relaying this support when the application
is submitted CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Located on lands owned by the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) in the Central Pickering
Planning area, the Seaton Trail stretches 11 kilometres along the West Duffins Creek valley and
is used for hiking and cross country skiing. Dell Management Solutions has been contracted
to manage the land, including the trail, on ORC's behalf.
An objective of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek is to create a
continuous trail system that will allow individuals to move across the watersheds from east to
west and from the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Lake Ontario Waterfront, as well as to seek out
opportunities to significantly increase the value of individual areas by linking them into a
continuous, integrated greenspace system. Seaton Trail is a key component of the continuous
trail system.
Established in 1970 and built with the help of students and Boy Scouts, Seaton Trail has been
a popular hiking destination since its creation. Over the years, however, the trail has
succumbed to neglect, natural forces, and improper use. Some of the problems with the
current trail include:
• Unattractive parking areas that are prone to abuse
• Lack of safe infrastructure
• Loss of trail and unsafe conditions as a result of inappropriate routing near
watercourses
• User -made trails located in ecologically sensitive or unsafe areas
• Non - standard and /or unsafe stairs
• Unauthorized mountain biking structures
With future residential development taking place adjacent to the trail on the Seaton Lands,
increased trail use is expected. If adequate trail facilities are not provided, pressure for
increased use could lead to environmental damage from the development of informal trails,
conflicts associated with trespassing on private lands, and overuse of existing publicly
accessible areas. With increasing public use of trails, there will be greater personal safety
risks, the potential for accidents in greenspace areas and problems of increased unacceptable
and /or criminal activity, which planning and management must address.
A trail management plan will be developed to address development, management and
maintenance of the Seaton Trail. Ontario Trillium Foundation funding is being sought to
contribute to development of the trail management plan. The proposal will be jointly funded by
the TRCA, City of Pickering, and the Oak Ridges Trail Association, and is supported by ORC
and Dell Management Solutions.
JK33 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 April 19, 2006
Dell Management Solutions has recently completed upgrades and addressed some safety
issues. There is more to be done to bring the trail up to a standard considered acceptable for
use by the citizens of and visitors to the watershed.
RES. #JK25/06 - IMPLEMENTING A WATERSHED PLAN FOR DUFFINS CREEK AND
CARRUTHERS CREEK - GAPS AND PRIORITIES FOR ACTION
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Alan Wells
Neil Acton
WHEREAS at meeting #1/06 of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group,
held on February 22, 2006, Res. #JK13/06 was passed stating, in part,
THAT the DCWRG revisit the Terms of Reference and, based on the stated
responsibilities in the Terms of Reference and accomplishments to date,
determine priorities for action in 2006;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed
Resource Group review the results of the Gap Analysis and Priority Action assessment in
order to determine accomplishments;
AND FURTHER THAT the priority actions identified in the Gap Analysis and Priority
Action assessment guide Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group activity in
2006 and 2007 CARRIED
BACKGROUND
A progress report on the implementation of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers
Creek was completed in early 2006. The results of the assessment revealed that 22 of the 202
recommended management actions in the Watershed Plan were not being acted upon. To
address this shortfall, TRCA staff reviewed the plan and identified the steps required to initiate
these management actions.
Results
Through follow -up review and discussion with municipal and TRCA staff, it is anticipated that
significant progress will be made in 2006 and 2007 on the 22 management actions identified as
"Action Gaps ". The good news is that nine of the 22 "Action Gaps" are now in progress and
there is an excellent chance that four additional "Action Gaps" will be addressed in the near
future.
Upon review, four of the Management Actions identified as "Action Gaps" are no longer
required because they have been replaced by other initiatives that achieve the same objective.
One Management Action will change but will help achieve the same result.
April 19, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 JK34
The remaining four Management Actions remain as "Action Gaps" and it is recommended that
these four Management Actions constitute the priority actions of the DCWRG in 2006 and 2007.
The four Management Actions and suggested follow up actions are as follows:
Educate homeowners regarding the flood risks associated with improper lot -level practices (Le.
backyard dumping and hydraulic impediments)
• Explore education opportunities through current programs offered by the TRCA and
watershed municipalities. TRCA staff will meet with local watershed municipalities and
their advisory committees (Ajax EAC, Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee,
Pickering Environmental Coordinator, etc.) to discuss options.
Recommend the provincial government develop a regulation for the application of pesticides
within the municipalities and encourage the municipalities and residents to lobby the provincial
government to complete the regulation in a timely manner
• Given the diversity of opinions on this issue throughout the watersheds, TRCA and
municipal staff should meet to discuss appropriate steps. TRCA has updated its
pesticide use policy and has adopted an Integrated Pesticide Management approach.
Encourage local media to include stories on human heritage issues
• DCWRG and LACAC representatives are encouraged to meet with local reporters with a
"cultural heritage" portfolio and provide information on projects and ideas for articles.
Provide opportunities for pre -1615 and local Euro- Canadian history in the school curriculum
• Encourage the Durham Board of Education to attend LACAC meetings
• Support LACAC efforts to engage the Board of Education
• Invite a heritage representative to join the DCWRG, either as a full member or as an
advisor, to provide input on the heritage components of the Watershed Plan.
This analysis should serve as a starting point to determine priorities for action in 2006, 2007,
and a strategy should be developed to address items that require planning beyond the 2007
horizon.
The initial Progress Report on Implementation and subsequent Gap Analysis and Priority
Setting Assessment were intended to provide a brief synopsis of progress to date. Results of
the two reports reveal tremendous implementation success to date and a continuum of the
excellent working relationship between the TRCA and watershed municipalities. While
progress has been outstanding and the recent analysis revealed only four management
actions requiring attention, diligence and constant monitoring of the remaining management
actions will be necessary to ensure that the plan is successfully implemented.
