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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAuthority 2008teS■ THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY Annual #1/08 February 29, 2008 The Authority Meeting Annual #1/08, was held in the Theatres, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, February 29, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order,at 10:43 a.m. PRESENT Eve Adams Paul Ainslie Maria Augimeri David Barrow Bryan Bertie Laurie Bruce Gay Cowbourne Glenn De Baeremaeker Bill Fisch Rob Ford Grant Gibson Lois Griffin Suzan Hall Jack Heath Colleen Jordan Glenn Mason Reenga Mathivanan Ron Moeser Gerri Lynn O'Connor John Parker Maja Prentice Gino Rosati . John Sprovieri Richard Whitehead Member Member Vice Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Chair Member Member Member Member Member ABSENT Bonnie Littley Member. Peter Milczyn Member Linda Pabst Member Anthony Perruzza Member 1 RES. #A1 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Laurie Bruce THAT the Minutes of Meeting #11/07, held on January 25, 2008, be approved. SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A2 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED RULES OF CONDUCT 2008 Amendment of the Rules of Conduct as a result of the revised governance structure. Ron Moeser Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the Rules of Conduct 2008 for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) as presented in Attachment 1 be approved. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #9/07, held on November 30, 2007, Resolution #A258/07 was approved, in part, as follows: THAT the Rules of Conduct for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be amended to remove all references to the Business Excellence, Sustainable Communities and Watershed Management advisory boards from the governance structure, add the Budget /Audit Advisory Board, increase the membership and adjust the responsibilities of the Executive Committee and make such changes as required as set out in the report dated October 15, 2007; THAT staff report back at Annual Authority Meeting #1/08, to be held on February 29, 2008, with the amended Rules of Conduct for final approval; THAT the members of the Executive Committee that were elected for a 3 -year term at Annual Authority Meeting #1107, held on February 23, 2007, continue to sit on the Executive Committee until Annual Meeting #1/10, unless any member does not wish or is unable to continue to hold their position for the remainder of the term; THAT elections be held at Annual Authority Meeting #1108 for the remaining Executive Committee positions outlined in the report dated October 15, 2007 to sit until Annual Meeting #1110, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Authority, to sit until Annual Meeting #1109 and the Rules of Conduct be amended to make further appointments to the members at large of the Executive Committee for two year terms;... 2 RATIONALE The proposed Rules of Conduct, 2008 governing TRCA meetings is outlined in Attachment 1, which incorporates the changes required from the current Rules of Conduct to give effect to the changes in the governance structure approved at Authority Meeting #9107. It has been TRCA practice to include the various amendments to the Rules of Conduct and to identify all of the amending resolutions. With the change in governance, staff is proposing to have the "Rules of Conduct 2008" as the new base year incorporating all previous amendments. A request was made to review the recommended reporting of the Budget /Audit Advisory Board (BAAB) to determine the feasibility of reporting through the Executive Committee to the Authority, rather,than directly to the Authority. Staff has reviewed the meeting schedule and budget processes and determined that it is most efficient for BAAB to report directly to the Authority. This is necessary because of the timing of budget submissions to the municipal partners and approval of financial statements. All reports from BAAB will be available for complete discussion at Authority, meetings avoiding potential duplication, of effort if the same presentations and discussion take place at Executive Committee meetings. As approved at Authority Meeting #9/07, the Executive Committee will be required to receive and consider all new and arnended.financial policies,.making appropriate recommendations to the Authority. Staff has reviewed TRCA's practices with respect to recording of confidential items and recommend that procedures for recording of confidential items in the minutes and agendas be established as outlined, in paragraphs 33 and 35 in Attachment 1. Such procedures will ensure more public accountability of in camera discussions. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca . For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: February 1, 2008 Attachments: 1 3. Attachment 1 Be it resolved that: RULES OF CONDUCT 2008 Definitions 1. In these Rules: 1.1 "Act" means the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 27, as amended. 1.2 "TRCA" means Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 1.3 "Authority" means the membership of TRCA as defined in Section 2 of the Act. 1.4 "Roll call vote" means a recorded vote. 1.5 "BAAB" means Budget /Audit Advisory Board. 1.6 "advisory board" means an advisory board appointed by the Authority. 11 Executive Committee 2. The Authority delegates the following powers to the Executive Committee: 2.1 to enter into contracts.or agreements which are not for the acquisition or disposition of land but which are either necessarily incidental to a project approved pursuant to the Act or necessarily incidental to the works approved by the Authority; 2.2 to accept such tenders and to award contracts as described in subparagraph 2.1 in accordance with the specific monetary limits set by the Authority and in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Authority; 2.3 to ensure that policies and practices are in place for the authorization of payments of accounts within the approved TRCA budget in accordance with any monetary or other limits set by the Authority; 2.4 to authorize the purchase of goods, equipment or services necessary for carrying on the work of TRCA within the approved TRCA budget in accordance with any monetary or other limits set by the Authority; 2.5 to employ staff of TRCA as required, except for the staff referred to in Clauses 2.6.1, 2.6.2 and 2.6.3 of subparagraph 2.6 of this paragraph, subject to compliance with the limits to the number and to the salary and wage schedules established and approved by the Authority; 4 2.6 to terminate the services of the staff of TRCA except for, 2.6.1 the Chief Administrative Officer, 2.6.2 the Secretary- Treasurer, such other senior staff as the Authority may designate; 2.7 to direct the staff of TRCA; 2.8 to recommend and report to the Authority on all matters not within the jurisdiction of an advisory board or which may be assigned to it by the Authority; 2.9 to instruct legal counsel; 2.10 to exercise such additional powers, excluding those powers set out in Clause (d) of Subsection (1) of Section 30 of the Act, as may be assigned to it by the Authority during the months of July and August provided that a report be given to the Authority for receipt at the first meeting of the Authority thereafter; 2.11 to grant or refuse permission, and to hold hearings to which the applicant shall be a party before refusing such permission, for the doing of those things within the area under the jurisdiction of TRCA which are set out in Section 28 of the Act, all as provided for in the said Section 28 of the Act; and, 2.12 to authorize the investment of money not required immediately by TRCA: 2.12.1 in treasury bills, bonds, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness of or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or the Province of Ontario; and 2.12.2 in term deposits, investment certificates, debentures or any other . evidences of indebtedness of any chartered bank, financial institution or corporation in accordance with the.policies established by the Authority. 3. The Executive Committee may appoint sub - committees from among the members of the Authority to study, consider and report back to the Executive Committee on any subject over which the Executive Committee has jurisdiction. 4. Subject to paragraph 5 the Executive Committee shall consist of the following members: 4.1 the Chair of the Authority; 4.2 the Vice Chair of the Authority; 5 4.3 two (2) members appointed to the Authority by the Region of Durham, who may or may not be the Chair and /or Vice Chair of the Authority; 4.4 two (2) members appointed to the Authority by the Region of Peel, who may or may not be the Chair and /or Vice Chair of the Authority; 4.5 two (2) members appointed to the Authority by the Region of York, who may or may not be the Chair and /or Vice Chair of the Authority; 4.6 six (6) members appointed to the Authority by The City of Toronto, who may or may not be the Chair and /or Vice Chair of the Authority. 5. If the member appointed to the Authority by the Township of Adjala/Tosorontio and Town of Mono is elected or appointed under paragraph 7 as Chair or Vice Chair of the Authority then: 5.1 such member shall be a member of the Executive Committee in addition to those members set out in paragraph 4, resulting in a thirteen member committee. 6. A quorum of the Executive Committee consists of a majority of its members. 7 111 Elections and Appointments 7.1 The appointment of auditors and the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Authority shall be held at the Annual Meeting of the Authority in each year; 7.2 The election of the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall be held every two years at the Annual Meeting; 7.3 In the event any Chair, Vice Chair or Executive Committee member does not wish or is unable to continue to hold their position for the full term, they will make this known to the Secretary- Treasurer in advance of the Annual Meeting of the Authority and an election for this position shall be held. 7.4 The order of procedure for the elections shall be: 7.4.1 the election of the Chair; 7.4.2 the election of the Vice Chair; 7.4.3 the election of the remaining members of the Executive Committee; 7.4.4 the election of the members of BAAB. 8. No member shall be elected to hold more than one office. 6 A candidate for election may speak for three minutes to the office for which the candidate has been nominated. 10. The Authority, in the election of the remaining members of the Executive Committee and when making appointments to the Executive Committee to fill vacancies, shall ensure that the Executive Committee has the composition set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 of these Rules. 11. The Authority shall set policies for the election of the Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Committee members and such other positions as may be established by the Authority. 11.2 The Chair of the Authority, in conducting any meeting of the Authority at which elections are held or vacancies on the Executive Committee are to be filled, shall make such ruling and designate such procedures as are necessary to ensure the composition of the Executive Committee shall be as set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 of these rules. 11.3 The Chair of the Authority, in conducting the .election of positions as set out in subparagraph 11.1 above, shall generally follow the policy and procedures adopted by the Authority as set out in Appendix A to these Rules of Conduct and shall make such rulings and designate such procedures as are necessary and.appropriate in his or her sole discretion to.ensure a proper election. IV Chair and Vice Chair 12. The Vice Chair of the Authority shall act in the place and stead of the Chair of the Authority when the Chair is absent or unable to. perform the Chair's duties. V Advisory Boards and Special Committees . 13. There shall be one (1) advisory board as follows: 13.1 Budget /Audit Advisory Board (BAAB). 14. The election of the BAAB shall be held by the Authority every two years at the Annual Meeting; 15. BAAB shall consist of: 15.1 the Chair of the Authority, plus four (4) members at large consisting of the following members: 15.1.1 one (1) member appointed to the Authority by the Region of Durham; 15.1.2 one (1) member appointed to the Authority by the Region of Peel; 15.1.3 one (1) member appointed to the Authority by the Region of York; 15.1.4 one (1) member appointed to the Authority by The City of Toronto. 16. The Chair of the Authority shall act as Chair of BAAB; 16.1 Should the Chair be absent or unable to perform the Chair's duties, the members of BAAB shall elect an interim Chair from among the members of the advisory board. 17. In the event any BAAB member does not wish or is unable to continue to hold their position for the full term, they will make this known to the Secretary- Treasurer in advance of the Annual Meeting of the Authority and an election for this position shall be held. 18. A quorum of an advisory board consists of one -half of its members. 19. BAAB shall consider and make recommendations to the Authority on all matters relating to preliminary estimates, budget, financial statements and related matters. BAAB shall perform the functions of the TRCA audit committee. 20. The Authority may from time to time establish special committees to deal with particular matters specified by the Authority. 21. The matters to be dealt with by the special committee shall be stated in the resolution establishing the special committee. 22. The members of the special committee shall be appointed in the resolution establishing the special committee. 23. The Authority shall appoint at least one member of the Authority and may in addition thereto appoint other persons to the special committee. 24. A quorum of a special committee consists of one -half of its members. VI Chief Administrative Officer 25. The Authority shall appoint a Chief Administrative Officer who shall be the chief executive officer of TRCA who may also hold the office of the Secretary- Treasurer. 8 VII Calling of.Meetings 26. Meetings :of the Authority: 26.1 the Annual Meeting held following a municipal election be in January while the. Annual Meetings in the interim three (3) years between elections be moved to February; 26.2 shall beheld at least six (6) times a year in addition to,the two (2) meetings required by the Regulation governing the procedures of the Authority and the time span between such meetings shall be not more than six (6) weeks; 26.3 shall be held at such date, time and place, within a participating municipality, as the Executive Committee shall recommend and the Authority shall adopt by resolution each year; 26.4 Teleconferencing shall be an option for TRCA Executive Committee and advisory board meetings only when: 26.4.1 quorum cannot otherwise be reached; or 26.4.2 the agenda has .a moderate number of routine items and includes no delegations, presentations or hearings; or 26.4.3, it is.the August Executive Committee meeting scheduled to deal with Section II items only. 27. The Chair may at any time summon a special meeting of the Authority or of the Executive Committee and shall summon a special meeting of the Authority when requested to do so in writing by one - third of the members. 28. Meetings of BAAB will be held at the call of the Chair. 29. Written notice of every meeting to be held under paragraphs 26, 27 and 28 shall be given to each member entitled to notice at least eight (8) days before the time of such meeting. 30. The notice calling a special meeting of the Authority shall state the business to be • considered at the special meeting and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered at the meeting. . 31. In addition to the notice of meeting to be given under Sections 29 and 30 the Authority shall: 9 31.1 at least fourteen (14) days prior to each annual meeting forward to a newspaper or newspapers having a general circulation in TRCA's jurisdiction a press release setting out the date, time and place of the annual meeting, advise as to the agenda and indicate that the public are entitled to attend; and 31.2 give notice of any meeting of the Authority, Executive Committee, advisory board or any committee to any member of the public who has filed with the Secretary- Treasurer a request in writing for such notice together with a name and address for notice and the notice shall be given in the same form and manner as if the member of the public was a member entitled to notice. 31.3 in addition to the provisions for calling of meetings as set out in paragraphs 26 through 31.2, inclusive, at least 30 days prior to the meeting of the Authority at which the non - matching levy upon member municipalities is to be approved, the Authority shall give notice to the affected municipalities. VIII Minutes of Meetings 32. The minutes of all meetings shall contain the roll call and resolutions presented to the meeting and every resolution shall be numbered in the minutes. 33. Confidential minutes will be produced for all discussions which are held in private session ( "in camera ") where a resolution is approved. Public minutes will state the reason for confidentially as per the provisions of the Ontario Municipal Act. At such time as the items considered in camera can be made public, the relevant resolution(s) will be included as part of a regular Authority agenda for information. IX Agenda for Meetings 34. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate shall prepare for the use of the members of the Authority an agenda in the following order of headings, as required: Minutes; Chair's Remarks; Greetings; Elections and /or Appointments; Delegations; Business Arising From The Minutes; Authority reports; Executive Committee reports; advisory board reports; Notice of Motions, New Business. 35. Confidential items will be listed on the agenda with the reason for confidentially stated as per the provisions of the Ontario Municipal Act. 36. The agenda for special meetings of the Authority shall be prepared as the Chair may direct. 37. Written notice of motion may be given by any member of the Authority and shall be forthwith placed on the agenda of the next meeting. 10 X Delegations 38. When the Chair of the Authority believes that a large number of delegations will request an opportunity to address the Authority or Executive Committee with respect to a particular matter or matters, the Chair may summon a special meeting of the Authority or Executive Committee to deal with the particular matter or matters and the provisions of paragraphs 29, 30 and 31 shall apply as necessary. 39. When the Chair of an advisory board believes that a large number of delegations will request. an opportunity to address the advisory board with respect to a particular matter or matters, the Chair may summon a special meeting of the advisory board to deal with the particular matter or matters and the provisions of paragraphs 29, 30 and 31 shall apply as necessary. 40. Any person or organization applying for an opportunity to address the Authority, Executive Committee or any advisory board may make a request, in writing, to the Secretary- Treasurer three (3) days in advance of a scheduled meeting if such request is to be included in the agenda of that meeting.. The request should comprise a brief statement of the issue 'or matter involved and indicate the names of the proposed speakers. 41. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate preparing any agenda shall list all requests received pursuant to paragraph 40 hereof before the closing of the agenda in a section titled "Delegations" and indicate the source of the request and a brief description of the issue or matter involved. 42. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate shall advise any person or organization applying for an opportunity to address the Authority, Executive Committee or any advisory board and not having made a written request in accordance with paragraph 40, that the applicant may appear before such meeting but will be heard only ifapproved by a ruling of the meeting under paragraph 46. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate shall inform the applicant of the date, time and place of meeting, and obtain a brief statement of the issue or matter involved. 43. No delegation, whether or not listed on the agenda pursuant to paragraph 40, shall be heard without a ruling by the Chair of the meeting giving leave, but such ruling may be immediately appealed by proper motion and the ruling of the meeting shall govern.. A representative of a Council of a member municipality of TRCA, duly authorized by resolution of such Council and any member of the Authority shall be heard by the Authority, Executive Committee and advisory boards at the appropriate time as of right. 44. If the number of delegations present pursuant to paragraphs 40 and 42 wishing to address a particular matter or matters is such that the meeting will not be able to deal with its agenda properly, then, on proper motion, the particular matter or matters may be adjourned to a special meeting and, if the time, date and place of the special meeting is included in the motion, no further notice of such meeting will be required. 11 45. Delegations shall be heard only when the meeting is dealing with the item "Delegations" on the agenda except that the meeting may, at that time, by proper motion defer the hearing of any specific delegation until the meeting is considering a particular item or matter. 46. With respect to a delegation not listed on the agenda, but desiring an opportunity to be heard pursuant to paragraph 42 hereof, the procedure shall be: 46.1 a motion shall be made by a member of the meeting that the delegation be added to the agenda; 46.2 if such motion passes, the Chair may immediately rule that the hearing of the delegation would be unfair or prejudicial to members or other persons not present because of lack of advance notice and that the hearing of the delegation be deferred to the next meeting and listed on that agenda pursuant to paragraph 38 hereof. The Chair's ruling may be immediately appealed by proper motion and the ruling of the meeting shall then govern; 46.3 if the ruling in subparagraph 46.2 hereof is not made or sustained, the procedure in paragraph 45 hereof shall be followed. 47. Except by leave of the Chair or on an appeal by the leave of the meeting: 47.1 each speaker shall be limited to five (5) minutes; and 47.2 each group of delegates having a common interest shall appoint one speaker to represent the group and such speaker shall be limited to five (5) minutes. XI Order of Business at Meetings 48. When a quorum is first present after the hour fixed for a meeting, the Chair shall take the chair and call the meeting to order. 49. When a meeting is duly constituted, the minutes of the preceding meeting shall be read by the Secretary- Treasurer or designate unless the reading thereof is dispensed with by resolution. 50. The business of the meeting shall follow the order on the agenda, with the exception of delegations or presentations which will be handled after all reports on the agenda are dealt with, unless otherwise decided by resolution. 51. No matter shall be considered unless it appears on the agenda for the meeting or leave is granted to present the matter by resolution. 52. The following matters shall have precedence over the usual order of business: 52.1- a point of order; 12 52.2 a matter of privilege; 52.3 a matter of clarification; 52.4 a motion to suspend a rule of procedure or to request compliance with the rules of procedure; 52.5 a motion that the question be put to a vote; and 52.6 a motion to adjourn. XII Conduct of Members and Preservation of Order at Meetings 53. The Administration Regulation governing the procedure of the Authority and these rules shall be observed in Executive Committee, advisory board and committee meetings as far as applicable, and the words, Executive Committee, advisory board or committee, shall be substituted for the word Authority when such is applicable. 54. In all matters not regulated by these rules that part of the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern.- 55. No member at a meeting shall speak disrespectfully of the reigning Sovereign, any member of the Royal Family, the Governor General, the Lieutenant - Governor, or of any person administering the governments of Canada or Ontario, or use offensive words in or againstTRCA or against any member of the Authority. No member shall speak on matters unrelated to the question in debate or reflect upon any vote of the Authority except for the purpose of moving that a question be reconsidered. 56. The Chair shall preserve order and decide-all questions of order. 57. On a point of order, the member shall rise and ask leave of the Chair to raise it and after leave is granted the member'shall state the point of order to the Chair, sit down and remain seated until the Chair rules. No member shall address the Chair on the point of order except for the purpose of appealing the Chair's ruling. 58. The ruling of the Chair shall be final except where there is an appeal the meeting shall decide without debate and such decision is final. 59. The Chair shall have the power to eject an offending member from a meeting and the member shall not return to the meeting unless the remaining members permit such • return by resolution. 60. ' When a member is speaking no other member shall pass between the speaker and the Chair or interrupt the speaker except on a point of order. 13 61. Any member may require a question or motion under debate to be read at any time except while another member is speaking. XIII Rules of Debate 62. Before speaking every member shall address the Chair. 63. If two or more members address the Chair to speak, the Chair shall designate the member who first spoke and such member shall have the floor. 64. A motion may be in writing or stated orally. 65. A written motion shall be signed by both the mover and seconder and shall be read before debate. 66. An oral motion shall be clearly stated and seconded before debate. 67. Any matter mentioned in paragraph 52 shall take precedence over any motion or other matter. A motion to adjourn or put a question to the vote shall be put to a vote immediately without debate, except that such vote shall not be taken: 67.1 while a member is in possession of the floor or has previously indicated to the Chair the desire to speak on the matter before the meeting; or 67.2 after it has been decided to put a motion to the vote and that vote is not completed. 68. A motion that the question be put to the vote must be moved and seconded by members who have not spoken to the question and requires a two- thirds majority of those present and voting to carry. 69. Subject to paragraph 69, no member shall speak more than once to the same question without leave except in explanation of a material part of the speech and if no new matter is introduced. 70. A member who has presented a motion, other than a motion to amend or dispose of a motion, may speak in reply before the motion that the question be put to a vote is carried. 71. No member shall speak to a question or in reply for longer than five minutes without leave. 72. Any member may ask a question of the immediately previous speaker but the question must be stated clearly and relate to the speaker's remarks. 14 73. When a motion is under debate no other motion shall be received other than a motion to amend, to defer action, to refer the question, to take a vote, to adjourn or to extend the hour of closing of proceedings. 74. A motion to amend a motion and a motion to amend an amending motion may be presented in the same manner as a motion. 75. An amending motion shall not be presented before any other amending motion has been voted on. 76. A subamending motion shall not be presented before any other subamending motion has been voted on. XIV Voting 77. Interrelated motions shall be voted on in the ,following order: 77.1 motions to refer the matter; and 77.2 if no motion under subparagraph 77.1 is carried, the order for the remaining, motions shall be: 77.2.1 subamending motions; 77.2:2 amending motions; 77.2.3 the original motion. 78. Voting shall be as follows: 78.1 unless a member demands a roll call vote, a vote shall be by show of hands except as set out in 78.2; 78.2 At the meeting of the Authority at which the non - matching levy is to be approved, the Chair shall at the appointed time during the meeting, call the roll of members present, and having been advised by the Secretary Treasurer of the those present and the respective, eligible weighted votes,.conduct the roll call vote to approve of non, matching levy by a weighted majority of the.members present and eligible to vote. 79. Before a vote is taken any member may require that the vote be by roll call and it shall be taken accordingly. 80. After a vote other than by roll call any member may require that the vote be taken again by roll call if: 80.1 • the member disagrees with the Chair's declaration as to the results of the vote; and 15 80.2 the member states the requirement immediately following the Chair's declaration. 81. While the Chair is putting a question to the vote all members shall remain seated and not make any noise or disturbance until the result is declared. 82. If a vote results in a tie, the motion fails. 83. After a question has been decided it shall not be reconsidered except.that any member who voted thereon with the majority may, subject to paragraph 84, move for a reconsideration of the question at any regular meeting of the Authority and requires a two - thirds majority of those present and voting to carry. .84. No further discussion of a decided question shall be allowed until a motion for reconsideration pursuant to paragraph 83 is carried and no question shall be reconsidered more than once at any meeting. 85. Where a question under consideration contains more than one item, a vote upon each item shall be taken separately if requested by any member. XV Freedom of Information 86. The Authority shall be governed at all times by the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. XVI Purchasing 87. All purchases of goods, equipment or services shall be authorized by the Authority, Executive Committee or by a designate or designates duly appointed by the Authority or Executive Committee and such appointment and authorization shall be in accordance with the procedures established by TRCA. 88. No person shall have the authority to purchase other than by the authorization and according to the procedures mentioned in these rules. 89. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate shall only permit payment to be made in respect of purchases of goods and services incurred in accordance with the procedures established by TRCA. XVII Banking and Borrowing 90. The borrowing of money by TRCA shall be authorized by a resolution of the Authority. 16 91. All stocks, bonds or other securities owned by TRCA shall be registered' in the name of TRCA. • 92. The Secretary- Treasurer or designate has power to: 92.1 negotiate with, deposit with or transfer to such bank as the Authority designates by resolution for'credit to TRCA's account all cheques and other orders for the payment of .money and for that purpose may endorse the same on behalf of TRCA either in writing or by stamp; 92.2 receive from the bank statements of the account of TRCA together with all relative vouchers and sign and deliver to the bank the bank's, form of verification, settlement of balance and release; 92.3 obtain delivery from the bank of stocks, bonds and other securities held by the bank in safekeeping or otherwise on the account of.TRCA and give valid and binding receipts therefor; and 92.4 invest monies not required immediately by TRCA'in such securities as shall have been authorized by the Executive Committee under subparagraph 2.12. 17 Appendix A (1) POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFICIALS The Secretary- Treasurer shall assume the Chair for the purpose of conducting elections. (ii) For each office to be elected, the Chair shall call for nominations three times. (iii) Nominations do not need to be seconded. (iv) The Chair shall require of each nominee that they undertake to stand for the office for which they are nominated. (v) In the event that the nominee is not in attendance at the meeting, the Chair shall accept a written and signed undertaking that the nominee will stand for the office; if such undertaking is not provided, the Chair shall not accept the nomination. (vi) When it appears that all nominations for a given office have been made, the Chair shall ask that nominations be closed; such motion of closure to be seconded. (vii) In the event that there is more than one nomination, prior to the election, each nominee shall be allotted no more than 3 minutes to address the Authority. (viii) When the nominee has been elected, or in the event of an acclamation, the successful candidate shall be allotted up to 5 minutes to address the Authority. (ix) If there is more than one nominee, ballots shall be distributed and members will write the name of their choice on the ballot; fold the ballot twice and present it for collection to the scrutineers duly appointed by the Chair. (x) The scrutineers of which there shall be at least two, shall retire from the place of the meeting and count the collected ballots; returning to the meeting, the scrutineers shall present a written statement of the results of the balloting to the Chair. (xi) The Chair shall announce the results of the balloting, naming the candidates and the number of ballots cast for each candidate, as well as the number of-spoiled ballots, if any. (xii) In the event that there are more than 2 nominees, and after the first ballot, no nominee having received a majority of the ballots cast, the Chair shall determine the nominee who has received the fewest ballots and that person shall be declared no longer a nominee; the Chair shall proceed to conduct a second ballot and such successive ballots as are necessary to declare that one nominee has been chosen by a majority of the ballots cast by those members present at the time of the election. 18 (xiii) In the event that two. nominees receive an equal number of the ballots cast, the Chair shall declare that there is a tie and proceed as follows: for a ballot when there. are only two nominees, in the event both nominees have an equality of ballots, the Chair shall recess the meeting for a period of 15 minutes, after which the Chair shall conduct another ballot, and if there is still an equality of ballots, the Chair shall decide by lot the successful nominee. for a ballot when there' are three or more nominees and none of whom has received a majority of the ballots cast, in the event of an equality of ballots of two or more nominees who have received the fewest ballots, the Chair shall recess the meeting for a periodof 15 minutes, after which the Chair shall conduct another ballot, and if there is still an equality of votes,' decide by lot the nominee(s) whose name(s) shall be left on the ballot. in situations similar to the foregoing, but for which specific procedures are not set out, the Chairr shall make such rulings as are consistent with the intent of the aboveto ensure a fair and proper election. (xiv) The method of conducting a lot shall be as set out in the Municipal Elections Act. Approved by'Resolution #A2/08 February 29, 2008 19 RES. #A3/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND STAND ALONE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 2007 - 2008 Sole Source Agreement, City of Toronto. Recommending approval to proceed with project implementation of various natural environment projects within the City of Toronto. Gay Cowbourne Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) implement various natural environment and other projects as approved by the City of Toronto as part of the 2007 - 2008 Sole Source project list; THAT implementation be subject to available funding from the City of Toronto; AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized to take such action as is necessary to implement the projects, including tendering of work, signing of contracts and execution of documents to assist the City of Toronto in the completion of the approved projects. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA has partnered with the City of Toronto for many years to provide project design, coordination of approvals and implementation services in support of city -led natural environment projects throughout the city and across the Toronto waterfront. In 2006, the city formalized the process and requested TRCA to enter into an agreement which stipulated terms and conditions for the supply and delivery of projects and services in accordance with an approved list of projects. The agreement also provided a mechanism by - which TRCA could invoice the city to recover costs for the services and materials supplied. By adoption of Report 5.2, J.27.2 of the City of Toronto's Executive Committee at the March 7, 2007 Toronto City Council meeting, the City of Toronto was authorized to enter into sole source purchase orders with TRCA for specific environmental projects addressing parkland naturalization and design to increase the habitat value and enhance the sustainability of the environment. A list of the approved natural environment and stand alone projects and budgets is as follows: 20 LOCATION & FEATURE DESCRIPTION OF WORK APPROVED PROJECT COST (GST Included) • STAND ALONE PROJECTS Topham Pond (Eglinton Pond) Landscaping, pedestrian access improvement and habitat enhancements in accordance with • approved working drawings $200,000 Taylor Creek Wetland /Erosion Control Wetland habitat enhancement project including conceptual plan development, detailed construction and restoration planning and approvals • $300,000 • • . sub total $500,000 • ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS Island Sand Dunes bioengineering, habitat features, trail and access improvements $45,000 Don Valley Brick Works trailrrehabilitation and improvement, closure fencing, habitat protection, signage installation and • replacement $40,000 Humber Bay Shores fence and habitat features installation, shrub bed preparation and installation $30,000 Eglinton Flats ' fence installation, habitat enhancements and installation of features $25,000 Toronto Bird Flyways Project Various habitat enhancements at three project sites, trail rehabilitation, interpretive features installation $30,000 Todmorden Mills Installation of granular pedestrian trails adjacent to wildflower preserve and historic buildings $100,000 Valley Trail Management and Forest Restoration • continuing efforts.with TRCA to install granular trails as needed $300,000 sub total $570,000 Allowance for other projects Additional capital budget sub- projects which might be identified.as related to TRCA as work to execute 2007 Capital Budget • • • $425,000 sub total $425,000 Total Request -- Natural Environment & Stand Alone projects $1,495,000 21 This list represents the habitat and restoration project components identified by the city as part of a larger $5,000,000 program that included provisions for erosion /sediment remediation and parkland pathway infrastructure work. Staff has been working cooperatively with City of Toronto staff to facilitate project planning and approvals in preparation for implementation. Many of the projects identified are best suited to winter season implementation and are proposed to proceed almost immediately. RATIONALE TRCA and the City of Toronto have a long history of working together on a number of regeneration and habitat enhancement projects. Many of these projects are on TRCA -owned lands of which the city is responsible for management. TRCA is recognized by the City of Toronto as being able to provide cost - effective management of watershed related projects due to highly specialized expertise, the ability to expedite required approvals and permits, facilitate community involvement and meet tight timelines. FINANCIAL DETAILS Toronto City Council authorized the General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation to issue sole source purchase orders to TRCA in order to expedite these projects as part of the 2007 Sole Source Agreement between the City of Toronto and TRCA. Tendering and purchases of goods and services will be conducted in accordance with TRCA's Purchasing Policy. Report prepared by: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: drogalsky @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: drogalsky @trca.on.ca Date: February 04, 2008 RES. #A4/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed City of Toronto, CFN 37667. Acquisition of a conservation easement, located north of St. Clair Avenue, east of Jane Street, adjacent to 45 Blakley Avenue, City of Toronto (Etobicoke York Community Council Area), under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 173/07) Colleen Jordan David Barrow 22 THAT a conservation easement containing 0.012 hectares (0.030 acres), more or Tess, said land being Part of Lot 31, Registered Plan 2373, City of Toronto, (Etobicoke York Community Council Area) and designated as Part 1' on Sketch No. PS- 2007 -143, located • north'of St. Clair-Avenue, east of Jane Street, adjacent to 45 Blakley Avenue be acquired from the City of Toronto; • THAT the purchase price of the easement be $2.00; THAT Gardiner Roberts, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED RES. #A5/08 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component,,Don River Watershed North Bathurst Developments Ltd., CFN 40346. Purchase of property located west of Bathurst Street and north of Rutherford Road, City,of Vaughan, Regional Municipality, of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River watershed. (Executive Res. #8174/07) Moved by: • Colleen Jordan Seconded by: David Barrow THAT 3.54 hectares (8.76 acres), more or Tess, of vacant land being Part of Lot 18, Concession 2, and designated as Block's 153, 154 and 155 on a draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by Schaeffer & Dzaldov Ltd., Ontario Land Surveyors, under. their Job No. 03- 545 -00, City of Vaughan, Regional.Municipality of York, located west of Bathurst Street and'north of Rutherford Road be purchased from North Bathurst Developments Ltd.; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers. & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction,at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED 23 RES. #A6 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River Watershed Thornhill Ravines Development Corporation, CFN 40360. Purchase of property located on the east side of Dufferin Street, south of Major Mackenzie Drive, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 175/07) Colleen Jordan David Barrow THAT 4.89 hectares (12.09 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 19, Concession 2 and designated as Block 123 on a draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by Schaeffer & Dzaldov Ltd., Ontario Land Surveyors, under their Job No. 03- 581 -OOB, dated September 21, 2007, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located on the east side of Dufferin Street, south of Major Mackenzie Drive, be purchased from Thornhill Ravines Development Corporation; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A7 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SHERWOOD PARK TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Award of contract for the Sherwood Park Trail Improvements (Executive Res. #B 176/07) Colleen Jordan David Barrow CARRIED THAT R &M CONSTRUCTION Ltd. be retained by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to complete the construction requirements as outlined in the drawing set named 'Sherwood Park Trail Improvements' and accompanying contract specifications as prepared by Schollen & Co. ( project # 25031), for City of Toronto, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department, for a total cost of $313,940.00, plus applicable taxes; it being the lowest tender that met Toronto and Region Conservation Authority specifications. 24 AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to implement this contract, including the signing of contract documents. CARRIED RES. #A8 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: • FIELD CENTRE FOOD SUPPLIER Award of contract for the supply of food and paper products for food service at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority field centre facilities. (Executive Res. #B 177/07) Colleen Jordan David Barrow THAT the purchase agreement for the supply of food items and kitchen supplies at Albion Hills, Claremont and Lake St George field centres be awarded to Sysco Food Services for 2008, at a projected cost not to exceed $134,400, plus applicable taxes, it being the only supplier that met Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. CARRIED RES. #A9 /08 ALBION HILLS FIELD CENTRE RETROFIT Award of Contract for Detailed Design. Approval to retain Montgomery Sisam Architects Ltd. to provide architectural services for the redesign of the Albion Hills Field Centre, including site and infrastructure services, for the purposes of building renovation and retrofit. (Executive Res. #B 178/07) Moved by: Suzan Hall Seconded by: _ Laurie Bruce THAT the contract for the detailed architectural redesign of Albion Hills Field Centre (AHFC), including architectural, mechanical, structural and electrical services,.be awarded to.Montgomery Sisam Architects Ltd. at a cost not to exceed $215,193, plus applicable taxes and disbursements.not to exceed $27,000, plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest tender that met Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications; THAT the contract include additional sub - consultant services fees of $104,645 plus applicable taxes for landscape design, cost consulting and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) design, review and certification for LEED certification and commissioning; 25 AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to implement this contract, including the signing of contract documents. CARRIED RES. #A10 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: FRENCHMAN'S BAY WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROJECT Final Report. The accomplishments of the Frenchman's Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Project. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D52/07) Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thank and acknowledge the project partners who contributed to the success'of the Frenchman's Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Project from 2003 to 2007. RES. #A11 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED LAKE ONTARIO MANAGEMENT PLAN AND COLLABORATIVE NEAR SHORE STUDIES Presentation on the Lake Ontario Management Plan -based Biodiversity Strategy for Lake Ontario and the Upper St. Lawrence River - Nature Conservancy Canada/ The Nature Conservancy USA. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D53/07) Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) continue to assist Conservation Ontario with its efforts to coordinate local conservation authority input for the Biodiversity Strategy; AND FURTHER THAT the Authority support Conservation Ontario's efforts to secure future funding from the Lake Ontario Management Plan (LaMP) for the implementation of actions identified in the Biodiversity Strategy. CARRIED 26 RES. #Al2 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: FRENCHMAN'S BAY HARBOUR ENTRANCE PROJECT City of Pickering, Regional Municipality of Durham. Acceptance of the City of Pickering's request for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to take a lead role and partner with the City on completion of the environmental assessment, design and funding partnership for the reconstruction. of the Frenchman's Bay Harbour Entrance. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D54/07) Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) accept the lead role in partnership with the City of Pickering to undertake the environmental assessment, public consultation, design, approvals and funding partnership for the reconstruction of the Frenchman's Bay Harbour Entrance; THAT staff be authorized and directed to work with the City of Pickering in the detailed work planning, consultant selection, establishment of a Community Liaison Committee and preparation of the environmental assessment and detailed engineering drawings, and implementation funding partnership with all levels of government and the Frenchman's Bay Stakeholders; THAT TRCA participation be subject to funding being available from the City of Pickering; AND FURTHER THAT the City of Pickering be so advised.. RES. #A13 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED • CANADA GOOSE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2006/2007 Canada Goose Management Egg Oiling Program 2007 report. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D55/07) Ron Moeser Colleen Jordan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to continue pursuance of the Canada Goose egg oiling and bird relocation programs with partnering municipalities and agencies; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff be directed to continue participating in the Transport Canada Greater Toronto Area Canada Goose Steering Committee. CARRIED 27 RES. #A14 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: WEST NILE VIRUS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM FOR 2007 Regional Watershed Monitoring Program. Receipt of annual report on West Nile Virus Vector Status in Toronto and Region Conservation Authority wetlands and storm water management ponds in 2007 and direction for similar activities in 2008. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D56/07) Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT the Annual Report on West Nile Virus (WNV) Vector Status in Toronto and Region Conservation Authority wetlands and stormwater management ponds in 2007 be circulated to the public health units for the regional municipalities of Peel, Durham, York and the City of Toronto, and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to continue to participate in the WNV advisory committee for the regional municipalities of Peel, Durham, York and the City of Toronto; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff be directed to plan for WNV vector larval mosquito monitoring in TRCA wetlands and stormwater management ponds during the 2008 summer season. RES. #A15 /08 - Moved by. Seconded by: CARRIED DOG - STRANGLING VINE: REVIEW OF DISTRIBUTION, ECOLOGY AND CONTROL Receipt of staff report "Dog- strangling vine - Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopow) Borhidi: a review of distribution, ecology, and control of this invasive exotic plant'. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D57/07) - Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) report entitled Dog - strangling vine - Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopow) Borhidi: a review of distribution, ecology, and control of this invasive exotic plant be received; THAT staff be directed to continue to monitor the extent and distribution of Dog - strangling vine (DSV) within TRCA's watersheds. AND FURTHER THAT staff use the information in the DSV report to assist in the preparation of management and restoration plans for TRCA lands. CARRIED 28 RES. #A16 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: LOWER HUMBER BARRIER MITIGATION • Implementation Update. Direction .to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for alterations to the control structures for the Lower Humber River Barrier Mitigation Project. (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D58/07) Gay Cowbourne Gino Rosati THAT the commitment by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to restore the movement of non - jumping, fish through the existing series of weirs on the Lower Humber River be acknowledged; THAT the general direction of the project plan as outlined in .the Lower Humber River Barrier Mitigation Project Class Environmental Assessment be supported,,includingthe current implementation of the preferred alternative for Weir 5 and.the securement of funding to proceed with the works proposed at the other weirs; AND FURTHER THAT_Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) request that MNR develop a Memorandum, of Understanding with.TRCA.to.outline the roles and responsibilities for. the monitoring and maintenance of the 'structures. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION • RES. #A17 /08 - SECTION 11 - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Paul Ainslie Grant Gibson CARRIED THAT•Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.7.1 - 9.7.37, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #12/07, held on February 1, 2008, be received. , CARRIED RES. #A18 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: John Parker THAT Section II item 9.8 - Enforcement and Security, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #12/07, held on February 1, 2008, be received. CARRIED 29 SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A19/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GOOD NEWS STORIES Highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Work. Receipt of Good News Stories for December, 2007 and January, 2008, from all sections of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Paul Ainslie Maja Prentice IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for December, 2007 and January, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Team, a committee made up of senior staff at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meets monthly to discuss strategic initiatives and organizational development. RATIONALE Key accomplishments of each TRCA section are highlighted at each Management Team meeting. In keeping with TRCA's objective of Business Excellence, these accomplishments will be brought to the Authority for the information of the members. The following are the accomplishments cited from December, 2007 and January, 2008, and a brief description of each. • Peel Region Funding - Peel Region Council approved TRCA's 2008 budget request totalling $11.04 million, an increase of over 50 %, again demonstrating Peel Region's leadership in addressing-climate change issues. • Evergreen at the Brick Works - Toronto Don Valley Brick Works restoration and adaptive re -use moved forward as a lease with Evergreen was signed by the City of Toronto and TRCA which, together with a conservation agreement with the Ontario Heritage Foundation, will enable $10 million in provincial funding and $20 million of federal funding to flow to the project. • Land Acquisition - TRCA ownership of greenspace and conservation lands has grown to exceed 40,000 acres for the first time. • TRCA completed acquisition of the 94 acre Campbell property in Peel Region with financial support from Peel Region and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation. • Partners in Project Green - TRCA and Greater Toronto Airports Authority held first stakeholder meeting with over 60 representatives from the business community surrounding Toronto Pearson and continue to work together to.identify eco- economic initiatives of mutual benefit. • Health and Safety - $153,232.06 NEER rebate received due to safety record of TRCA staff in 2006. • Stewardship - Staff organized a workshop for 70 real estate agents in Caledon East about .the financial and technical assistance that can be used when "Marketing Rural Properties on the Oak Ridges Moraine ". • Planting Program - In 2007 planted over 254,000 trees and shrubs which represents a 24% increase over 2006 planting levels. 30 • Lake Wilcox - Began shoreline naturalization project at Lake Wilcox with Town of Richmond Hill. Over 100 people attended public meeting and have garnered a-'lot of public support. • Frenchman's Bay - City of Pickering approved funding to assist in acquiring last piece of land to complete trail and waterfront connection around Frenchman's Bay. • Spills - $180,000 commitment from GeoConnections to develop a geographic information systems -based spills and emergency decision support system. " Kegan Systems Inc. to work with TRCA to develop the pilot for Peel Region to track and monitor spills. Will expand throughout TRCA jurisdiction if the program is successful. • Paddle the Don'- Banrock Station agreed to sponsor Paddle the Don with $15,000 over the next 3 years and donate 20 Bees wine for Sauriol Dinner. • Erosion and Sediment Control' = ($45,000 received for Erosion and Sediment Control Initiatives from City of Vaughan. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: February 6, 2008 SECTION IV.- ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A20(08 - Moved by: Seconded by: _ SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Richard Whitehead Grant Gibson THAT Section IV item 10.8.1 - 10.8.3, inclusive, contained in Watershed Management Minutes #5/07, held on February 8, 2008, be received.. -CARRIED Section IV Items 10.8.1 - 10.8.3, Inclusive WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES . 10.8.1 - DON'WATERSHED REGENERATION-COUNCIL 10.8.2 - HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE 10.8.3 - ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE (Watershed Mgt. Res. #D59/07) • 31 ANNUAL /INAUGURAL MEETING The Chief Administrative Officer /Secretary- Treasurer, Brian Denney, assumed the Chair for the Annual Meeting and conducted the 2008 Election of Officers. APPOINTMENTS TO TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FOR 2008 -2009 The Secretary- Treasurer can advise that all the persons listed below have been duly appointed and are entitled to sit as Members of this Authority for the 2008 -2009 year, or until their successors are appointed. ADJALA - TOSORONTIO /MONO Glenn Mason DURHAM TORONTO PEEL YORK Colleen Jordan Bonnie Litt ley Gerri Lynn O'Connor Paul Ainslie Maria Augimeri Bryan Bertie Laurie Bruce Gay Cowbourne Glenn De Baeremaeker Rob Ford Lois Griffin Suzan Hall Reenga Mathivanan Peter Milczyn Ron Moeser John Parker Anthony Perruzza Eve Adams Grant Gibson Maja Prentice John Sprovieri Richard Whitehead David Barrow Bill Fisch Jack Heath Linda Pabst Gino Rosati 32 RES. #A21 /08 - APPOINTMENT OF SCRUTINEERS ,Moved by:. • Seconded by: Ron Moeser John Sprovieri THAT Mr. Robert Rossow, Partner, Gartner Roberts LLP and Mr. Paul Speck, Vice President, AON Reed Stenhouse, be appointed as scrutineers for the election of officers, if required. CHAIR OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Gerri Lynn O'Connor was nominated by David Barrow. RES. #A22 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn-De Baeremaeker Maria Augimeri THAT nominations for the office of Chair of the Authority be closed.' CARRIED CARRIED Gerri Lynn O'Connor was declared elected by acclamation as Chair of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. VICE CHAIR OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Maria Augimeri was•nominated by Gerri Lynn O'Connor. RES. #A23 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS • Moved by: Colleen Jordan Seconded by: Richard Whitehead THAT nominations for the office of Vice Chair of the Authority be closed. CARRIED Maria Augimeri was declared elected by acclamation as'Vice Chair of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. . 33 REGION OF PEEL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Maja Prentice was nominated by Gay Cowbourne. RES. #A24 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Bill Fisch Ron Moeser THAT nominations for the remaining Region of Peel representative on the Executive Committee be closed. CARRIED Maja Prentice was declared elected by acclamation as the remaining Region of Peel representative on the Executive Committee. REGION OF YORK REPRESENTATIVE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jack Heath was nominated by Bill Fisch. RES. #A25 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Gino Rosati THAT nominations for the remaining Region of York representative on the Executive Committee be closed. Jack Heath was declared elected by acclamation as the remaining Region of York representative on the Executive Committee. CITY OF TORONTO REPRESENTATIVES ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Reenga Mathivanan was nominated by Maria Augimeri. Anthony Perruzza was nominated by Maria Augimeri. RES. #A26 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Suzan Hall 34 CARRIED THAT nominations for the remaining City of Toronto representatives on the Executive Committee be closed. CARRIED Reenga Mathivanan and Anthony Perruzza were declared elected by acclamation as the remaining City of Toronto representatives on -the Executive Committee. REGION, OF DURHAM REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD Bonnie Litt ley was nominated by Colleen Jordan. RES. #A27 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Bill Fisch THAT nominations for the Region of Durham representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board be closed. CARRIED Bonnie Littley was declared elected by acclamation as the Region of Durham representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board. REGION OF PEEL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD Maja Prentice was nominated by Gay Cowbourne. RES. #A28 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Laurie Bruce THAT nominations for the Region of Peel representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board be closed. CARRIED Maja Prentice was declared elected by acclamation as the Region of Peel representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board. 35 REGION OF YORK REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD David Barrow was nominated by Bill Fisch. RES. #A29 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Maja Prentice THAT nominations for the Region of York representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board be closed. CARRIED David Barrow was declared elected by acclamation as the Region of York representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board. CITY OF TORONTO REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD Ron Moeser was nominated by Maria Augimeri. Rob Ford was nominated by David Barrow. Ron Moeser withdrew from the election. RES. #A30 /08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Colleen Jordan THAT nominations for the City of Toronto representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board be closed. CARRIED Rob Ford was declared elected by acclamation as the City of Toronto representative on the Budget /Audit Advisory Board. 36 TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:41 a.m., on Friday, February 29, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks• erTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #2/08 March 28, 2008 The Authority Meeting #2/08; was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, March 28, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Paul Ainslie Maria Augmieri Bryan Bertie Laurie Bruce Gay Cowbourne Glenn De Baeremaeker Rob Ford Grant Gibson Lois Griffin Suzan Hall Jack Heath Bonnie Litt ley Glenn Mason Reenga Mathivanan Gerri Lynn O'Connor Anthony Perruzza Gino Rosati John Sprovieri Richard Whitehead Member Member Vice Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Chair Member Member Member Member ABSENT David Barrow Member Bill Fisch Member Colleen Jordan Member Peter Milczyn Member Ron Moeser Member Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member Maja Prentice Member 38 RES. #A31 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: THAT the Minutes of Meeting #1/08, held on February 29, 2008, be approved. DELEGATIONS CARRIED (a) A delegation by Mr. Cliff Nuttall, speaking in regard to 1417 Centre Street, City of Vaughan. (b) A delegation by Deborah Schulte, speaking in regard to item 7.3 - The Living City Campus Vision Plan. (c) A delegation by Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, in regard to item 7.1 - Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. RES. #A32 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Jack Heath Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT delegation (c) be added to the agenda. • CARRIED RES. #A33 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Littley Lois Griffin THAT above -noted delegation be heard and received; AND FURTHER THAT staff undertake discussions with the Nuttall Family and City of Vaughan staff and report back to the Executive Committee iri the next two months on the results of the discussions and general engineering costs for changes to the culvert and stormwater management options. RES. #A34 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Lois Griffin Seconded by: Laurie Bruce 39 CARRIED THAT above -noted delegation (b) be heard and received. RES. #A35 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Laurie Bruce THAT above -noted delegation (c) be heard and received. PRESENTATIONS (a) CARRIED CARRIED A presentation by Bryan Buttigieg, Past Chair, Rouge Watershed Task Force and Sonya Meek, Manager, Watershed Planning, TRCA, in regard to item 7.1 - Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. (b) A presentation by Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Projects, TRCA, in regard to item 7.2 - Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan. • (c) A presentation by Alex Waters, Manager, Kortright / Boyd, in regard to item 7.3 - The Living City Campus Vision Plan. RES. #A36 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Laurie Bruce THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED RES. #A37 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Laurie Bruce Seconded by: Suzan Hall THAT above -noted presentation (b) be deferred to Authority Meeting #3108, to be held on April 25, 2008. RES. #A38 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Lois Griffin Seconded by: Laurie Bruce 40 CARRIED THAT above -noted presentation (c) be heard and received. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE (a) A letter dated March 8, 2008, from Madeleine McDowell, Chair, Humber Heritage Committee, in regard to dewatering. • (b) A letter dated March 28, 2008 from Deb. Schulte, Humber Alliance member, in regard to item 7.3 - The Living City Campus Vision Plan. (c) A letter dated March 27, 2008 from Ted Nickerson, Malone Givens Parsons Ltd., in regard. to item 7.1 - Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. (d) A letter from Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, in regard to item 7.1 - Rouge •River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. RES. #A39 /08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Suzan Hall THAT above -noted correspondence (a) be referred to staff for a report back to the Authority. RES. #A40 /08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: Lois Griffin Seconded by: Laurie Bruce CARRIED THAT above -noted correspondence (b) be received. RES. #A41 /08 - CORRESPONDENCE CARRIED Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: . Laurie Bruce THAT above -noted correspondence (c) and (d) be received. CARRIED 41 CORRESPONDENCE (A) HUMBER HERITAGE COMMITTEE R Cillf'n 163 HUMBERCREST BLVD. TORONTO, ONTARIO M6S 4L5 Chair and Authority Members, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shorham Drive, Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Dear Chair O'Connor. MAR 14 2008 ' :Jamtors.013, March 8's, 2008 On behalf of the Humber Heritage Committee, I wish to again express our grave concern with.the dewatering process and its affect upon the ground water table. It is of most particular concern to us in the area of the Moraine, where the entire eco system is so fragile and water oriented, with its post glacial evolution of root and drainage systems. Now, the King area of the Humber watershed is about to suffer a continuing shock of doubtful sustainability as mains and sewage pipes are installed and the use of this technique will exacerbate it further. We expressed ow- concerns a decade ago with regard to the potential affect on the Humber base flow as well as well -water and indigenous species. These concerns have not diminished. Thank you for your kind attention. Yours sincerely, AAPid-i Madeleine McDowell Chair, Humber Heritage Committee 42 CORRESPONDENCE (B) The Living City Campus Vision Plan Deputation My name is Deborah Schulte and I am before you today regarding the Living City Campus proposal as a conflicted individual. Having been trained for the past 10 years by TRCA staff in the ways of conservation and having spent countless hours supporting their many community outreach activities, it is difficult to be here raising concerns about one of their more creative and exciting initiatives. For those that don't know me I am a long time member of the Humber Alliance and have a history of fighting to preserve the integrity of our precious Conservation Areas. I have serious concerns about many aspects of the Living City Campus and despite trying to buy into this proposal I have been unable to convince myself that this is the best use of our Kortright land and that this proposal provides for its long term viability and stability. My key concerns for the Living City Campus are: 1. The development footprint (with over 5 new buildings and related activities) will compromise the important adjacent valley land ANSI and ESAs. It is well recognized that to preserve the ecological function of the valley lands you need to provide adequate buffers on the surrounding table land. We must recognize that with a project of this size we will be compromising the ecological function of this important natural heritage corridor property. Where are the peer reviewed reports to the contrary? 2. The vision of the "Campus ", leading the way toward sustainable development, and the use of sustainable technologies through practice, education and market transformation, is a significant departure from the Management Plan Vision and Values. The changes to the Plan necessary to support what is now being proposed should have been accompanied by a full public management plan review. This did not occur. 3. The long term viability of the buildings and the sustainability of the partnerships are not clear. These buildings will need to make money for the partners and I am concerned, based on previous experience, how these initiatives may unfold over time. Once built there will be no turning back and they may become a liability. 4. I am not convinced that Kortright is the best location for a sustainable technologies and development campus. I believe that it would benefit from better visibility and accessibility and I do not see the direct link to locating it in a natural oasis. • 5. The Urban Agricultural Demonstration Area appears to be located on an identified 'archaeological site. This seems to be contrary to the management plan vision of preserving and enhancing cultural and heritage resources on the site. I also noticed that the Earth Rangers Centre has been located on an identified archaeological site. (Reference map 9 of the Management Plan). Perhaps it would be.appropriate for us to be pursuing the creation of a First Nation Heritage Centre, as expressed in the Alliance letter dated October 2006 (see attached), given the rich cultural and ,heritage resources of the area. 43 6. I have been frustrated by the process this project has taken. It has been developed internally without a public process, presented as if it is a. done deal, rolled out in a piecemeal fashion, and there has been very little opportunity for public debate on the huge transformation being proposed at the Kortright site. I do thank the TRCA for holding its first public meeting on the proposal on Feb 26th, 2008 and I hope you have taken the time to review the concerns raised. It is now up to the Board to decide if this is the best use of our very valuable resources at Kortright. You have a responsibility to ensure as stewards of this public land that you optimize its use for the public good, while preserving its ecological function, and that the public should have every opportunity to participate in this significant development: A public meeting held on a snowy night, after a small notice was placed in local papers, is not enough to ensure support across the GTA. Many concerns have been raised, by myself, the Humber Alliance and the public meeting and not adequately answered. I would hope that the Board defers approval of the Living City Campus Vision Plan until the concerns raised are properly addressed. For Kortright there will be no going back. Deborah Schulte Humber Alliance Member March 28, 2008 44 Additional Comments on the Concerns Above: 1. Boyd North and Glassco Park is one of three large green spaces (Claireville / Boyd, Boyd North, Glassco Park /Rouge Park), publicly owned, in a rapidly urbanizing GTA landscape. I see them as tremendously valuable for future generations to escape their urban jungle, much like Central Park is for the people in Manhattan. It is also a vital area for preserving some ecological function of an important corridor (Boyd Conservation Area & Adjacent Lands Provincial ANSI and Humber River Regional ANSI). The argument given in favor of the project is that there is lots of space left to satisfy the ecological needs in the valley lands and the Campus is only going to be on the table lands. It is a recognized fact that to preserve the ecological function of valley lands you need to provide adequate buffers on the surrounding table land (Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy). I believe that we need to be honest and accept that we will be compromising the ANSI with the "Living City Campus" development, and by the sheer numbers of visitors necessary to ensure a 100 million dollar investment is well utilized. 2. The Management Plan Vision states: public activities will occur in association with preserving and enhancing the natural, cultural and heritage resources of the area. The values stated in the Management Plan are all about ensuring an extensive and diverse ecosystem is protected and enhanced, that the community is integrated with nature and we provide opportunities to learn about the natural, cultural and heritage resources of the area. The document states that; "Revisions of the Plan will be in keeping with the original stated vision and objective of the plan to protect the natural and heritage values of the property." Yes you can find evidence to support elements of the Living City Campus in the Resource Uses Section; however it was not the understanding of the public involved in the process to support such a significant intensification of the table land at Kortright. 3. The new TRCA vision, leading the way toward sustainable development, and the use of sustainable technologies through practice, education and market transformation is a noble goal and builds on a long history at the Kortright Centre; however it will take a massive investment in money and technology and will need to be constantly renewed to stay vital. Where is the long term business plan for the sustainability of this initiative? The plan is based on partnerships. I am familiar with the business world and am very concerned when executives change the corporate vision, when bottom lines are in trouble and in their response to the winds of change. We have had many experiences with partnerships on TRCA land that have fallen through and we have been left to clean up the mess or have had to live with Tess than expected results. These buildings will need to make money to survive and once they are built we cannot go back. Some of the buildings will be managed by our partners and will embody their vision and fiscal needs. They are long term leases that allow them to operate within our guidelines; however the details of these arrangements have not been made public. I am wondering why these buildings need to be located on our property at.all. I saw the benefit of having the Earth Rangers Centre located in Kortright when they were providing a world -class veterinarian facility for wild animals and their rehabilitation, • however that has changed. Their current programs are synergistic with our programs, but apart from rent, what is the big benefit to the TRCA? What benefit to the public is provided from the Research Centre that will be located on our land. 45 4. If we do agree that we want to be in the sustainable development technologies education /demonstration /research business at a World Class level, then is Kortright the right place to do it? It is a beautiful setting and a great place to experience nature and provide nature based recreation and education, but is it the right place to create a sustainable technologies campus with.demonstration buildings, a research center and a conference center? Will this transformation not degrade the experience for our guests wishing to focus on nature based activities? Is it necessary to immerse oneself in nature to learn about sustainable building technologies or be surrounded by sustainable buildings to learn how to experience nature? Would a "Brownfield" in an intensely urban setting not be a more suitable location? It would provide a more visible and accessible opportunity to influence the public and business., 5. In the Alliance letter to Brian Denney, October 24, 2006 we identified Kortright as being, "centrally located in an area that is rich in First Nation heritage and we propose that this aspect be brought into any plan for Kortright. There are three First Nation village sites within walking distance of Kortright, on or adjacent to public land....The First Nation history of this area is unique and pre -dates the European occupation. In addition, the TRCA has many artifacts in storage that would benefit from having a proper interpretive centre to display them and educate the public about the.rich heritage of the area. We have a wonderful opportunity to link this-interpretive centre with the three village sites through an interpretive trail with story boards, and bring the First Nation history alive. We may even be able in time to do some restoration of these First Nation Village sites to illustrate, in the landscape, how these people lived off the land." The Management Plan Advisory committee identified in their meeting minutes #7/99 that, "First Nations have a need for an educational centre and a spiritual site within the GTA area. The Committee identified that Boyd North and Glassco Park could be an appropriate location for both. This is an important part of preserving the cultural and heritage resources of the area and other than displaying a few artifacts in the new meeting place this suggestion has not been addressed. 6. When the proposal was raised at the Humber Alliance, concerned representatives were invited to participate in a tour of the site and attend a session with the consultants. To be clear we did not feel our concerns had .been properly addressed, so we brought our issues back to the Alliance and documented them with a letter to Brian Denney, October 24, 2006 (see attached). In conclusion, we felt "that the integrity of the Kortright as a Conservation Centre focused on nature ought to be preserved, given its' premier location alongside some very rich ANSIs and E$As. While we support the vision of the TRCA for a Living City and for it's commitment to education for sustainable development, we feel that the plans for a sustainability "campus" need modification.... we would ask the TRCA to consider finding alternatives as suggested above or removing the following facilities from the plan: 1. New Sustainable Research, Science, and Tech nology Facility 2. Meeting Conference Centre 3. Agricultural Facility" There was some disagreement whether the wind mill should be part of the plan. Brian Denney's response (see attached), dated December 15th, 2006 acknowledged our concerns, however little was changed. 46 1H umber River HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE October 24, 2006 Mr. Brian E. Denney Chief Administrative Officer TRCA 5 Shoreham Drive Toronto, ON M3N 1S4 Dear Mr. Denney: The Kortright Centre for Conservation is the flagship environmental education centre in the GTA. The ecosystems there are of such quality that they have been protected by the province as Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) and by the TRCA as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). It is also sitting in a valley that is soon to be surrounded by major housing developments and will be part of a very small corridor down the Humber Valley that is protected from development. We appreciate that the TRCA is keen to upgrade the educational facilities at Kortright, and attempt to provide it with stable funding sources. And we appreciate the need to do this by using the non - protected, core areas of the Centre for educational activities that would generate income. These are all goals we fully support and commend the TRCA on its creativity in putting forward this proposal. We note that the proposal for Kortright has been called "The Living City Campus." We suggest that the TRCA rethink how they want to market this proposal. The term 'campus' has connotations of wall -to -wall development and does not really get across the concept of education, sustainability and environmental protection. It does nothing to describe what is intended and has the disadvantage of only raising concerns in the minds of the public that the focus at Kortright is shifting from environmental education to development. While we understand that the master plan for the Boyd North area does include using the table lands in Kortright for developing educational facilities, we do feel that this proposal is overly ambitious in terms of the number of buildings planned and their connection to environmental education. Yes, you can connect education to environment through the development of new facilities, but it comes at a cost to conservation. ESAs and ANSIs are not all that common in the GTA, and the development of Kortright needs to ensure that these are protected not only by protecting the valley lands themselves, but the table lands that support the valley ecosystems. We feel a project of this size would put undue pressure on the protected areas and would like to see the TRCA scale back the project. 47 Southern Gateway - Sustainable Technology, Research, and Biodiversity: Currently this is the location of the Earth Rangers. The Earth Rangers project was intended to connect with the educational programs happening at Kortright and provide a world -class veterinarian facility for wild animals, along with providing an example of energy efficiency and new technologies in the building. Only the latter of these goals has realistically been achieved. There does not appear to be any meaningful cooperation between the Earth Rangers environmental programs and those of the Kortright Centre. The veterinarian facility is now being closed down, and the building, which was 1/3 empty, will now become 2 /3rds empty. To then plan further research facility buildings with yet unknown partnerships with universities or research facilities is unrealistic and would further take field habitat buffer zones away from the forest ecosystem. We feel that the Earth Rangers facility should be fully occupied and successfully integrating with Kortright programs, but no new facilities built in this area. We feel that appropriate research is important and can be used as an educational tool and it can be carried out on conservation lands without comprising the ecology of the area. However we do think that the research can take place without building another facility. Possibly an area could be set up, within the proposed educational centre and integrated with the educational component or perhaps an arrangement could be made to designate a space in the Earth Rangers building. The Biodiversity Trail: We fully support the biodiversity trail suggestions and look-forward to seeing this part developed. It does appear on one of the maps that there is a parking lot planned here, but we assume this would only be developed if the other parking facilities prove inadequate. Core Campus - Sustainable Living and Energy Trail We fully support the plans to upgrade and enlarge the Kortright Centre's main building for use by both educational programs and small conferences and workshops. We are also excited by the plans for an interpretive canopy walk and water sustainability learning area in front of the building. The forest cathedral for outdoor weddings or other ceremonies is a nice touch. The plan for an additional conference facility on the Kortright lands is, however, not supported. While there is no doubt that you could rent out this facility for weddings and conferences, the idea that all Of these conferences would be environmental in nature is not supported by any research presented. It is more likely that the conference centre would be booked by weddings and other non - environmental organizations more than by environmental groups with little money of their own. Given the distance to parking facilities, we feel there would be intense pressure to create parking facilities close to the meeting centre, and yet more land would be taken up by non - environmental projects. While we fully support income generation for the Kortright Centre and for the TRCA, using the premier environmental education centre to build a conference centre is not seen as appropriate. Perhaps the TRCA could locate this facility on lands that are not directly supporting ANSIs and closer to major traffic arteries (the lands along • Rutherford where the nursery buildings currently sit). " Upgrading and creating new energy demonstrations on the Energy Trail is fully supported as the new, emerging technologies are in constant flux. However we did not reach a concensus on the installation of a large, energy producing wind turbine. 48 There are concerns on behalf of some members of the group as follows: The facility on the . Toronto Waterfront, as an example, produces Tess energy than expected due to the inconsistent winds on the Toronto waterfront. While it sells energy to the grid, it will be obsolete by the time it pays for itself. Thus, as a demonstration it has created lots of good media around wind power, due to its premier location along the Gardiner Expressway; thousands of people see it every day. Kortright is not a premier location for either winds, or for visibility by the public and that adding a large, noisy machine like this into the natural environment focus of Kortright is just not a good idea. Other members would support the wind turbine as an excellent addition to Kortright's Energy programs and feel that these programs themselves bring visibility to Kortright. They do not see . noise as a problem and feel that although the wind turbine, at this point, may not demonstrate cost recovery, it will provide a demonstration of a viable alternative to non renewable energy or nuclear power as well as opportunities for research to further the advancement of wind technology. The sustainable housing facility is already being built, and thus not really open for comment. This will be a very positive contribution as a demonstration facility and we hope it does generate Tots of good publicity and income for Kortright. It is not clear whether the housing facility will be used as demonstration only, or for research also, in which case perhaps a portion of the facility could be set up as a research centre. Northern Region - Urban Agriculture and Wetlands The Commons Event Space is designed.to partner with the City of Vaughan or York Region and appears to be designed with as little impact as possible on the surrounding wetlands and other natural areas. Community events and especially events with an environmental focus would benefit from this excellent outdoor facility and would provide Kortright with some income. Thus we support this addition to the Kortright Centre. We are also very excited about the creation of further wetlands in the Northern Region. The urban agriculture component of the plan does not yet seem to be very well developed. It is not clear exactly what is being planned here and why it should happen at Kortright as opposed to land that is in the Greenbelt Agricultural zone. Like sustainable housing the fit to, a nature centre is questionable. In conclusion, we feel that the integrity of Kortright as a Conservation Centre focused on nature ought to be preserved, given its very premier location alongside some very rich ANSIs and ESAs. While we support the vision of the TRCA for a Living City and for its commitment to education for sustainable development,.we feel that the plans for the sustainability "campus" at Kortright need modification. One of the main local environmental issues facing the entire GTA is natural cover, and we are losing this in spades in the area around Kortright, and regionally. In summary, we would ask the TRCA to consider finding alternatives as suggested above or removing the following facilities from the plan: • New Sustainable Research, Science, and Technology Facility Meeting /Conference Centre Agricultural facility 49 and that a feasibility study looking at both the amount of energy that could be generated in a valley situation and the impact on wildlife in the area, be completed before approving a large wind tuibine on the property. Kortright is centrally located in an area that is rich in First Nation heritage and we propose that this aspect be brought into any plan for Kortright. There are three First Nation village sites within walking.distance of Kortright, on or adjacent to public land: to the south we have the Boyd Site, adjacent we have the Seed - Barker Site and to the north we have the Teston Site. The First Nation history of this area is unique and pre -dates the European occupation. In addition, the TRCA has many artifacts'in storage at the Boyd Field Centre that would benefit from having a proper interpretive centre to display them and educate the public about the rich heritage of the area. We have a wonderful opportunity to link this interpretive centre with the three village sites through an interpretive trail with story boards, and bring the First Nation history alive. We may even be able in time to do some restoration of these First Nation Village sites to illustrate, in the landscape, how these people lived off the land. For easier access and visibility we would suggest that this interpretive centre either be housed in the space available in the Earth Rangers buildings or on the current Restoration Services site on Rutherford, rather than adding to the Kortright footprint. • Yours truly, Lois Griffin, Chair Humber Watershed Alliance /L 50 TORONTO AND REGION — onservation for The Living City December 15, 2006 Mrs. Lois Griffin 95 Mercury Road Etobicoke, ON M9W 3H4 Dear Lois: of tfte ClO Thank you for your letter dated October 24, 2006 regarding The Living City Campus vision plan. Your interest in the long term viability of the Kortright Centre for Conservation and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is appreciated. I have responded to your comments in the following paragraphs: We have had many internal and external discussions about the term 'campus" in our future marketing material for the Kortright property. In our view, the term "campus" is normally associated with centres of higher learning such as a college or university. The Living City Campus vision includes the grounds, buildings and programs that will be devoted to education to help change personal behaviours for better communities in the future. In short, we have not found a title that we believe is more suited to the purpose of this facility. Our first priority in The Living City Campus concept is to refurbish the existing Kortright Centre at an estimated cost of $12 million The addition of new buildings will be secondary, will be cognizant of the natural features and will depend on suitable partners who want to contribute. All infrastructure will be expected to contribute positively to the natural system. Core habitats and linkages will be protected and restored. It is true that the veterinarian component of the Earth Rangers building will be closed at the end of 2006. However, more focus has been placed on educational programs. New interactive educational activities have already been added to the building so there is little vacant space at this time. The option of a new research facility opposite Earth Rangers will remain on the plan as part of the long- term vision for the property. This proposed research facility allows for the potential partnership with colleges and universities to undertake sustainable technology research on the site. The parking lot associated with the Biodiversity Trail already exists and will continue to.be used as overflow parking for events that draw many visitors. We have referred to a conference centre on the plan but we see this proposed facility as a possible cultural centre as well. The building could host large meetings, private functions and accommodate heritage artifacts which have been collected from the local archaeological sites. For this-facility to materialize will require significant investment by sponsors interested in this component of the plan. At this time, no such support has come forward. We see this component being part of the later stages of the site development if and when partnerships develop. • 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsvicw, Ontario NUN 1S4 (416) 661 -6600 FAX 661 -6898 www.trca on.ca Mrs. Lois Griffin - 2 - November 14, 2006 We are further investigating the addition of a wind turbine on the site. A decision to include or exclude this feature will depend on available technologies, partners and the energy generation capability of the structure. Prior to any development, we would undertake detailed Wind study analysis to determine the feasibility of a large scale wind turbine on the property. This. proposal would also be reviewed for any negative environmental impacts. We are currently developing an energy master plan for the site-with the .objective of becoming a net exporter of renewable energy. It may take a.range of technologies to achieve that objective in the form of valuable demonstration.approaches. . The sustainable house.is primarily a feature to demonstrate sustainable house technologies and, as you mentioned, detailed plans were reviewed by Humber Watershed Alliance members and comments to TRCA staff were received. We strongly believe that-near•urban agriculture is an important•ingredient in sustainable communities. Since The Living City Campus will be a major educational facility,•we believe the venue is a perfect.place to demonstrate near urban food production-and the need for residents to, buy'local produce. The urban farm component 'mightexpand to the existing TRCA -owned agricultural land on•the north side of Major.Mackenzie Drive. We are in theearly stages of a' new partnership with the GTAAgricultural Action Plan, a process of the City of Toronto, regions of Halton, Peel, York•arid Durham, as well as' the Federations of Agriculture and the province. We intend to.explore Authority support of that. initiative at locations throughout TRCA's jurisdiction. We appreciate your: Support of the other ideas proposed in The Living City Campus including the Sustainable House; Common Events Space, Biodiversity Trail and Energy Trail. Hopefully, I can count �n you to support our work in the future to help make The Living. City Campus vision become a reality. Yours truly, Brian E. Denn Chief Admini y rative'Officer GW:L cc: Ms. J. Norinekes, Humber Watershed Alliance Member Ms. C. Ray, HumberWatershed Alliance Member Ms. D.-Schulte,,Humber Watershed Alliance Member Mr. B. Wilson, Humber Watershed Alliance Member 52 CORRESPONDENCE (C) ,MALONEGIVEN i PARSONS LTD. March 27, 2008 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority . 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Canada 140 Renfrew Drive. Suite 201, Markham Ontario, Canada L3R 653 Tel: (905) 513 -0170 Fax: (905) 513 -0177 E-mail: mgpgen @mgp.ca Attention: Ms G.L. O'Connor Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Re: The Rouge River Watershed Plan and Implementation Guide Dear Ms. O'Connor, I am submitting this letter on behalf of the North Markham Landowners' Group which controls approximately 1081 hectares in an area bounded by Woodbine Avenue on the west, Major Mackenzie Drive on the south, Ninth Line on the cast, and the Town of Markham municipal boundary on the north. This area is "the Whitebelt" in North Markham. The North Markham Landowners' Group understands that staff is recommending approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan at the meeting of March 28, 2008. We know the history of the document and TRCA's urgency to complete this work. We request that approval incorporate recognition that the Growth Plan implementation processes are underway in York Region and the Town of Markham, and that the work, when completed, will be used to re -model the Rouge River Watershed to synchronize the watershed plan with the products of those exercises. With respect to the Rouge River Watershed Plan — Implementation Guide, we understand that it is not intended to be approved but to act as a basis for discussion, and that the North Markham Landowners' Group, as the largest stakeholder, will be consulted through that process of discussion. The final versions of both documents include new infonnation which to date has not been available to or vetted by the public or us. Some of this new data has serious implications for this area to be used for growth as contemplated by York Region in their growth plan implementation work that was issued in 2007. We have previously made comprehensive submissions to the conservation authority on both the watershed plan and the implementation guide. There has been no response to our comments, and the changes between the drafts and the final versions have not reflected our input in any substantive way. Therefore, our earlier- stated concerns remain unanswered. 53 We have talked with your staff and have made arrangement to talk to the staff of the Town of Markham in order to prepare detailed assessment programs for environmental features and groundwater in this area. The work is being undertaken to enhance everyone's knowledge. We trust that the dialogue between ourselves and your staff that has already been initiated. through this process will lead to the creation of a sustainable community in North Markham. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Cc: William Fisch, Chair, York Region Frank Scarpitti, Mayor, Town of Markham Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, Town of Markham Bryan Tuckey, Commissioner of Planning and Development Services, York Region Ron Glenn, Director, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal Larry Clay, Director, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Brian Denny, Chief Administrative Officer, TRCA. Deborah Martin -Down, Director, Ecology Division, 'TRCA Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development Division, TRCA Jessica Lauren Annis, Senior Policy Advisor, Government Relations, BILD Don Given, Malone Given Parsons North Markham Landowners' Group 54 CORRESPONDENCE (D) Rouge River Watershed'Strategy and Implementation Plan FRW selected quotes from the TRCA Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report Water Quality Section 4.2.9 Summary and Conclusions "Overall, results indicate that meeting water quality targets will become an increasingly-distant goal as the footprint of development expands" Stream Baseflow Page 4.1 Simulation of the conventional development Scenarios 2 and 6 with the MODFLOW model resulted in reductions in groundwater discharge, and consequently baseflow, throughout the watershed. (Page 4.1.33) ... [ there is likely).... "an underestimation of potential impacts given the inability of MODFLOW to predict seasonal changes in groundwater discharge (Page 4.1.109). Reductions in regional aquifers from loss of recharge caused by development can be expected to be at their maximum in summer ... when baseflows are at critical low levels (Page 4.1- 47) Flooding - Page 4.1.38 Given the HSP -F modelling results and the findings of other researchers, there is somc doubt as to the whether stormwater management ponds based on synthetic design storms are sufficient to fully mitigate the effects of urban development on flooding under real world rainfall (and snow) conditions. Erosion - Page 4.1-43 The above results indicate that future urbanization will increase the magnitude and duration of 'erosive flows in receiving watercourses despite the use of current extended detention criteria to control runoff from more frequent events. Such development- induced changes to the flow regime have been shown to disrupt the equilibrium balance of sediment supply and transport in watercourses and cause the uncontrolled erosion, enlargement, and habitat degradation that are characteristic of impacted urban streams (Hammer, 1972; Schueler, 1995). .... the increase in the total volume of runoff resulting from the creation of impervious surfaces will continue to have impacts even released at lower rates. Therefore, the mitigation of erosion impacts from future development in the Rouge River watershed will require measures, beyond current pond detention approaches, to minimize increases in total runoff volume caused by . development. Page 4.1.49 Modelling indicates that the middle tributaries would be subject to major hydrological impacts under OP build -out and full build -out conditions .... 