JK35 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #2/06 April 19, 2006
NEW BUSINESS
Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville Representation on the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed
Resource Group
It was agreed that a representative from the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville be sought to
participate on the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. Chair, Susan Self, will
contact the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville in this regard.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:05 p.m., April 19, 2006.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
hp
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP
MINUTES OF MEETING #3/06
AUTHORITY
MEETING #10/06
JANUARY 5, 2006
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS
WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06
June 21, 2006
Page JK36
The Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting #3/06 was held in the
Admiral's Room at the Town of Ajax Community Centre on Wednesday, June 21, 2006. The
meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
PRESENT
Neil Acton Member
Neil Burnett Member
Doug Dodge Member
Kevin Laidley Member
Councillor David Pickles Member
Patricia Short-Gallo Member
Peter Waring Member
STAFF
Brent Bullough Project Manager, Duffins & Carruthers
Adele Freeman Director, Watershed Management Division
Joanna Parsons Administrative Assistant, Duffins & Carruthers
GUESTS
Heather Brooks Planner, Township of Uxbridge
RES. #J K26/06-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
MINUTES
Patricia Short-Galle
Neil Acton
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/06, held on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, be
received CARRIED
JK37 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3106 June 21, 2006
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Atlantic Salmon Stocking Events in Duffins Creek
Brent Bullough, Duffins- Carruthers Watershed Planning Project Manager, provided an overview
of the Atlantic salmon stocking events that took place on May 10 -11th, 2006 in Duffins Creek.
b) TRCA Strategic Plan
Adele Freeman, Director of the Watershed Management Division, presented the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority's Strategic Plan.
RES. #JK27/06 - ATLANTIC SALMON RELEASES IN DUFFINS CREEK
The Atlantic salmon release in the Duffins Creek
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Burnett
David Pickles
THAT a letter be sent to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources thanking them for selecting Duffins Creek as an Atlantic
salmon stocking site and expressing our continued support for the project;
THAT a letter of thanks be sent to Banrock Station Wines and the Liquor Control Board of
Ontario acknowledging their financial support for the project on May 10th and 11th, 2006;
THAT a letter be sent to the grade four class of Steven Saywell Public School in Oshawa
thanking them for participating in the stocking event at Claremont Field Centre;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG)
be updated on a regular basis regarding the status of the project CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Atlantic salmon were once plentiful in Lake Ontario and were a valuable resource to First
Nations and early European settlers. A combination of habitat Toss and degradation, damming
of spawning rivers, and overfishing led to the extirpation of Atlantics from Lake Ontario in the
late 1800s. Until recently, it was believed that conditions in the lake and in spawning streams
were inappropriate for Atlantic salmon. Over the past 20 years, the Ministry of Natural
Resources and its research partners have been studying the potential to reintroduce Atlantic
salmon to Lake Ontario. After many years of restoration efforts, water and habitat quality
appear to be at a level appropriate for the reintroduction of Atlantic salmon to the lake and
select rivers and creeks.
June 21, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 JK38
A partnership was formed between the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, Conservation Authorities, Trout Unlimited Canada, Sir Sandford
Fleming College, the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and the Trees Ontario
Foundation to oversee the reintroduction. Core funding for the Bring Back the Salmon - Lake
Ontario project has been secured from Banrock Station Wines of Australia and the LCBO. Over
the next five years, Banrock Station is providing $1,250,000 and the LCBO's Natural Heritage
Fund is contributing $250,000 to the restoration effort.
After an intense review and selection process, three streams were chosen for the initial phase
of Atlantic salmon restoration - Duffins Creek, Cobourg Creek, and the Credit River. Selection
was based on physical stream characteristics, the existing fish community and fisheries
objectives, and stakeholder support. Given the importance placed on the need for stakeholder
support, the selection of Duffins Creek as an initial site for stocking should be viewed as an
endorsement of the continued commitment of all watershed partners involved in developing
and implementing A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek and the Duffins
and Carruthers Fisheries Management Plan.
As part of the overall 10 to 15 year goal to produce a self- sustaining Atlantic salmon population
in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, nine steams will be stocked. In the first five - years, fry and
yearlings will be released into the Duffins Creek, Cobourg Creek, and Credit River. Six more
streams will be stocked in the years to come. In 2006, approximately 400,000 fry will be
released in the three identified creeks. Efforts are underway to increase fish rearing capacity in
order to provide larger numbers of fry and yearlings in the coming years. There are three
elements to the overall strategy: Fish Production, Habitat Restoration, and Research and
Assessment.
Restoration efforts will not only help to improve conditions for Atlantic salmon, but they will also
improve habitat for many other species, and will have the added benefit of contributing to
better water quality and quantity. Some of the habitat restoration projects to be undertaken in
the Duffins Creek watershed include:
• -Tree planting in riparian areas to stabilize banks, decrease sedimentation, and reduce
water temperature;
• Debris management to enhance and restore natural flows, clean substrate and enhance
habitat for adult and juvenile fish;
• Bank stabilization projects to minimize erosion and sedimentation of spawning and
nursery areas;
• Wetland protection to improve water quality and quantity;
• Cattle fencing and alternative watering systems to prevent riparian grazing, erosion, and
in- stream habitat destruction; and
• Modification, by -pass or removal of on -line dams and ponds to re- establish natural
channels, reduce stream temperatures and allow fish passage.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2006, the kick -off media event for stocking of Duffins Creek took place
at the Claremont Field Centre. The event was well attended and included speeches by Mr.
Tony Sharley, Manager of Banrock Station; Dr. Terry Quinney of the OFAH; Mr. Alec Denys of
JK39 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 June 21, 2006
the Ministry of Natural Resources; and Mr. David love of the Conservation Foundation of
Greater Toronto. Dr. Doug Dodge represented the DCWRG and made remarks on behalf of
the committee. Several school children from the grade four class at Steven Saywell Public
School in Oshawa, who were attending the Durham Region Outdoor Education Centre at
Claremont Field Centre, helped released fry into the creek. Stocking continued on Thursday,
May 11, 2006 and included the participation of local municipal politicians who are in support of
the program.
Stocking at this site, and others as listed in the table below, resulted in approximately 55,000
Atlantic salmon being released in Duffins Creek over a two -day period. A limited number of fish
were available for the current round of stocking. Available fish were placed in the best locales
within the watershed, as identified by Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of
Anglers and Hunters, and TRCA biologists. Due to the limited number of fry, only a few sites
south of Highway 7 were stocked during the spring release. This fall, and in future years,
stocking will take place at other locations in the watershed including portions of the watershed
in the Township of Uxbridge.