55 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A42/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED PLAN: TOWARDS A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Approval of Rouge River Watershed Plan and immediate steps to facilitate its implementation. Gay Cowbourne Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the Rouge River Watershed, Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future be approved; THAT staff be directed to work with partners to implement the plan; THAT staff be directed to use the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report, Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report, Action Plan for Sustainable Practices and Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide as reference documents to inform and guide ongoing work and long term work planning and budget preparation; THAT copies of the Rouge River Watershed Plan be circulated to municipalities within the Rouge River watershed and their Councils be asked to adopt the plan and commit to work with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to implement the recommendations appropriate to their municipality; THAT copies of the Rouge River Watershed Plan be circulated to the Rouge Park Alliance and they be asked to adopt the plan and recognize it under section 3.2.6 of the Greenbelt Plan; THAT copies of the Rouge River Watershed Plan be circulated to the provincial and federal governments as well as other relevant organizations and interest groups, including former members of the Rouge Watershed Task Force, and they be asked to provide ongoing support for the implementation of the principles, goals and relevant recommendations of the plan; THAT copies of the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report, Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report, Action Plan for Sustainable Practices and Rouge Rive_ r Watershed Plan Implementation Guide be circulated to watershed municipalities and made available to other partner organizations and they be encouraged to use these reference documents to inform and guide their ongoing work; THAT copies of the Rouge River Watershed Plan be circulated to local libraries and copies of the plan and all supporting documents be posted on the TRCA web site; 56 THAT staff be directed to work with watershed municipalities and other partners to develop five year workplans and budgets for top priority projects identified in the Rouge Watershed Plan Implementation Guide and incorporate them into the annual capital budget process; THAT the revised Conformity Assessment for the Rouge River Watershed Plan in Attachment 4 and the watershed planning documents referenced in the conformity assessment be deemed to fulfil the watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP; 2002) and be approved for use in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine and that the regional and local municipalities, province and Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition (CAMC) be so advised; THAT staff meet with representatives of the Aboriginal community to discuss the Rouge River Watershed Plan and ways they wish to be involved in its implementation; THAT staff be directed to host an annual multi - stakeholder forum, beginning in 2009, to report on progress in implementation of the Rouge River Watershed Plan, and report back to the Authority on the results of the forum; AND FURTHER THAT staff convene up to 3 additional meetings per year with municipal staff and other stakeholder representatives from the Rouge watershed, and in conjunction with other watershed groups where appropriate, to have input to the annual forum design and follow -up. RECORDED VOTE Maria Augmieri Yea Bryan Bertie Yea Laurie Bruce Yea Gay Cowbourne Yea Glenn De Baeremaeker Yea Grant Gibson Yea Lois Griffin Yea Suzan Hall Yea Jack Heath Yea Bonnie Littley Yea Glenn Mason Yea Reenga Mathivanan Yea Gerri Lynn O'Connor Yea Anthony Perruzza Yea Gino Rosati Yea John Sprovieri Yea Richard Whitehead Yea THE MOTION WAS CARRIED 57 BACKGROUND Purpose and Role of Watershed Plan In 2003, TRCA entered into a five year work program with the Regional Municipality of York and the City of Toronto to prepare a watershed plan for the Rouge River. This initiative was to assist York Region municipalities in fulfilling the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) requirement to have watershed plans completed by April, 2007. The study was also designed to update the original 1990 Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River Watershed, provide a watershed context for Rouge Park plans, augment the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan by providing direction in the '905' region and apply TRCA's vision for The Living City at a watershed scale. The goal of the watershed•planning study was to make long term strategic recommendations for the protection and enhancement of watershed health, based on an integrated understanding of watershed systems and technical analysis of issues, opportunities and management strategies and their predicted effects on the watershed. The watershed planning approach is well- recognized in legislation and local plans and policies, although it is only the ORMCP which requires municipalities to undertake watershed plans and incorporate their objectives and requirements into municipal official plans and ensure that major development on the Oak Ridges Moraine conforms with the watershed plan (see Table 1: Selected Policy Documents Promoting Watershed Planning). Also of note is section 3.2.6 of the Greenbelt Plan, which recognizes the significance of the Rouge watershed and recommends that for lands within the watershed outside of the Protected Countryside, any municipal or conservation authority plans which build on and /or support the Rouge North Management Plan or Rouge Park Plan should be considered as the guiding land planning and resource management documents. The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, Rouge Park Alliance and TRCA as they update their policies and programs for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration within the contexts of land and water use, and the planning of future urban growth. The plan also provides direction to local non - governmental organizations and private landowners with regard to best management practices and opportunities for environmental stewardship. Table 1: Selected Policy Documents Promoting Watershed Planning Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2002) Watershed plans 24. (1) Every upper -tier municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin preparing a watershed plan, in accordance with subsection (3), for every watershed whose streams originate within the municipality's area of jurisdiction: (2) The objectives and requirements of each watershed plan shall be incorporated into the municipality's official plan. Growth Plan for Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) 3:2.5 Water and Wastewater Systems 7. Municipalities, in conjunction with conservation authorities, are encouraged to prepare watershed • plans and use such plans to guide development decisions and water and wastewater servicing decisions. 58 Greenbelt Plan (2005) 3.2.3 Water Resource System Policies The following Water Resource System policies apply throughout the Protected Countryside... • 2. Watersheds are the most meaningful scale for hydrological planning, and municipalities together with conservation authorities should ensure that watershed plans are completed and used to guide planning and development decisions within the Protected Countryside. 3.2.6 The Rouge River Watershed and Park "The Rouge River Watershed is of particular significance ...for those lands within the watershed north of Steeles-Avenue, outside of the Protected Countryside, the Rouge North Management Plan and the Rouge North Implementation Manual, together with any municipal or conservation authority plans or initiatives which build on and /or support the Rouge Park North Management Plan, should be considered as the guiding land planning and resource management documents. For those lands within the Rouge Park south of Steeles Avenue, outside of the Protected Countryside, the Rouge • Park Plan together with any municipal or conservation authority plans or initiatives which build on and /or support the Rouge Park Plan should be considered as the guiding land use planning and resource management documents." Municipal Official Plans City of Toronto, 2002 The Official Plan makes reference to watershed plans in the context of managing stormwater. Official Plan policy states that the City will work with neighbouring municipalities and the Province to develop a framework for dealing with growth across the GTA which will, among other things result in better water quality through water conservation and wastewater and stormwater management based on watershed principles. In addition, the Official Plan indicates that private city - building activities and changes to the built environment, including public works, will "reduce the adverse effects of stormwater and snow melt based on hierarchy of watershed -based wet weather flow practices...". York Region, 2004 2.3 Water It is the policy of Council: 1. To cooperate with area municipalities, the conservation authorities and other agencies in the preparation of watershed planning initiatives to: a) identify headwaters areas and better understand their function, linkages and sensitivities; b) establish and achieve water•quality objectives for the watershed; c) address the long -term cumulative impact of development on the watershed; d) create an inventory of existing geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, groundwater recharge areas, limnology, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and other environmental data; e) recommend appropriate stormwater management techniques, including, but no limited to best management practices, the use of natural vegetative drainage corridors and the use of permeable surfaces; and f) identify the form and constraints under which development may be permitted and provide guidelines for development, design and construction. 59 Restoration Plans Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (1994) • Recommends a watershed -based approach to de- listing impaired beneficial uses of the Toronto waterfront and watersheds, and notes Action 41: Include Watershed Perspectives in Plan ning Process. Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan' (WWFMMP; 2003) The City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan identified a specific need to undertake restoration to mitigate impacts of development in the 905 area and to complement actions being taken in the downstream portion of the watershed. A key guiding principle of the WWFMMP is wet weather flow will be managed on a watershed basis with a natural systems approach being applied to stormwater management as a priority. . Watershed Planning Process At Authority Meeting #7/03, held on September 26, 2003, Resolution #A196/03 was approved, giving approval to an overall workplan for the watershed planning study. The workplan outlined a three - phased approach, including: 1) initial scoping and characterization of current conditions; 2) analysis of current and potential future stresses on the watershed and evaluation of various management strategies; and 3) preparation of the watershed management 'plan and implementation framework. Opportunities for public and stakeholder consultation throughout the process were recognized as an essential component of the work program. A significant component of this program involved the formation of a multi - stakeholder Rouge Watershed Task Force in April, 2004 to guide the preparation of.the watershed plan. The task force met almost monthly between April, 2004 and November, 2006. The scope of technical study components addressed the core ORMCP requirements (e.g. water, natural heritage) and acknowledged that 'other' study components such as cultural heritage and nature -based recreation were to be included to address local watershed interests and issues. In 2005, the province released a series of draft technical guidelines addressing various aspects of the ORMCP, including one on watershed planning. The guidelines were finalized in 2007. The watershed planning guideline, while quite general, advocates the same planning process that TRCA and its partners have followed. New Approaches TRCA has been committed to be a leader in advancing the, science of integrated watershed planning in order to produce state -of- the -art watershed planning products that will provide a sound basis for effective management decisions. Some of the innovative aspects of this work included: • modelling and analysis of the watershed's response to future land use and management scenarios, including various extents and forms of urban growth, stormwater retrofits, expanded natural cover and climate change; 60 • an integrated, interdisciplinary analysis that has improved TRCA's understanding of the watershed system and its sensitivities (e.g. interaction of surface and groundwater; effects of terrestrial natural heritage on hydrology); • development and application of linked modelling tools to support the above -noted analysis; • development of a science -based methodology for prioritization of regeneration actions; • social marketing studies in support of more strategic implementation recommendations for lot level practices in business and residential sectors; • development of an implementation guide to accompany the watershed plan, including a policy component that will assist municipal planners in applying the plan's science and strategic recommendations; and • ongoing commitment to community engagement in the planning process. Rouge Watershed Task Force's Final Draft Watershed Plan As reported to the Authority in January, 2007, the Rouge Watershed Task Force delivered the Final Draft Watershed Plan at their final meeting on November 30, 2006 and requested that TRCA complete all technical supporting documents for the plan and undertake additional consultation and peer review on the final draft plan and its supporting documents (see Attachment 1 - Correspondence from Bryan Buttigieg to Chair of TRCA). Although initial consultation had been conducted on a first draft of the plan during November, 2006, it was acknowledged that opportunities for input had been limited, both in time and availability of the background documents. At Authority Meeting #11/06, held on January 26, 2007, Resolution #A295/06, was approved as follows: THAT the Chair, Mr. Bryan Buttigieg, and members of the Rouge Watershed Task Force be thanked for their outstanding effort in the development of the Rouge watershed plan, entitled "Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future"; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to undertake public and stakeholder consultation on the final draft Rouge watershed plan and its supporting technical documents; THAT TRCA staff offer presentations on the final draft Rouge watershed plan to all Rouge watershed municipalities and solicit their comments; THAT TRCA staff develop an implementation guide, a five year implementation workplan and budget, and implementation committee structure for the Rouge watershed plan, in consultation with implementing partners; THAT TRCA staff finalize the Rouge watershed plan, in cooperation with the Rouge Watershed Task Force Chair, to ensure the comments are in keeping with the task force principles, tone and spirit of the final task force plan; THAT TRCA staff report back to the April, 2007 Watershed Management Advisory Board meeting with a final Rouge watershed plan, proposed implementation committee Terms of Reference, and preliminary implementation guide and implementation workplan; 61 AND FURTHER THAT the Chair and Members of the Rouge Watershed Task Force be invited to attend the meeting when the Rouge watershed plan is to be considered for adoption by the Authority. As discussed under 'ORMCP Conformity' section, later in this report, TRCA staff reported back to at Authority Meeting #3/07, held on April 27, 2007, on progress with completion of the support documents and a recommendation for use of the final draft plan on an interim basis for fulfilment of the ORMCP requirements. Supporting •Documents The following principle documents support the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Rouge River State of the Watershed Report (TRCA, 2007) - documents the current watershed conditions and issues in relation to the watershed goals and objectives, according to eight theme areas: groundwater quality and quantity, surface water quantity, surface water quality, stream-form, aquatic systems, terrestrial systems, nature -based recreation, cultural heritage, air quality and sustainable land and resource use. A summary of ratings of current conditions is provided as a reference for future reports of watershed health. Rouge River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report (TRCA, 2007),- summarizes the predicted watershed response to future land use and management scenarios. This work identified the relative effectiveness of various management strategies and provided a basis for recommendations in the watershed plan. Rouge.River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (TRCA, 2008) - organizes the watershed plan's recommendations according to the relevant implementation tools and assembles additional information to inform initial action. The guide summarizes a proposed workplan Of implementation projects, within the context of existing programs and likely implementing partners. Action Plan for Sustainable Practices - Implementation Strategies for the Residential and Business Sectors in the Greater Toronto Area (Freeman Associates, 2006) - a social marketing based study which recommended strategies for accelerating the uptake and adoption of sustainable practices, with a focus on lot level stormwater management and naturalization. These key strategies were included in the watershed plan. A full list of all supporting and complementary documents is presented at the back "of the watershed plan and each of the individual supporting reports. Of note is the Rouge River Watershed Based Fisheries Management Plan, which has been developed in concert with the watershed plan, but is following an independent consultation and approval process. 62 Consultation on Final Draft Watershed Plan and Supporting Documents Consultation Mechanisms Upon completion of the supporting documents, TRCA staff conducted a final program of consultation for the plan. Copies of the final draft watershed plan were sent out in early November, 2007 to senior study contacts within key departments of each watershed municipality, offices of Rouge Park and provincial and federal governments, interested stakeholders and former members of the Rouge Watershed Task Force. Information was provided about the availability of supporting documents (downloadable from TRCA's website or available upon request in hard copy or CD) and upcoming consultation sessions. An offer was extended to have TRCA staff attend meetings or provide presentations to facilitate reviews. Comments and an indication of support in principle for the watershed plan were requested by January 15, 2008, although this deadline was extended to the end of January and beyond in several instances. A half -day 'government' consultation session was held on November 26, 2007, involving staff representatives from watershed municipalities and provincial and federal government departments. Approximately 35 people attended. There was strong support for the watershed plan and good dialogue about how to move forward to implementation. Three public open houses were held at locations around the watershed, including Toronto (November 26, 2007), Whitchurch - Stouffville (November 27, 2007) and Markham (November 28, 2007). A total of about 50 people attended. These sessions were advertised via notices placed in all major community newspapers throughout the watershed, including one ad which was translated into a Chinese language for inclusion in the newspaper Ming Pao. A number of newspapers and a professional planning newsletter printed supportive follow -up articles about the Rouge River Watershed Plan. Presentations and meetings were convened in January, 2008 with the Town of Richmond Hill Council, the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association and the North Markham Landowners Group. Presentations and meetings had previously been given, upon request, to the Town of Markham Development Services Committee (January, 2007), City of Toronto staff (January, 2007) and Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville staff (April, 2007). Feedback Received In summary, most of the feedback received was very supportive, acknowledging the scientific basis for the plan, the innovative and comprehensive planning approach and the action - oriented implementation directions. Many municipalities, including the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Markham, the Town of Richmond Hill, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville and the City of Pickering, have already passed council resolutions supporting the plan in principle. The two most significant comments pertained to the need for clarification of the role of the watershed plan, in terms of the authority under which it is to be implemented (explanatory text has been added in response to this comment) and clarification about the third main strategic direction 'recognize regional open space' (additional explanation has been provided in the text). A few other comments identified the need for minor points of clarification and updated references to current initiatives of implementing partners. These edits have been incorporated into the final document brought forward for approval. 63 Aboriginal Community • TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance had originally attempted to involve representation from the Aboriginal community as part of the task force membership, but were unable to identify someone who was able to participate. Staff believe that involvement of the Aboriginal community in the implementation of the watershed plan will be very important to its success, particularly, considering the rich cultural heritage of the watershed. Staff recommend the need to meet with members of the Aboriginal community to discuss the plan and determine ways that this community may wish to be involved in future stages of the plan's implementation. Expert Peer Review It had-been the original intent to conduct an expert peer review on the final draft plan and supporting documents (in addition to the peer review that was conducted on the draft 2004 State of the Watershed Report and Study Workplan), and in fact this was one of the steps requested by the Rouge Watershed Task Force. However, given the time required by staff to complete all background reports in conjunction with other concurrent watershed planning studies, TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance staff considered the relative benefits of additional peer review in relation to the further delays this would cause in finalizing and initiating implementation of the plan. Peer review has already been conducted on core components of the watershed, planning work, specifically: • Modular Flow System - Fortran (MODFLOW) groundwater model was developed and reviewed by the multi- partner'YPDT (York -Peel- Durham - Toronto) groundwater group;' • • a TRCA jurisdiction -wide water budget model, producing similar results in the Rouge as the model used in the Rouge watershed planning study, has been favourably peer reviewed by an independently- contracted expert as part of the CTC (Credit Valley- Toronto and Region - Central Lake Ontario) Source Protection program; • the TRCA's Regional Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy which formed the basis for the Rouge target terrestrial system has been peer reviewed; and • the Duffins Creek Watershed Planning process, which the Rouge study followed, was favourably peer reviewed and has been cited by the province and others as a state -of- the -art model. Staff has involved external expertise in workshops as part of the plan development and the plan itself, and the supporting documents, have been circulated for public and agency review and comment. In addition, the fisheries management plan, which is being developed in concert with the watershed plan (and its associated aquatic system components), is being guided by a multi- agency steering committee and is undergoing independent public and agency consultation. Modelling of similar issues in neighbouring watersheds (i.e. Credit River, Humber River) is showing similar watershed responses. Therefore, staff feel the work is further supported by these findings. Finally, assumptions and areas of uncertainty in the modelling throughout the-plan and supporting documents have been acknowledged, and staff is committed to facilitate further work in those areas. Based on these considerations, it is believed the work is defensible and staff would prefer to proceed to final approval to allow implementation of the many 'no regrets,' urgent recommendations which have many benefits. The plan is a living document, which can be updated in the future, as new science and approaches emerge. 64 Rouge River Watershed Plan - Key Recommendations The Rouge River Watershed Plan concludes that the watershed is an extraordinary resource, but if future development proceeds with current approaches to community design and stormwater management, it will not be possible to maintain current conditions, let alone improve them (see Attachment 2 - Watershed Plan Executive Summary). The plan sets out a number of strategic recommendations to protect and enhance valued resources, regenerate damaged systems and build more sustainable communities. These strategies fall into three broad categories: • Establish the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system. • Build sustainable communities (by improving water management and promoting sustainable practices overall). • Recognize and enhance a regional open space system. The management strategy recommendations are as follows: Water 1) Protect recharge and discharge. 2) Increase natural cover. 3) Improve sustainapility of development design. 4) Improve erosion and sediment control and site restoration. 5) Implement stormwater retrofits. 6) Maintain stormwater infrastructure. 7) Prevent pollution. 8) Manage flood risks. 9) Protect stream form. 10) Monitor, evaluate and adjust. Aquatic System 1) Protect habitat and maintain flow conditions. . 2) Optimize fish passage for native fish species. 3) Install or maintain barriers to partition species or exclude invasive species. 4) Improve recreational fishing opportunities. Terrestrial System 1) Secure the targeted system. 2) Restore and enhance natural cover. 3) Manage the matrix. Urban Land Use 1) Implement sustainable urban form. 2) Implement sustainable infrastructure. 3) Implement sustainable transportation. 65 Agriculture 1) Provide GTA -wide services for local farm businesses. 2) Support local food and increase public awareness about sustainable agriculture. 3) Implement land use policies to support agriculture. 4) Support agricultural vitality on publicly owned agricultural lands. Resource Use 1) Increase water efficiency and conservation. • 2) Reduce energy use and non - fossil fuel alternatives. 3) Reduce waste. Air Quality and Climate Change 1) Undertake a vegetation impacts study. 2) Reduce vehicle use and other emissions. 3) Enhance natural vegetation sinks. Nature Based Recreation • 1) Recognize the regional system for nature -based recreation. 2) Implement an inter - regional trail network. 3) Develop a recreation strategy for the Northern Countryside. 4) Protect the urban wilderness experience of Rouge Park. 5) Develop a plan to balance public access and resource protection. 6). Interpret natural and cultural heritage., 7) Establish management and operational agreements for Rouge Park and other public lands in York Region. 8) Form community partnerships for implementation. Cultural Heritage 1) Investigate and conserve cultural heritage prior to changes in land use. 2) Establish a comprehensive communication plan with Aboriginal groups. 3) Fill gaps in archaeological knowledge. 4) Develop active and participatoryprograms to increase awareness. 5) Develop a living cultural heritage program. Implementation Guide _ Top Priority Implementation Projects .The Implementation Guide organizes the watershed plan's recommendations according to relevant implementation tools (e.g. policy, regeneration, land securement, stewardship and education, operations and maintenance, enforcement and monitoring) and identifies top priority projects for initial implementation (see Attachment 3 - Implementation Guide Executive Summary). Like the watershed plan, the Implementation Guide is intended to inform and guide. The proposed projects contained in the guide are meant to serve as a basis for discussion among implementing partners and as a source for the further development of individual partners' own long term work plan and budget preparations. Upon approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan, TRCA will initiate discussion with key implementing partners to develop five year workplans and budgets for the top priority projects, and incorporate them in capital budgets. 66 1 Revised ORMCP Conformity Assessment At Authority Meeting #3/07, held on April 27, 2007, Resolution #A102/07 was approved as follows: THAT the conformity assessment for the Rouge River Watershed Plan in Attachment 2 and the watershed planning documents referenced in the conformity assessment be deemed to fulfil the watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP; 2002) and be approved for use on an interim basis in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the Rouge River watershed until such time as a final Watershed Plan is brought back to the Authority for approval; Staff has revised the conformity assessment, based on the final watershed planning document references (see Attachment 4 - ORMCP Watershed Planning Requirements Conformity Assessment for Rouge River Watershed). Staff recommend that the revised conformity assessment and the final watershed planning documents referenced therein be approved for use in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine portion of the Rouge River watershed. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will take the following steps to facilitate the transition from plan to action: • design the desk - top - published version of the Rouge River Watershed Plan document and • distribute it to watershed partners; • meet with Aboriginal community leaders to discuss the watershed plan and ways they may wish to be involved in its implementation; • meet with municipal staff and other key implementing partners to incorporate top priority projects in future years workplans and budgets; • meet with municipal staff and other stakeholders to initiate the plan for hosting a 2009 multi - stakeholder forum to review progress at implementation of the watershed plan; and • continue to pursue projects in support of the Rouge Watershed Plan, as already funded in 2008 capital budgets, for example: • regeneration /reforestation projects; • Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit project; • Sustainable Neighbourhood Greenfield Development project; • preparation of water management guidelines; • Remedial Flood Risk Reduction Studies; and • Healthy Yards Program and associated social marketing studies. • Many municipalities, other agencies and local groups, including Rouge Park Alliance, have already begun to use the watershed plan to inform their ongoing projects and new initiatives. 67 FINANCIAL DETAILS Total funding in the amount of $1.3 million over 5 years was provided for the Rouge River Watershed Plan by the Regional Municipality of York and City of Toronto as part of the municipal capital budgets for TRCA. An additional grant.of $25,000 was provided by Environment Canada's Great Lakes Sustainability Fund in support of the regeneration plan component of the Implementation Guide. Report prepared by: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Email: smeek @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Email: smeek @trca.on.ca Date: March 14, 2008 Attachments: 4 68 Attachment 1 # ---- t Rouge Park 50 Bloomington Road West Aurora, Ontario l4G 3G8 Ph 905 - 713 -7426 Fax 905 - 713 -6028 rougeparkProugepark.com www.rougepark.com November 30, 2006 Mr. Dick O'Brien Chair Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, ON M3N 1S4 Dear Mr. O'Brien: C 'ORO %'IO AND RCCIOP - onservat,on for The Living, City 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Ph 416 - 661 -6600• Fax 416 - 661 -6898 www.trca.on.ca The Rouge River Watershed Plan is the product of the Rouge Watershed Task Force. At the last meeting of the Task Force, following 2.5 years of discussion and study, the report was adopted with the final resolution. Underlying the report is a wealth of scientific study including some groundbreaking modelling as well as innovative empirical social science research. These studies and the often lively discussions at the Task Force meetings have brought to the fore some key messages at once sobering and yet providing the opportunity for positive action. The underlying science demonstrates unequivocally that the Rouge River watershed is at a crossroads. At its heart is the largest urban wilderness park in North America Yet pressures on five municipalities, two regional governments, the province and the federal government (which owns substantial tracts of land in the watershed) create enormous and often conflicting management demands. Concern for the environment is once again at the public forefront as this report is being finalised. There is no doubt that members of the public want to "do the right thing" when it comes to environmental matters. Yet the complexity of the problem cyan be overwhelming to an individual citizen. The phenomenal participation rate in blue and green box programs demonstrates how much change can be effected with appropriate leadership and direction. Research, the public will and economics all appear to be moving towards favouring a more truly sustainable way of living in a North American urban area. Opportunities exist today for individual buildings, infrastructure, transportation, energy and water management that were merely theoretical only a few years ago. Decisions to take advantage or squander these opportunities will directly affect the future of this watershed. The watershed plan provides general direction. It is the broadest of navigational tools. It points out the routes available and the desired destination. By itself, this document will not achieve any results. If there was one sentiment expressed consistently by members of this Task Force it was a desire that this report not be yet another report that would be filed away and gather dust. Leadership is needed to make specific decisions at all levels from governments, to planners, developers and individuals that are consistent with the goals of this plan Not all decisions need necessarily cost money. Inaction, indecision and lack of leadership also have their costs- often to be paid for (with accrued interest) by future residents. 69 Within our own sphere, every citizen in this watershed is a leader and a decision maker. Every one of us has the power to make decisions that will affect the future of this watershed. It is my sincere hope that the right leadership will be demonstrated by all decision makers in the watershed so that the general principles and goals of this watershed plan will indeed be put into specific action. I believe that if this is done, when this plan is next reviewed, we can all be proud to have navigated through the future years of this watershed in.a way that we and more importantly perhaps, our children and their children can be proud of. The text of the final task force resolution follows: THAT the Rouge Watershed Task Force forward its final Watershed Plan to the TRCA for its consideration; THAT TRCA be requested to complete all supporting documents as soon as possible and conduct further consultation, including arf expert peer review, on the final draft Plan and supporting documents; THAT Rouge Watershed Task Force members be circulated a copy of the expert peer review report; THAT TRCA be requested in the finalization of this document to ensure that comments have been addressed in keeping with'the Task Force principles, tone and spirit of the final Task Force Plan; THAT TRCA be requested to facilitate the development of an Implementation Guide and a five year Implementation Workplan and budget for the Rouge River Watershed Plan, in consultation with key implementing partners; THAT the TRCA be requested to establish an Implementation Committee as soon as possible following the finalization of the Watershed Plan in order to promote and track the implementation of the Watershed Plan; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance, the Municipal partners, the Provincial and Federal governments as well as all residents, organizations and relevant interest groups be requested to provide their ongoing support for the implementation of the principles and goals of the Rouge River Watershed Plan. Yours Very Truly i % �r� Bryan J. Butiigieg ------- Chair, Rouge Rivcryl &shed Task Force 70 Attachment 2 Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Rouge River watershed is an extraordinary resource in Southern Ontario, treasured and 2 enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. It spans 336 km of land and water in the Regions of York and Durham, Cities of Toronto and Pickering, and Towns of Markham, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch - Stouffville. It includes all the lands that drain to the Rouge River and its tributaries, including the Little Rouge River, starting in the hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine and flowing south to Lake Ontario (see Figure 1 -1). Why do we need this watershed plan? If you live, work or play in the Rouge River watershed, you depend on its health in a number of ways. The Rouge watershed is a source of your drinking water - whether you rely on wells or water from Lake Ontario. Unpaved land absorbs water from rain and snowfall to replenish groundwater and streams and reduce the negative impacts of flooding and erosion. Healthy aquatic and terrestrial habitats support diverse communities of plants and animals. Agricultural lands provide local sources of food and green spaces provide recreation opportunities. A rich human heritage affords links to the past that enrich and inform our lives today. The natural beauty of the.forests, meadows, farmlands, wetlands, rivers and creeks provides urban dwellers with solace, renewal and contact with. nature. Increasing concerns about the health of our cities and countryside, the safety of our drinking water and the future of the Oak Ridges Moraine have lead to a number of initiatives towards sustainable living in Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Great Lakes Region. Actions taken in the Rouge watershed can provide a model for actions in other watersheds, as well as influence the environmental health of larger systems. What is the role of the watershed plan? Specifically, the watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, TRCA, Rouge Park Alliance, non - government organizations and private landowners as they update their policies and practices for environmental stewardship. This watershed plan was prepared by a multi - stakeholder task force that includes .representatives from all levels of government agencies, private businesses, not - for - profit organizations and the public and was coordinated by TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance (see Appendix C). The plan has a strong technical foundation, based on decades of monitoring of environmental conditions combined with a leading edge approach to modelling of potential future conditions. A series of management summits was held to convene experts who could help identify best practices and recommendations to achieve the objectives of the Rouge Watershed Task Force. 71 The guiding framework for this watershed plan comprises an overall goal, a set of principles, nine goals and 22 objectives with specific targets. Our overall goal is: To work towards a healthy and sustainable Rouge watershed by protecting, restoring and enhancing its, ecological and cultural integrity within the context of a regional natural heritage system. Our goals,, objectives and targets address: • Groundwater • Surface water • Stream form • Aquatic system • Terrestrial system • Air quality and climate change • Cultural heritage • Nature -based recreation • Sustainable land and resource use One of the foundations of this plan is the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report, which provides a wealth of recent information about natural and cultural resources and human activities in the watershed. Land use in the Rouge watershed today is approximately 40% rural, 35% urban, 24% natural cover and 1% open water. The lower watershed is dominated by Rouge Park, with a small but well established area of urban development to the west. The middle and - western parts are experiencing rapid urban expansion and have sparse natural cover except in Rouge Park. The upper and eastern portions of the watershed are primarily rural and agricultural with some small towns and villages. The Rouge watershed represents a rich inheritance for current and future communities. The Little Rouge River watershed is still relatively undeveloped with considerable natural cover and a water balance typical.of a rural watershed. The aquatic systems in the upper Little Rouge and parts of the Main Rouge are healthy enough to support cold- and cool -water communities including species of concern such as redside dace and brook trout. Natural habitats support a high diversity of plants and animals, including many that are rare or at risk (such as the . nationally threatened Jefferson salamander, provincially significant Cooper's hawk and regionally rare one flower cancer - root). Major blocks of publicly owned lands have been reserved for conservation and greenspace purposes, most notably the 41 square kilometre Rouge Park. The Rouge watershed also has a rich cultural heritage, including many archaeological and historic sites, landscapes, stories and artifacts from earlier inhabitants as well as the diverse cultures of present day communities. 72 Unfortunately, there are signs of stress. Decades of urban development have resulted in harmful changes that exceed the carrying capacity of natural systems. These changes include increased surface runoff, more water pollution, greater annual flow volumes in rivers and streams, increased erosion and sedimentation, channel instability, loss of biodiversity, and greater incidence of smog. They are signs that the ability of the air, land and water to absorb the negative impacts of human activities is strained and cannot be sustained over the long term unless fundamental changes are made. Rehabilitation of infrastructure and restoration of natural habitats to address these issues is underway, but these measures are expensive and time consuming. To help us understand how the watershed might react to changes in land use, environmental management and climate in the future, we undertook a multi- faceted process of analysis and synthesis. This included modelling studies to compare eight potential scenarios, as documented in our Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report. The results of this work were combined with an examination of existing conditions and trends in the watershed, a review of watershed research in other areas, and the best professional judgement of a range of experts in many fields. What can we expect in future? We discovered that if future development proceeds with current approaches to community design and stormwater management, it will not be possible to maintain current watershed conditions, let alone improve them. If development practices are changed to use the best foreseeable community designs and management techniques, it may be possible to maintain and in some cases enhance current conditions. However many of the new designs and technologies for sustainable urban development are still evolving and being tested so we recommend that where permitted, development should proceed with caution. Evaluation should be undertaken, with extensive and meaningful public consultation, to assess how well watershed objectives and targets are being met and recommend adjustments to development practices when necessary. Fortunately, the Rouge watershed offers many unique opportunities, including the assembly and renaturalization of lands as part of Rouge Park and the continuation of agriculture on public and private lands. Watershed municipalities are already working to address the negative impacts of existing developments and are among the leaders in promoting sustainable practices. These opportunities provide valuable tools to help address concerns with current watershed conditions, manage impacts from future land use changes and adapt to the uncertainties associated with global climate change. The pathway to a healthy watershed that emerged from this analysis is based on a comprehensive and inter - dependent set of strategies that will protect and enhance valued resources, regenerate damaged systems, and build more sustainable communities. These strategies encompass three broad themes: 1. Establish the targeted terrestrial natural heritage system: Figure 5 -2 illustrates an expanded natural heritage system that provides multiple benefits, including biodiversity and habitats, water balance maintenance and restoration, opportunities for nature -based recreation, improved quality of life, and greater resilience to urban growth and climate change. It can be accomplished by protecting existing valued assets, securing additional lands, regenerating degraded areas and improving stewardship of public and private lands. 73 2. Build sustainable communities: We have identified more sustainable approaches to urban form, infrastructure, transportation and resource use that will contribute to overall improved quality of life. They should be applied to new communities, as well as to the intensification or redevelopment of existing ones. Some,of the key features include reduced imperviousness, measures to maintain or restore water balance, design features to facilitate sustainable choices (e.g. energy conservation, reduced vehicle use, support for local agricultural products) and protection and adaptive re -use of cultural heritage features. Development, where permitted, should proceed at a pace and extent that allows sufficient time to adopt, test and evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies and to make adjustments if the results do not meet our objectives' and targets for the watershed. 3. Recognize and develop a regional open space system: The Rouge. watershed has the basis for a significant, inter - connected regional open space system including Rouge Park and regional trails, conservation areas and major municipal parks. We recommend that this system be further developed to reach its potential to provide nature -based recreation experiences for a growing population, support for healthy communities, interpretation of natural and cultural heritage, linkages with local neighbourhoods and connections to surrounding watersheds. An important prerequisite for action will be to increase awareness among watershed residents, businesses, developers and agencies of the importance of the watershed, its water cycles, natural systems and cultural heritage. We recommend a Tong -term outreach program to provide information and understanding, explain how people can act on this knowledge, and inspire action. Our social marketing study, Action Plan for Sustainable Practices, showed that there is a modest.basis of understanding and support for sustainability, but the public needs more specific information, marketing campaigns and assistance to inspire action. It also highlighted a number of issues that reduce opportunities for businesses to adopt sustainable practices, therefore we plan to remove barriers and provide incentives for the business community. The coordinated efforts of government agencies and community leaders are also crucial to the success of this watershed plan. They have many complementary tools available, including plans and policies, permits and regulations, enforcement, infrastructure operations and maintenance, stewardship and regeneration programs, and education and awareness initiatives. More details about how these existing tools can be used to help implement the watershed plan are provided in the Implementation Guide. We are standing at a crossroads. In one direction lies a future modelled on the.past, with continued losses of environmental quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage along with considerable costs to address the health, social and economic consequences of degraded environmental conditions. In the other direction is a future with healthy natural systems and a rich natural and cultural heritage, supporting a, higher quality of life for our communities. This plan outlines the key steps to achieve the best possible future for ourselves and our grandchildren. We hope you will support it and become a partner in its implementation. 74 Attachment 3 Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide - Executive Summary Executive Summary Introduction The Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future (TRCA, 2007) was prepared by a multi - stakeholder task force to provide effective guidance for the protection and enhancement of the Rouge River watershed. The task force included representatives from all levels of government agencies, private businesses, not - for - profit organizations and the public and was coordinated by TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance. The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments and TRCA as they update their policies and programs for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration within the contexts of land and water use, and the planning of future urban growth. The plan provides direction to local non - governmental organizations and private landowners with regard to best management practices and opportunities for environmental stewardship. To accomplish the management strategies set out in the plan, there will need to be coordinated efforts by a variety of implementing partners. Purpose The purpose of this Implementation Guide is to facilitate implementation of the recommendations contained in the Rouge River Watershed Plan Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future (TRCA, 2007). The Guide organizes the watershed plan recommendations according to relevant implementation tools and assembles additional information to inform initial action. The Guide further summarizes a 10 year work plan of implementation projects, within the context of existing programs and likely implementing partners. Like the watershed plan the Implementation Guide is intended to inform and guide the ongoing implementation and development of programs and policies. The proposed projects in the workplan are meant to serve as a basis for discussion. The proposed projects contained in this Guide are intended to serve as a basis for discussion among implementing partners and as a source for the further development of individual partners' own long term work plan and budget preparations. Strategic Watershed Management Direction The Rouge River Watershed Plan concludes that.the watershed is at a critical crossroads in that it continues to support many unique natural and cultural heritage values, and yet a number of present and anticipated stresses will challenge the ability to sustain this remarkable condition. . The watershed plan identifies three integral actions for the protection and enhancement of the watershed: 75 1. Expand Terrestrial Natural Cover Create and enhance natural cover in a targeted terrestrial natural heritage system (TNHS). This action is especially important in areas upstream of existing and future urban growth, from a water management and erosion control imperative, and for parts of the target system vulnerable to loss or impact from urban growth, from a habitat biodiversity standpoint. It will also contribute to serving the growing demand for nature -based recreation and provide greater resilience to climate change. Land use policy, regeneration and land securement projects are the primary implementation mechanisms to achieve this set of recommendations. 