Duffins Atlantic Salmon Stocking Events - May 10 & 11, 2006
Date
Location
Approximate
Number of Fish
Wednesday, May 10
Claremont Outdoor Education Centre -
East Duffins Creek
5,000
Wednesday, May 10
Greenwood Area - East Duffins Creek
5,000
Wednesday, May 10
Reesor Creek
10,000
Wednesday, May 10
Pickering Sideline 32, north of Hwy. 7 - West
Duffins Creek
30,000
Thursday, May 11
Greenwood Conservation Area
2,500
Thursday, May 11
Paulynn Park
2,500
TOTAL
approx. 55,000
Up to date information on this project is available on the Ontario Federation of Anglers and
Hunters hosted web page, www.atlanticsalmonontario.ca.
The Watershed Plan and Fisheries Management Plan identifies that portions of Duffins Creek
are appropriate for reintroduction of Atlantic salmon. Bring Back the Salmon program
implementation in the Duffins Creek watershed will be guided by the Duffins and Carruthers
Fisheries Management Plan Technical Committee. Habitat rehabilitation efforts in support of
the stocking project will advance many of the objectives in the watershed plan, especially
June 21, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 JK40
regarding aquatic habitat and water quality. These efforts will result in welcome improvements
to the condition of Duffins Creek watershed and all partners should be thanked for their
contribution.
RES. #JK28/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SECORD FOREST AND WILDLIFE AREA TRAIL HEAD AND
PARKING OPENING
The opening of the Secord Forest and Wildlife Area trail head and
parking
Patricia Short-Gallo
Neil Acton
THAT the staff report summarizing The Secord Forest and Wildlife Area trail head and
parking area opening event be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group recognize
the opening of the parking area and the new section of trail as an important step in
establishing a trail system with universally (wheelchair) accessible sections within the
Duffins Creek watershed CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The 93- hectare Secord Forest and Wildlife Area is located on ecologically sensitive land within
the headwaters of the Duffins Creek watershed on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Three ponds,
several springs, open fields and a diverse mixture of wooded areas, including coniferous
swamp communities characteristic of the more northern boreal forest, characterize the
property. The Secord Forest and Wildlife Area is highly valued for its ecological diversity and
its ability to support sensitive species of flora and fauna. Furthermore, the streams and ponds
provide much needed cold water habitat for aquatic species.
The main Oak Ridges Trail traverses the property entering at the north -east corner and exits at
the south -west corner. In addition to the main Oak Ridges Trail, there are two side trails on the
property.
The Secord Forest and Wildlife Area trail opening was held on Friday, June 2, 2006 and
celebrated the following important accomplishments:
• new parking facilities;
a new information kiosk with a trail head sign and donor information;
a section of universally (wheelchair) accessible trail with a vista of Secord Pond;
and,
site naturalization.
JK41 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06. June 21, 2006
Representatives of TRCA and partner organizations including the Oak Ridges Trail Association,
Transport Canada, Regional Municipality of Durham, and the Township of Uxbridge attended
the event. Members of the local community were also in attendance to celebrate the trail head
opening and to enjoy a nature hike following the ceremony.
Previously, there were no formal parking facilities on -site to allow trail users access to this
section of the Oak Ridges Trail. A new parking area at the end of Secord Road was
established by removing an existing structure and cleaning up the surrounding area.
Parking facilities were integrated into the trail system during the construction of a new section
of trail. The new trail was built to be universally accessible and heads south from the parking
area to the large Secord Pond. People of all abilities will now be able to travel from their
vehicle to a vista point and back along this new section of trail. The universally accessible
section of trail was built according to standards developed by The Trails for All Ontarians
Collaborative (TAOC). Evaluation of the trail will be conducted by the TAOC in late June 2006,
to ensure that it complies with their guidelines.
A kiosk, which has a trail head sign and donor sign, provides trail users with a site map as well
as general context. Information about the Oak Ridges Moraine and local natural and cultural
heritage is provided on the sign. Also included is the Trail Users' Code and a list of permitted
activities within the Secord Forest and Wildlife Area.
Improvements that have been made to the Secord Forest and Wildlife Area are consistent with
the concept plan developed as part of the Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan, which
identifies the Secord property as a central point for outdoor recreational activities. The goal of
the concept plan is to protect and enhance the values of the property while maintaining its
ecological integrity and providing for various recreational and public use opportunities.
Funding for the work was provided by the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Oak
Ridges Trail Association. Partnerships among the Regional Municipality of Durham, Oak
Ridges Trail Association, TRCA, and the Township of Uxbridge have been very fruitful and have
led to an expansive trail network that continues to grow in the Duffins Creek watershed and
beyond.
RES. #JK29/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
EXTENSION OF TERM OF COMMITTEE
A request for an extension of the term for the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group Committee
Neil Burnett
Peter Waring
June 21, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 JK42
WHEREAS Resolution #JK13/06 of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource
Group (DCWRG) states, in part:
THAT the term of the DCWRG be extended until the end of 2007 in order to
accomplish objectives;
AND WHEREAS Resolution #A91/06 of the TRCA grants the extension stating:
THAT the term of appointment for members of the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group be extended for one year to December 31, 2007,
subject to confirmation of appointments by the municipalities after the November,
2006 municipal election;
AND FURTHER THAT following the municipal elections on November 13, 2006, the
watershed municipalities appoint members to the Duffins and Carruthers
Watershed Resource Group.
THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT current members agree to remain members of
the DCWRG until the end of 2007;
THAT municipal representatives be appointed at the commencement of the new term of
council;
THAT watershed municipalities be requested to suggest additional citizen and non -
government organization representatives as appointments to the DCWRG in January
2007;
AND FURTHER THAT representation from the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville be
requested for the duration of the term of the DCWRG CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Members of the DCWRG agreed that an extension of the term of the committee until the end of
2007 was desirable in order to fulfill the mandate of the committee and to ensure that sufficient
progress is made with respect to implementing the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and
Carruthers Creek. Approval for this extension has been granted by the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority.
In the interest of maintaining consistency and momentum through to the end of 2007, it is
preferred that current members continue their commitment to the DCWRG for the duration of
the extension. Consideration will also be given to new appointments of citizen and non -
government organizations interested in working on implementation of the Watershed Plan, and
it is requested that municipal partners suggest appropriate candidates.
JK43 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 ' June 21, 2006
It is understood that municipal appointments may be needed following the municipal elections
in November of 2006. When municipal appointments are reconfirmed, there may be an
opportunity to again secure a representative from the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville. As a
major population centre in the headwaters of the Duffins Creek, the Town of Whitchurch-
Stouffville's participation on the DCWRG is both desirable and necessary. Steps should be
taken to encourage the participation of the Town.
MOTION-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
WATERSHED PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT CARD
The next steps for the finalized copy of the Watershed Plan
Implementation Report Card
Doug Dodge
Peter Waring
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) review the draft
text and discuss layout and distribution options for the Implementation Report Card;
THAT the text be sent to watershed municipalities and partners for their review and
comment;
THAT the DCWRG endorse the draft Implementation Report Card subject to final approval
of the Chair and Vice - Chair;
AND FURTHER THAT the finalized Implementation Report Card be distributed following
the September 2006 meeting of the DCWRG.
THE MOTION WAS NOT CARRIED
RES. #J K30/06-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Doug Dodge
Peter Waring
THAT a second draft of the Watershed Plan for Duffins and Carruthers Creek Progress
Report on Implementation, be brought to the September 13`h, 2006 meeting of the Duffins
and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group meeting for the members to
review CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #1/06 of the DCWRG, a "Progress Report on Implementation of A Watershed Plan
for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek" was presented. Initial outcomes of the progress report
June 21, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 JK44
revealed that 22 of the 202 actions recommended in the Watershed Plan were not being
addressed. Furthermore, Resolution #JK6 /06 stated, in part:
THAT outcomes of the progress report be used by the DCWRG to establish
priorities for action in 2006 and beyond.
In an effort to identify priorities for action, a gap analysis was conducted on the results of the
initial progress report. Subsequently, at meeting #2/06, the report "Implementing a Watershed
Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek - Gaps and Priorities for Action ", was presented to
the DCWRG. Through the process used to identify implementation gaps and priorities for
action, it was revealed that a further nine recommended actions were indeed being addressed.
It was also revealed that four of the original management actions were either no longer
practical or were being addressed through other programs and could be deleted from the
watershed plan. One recommended action, which had previously been identified as not being
addressed, was modified to reflect the desires of watershed municipalities and is now
considered to be in progress. It is expected that four other recommendations will be
addressed within the next year and no further action is required at this time to further their
implementation. The four remaining actions that are not being addressed, also referred to as
"Action Gaps ", represent the priorities for action in 2006 and 2007 and will be the focus for
DCWRG activity through to the end of 2007.
RATIONALE
With only four out of 198 recommended management actions considered "Action Gaps ", the
local implementation model employed for delivery of the Watershed Plan may be considered a
success. Given the progress made to date, and the desire to share the good news with a
wider audience, it has been proposed that a brochure -style report card be distributed to
interested watershed citizens and stakeholders. Attached is the draft text for the
Implementation Report Card. Other brochure -style report cards produced by the TRCA will be
made available at the June 21 meeting as templates for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers
Creek Watershed Plan Implementation Report Card.
The Report Card is intended to give the reader an overview of our implementation successes
and shortfalls, and how we expect to address those shortfalls over the next year. As well,
successful watershed projects are highlighted in order to give the reader an insight into the
progress that has been made to date. It is anticipated that the finalized brochure will be
distributed immediately following the September 13, 2006 meeting of the DCWRG.
Consideration must be given to the format and layout of the document before a detailed
distribution list and method of distribution can be ascertained, given that production costs will
heavily impact this aspect of the project. An initial distribution list is provided below.
Comments from the DCWRG on this initial list are welcome.
JK45 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 June 21, 2006
Draft Distribution List
Member Municipalities
Regional Municipality of Durham
Regional Municipality of York
City of Pickering
Town of Ajax
Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville
Township of Uxbridge
Provincial Ministries
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Municipal Affairs and Housing
Environment
Natural Resources
Transportation
Tourism
Culture
Health Promotion
Public Infrastructure Renewal
Federal Departments
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Transport Canada
Environment Canada
Non - Government Organizations and
Citizens
Ratepayers' Groups
Service Clubs
Environmental Advisory Committees
Public Consultation Participants
Rouge Park Alliance
TRCA Associated Task Forces
Humber Watershed Alliance
Don Watershed Regeneration
Council
Etobicoke - Mimico Watershed
Coalition
Rouge Park Alliance Federal and
Provincial Members of Parliament
Others
Libraries
Schools
Approval in principle, subject to final approval by the Chair and Vice - Chair, will be needed by
the DCWRG prior to September 13 in order to a expedite the process. Approval of the
proposed report card will be sought TRCA's Watershed Management Advisory Board meeting
on September 23, ensuring that all necessary parties have approved the document prior to the
anticipated September 2006 launch date. After the launch of the report card, TRCA staff will
make presentations to local and regional watershed municipalities.
June 21, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #3/06 JK46
NEW BUSINESS
Application of Lampricide in the Duffins Creek
Doug Dodge informed the committee that an application of lampricide was applied in the
Duffins Creek near the stocking site of the Atlantic salmon that took place in May, 2006.
RES. #J K31 /06-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
David Pickles
Neil Acton
THAT the Ministry of Natural Resources contact the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and
Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding the application of lampricide in Duffins Creek
and report back to the September 13, 2006 meeting of the DCWRG .CARRIED
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 p.m., June 21, 2006.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
hp
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP
MINUTES OF MEETING #4/06
AUTHORITY
MEETING #10/06
JANUARY 5, 2006
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS
WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06
September 13, 2006
Page JK47
The Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting #4/06 was held at the
Transport Canada Offices on Wednesday, September 13, 2006: The meeting was called to
order at 7:00 pm.
PRESENT
Neil Acton Member
Neil Burnett Member
David Pickles Member
Patricia Short-Galls Member
Peter Waring Member
Alan Wells Member
STAFF
Gary Bowen Watershed Specialist, Duffins and Carruthers
Joanne Jeffrey Supervisor, Community Stewardship Program
Joseph Leo Stewardship Assistant, Duffins and Carruthers Creeks
Joanna Parsons Administrative Assistant, Duffins & Carruthers
RES. #JK32/06- MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Patricia Short-Galls
Neil Acton
THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/06, held on June 21, 2006, be received CARRIED
J48 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Community Stewardship and Private Land Stewardship Programs
Joanne Jeffrey, Supervisor, Community Stewardship Program, provided an overview of the
Private Land Stewardship Program and Outreach Education Programs offered by The Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority.