2. Build More Sustainable New Communities and Retrofit Older Ones to Improve Their Sustainability By improving water management and promoting more sustainable practices overall. a) Improve Water Management . Manage for pre - development water balance (i.e., runoff volume control and maintenance of infiltration) by protecting natural heritage systems, naturalizing urban landscapes, using innovative lot and conveyance level stormwater management technologies, and rainharvesting. This set of actions is critical to water management and the associated health of the aquatic system. b) Promote Sustainable Practices Overall Facilitate the use of these innovative water management approaches by promoting improved urban form, green buildings and sustainable behaviour, and at the same time address a broad range of other objectives for the sustainable community. Of particular interest is the need to accelerate the shift to the adoption of more sustainable practices - through education/ awareness, testing, and demonstrating new technologies. A co- ordinated combination of new policies, "retrofit" type regeneration projects, improved operations and maintenance programs, stewardship /education, and monitoring initiatives will be necessary. 3. Recognize -and Develop a Regional Open Space System Further develop the regional open space system to support the growing population and healthy communities by improving accessibility to trails, interpretation and celebration of natural and cultural heritage. Distinctive urban wilderness experiences of Rouge Park and countryside experiences are offered in the Rouge watershed. Cultural heritage features and landscapes are increasingly playing a role in recreation (e.g.; ,rural heritage settings, adaptive re -use of heritage buildings). Active and participatory education programs were identified as a strategic means of engaging the public and raising awareness of these issues and several regeneration capital works initiatives have been identified to address this set of recommendations. • 76 Top Priority Implementation Projects This Implementation Guide identifies a 10 year work plan of implementation projects addressing all recommendations of the watershed plan, and organized according to primary implementation mechanisms: • Policy; • Regeneration; Land securement; • • Stewardship and education; • Operations and maintenance; • Enforcement; and • Monitoring. The following list of top priority implementation projects has been selected with consideration for their collective ability to address the three integral actions noted above, in an expeditious and mutually supportive way. They are not listed in any particular order. The reference numbers in brackets (i.e., 1 -8) are the respective project numbers, as listed in the implementation work plan tables within the Guide, where additional information is provided. Policy and Policy Related Special Studies 1. Municipalities should work with TRCA to investigate ways to incorporate the following new policy directions into their planning documents (see Table 1.1 for details) (1 -1): a) Identify a targeted terrestrial natural heritage system, based on the system recommended in the watershed plan, and adopt policies to protect and restore natural cover. b) Manage for pre - development water balance (i.e., reduce excess runoff volume, maintain or restore natural levels of infiltration and evaporation) with particular emphasis on areas identified as locally significant recharge. c) Develop strategies and policies to promote sustainable urban form, including sustainable infrastructure, transportation and resource use. tl) Conduct Master Environmental Servicing Plans (MESPs) in a subwatershed context to establish the environmental features, functions and linkages as part of . the growth planning process. e) Recognize the regional open space system and the distinctive natural and cultural heritage that provides a basis for recreational experiences. f) Conduct comprehensive flood risk assessment plans where intensification is proposed in a flood vulnerable area and /or a Special Policy Area. g) Support stormwater retrofits in existing developments and redevelopment projects. h) Adopt policy to implement the Greater Golden Horseshoe Conservation Authorities' Erosion and Sediment Control Guideline for Urban Construction and update municipal Erosion and Sediment Control by -laws and Fill by -laws as necessary. i) Adopt policy to recognize and implement the Rouge River Watershed Based Fisheries Management Plan. 77 1) Support updated and expanded monitoring programs, including ambient monitoring, requirements for pre - development baseline monitoring, and the promotion and testing of new technologies and their cumulative watershed effects. 2. ORM Municipalities - recognize the Rouge River Watershed Plan in their official plans, as required by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) (1 -7). 3. MPIR, MMAH, municipalities, TRCA, AMO, CO, BILD - should establish development standards for sustainable community design for application to new development proposals. or urban expansions, consistent with the special recognition in the Greenbelt .Plan for the Rouge Park and its watershed (1 -3). 4. TRCA, municipalities and other approval agencies - Develop a strategy /procedure for streamlining approvals for innovative designs (1 -4). 5. TRCA, BILD; municipality - Promote a sustainable greenfield neighbourhood demonstration project (1 -5). 6. TRCA - Undertake a continuous simulation and event -based hydrologic modelling pilot study to•determine the most conservative approach to sizing SWM ponds for flood control in future growth areas (1 -10). 7. TRCA, municipalities - Undertake a scoped economic assessment of the implications of implementing the watershed plan's integral recommendations, including: valuation of ecosystem services; preparation of a methodology for applying the net gain approach; and development of recommendations for applying fairness and equity in implementation (1 -18) Regeneration 1. All partners - Increase natural cover: 1) in Rouge Park - implement existing restoration plans; 2) in Whitebelt - prepare restoration implementation plans for the NHS identified in municipal plans and co- ordinate with developers; and 3) in Headwaters.- prepare restoration implementation plans and implement prior to urban development (2- 1,2,3). 2. TRCA, municipalities - Develop sustainable neighbourhood retrofit action plans (2 -6). 3. TRCA, Rouge Park Alliance, municipalities - Undertake detailed planning and develop a long term funding strategy to implement the Rouge watershed inter - regional trails network (2 -12). • 4. TRCA, Rouge Park Alliance, Whitchurch- Stouffville - Develop a Northern Countryside recreation strategy (2 -13). 78 5. Ministry of Culture and partners - Establish a facility for storage of archaeological artifacts and document collections that is accessible to researchers; secure funding for capital and operations (2 -15). Land Securement 1. TRCA and Rouge Park.Alliance - update priority list for land securement within the Rouge watershed based on the Rouge Watershed Plan's recommended priorities within the TNHS (3 -1). 2. TRCA, municipalities and Rouge Park Alliance - Work with MPIR to investigate mechanisms, as may be necessary beyond planning measures, to secure the targeted TNHS lands in the "whitebelt" that do not have any legislated protection (3 -2). Stewardship and Education 1. TRCA and municipalities - Deliver technology transfer workshops, seminars and materials for sustainable technologies, erosion and sediment control, and sustainable urban form (4- 1,2,7,8). 2. TRCA, municipalities and others - Develop a co- ordinated program to accelerate implementation of lot level retrofits by the business and residential and institutional sectors (4 -11, 4 -16, 2 -6, 5 -10). 3. TRCA, Rouge Park Alliance, MNR, Community groups, municipalities, Co- ordinate the development of educational materials on invasive species removal techniques and engage volunteer groups to help in monitoring and removal (4 -14). 4. Municipalities, utilities, TRCA - Develop an outreach program based on the results from the Renewable Energy Road Map to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies (4 -26). 5. TRCA - Encourage all schools in the watershed to achieve Ontario EcoSchools . Program certification (4 -27). 6. Rouge Park Alliance - Implement the Rouge Park Interpretive Plan (4 -30). 7. TRCA and others - Develop a pilot project for Ontario history•and archaeology seminars for adults, featuring Rouge sites. Special attention to reaching out to new Canadians and descendents of past peoples of the watershed as target audience (4 -40) 8. TRCA, municipalities, Aboriginal groups - Develop a communications plan in partnership with Aboriginal groups. (4 -48). 9. GTA Agricultural Action Committee - Provide profile and recognition for institution, restaurants and businesses that feature local food selections (4 -53). 79 Operations and Maintenance 1.. Municipalities - Conduct assessments of sediment accumulation in SWM ponds and develop a prioritized list of clean out projects. (5 -1). 2. Municipalities, TRCA - Develop guidelines for design and establishment of municipal SWM facility maintenance programs, including monitoring, rehabilitation and financing mechanisms (5 -2., 3, 4). 3. TRCA, Town of Markham - Prepare flood emergency response plan for SPAs, including an inventory of hazards, prioritization, and emergency response protocol (5 -24). 4. TRCA - Undertake a flood risk reduction study to improve the hydraulic capacity of road and rail crossings in flood vulnerable areas (e.g., Markham (Unionville) Special Policy Area) (5 -22). 5. TRCA - Track advances in the prediction of climate change and reassess local flood risks and management measures (5 -25). Enforcement 1. • Various.agencies, municipalities - Develop interjurisdictional compliance protocols for poaching (wildlife), erosion and sediment control, tree cutting, topsoil and land disturbance, dumping, trespassing, and encroachment). Identify gaps in regulatory capability and capacity. Identify options for addressing gaps. Develop resources and implementation plan (6 -2). Monitoring 1. TRCA and partners - Identify technologies that show promise and monitor their performance using Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program•(STEP) - i.e. Rainwater collection and re -use, permeable pavement, groundwater and soil contamination risk with infiltration technologies, and long term performance and maintenance costs of any green technology (7 -1, 7 -2). TRCA and partners - Launch cumulative effects monitoring program for innovative development design (7 -6). 3. TRCA, municipalities- Review recommendations for additional monitoring in the Rouge watershed as part of the 5 year review and update of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Network (RWMN). Priorities include specific recommendations for additional monitoring of precipitation, stream flow, fluvial geomorphology, groundwater, and aquatic systems (7 -8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22). 4. Volunteers, TRCA - Develop a volunteer based detection program for aquatic invasive species (i.e., Round goby, rusty crayfish). See also stewardship section re terrestrial invasive alien species (7 -25). 80 5. Municipalities - Develop and implement a program to monitor trail use and participation rates in other related recreational activities (7 -29). Tracking progress TRCA is proposing to convene an annual multi - stakeholder forum to report on progress at • implementing the watershed plan and update priorities for the coming year. Meetings will be held with municipal staff and other key stakeholders 2 -3 times per year to plan and discuss follow up from the forum. Particular attention will be given to the status of top priority implementation projects set out in the workplan. Changes and trends in the watershed conditions will be monitored under the Regional Watershed Monitoring Network and reported on a regular basis through publication of a watershed report card. 81 Attachment 4 ORMCP Watershed Planning Requirements - Conformity Assessment for the Rouge River Watershed .Subsection Requirement - Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(1) • Every upper -tier . municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin preparing a watershed plan, in accordance with subsection 24.(3), for every watershed whose streams-originate within the municipality's area of • jurisdiction. . • Watershed planning and ongoing watershed management have been activities the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has carried out in partnership with its municipalities for a number of years. Therefore a watershed plan was deemed to have been initiated prior to April 22, 2003, although study components required • . updating to varying degrees. A watershed study was initiated by the TRCA, in partnership with the Region of York, Region of Durham and City of Toronto and area • municipalities for the Rouge River watershed on June 27, 2003. A final draft of the Rouge River - Watershed Plan was completed on November 30, 2006, subject to specified revisions approved by the Rouge Watershed Task Force. 'Approval of the final plan is pending a TRCA Board decision on March 28, 2008. Approval to initiate the Rouge River Watershed Planning Study according to an initial work program was granted at the June 27, 2003 meeting of the TRCA (Authority Res. #A129/03). A Workplan to fulfil the watershed planning requirements of the ORMCP was approved by the Authority on Sept. 26, 2003 (Authority Res. #A196/03) Approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan and its supporting technical documents is pending a TRCA Board .decision on March 28, 2008. • . 24.(3) . . . • A watershed plan shall include, as a minimum, (a) a water budget and conservation plan as set out in section 25; See conformity assessments for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2). . See document references for sections 25.(1) and 25:(2). (b) land and water use and management strategies; . The Rouge River Watershed Plan describes recommended management strategies regarding existing and future land and water use that will help to protect the ecological and hydrological features and functions of the watershed, including the portions in the Oak Ridges Moraine Area. Key strategies include the need to expand natural cover and build sustainable communities, particularly with an aim to maintain • or restore water balance. See Section 5.0 (Strategies) in the Rouge River Watershed Plan. . • 82 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(3) continued . . • • . . (c) a framework for implementation, which may include more detailed implementation plans for smaller geographic areas, such as subwatershed plans, or for specific subject matter, such as environmental management plans; Implementation direction and initial considerations for priority actions and areas accompany the management strategies in the Rouge River Watershed Plan. The Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide provides more detailed implementation direction for policy, regeneration projects etc., including supportive maps, criteria etc. _ See Section 5.0 of the Rouge River Watershed Plan. See Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide. • (d) an environmental monitoring plan; The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes recommendations regarding changes or enhancements to existing environmental monitoring programs and other area, site -or issue - specific monitoring requirements. See Section 6.7 of the Rouge River Watershed Plan for recommended enhancements to existing monitoring programs. (e) provisions requiring the use of environmental management practices and programs, such as programs to prevent pollution, reduce the use of pesticides and manage the use of road salt; and, The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes recommendations regarding the use of environmental practices and programs. The Implementation Guide further identifies practices and policies applicable to the land use planning and development process. See Section 5.0 of the Rouge River Watershed Plan. See Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide. (f) criteria for evaluating the protection of water quality and quantity, hydrological features and hydrological functions. • The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes a framework of watershed goals, objectives, indicators and targets to be used to track or evaluate long term watershed health. The accompanying Implementation Guide sets out recommended policies for the review of land use proposals to evaluate the protection of groundwater and surface water quality and quantity, hydrological features and functions, as well as terrestrial features and functions, • and aquatic communities and habitat. See Appendix D of the Rouge River Watershed Plan for a summary of watershed goals, objectives, indicators and targets used to track or evaluate watershed health. • See the Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide for a compilation of all policies and maps showing where the policy recommendations apply. 83 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment • Document Reference 24.(4) • Major development is prohibited unless, (a) the watershed plan for the . relevant watershed, prepared in accordance with subsection 24.(3), has been completed; . Final approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan is pending a TRCA Board decision on March 28, 2008. A final draft of the Rouge River Watershed Plan was completed on November 30, 2006, subject to specified . revisions approved by the Rouge Watershed Task Force. Approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan and its supporting technical documents is pending a TRCA Board decision on March 28, 2008 (b) the major development conforms with the .watershed plan; and See conformity assessment for section 24.(3) See document references for section 24.(3) (c) a water budget and conservation plan, prepared in accordance with section 25 and demonstrating that the water supply required for the major development is sustainable, has - been completed. See conformity assessments for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2). See document references for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2) 24.(8) An application.for major development to which this subsection applies shall not be approved unless, (a) the relevant municipality has complied with clause (c) of subsection 24.(4); or See conformity assessment for • section 24.(4) See document references for section 24.(4) . • 84 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(8) continued . (b) the applicant, (i) identifies any hydrologically sensitive features and related hydrological functions on the site and how they will be protected, (ii) demonstrates that an adequate water supply is available for the development without compromising the ecological • integrity of the Plan Area, and (iii) provides, with respect to the site and such other land as the approval authority considers necessary, a water budget and water conservation plan that, (A) characterizes groundwater and surface water flow systems.by means of modelling, (B) identifies the availability, quantity and quality of water sources, and (C) identifies water conservation measures. For any applications received prior to completion of watershed plans, in accordance with the ORMCP, conformity will have been reviewed and confirmed through applicant submitted studies. • ' • . . • . . • 85 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25. (1) Every upper -tier municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin preparing a water budget and conservation plan, in accordance with subsection 25.(2), for every watershed whose streams originate within the municipality's area of jurisdiction. A water budget study was initiated in January 2003 by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, in partnership with the Region of York, Region of Durham and City of Toronto and area municipalities for the Rouge River Watershed, in advance of the overall Rouge River Watershed Planning study. The Region of York began preparing a water conservation plan for the .entire Region in 1997. The program included a 6 year capital program along with a 2 year maintenance program. This 8 year program came to completion in summer 2006, with a sustained savings of 20.33 million litres per average day. In February 2006 the Region began its Water Efficiency Master Plan Update. It was completed in spring of 2007. An implementation plan is now being developed to update the Water for Tomorrow program and include some or all of the measures recommended in the report. During this time the Water for Tomorrow program is maintaining its public and youth education programs along with a shower head and toilet flapper retrofit maintenance program. See TRCA 2003 Capital Budget Workplan and Authority approval to hire consultants to undertake a study terms of reference. Approval to initiate the Rouge River Watershed Planning Study according to an initial work program, including water budget study, was granted at the June 27, 2003 meeting of the TRCA (Authority Res. #A129/03). York Region Water Efficiency Master Plan Update, 2007. Approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan and its supporting technical documents is pending a TRCA Board decision on March 28, 2008. 86 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(2) A water budget and conservation plan shall, as a minimum, (a) quantify the components of the water balance equation, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater inflow and outflow, surface water outflow, change in storage, water withdrawals and water returns; The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes a quantitative description of the major components of the water balance equation on an average annual basis over the watershed surface area. The water budget was developed based on land use characteristics, interception abstractions, vegetation, surficial soil characteristics and spatial variations in long term average precipitation, temperature and evaporation across the watershed, using Water Balance Analysis System (WABAS) software. WABAS generated recharge estimates for input to the MODFLOW groundwater model, which was used to estimate the groundwater component of the water budget. Section 3.2 (Current Conditions) of the Rouge River Watershed Plan and Chapter 4. (Groundwater Quantity and Quality) of the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report present the overall water budget for the watershed. Section 4.5 of the Rouge Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report provides a more detailed description of the existing water budget, including maps and tabular summaries, and the effects of future land use and management scenarios on the water budget. (b) characterize groundwater and surface water flow systems by means of modelling, The groundwater flow system of the Rouge River watershed has been characterized by development and calibration of a groundwater flow model that utilizes MODFLOW software. The surface water flow system of the Rouge River watershed has been characterized by development and calibration of a hydrologic model based on HSP -F software. See Section 3.2 (Current Conditions) of the Rouge River Watershed Plan and the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report Chapter 4 (Groundwater Quantity and Quality) and Chapter 5 (Surface Water Quantity) for descriptions of the current groundwater and surface water flow systems and issues. Sections 4.1 and 4.5 of the Rouge Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report provide a more detailed description of the existing surface and groundwater flow systems, including maps and tabular summaries, and the effects of future and use and management scenarios on these systems. 87 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25. (2) continued .(c) identify, . (i) targets to meet the water needs of the affected ecosystems, (ii) the availability, quantity and quality of water sources, and (iii) goals for public education and for water conservation; The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes criteria in the form of maps and targets (both quantitative and qualitative) for the protection of groundwater and surface water quality and quantity, hydrological features and.functions, as well as terrestrial features and functions and aquatic communities and habitat. The Region of York's Water for Tomorrow program outlined specific goals for both education and water conservation measures as outlined in the initial scope of work. The Water Efficiency Master Plan Update recommends new and /or updated programs for public education and • water conservation measures. New goals for education and water conservation measures will be set once the program implementation plan is completed and approved by council. See 24(3)(f) above for targets. See Chapters 4.0 (Groundwater Quantity and Quality) and 5.0 (Surface Water Quantity) of the Rouge River State of the Watershed Report for a summary of•the availability and quality of water sources. Section 5.5.3 (Resource Use) of the Rouge River Watershed Plan addresses water conservation and supports continuation of the Regional water efficiency and . public awareness programs. (d) develop a water -use profile and forecast; All upper -tier and single -tier municipalities in the Rouge River watershed have developed water use profiles and forecasts as part of preparing water use assessment reports and /or water efficiency plans and programs. York Region has developed water -use profiles and forecasts as part of the Water Master Plan Update, 2004. The forecasts consider the effect of planned water conservation measures on future demand. These profiles and forecasts are updated with the master plans. Drawing on this information, a' watershed -based water use profile and forecast was developed as part of preparing the Rouge R iver Watershed Plan. See Chapters 4.0 and 5.0 of Rouge River State of the Watershed Report. See Appendix A (Scenario Descriptions) of Rouge Scenario Watershed Modelling and Analysis Report for water use forecast assumptions (based on municipal forecasts). See section 4.0 of York Region's Long Term Water Project Master Plan Update, April 2004 88 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(2) (e) evaluate plans for water A watershed -scale evaluation of the See Section 4.3 of Rouge continued facilities such as pumping predicted effects of forecasted water Watershed Scenario Modelling stations and reservoirs; and land use on groundwater levels and Analysis Report for effects of . was completed in support of the Rouge River Watershed Plan. Based on this evaluation, appropriate land and water use management strategies have been provided in the plan. forecasted water and land use on groundwater levels. See Chapter 5.0 of the Rouge River Watershed Plan for management strategies. Further plans for any such facilities York Region's Long Term Water • are being evaluated by York Region Project Master Plan Update, April • • as part of its updated water-supply strategy and will be reviewed in the 2004 .. - context.of the updated watershed information. . • (f) identify and evaluate, (i) water conservation measures such as All upper -tier and single -tier municipalities in the Rouge River . watershed have developed water See Section 5.5.3 Rouge River Watershed Plan. . public education, improved efficiency plans and programs that identify and evaluate water See Sections 5.0 and 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master management conservation measures, incentives Plan Update (2007) for the practices, the use of . and ways.of promoting water identification, evaluation and ' flow restricting devices conservation measures and recommendation of water and other hardware, water reuse and incentives. The Rouge River Watershed Plan supports the conservation measures and education recycling, and recommendations of the municipal • practices and water efficiency plans and programs • technologies and describes management . associated with water strategies that would further - . reuse and recycling, (ii) water conservation incentives such as full cost pricing, and contribute to achieving the objectives and targets of these plans /programs. • . • . (iii) ways of promoting York Region's water rates are water conservation measures and water currently based on full cost pricing. • • • • conservation incentives; . • • 89 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25. (2) continued (g) analyse the costs and benefits of the matters . described in clause (f); All upper -tier and single -tier municipalities in the Rouge River watershed have developed water efficiency plans and programs that analyse the costs and benefits of their recommended water conservation measures, incentives and promotion strategies. See Section 5.2.3 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update(2007) for the cost analysis of water conservation measures (h) require the use of specified water conservation measures and incentives; , York Region's Water for Tomorrow program used specific water conservation measures and incentives as part of the original capital plan. The Water Efficiency Master Plan Update also recommends the use of specific water conservation measures and incentives. See Section 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update (2007) for the recommended program strategy (i) contain an . implementation plan for those specified measures and incentives that reconciles the demand for water with the water supply; York Region developed an implementation plan for the program as part of the scope of work in 1998. The Water Efficiency Master Plan Update has recommended an updated program strategy. An implementation plan for the updated program is being developed. See Section 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan ' Update (2007)for the • recommended program strategy (j) provide for monitoring of the water budget and water conservation plan for effectiveness. York Region's Water Use Efficiency Master Plan Update recommends a monitoring and Evaluation program. The Rouge River Watershed Plan includes recommendations regarding changes or enhancements to existing environmental monitoring programs and other area, site -or' issue- specific monitoring requirements that provide for, or improve capacity for monitoring of the water budget [e.g., additional climate stations, stream gauges, groundwater monitoring wells etc.]. See Section 9.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update(2007) See Section 6.7 of the Rouge River Watershed Plan for recommended enhancements to existing monitoring programs. 90 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 27.(1) . • . : • Except with respect to land in Settlement Areas, all development and site alteration with respect to land in a subwatershed are prohibited if they would cause the total percentage of the area of the subwatershed that has impervious surfaces to exceed, (a) 10 per cent; or • • The Rouge River Watershed Planning study assessed the current and projected future per cent impervious cover for each Oak Ridges Moraine subwatershed (based on methods suggested in draft Technical Paper #13 which excludes Settlement Areas, utilizing subwatershed boundaries defined in draft Technical Paper #9). These estimates indicate that no Oak Ridges Moraine subwatersheds in the Rouge River Watershed exceed the 10% impervious cover criteria for current . conditions (based on 2002 land use), nor will they exceed 10% upon build -out of municipal official plans approved as of 2002. See Rouge River Watershed Oak Ridges Moraine Subwatersheds Assessment Technical Brief . • . (b) any lower percentage specified in the applicable watershed plan. No lower percentage is specified. • N/A • 91 RES. #A43 /08 - DUFFINS WATER .POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT GREENING AND BIODIVERSITY PLAN Approval of the York Durham Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan. Moved by: Seconded by: Laurie Bruce Suzan Hall THAT item 7.2.- Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan be deferred to Authority Meeting #3/08, to be held on April 25, 2008. CARRIED RES. #A44 /08 - THE LIVING CITY CAMPUS VISION PLAN Kortright Centre for Conservation. Approval of The Living City Campus Vision Plan for the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Moved by: Seconded by: • Lois Griffin Laurie Bruce THAT the plan dated March, 2008 for The Living City Campus at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, as illustrated in Attachment 1, be approved; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report to the Authority on the meeting place component of the plan including provisions for further community consultation before proceeding. AMENDMENT. RES. #A45 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Laurie Bruce THAT the second paragraph of the main motion be augmented to include certain aspects of the staff report and read as follows: AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to: • adopt 'The Living, City Campus at Kortright' name and begin branding the title on signs and in future marketing and communications materials; • .seek funding sources and partners to implement the vision plan; • have further public consultation on the need, design and other related issues regarding the The Meeting Place building (conference centre or adult education centre), before that component is implemented; • have further study and public consultation on the installation of wind turbines to ensure noise pollution and injury to birds is avoided, before that component is implemented; 92 • recruit new members to participate on a community stewardship committee consisting of interested citizens, interest groups and organizations to help TRCA with detailed planning, management and implementation of the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan and implementation of The Living City Campus at Kortright vision; • bring a business plan to the Authority on each component of the vision. THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT the plan dated March, 2008 for The Living City Campus at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, as illustrated in Attachment 1, be approved; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to: • adopt 'The Living City Campus at Kortright' name and begin branding the title on signs and in future marketing and communications materials; • seek funding sources and partners to implement the vision plan; • have further public consultation on the need, design and other related issues regarding the The Meeting Place building (conference centre or adult education centre), before that component is implemented; • have further study and public consultation on the installation of wind turbines to ensure noise pollution and injury to birds is avoided, before that component is implemented; • • recruit new members to participate on a community stewardship committee consisting of interested citizens, interest groups and organizations to help TRCA with detailed planning, management and implementation of the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan and implementation of The Living City Campus at Kortright vision; • bring a business plan to the Authority on each component of the vision. THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED BACKGROUND The Kortright Centre for Conservation (hereafter 'Kortright Centre') in the City of Vaughan was . opened in 1980 and has served Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the community well. It is one of the largest environmental education centres in Canada. It has provided 28 years of award - winning environmental and energy education programs. Furthermore, it offers the most comprehensive educational demonstrations on sustainable technologies. On average, 85,000 students and 40,000 members of the public visit the facility annually. The majority of these visitors are with organized and supervised programs hosted by TRCA staff. Historically, the Kortright Centre has offered six educational program themes: water, forest, energy, air, soils and wildlife. The experiential learning experience is hands -on, outdoors, fosters systems thinking, encourages responsibility and action and facilitates life long learning experiences. The Kortright Centre is part of a 832 hectare TRCA property referred to as the,Boyd Tract.- In 1998, a management plan was initiated to update the level of knowledge for 688 hectares of the total area (Boyd North and Glassco Park) and, to establish a framework for guiding the future resource management and public use that occurs on the property. The management plan was undertaken in two phases. Phase I of the management planning process consisted of eight steps: 1. Existing plans and studies within the East Humber River subwatershed, of which Boyd North and Glassco Park are a part, were reviewed; 2. Existing'and proposed land use, municipal services, and property ownership were documented; 3. The current public uses and types of recreation activities occurring in the Boyd North-and Glassco Park area and surrounding communities were documented; 4. The natural, cultural, heritage, recreation and education resources were defined; 5. Information deficiencies were identified; 6'. A background report providing the above resource inventories and other information was prepared by the TRCA, entitled The Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan: Phase 1 Background Report (October 1998) ; 7. A working.terms of reference for developing the management plan through an advisory committee was prepared; and 8.. An advisory committee was established in the fall of 1998. The advisory committee was selected with broad representation of groups and individuals interested in the future of Boyd North and Glassco Park. Community representatives, special interest groups, private businesses, local residents and municipal representatives were asked to participate in this planning process. In total, 28 individuals were invited to participate. Twenty three of these individuals attended two or more meetings. Phase 2 was completed by TRCA staff with assistance from the advisory committee and consisted of thefollowing components: 1. The advisory committee developed a vision statement and values for Boyd North and Glassco Park; 2. The property features were documented, analysed and evaluated based on the available resource inventories and background information; 3. The following features were identified: • natural features and functions and potential enhancements; • existing outdoor recreation /education uses; • linkages between Boyd North and Glassco Park and surrounding communities; • potential access points; and • the landscape's ability to sustain proposed uses; 4. A public information session and two public meetings were held at the West Vaughan Community Centre. Information displays were set up at the Community Centre and Vaughan Civic C entre to facilitate a wide range of opportunities for public.input; 5. The community input and recommendations for the future management of the Boyd North and Glassco Park area were considered and documented; 6. Management zones were identified to consolidate guidelines and recommendations for the future management of Boyd North and Glassco Park; and 94 7. The Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan was prepared to provide a framework for determining the' ecological appropriateness of any resource use and ' ensure that the integrity and diversity of these lands are maintained. The management plan presents zones within which certain uses are permitted. Generally speaking, 8 % of the entire 688 hectare study area has been identified as public use areas. 84 % of the public use designated areas are already existing, including the Kortright Centre. Approximately 85% of the property is zoned nature reserve, natural enhancement or primary habitat restoration areas. The balance is 4% agricultural reserve and 3% heritage preserve. The management plan identifies 22 hectares on the existing Kortright Centre property as suitable for moderate to high intensity public use. Examples of permitted uses listed in the management plan include low -rise conference centre, nature interpretation centre, restaurant and accommodation, buildings and facilities associated with the. Kortright Centre and special events area. At Authority Meeting #6/99, held on June 25, 1999, Resolution #A177/99 was approved and states in part as follows: THAT the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan, dated May 1999, be approved; THAT staff be directed to assist in the establishment of a community stewardship committee for Boyd North and Glassco Park made up of interested citizens, interest groups and organizations, to help the Authority with the detail planning, management and implementation of the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan. The Living City Campus Vision Plan (Attachment 1) In 2005, TRCA started an internal consultative process to define a new vision and concept plan for the Kortright Centre. The working title for the concept plan was 'The Living City Campus.' The internal visioning process included directors and managers from all the various business units in TRCA. After several internal and one external stakeholders meeting (PowerStream, Earth Rangers, City of Vaughan and Ryerson University), consensus around a draft vision and concept emerged as well as reaffirmation of the initial working title 'The Living City Campus.' Staff and stakeholders agreed that The Living City Campus reflected the objective of moving the sustainability agenda forward through an educational /demonstration /research partnership. Besides the draft vision and concept plan, this internal process also created a small working group that produced a work plan to facilitate the project planning process. Toward the end of 2005, TRCA hired the highly respected multi - disciplinary consultant company Urban Strategies Inc. to clarify, refine and finalize a graphic representation of The • Living City Campus as well as lead an external consultative process. Working with TRCA, Urban Strategies arranged several meetings with key internal staff and external stakeholders including advisory committee representatives for the Boyd North and Glasgow Park Management Plan and the Humber Watershed Alliance. These individuals provided input on the concept, draft plan and the working title for The Living City Campus. 95 The input and comments from these meetings provided valuable insight to TRCA and the consultants about the infrastructure, programs, site sustainability, environmental ethics and the title for the concept. Reviewing all the comments, TRCA staff, and Urban Strategies developed' the final vision plan and continued to call it The Living City Campus. This visionary.plan aims to keep the education mandate of the Kortright Centre current and holistic by expanding programs that aim to improve citizen awareness of the need for sustainable communities. A description of the vision plan is provided below. Vision The vision for The Living City Campus aims to inspire, support and monitor change toward sustainable living, leading the way toward sustainable development and the use of sustainable technologies through practice, education and market transformation. This vision is to be realized by enhancing the existing facility to make it: • a link to cutting -edge thinking, technologies and initiatives; • practical demonstrations on how to integrate 'green' community building projects into daily lives; • a place of local, national and worldwide significance; and • a destination to visit, to learn and enjoy time and again. The Living City Campus is to inspire people from all over the world to live more sustainably. From renewable energy to green buildings to better transportation, visitors will experience the latest in green living - influencing how people live, work and play today for a healthier tomorrow. The Living City Campus will hopefully attract a diverse, international audience from business leaders to technical experts to members of the community. The campus will be anchored by the existing Kortright Centre main building. The Setting for the Campus - A Diversity of Landscapes The primary asset of The Living City Campus is its diverse landscape. The unique campus setting immerses visitors in nature while providing the perfect environment for learning about and experiencing sustainable living. Future plans build on the existing features to provide new and renewed landscape experiences organized around the program areas. The campus surrounding the existing Kortright Centre building is divided into three main areas that represent different programming initiatives: • Southern Gateway - Research and Biodiversity; • Core Campus - Sustainable Living; and • Northern Region - Urban Agriculture and Wetlands'. The landscape and infrastructure related works will ensure enhanced environmental qualities, connectivity and access tor all of the different program areas. 96 Southern Gateway - Research and Biodiversity The Southern Gateway is the visitor's first introduction to The Living City Campus. Sugar Bush Drive, the gateway to the campus, will -be lined with majestic sugar maples, leading to the Visitor Information Pavilion. The Southern Gateway will focus on the program areas of sustainable technology, research and biodiversity. Enhancements to the biodiversity trail are proposed, including the addition of the Peregrine Foundation facility from another location on -site, butterfly gardens and the bee house. Ongoing partnerships and associations already on -site will be enhanced while new partnerships are developed. Earth Rangers is an important existing partner located within the Southern Gateway dedicated to sustainable living and fostering change for a healthier environment. A new building envelope is proposed opposite . the Earth Rangers site which could accommodate a post secondary education facility to undertake and promote natural biodiversity research. Core Campus - Sustainable Living The Core Campus is the site of three existing facilities including the Kortright Centre building, Greenworks facility and Energy Trail. An additional building is proposed called 'The Meeting Place' or adult education centre. The Meeting Place building could also act as a cultural centre to display archaeological artifacts or be a weekend venue for weddings. This part of the campus will be the hub for event programs, education initiatives and demonstration areas that inspire people to live sustainably. The Kortright Centre building will be the focal point of the campus and the starting point for the visitors' experience. The Kortright Centre will continue to promote sustainable living and technologies, environmental protection and habitat regeneration. The current building will undergo a major renovation to create a state -of- the -art education and gathering facility that will enhance TRCA's ability to showcase, demonstrate and promote sustainable living. A newly- retrofitted Kortright building will strive for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification and will have a green roof that will absorb 250,000 litres of stormwater per year. Kortright will also provide virtual links to sustainable programs around the world. The centre will contain many sustainable development resources and a library of green building practices and designs. The Greenworks facility, built in 1999, will continue to process the centre's wastewater through biological means. The Energy Trail will be updated to include new technology demonstrations and two Archetype sustainable houses that will demonstrate the latest green building technologies. Northern Region The Northern Region will contain a section devoted to urban farming and organic farming practices. As cities grow and land is increasingly consumed by housing, productive . agricultural land must be maintained in close proximity to urban areas to reduce the cost of transporting food and carbon dioxide emissions. The agricultural zone at The Living City Campus will contain a demonstration area where visitors can learn about livestock, farming practices and connect with the sources of their food. In addition to the demonstration area, there will be a food production area where crops will be grown to be used for food preparation at campus facilities. 97 Public Consultation TRCA staff arranged a site walk on February 23, 2008, attended by 10 members of the public, and an information session on February 28, 2008 for the general public to make final comments on the campus vision plan. The information session was widely advertised through five ' newspapers, through councillor distribution lists and posted at libraries and community centres. Approximately 50 people attended the public information session. Some individuals supported the vision plan while others had concerns. Six questionnaires were returned. The nature of the verbal and written comments are briefly described below: • Implementing parts of the vision plan before a complete public process and duly approved plan was considered problematic. • Perception by some that The Living City Campus vision conflicts with the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan. More specifically, the addition of more buildings such as The Meeting Place was not anticipated by some. • Have more public consultation on the need, design and other related issues regarding the proposed conference centre or adult education centre (The Meeting Place). • Disagreement with the re- naming of the Kortight Centre for Conservation to Kortright at the Living City Campus. The Living City Campus should be a subset of Kortright (e.g. The Living City Campus at Kortright). • The need for an advisory committee to oversee the plan was mentioned. • How will transportation to the Kortright Centre be improved? • Why isn't the plan moved to places such as Ontario Place or CNE? • What is the timeline and budget for implementation? • The vision plan will significantly change the natural appeal of the property. There are too many new structures. • Concern that private partnerships on the site will result in a lo ss of control over how the site develops: • Concern that the wind turbines may cause sound pollution and bird strikes. More study and public consultation was suggested before proceeding. • Concern that more visitors will bring too much traffic to the site. • Concern that amplified sound in the natural amphitheatre will conflict with birds. • Need to investigate zoning by -laws and other plans such as the Greenbelt Plan to ensure conformity. • The facility will provide learning opportunities for tradespeople and the construction industry. • The Archetype house construction should be filmed and made available on the TRCA website. • Self- sufficient food supply on the site is an excellent idea. • Staff was commended for the site walks and good public process. • Put any new parking underground. • Decentralize the campus and place some buildings at other locations within the Boyd Tract. 