RES. #JK33/06 - AJAX COMMUNITY GREENING PROJECT - UPDATE
An update regarding the Ajax Community Greening Project
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Alan Wells
Patricia Short-Galle
THAT the Ajax Community Greening Project Update report be received;
THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) receive a final
report at the conclusion of the project in June 2007;
AND FURTHER THAT the DCWRG send a letter to the EcoAction Community Funding
Program expressing its thanks for supporting the Watershed Plan implementation efforts
through the Ajax Community Greening Project CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #3/05 held on June 22, 2005, the Duffins and Carruthers Creek Watershed
Resource Group received an update regarding the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek
Community Stewardship program.
The 2005 work plan included community plantings, conservation seminars, clean up events,
school group activities and presentations regarding our Healthy Yards program to new
homeowners, Environmental Advisory Committees and assisting municipal /local partners in
implementing their projects. Funds to support the 2005 deliverables were received through the
TRCA's request to Durham Region for watershed planning and implementation.
In consultation with the Town of Ajax and through letters of support from local schools, the Ajax
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)and Trout Unlimited Canada, Rouge Duffins Chapter
an application was submitted to the EcoAction Community Funding Program in March of 2006
to support the Ajax Community Greening Project. A $30,000 grant was awarded in June of
2006, and a Stewardship Assistant was hired to implement the two year project.
Over the next two years, activities will include the Green Neighbours Workshop Series, the Ajax
Youth Green Team Program focussed on High School students and the Nature Guardians
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK49
Program focussed on elementary school students. Three Community Action Sites (CAS) have
been identified as potential implementation sites for this project. These include the Ajax
waterfront area including Duffins Marsh, Millers Creek and the Greenwood Conservation Area.
To date, the Ajax Community Greening Project has received additional funding support from
the Regional Municipality of Durham through TRCA's watershed planning and implementation
work, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Shell Environmental Fund. Additional funds
will be pursued to implement the project components as they evolve.
RES. #JK34/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
PRIVATE LAND STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES ON THE OAK RIDGES
MORAINE - UPDATE
An update on private land stewardship activities taking place on the Oak
Ridges Moraine
Patricia Short-Galls
Neil Acton
THAT the update on private land stewardship activities be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the DCWRG send a letter to the Ontario Trillium Foundation
thanking them for supporting stewardship on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the Duffins
Creek watershed CARRIED
BACKGROUND
There are many agencies offering funding and technical assistance to landowners on the Oak
Ridges Moraine who are interested in private land stewardship. The range of services and
knowing where to start can be confusing to the general public. In 2005, the Oak Ridges
Moraine Foundation (ORMF) took the lead in bringing together relevant agencies to address
this issue and create a new 'one- window' approach model for implementation.
The result was The Caring for the Moraine Project (CMP), a unique partnership between
multiple agencies, including conservation authorities, land trusts, the Wetland Habitat Fund
and local stewardship councils. This model allows the partners to pool resources and
approach landowners as a single entity thereby reducing duplication of efforts and landowner
confusion.
The CMP developed a range of generic communication products, including postcards,
brochures and a template for landowner contact letters that could be used by all partners to
promote a consistent message to landowners across the Moraine.
J50 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
In 2006, the CMP was rolled out in the following three target areas on the Moraine:
• Conservation Priority Area 2 (CPA 2)
o The Humber- Nottawasaga Headwaters area;
• Conservation Priority Area 11 (CPA 11)
o The Durham Headwaters area (including the headwaters of Duffins Creek);
• Conservation Priority Area 17 (CPA 17)
o The Ganaraska Forest area.
Project coordinators in each area are using a variety of communication methods to raise
awareness and engage landowners in their CPA's including tabloids in local papers, letters,
phone calls and workshops.
In the Duffins Creek headwaters area in Uxbridge an additional two sub - target areas have been
identified. Landowner contact in these two areas is on -going and several potential stewardship
projects have already resulted from this initiative.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Year one of the Caring for the Moraine project was funded by the Oak Ridges Moraine
Foundation (ORMF). Partners on the project provided matching dollars and in -kind support.
TRCA received funding to hire a staff person to carry out landowner contact and facilitate the
resulting implementation of in- the - ground projects.
In August 2006, a collaborative proposal for year two of the Caring for the Moraine project was
submitted to the ORMF. Year two components include expanding the CPA areas for
landowner contact, a workshop series, a business outreach program targeting real estate
agents and funds for implementing in- the - ground projects on private land.
RES. #J K35/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
TOWN OF AJAX WATERFRONT MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005 -
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
To report on the approved Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan
2005 and implementation update on key features.
Neil Acton
Neil Burnett
THAT the report on the Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan - 2005 and
implementation update be received;
THAT the DCWRG indicate its interest in providing input to the future restoration plans for
Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Marshes;
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK51
AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Ajax and The Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority be so advised CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1970, TRCA was designated as the implementing agency for the Waterfront Plan for all
sectors over which it had jurisdiction except for the central harbour areas including the Town of
Ajax waterfront.
The goal of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Development Program, as approved in 1981, is as
follows:
"To create a handsome waterfront, balanced in its land uses, which will complement
adjacent areas, taking cognizance of existing residential development and making
accessible, wherever possible, features which warrant public use."
In 1992, the Ajax Waterfront Plan Study was initiated with the purpose of developing a long
range strategy to establish a management plan to embody the vision and values of the
community through a public participation process and the principles outlined in "Regeneration"
by the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront.
In May 1995, the Town of Ajax released the Waterfront Plan. The waterfront vision was
illustrated in the master plan design which acted as a guideline for the future development of
the waterfront and made provisions for protection of marsh areas, public use, development of
trails, habitat regeneration, parking and washroom facilities, and an interpretive centre and
marina. The plan identified improvements to three activity nodes located at the mouth of
Duffins Creek, the foot of Harwood Avenue and the mouth of Carruthers Creek. The master
plan also elaborated on the public use of the more passive and naturalized waterfront corridors
which connect these activity nodes.
Since the establishment of the 1995 Ajax Waterfront Management Plan, there have been
considerable changes on the Ajax waterfront. Some of these more recent changes include
completion of Harwood Point Gardens, the Rotary Pavilion, the first two phases of the
waterfront trail and park linkage in the Lakeside Community, and the construction of the Region
of Durham Water Treatment Plant. Along with these major public works, the Town of Ajax has
continued with waterfront tree and bench dedication projects, and has worked in partnership
with TRCA and the Region of Durham to acquire shoreline properties in the Pickering Beach
area.
To reflect the changes that have occurred on the waterfront over the past ten years and to
reflect the current policy environment, the Town of Ajax began to review and update the 1995
plan in early 2004.
The resulting Town of Ajax Waterfront Management Plan - 2005, Report and Master Plan
Design Update describes the overall framework for future improvements, recommends policies
J52 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
and management strategies, and outlines projects or actions for specific sites. The
management plan details the initiatives and planning changes which have occurred since 1995
which are relevant to the Ajax waterfront. The plan also articulates the values of Ajax residents
and the future objectives for the waterfront.
The plan provides general recommendations for the overall waterfront organized by key
themes (i.e. environment, amenity areas, buildings and structures, trails, interpretation, public
art, etc). The plan, based on significant public comments, makes recommendations for various
places along the waterfront as illustrated by the following:
West of Duffins Creek - focus on environmental protection and restoration,
interpretation and welcoming people to Ajax on the Waterfront Trail;
Harwood Point - highly valued as a place of quiet commemoration, cultural space and
a "gateway" to the waterfront;
Paradise Park - park plan to be developed with the community to retain the existing
tennis courts, playground and softball diamond and relocate Lakeview
Boulevard;
Pickering Beach - extend the Waterfront Trail to Shoal Point Road, expanding sand
beach or adding backshore dunes with boardwalk /trail system, and investigate
feasibility of lakefront lookout/pier.
The plan sets out an "Implementation and Phasing Strategy" addressing such matters as:
Land Acquisition and Stewardship;
Policy Directives;
Partnerships and Funding;
Phasing and Costs; and
Maintenance and Operations.
The phasing and cost section has been broken down into manageable "packages "that
consider first order priorities based on current projects, public preferences, logical sequencing
and grouping of like components for tendering and construction purposes. This section sets
out priorities and capital cost estimates for:
Phase 1 - Short Term Projects (1 - 4 years);
Phase 2 - Medium Term Projects (5 - 7 years); and
Phase 3 - Long Term Projects (8 -10 years).
Since approval of the Management Plan in 2005 by the Town of Ajax and The Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority, the following represents key aspects that have been
implemented:
• Key acquisitions on Shoal Point Road at Carruthers Creek Marsh and along Pickering
Beach.
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK53
• Implementation of waterfront trail from Pickering Beach Road to Shoal Point Road and
through the lands on the west side of Carruthers Creek Marsh connecting to the
Lakeside community.
• Completion in 2005 of the Lakeside Waterfront Park.
• Extension in 2006 of the waterfront trail from Lakeside Park to Ontoro Boulevard and
link to Lakeridge (Ajax/Whitby border).
• New washroom building being constructed at public parking lot just west of Harwood
Point Gardens.
• Duffins marsh restoration and water control structure completed for back lagoon north
of greenspace west of Duffins Marsh.
• Town of Ajax 50th Anniversary planting at waterfront on greenspace west of Duffins
Marsh.
Key planning aspects of the Management Plan with the Town of Ajax in late 2006 and early
2007 include:
•
•
•
Planning and design for a meadow feature approximately six acres just west of the Ajax
Water Plant.
Planning and design for a lookout feature and restoration plantings for west side of
Carruthers Marsh.
Planning and design for the Pickering Beach area, expanding the sand
beach /backshore dunes, restoration of the shoreline and investigation of a lakefront
lookout pier.
RES. #JK36/06 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUSTAINABLE PICKERING INITIATIVE - UPDATE
An update on Benchmarking, Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan, and
Partners for Climate Protection, which are key components of the
Sustainable Pickering Initiative.
Alan Wells
Neil Acton
THAT the DCWRG congratulate the City of Pickering Council for the work completed to
date by staff and consultants on the Sustainable Pickering Initiative;
THAT the City of Pickering consult the recommendations listed in A Watershed Plan for
Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek when identifying indicators of sustainability;
AND FURTHER THAT the DCWRG be consulted regularly as work continues on
initiative CARRIED
J54 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
BACKGROUND
Tom Melymuk of the City of Pickering presented the Sustainable Pickering Initiative to the
Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group at meeting #2106 on April 19, 2006.
Sustainable Pickering encompasses three main initiatives.
1. Benchmarking Sustainability
2. Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan
3. Partners for Climate Protection
Subsequent to Mr. Melymuk's presentation, three reports were provided to the City of Pickering
Council outlining what has been accomplished and what is planned for the three initiatives.
What follows is a summary .of the three reports provided to City of Pickering Council.
Benchmarking Sustainability
RDC Group has prepared a progress report on Benchmarking activity entitled Sustainable
Pickering: A Framework for Benchmarking Sustainability. The progress report provides an
update on tasks completed during Phase One of the Benchmarking exercise, which is now
complete, and proposes a work plan for Phase Two.
Several tasks were completed during Phase One of this initiative, January to June 2006:
• Establishment of a local perspective on the term "Sustainability" based on three lenses
(Environmental, Social, and Economic)
• Establishment and delivery of an effective community consultation program including
town hall meetings, roundtable discussions, and a Sustainable Pickering Day event
held in May, 2006
• Launch of the "Sustainable Pickering" web site
• Development of a conceptual framework Sustainable Pickering, which identified a
number of areas of interest to the community under five sustainability objectives
1. Healthy Environment
2. Healthy Society
3. Healthy Economy
4. Responsible Development
5. Responsible Consumption
From the outset, public engagement was considered vital to the success of the Benchmarking
initiative. As part of the engagement process, Sustainable Pickering Day was held on May 25,
2006 at the Pickering Town Centre and Pickering Civic Complex. Several exhibitors were on
hand to promote their sustainable projects and products, and speakers addressed the topic,
The Business Case for Sustainability. This multi- faceted event was held based on the following
objectives:
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK55
• Educate the public and business sector about Sustainable Pickering;
• Engage the public and business sector on a variety of levels (e.g., conservation in their
own home and business, champions and volunteers for future programs, etc.); and
• Gather feedback on the concept and elements of the Sustainable Pickering action plan.