98 Naming Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Properties Using The Living City Campus' name helps to brand the TRCA facilities as part of The Living City vision of healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity and sustainable communities adopted by TRCA in 2001. The title aims to inspire people from all over the world to live more sustainably. From renewable energy to green buildings to new technologies and sustainable transportation, visitors will experience the latest in green living, inspiring change in how we live, work and play today for a healthier tomorrow. FINANCIAL DETAILS The estimated cost to implement the elements of The Living City Campus Vision Plan for the Kortright Centre for Conservation is $100 million over a number of years.Ideally, the costs would be shared equally between the federal, provincial and municipal governments and • TRCA - generated revenue sources through private partnership funding. Funding for signage and registration of names is available within the 2008 Operating and Capital budgets. • DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Receive approval of The Living City Campus Vision Plan. • • Adopt The Living City Campus at Kortright' name and begin branding the title on signs and in. future marketing and communications materials. • Seek funding sources and partners to implement the vision plan. • Have further public consultation on the need, design and other related issues regarding the The Meeting Place building (conference centre or adult education centre). • Have further study and public consultation on the installation of wind turbines to ensure noise pollution and injury to birds is avoided. • Recruit new•members to participate on a community stewardship committee consisting of interested citizens, interest groups and organizations to help TRCA with detailed planning, management and implementation of the Boyd North and Glassco Park Management Plan. Report prepared by: Gary Wilkins, extension 5211 Email: gwilkins @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gary Wilkins, extension 5211 ' Email: gwilkins @trca.on.ca Date: March 18, 2008 Attachments: 1 99 Allacluneill I 100 RES. #A46/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: NEAR -URBAN FARM AT KORTRIGHT CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre. Memorandum of Understanding between Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Suzan Hall Bonnie Litt ley THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre (Everdale) for the development of a three -year farm plan for a near -urban farm at Kortright Centre for Conservation; THAT the terms and conditions be satisfactory to TRCA staff and, as necessary, TRCA legal advisors; AND FURTHER THAT the authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA began acquiring land in the 1950's for flood and erosion control purposes, which resulted in an inventory of productive agricultural lands. TRCA has always leased on an annual basis some land for agricultural purposes. However, agriculture has always been regarded as an interim use with the long -term goal for these lands that they be reforested sometime in the future or used for another purpose. Most of the agriculture taking place on TRCA -owned lands can be classified as conventional agriculture, where cash crops such as corn, soybean and hay are grown and livestock is produced. Soil types on these lands are predominately 'prime agricultural land' (class one to three soil), according to the Canada Land Inventory System. TRCA's agricultural land rentals have been declining over the past 25 years. Short-term leases have also made it difficult for agricultural tenants to make the personal investment to implement more long -term and often more costly best management practices (BMPs). Accessibility to farmlands due to land fragmentation, parcel locations, small plot size, congested roadways and urbanization have also had an economic impact on farm tenants. A vision for a new form of agriculture on TRCA -owned lands includes the use of new and • innovative agricultural production methods (i.e. a combination of technology, BMPs, community shared agriculture (CSA) and community gardens) which can be a contrast to the traditional agricultural industry. These options support the local food system, are often community -based and promote environmental sustainability. Sustainable near -urban agriculture also complements TRCA's sustainable communities mandate under The Living City vision by: 101 • managing possible environmental risks of agricultural practices through the implementation of environmental and agricultural stewardship initiatives that reflect the Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan; • promoting social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for increased accessibility to fresh, healthy foods; • providing opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for local people; • reducing the Greater Toronto Area's (GTA) ecological footprint by providing locally grown, raised and sold food, reducing food miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation and helping to reduce the impacts of climate change; • providing a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a new range of crops sought after by new Canadians; and • providing a relatively positive matrix influence for adjacent natural. heritage. TRCA can play.a role in helping to revitalize agriculture in the GTA by establishing new partnerships and venturing into new sustainable near -urban agricultural projects on its lands, such as the proposed TRCA - Everdale partnership for the development of an organic farm at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre is located on an approximately 20 hectare (50 acre) farm located in the Greenbelt near Hillsburgh, Erin Township. Everdale has a ten year track record of delivering inspiring hands -on education for new farmers, school children and the general public. Everdale facilities and programs include: a working farm, demonstration models of renewable energy systems and agricultural bio- fuels, Curriculum Alive - a field -trip based food and farming education program for school children and a 'sustainable living workshop series that delivers practical hands -on training on wind power, bio- diesel, alternative building methods and other renewable technologies. Last year, over 5,000 people participated in Everdale's educational programs, special events and tours. The Living City Campus The Living City Campus is a vision for the Kortright Centre and surrounding area, including a goal of expanding the educational programming to be more holistic by providing more sustainable community messaging. It grows out of TRCA's vision for healthy urban environments and The Living City - a vision for a new kind of community, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. The Living City Campus will inspire people from all over the world to live more sustainably. From renewable energy to green buildings to new technologies and sustainable transportation, visitors will experience the latest in green living, inspiring change in how people live, work and play today for a healthier tomorrow. . In The Living City•Campus Concept Plan, a major section of the northern region is devoted to sustainable near -urban agriculture practices so visitors can learn about farming practices and connect with the sources of their food. Crops will be grown in fields and gardens for on -site food preparation. Near -Urban Farm at Kortright Centre TRCA is currently exploring a partnership with Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre as the Kortright Centre for Conservation moves into an ambitious and visionary stage of The Living City Campus's development. Everdale's proposed farm, in partnership with TRCA, will be a key component. Modelled after the Everdale Farm, the farm at Kortright Centre will be a compact, bio- intensive working farm where community -based food education is integral to its design and operation. A new generation of ecological farmers will be trained there. Visitors will learn about sustainable farming practices and connect with the sources of their food. Large numbers of children will tour the farm in supervised school visits and participate in planting, harvesting, seed saving and curriculum - linked growing projects in their classrooms and at school gardens. Crops will be organically grown in fields and gardens for meals prepared for consumption on -site (approximately 33,000 meals are served at Kortright Centre each year), for the community through community supported agriculture (CSA) and a farmers' market. When the farm is up and running in 2009, local food meals will begin to appear on the menu with food harvested just hours before from the farm and supplemented by a network of local farms. Food 'waste' from these meals consumed on site will be composted at the farm to replenish its soil, completing a natural food - nutrient cycle within The Living Campus. The MOU negotiations will include a provision to hire a Farm Manager from Everdale to work on initial site preparations for 2008 and creation of a three -year farm plan for the near -urban farm at Kortright Centre. The farm plan will include: • projected farm layout; • educational programs (i.e., demonstrations, tours, workshops); • farm programs (i.e., CSAs, farmers' markets, local food events and outreach activities); • local food meal programs at Kortright and other TRCA facilities; and • detailed budget to design and implement the project. FINANCIAL DETAILS The estimated cost to hire a Farm Manger from Everdale to develop a farm plan for the near -urban farm at Kortright Centre is $30,000. Potential sources for funding include the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Metcalf Foundation, Catherine Donnelly Foundation and Earth Rangers lease revenue. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. Execute a MOU between TRCA.and Everdale. 2. Hire a Farm Manager. 3. Secure agreement for necessary funding. Report prepared by: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 Email: sdhir @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 Email: sdhir @trca.on.ca Date: March 12, 2008 103 RES. #A47/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ARCHETYPE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE Contract RSD08 -07 - Construction Manager. Award of Contract RSD08 -07 to Mr. Alan MacDonald to undertake the position of Construction Manager for the Archetype Sustainable House Project at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. Lois Griffin Bonnie Litt ley THAT Contract RSD08 -07 for the position of Construction Manager for the Archetype Sustainable House Project at the Kortright Centre for Conservation be awarded to Mr. Alan MacDonald of Teak Enterprises for a cost not to exceed $70,500, plus applicable taxes, this individual being the candidate that best meets Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. CARRIED BACKGROUND The TRCA Archetype Sustainable House Project began with a national competition conducted in partnership with.the Design Exchange. The intent of the competition was to engage architects, engineers and graduate students from across Canada to design' a mass production green home for new community development. The winning design, submitted by Building Blocks, was chosen by a blue ribbon panel of judges on June 21, 2006 from 17 entries. A comprehensive report was provided with each design submission, with final design drawings and specifications to be generated by the winning team prior to construction. The winning design will be built at The Living City Campus at the entrance to the Power Trip Trail. The Power Trip Trail is an interactive renewable energy learning exhibition. The Archetype Sustainable House Project will serve as the primary energy•conservation education facility for workshop participants and as a model to help monitor and verify the effectiveness of materials, systems and technologies. RATIONALE Building Industry & Land Development (BILD) Association (formerly Urban Development Institute [UDIj) has proposed to undertake with their membership a one week 'blitz' build for construction of the Sustainable House Project. The 'blitz' is tentatively scheduled for June, 2008. The design team had previously identified the need for an on site Construction Manager to oversee and coordinate the construction of the homes. Based on the proposed blitz build scenario, it became even more critically. important that the individual hired for this position have the relevant expertise, organizational ability and familiarity with this type of construction. BILD, in consultation with the design team, reviewed a number of perspective candidates for this-position and selected Mr. Alan MacDonald of Teak Enterprises as the preferred'applicant for the position of Construction Manager. Mr. Alan MacDonald demonstrated the knowledge and expertise with similar projects, including work with Habitat for Humanity. Based on the recommendations from BILD, the design team and the qualifications, experience, expertise and industry contacts Mr. Alan MacDonald brings to the project, staff recommend he be retained under contract for the position.of Construction Manager for the implementation of the Archetype Sustainable House Project. 104 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for this position to an upset limit of $75,000 is being provided by BILD. Funding for this project is available in account no. 415 -91. Report prepared by: Mark Preston, 416 - 392 -9722 Email: mpreston @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Mark Preston, 416 - 392 -9722 Email: mpreston @trca.on.ca Date: March 14, 2008 RES. #A48/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: PROVINCIAL GROUNDWATER MONITORING NETWORK Three year partnership agreement between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Province of Ontario for operation of the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network within the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority jurisdiction. Jack Heath Bonnie Litt ley WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) have worked together over the past eight years to build and operate the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN); WHEREAS the PGMN program provides valuable data in support of watershed planning and source water protection programs at TRCA; WHEREAS MOE has provided a new agreement to continue the PGMN for the next three years; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enter into the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network Agreement with MOE commencing April 1, 2008 and continuing for a period of three years; THAT the agreement be on terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA officials and, as necessary, TRCA solicitors, including but not limited to, being subject to funding being available; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreement, including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED 105 BACKGROUND MOE and TRCA entered into an agreement in June, 2000 to initiate TRCA's component of the PGMN. Since that time, TRCA and MOE have worked together to build a network of 22 monitoring wells across the TRCA jurisdiction. The program involves the collection of both water level and water quality data. The prime responsibilities for TRCA under this agreement are as follows: • operation and maintenance of the equipment; • maintain the integrity of the wells and well sites; • fund the costs associated with data transmission (telemetry systems); • collection of manual water level measurements from all wells; • collection of water,samples .on an annual basis; • communicate program details to local stakeholders; and • participate in the PGMN Protocol- For - Actions (Exceedance Protocol) on an as- required basis. MOE provides funding to cover the costs of analytical services and equipment replacement on an as- needed basis. In addition, MOE provides technical support and centralized data management services. Should TRCA identify requirements for new monitoring wells, TRCA is responsible for the assessment and construction of such wells. A portion of the funding for new monitoring wells will be supported by MOE. The previous agreement expired in June, 2006, and was extended twice, most recently to March 31, 2008. This new agreement will begin April 1, 2008 and will be for a period of three years. There is no significant change to either MOE or TRCA's responsibilities and /or financial obligations under the new agreement. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding of TRCA's costs for this program that are not covered by MOE are provided from the regional municipalities of Peel, York and Durham, as well as the City of Toronto, through TRCA's Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (account code 124 -37). If this funding should not be available, TRCA retains the authority to cancel the agreement with 6 months notice. Report prepared by: Donald Ford, extension 5369 Email: dford @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Donald Ford, extension 5369 Email: dford @trca.on.ca Date: March 7, 2008 RES. #A49/08 - CANADA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Update of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Canada • Green Building Rating System. Municipal participation in the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Canada Pilot Project. 106 Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Paul Ainslie THAT local and regional municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area be encouraged to enroll one or more buildings in the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) - Canada Pilot Project for Administrative Buildings. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #6/04, held on June 25, 2004, Resolution #A186/04 was approved as follows: THAT staff proceed to further the use of green building design /technology within the • Toronto region in support of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) vision for The Living City through the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council ( CaGBC)'; AND FURTHER THAT appropriate TRCA officials be authorized to execute the MOU. As a result of this resolution, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the CaGBC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and began working in partnership to transform the market for green buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. The LEED rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and adapted and marketed in Canada by the CaGBC is the leading green standard for the design and construction of new buildings. In Canada there are now an estimated 2,800 LEED accredited practitioners and a green building market penetration of 6.6 million square metres (m2) of floor space. More and more governments and private sector organizations are adopting LEED certification in their policies, programming and operations as a means of achieving and demonstrating sustainability. The building sector contributes 12% of the national gross domestic product (GDP) and has $5 trillion in assets to maintain. As such the building industry can play a leadership role in moving Canada toward sustainability. In Canada, residential, commercial and institutional buildings represent more than a third of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the single largest opportunity.to make progress towards Canada's 2020 target of a 200 megaton (Mt) reduction in GHG. In June, 2007, the CaGBC board launched the LEED Canada initiative as a way for the building sector to contribute significantly to this national target. The LEED Canada initiative is about integrating the LEED tools for new and existing buildings, harmonizing prerequisites and credits, and supporting best practices at all stages of a buildings life cycle from initial planning to disassembly. Key aspects of the initiative include: • custom credit sets to give flexibility in selecting project- specific prerequisites and credit sets based upon building type and life cycle parameters; • web -based delivery to reduce costs to project teams and streamline certification while providing a building performance management system; 107 • performance -based certification that uses actual,energy and water billing data to provide performance feedback to building owners, operators and designers; • • certification at all key building life cycle milestones to foster a shift from a one -time use of the tool to an on -going management tool for buildings and land development; • new delivery process to eliminate bottlenecks through a system of LEED licensed certifiers and assessors, LEED accredited building owners, managers, program and service providers. Through the LEED Canada initiative, CaGBC aims to recognize 100,000 buildings and 1 million homes (new and existing) using 50% less energy and water than the 2005 baseline for their building type by 2015, while achieving exemplary environmental standards in the other LEED categories. CaGBC's goal would result in a 50 Mt reduction in GHG emissions and contribute significantly to Canada's reduction target. Early in 2008, CaGBC launched a national pilot project for administration buildings with federal, provincial and municipal governments. This pilot is occurring in parallel with the.technical development of the new, integrated LEED rating system to inform and test the system design and delivery model, as well as help determine training requirements and accreditation criteria for this sector. To date, participation in the program includes the federal and provincial governments, 1 utility company and 12 municipalities from across Canada for a total of 58 administration buildings. In the Greater Toronto Area, participating municipalities include the cities of Toronto, Barrie, Waterloo and the Town of Richmond Hill. RATIONALE The pilot project for administrative buildings presents municipalities with the opportunity to participate directly in the update of the LEED Canada Green Building Rating System. This next generation of LEED Canada will address existing and new buildings, include all building types and streamline the process to lower costs and shorten the time required for certification. Participation in the project will help municipalities to stay on the leading edge of the green building movement. A registration form for the project is attached. FINANCIAL DETAILS The pilot project is being subsidized by the federal and provincial governments as well as utility companies. As a result, there is a nominal charge of $6,250 per building to join the project. Report prepared by: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca Date: February 11, 2008 Attachments: 1 108 Attachment 1 LEED® Canada Initiative - Pilot Project February 2O('S el (46), ere o Nat.., ;, ,?r'1011r(es, reiurzr Disuut Qti.. A I: t )o-1 t rate 'Try : merits anti :iii its introduction in (a'latjd just four years ago, Lit DT_< t,.?r New COil,truction (LLLL ) NC} Ilas e,,perlKnced remarkable market acceptance, rapidly grev,iii number of LLED buildings acing up across the country mid demonstrating substantial improvements in energy and trwircismental performarrse. Federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments have played leadership roles in the Al rl,rin of I Ftll Lill ,his st,, have come u,drrst,s'tlem,111,1, to addres, existing as oveII as nr•w Iii ;,,sinus, and to incorporate real hmldire? performance un We rating system. Responding to these demands, the Canada Green Buiidinq Counril (t initiated a mlllli -yc tr d 5oi.,llii ei i1 prr,orlrn which will transl„rrn the green Im,iding rating sy,te 11 t has int( ,,rar e 1 t i 1) for N' w Construction, 1ELD yr �xtst ng tuildrn�s, arnd ,ther LEtt] texrls i1 to a , ornimor, and national sy.rem that can he used to certiiv wised portfolio liny tvincs: evolve from di,curnent- based, one 1,n),!. certification to a Iit "f. yr Ir builrisr�g performance nlrlrlarien1 -nt Sv Sr,'rn, pr, vide ot delis e,y let iccess, and higher speed tertiir,.. un at lower incc,aporate performance -based energy. water and GHG efficiency credits; e4[dI? lsh rlalinri sI I' r rnl..,r1 - rL9n 11,1c, ,tnrJ nc,v,,liillnc hrrl� >r'i1�1nr au�, >I to identify and atsin'ify f ii ..: "11110 ii ii71`J.i i.l it :.l!I CllnyS. the 1 t1i C;r,n: ;a tort,, •rr,r,.it, ,, ,,•t .1 1,1— bur :1; , the ir-,l 18 ,n outs, 11!11 i th,nl tone, t1i ,,xistiny prose^ 1 ,• (, >rtlli .11 ctrl .vill conrledr ,-.1 I be easily transferable in future . irninistration buildings Is being conducted with federal, proem ents - ?flu , happening in parallel with [Ile technic :II developni ont c,l The ,,e,', ell, ,dialed LEED urm and test ttie system design Liiid deliver., mu,lel ,I :yell as l eli> dct,.•u,ni„e I,auii,ly reclitation Criteria 1 -,r tli t sector. PartiiIt! iri£r,.v,ll benefit from; ull and ,ce in preparing rndividualrreri I e dInq energy and envir,,nm?ntal assessments relative 1C, I LI 11 riteria d nalic,nsl performance standards, nfident al o,rnllar,,tive energy, water and (,,HG emission benchmarkiny reports for participating buildings; estimatirxt of energy, :.aver and (;HC en1i,von I) o,itlal; rt ngnlliun and du, e- imenlation of high perfern,iny builriin_rs, lla tii flaticn i, i .1 2 -day workshop with industry exo re, 1r> drvel,ll, t_ELD certification plans and budgets for their buildiri,_ts, rrainini� for their employees, and leararrship sharing a nevv approach to manayrr ann nidtimi.,ng the enerccy and environmental performance of lwildinits in Canada. ;'rilr't 109 You are invited tn stitAnit 1-4 ut your buiklincp t, ii lor-Irng 7,w n-1,7“.,1 energy and riviiriuntiilIy eliicient 1-Alilding(s) Vli c. let' for partinpation S6,250 per building Please complete Anil submit the brio `,11IVCV ,(11)f11 nlin,1 pArtiLipd(1,01 i n tric• rior, h•olore March 31, 2008 L enniter Thibodeau, LaGt3C, by email: jthibu,1 ed,0a9bcoroi or by rax: 61 -241 -4 li32, ni.cpality Address c•-(11i11( Total I'll, 1 tiiiet,ter that, „t,,,„,. •;1\— stivIller sq ft 11(14., to be upcncd :2ctween 200/-2010 110 RES. #A50/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: BIOGAS MARKET DEVELOPMENT Partnership with YIELD Renewable Energy Producers to develop a market for biogas in the Greater Toronto Area. Gay Cowbourne Richard Whitehead WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff, as part of the TRCA Community Transformation Program, is working with YIELD Renewable Energy Producers (herein 'YIELD') to advance the market for biogas and the development of biogas facilities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); WHEREAS there are significant renewable energy opportunities for municipalities and other TRCA partners; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT these opportunities with YIELD be communicated to the GTA local and regional municipalities as work plans proceed. CARRIED BACKGROUND Biogas is the gas generated through the anaerobic digestion (AD) (digestion in the absence of oxygen) of organic materials such as food waste. Biogas is composed of methane (55 -75 %), carbon dioxide (30 -45 %) and some other trace gases. It is formed through natural processes such as those that occur in wetlands and it also occurs spontaneously in landfills. Biogas is combusted for heat or electricity. The production of biogas has been mechanized to produce methane through anaerobic digesters. Mechanized anaerobic digestion is being used to process organic waste streams from municipalities and industrial, commercial and institutional sources. Anaerobic digestion offers the most efficient and environmentally sustainable method of processing organic waste materials into energy and nutrient -rich soil conditioning by- products. Benefits Biogas is most often used to generate electricity. According to the National Energy Board of Canada, biopower generation makes up Canada's second largest potential renewable energy source after small hydro. Biogas can also be cleaned to remove gases other than methane and injected into the existing natural gas pipeline distribution system or to be used for fuelling vehicles. The production of electricity from biogas also generates heat for local energy needs and the material remaining after digestion can be stabilized through composting and used as organic soil amendment. Most biogas is produced from waste materials. The European biogas industry was started for the treatment of farm and municipal water treatment wastes such as manures and biosolids (sewage sludge). More recently, biogas has increasingly been used to support diversion of waste from landfills, including industrial food processing wastes, municipal source separated organics (SSOs) and complex commercial organics (CCOs) from grocery stores, restaurants and institutional sources. Biogas has several advantages over other energy sources, including the following: • It is a renewable energy source. 111 • It generates a net reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 'removing methane and offsetting fossil fuel usage. Environment Canada estimates each tonne of organic material processed through anaerobic digestion reduces GHG emissions by 0.92 tonnes. • Using municipal, commercial, industrial and institutional feedstocks means that waste is diverted from landfill. Not all methane can be captured in landfill, and methane is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. (BIOCAP, 2006). • Using the by- products of biogas as.fertilizer creates a closed loop system, a key component for the future sustainability of the city region. • Anaerobic digestion is better than composting in that it reduces odour, mineralizes nutrients and removes weed seeds and pathogens from fertilizer. Status of Biogas The biogas sector in Canada consists mainly of early -stage investments. The development of biogas facilities is much further ahead in Europe, with an estimated five thousand facilities (National Challenge Systems Inc., 2005). This has been spurred by a landfill.ban for biodegradable waste in the European Union (EU), along with incentives for renewable energy. As well, there are about three million anaerobic digesters in China and one million in India (National Challenge Systems Inc., 2005). Many of the Asian digesters are smaller -scale farm and household digesters. There is one full scale AD plant operating in the GTA; the City of • Toronto's Dufferin Organics Processing Facility has been operating full scale at a capacity of 25,000 megatonnes per year since 2004. The opportunities to take advantage of this technology in the GTA and across the country are plentiful and bio.gas is an important part of Canada's future sustainable energy mix. RATIONALE YIELD Renewable Energy Producers was formed for the purpose of developing, constructing and operating renewable energy facilities in North America based on anaerobic digestion of • organic materials. YIELD's management team has over 30 years experience in the development and operation of power generation and biogas plants. YIELD's advisory board includes experts in biogas, renewable energy, engineering, technical research and development, marketing, taxation, public relations, information technology and law. YIELD is the exclusive licensee in North America for FITEC organic waste pre - processing and biogas technology, engineering and expertise. Through application of FITEC's pre - processing and biogas technology, YIELD is uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of complex urban - sourced organic waste streams. YIELD is also the exclusive licensee in Ontario for LIPP biogas technology. LIPP has'developed state -of -the art anaerobic digester technology that has been in use for over 30 years. LIPP has built projects that are currently generating electricity in over 700 facilities in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. YIELD is committed to developing biogas production facilities in the GTA and across Canada. It is'in the process of developing a biogas facility in an industrial park in Toronto and is in discussions with other partners in Southern Ontario. YIELD is committed to ongoing research and development to further the_ market for biogas and enhance the environmental benefits generated by its biogas energy plants in areas such as: • identifying ways to produce new fuel sources from process by- products; • identifying new anaerobic bacterial species; • using glycerine from bio- diesel production as a fuel source; and 112 • identifying new methodologies for pre - processing input feedstocks, including municipal source separated organics SSOs and CCOs from grocery stores and restaurants; YIELD has established partnerships with experts in all fields related to the design, development . and operations of biogas energy facilities. Through these partnerships, YIELD is positioned to address all key information and technology challenges. YIELD is committed to providing leadership in the development of biogas facilities within an urban context. Their objective is consistent with The Living City objective to create Sustainable Communities. Staff anticipate that working with YIELD will lead to additional partnerships with universities, colleges, municipalities as well as the provincial and federal governments. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Work with YIELD to facilitate planning approvals for their first facility in the City of Toronto and subsequent facilities in other locations. • Develop a project as part of TRCA's Sustainable Technology Evaluation Program to monitor and evaluate biogas plants. • Help YIELD develop biogas research partnerships with universities, colleges and government organizations. • Identify and facilitate funding for feasibility studies and pilot projects in key areas across the GTA (for example Partners in Project Green). • Profile biogas with municipal partners, businesses and the public to help raise awareness and interest. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA staff will work with YIELD to develop proposals for funding to work on strategic areas of interest that support the development of the market for biogas. Projects would only be undertaken where funding resources are available and any necessary approvals obtained. Report prepared by: Anne Reesor, extension 5202 Email: areesor @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca Date: March 14, 2008 RES. #A51/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TORONTO HISTORICAL PARK • Endorse the concept of a historical park (south of St Clair Avenue to Lake Ontario) to recognize the significance of the Humber River to the three founding cultures (First Nations, French and English) of Toronto along the Carrying Place Trail. • Bonnie Litt ley Grant Gibson 113 WHEREAS the Humber River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1999 based on its outstanding cultural and heritage values; WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has a mandate to identify, document, protect and celebrate the diverse cultural and heritage resources of the Humber River watershed; WHEREAS La Societe d'Histoire de Toronto (LSHT) has completed a feasibility study and implementation plan for the historical interpretation of the Lower Humber River titled Toronto Historical Park: 'The Shared Path' (March, 2006); THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA endorse the concept of a historical park _along the Humber River from St. Clair Avenue to Lake Ontario as described in the study titled Toronto Historical Park: 'The Shared Path' (March 2006); THAT staff continue to work with La Societe d'Histoire de Toronto and other stakeholders to achieve the objectives set forth in the Toronto Historical Park: 'The Shared Path' (March, 2006) feasibility study; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the City of Toronto with a copy of the Toronto Historical Park: 'The Shared Path' (March, 2006) feasibility study for their consideration. CARRIED BACKGROUND La Societe d'Histoire de Toronto (LSHT) is a volunteer organization which was created in 1984 and is dedicated to the study and further knowledge of Toronto's history, with particular reference to the history of French - speaking communities. Since 1992, members have been working toward the goal of developing the Lower Humber (south of St. Clair Avenue) as the 'Shared Path' historical park. In 2004 LSHT received $25,000 from the Ontario Trillium • Foundation and $10,000 from both the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Canada for a total of $45,000 to conduct a feasibility study and related implementation plan for this project. Now complete, the feasibility study and implementation plan is being acted upon in partnership with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Society of Heritage Associates and Project Rousseau Project. The feasibility study and implementation plan is being supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Heritage Toronto, Ontario Heritage Foundation, La Franco -Fete, Le Regroupement des Organismes du Patrimoine Franco - Ontarien (ROPFO), Direction Ontario, the Toronto Quebec Office, the French Consulate, Etobicoke York Heritage Roundtable, Humber Heritage Committee, Toronto Field Naturalists and Regroupement franco - ontarien de developpement economique et d'employabilite (RDEE Ontario). 114 The concept of a 'Shared Path' represents a unified vision for the Toronto Historical Park on the Humber River, demonstrating the interdependence of the three founding cultures of Toronto on the Humber River along the Toronto Carrying Place Trail (First Nations, French and English). Before the arrival of Europeans, this territory was occupied by First Nations for over ten thousand years. During the contact period (approximately 1615 to 1835), it became an important network of trade and exchange between the three founding cultures of Canada. For approximately two centuries, the commerce of beaver pelts and other fur dominated the relations between the First Nations, the French and the English along the Humber River. The goal of the Toronto Historical Park is to highlight the inter - relationship of the First Nations, French and English, or the 'Shared Path' along the Humber River in Toronto. Project Benefits and Components: The benefits of this project include: • Civic pride - celebrates Toronto's rich and diversified heritage; • Increased public awareness - educates and informs the general public by revealing shared Aboriginal and Euro- Canadian experiences; • Tourism industry - offers residents and visitors a broader horizon of the history of Toronto; • Public education - offers resources for teachers for public school curricula; • Environment - designation and protection under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Canadian Heritage Rivers designation and the City of Toronto's Official Plan will help further promote, enhance and protect the Humber River; • Cultural and historical festivals - provides a setting for festivals highlighting the cultural and historical contributions of Toronto's three founding groups; and • Health and recreational activities - incorporates existing hiking trails and specific areas of fitness and suggests improvements to the trail network through specific projects, notably the proposed Dundas Street pedestrian bridge. This historical park will include plaques, self - guided tour brochures, costumed interpreters on event days and a building or kiosk to house information and displays. Interpretation would be in three languages: English, French and a First Nations language that will be determined by first nations partners. 115 Figure 1: General Location of Toronto Historical Park The following highlights the structure cu tel of the pi opuser urunto Historical Park: Existing Trail Network The Toronto Historical Park will take advantage of the existing park and trail network within the Humber River valley, including Home Smith Park, Etienne Brae Park, Kings Mill Park, Lambton Woods, South Humber Park and part of the Toronto Waterfront Trail located in the lower reaches of the Humber River watershed. Trail Network Extension For over 7,000 years, the Humber River Valley provided a natural system permitting access into the heart of Huronia. The Carrying Place Trail had interdependence with the Humber River. The heritage trail network will integrate existing park trails that extend into the Regional Municipality of York. Management The trail network and other aspects of the park will continue to be managed by the City of Toronto. Natural Heritage Principle All initiatives undertaken in the Toronto Historical Park will enhance the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the parks and open spaces associated with the Carrying Place Trail. Cultural Heritage Principle The broadest perspective to heritage shall be used along the Toronto Historical Park. These include routes, structures, sites (archaeological, built), objects, etc. which relate to the 'Shared Path' concept. 116 Protection The significant archaeological resources of the Toronto Historical Park require protection. Natural values (Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest) and significant features will be protected. First Nations For over 10,000 years, First Nations have been stewards of the river, travellers, interpreters and traders along the Carrying Place Trail and its settlements (Teiaiagon, Mississauga). They played a crucial role in the establishment of water routes and the Carrying Place Trail. First Nations will continue to be involved in planning and development of interpretation of Aboriginal heritage and management of the archaeological sites. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. Seek endorsement of the concept by the City of Toronto. 2.. Identification of project champions: • search for sponsors; • confirm funding. • 3. Implement the Plan: • tell the story of a river and the life on its shores; • tell the story of three nations; • exploration: passage, commerce, settlement, contacts, mutual aid and exchange; • 13 Interpretive features proposed: Pavilions • First Pavilion - Humber River Historical Park - The Shared Path; • Baby Point. Panels • Humber River - ancient river valley; • Humber River marshes; •. South Humber park; • Dundas Street bridge crossing and Lambton House; • Magwood Park Garden; • Etienne Brule. Plaque • • Champlain Memorial. • Audio - visual Information Stations • Old Mill Subway Station. Beautification of the Old Mill Subway Station • • Heritage Rivers theme: art and sculpture, integration of public art. Discovery Centre • Ancient River Valley near Bloor Street. 117 Interpretive Centres • Teiaiagon - First Nations settlements; • The Toronto Carrying Place, second French fort and Jean - Baptiste Rousseau site. Old Dundas Pedestrian Bridge - new FINANCIAL DETAILS In the feasibility study, the estimated financial costs associated with the Toronto Historical Park (March, 2006) are as follows: TABLE G.1 - PHASING, PRIORITIES AND COSTS COMPONENT • DESCRIPTION ORDER OF MAGNITUDE Cost/Year ($ thousands) 0 -2 3 -5 5+ S1 - Shared Path.Trail Head Pavilion with interpretive centres 10 100 S2 -6 - Interpretive Panels 5 @ 7,000 inc. interpretive research /artworks 35 N1 -7 - Interpretive Panels 7 @ 7,000 49 LEGACY PROJECTS Signage Program. . VVayfinding/branding signage 40 @ 1,000 40 Pedestrian Bridge 800 Landscape Restoration 10 10 10 Old Mill Subway Station Public Art Public art in subway station 25 ' 300 Toronto Historical Park First Nations Pavilion Trailhead at Old Mill Subway Station 100 . Rousseau Interpretive Node Parking lot interpretive signage 10 Public Art Various pieces commissioned 50 50 50 Website Creation of website SUBTOTAL 204 1,095 360 TOTAL 1,659,000 La Societe d'Histoire de Toronto has yet to secure the funding needed to complete the estimated components of the Toronto Historical Park. Copies of the Toronto Historical Park: 'The Shared Path' (March, 2006) feasibility study will be available at the Authority meeting and additionally upon request. Report prepared by: Susan Robertson, extension 5325 Email: srobertson @trca:on.ca For Information contact: Gary Wilkins, extension 5211 Email: gwilkins @trca.on.ca Date: March 6, 2008 118 RES. #A52/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT Ministry of the Environment Clean Water Act, 2006. Approval to receive funding from the Ministry of the Environment for Technical Studies in respect of the Clean Water Act, 2006. Paul Ainslie Gay Cowbourne THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to receive funding of $2,600,000 on behalf of the CTC (Credit Valley- Toronto and Region - Central Lake Ontario conservation authorities) Source Protection Region to be used to undertake technical studies and other work in support of the Clean Water Act, 2006; THAT the agreement be on terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and, as necessary, its legal advisers; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreement with MOE including the execution and signing of documents and entering into agreements with municipalities in the CTC Source Protection Region to complete required technical studies. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has received funding to continue to support technical studies to complete the assessment reports required for each of the Source Protection Areas delineated under Ontario Regulation 284/07. MOE is offering the CTC (Credit Valley- Toronto and Region - Central Lake Ontario conservation authorities) Source Protection Region $2,600,000 to complete existing technical work that has been identified, plus new technical work that will be identified through the development of Terms of Reference for each of the three source protection areas within the CTC Region. This is interim financing that will be subject to financial accounting, reporting and auditing to ensure that the funds are spent on eligible projects. The agreement between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the province to accept this funding must be executed to ensure that the funding will be received as soon as possible. TRCA staff and, as necessary, its legal advisers will review the proposed agreement with MOE to ensure that terms and conditions are acceptable. The current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TRCA, Conservation Ontario and the province that has funded source water protection work by staff of the three conservation authorities (CA) in the CTC Region expires March 31, 2008. TRCA will be allowed to use this new technical study funding on an interim basis to cover costs for non - technical study work while the province implements its new transfer payment process for funding this work. Based on current information, the new transfer payment approach and new funding to support staff and the work of the source protection committee will be made available in June or July of 2008. 119 Based on the MOE approval of the Terms of Reference in late 2008 - early 2009, the CTC Region may receive additional funding for technical studies or be required to return funds in excess of budgetary needs. MOE financing can be used to fund Conservation Authority staff work, consultants or transferred to municipalities under MOA to undertake part or all of the tasks to deliver the required technical work. Under the Clean Water Act, 2006, municipalities have the 'first right of refusal' to undertake part or all of the work to complete the assessment report or source protection plan. In order to undertake the work, a resolution of municipal council will be required authorizing municipal staff to take on the responsibility to undertake the work. TRCA, as the 'lead' source protection authority for the CTC Region, has the regulatory responsibility for the fiscal management of provincial funding for source protection studies. Any MOA between TRCA and a municipality will set out the responsibilities of the parties regarding the budget, schedule, deliverables, financial accounting and reporting and data management consistent with the requirements set out between TRCA and MOE. Report prepared by: Beverley Thorpe, extension 5577 Email: bthorpe @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Beverley Thorpe, extension 5577 Email: bthorpe @trca.on.ca Date: March 25, 2008 RES. #A53/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SANYO PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION AT THE LIVING CITY CAMPUS AT KORTRIGHT Approval to enter into negotiations for an agreement with Sanyo Canada to install up to a 1.8 megawatt photovoltaic solar electric system at The Living City Campus at Kortright. Lois Griffin Gay Cowbourne WHEREAS the vision for The Living City Campus at Kortright includes an energy plan that calls for the campus to be energy self sufficient and carbon neutral; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to negotiate an agreement with Sanyo Canada to install up to a 1.8 megawatt photovoltaic solar system at The Living City Campus; THAT staff seek the technical advice of PowerStream, the local electrical provider, on grid related issues; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Authority with details of the proposed agreement and next steps. , 120 AMENDMENT RES. #A54/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Gay Cowbourne THAT the last paragraph of the main motion be amended to read: AND FURTHER THAT final approval not be granted until such time as staff report back to the Authority with details of the proposed solar system, agreement and next steps to the satisfaction of the Authority, TRCA staff and legal advisors. THE AMENDMENT WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: CARRIED CARRIED WHEREAS the vision for The Living City Campus at Kortright includes an energy plan that calls for the campus to be energy self sufficient and carbon neutral; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to negotiate an agreement with Sanyo Canada to install up to a 1.8 megawatt photovoltaic solar system at The Living City Campus; THAT staff seek the technical advice of PowerStream, the local electrical provider, on grid related issues; AND FURTHER THAT final approval not be granted until such time as staff report back to the Authority with details of the proposed solar system, agreement and next steps to the satisfaction of the Authority, TRCA staff and legal advisors. BACKGROUND The Living City Campus is the vision for the Kortright Centre. The vision aims to inspire, support and monitor change toward sustainable living, leading the way toward sustainable development and the use of sustainable technologies through practice, education and market transformation. Cornerstones to the successful implementation of the vision are sustainable technology demonstrations, education, evaluation and monitoring and a sustainable operation philosophy . that contributes to a zero carbon footprint. The vision includes an energy plan which identifies photovoltaics as a sound sustainable energy choice to provide part or all the electrical energy for the campus. 