With Phase One completed, a suggested work plan for Phase Two was presented to and
approved by Council in June 2006. Phase Two of the work program will address the following
activities:
Continue to build Sustainable Pickering as the umbrella for all Benchmarking, Partners
for Climate Protection (PCP), Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan (SNP), and related
sustainability work in the City
Develop specific targets and indicators for each of the areas of interest
Pursue partnership opportunities, such as the University of Ontario Institute of
Technology Observatory
Continue to engage the public and the business community, including consideration of
another public event, building on the success of Sustainable Pickering Day
Proceed with staff orientation and education
Continue development and expansion of sustainablepickering.com for the public, and
as support for internal staff education
Prepare a status update in the fall, along with next steps for continuing the journey in
2007
Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan
The purpose of the SNP is to prepare Sustainable Neighbourhood Design Guidelines
containing measurable performance targets for assessing neighbourhood development in
Pickering. The intent is that all new development will meet, or exceed, a defined minimum level
of sustainability.
A consulting team, headed by Dillon Consulting Limited, is assisting staff on this project and
has prepared an Interim Report on Pickering's Sustainable Neighbourhood Design Guidelines.
The Report provides an update on the status of the project, including the results of completed
steps, the development of a framework for the guidelines, and the steps to complete the
project.
In order to make the project relevant to Pickering, the LEED -ND (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design - Neighbourhood Developments) framework is being adapted to create
a Pickering specific approach. The LEED -ND framework establishes measurable targets for
both prerequisite and optional strategies to achieve a point -based sustainability rating.
Additional points are obtained by including more optional strategies and by meeting higher
targets. Projects can then be rated as certified, silver, gold or platinum.
Pickering - specific Sustainable Neighbourhood Guidelines are being prepared using the
strategies and targets for required and optional items. The guideline will be prepared as a
J56 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
stand -alone document and will be similar to the LEED -ND format, with the detailed target for
each strategy described. The implementation process will be described in the document and
will include a proposed point system. The guideline will be presented to the Project Team for
final input/revisions. Subsequently, a public open house /workshop /event will be held with
recommendations shown on displays to obtain input on the guidelines.
A final report is currently being prepared. Along with the guideline document, which will be
included as an appendix, the final report will include:
• Description and summary of stakeholder feedback;
• Case study summary;
• Methodology used to develop guidelines (including summary of input from technical
teams);
• Proposed Implementation Approach.
Two Project Team meetings, a Public Open House, two Council briefings, and Technical Team
meetings will be held in order to obtain feedback on the final draft.
Partners for Climate Protection
In February 2005, Council directed staff to coordinate the City's participation in the first three
milestones of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Partners for Climate Protection
(PCP) program. This program was established to encourage Canadian municipalities to be
local leaders in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in keeping with Kyoto Protocol
objectives. Greenpath provided consulting assistance for this program.
The PCP program consists of five milestones:
1. Conduct a baseline GHG emission inventory analysis for municipal operations and the
community.
2. Establish GHG reduction targets for municipal operations and the community.
3. Develop a local action plan outlining actions that reduce GHG emissions and energy
consumption for municipal operations and the community at large.
4. Establish a program to implement adopted actions that will reduce GHG emissions and
energy consumption.
5. Establish a monitoring and reporting system to verify GHG reduction achievements.
Revise the action plan periodically to reflect new ideas and strategies.
Milestones one through three of the PCP program have now been completed. Greenpath, in
consultation with staff at the City of Pickering and community partners, has prepared an
inventory of baseline GHG emissions (Milestone 1), developed 10 year GHG emission
reduction targets (Milestone 2) and prepared Local Action Plans for municipal operations and
community GHG emissions (Milestone 3).
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK57
The recommended emission reduction targets are as follows:
a) 35 percent per capita reduction in community GHG emissions by 2016 (from 1995
community emission levels); and
b) 50 percent per capita reduction in municipal operational GHG emissions by 2016 (from
1995 corporate operational emission levels).
City of Pickering staff recommended that Council adopt these 10 year greenhouse gas
reduction targets. The proposed targets would establish a firm and responsible target that
supports and complements the City's Sustainable Pickering initiative.
Local Action Plans, as outlined in the Greenpath report, were also established in consultation
with staff and program partners. Implementation of the various actions and initiatives
described in the Local Action Plans will help ensure that the City meets its 2016 GHG reduction
targets for both municipal operations and the community. The recommended actions and
initiatives are organized under five broad themes:
1. Sustainable Municipality
2. Sustainable Home
3. Sustainable Workplace
4. Sustainable Schools
5. Sustainable Transportation
Completion of Milestones One, Two, and Three of Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Partners for Climate Protection program sets the stage for the City of Pickering to commence
Milestone Four (Implementation) and Milestone Five (Monitoring). The City of Pickering can
play a leadership role, through their direct actions in reducing GHG emission in municipal
operations, as well as by mobilizing, coordinating and facilitating project partners in
implementing community GHG reduction programs.
RES. #JK37/06 - ATLANTIC SALMON REINTRODUCTION - NEXT STEPS
An update on efforts to reintroduce Atlantic salmon to Duffins Creek
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Peter Waring
Patricia Short-Gallo
THAT the DCWRG receive this update report on Atlantic salmon stocking activities;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA fisheries staff be invited to a future meeting of the DCWRG to
provide a full update on reintroduction activities CARRIED
J58 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
BACKGROUND
Although no formal meeting of the Duffins and Carruthers Fisheries Management Plan
Implementation Committee was held over the summer, TRCA staff did meet with Ministry of
Natural Resources Aurora District staff to discuss several Atlantic salmon - related items. A
summary of these items is presented below.
Hatchery Production Targets for Duffins Creek Watershed
A method has been developed to determine the amount of Atlantic salmon habitat that can be
expected to be present in a watershed. This information can then be used to determine the
required number of fry needed for stocking a watershed. Using GIS, this method will be
applied to the Duffins Creek watershed. MNR staff have begun measuring stream length and
habprogs data will be used to determine average stream widths.
Stocking
Fall fingerlings and spring yearlings cannot be stocked at the same sites as the fry. Therefore,
other suitable locations will have to be identified for these fish. Recognizing the need to
introduce additions genetic strains of Atlantic salmon, the development of a new brood stock
utilizing different genetic stocks is underway.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) will develop a schedule for monitoring
growth and survival at sites that have been stocked. Monitoring crews will be comprised of
staff from OFAH, MNR, and the TRCA, and will begin in the fall. While sampling has not begun
at the specific salmon release sites, recent sampling of four Regional Monitoring Network
(RMN) sites near the salmon release sites revealed the presence of 86 Atlantic salmon.
Future Stream Habitat Improvement Projects
There is a need to identify appropriate sites on Seaton and other lands and to develop projects
for these locations. There are some excellent partnership and publicity opportunities
associated with this work and OFAH staff are very keen to participate.
TRCA staff have selected a site on Urfe Creek, which is degraded due to on -line ponds and
agricultural practices, where a stream restoration project will be initiated in the fall of 2006.
This property is part of the Seaton lands. By previous agreement between Provincial Seaton
Lands staff, Ministry of Housing staff, and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) staff, MNR must
review and approve any riparian and /or stream habitat restoration projects on Seaton lands. It
is believed that with some rehabilitation, Urfe Creek will be capable of producing Atlantic
salmon. MNR and TRCA staff agree that this is a good project and MNR will review TRCA
plans.
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 JK59
MOTION-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
WATERSHED PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS REPORT
Completion and distribution of a Progress Report on Implementation of
the Watershed Plan
Peter Waring
Patricia Short-Galls
THAT the DCWRG endorse the draft Implementation Progress Report subject to final
approval of the Chair and Vice - Chair;
THAT the Progress Report be sent to watershed municipalities and partners for their
review and comment;
THAT the finalized Progress Report be sent to local and regional watershed
municipalities and partners with a letter thanking them for their continued support toward
implementing A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek;
AND FURTHER THAT DCWRG representatives present the progress report to regional
and local watershed municipalities NOT CARRIED
RES. #J K38/06-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Neil Burnett
Patricia Short-Galls
THAT the members of the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group provide
comments on the new Watershed Plan Implementation Report;
AND FURTHER THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group readdress
the Watershed Plan Implementation Report 2007 CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #3/06 of the DCWRG, held on June 21, 2006, resolution #JK30 /06 was carried
stating:
THAT a second draft of the Watershed Plan for Duffins and Carruthers Creek Progress
Report on Implementation, be brought to the September 13"', 2006 meeting of the
Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group meeting for the members to
review.
A second draft of the Progress Report has been created based on feedback from DCWRG
members on an initial draft. Below is a summary of the discussion on the initial draft.
J60 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
• The term "Report Card" is misleading. Since this is not a report card on the health of the
watersheds, we shouldn't use this terminology; use "Progress Report" or another term.
• Don't use letter grades. The score is indication enough of how well we are doing. Letter
grades would need to be defined and, again, if used would lead readers to believe that this
is a report card on health.
• There may be too much text. Need to determine the key message and stick with it. May
want to show scores, with a better description of what the scores represent, along with a
small amount of text on the key message. Some feel that anything more than one page is
too much.
• KEY MESSAGE - Implementation has started, is ongoing, and has been successful. Please
do your part to help ensure implementation continues.
• Clearly state what the document is. It is not a state of the watershed report card. It is a
measure of implementation success. Make sure we get this message across early in the
text.
• Let readers know that a report card on the health of the watersheds will be completed in the
coming years and that this progress report is a necessary interim step to determine if the
recommended management actions are appropriate and doing the job they were meant to
do. If we are implementing nearly all of the management actions and a future assessment
indicates a decline in the health of the system, then we have to revisit the recommended
actions. That said, this progress report is an important component of monitoring the
implementation of the plan.
• Need to qualify the term "underway ". Management actions that are underway may be short-
term or long -term actions, some may have been underway for some time and some may
just be starting. Even those underway for some time may be a long way from being
complete or may never be complete. The point is we need to define what "underway"
means, perhaps for each management action.
• May want to break projects down into short- and Tong -term. Space may not be available to
do this on the communications piece, but we may want to do this and have more detailed
information available to those who want it. It may at least be useful internally to identify
priority actions and funding requirements.
• Our score may be too good. Unless we communicate properly what the score indicates,
decision - makers may think that things are almost done or complete, and question the need
for continued funding. Again, clearly stating what the report is reporting and qualifying the
term "underway" should remedy this potential problem.
• It may be useful to identify specific, on- the - ground projects as part of our next steps. This is
particularly useful when using the progress report as a communications piece with councils
who have to determine budgets. Decision - makers like to see specific projects that the
public can appreciate. We may list the general actions that need to be addressed but
accompany these general actions with specific projects to capture the imagination of
decision - makers.
• When the progress report is complete and we present the findings to councils, we should
tailor the presentation to each municipality, identify how each municipality has contributed
to the effort so far, and what we need from them for continued success.
September 13, 2006 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4106 JK61
Once finalized, the progress report will be distributed to watershed stakeholders and partners,
and presentations will be made to local and regional municipal councils.
NEW BUSINESS
Lake Ontario Near -Shore Water Quality Monitoring
Gary Bowen provided an update on the Lake Ontario Near -Shore Water Quality Monitoring
program. G. Bowen indicated that a concern for the health of Lake Ontario is the urban lawn.
The highest nutrient levels is within the first 50 metres. Nutrient levels further away from shore
has gone down due to better agricultural practices, bigger and more efficient sewage treatment
plants, and more stormwater treatment.
TRCA Property Acquisitions in the Regional Municipality of Durham
Gary Bowen provided an update on the TRCA Property Acquisitions in the Regional
Municipality of Durham.
Reesor Creek - Follow up to Mr. Tom Winter's Presentation
Gary Bowen provided an update on the deputation of Mr. Tom Winter at meeting #2/06 of the
Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group regarding the water quality of Reesor
Creek. Gary Bowen indicated that a site visit was undertaken 24 hours after a rainstorm and
that Reesor Creek was running clean. A letter will be sent to Mr. Winters and the Town of
Whitchurch - Stouffville summarizing these findings.
Transport Canada Greenspace Project
Patricia Short- Gallo, Transport Canada's Regional Manager of Outreach and Green Space
Pickering Lands, provided an update on funding by Transport Canada in regards to the
Greenspace Project. Ms. Short-Gallo indicated that there would be approximately$150,000 in
funding for trail heads and Greenspace acquisition.
J62 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP #4/06 September 13, 2006
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:00 p.m., September 13, 2006.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
hp