121 Sanyo is one of the largest electronics and photovoltaic manufacturers in the world. With the new Standard Offer Program (SOP), Sanyo has identified Ontario as a high growth potential for photovoltaic systems: The SOP pays electrical generation by photovoltaics $.42 /kilowatt hour, four times what most consumers pay for electricity. This SOP program is designed to encourage the implementation of large photovoltaic systems. Sanyo recognizes the proximity to the Kortright Centre of their Canadian head office in Vaughan and the long term demonstration, education, and research potential of The Living City Campus. Sanyo has approached Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to install the largest photovoltaic system in Canada to be located within the perimeter of the Energy Trail at Kortrig ht. Report prepared by: Alex Waters, 905 - 832 -2289 Email: awaters @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Alex Waters, 905- 832 -2289 Email: awaters @trca.on.ca Date: March 27, 2008 RES. #A55/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: • GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Duffins Creek Watershed 911 Investments Ltd., CFN 40485. Acquisition of a property located north of Bethesda Sideroad and west of Tenth Line, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Duffins Creek River watershed. (Executive Res. #82/08) Paul Ainslie Bryan Bertie • THAT 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 8, Concession 9 and designated as Part 1 on Registered Plan 65R- 29936, located north of Bethesda Sideroad and west of Tenth Line, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York, be purchased from 911 Investment Ltd.; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid by TRCA; 122 AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A56 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River Watershed • Alice Smith, CFN 40489. Purchase of property located south of Major Mackenzie Drive and east of Dufferin Street, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River watershed. (Executive Res. #B3/08) Paul Ainslie Bryan Bertie . THAT 0.62 hectares (1.53 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 20, Concession 2 and designated as Parts 9, 10 and 11 on Plan .65R- 29603, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located south of Major Mackenzie Drive and east of Dufferin Street, be purchased from Alice Smith; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A57 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED OAK RIDGES CORRIDOR PARK Implementation of the first phase of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan, through the receipt of grant funding from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation as well as in -kind contributions from Oak Ridges Trail Association, Richmond Hill Naturalists and Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment. (Executive Res. #B4/08) Paul Ainslie Bryan Bertie 123 THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into an agreement with the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation to receive $125,010 in 2008 and $121,630 (in principle) in 2009 to implement Phase One of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan; AND.FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to finalize the agreement with the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation; including the signing and execution of documents. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A58 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Paul Ainslie Bryan Bertie CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.4.1 - 9.4.71, with the exception of 9.4.70 - River's Edge Bolton Ltd. c/o Kirk Mawhinney, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #1/08, held on March 7, 2008, be received. RES. #A59 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Jack Heath Suzan Hall CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 item 9.4.70 - River's Edge Bolton Ltd. c/o Kirk Mawhinney, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #1/08, held on March 7, 2008, be received. RES. #A60 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Paul Ainslie Bryan Bertie CARRIED THAT Section II items 9.5 - 9.10, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #1/08, held on March 7, 2008, be received. CARRIED 124 Section II Items 9.5 - 9.10, Inclusive HEART LAKE CONSERVATION AREA (Executive Res. #B9/08) SUPPLY OF REFORESTATION SEEDLINGS (Executive Res. #B 10/08) SOLAR POWERED ELECTRIC PONTOON BOAT (Executive Res. #B 11 /08) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #B 12/08) WEST HILL COMPANY LIMITED (Executive Res. #B 13/08) SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A61/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: 2007 FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING PROGRAM Status Report and 2008 Work Plan. Annual update on status of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Flood Forecasting and Warning • Program. Gay Cowbourne Bonnie Littley IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Flood Forecasting and Warning Program 2007 status report and the 2008 work plan as they relate to the Greater Toronto Conservation Authorities Flood Forecasting and Warning Standards, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA Flood Forecasting and Warning staff has continued to work through the year to achieve the objectives outlined in the 2007 work plan. The work plan was created to allow the program to exceed TRCA's obligations under the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Flood Forecasting and Warning Standards. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2007/2008 WORK PLAN In 2007, a number of significant goals were realized and are highlighted below: 1. In order to increase the daily involvement of senior water management staff in the flood forecasting and warning program, the Chief Flood Duty Officer (CFDO) role was created. A CFDO is on call, along with a Flood Duty Officer (EDO) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is responsible for major decisions during a flood event.' The CFDO also provides technical support to the FDO. 125 2. A Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre was created on TRCA's website with the current state of flood conditions displayed 'at a glance' on the homepage. The website now provides quick access to current messages, safety tips, documents (such as the GTA Flood Contingency Plan and the History of Flood Control), a photo submission feature and a Frequently Asked Questions section. 3. The Real -Time Gauging Network was expanded and FDO's were able to improve efficiency in decision making by accessing current water levels in the streams across the jurisdiction on the gauging website in real time. 4. Advances in the prediction tools available for FDO's were also.made. The Flood . Forecasting (FFOR) model, which was created in coordination with the GTA Flood Group, was calibrated for,select flood vulnerable areas and allows for the forecasting of flood risk based on more detailed and accurate information than previous tools. 5. A Watershed Response Project was also initiated that will produce detailed characterizations for all of the watersheds., Each watershed is unique in terms of its physical features (e.g. valley geometry, land use cover, size and shape). In addition, the ability of the river systems within each watershed to transport water varies, both in terms of amounts of water that can be conveyed and the time in which it takes to reach flood vulnerable areas. In order to more accurately assess the risks due to flooding during an event, this study is examining a variety of rainfall events (based on historical rainfall) and how water levels change within the watersheds. The study includes an analysis of the timing of the response within the watershed, which is critical information for emergency responders. The first phase of the project, which involved the development of a tool to convert radar data to a suitable format for input to a continuous simulation hydraulic model, was completed in 2007. 6. Enforcement staff participated in the River Watch program and provided 'eyes in the field' for Flood Duty Officers on a number of occasions in 2007. The River Watch manual update will be completed in early spring, 2008 and staff will continue to receive training as required. 7. Staff training was a main focus of the program in 2007. Eleven training modules were developed that will form the basis for annual training in the future. A key focus of the training was on safety and preparedness. The GTA Flood Forecasting and Warning Standards identify four program, delivery areas: i) Program Delivery /Administration, ii) Forecasting, iii) Communications and iv) Flood Operations. A status report detailing the works completed in 2007 under each delivery area, along with a work plan for 2008, is outlined in Attachment 1. The main elements of the 2008 work plan as they relate to the four program delivery areas are listed below: 126 i) Program Delivery /Administration Baseline knowledge of the watersheds will continue to be expanded through a number of projects including: the Watershed Response Project, field inventories of flood control structures and the completion of the Flood Protection and Remedial Capital Works Study. This latter study examines the flood vulnerable areas across the jurisdiction and identifies areas where flood risk may be reduced through the implementation of remedial measures (such as land acquisition, construction of flood control structures or modifications to existing measures). Improvements to TRCA's monitoring network will continue with the addition of 6 new real -time precipitation gauges and 4 real -time stream gauges. With the increased functionality being built into the gauging website, Flood Duty Officers will have the ability to access a number of tools quickly and efficiently to assist in the decision making process during significant rainfall events. This includes an automated call -out system that will alert FDO's when water levels reach pre- determined thresholds in the watercourses with the real -time capabilities. Focus has been to add the real -time gauges to those sites that are most flood vulnerable. Updates to the 'Operations Maintenance and Surveillance Manuals for both G. Ross Lord Dam and Claireville Dam will be completed in 2008. Emergency Preparedness Plans will also be completed for each dam. Staff will continue to attend training sessions offered by the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management. ii) Forecasting TRCA staff will continue flood forecasting and warning operations. The Watershed Response Project (as described above) will be advanced in 2008. iii) Communications Flood Warning staff will continue to work with TRCA's Marketing and Communications Department to enhance the flood forecasting and warning centre on the website. The Toronto Police operate a Metronet radio system which TRCA will have access to should current communication systems fail during an extreme event. iv) Flood Operations Improvements to the Emergency Operations Centre at Head Office will continue as required. Training sessions for staff will be conducted at regular intervals throughout the year to reinforce the technical requirements for flood forecasting and warning. An Emergency Training Exercise will be conducted in 2008 for essential staff that will focus on an extreme event scenario. 127 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds have been identified in the 2008 capital budget request to undertake the activities identified in the 2008 work plan. Report prepared by: Laurian Farrell , extension 5601 Email: Ifarrell@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Laurian Farrell, extension 5601 or Don Haley, extension 5226 Emails: Ifarrell @trca.on.ca or dhaley @trca.on.ca Date: March 7, 2008 Attachments: 1 128 Attachment 1 TRCA Flood Forecasting and Warning Program 2007 / 2008 Section 1: Program Delivery /Administration To develop and maintain an administrative framework to facilitate and support flood forecasting and warning. GTA Flood Standard Work Completed in 2007 Work Proposed for 2008 Component Develop Baseline Knowledge of • Development of a maintenance database for • Finalize inspection site list for 2008 to include Watershed flood control structures completed new flood control channels and remove sites that • Flood control channel inspections carried out, sites prioritized for maintenance works are not owned by TRCA or Water Management Group • Site tour of high priority sites to determine level • Integration of Flood Control Structure database of maintenance completed (capital works) into Erosion Control database (combine Water . • Survey conducted at York Mills Channel Management information with Restoration • Field visits carried out to flood forecast locations Services). to familiarize staff with these areas • Annual field inventory, assessment and • Tours and training conducted for G. Ross Lord prioritization for all flood control facilities to be Dam and Claireville Dam carried out • Flood Protection & Remedial Capital Works • Capital works initialized for high priority sites: project 30% complete (with development of the Pickering /Ajax interim solution to be prioritization tool for flood vulnerable sites implemented and clean out of Black Creek complete and selection of pilot project for Channel to be completed remedial works complete) • Flood Protection & Remedial Capital Works • Watershed Response Project was initiated in project to be completed (including risk 2007 to gain a better understanding of how the assessment and cost - benefit analysis for entire watersheds respond to various types of storm jurisdiction) events with respect to flooding • Continue work on Watershed Response project • River Watch and Ice Jam locations were and implement findings into daily operation documented in GIS along with photographic procedures (in particular this information will be records and text descriptions used to provide more detailed flood messages in terms of locations of anticipated flooding etc.) 129 GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 - Work Proposed for 2008 Establish Monitoring Network • Installation and upgrade of 13 Real -time • Installation of 6 new real -time web -based web -based gauging stations within TRCA precipitation gauges to allow for remote access jurisdiction • Installation of approximately 6 new stream gauge • Continued monitoring and maintenance of 17 stations and upgrades to 4 existing stream existing stream gauges gauges for real -time web based monitoring • Continued monitoring at 10 snow course • Continue operation and maintenance of 30 • locations existing stream gauges ' ,• Installed, maintained, monitored and retrieved • continue operation and maintenance of 32 rainfall data from 32 precipitation stations existing precipitation gauges • Installed GEONOR snow gauges at Cold Creek • Upgrade the precipitation gauges at Claireville • in Bolton, Stouffville Dam, and Claireville Dam Dam, Milne Dam, and G Ross Lord Dam to heated "all weather" gauges • Continue monitoring at 10 snow course locations • Review need for ice monitoring program and prepare documentation • Installation, maintenance, and monitoring of 13 wet weather sampling stations in partnership with the City of Toronto Jndertake Yearly Training of Staff Training-completed by staff included: Annual Training Modules to be provided in 2008 to • staff as required • • Hydrometrics • • Meteorology 1. Program Overview • Safety Procedures 2 Daily Planning Cycle • First Aid 3. Dam Tours & Dam Operations • Media Training 4. Major Event Operations • Toronto OEM 5. Safety Training • Flood Forecasting Modelling 6. First Aid Training • Ice Jam Tours 7. Toronto Office of Emergency Management • Dam Operations (OEM) 8 Ice Jam & River Watch Tours In addition, two staff members attended a Safety and 9 River Watch Evaluation Seminar on Existing Dams hosted by the 10. Media Training United States Bureau of Reclamation (a world leader 11. Security and Communications ' in dam safety and maintenance) 12. Watershed Response 13. Real Time Gauging & Website Updates 1 n addition, an emergency operations exercise will be conducted for all Flood Warning and Essential Staff. GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 ' Work Proposed for 2008 Document Historical Flow Events • Ongoing operation procedures to document significant events • A legacy database of precipitation, snow and stream gauge data (historical data) was completed • Along with Toronto Water, TRCA staff will present a paper at the May 2008 Institute for Catastrophic Loss Conference on "The August 19th, 2005 Storm and Urban Flooding Impacts" • Analysis of historical events in TRCA jurisdiction to be conducted by staff as part of the Watershed Response Project • The creation of an ACCESS based database to document significant events is underway, and will be completed in 2008. This will allow for information to be standardized and consolidated in one location (includes data from daily operating procedures, photographs from events, messages, media articles etc). Maintain Liaison with Municipalities and Local Emergency Response 3roups • Partnership between GTA Flood Group and Environment Canada to examine IDF curve updates developed • Participated in Municipal Emergency Planning Exercises with York Region and the City of Brampton • Attended Peel Region's Risk Watch Meetings to coordinate education efforts with Emergency Response Agencies • Continued interaction with City of Toronto Emergency Management Office • ongoing as needed • continue to work with the GTA Flood Forecasting and Warning Group and the Provincial Flood Warning Group to advance the program • Coordinate with TRCA Education Team to train School Boards on protocols for disseminating information in Messages • Re- establish protocol with Toronto Police for use of Metronet Radio system Maintain Adequate Flood Plain Mapping and Hydraulic Model in Accordance with FDRP Technical Standards • Etobicoke Creek Hydrology Update completed • Humber River mapping completed (including 2 map sheets for Albion Creek and 2 map sheets for tributaries H4 and H5) • Don River mapping completed (2007 workplan included new map sheets in the East Don River, West Don River and Taylor Massey Creek) • Highland Creek mapping completed • Carruthers Creek mapping completed • Millers Creek mapping completed • Pine & Dunbarton Creek mapping completed • Etobicoke Creek Hydraulic Update to be completed in Spring 2008 (currently 75% complete) • Mimico Creek Hydrology Update to be completed Spring 2008 (currently 75% complete) • Mimico Creek Hydraulic Update to be completed in Fall 2008 (currently 50% complete) • Humber River updates to mapping for: ' Bolton SPA, Woodbridge SPA, Caledon East and Black Creek (6 map sheets in total) • Don River updates to mapping for: Taylor Massey Creek and East Don (5 map sheets in total) • New mapping for Rouge River north of Stouffville Rd and Morningside Tributary north of Steeles (3 map sheets in total) 131 GTA Flood Standard ,Component Work Completed in 2007 Work Proposed for 2008 Develop and Maintain the Flood • Calibration of the FFOR model for 9 gauges • Continue to utilize the FFOR tool in flood Forecasting (FFOR) Model within the TRCA's jurisdiction was completed in forecasting and integrate with distributed . ' 2007. This model is currently being used in conjunction with the Daily Planning Cycle for flood forecasting and provides real -time forecasting of flood levels based on the past 24 hours of precipitation and the precipitation forecast for the next 72 hours . precipitation data obtained from radar . Develop and Maintain a Flood Site • Flood Vulnerable Database updated for Humber • Complete FVA /FVR database in 2008 and Database River, West Don, East Don, Highland Creek and Carruthers Creek in 2007 continue to update as new map sheets are created Conduct Yearly Update of Flood Contingency Manual • 2007 update completed and distributed to partners • annual update to be completed (March 2008) Develop and Maintain Operations • G Ross Lord and Claireville Dam Operation • Complete Operation Maintenance and Manual . Maintenance and Surveillance Manuals update initiated by consultant • Surveillance Manuals, as well as the Emergency Preparedness Plans for G. Ross Lord, Claireville, Milne, and Stouffville Dams ongoing updates to the Flood Warning Manual ' c • Undertake the review of the upcoming Provincial . Flood Forecasting and Warning Guidelines (expected release 2008) that are based on the GTA Flood Forecasting and Warning Standards, and adjust operating procedures as required. 132 GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 . Work Proposed for 2008 Prepare for Emergency Operations • • • . • • The Chief Flood Duty Officer (CFDO) role was ' established to support the Flood Duty Officer (FDO) on a 24 hours per day, 365 days per year basis • All flood warning personnel have been equipped with Flood Duty Officer Safety Kits • Flood warning personnel have prepared personal 72 hour emergency kits • Annual training of key operational components was stressed as an important factor for emergency preparedness. • The River Watch Program was re- established and training was conducted. • Installed, maintained, monitored and retrieved water level data from 8 wells at Claireville Dam • Monthly inspections of Claireville, G Ross, Milne, and Stouffville Dams were conducted. • Electrical upgrades completed at G. Ross Lord Dam • G. Ross gate and guide system and spalled concrete repaired. • Claireville wing wall repair initiated by consultant (Hatch Acres Ltd.) • Stouffville Dam Structural Study initiated by consultant (Hatch Acres Ltd ) • Additional safety measures for Dam Operators initiated at Claireville Dam • A Major Event Exercise will be undertaken with all TRCA Flood Duty staff and Essential staff during 2008. • Standard media messages will be developed to assist CFDO's in fielding media questions. • Develop a business continuity strategy for the flood warning program to be added to the Operations Manual • Improved new Flood Warning stream gauges will be programmed to call out to FDO's if high rainfall or water levels are present allowing for improved response times during flood events • Continue monthly inspection of Claireville, G. Ross, Milne, and Stouffville Dams. • Replacement of Generator at G. Ross Lord Dam • Complete Dam Safety Reviews for High Hills and Secord Dams • Complete Claireville Dam Wing Wall repair and remove sedimentation at low flow valves (Hatch Acres Ltd.) • Complete Stouffville Dam Structural Study to provide solutions and cost estimates to repair deteriorated concrete (Hatch Acres Ltd.) Section 2: Forecasting To understand and quantify the response and potential impacts within watersheds to specific events GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 Work Proposed for 2008 . Follow Daily Planning CyCle • • ongoing on a daily basis with improvements /modifications as•needed • FDO's now utilize the new FFOR and Real -time gauging website tools to improve forecasting • ongoing on a daily basis with improvements /modifications as needed 133 Section 3: Communications To inform clients of the potential or actual impact of flood events in a concise and timely manner. GTA Flood Standard - Component Work Completed in 2007 Work Proposed for 2008 Establish Internal and External Communications Protocol - • Continued to follow media communications protocol with•TRCA Marketing Department • Provided on -going information and advice to municipal clients and CA staff • Established a protocol with TRCA staff (environmental services) to provide targeted messages to construction crews working in the Highland Creek, Black Creek and Don Rivers. • Continue to provide information and advice to municipal clients and CA staff • Re- establish use of Metronet backup radio system with Metro Police • Develop a protocol in cooperation with the Weather Network to provide automated Flood Messages to media outlets. Advance discussions with MNR and other CA's to make this a Provincial initiative. Section 4: Flood Operations To provide on -going information and advice to municipal clients and CA staff. GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 Work Proposed for 2008 Maintain an Emergency Operations Centre • Operation of the EOC at Head Office continued with the addition of a new computer with network access • continue to operate EOC at Head Office and upgrade equipment as required Monitor Flood Events ' • In 2007, 11 messages were issued including 8 High Water Safety Bulletins and 3 Flood Advisories. .No Flood Warnings were issued in 2007 • ongoing as needed Follow Reasonable Safety Procedures • ongoing as needed . . • ongoing as needed • annual safety training to be provided to staff . Document Flood Events • ongoing as needed • A photo - submission page was created on the TRCA website which allows members of the public to upload pictures of flooding • ongoing as needed • a new database system for recording data during significant events will be implemented in 2008 • paperless documentation will be initiated using Laserfische to store digital copies of all messages Document Communications with Internal and External Clients • communications documented on daily planning cycle spreadsheet and in log book - all documents on file • ongoing as needed ' GTA Flood Standard Component Work Completed in 2007 - Work Proposed for 2008 Support Internal and External • ongoing as needed • ongoing as needed Clients • A Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre was created on the TRCA's website which allows for easy access to flood messages, safety tips and historical information . • A report was prepared for TRCA's Education Dept. to be used at the Region of York's' Children's Safety Village regarding safety near rivers, stormwater management ponds, dams and roadways . Debrief Authority Staff • ongoing as needed • ongoing as needed Debrief River Watch Personnel • Enforcement staff were instrumental in providing "eyes in the field" information to FDO's during significant events - • Ongoing operations of the River Watch program will continue with training provided to Enforcement staff annually 134 RES. #A62/08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Grant Gibson Suzan Hall THAT Section IV items 8.2.1 - 8.2.3, inclusive, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Items - 8.2.1 - 8.2.3, Inclusive • DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #1/08, held on January 24, 2008 DUFFINS - CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP Minutes of Meeting #2107, held on June 27, 2007 Minutes of Meeting #3107, held on September 12, 2007 Minutes of Meeting #4107, held on November 21, 2007 ETOBICOKE - MIMICO CREEK WATERSHEDS COALITION Minutes of Meeting #1/07, held on September 20, 2007 Minutes of Meeting #2/07, held on November 22, 2007. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 1:44 p.m., on Friday, March 28, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer • /ks 135 ffTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #3/08 April 25, 2008 The Authority Meeting #3/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, April 25, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m.. PRESENT Paul Ainslie Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow Member Bryan Bertie Member Gay Cowbourne Member Rob Ford Member Grant Gibson Member. Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Jack Heath Member Colleen Jordan Member Glenn Mason Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Ron Moeser, Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member. ABSENT Eve Adams Member Laurie Bruce Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch Member Bonnie Litt ley Member Peter Milczyn Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member 136 RES. #A63 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: • Seconded by: Paul Ainslie Linda Pabst THAT the Minutes of Meeting #2/078 held on March 28, 2008, be approved. CARRIED CONFLICT OF INTEREST Councillor Rob Ford declared a conflict of interest with respect to item 9.7 - Print Vendors, as he owns a printing company. Reenga Mathivanan declared a conflict of interest with respect to items 7.11 - Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan and 7.12 - Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan, as she works • part -time for Friends of the Rouge Watershed. PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration and Environmental • Monitoring Projects, TRCA, in regard to item 7.1 - Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan. (b) A presentation by Jim Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Services, in regard to . item 7.2 - 2008 Operating and Capital Budget. RES. #A64 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Anthony Perruzza Seconded by: John Parker THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. • RES. #A65 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst CARRIED THAT above -noted presentation (b) be heard and received. CARRIED . 137 CORRESPONDENCE (a) A letter dated March 25, 2008 from Marianne Yake, President, Richmond Hill Naturalists, in regard to the David Dunlop Park and Observatory, Richmond Hill. RES. #A66/08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Suzan Hall THAT above -noted correspondence (a) be referred to staff to work with Ms. Yake and report back when new information is available. CARRIED 138 CORRESPONDENCE (A) Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor and Council Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Toronto, Ontario M3N 1S4 Re: David Dunlap Park and Observatory Richmond Hill, Ontario Don River Watershed Dear Chair O'Connor and Council: March 25, 2008 The Richmond Hill Naturalists are a very active group and pleased to support your ongoing efforts in all of our community's watersheds. Our club has been established for over 50 years in Town of Richmond Hill. We have supported and been actively involved in the activities of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority with our members sitting on committees for the Humber, Don and Rouge watersheds. As many of you maybe aware, we are deeply involved in the formal legal protection of the David Dunlap Park & Observatory. Over the last 75 years this property has operated as a park for the citizens and at night, a playground to stars for astronomers. The Park setting has allowed the property to develop in a scientific way with open fields, savannah, woodlands and wetlands continuing to service the green space and dark skies along with our planning and light pollution bylaws. The Don Watershed Regeneration Council visited with our group to see this beautiful natural 188 - acre site. Situated on a drumlin, the David Dunlap Park & Observatory is a part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, but no longer in its political boundary. This site Is home to wildlife, flora, fauna and to date, 47 bird species. We believe this centrepiece property can continue to do science, education and community outreach if protected. It is Just a short walk from Bayview or Yonge Street in downtown Richmond Hill, a 'naturescape' within our urban boundaries. I am formally requesting the TRCA assist us by providing the necessary scientific and archaeological resources to fully evaluate all heritage and natural features of this important site. Once this entirety of the David Dunlap Park & Observatory is secured as a public asset under the protections of the Ontario Heritage Act, we hope to assist in its future with stewardship and continuing education programs for the benefit of local and GTA residents. 139 Also I am respectfully requesting your Foundation cease its door -to -door campaign using the David Dunlap Observatory as the focus of soliciting funds in Richmond Hill. The Richmond Hill Naturalists are and will continue to solicit funds in support of our legal fees before the Conservation Review Board. Many residents who have already donated to our cause do not appreciate the confusion of two similar campaigns in the local marketplace. Sincerely, Marianne Yake, U President' Richmond Hill Naturalists (905) 683 -3047 140 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A67/08 - DUFFINS WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT GREENING AND BIODIVERSITY PLAN Approval of the York Durham Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan. Moved by: Anthony Perruzza Seconded by: John Parker THAT the York Durham Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan be approved; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to assist the Region of Durham and Region of York with the implementation of the Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant Greening and Biodiversity Plan. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Duffins Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) is jointly owned by the regional municipalities of Durham and York. It is a leading state -of -the art wastewater collection system within the Great Lakes basin. In the mid- 1990s, the regional municipalities of Durham and York assumed ownership of the York Durham Sewage System from the province. In 1997, York Region embarked on a master plan study for the York Durham Sewage System to identify and review current conditions as well as future alternatives to service approved growth within urban communities. The master plan involved an extensive review of servicing alternatives and public consultation opportunities as prescribed through the Environmental Assessment (EA) process. The master plan identified priority (required imminently to sustain existing levels of service) and strategic (required to accommodate planned growth) projects and outlined the required expansion of the plant. The existing facility treats sewage flows from both regions, with approximately 80 percent of the flows originating from York Region. At Authority Meeting #9/07, held on November 30, 2007, Resolution #A268/07, was approved, in part, as follows: ...THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to report to the Authority once the final 16th Avenue Environmental Improvements Initiative, Southeast Collector Environmental Enhancement Plan and Duffins Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Greening and Biodiversity Plan, have been developed;... Since May of 2006, the regions of Durham and York have been corresponding and meeting .with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Pickering regarding the Duffins Creek WPCP expansion project. Issues discussed include regulatory area impacts, the realignment of the existing Waterfront Trail, enhancements to wildlife habitat, and completion of the EA, construction access and staging of the works. To expedite regulatory approval and the construction logistics of the plant expansion, a letter of commitment was obtained from the regions to work with TRCA and incorporate environmental habitat enhancements into the project. 141 As a result of these discussions, collectively a new wetland and landscape berming system in accordance with am overall 'Greening and Biodiversity Concept Plan' has been designed. This plan has four significant objectives: 1. ' Establish a significant level of natural cover The plan outlines: • Planting areas that compensate for the loss of trees from the initial land clearing. • Soil augmentation areas that provide for successional plant communities. • Plant communities and planting configurations that provide a high degree of wildlife habitat. 2. Establish critical wetland habitat The plan outlines: • Riparian wetland areas consisting of red -osier dogwood and cedar swamp thickets. • An open water marsh with structural habitats that support a variety of marsh dependant wildlife. • Provides habitat that augments the wetland habitat associated with the lower Duffins Creek coastal wetland complex. 3. Provides an effective buffer between the Duffins WPCP and the waterfront trail The plan outlines: • A series of rolling berms 3 -8 m that screen the plant from the Waterfront Trail and roadway. • Realigns a portion of the Waterfront Trail from the plant fence line. • Provides a large scale buffer between the sewage treatment plant and the Duffins Creek coastal wetland complex. 4. Provides significant wildlife habitat enhancements: The plan provides: • A variety of features that are designed to enhance wildlife habitats. • Special emphasis was placed on migratory birds, migratory butterflies, raptors, amphibians and white tailed deer. The Greening and Biodiversity Plan for the Duffins WPCP will help preserve the ecological integrity of the lower Duffins coastal marsh complex. This investment in habitat is significant and ensures that the ecological features and functions of this area will be protected and allowed to flourish within this new landscape. This area has the potential to be a significant public attraction and a unique setting for wildlife habitat appreciation and interpretation. 142 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The Greening and Biodiversity Plan is now being detailed in a series of construction phasing plans. Staff from TRCA are assisting in the final design details. Staff from TRCA and the regions are involved in discussions to finalize the details and arrangements for TRCA to implement this habitat restoration project. Report prepared by: Gord MacPherson, extension 5246 Email: gmacpherson @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gord MacPherson, extension 5246 Email: gmacpherson @trca.on.ca Date: March 14, 2008 RES. #A68/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: DUFFINS CREEK WETLAND AND RIPARIAN OPPORTUNITIES PLAN Summary report of the assessment and protocol for determining riparian and wetland improvement implementation within the Duffins Creek Watershed. Anthony Perruzza Ron Moeser THAT the Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan be received; THAT staff be directed to use the Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan as the foundation for targeting wetland and riparian habitat restoration opportunities to achieve Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) plans and objectives; THAT TRCA staff be directed to seek partnerships with regional and local municipalities, local residents and interested groups for the implementation of wetland and riparian habitat restoration prescriptions for selected sites; AND FURTHER THAT staff report annually to the Authority on the progress of the implementation of the Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan. CARRIED 143 BACKGROUND Within the Duffins Creek watershed, changes in agricultural land use and development pressures have had a significant impact on the ecology of wetlands, headwater drainage features and connected down stream habitats. Situated at the eastern end of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA's) jurisdiction, the Duffins Creek watershed is 283 square kilometres (km2) in size. In comparison to other watersheds within TRCA's jurisdiction, the Duffins watershed is largely undeveloped, has a high proportion of coldwater streams and approximately 50% of its area is in public holdings. The Duffins Creek is typical of other Southern Ontario watersheds where urban and agricultural land use has had a significant impact on wetland distribution in Southern Ontario. The report entitled Wetland Distribution and Conversion in Southern Ontario (Snell, 1987) states that pre- European settlement Durham and York Region had 13.3% and 16.7% wetland cover respectively, compared to 8.9% in Durham Region and 7.5% in York Region in 1982. The headwaters of the Duffins Creek watershed originate in the Oak Ridges Moraine and drains across the Halton Till Plain, Lake Iroquois Shoreline and Lake Iroquois Plain further south. The mid - reaches of the watershed are largely rural and heavily urbanized south of Taunton Road. Stressors on the watershed include altered flow regimes, increasing urbanization and a lack of riparian vegetation. It is critical to the health of the Duffins Creek watershed that areas be targeted for riparian and wetland restoration in order to mitigate the impacts of these land -uses, thereby improving habitat for fish and wildlife. The Duffin Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan is an evolution of the habitat implementation planning (HIP) process which was initiated in 2003 by TRCA as a means to strategically implement and catalogue restoration projects throughout the jurisdiction. The initial HIP is a targeted site -level implementation strategy based on watershed objectives. Generated from desktop and field assessments, the HIP contains a database of potential restoration sites which are linked to Geographic Information System (GIS) information layers. The information stored within the database includes general site descriptions, existing habitat, potential habitat opportunities and a priority rank. The Duffin Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan utilizes new GIS desktop assessment techniques that allow staff to determine landscape characteristics based on elevation and drainage. By using tools such as ArcHydro (a GIS application), a drainage line can be derived from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Staff can pinpoint the flow of water across the landscape at a level beyond that determinable from aerial photography interpretation. This'enables staff to identify permanent watercourses, intermittent streams and depressions that may be suitable for riparian or wetland restoration projects. The Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan will be the mechanism by which the concepts in the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program (2004), Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Fisheries Management Plan (2003) and A Watershed Plan for Duffins and Carruthers Creek (2003) can be implemented as they pertain to wetland and riparian improvements. In addition, this work can compliment other initiatives such as source water protection, species recovery planning and Atlantic salmon restoration /reintroduction. Below is a map that identified sites for wetland or riparian implementation opportunities through this planning process. 144 Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Modelled Catchments FHeral Lands • VVetland and Riparian Opportunities 4000 0 4000 8000 Meters RATIONALE Following the completion of the Duffins and Carruthers Creek watershed strategy, fish management plan and terrestrial natural heritage targeted system strategy, there was a need to identify priority site area locations which would best achieve the objectives and goals of these strategies. Restoring wetlands and riparian (intermittent and permanent drainage) areas is a major objective within all of these plans. The Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan can facilitate the implementation of these strategies based on a strategic targeted approach. Below is a list of TRCA initiatives that could utilize the Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan: • Implementation on Public Lands: Priority areas for wetland and riparian restoration within public lands will be the first areas targeted for implementation. 145 1 • Stewardship Tool: Identified wetland and riparian opportunities and prioritization can be used as a starting point for direct private landowner contact. Partnerships with private landowners could be formed in regard to restoring these areas. • Ecosystem Recovery Planning: This program utilizes a multi 'umbrella' species approach to ecosystem recovery planning, on the assumption that restoring for certain groups of species will restore a broader level of ecosystem function. The potential wetland and riparian layer from this report can help to identify where in the landscape the habitat conditions can be restored for these 'umbrella' species. • • Fisheries Management: Implementing the priority wetlands and riparian areas could have great benefits improving the hydrologic conditions impacting baseflow, water quality, sedimentation, natural cover, thereby improving fish habitat. • Watershed Strategy: Implementing the priority wetlands and riparian areas could have great benefits that contribute to the targets set forth by the watershed strategy and can be used for reporting on deliverables. • Land Acquisition: The identified priority wetlands and riparian areas can be used to aid in determining possible easements or land acquisition opportunities on private lands. • Planning: The riparian and wetland areas identified in this study could be utilized as a planning tool in regard development review. This would pertain to protecting /restoring intermittent streams and wetlands as an important component of ecosystem function. The ultimate goal is to complete the drainage assessments for the entire TRCA jurisdiction and to produce wetland and riparian opportunity plans for all watersheds in the jurisdiction. The information could be integrated with TRCA's regional planning process as a site level data layer and mechanism for improving ecosystem function as it pertains to wetland and riparian improvements. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The following items will be completed following the reception of the report: • The report will be made broadly available to other TRCA staff; • Restoration Services Division staff will work to integrate internal planning initiatives to achieve in- ground site level projects that reflect watershed objectives and targets; • In addition to targeting public lands, the Duffins Creek Wetland and Riparian Opportunities Plan will be utilized to target private land, owners on sites with high priority wetland and /or riparian opportunities; and • wetland and riparian opportunities planning will continue for other watersheds within TRCA jurisdiction with the goal of completing full coverage. 146 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for the work was provided through the Durham Terrestrial Natural Heritage • Implementation Project (Account 109 -15). The total cost for the work was $25,000. Funds in 2008 will focus on implementation of selected sites based on the plan. Total revenue allocated for this in 2008 is $35,000. Report prepared by: John Stille, extension 5396 Email: jstille @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ralph Toninger, extension 5366 Email: rtoninger@trca.on.ca Date: April 15, 2008 RES. #A69/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TORONTO WATERFRONT AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION STRATEGY .To provide a status report on the progress of the Implementation of the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy under the existing Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. Suzan Hall Paul Ainslie THAT staff continue to work with the partners on the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy Implementation Committee and Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to implement the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy and report on specific initiatives as appropriate. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #4/07, held on May 25, 2007, Resolution #A116/07 was approved, in part, as follows: THAT approval be granted to enter into an Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement with the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) for the purpose of implementing the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) at an estimated cost of $150,000; ... THAT the Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement include provisions that the work is fully funded by TWRC; ... On May 28, 2007 the Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement was executed between Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2007 and on that date TRCA received a letter to indicate that the delivery agreement would be extended beyond March 31, 2007. 147 The implementation of the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy ( TWAHRS) ensures that TWRC incorporates improvements to aquatic habitats and fisheries resources as an integral part of creating a more livable and sustainable waterfront. The strategy's approach to aquatic habitat conservation, restoration and creation is a way for involved organizations to realize collective goals and objectives in a more timely and cost - effective manner using science to support sustainable development of the Toronto waterfront. The member agencies include Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources, and City of Toronto. TRCA has effectively fostered consensus from partners and has established an interagency working committee that will support various waterfront revitalization projects. An update of the TWAHRS Implementation Committee's activities follows: In May, 2007, TRCA hired a staff person to coordinate the activities of the Implementation Committee. Regular monthly meetings have been held with the other members of the Implementation Team. The Implementation Team has advised on TWRC projects such as East Bayfront, Lake Ontario Park, Central /Waterfront, Don Mouth Naturalization and Flood Protection Project, and TRCA/City of Toronto projects like Gibraltar Point Shoreline Stabilization and the Ashbridges Bay-Treatment Plant. The scope of work for the project includes a coordinated process with the province and the federal government agencies for project approvals required for in -water works. Emphasis has been on meeting Toronto Water project timing as well as providing more certainty in approvals, ensuring timely, coordinated and effective environmental assessment and regulatory reviews with an outcome of achieving overall coordinated habitat objectives for the Toronto Waterfront. On September 11, 2007 a detailed workplan was provided to TWRC as a requirement of the Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement. Public Service Quality Fair Level 2 Award The objective of the Public Service Quality Fair (PSQF) is to promote the use of quality management principles and practices in the public sector and to celebrate that excellence. Ideally, this involves the implementation of a complete quality management system such as the National Quality Institute's Canadian Quality Criteria for the Public Sector. Projects that incorporate the principles of a quality management system are eligible for recognition in the PSQF. In an effort to recognize that organizations are at different stages in their quality journey, the PSQF has established a tiered approach to its awards. Last year the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy received a Level 2 Award. A Level 2 Award (continual improvement emphasized) is used to recognize an organization that is utilizing several elements of a standard, either in the ongoing management of the organization or during a long -term project. This project will have an improvement process in use with good results and sustained improvement trends. Receiving the award led to the development of display materials and participation in the Public Service Quality Fair providing an opportunity to showcase the activities of the TWAHRS Implementation Committee to other public service agencies. 148 Executive Committee The first Executive Committee meeting for the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy took place on December 4, 2007. Members of the Executive Committee include John Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, TWRC; Ed DeBruyn, Area Director, Ontario Great Lakes Area, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Tracy Smith, Aurora District Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources; and Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary/Treasurer, TRCA. At the December 4th meeting, Waterfront Toronto confirmed the benefits of the TWAHRS Implementation Committee in facilitating waterfront restoration activities and expressed the wish to continue this relationship. Waterfront Toronto committed to revisit their 2008 and beyond budgets in determining future funding for the TWAHRS Implementation Committee. Communications In order to better communicate with the public, the TWAHRS Implementation Committee determined that they needed to develop an identity. All the agencies represented on the Implementation Committee worked together in consultation with Waterfront Toronto to come up with an identity and 'Aquatic Habitat Toronto' was created. Aquatic Habitat Toronto is the group that is responsible for implementing the TWAHRS. Aquatic Habitat Toronto now has a web site that is under development at www.aquatichabitat.ca. In addition to communicating with the public, Aquatic Habitat Toronto is committed to communicating the benefits of using a consensus based advanced integrated adaptive management approach to other agencies involved in aquatic habitat restoration. As such, staff will be presenting at the International Association of Great Lakes Research Conference in Peterborough in May, 2008 and will be hosting a symposium at the American Fisheries Society conference in Ottawa in August, 2008. The American Fisheries Society (AFS), founded in 1870, is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists and managers. AFS promotes scientific research and enlightened management of resources for optimum use and enjoyment by the public. It also encourages a comprehensive education for fisheries scientists and continuing on- the -job training. The theme of the August 17 - 21 Ottawa Conference is "Fisheries in Flux: How Do We Ensure Our Sustainable Future." Aquatic Habitat Toronto has successfully been accepted to host a symposium entitled 'Aquatic Habitat Restoration on the Toronto Waterfront.' This symposium will demonstrate that agencies can accomplish a great deal by working together. The TWAHRS will be featured and papers will be developed specificallyfor the symposium (a total of 10 papers will be presented). Spadina Slip At the request of TWRC, Aquatic Habitat Toronto expedited the design and approvals process for the Spadina Slip component of the Central Waterfront Project. TWRC wanted to construct one slip while the design of the remainder of the Central Waterfront was in process. In order to assist Waterfront Toronto in designing projects on the Toronto Waterfront, TRCA developed a Baseline Data Document. TRCA received funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to the amount of $10,000 to complete this document. The revitalization of the Spadina Slip involves the installation of an 8 metre wide promenade over the head of slip and 2500 square metres of aquatic habitat in the water. A lighting regime will be developed to showcase the underwater habitat. This lighting regime will be monitored to determine its effect on aquatic life. 149 ■ TRCA, in cooperation with Aquatic Habitat Toronto, developed a comprehensive monitoring plan for the entire Central Waterfront project. TWRC is responsible for implementing the plan as part of their fisheries approval and the monitoring is proposed to begin with the completion of the Spadina Slip. The construction of the Spadina Slip will be completed later in June or early July and a community grand opening is being planned to celebrate the completion of this component of the Central Waterfront project. Science Workshop Aquatic Habitat Toronto is committed to evaluating and advancing the role of science in the management of aquatic habitat in the Toronto Region. On March 18, 2008 Aquatic Habitat Toronto hosted a science workshop to help further the science behind the aquatic habitat restoration efforts on the TWRC. Attendees included representatives from other government agencies, academia and consultants working on projects on the waterfront. The workshop was a success and the outcomes will be used to develop a plan for the science subcommittee to pursue. One of the outcomes of -the workshop is to take the Baseline Data Document for the Waterfront and develop a public version of the document to provide a 'state of the waterfront style report. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will continue to coordinate Aquatic Habitat Toronto and the implementation of the Toronto Waterfront-Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy. The continued focus of Aquatic Habitat Toronto will be on East Bayfront and Central Waterfront, with the addition of the Lower Don as a new focal point. Staff will report to the Authority on specific projects as appropriate. FINANCIAL DETAILS The full cost of this project including all administrative costs is $150,000 for fiscal year 2007 -2008, now extended into 2008 -2009. The project budget is covered under an Eligible Recipient Delivery Agreement. Report prepared by: Cassandra Bach, extension 5628 Email: cbach @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Cassandra Bach, extension 5628, Rick Portiss, extension 5302, Gord MacPherson, extension 5246 Emails: cbach @trca.on.ca, rportiss @trca.on.ca, gmacpherson @trca.on.ca Date: April 4, 2008 Attachments: 2 150 Attachment 1 RON Work Plan 2007/2008 September 5, 2007 ' 1*i ishatias ;and Oceans Pashas at Cteans • °anode Candi Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) Work Pen 2007108 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 Background 2 3.0 Scope of Work 2 3.1 Appointment of TWAHRS Implementation Committee Personnel 6 32 Authorized Activities 8 4.0 Budget 8 6.0 Management, Implementation and Administration Plan 8 5.1 Government Agreements and Authorizations 8 52 Environmental Mitigation Plan 9 5.2.1 Schedule Control 9 6.2.2 Cost Control 9 5.3 Health and Safety 10 6.0 Dissemination plan 10 6.1 Document Control and Distribution 10 7.0 Contracts and Project Close -Out Procedures 11 List of Figures Figure 1: Central Waterfront - Context Map 3 Figure 2: East Bayfront Waters Edge Promenade 4 Figure 3: Lake Ontario Park 5 Appendices • Appendix A: Budget Schedule A.1 of the Delivery Agreement 12 Toronto and Region Conservation September 7, 2007 1 152 Toronto WaterfrontAquatc Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) Work Plan 2007108 1.0 INTRODUCTION As per the Waterfront Toronto (WT) --- Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) Delivery Agreement, TRCA has been designated the lead agency responsible for coordinating the TWAHRS Implementation Committee which will be providing greater certainty with respect to regulatory requirements as described in the Delivery Agreement. The Maximum Allowable Cost of 5150,000 is allocated to this • project TRCA hereby submits this Work Plan for 2007108 for approval further to Condition 22 of the Delivery Agreement. By accepting this Work Plan, WT hereby waives Condition 2.2 (b) which requires the submission of the Work Plan 30 days prior to the commencement of the Fiscal Year. 2.0 BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. developed the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy ( TWAHRS), in consultation with the City of Toronto and WT. TWAHRS is an integrated resource planning approach to achieve a net gain in aquatic habitat in response to the WT long term business plan. Establishment of the TWAHRS Implementation Team realizes collective goals and objectives of the public interest, WT and resource management agencies in a more time and cost - effective manner using science to support sustainable waterfront development The Implementation Team includes representatives from the Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), City of Toronto and Wf. The main objective is to strategically improve the habitat related to fisheries through the approvals process for WT projects with in- water works. This will be the result of early and on -going consultation with all the required agencies throughout projects. Implementation will provide more certainty with respect to regulatory requirements, save time and money tor proponents and resource agencies by an integrated approach. The TWAHRS Implementation Team will provide their expertise on waterfront conditions, assist WT with required documentation for various regulatory approvals and help coordinate monitoring requirements of various agencies. 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK The projects that are identified for this project include Central Waterfront. East Bayfront water's edge promenade and Lake Ontario Park. Toronto and Regron Conservation September 7, 2007 2 153 154 krik 0 0 0 11.1 0 0 155 0 O 156 ii Toronto ',Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Res. :oration Strategy (TWAHRS) Work Plan 2007/08 3.1 Appointment of TWAHRS Implementation Committee Personnel The principal contacts and key personnel of the TWAHRS Implementation Committee are: Project Management WT Lisa Prime Title: Director of Sustainability Phone: 416. 214 -1344 ext 225 Fax: 416.214 -4591 E -mail: Iprime(o)waterfrontoronto.ca TRCA Project Manager: Gord MacPherson • Title: Manager, Restoration and Environmental. Monitoring Projects Phone: 416. 661 -6600 x 5246 Fax: 416-667-6277 E -mail: amacoherson( trcaon.ca DFO Project Manager: Laud Matos Title: Fish Habitat Biologist Phone: 905. 639 -9620 Fax: 905-336-6285 E -mail: matoslCrhdfo- moo.gc.ca MNR Project Manager. Warren May Title: Area Biologist Phone: 905-713-7390 Fax: 905- 713 -7361 E -mail: warren mavemnr gov on ca City of Toronto Project Manager. Bill Snodgrass Title: Senior Engineer, Water and Wastewater Services Phone: 416.392 -9746 Fax: 416. 338 -2828 Email: wsnodgr@toronto.ca Toronto and Region Carnserva1lon September 7, 2007 6 157 Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habsat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) Work Ran 2007108 Additional Members of TWAHRS Implementation Committee WT: As required Title: Project Manager Phone: 416. 214 -1344 Fax: 416. 214 -4591 TRCA Environmental Monitoring: Rick Portiss Title: Supervisor, Environmental Monitoring Phone: 416661.6600 x 5302 Fax: 416. 687 -6277 E -mail: rportissPtrcaon.ca TRCA TWAHRS Coordination: Cassandra Bach Title: Environmental Technician, TWAHRS Implementation Phone: 416661 -6600 x 5628 Fax: 416.667.6277 E -mail: cbach()trca_on_c8 TRCA Laura Stephenson Title: Project Manager, Waterfront Special Projects Phone: 416. 661.6600 x 5296 Fax: 416667 -6277 E -mail: Jstephensonia)trca on_ca TRCA TWAHRS Chair: Larry Feld Title: Manager, Government Liaison Phone: 416661 -6600 x 5243 Fax: 416.667.6278 E -mail: JfieldOtrca.on.ca TRCA Environmental Habitat Ralph Toninger Title: Supervisor, Environmental Projects Phone: 416661 -6600 x 5366 Fax: 416-667-6277 E -mail rtoningeriltrca.on ctt DFO Project Manager: Steve Woolfenden Title: Ash Habitat Biologist Phone: 905. 639.0411 Fax:- 905639.3549 E -mail: wooltendensta')dfo- moo.0c.c$ Toronto and Reg.'on Corrnervetton September 7, 2007 7 158 Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWARRS) Work Plan 2007108 3.2 Authorized Activities Description of the Project Activities The project scope of work includes a coordinated process with the Province and the Federal govemment agencies for project approvals required for in-water works. Dedicated staff resources will be applied to approvals by this Project. Emphasis will be on meeting WT project timing as well as providing more certainty in approvals, ensuring timely, coordinated and effective environmental assessment and regulatory reviews with an outcome of achieving overall coordinated habitat objectives for the Toronto waterfront. The scope of activities associated with the work includes: • Monthly Meetings of the Implementation Team; • Review of WT projects brought forward from concept through design; • Comment and recommendations for achieving broad habitat objectives'and best practices for project delivery; • Coordinated provision of data and supporting information from all agencies included in the TWAHRS initiative, to WT project teams to support approvals process; • Review of draft concepts to support CEAA requirements; • Review of draft fisheries compensation requirements; The TWAHRS Implementation Team will document progress and input for all projects in order to inform the WT of progress and to provide a clear process for project approvals. 4.0 BUDGET As per the Delivery Agreement, funding for this initiative is tied to budget • considerations for approvals in projects which include in-water works, through existing Contribution Agreements. See appendix A for the quarterly cash flow forecast as laid out in Schedule A-1 of the Delivery Agreement. - 5.0 MANAGEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION PLAN 6.1 Government Agreements and Authorizations TRCA staff received direction to proceed with implementation of the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy at Authority meeting #4/07 held . on May 25, 2007 with the adoption of Resolution #A116107. Toronto and Region Conservation September 7, 2007 8 159 Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) Work Ran 2007/08 CEAA approval will be required for all projects subject to the TWAHRS implementation process. For Environmental Assessments, Environmental Canada will act as a lead Responsible Authority (RA) under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). The DFO will be a critical input to Environmental Canada, usually as an RA, to federal decisions under CEAA. This is in addition to other regulatory obligations that DFO is principally responsible for. Under the CEAA, a screening report will be submitted to the federal environmental assessment coordinator (as identified by CEAA) so that the Responsible Authorities can make a decision pursuant to Subsection 20(1) of CEAA. Projects will also require approval under Section 35(2) of the federal Fisheries Act, and possibly Section 5(1) and 5(2) of the federal Navigable Waters Protection Act. Consultation with DFO through the TWAHRS process will support early identification of NWPA requirements. Other related approvals that may be required based on project work include the Port Authority EA or other approvals or Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (MNR). Further authorizations and approvals that will be required for projects include: Fisheries and-Oceans Canada - Fish Habitat Management Authorization for the harmful alteration. disruption or destruction of fish habitat pursuant to subsection 36(2) of the Fisheries Act may also be required. 6.2 Environmental Mitigation Plan 5.2.1 Schedule Control TRCA shall ensure that the project activities of the TWAHRS Implementation Team are completed in accordance and in coordination with the related project schedule requirements. Should circumstances dictate a deceleration in completing activities, TRCA will likewise respond by halting certain planned activities and /or decreasing the amount of work set out in the project activities. 5.2.2 Cost Control TRCA acknowledges that subject to the provisions of the Delivery Agreement, WT shall pay for the project activities up to but not exceeding the Maximum Allowable Cost, and that this is tied to schedule control. The Maximum Allowable Cost includes the costs to administer the following projects until March 31, 2008; Central Waterfront, East Bayfront parks and public realm and Lake Ontario Park. The quarterly cashflow forecast are more particularly Toronto and Region Canserva8on September 7. 2007 9 160 Toronto Waterfront Aquatic habitat Restoration Strategy (TWA) - RS) Work Plan 2007108 shown on Schedule 1-A attached hereto. 6.3 Health and Safety The Management of TRCA is vitally interested in the health and safety of its employees. Protection of employees from injury or occupational disease is a major continuing objective and our management will make every effort to provide a safe and healthy work environment. As employer, TRCA is ultimately responsible tor employee health and safety. TRCA will ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of . our employees. All levels of management are aocountable for their health and safety responsibilities in the same way they are accountable for any other management function. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations will be used as a minimum standard for work operations at TRCA, enhanced by the health and safety rules and safe practice guides detailed in our Health and Safety Program. The Senior Manager, Human Resources Safety, Marketing and Communications is responsible for compliance with the legislation and our own program. 6.0 DISSEMINATION PLAN 6.1 Document Control and Distribution • TRCA will maintain proper and accurate documents and records relating to the project These documents will be preserved on our own premises for five years following oompletion of the project or three years after the final settlement of accounts between WT. TRCA and the federal government with respect to the project TRCA recognizes our duty of confidentiality, with respect to oonfidential information. All parties involved in the project are expected not to disclose or use any confidential information acquired in the course of our association, or by doing business with WT, without appropriate authorization. TRCA will protect confidential information and ensure it is not used for personal benefit or used in a way that may prejudice Lair competition. All information gained during the term of a contract with the Corporation is confidential and will not be disclosed without the Corporation's written consent. The confidentiality of all information including ideas provided in the course of tendering will be preserved. Contractors and their personnel shall at all times be expected to maintain the confidentiality of all information and records connected Toronto and Region Conservatron September 7, 2007 10 161. Toronto Kalertrnnt Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TWAHRS) Wcrk Plan 2007/08 with the project and shall not reveal it unless and until it becomes a matter of general public knowledge. Conditions relating to the confidentiality of sensitive information are oontained within the Contracts used for consultants and sub- contractors will identify the need and terms for confidentiality. Likewise any individuals invited to participate on task forces, working parties or committees, which may be exposed to commercially, or politically sensitive information about planned initiatives, have a particular responsibility to ensure that they maintain confidentiality. For the purposes of the Copyright Act (Canada), TRCA acknowledges that all data prepared under the direction and control of WT and the copyright shall belong to WT. TRCA shall take all reasonable steps to protect information, data or other tangible and intangible property of its own that it regards as proprietary or confidential, to ensure that such proprietary rights of WT are not violated. Any-press release relating to the project will be mutually agreed upon by WT, TRCA, and the federal government: TRCA shall not permit any public announcement or ceremony in connection with the project without the prior approval of WT and the federal government Any disclosure, press release, public announcement or ceremony shall be subject to and made or carried out in accordance with the requirements of any oommunications protocol developed by the federal govemment and WT. 7.0 CONTRACTS AND PROJECT CLOSE -OUT PROCEDURES Within three months after Total Completion, the Eligible Recipient shall prepare and submit to WT "record" drawings of the Authorized Activities. Toronto and Region Conservation September 7.2007 11 162 Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (TVVAHRS) Work Plan 2007/08 Appendix A: Budget Schedule A-1 from Delivery Agreement Schedule A-1 tOr • Alp, ii ' t, orat!on";St . :"."-:: ,:;',,;,-„,:4::,',, ..; '' ;,?",;:,' ,: Project FY 20072QO5 FY 2007-2008 2 2007-2008 03 FY 2007-2008 4 FY 2007 -2008 Total L,r;t Hoyt. tint NAC.,.., ALAI V4i3 i,r- Ed (-01 .vir sl ;L .,,:j: ,:clifilaan :)iii:' _ tr,u-IX , X, S 6 000 $ 24 Pce RewevelacitrA,c Support 1,333 5 1,333 5 1,333 - 3 1 333 5,333 RepnrIeln 607 667 2.000 5 067 5 8675 2607 Operating and ArfrnaLstration 2,000 .... 2.000 2,000 5 8 000 Teta.' Fa , r 1 and , ',I.:,:rs ...lttge 10,000 5 10000 . 15000 5 10000 5 40000 . A, weal W.-ger1 rc.411 Envrenrrtental Techa:con 1-aff $ 7 5(0 $ 1.637 $ 75J$ 7,500 $ 7 ' ; 5 001 5 2 312 Veer P,,pew.'.:Rience Slipc,crl $ 1, .57 1 5 1, fj5 ;' $ ; Ut.: i 5 833 I:parting $ 833 5 833 5 633 Opercl'ang arKi /..41A.AL!:,ILLI'Lon 5 2.500 , 2,500 5 2 500 $ 7.500 5 10 Cil• T nlall,:ertral ',Nate r5or,t 5 50 5 1 2,500 1? 500 'r ' ? Like 0nt.do Piirk vir mta I Tr,r.,neciar. '-,l 5 4, 44-1 '; ..,4'.., j 6 66 r' A LA ,,-: „ J R teScence Support , 444 Repotrtg 5 222 5 222 5 222 $ 067 $ 3 333 s 0,300 4300 12,00: aperatna and Acknia str.-rth,:a $ 667 4 5 867 1 Tel.,3 i :Ike Ontwro Fdrk ,t- ,:. • , ,; .., ' 1 -ri --).--, Totitl $ 163 Attachment 2 A.U. UM IC tiA1311 AT 1ORON •0 .Becausf, crater is Ile Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy 1-1,sto: Torontc Jec t Fr rtt Street, everything you now see south of (Jtoirtted t :ling To: ()pro Waterfront Then (1773)„. ct 1 I !•:1: ,:,r) Strategy (11AAtiRSt has a weak, I-try:n."1+,01 on ourrec" rnnnct tionn, o' th,? 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Central Waterfront Waterfrcxit Torninin is building a sere f ho,rr and b i ige_s =panning the slips of the Go_ntral Waterfront Those e .akways r,,l' create a e;asl l,ecies'r a: pianade enabrn'g people to enjoy 11 v watertrt.rtnt Since the hr Trims and boardwalks irks will i a ,ixadin <t out ;rjri1a agrrati ear i'.ai they could nectatN ly isrpa<t the ha? It r so r;ryw habitat x.l! L.0 created the ha I::aa to nt inherthate `or th+* Ixite tie' lass 8pt-a.ir10 sl•p will b. the first to ho coeiriirted with rot s of eel; ag::.ati,t7t habitat that will be hi at •ooht to',ght up the life tie, eath the sorfaco East Baylront Redevr krf;r•,en>r the ;area, bound t i Jarvis 51 Parliament St. an I ak■EIE,Yipr te H i .vill provide new ie: rcteritial and employment oppo+•cnitles in rrcdition to a new gaeen space, Sherboume Far F; and 1 5 'km of continuous pror-enado along thrr waterfront Waterfront Toronto will be addressing storm motor issues onsite and is working with AHT to identity any n furrtic; habitat opportunities that could be pursued as part of inn, ;)r'0;act_ Don Mouth Naturalization Project T>rr0 Dry' i1out F rr,e?)t 1)s the largest naturtali ±1001) ;101(01 (v' thr? f tnonto '1) 11erfrant ;his 1)1 o T n 1, result l' a largo addltarr of ativatic haCrtrat Acruntto Hidrrtal Toronto wit be werkmq closely vont raf, ttesaine , 1,; cerale the tttrht hat, tat. osstbie given the re Trti t r .r r 5- or t t, Are r ,n;irleritr n Spadina Slip 1 ',, 11 IIRFAr,F AQUATIC HABITAT COMPENSATION Construction is underway at Spadine Slip and as part of the Spadina Slip reui1atization 2500 square metres of aguatrc habitat is being constructed. The aquatic habitat creamed will a wile fish and or aquatic life to krtI gat the area Conveniently this area is situated next to the Pike spawning area of the Spadina wetlands, To create aquatic habTat to this leetl water, sea wall environment a variety, E,1 .liffarent n;ea sages are lieirag used L0 aril r., .;rnal(er ,xicgreg,ite tot€ ha Is large togs a5tong other Wings :0 presiding loth crt ;aces for fish to hate Once comp!otc? aquatic Fel;ents vrdl be tahrc'0 root in amongst the h;at0rfat featufes pr>vadin•i faati'onti and shelter. 165 RES. #A70/08 - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND STAND ALONE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION 2008 -2009 Sole Source, City of Toronto. Recommending approval to proceed with project implementation of various natural environment and stand alone projects within the City of Toronto. Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Paul Ainslie THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) implement various natural environment and stand alone projects as approved by the City of Toronto as part of the 2008 - 2009 sole source project list; THAT implementation be subject to available funding from the City of Toronto and terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the projects, including tendering of work, signing of contracts and execution of documents to.assist the City of Toronto in the completion of the approved projects. CARRIED BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has partnered with the City of Toronto for many years to provide project design, coordination of approvals and implementation services in support of city -led natural environment projects throughout the city and across the Toronto waterfront. In 2006, the city formalized the process and requested TRCA to enter into an agreement which stipulated terms and conditions for the supply and delivery of projects and services in accordance with an approved list of projects. The agreement also provided a mechanism by which TRCA could invoice the city to recover costs for the services and materials supplied. More recently, the City of Toronto adopted a Financial Control By -Law that stipulates payments for specific works can be processed without the need for a formal agreement provided the projects have been identified and received prior approval by the city in accordance with their policies and procedures. For 2008 -2009, the approved list of projects /works'is as follows: 166 LOCATION & FEATURE DESCRIPTION OF WORK APPROVED PROJECT COST (GST Included) STAND ALONE PROJECTS Unwin Ave. Channel Lookout construct pedestrian lookout, install habitat and interpretive features . $55,000 Toronto Bird Flyways Project construct and install interpretive features at selected Flyways sites $30,000 East Don Trail Network implement trail construction $110,000 Centennial Park - Ravine Management implement slope protection measures and install fencing $7,000 Kew Gardens - Ravine Management implement slope protection measures and install fencing $30,000 Winston Churchill Park • implement slope protection measures and install fencing $20,000 Spadina Quay Wetland install wildlife habitat features $50,000 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS Toronto Islands trailhead kiosk design and construction, habitat improvements $10,000 East Point Park signage, trail feature design and installation $25,000 Milne Hollow prepare detailed trail design and construction drawings for East Don trail network $50,000 Don Valley Brick Works trail rehabilitation and improvement, abutment/ culvert repair, fencing removal and /or repair, habitat protection, signage installation and replacement $50,000 Humber Bay Shores installation of habitat interpretive features $2,000 • City Wide Environmental Initiatives install interpretive signage at various locations $10,000 Ontario Food Terminal Bioswale Creation supply plant materials in support of bioswale establishment $5,000 Lower Don Valley Trail Management and Environmental Restoration design and construct trailhead features, wetland/ habitat design, signage installation, trail construction and rehabilitation $480,000 Total Request - Stand Alone and Natural Environment projects $934,000 RATIONALE TRCA and the City of Toronto have a long history of working together on a number of regeneration and habitat enhancement projects. Many of these projects are on TRCA -owned lands of which the city is responsible for management. TRCA is recognized by the City of Toronto as being able to provide cost - effective management of watershed related projects due to highly specialized expertise, the ability to expedite required approvals and permits, facilitate community involvement and meet tight timelines. 167 FINANCIAL DETAILS. • All expenditures made in the delivery and management of these approved projects are fully .reimbursable from the City of Toronto. Tendering and purchases of goods and ,services will be conducted in accordance with TRCA's Purchasing Policy. Report prepared by: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: drogalsky @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: drogalsky @trca.on.ca Date: March 19, 2008 RES. #A71/08 - MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE Toronto_and;Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008. Approval of 'Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008' (copies available at the meeting) Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie WHEREAS 'Moving Toward The Living City,' Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA's) strategic plan identified the integration of climate change as a critical component in achieving the objectives and goals of a.healthy, sustainable urban region extending into the 22nd century; WHEREAS TRCA is committed to taking immediate action and exemplifying leadership to support communities and partners in dealing with the climate change issue; . WHEREAS since its incorporation in 1957, TRCA has been incorporating sustainable planning and values into its operations to reduce risks to our communities and build resilient natural systems. WHEREAS TRCA believes that climate change imposes additional risks within our communities requiring new adaptation and mitigation strategies to be integrated into TRCA's existing business areas to address vulnerabilities to climate risks and to take advantage of potential opportunities. THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT key priorities contained In 'Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change: TRCA Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008' be approved; 168 THAT staff be authorized to develop new partnerships and explore self- sustaining revenue generating opportunities to leverage existing municipal levies to ensure the long -term viability of projects highlighted in the climate action plan; THAT an 'Ontario Centre for Municipal Action on Climate Change' be established at The Living City Campus in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Excellence, Ryerson University, the Toronto City Summit Alliance, the World Green Building Council (WGBC), Building Industry & Land Development (BILD) Association, municipalities and other partners; THAT a baseline on key areas of climate impacts within TRCA's jurisdiction be established for future reporting through a regional report card. THAT staff continue to assist the City of Toronto with the implementation of recommendations set out in the City of Toronto Report 'Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving from Framework to Action;' THAT staff continue to work with the Regional Municipality of Peel (hereafter Region of Peel) to develop a climate mitigation and adaptation plan as identified in the 'TRCA- Credit Valley Conservation (CVC)- Region of Peel Service Strategy Business Plan;' THAT staff initiate discussions with the Regional Municipalities of Durham and York to determine what assistance, as appropriate, TRCA can provide in developing their own region- specific climate change mitigation and adaptation priorities; THAT staff report on possible funding-partners for these initiatives and report on the timing based on the partnerships and funding available. AND FURTHER THAT the priorities recommendations contained in 'Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change: TRCA Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008' be forwarded to Conservation Ontario, the City of Toronto and the Regional Municipalities of Durham, Peel and York for their information and to facilitate collaboration on joint opportunities. CARRIED BACKGROUND Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008 is a proactive strategy for addressing the impacts of changing climate within the TRCA jurisdiction and provides a business planning framework for the next 5 to 10 years. This action plan is consistent with The Living City approach of working with partners to ensure that The Living City is built on the foundation of healthy rivers and shorelines, greenspaces and biodiversity and sustainable communities. 169 TRCA has been incorporating sustainable thinking and values into its operations and programs since its incorporation in 1957. As an agency created to manage the interaction of humans with natural systems, TRCA is inherently in the adaptive management business as policies and management actions are directed towards managing dynamic systems. Since the adoption of the watershed based planning approach, TRCA's adaptive management strategies have helped communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) build resilience and have increased the adaptive capacity to reduce the risks of climate change. For example, natural areas within the watersheds, along rivers and along the Lake Ontario shoreline have been protected, restored and rehabilitated. Furthermore, coastal wetlands have been designed to build resiliency and deal with fluctuating water levels. From water management to energy conservation, TRCA has positioned itself well within the community. TRCA, with its partners, is also in a position to provide leadership in the area of reducing the impacts of and adapting to climate change. In doing so, not only does TRCA integrate climate change into its own business operations, but also proposes new partnerships and leverages advanced science to meet the challenges of a changing climate on a local, regional and national scale. TRCA'S CLIMATE CHANGE APPROACH Mitigation TRCA's climate mitigation approach is focused around conservation, eco- efficiencies and human health benefits. TRCA is committed to reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) on an operational level, continuing to develop new partnerships to accelerate the knowledge and implementation of new technologies, increasing awareness through The Living City Campus at Kortright and engaging the community through several community transformation programs. Adaptation As an agency created to manage inherently dynamic natural systems, TRCA has needed to be an adaptive management agency. TRCA's adaptation approach is based on reducing harm to individuals and building resilient natural systems and watersheds. To decrease vulnerabilities to climate risks and to take advantage of potential opportunities and benefits resulting from the changing climate, TRCA has initiated work to identify climate risks in communities and natural systems. Adaptation strategies will be integrated into TRCA's existing business areas and implemented through long term planning. These strategies will also evolve as TRCA's understanding of impacts on natural systems improves through monitoring and evaluation. WHAT IS TRCA DOING TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS? Over the past decade, TRCA has made a concerted effort to bring together stakeholders from government and other agencies to stay updated on climate impacts and share information on new programs and strategies that deal with mitigation and adaptation. Since 1999 TRCA has independently, or with partners, hosted a series of climate change forums to broaden awareness about the need to identify and develop appropriate adaptive management techniques to deal with climate impacts in TRCA's jurisdiction: • November, 1999: Symposium on Climate Change and Watershed Management (TRCA) • November 3, 2005: Workshop on Climate Risks Related to Water Management (TRCA and the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network (C- CAIRN)) 170 • November 22, 2005: Coastal Zone and Climate Change in Great Lakes, (Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), TRCA and additional partners) • Curriculum -based Climate Change Education (Ontario -Eco Schools Program) in collaboration with York University, the Toronto District School Board and others. Attachment 1 provides a detailed list of TRCA's current actions to address climate change. KEY PRIORITIES MOVING FORWARD • ADAPTATION 1. Increasing Our Knowledge and Understanding: To develop a greater understanding of local climate change impacts and vulnerability in watersheds, TRCA will: a) Work with Environment Canada and municipal partners on future climate predictions for TRCA's jurisdiction to enable climate impact assessment on a local scale. b) Assess state -of- the -art climate change adaptation and watershed management in Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Excellence and develop information sharing partnerships with experts (e.g. government, non - government and academics) c) Strengthen the scope of Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) to include green building technologies. d) Conduct research and technology sharing information sessions to inform partner municipalities of new research, best practices and tools. 2. Reduce Risks to Communities: To assist partner municipalities and communities to reduce threats to life and property as a result of flooding and erosion, reduce urban heat island effects and improve air quality, TRCA will: a) Continue to work with Conservation Ontario and Environment Canada to develop regional Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves and protocols to integrate climate change into water related infrastructure design practices. b) Continue to work with Conservation Ontario, the province and municipalities to review urban flooding issues and define direction of future needs. c) Manage conservation areas such as Bruce's Mill, Petticoat Creek, Heart Lake, and Kortright Centre as summer heat escape locations with increased distribution of cooling /misting stations. d) Work with Metrolinx to increase public accessibility to conservation areas during the summer months. e) Retrofit waterfront parks with designs for fluctuating water levels (shoreline • protection and habitat) and shade for park visitors. 171 e) Acquire and enhance approximately 4,000 hectares (ha) of greenspace with a projected purchase expense of approximately $ 22.5 million for the objective of improving air quality, community health and biodiversity. f) Update the Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program and Greenlands Acquisition Program, create new Sustainable Communities Policies and a policy for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture on TRCA lands to address gaps in current policies, incorporate new science related to climate change and promote local food production. 3. Build a Resilient Natural System in the GTA: It is recognized that biodiversity of terrestrial and aquatic systems is the foundation for climate change resilience and adaptation. To ensure this, TRCA will: a) Augment existing forest cover on TRCA lands, valley corridors and table lands identified as potential natural cover in the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy. b) Develop species recovery plans to increase robustness of land base and establish species recovery areas within the TNHS, incorporating a monitoring and reporting plan. c) Expand the scope of the Regional Monitoring Program (RMN) to assess spatial and temporal changes to terrestrial and aquatic systems resulting from climate change impacts. MITIGATION 4. Promoting a Culture of Conservation through Market Transformation : To achieve a 60 % reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, the areas where Canadians can have the greatest impact will be in energy efficiency, conservation and urban form (source: National Round Table for Environment and Economy). To help reduce the carbon footprint of the GTA, TRCA will: a). Establish North America's largest (12,000 ha and 5900 businesses) Eco- Business Zone near Pearson International Airport to improve the financial and environmental performance of Industrial Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector industries through energy, waste and water efficiencies, and synergies between companies. b). Develop education and outreach programs that enrich and prepare students and education professionals with the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices needed in order to respond to climate change. c) Work with the Canada Green Building Council - Greater Toronto Chapter, World. Green Building Council (WGBC), the development Industry and municipal partners to build on existing sustainable community development initiatives and support the growth of environmentally friendly urban development. 172 5. Greening TRCA Operations: To reduce TRCA's total carbon footprint (carbon inputs and outputs), TRCA will: a) Develop and implement a Corporate Asset, Energy and Waste Management Plan. b) Set ongoing targets for energy and GHG emission reductions (TRCA will aim for 30% reduction below baseline in 10 years). c) Implement TRCA buildings and facilities retrofits with the aim of having all TRCA buildings and facilities LEED certified within 20 years. d) Develop and implement a corporate local food policy /guideline, incorporating food lifecycle and intended use; aim for 80% waste reduction at education centres within the next 10 years. e) Achieve Platinum E3 status for TRCA fleet vehicles. f) Incorporate zero carbon principles into all TRCA activities, aiming for a 10% reduction every two years. 6. Leadership through Partnerships: TRCA will: a) Partner with the Ontario Centre of Excellence, Ryerson University, the Toronto City Summit Alliance, WGBC, Building Industry & Land Development (BILD) Association, municipalities and others to accelerate the work of establishing The Living City Campus at Kortright as an Ontario Centre for Municipal Action on Climate Change - a provincial centre for research and development in climate change adaptation and mitigation with a global reputation. 7. Measuring TRCA's Progress: TRCA will: a) Establish a baseline for future reporting on key areas of climate impacts within the jurisdiction through a Regional Living City Report Card. b) At the community level, measure public awareness, growth in green economic activities and policy and planning decisions by partner agencies to determine progress in meeting the climate change challenge. c) Review TRCA's climate action plan annually with respect to the implementation of priority actions. Major updates will be undertaken every five years in conjunction with the TRCA business plan. 173 RATIONALE Scientists around the world have become convinced by available evidence that climate change is now underway and is principally caused by a build up of GHG in the atmosphere. Climate change is forecasted to bring an increase in extreme events such as storms, flooding and drought. These conditions will place municipal infrastructure such as sewage / water treatment facilities, roads, bridges, dams,- electrical and communications installations at risk. TRCA's jurisdiction includes urban centres of various magnitudes. These urban centres are reliant on municipal infrastructure and as such climate change will certainly have an impact on the operation of these areas. Urban centres and accompanying sprawl further exacerbate the effects of climate change by contributing to energy absorption and surface / stormwater runoff. This is in large part a result of the abundance of paved surfaces in urban areas. Along with warmer water temperatures, increased surface runoff will impact the physical, chemical and ecological health of the streams, rivers, and lakes in the TRCA's jurisdiction. As TRCA's jurisdiction includes urban centres, the impacts of climate change are predicted to be magnified accordingly. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Finalize and publish Executive Summary of Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Action Plan for The Living City, April 2008 • Circulate report to Conservation Ontario,'the City of Toronto and the Regional Municipalities of Durham, Peel and York. • Undertake a staff training program and invite municipal staff to attend where possible. • Continue to work with the province, Conservation Ontario and municipalities to complete ongoing projects. • Undertake new partnerships and explore self- sustaining revenue generating opportunities to facilitate action on priorities. FINANCIAL DETAILS Work has already begun on some projects through a variety of private partnership resources and the existing municipal budget contributions. Additional commitment from the private sector is forthcoming. For instance, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has committed approximately two million dollars over seven years towards the development of the Pearson Eco- Business.Zone. The Living City Campus at Kortright is striving to be a net producer of renewable electricity with the potential of being able to sell excess energy produced on -site. To match the municipal budget contributions, staff will explore opportunities of revenue potential in emerging carbon markets, sponsorships and other self- sustaining revenue generating opportunities to ensure the long -term viability of climate mitigation. projects. Report prepared by: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Email: csharma @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 or Don Haley, extension 5226 Email: csharma @trca.on.ca; dhaley @trca.on.ca Date: April 10, 2008 Attachments: 1 174 Attachment 1 TRCA'S CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONS Watershed Planning TRCA is currently developing the 'next generation' of watershed plans to address climate change and adaptive management. To maximize the effectiveness of the plans, TRCA is working with climate prediction models through the Rouge and Humber River Watershed Plans to better prepare for future variability. Flood Management to Reduce Risks With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, Flood Forecasting and Early Warning Systems have been updated. State -of -risk information is communicated to partner municipalities and the public to ensure that the risks to life and property as a result of flooding are effectively managed. The West Don Lands flood protection project and the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Land flood protection design are examples of TRCA's approach of integrating reduction of flood risks into community design. Water Balance To address the impact of the increased surface runoff from urban sprawl, innovative stormwater management and water balance technologies are being developed through the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP). Examples include permeable pavement, bio- retention swales, rainwater harvesting systems, erosion and sediment control ponds, air biofiltration systems and rooftop gardens. Enhancing Greenspace TRCA is the largest landowner (15,000 hectares) in the GTA. The purpose of TRCA's Greenlands Acquisition Project is to secure public greenspace for the protection of our natural heritage, air quality and human health. A Terrestrial Natural Heritage Systems Strategy (TNHSS) has been developed for TRCA's jurisdiction to protect and enhance regional biodiversity. TRCA planted more than 250,000 trees in 2007. To assist partner municipalities and communities reduce the effect of urban heat islands and to ensure improved air quality, TRCA is implementing the Urban Tree Canopy targets for the City of Toronto and will continue to augment existing forest cover wherever appropriate. Local Food Production Currently a total of 2,960 acres (1,396 ha) of TRCA land is rented for agricultural use. Considering its land base, TRCA is well placed to support the emergence of innovative new near -urban agriculture. Near urban agriculture reduces the ecological footprint of communities through the provision of locally grown food. One such project, the 8 acre urban farm on • TRCA -owned land in Black Creek Pioneer Village, was developed in 2005 in partnership with the City of Toronto and other community groups. 175 Sustainable Community Development The Block 39 project; located in the City of Vaughan, is currently the largest Energy Star community under development in Ontario. Led by TRCA, this project has been supported by the property developer, builders, gas and electric.utilities, the City of Vaughan and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The framework used to educate the builders and engage community leaders on Block 39 is now being used to influence future developments around the GTA. Green Building Partnership TRCA has formed a partnership with two green building councils; the CanadaGreen Building Council - Greater Toronto Chapter (CaGBC -GTC) and the World Green Building Council (WGBC). In both cases, TRCA assists in programming and operations. In May, 2007, TRCA won the bid to host the World Green Building Council Secretariat in the Earth Rangers building at The Living City Campus at Kortright. Greening TRCA Operations TRCA has incorporated sustainable thinking and values into its own buildings, lands, operations and programs since 1957: Points of pride for the organization are the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design .(LEED) Platinum certification of the Restoration Service Centre and the fact that the building uses 100% green energy. The Kortright Centre, which is at the heart of The Living City Campus, uses 100% green energy. Modelling Sustainability- The Living City Campus at Kortright The Living City Campus at Kortright will offer models for sustainable design and practices. As a Centre of Excellence, it has the potential to be a global centre of research and development in climate change adaptation and mitigation within urban environments. Community Transformation Several programs dealing with greening retail marketplaces, health care and municipal facilities are underway. One such program, the 'Mayor's Megawatt Challenge,' has already achieved a total energy savings of 2 %. This energy savings has resulted in the reduction of 1,500 tonnes of green house gas emissions since 2003. Education and Outreach TRCA has been a partner in the Ontario EcoSchools program since 2002. TRCA is the first conservation authority, and Black Creek Pioneer Village the first museum, to achieve Ontario EcoSchools certification. , The PowerStream Energy Education Pilot Project aims to generate immediate and long -term energy savings through behaviour change and actions in schools, the community and private homes. Carbon Footprint Calculators are being developed with municipal partners. With this information in hand, people will be given options for reducing their personal carbon contributions to the environment. 176 RES. #A72/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE DON MOUTH NATURALIZATION AND PORT LANDS FLOOD PROTECTION . PROJECT Selection of a Preliminary Preferred Alternative Anthony Perruzza • Reenga Mathivanan WHEREAS the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Environmental Assessment (EA) Team (led by Toronto and Region Conservation • Authority [TRCA] and the Gartner Lee Limited consultant team) and the Lower Don Lands Design Team (led by Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) and the Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates consultant team) have worked extensively to integrate the results of the Lower Don Lands International Design Competition with the Don Mouth EA; WHEREAS the EA Team conducted a detailed technical evaluation of alternatives resulting in the selection of a preliminary preferred alternative (Alternative 4WS); WHEREAS the EA Team conducted extensive stakeholder consultation, in conjunction with the Lower Don Lands Design Team, to obtain stakeholder input and agreement on the EA alternatives evaluation process and selection of the preliminary preferred alternative; WHEREAS the verbal and written comments following from the March 29, 2008 public consultation indicate concurrence with the selection of Alternative 4WS as the preliminary preferred alternative; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the EA Team proceed with the further development and detailed impact analysis of Alternative 4WS in cooperation with the Toronto Waterfront, the Lower Don Lands Design Team, and the City of Toronto. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #05/07, held on June 22, 2007, Res. #A131 /07 was approved, in part, as follows: THAT Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) be congratulated for the excellent outcome of the International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands which truly repositions the Mouth of the Don as a prominent feature within the City of Toronto; THAT the design team led by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MWA) be congratulated on winning TWRC's International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands; THAT appreciation be extended to the consultant team led by Gartner Lee Limited for their demonstrated flexibility to work through significant changes in scope of work and their willingness to consider innovative approaches to incorporate design excellence into the Environmental Assessment (EA) process; 177 THAT staff be directed to proceed with revisions to the workplan and projected costs for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Environmental Assessment (DMNP Project EA) in order to incorporate the results of TWRC's International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands into the DMNP Project EA, including authorization to work with TWRC's winning design team led by MWA; ...AND FURTHER THAT staff report back when a preferred alternative for the DMNP Project EA has been determined through the EA process. Throughout the summer and fall of 2007, the EA and Lower Don Lands Design Teams worked closely to integrate the results of the Lower Don Lands International Design Competition with the EA for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, which resulted in the creation of an additional alternative to the EA - Alternative 4WS. The key result of this collaborative effort allowed for the consideration of an alternative in the EA that directed the river mouth away from the snarl of infrastructure located in the area of the Keating Channel, as was outlined in the City of Toronto's Waterfront Secondary Plan. Other advantages of this collaborative work allowed for the integration of the EA into a more comprehensive approach to urban revitalization. By the end of 2007, the EA Team had completed a technical evaluation of the alternatives, which suggested that Alternative 4WS is by far the most preferred alternative. From early January until the end of March, 2008, the EA Team and the Lower Don Lands Design Team underwent an intensive period of consultation with a wide -range of stakeholders, regulators and land owners to receive input and concurrence for the preliminary preferred alternative (Alternative 4WS). These consultation efforts culminated on March 29, 2008 when a joint public meeting was held at St. Lawrence Hall, which was organized by the EA and Lower Don Lands Design Teams. The purpose of the meeting was to present the results of the: 1. TWRC Lower Don Lands International Design Competition from May, 2007; 2. Integration of the Design Competition concept with the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project EA; 3. Evaluation of EA alternatives, including the new concept developed through the Design Competition process; and 4. Selection of the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (4WS). Displays were provided to allow the public to meet one -on -one with staff and specialists to discuss the EA project and to provide opportunities for general discussion on port lands renewal. Two hundred and ten people signed up at the registration desk with a full attendance number set at approximately 300. 178 Overall the event was very well received by the public. The presentations sparked a significant amount of informed discussion by the public. The overwhelming sense from all staff and participants is that the public is strongly supportive of the EA process to date and the selection of Alternative 4WS as the preliminary preferred alternative. The comments returned to TRCA by the public were also highly supportive of the process and selection of Alternative 4WS. The EA Team is again working closely with the Lower Don Lands design team to proceed to the next stages of the EA (confirmatory studies, development of a concept plan based on Alternative 4WS and detailed impact analysis of the preferred alternative). TRCA staff will report to the Authority upon completion of the Detailed Impact Analysis of the preferred alternative, in advance of the EA submission to the province, which is anticipated for early 2009. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds for continued work on the concept development and detailed impact analysis of Alternative 4WS will be covered by the Delivery Agreement with TWRC and will be operated through the 191 series of accounts. Report prepared by: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Email: kdion @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Email: kdion @trca.on.ca Date: April 15, 2008 Attachments: 1 179 Attachment 1 180 RES. #A73/08 - ALBION HILLS DAIRY FARM ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS Discontinue the dairy farm program at Albion Hills Conservation Area. Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie WHEREAS a thorough review of educational programming and activities related to the . agricultural dairy farm at Albion Hills Conservation Area has been conducted by staff in consultation with various stakeholders; WHEREAS the conclusions of the review are that the educational programming as it relates the agricultural dairy farm at Albion Hills Conservation Area should not continue; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the educational programming related to the agricultural dairy farm at Albion Hills Conservation Area and the dairy farm operations be discontinued as soon as reasonably possible: THAT the lease for the Albion Hills Conservation Area dairy farm operation not be renewed, subject to any provisions contained therein; THAT staff be directed to investigate alternative agricultural uses for lands currently in farm use within the Albion Hills Conservation Area and to report to the Authority at a future meeting; THAT the milk quota provided by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario for the education program be returned to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario under the terms and conditions agreed to with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario; THAT in accordance with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) policy for disposal of assets, staff be authorized and directed to dispose of the milk quota owned by TRCA through the provisions of the Ontario milk quota exchange; THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the foregoing including the signing and execution of documents; AND FURTHER THAT the Dairy Farmers of Ontario be thanked for their support over the past 30 years. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Dairy Farm The Albion Hills Dairy Farm is located within the Albion Hills Conservation Area in Palgrave and is situated adjacent to Centreville Creek, a subwatershed of the upper west Humber River. The farm has been in use as an educational facility in conjunction with the Albion Hills Field Centre since 1963. The.farm also services students from the Toronto District School Board's Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre, which neighbours Albion Hills Field Centre. 181 Initially a beef operation, the farm had been converted from beef to hog and in 1978 became a dairy operation. In 1978, as part of the conversion to a dairy farm, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (then Ontario Milk Marketing Board) provided thirty -two units of quota for the operation of the farm for the purposes of education. In order to assist with the financial viability of the dairy operation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) purchased a further eight units of quota for use at the farm. The farm residence is currently occupied by the farm -hand who is under.contract to the farm operator. The residence is included in the lease agreement for the operation of the dairy farm. The Farm Infrastructure The infrastructure and equipment associated with the farm operation was constructed or purchased at various times. The following components exist on the site: • the farm residence; • the dairy barn, including classroom, milk room and equipment; • a Cover -All structure for calves; • a storage barn; • a cement barn yard; • two silos; • drive shed for equipment; • a liquid manure storage tank; and • corn crib. Much of the equipment within the barn is reaching the end of its Iifespan and requires frequent repairs. The barn itself is situated at the top of bank that drains down a grass slope that eventually outlets into the Centreville Creek. There is not a significant vegetative buffer to control any run -off that originates from the barn. In 2004, Bob Booth from Ducks Unlimited was retained to conduct a review of all of TRCA agricultural leased lands. In his 2004 report for the Albion Hills Dairy Farm, the following observations were made: • the cement work of the barn floor and foundation walls are cracking in several locations; • the barn yard is a concrete pad with retaining walls. Solid manure is being stored in the barn yard and is not covered to divert from water and prevent runoff; • the liquid manure storage is undersized and is not covered; and • liquid manure is pumped from the barn yard to the liquid manure tank via an above groud pipe and pump. Since the 2004 review, conditions have continued to decline. The barn yard concrete pad is now severely cracked and complete sections are missing. Much of the farming infrastructure has reached the end of its functional Iifespan and will require major reconstruction in order to address the above issues. 182 Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) Since 1995, TRCA's Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) has been proactively partnering with the agriculture and rural community. The goal of the RCWP is to reduce direct and non -point source pollution on agricultural and rural lands to improve water quality. This is accomplished through outreach and education as well as technical and financial assistance to private landowners to implement Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs promoted by the RCWP include livestock access restriction, milkhouse washwater disposal, manure management, nutrient management planning and field and stream bank erosion control. BMPs differ from regulations as BMPs are voluntary practices undertaken at the choice of the landowner. BMPs are promoted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and are also often recognized as a normal farm practice. Manure storage and nutrient management planning is identified at the Albion Hills Dairy Farm as a BMP. Currently, Albion Hills Dairy Farm does not meet the BMP guidelines for manure storage and nutrient management planning promoted to the agricultural community through the RCWP and OMAFRA. It also would not meet the requirements outlined in the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA). If a permit for construction were required, the Albion Hills Dairy Farm would become regulated by the NMA. In the case of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), R.S.O. 1990, agriculture is exempt in many instances. However, there can be implications such as charges under the EPA if there is an 'adverse affect' from a purposeful discharge such as the disposal of animal wastes from not following normal farm practices. TRCA has prepared a comprehensive review of its lands leased for agricultural purposes with respect to the need to improve management practices. These practices become requirements of the lease agreement upon renewal. Due to the extensive and costly nature of the requirements, the Albion Hills Dairy Farm is unable to undertake these requirements. The Education Program The original objective of the demonstration farm was to provide students with the opportunity to participate in programs investigating soils, crops, nutrient management and animal husbandry. With the conversion to a dairy operation, student visits became more 'hands on,' in that they participated in doing chores and worked with a dairy herd with the goal that students would better understand food sources and the value of agriculture. The original education model for the farm entailed a full -day learning program. Currently the average program length is 1.5 hours in duration with the format being a 'walk and talk' tour of the farm and interview with the farmer (if available). Due to the limited time, students are given only a brief overview of agriculture and farming methods. Student participation in the farm program peaked in 1987 at 5,000 students per year from both Albion Hills Field Centre and the Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre. Beginning in the 1990's, the farm program experienced a significant decline in student participation. From 2002 to 2007 the average number of students from both centres participating in the farm program fell to between 400 and 500 per year. This can be attributed to two key factors: • shortened visits resulting from decreased school board funding; and • a shift in teacher focus to core environmental education programs. 183 In an effort to continue providing agricultural programming across all of TRCA's education centres, staff have developed new methods of teaching students about the value and importance of farming. One program in particular that has been developed specifically to focus on agricultural learning is the 'Food Mile Minute' program, which is offered at Albion Hills Field Centre during meal times. This new program focuses on identifying the geographic source point of certain foods that the students are served at the field centres and exploring the potential climate change and economic impacts of choosing foods from different regions of the 'world: Students are challenged to think critically about their own food choices and their role in reducing climate change impacts and carbon emissions while contributing to the vitality of the local economy and community. RATIONALE Staff have carefully considered the issues identified in the preceding paragraphs including: • location of the farm, and in particular the manure storage facilities, adjacent to Centreville Creek; • poor condition of farm infrastructure and manure storage facilities; • significantly reduced use of the farm program by school groups; • location of the farm facility adjacent to education residences that precludes general public visits; and • costs to replace and retrofit infrastructure. Based on these considerations, staff recommend that the Albion Hills Dairy Farm operation be discontinued and the Dairy Farmers of Ontario be formally thanked for their support over the past 30 years. With respect to regeneration projects, TRCA staff is currently working with the Regional Municipality of York regarding the construction of the Nobleton Sewage Treatment Plant. York Region is required to offset phosphorous in the Humber watershed by undertaking a number of measures, including,working with the local agricultural community to minimize nutrients entering the headwaters. As a result, the opportunity exists for decommissioning of the barn and manure storage of the Albion Hills Dairy Farm to contribute to the overall phosphorous offset strategy. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Discontinue education programs at the Albion Hills Dairy Farm and remove references in planning materials for the Albion Hills Field Centre and Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre; • Advise the current farm operator that the farm lease will not be renewed; • Return the milk quota provided by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario; • Sell TRCA quota on quota exchange; • Remove remaining manure and nutrients, test the site for contamination; • Assess agricultural fields for suitability for continued agricultural use; and • - Reforest marginal lands. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds to decommission the farm are available through the Nobleton Sewage Treatment Plant phosphorous offset strategy and in the TRCA capital budget. TRCA currently holds eight units of milk quota with an average value of $30,000 per unit. Proceeds from the sale of the quota will be applied to reduction of the TRCA corporate deficit. 184 The current lease for the farm operation is valued at $19,800 per year. The existing residence can be rented through TRCA's Conservation Lands and Property Services section with an estimated monthly rent of $950 ($11,400 annually). Report prepared by: Darryl Gray, extension 5604 and Joanne Jeffery, extension 5638 Emails: dgray @trca.on.ca; jjeffery @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Darryl Gray, extension 5604 Email: dgray @trca.on.ca Date: April 10, 2008 RES. #A74/08 - ONTARIO POWER AUTHORITY'S ENERGY CONSERVATION WEEK MAY 25th to MAY 31st Participation in Ontario's first Energy Conservation Week. Moved by: Seconded by: Rob Ford Reenga Mathivanan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) support the efforts of the Ontario Power Authority to make Ontario's first Energy Conservation Week a success by raising awareness of the event with municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and encouraging their participation; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA actively participate in the program by promoting energy conservation actions and incentives,to visitors at the Kortright Centre for Conservation and Black Creek Pioneer Village during the event. CARRIED BACKGROUND Energy conservation, and in particular conservation of electricity, is pivotal to Ontario's future. Under Ontario's Integrated Power System Plan, the province is required to save 1,350 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2010 and 6,300 MW by 2050. The only way to achieve these targets is by creating a culture of conservation in Ontario. As part of its efforts to create a culture of conservation, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is making a powerful statement about the importance of energy conservation through a concentrated week long period of focused conservation, Energy Conservation Week, May 25th to May 31st. Led by the OPA and Ontario's Chief Conservation Officer, this multifaceted initiative is being endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Energy. During Energy Conservation Week, OPA is planning to have cornerstone events each day that will be highly advertised in the media. In addition, OPA will have in the order of 27 different programs in the market place to enable action. Examples of these programs include The Great Refrigerator Roundup; Cool Savings Rebate; Residential Demand Response; Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program; Demand Response Programs; Every Kilowatt Counts Power Savings Event; and Summer Sweepstakes. 185 Recognizing that grassroots involvement is key to achieving a conservation culture, the OPA has asked a variety of organizations to help promote Energy Conservation Week and to work with them to develop and deliver engagement programs across the province that promote conservation action. RATIONALE How the citizens of Ontario produce and use energy is a key determinant of whether sustainable communities and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) vision of The Living City will be achieved. Furthermore, TRCA and its partner municipalities are well positioned to help OPA bring the messages of Energy Conservation Week to the public. In particular, TRCA's education facilities at Kortright and Black Creek Pioneer Village host hundreds of school children during Energy Conservation Week. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will work with the Ontario Power Authority to obtain or create brochures to hand out to school children at the Kortright Centre and Black Ceek Pioneer Village during the week. Instructors and tour guides will be provided with key messages to relay to the school children during each program. An information piece will be created on the TRCA and Living City web sites promoting the event and a web link will be created to the OPA Energy Conservation websitelfor more information. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding of $3,000 has been secured through the Community Transformation Program budget for printing of brochures. Report prepared by: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Bernie Mcntyre, extension 5326 Email: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca Date: March 7, 2008 RES. #A75/08 - . CRITERIA FOR EXPANSION OF THE GREENBELT Providing comments to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the draft Greenbelt Expansion Criteria. Moved by: Seconded' by: Colleen Jordan Jack Heath WHEREAS the provincial Greenbelt Plan protects natural heritage and water resources within the headwaters of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) watersheds from urbanization, thereby contributing to TRCA's Living City goals; WHEREAS the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released draft criteria to be used by the province in evaluating municipally initiated expansions to the Greenbelt; 186 WHEREAS municipally initiated Greenbelt expansions within TRCA watersheds could provide Greenbelt protection to regional and local scale headwater natural heritage and water resource systems identified through watershed plans as functionally important to long -term health of existing Greenbelt lands; WHEREAS Greenbelt expansions could accelerate the implementation of Watershed Plans and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe by identifying and protecting additional natural systems and features; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the TRCA advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that TRCA supports the consideration of municipal proposals to expand the Greenbelt; THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria include consideration of the regional and local scale headwater natural heritage and water resource systems needed to secure and restore provincial biodiversity and long -term watershed health; THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria address the recreation objectives of the Greenbelt by including consideration of culture, recreation and tourism linkages such as connections to Conservation Areas, canoe routes, hiking trails and agriculturally based facilities; THAT TRCA staff work with municipal staff to identify candidate areas for inclusion into the Greenbelt, should the opportunity be provided; AND FURTHER THAT this report be circulated for information to TRCA's municipal partners, Conservation Ontario, the members of the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition and Members of Provincial Parliament within TRCA watersheds. AMENDMENT RES. #A76/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Jack Heath THAT the following be inserted before the last paragraph of the main motion: THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria include provision for conservation authorities to be able to make recommendations to the province on lands to be included; THE AMENDMENT WAS . • CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS the provincial Greenbelt Plan protects natural heritage and water resources within the headwaters of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) watersheds from urbanization, thereby contributing to TRCA's Living City goals; 187 WHEREAS the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released draft criteria to be used by the province in evaluating municipally initiated expansions to the Greenbelt; WHEREAS municipally initiated Greenbelt expansions within TRCA watersheds could provide Greenbelt protection to regional and local scale headwater natural heritage and water resource systems identified through watershed plans as functionally important to long -term health of existing Greenbelt lands; WHEREAS Greenbelt expansions could accelerate the implementation of Watershed Plans and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe by identifying and protecting additional natural systems and features; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the TRCA advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that TRCA supports the consideration of municipal proposals to expand the Greenbelt; THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria include consideration of the regional and local scale headwater natural heritage and water resource systems needed to secure and restore provincial biodiversity and long -term watershed health; THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria address the recreation objectives of the Greenbelt by including consideration of culture, recreation and tourism linkages such as connections to Conservation Areas, canoe routes, hiking trails and agriculturally based facilities; THAT TRCA staff work with municipal staff to identify candidate areas for inclusion into the Greenbelt, should the opportunity be provided; THAT the Greenbelt expansion criteria include provision for conservation authorities to be able to make recommendations to the province on lands to be included; AND FURTHER THAT this report be circulated for information to TRCA's municipal partners, Conservation Ontario, the members of the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition and Members of Provincial Parliament within TRCA watersheds. BACKGROUND On February 21, 2008, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing released draft criteria for evaluating municipally initiated applications to expand the Greenbelt. Pursuant to the Greenbelt Act, 2005, amendments to the Greenbelt may only be proposed by the Minister for approval by the provincial Cabinet. The issue of Greenbelt expansion follows advice from the Greenbelt Council, an advisory body to the Minister, and from the Government's campaign commitments. Summary of Draft Expansion Criteria Six general criteria are proposed with additional commentary to explain and expand upon each of the general criterion. The proposed criteria require that municipal Greenbelt expansion requests: • May only be made by a region or county municipality and based upon local consultation; • Balance environmental and agricultural protection with projected future land supply needs; 188 • Are contiguous with the existing Greenbelt; •• Must be at a 'provincial - scale' and build upon existing Greenbelt 'systems,' which include the natural heritage system, the agricultural system and the water resource system; • Build upon the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan; and • Support other provincial initiatives such as source water protection. ANALYSIS The Greenbelt, as established by the province in 2005, contained most of the major river valleys and portions of the headwaters of most TRCA watersheds at a provincial - scale. However, outside of the designated settlement areas, there remain numerous regional and local scale natural heritage and water resource systems that do not have the benefit of Greenbelt protection. Long -term protection of these systems is vital in order to secure and restore regional biodiversity and is integral to supporting the provincial -scale systems. Within the TRCA watersheds, the following areas should be considered as prime candidates for Greenbelt inclusion: • Systems within those watershed headwaters that have little Greenbelt protection; • Inclusion of middle reach areas of river and stream systems where the headwaters and downstream areas are currently within the Greenbelt; and • Portions of the Target System identified by the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (TNHSS) and refined in Watershed Plans. Inclusion of these areas would support the long -term sustainability of the provincial -scale system previously identified as part of the Greenbelt Plan in 2005 and would support regional biodiversity. Data gathered during the creation of the Watershed Plans and TNHSS, amongst other sources, could be used by municipal partners in identifying suitable regional and local scale systems for inclusion into the Greenbelt: Recommendation 1 The draft criteria, as currently proposed, would preclude the inclusion of regional and local systems as they would not be considered to be at a 'provincial- scale.' Instead of the provincial scale requirement, staff recommend consideration of a biodiversity imperative: Greenbelt expansions should include the land base necessary to secure and restore provincial biodiversity. Culture, recreation and tourism are activities that are promoted within the Greenbelt and for - which the Greenbelt Plan 2005 contains goals and policies. However, the draft expansion criteria do not specifically mention these activities, which promote linkages between the Greenbelt and urban centres outside of it. 189 Recommendation 2 Greenbelt expansions could provide connections to places like Conservation Areas, canoe routes, hiking trails and agriculturally based facilities (e.g. grow your own farms) should be considered. Proposed Greenbelt expansions that would promote culture, recreation and tourism linkages should'be recognized in the criteria. Report prepared by: Chris Jones , extension 5718 Email: cjones @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Carolyn Woodland, extension 5214 Email: cwoodland @trca.on.ca Date: April 14, 2008 RES. #A77/08 - MEMBER'S REMUNERATION Proposed Cost of Living Adjustment. Changes to the member's per diem and chair's honorarium for members of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) require approval of the Ontario Municipal Board. (OMB). Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne THAT subject to Ontario Municipal Board Approval pursuant to s. 37 of the Conservation Authorities Act, the member's per diem and chair's honorarium be increased by the consumer price index effective January 1, 2008; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to make the necessary application to the Ontario Municipal Board. RECORDED VOTE Paul Ainslie Yea Maria Augmieri Yea David Barrow Yea Bryan Bertie Yea Gay Cowbourne Yea Rob Ford Nay Grant Gibson Yea Lois Griffin Yea Suzan Hall Yea Jack Heath Yea Colleen Jordan Yea Glenn Mason Yea .Reenga Mathivanan Yea Ron Moeser Yea Gerri Lynn O'Connor Yea Linda Pabst Yea 190 RECORDED VOTE Cont'd Anthony Perruzza Yea John Sprovieri Yea Richard Whitehead Yea THE MOTION WAS CARRIED BACKGROUND Section 37 of the Conservation Authorities Act provides that "no salaries, expenses or allowances of any kind shall be paid to any of the members of the authority without the approval of the Ontario Municipal Board." In 2005, the Authority approved a series of resolutions requesting the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to increase the per diem and honorarium by the rate of inflation, grant TRCA authority to increase per diems and honorarium at the rate of inflation annually and approve'the reimbursement of members for travel costs at the same rate as TRCA employees. The OMB granted the request for inflationary adjustment in 2005 but denied the request for TRCA to annually adjust the rates. The OMB stated that TRCA must apply each year for adjustments. At Authority Meeting #2/07, held on March 30, 2007, resolution #A53/07 was approved as follows: THAT subject to Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approval, members per diem and the Chair's honorarium be increased by the lower of the Statistics Canada CPI Toronto or 3 %, effective January 1, 2007; THAT TRCA staff request of the OMB that per diem for members participating in meetings by conference call be 50% of the regular per diem rate; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA officials be authorized and directed to make the necessary application to the OMB. The OMB subsequently approved the request to increase the member's per diem and chair's honorarium by 1.63 %, effective January 1, 2007. Inflation in January, 2008 is estimated to be 1.9 %. The OMB will determine the rate to be applied based on their own research. The current per diem rate is $85.00. The new rate would be $86.62 The Vice Chair receives two times the regular per diem when acting in place of the Chair. If a citizen appointee is the Chair, the Chair receives an honorarium of $37,318 annually. This would increase to $38,027. If the Chair is an elected official, the Chair receives two times per diem for attendance at TRCA meetings and official functions. The OMB has agreed to reimburse the Chair and members for travel to TRCA meetings at the same rate established for TRCA employee travel reimbursement. 191 FINANCIAL DETAILS The impact will be marginal (e.g. less than $1500) and has been included in the 2008 Budget. Report prepared by: Jim Dillane, extension 6292 Email: jdillane @trca.on.ca For Information contact:Jim Dillane, extension 6292 Email: jdillane @trca.on.ca Date: April 17, 2008 RES. #A78/08 - LITTLE ROUGE CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN Endorsement of the draft final Little Rouge Corridor Park Management Plan. Moved by: Seconded by: Jack Heath Gay Cowbourne WHEREAS the Rouge Park Alliance has released the final draft Little Rouge Corridor Park Management Plan (LRCMP) to its partner organizations, following a presentation on November 23, 2007 for final review and endorsement; WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff has met with Rouge Park Alliance staff to discuss preliminary questions about the plan, its integration with the Rouge Park south, Bob Hunter Memorial Park, and new studies for the Rouge East (formerly Markham East) Lands management plan, and detailed recommendations; WHEREAS TRCA believes that the Little Rouge Corridor Park is a significant land base for restoration of ecological values to build a critical linkage between the Rouge Park south and the Oak Ridges Moraine; WHEREAS the management plan is pivotal in realizing the Rouge Watershed Plan objectives for sustainable community development for the future and the larger vision for regional and provincial biodiversity; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA endorse the management plan, and requests that the Rouge Park Alliance take the following actions: • conduct a partnering process to define the approach to park implementation, priorities and protocol for implementation approvals; • establish a partner -based financial strategy dealing with capital implementation phasing, with clear funding /revenue sources, and partner roles and responsibilities well articulated; • pursue a strategic governance and funding assessment for the urgent challenges around managing the land base for the Little Rouge Corridor Park and the Bob Hunter Memorial Park; 192 • address the consolidation of the family of Rouge Parks inclusive of the Rouge Park south and the new plans for the upcoming Rouge East Lands Management planning process; • consider development of a long term management agreement for all Rouge Park initiatives with their respective partners; THAT TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance staff continue to work with the federal government, the Province of Ontario and other partners, to identify potential lands for acquisition for consolidation of landholdings and complete natural heritage connections to the Oak Ridges Moraine; THAT special management zones be established for future transportation and transit corridors areas where these sites and valley crossings will be developed for future consideration of ecological sustainability and long term management; THAT further work be undertaken in concert with Rouge Park Alliance partners to determine the economic viability for near urban farm alternatives or supplemental forms of income including non - traditional practices such as market farms, agri- business, etc.; THAT TRCA reiterate its long standing commitment to good working relationships and communication protocols with tenants of all Rouge Park properties to address fair landowner practices and notification of all planning, management and construction related activities; THAT TRCA supports the recommendations of the LRCMP plan that establish a strong protection direction for First Nation archaeological sites and settlement /built heritage conservation approaches to protect and restore built heritage and cultural landscape assets of the park; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA recommends that the cultural heritage strategy for the park be integrated into a creative approach to realize adaptive- reuse, new lease arrangements and examination of a range of possibilities of public and private investment that generates new forms of revenue, while at the same time enhancing the recreational and educational experience. CARRIED BACKGROUND Following years of citizen support for the preservation of the Rouge River valley, Rouge Park was formally established in 1995 by the Province of Ontario. The initial land dedication for the park comprised extensive land south of Steeles Avenue in the City of Toronto, adding to extension TRCA holdings acquired earlier. In 2004, the Province dedicated a further 1,400 hectares of land to Rouge Park. Included were approximately 660 hectares of land immediately adjacent to the Little Rouge Creek in York Region. As the second largest watercourse in the Rouge River system, the Little Rouge Creek is associated with diverse wildlife habitat and a countryside landscape of farms and historic hamlets. The public lands along the Little Rouge Creek, referred to as the Little Rouge Corridor, straddles the creek from Steeles Avenue to north of 16th Avenue. The corridor is approximately 600 metres in width and has been placed in TRCA's portfolio of landholdings (Attachment 1). 193 To identify the management actions and priorities relative to the natural heritage, cultural heritage, recreational use and interpretation of the Little Rouge Corridor, the Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan was developed (copies will be made available at the meeting). Rouge Park Alliance staff, with the help of a steering committee comprised of representatives of the member organizations of the Rouge Park Alliance and other stakeholders, directed the process. The management plan was developed in three phases, each with key objectives, specific work components and consultation activities. The first phase involved a review of the physical resources of the plan area and included natural heritage, recreational, agricultural, cultural heritage and economic assessments. The exploration of management alternatives characterized the second phase, while the third phase entailed the evaluation of the alternative management themes and culminated in the identification of a preferred management approach. The Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan is based on the notion that the lands within the Little Rouge Corridor require special management consideration because of their significance. Accordingly, the plan conforms to the vision of the preceding Rouge Park plans (the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994) for the area south of Steeles Avenue and the Rouge North Management Plan (2001) for the portion of the Park in York Region), while providing a guiding framework for the integration of the area into the larger park context. It addresses the restoration, preservation and enhancement of the area's natural environment, as well as its cultural heritage elements and public use potential. It is anticipated that in the near future a consolidation of all of the Rouge family of parks and landholdings will be brought together in one comprehensive plan including the Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan (2007), the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994), the Rouge North Management Plan (2001) and the Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan (2007) and other lands as part of a current study for the East Rouge Lands. • A number of other policy documents served as a foundation to the Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan. Municipal official plans, provincial plans, including the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan, federal plans, and the Rouge River Watershed Plan are examples of such policy documents. SUMMARY AND RATIONALE The management plan for the park focuses on four key strategies for the provision of a major urban wilderness park: • an ecological proposal which centres on the achievement of a major terrestrial corridor, and other habitat/enhancement creation opportunities; • a cultural heritage preservation strategy, including archaeological and cultural heritage landscapes; • a recreation proposal for trails and amenity area development; and other outdoor recreation activities deemed compatible with the ecological goals for the area; • a financial, economic and management strategy that considered revenue generation, park operations and governance issues. 194 The Little Rouge Corridor lands are a mosaic of productive and vacant agricultural lands, combined with sparse forest lands in varying stages of succession with hedgerows scattered in varying stages of succession throughout. The public land base has been organized around 4 park zones designed to address the specific management zones, inclusive of Natural Reserve, Restoration, Heritage and Managed zones. Natural Heritage The park plan sets out the directions to establish a sustainable terrestrial corridor with interior forest conditions. Considerable effort was made by the consultants and the project steering committee to refine the science establishing the appropriate methodology for the terrestrial corridor restoration approach. The corridor was derived using the following: • application of the Rouge North Management Plan ecological criteria; • TRCA's database of mapped communities and wetlands, and preliminary terrestrial natural heritage system mapping; • inclusion of six patches of significant core forest to be protected and expanded within the system; • identification of potential corridors to both the east and west, providing important connections to adjacent watercourses and also providing upland forest habitats and linkages to tableland wetlands. The proposed corridor is 600 m in width, and encompasses its core, the existing natural areas centered on the creek system and provides the highest degree of protection of lands within the Little Rouge Corridor land base. TRCA has been working in tandem with Rouge Park Alliance staff and the project consultants to establish an approach to natural heritage and restoration for the park. Detailed comments on technical aspects of the restoration /management methods for the ecological proposals will be forwarded to Rouge Park Alliance staff with this report from Restoration Services Division. We commend the project team in the efforts that have been made to resolve a long outstanding ecological debate about the science supporting the provision of a major ecological corridor for the Rouge Park realization. Cultural Heritage Conservation Studies have determined that over 60 archaeological sites have been found in the LRCMP park lands. Sites range from the early Paleo- Indian component to Iroquoian villages of the late Woodland period, including an early historical trail. There are 17 properties in the LRCMP public lands north of Steeles Avenue that are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. An active Mennonite community and settlement area still exists within the park boundaries. The designated heritage properties include individual residences, farm complexes (house and barns), two pioneer cemeteries, Cedarena (an historic outdoor skating rink and pavilion dating to 1926), and the former Locust Hill Schoolhouse. Many of these sites are important features from the historical Mennonite settlement of the Rouge area. TRCA supports the recommendations of the LRCMP that establish a strong protection direction for First Nation archaeological sites and settlement/built heritage conservation approaches to protect and restore built heritage and cultural landscape assets of the park. 195 TRCA encourages the Rouge Alliance to build a First Nations relationship for recognized nations in the future planning and development of interpretative programs for Aboriginal heritage in the Rouge Park, and in the management of archaeological sites of significance, as indicated in the recommendations. We also acknowledge the valuable history of settlement and built heritage assets that deserve incorporation into a rich visitor experience in the park. TRCA recommends that the conservation strategy for the park needs to be integrated into a creative approach to realize adaptive- reuse, new lease arrangements and examination of a range of possibilities of public and private investment that generates new forms of revenue, while at the same time enhancing the recreational and educational experience. Working with the existing Mennonite community is essential. Leased Properties Under the land transfer agreement there are 54 residential properties that now fall under TRCA ownership, plus 3 additional properties transferred to the Town of Markham. The current lease portfolio includes 9 farm units, 10 farmland and 1 commercial lease. TRCA has undertaken an independent review of the rental stream associated with the properties transferred from the province. As a preliminary assessment of the portfolio's long term revenue generating potential, there will be substantial up -front investments needed to bring several properties back into a state of good repair. In addition, as properties convert from leasing arrangements to forest restoration projects the shift in revenue generation will also present a challenge for negotiations and revenue reductions. The management plan recognizes from a financial perspective it will be important to evaluate the full spectrum of property uses and the balance of protection of the cultural and natural heritage while ensuring that financial resources are generated for the park. TRCA supports the plan thesis that some residential farm properties continue to be preserved and inhabited in order to achieve goals of creating a "living park ". TRCA concurs that further work be • undertaken in concert with Rouge Park Alliance partners to determine the economic viability for near urban farm alternatives or supplemental forms of income including non - traditional practices such as market farms, agri- business, etc. These issues will be examined more closely under the new East Rouge Lands management planning project, but ultimately need to be broadened in a separate exercise to other lands within the comprehensive park planning efforts in future. TRCA is committed to establishing good working relationships and communication protocols with tenants of these properties to address fair landowner practices and notification of all planning, management and construction related activities. 196 Park Use and Recreation Roads, Trails and Access Points The LRCMP includes an excellent description of a proposed trail hierarchy for hiking and multi -use access through the park and from local communities in Markham and to the Rouge Park south. Considerations for future detailed site planning, signage and wayfinding are all well documented in the plan. Steps to encourage better access to the park have been addressed in the plan while addressing the difficult challenges of balancing the needs of ecological protection and restoration for critical areas in the scheme, and address land use /ownership constraints as well at this point in time in park planning. TRCA recommends that as detailed site planning occurs that detailed refinements be made to the trail alignment and loops to address issues of the partners, particularly Markham's need for access to future communities. Detailed issues of off-leash dog areas should also be discussed through the site planning explorations and comprehensive park planning and integration. The plan acknowledges that there are major transportation and transit issues under study for the regional growth planning efforts incorporating challenging cross regional access between York and Durham regions and to future development in Seaton and the Pickering Airport lands. TRCA supports the recommendations that special management zones be established for these areas to bookmark how these sites and valley crossings will be developed for future consideration of ecological sustainability and long term management. Consideration of enhanced standards for routes and site development within open space systems and high profile parklands is not a new concept for planners and transportation engineering. TRCA supports establishing a reasonable design approach to routes and servicing that minimizes environmental impact and contributes to the setting of a significant nationally recognized park, inclusive of ideas of parkway roads, special lighting proposals, enhance bridge /urban design, enhanced landscape restoration,etc.. Acquisition of Lands The plan identifies several properties that are important in terms of potential acquisition for the comprehensive realization of the Little Rouge Corridor parkland. A separate planning project has been initiated to examine the preliminary potential land use considerations for the lands located on Reesor Road adjacent to the Cornell employment lands, and integration with Rouge Park objectives. TRCA will be participating in the review of development/park feasibility for these controversial lands. TRCA and the Rouge Park Alliance staff will continue to work with the federal government , Province of Ontario and other partners, to identify potential lands for acquisition for consolidation of landholdings and complete natural heritage connections to the Oak Ridges Moraine. 197 Economic and Financial Strategy The LRCMP identifies that the capital costs for the implementation of the plan are potentially upwards of $6 million dollars. This estimate, detailed in the plan, does not consider costs associated with leased properties or any enhancement/renovation costs for key properties within the plan. An estimate of generalized operating costs has also been established in the plan for discussion purposes with the Rouge Park Alliance agency partners, based on research in other parks with similar requirements. The plan report notes that the Rouge Park has received "reasonable funding to date, including dollars, land and in -kind services from all partners. However, much of this support has been received on an ad hoc basis. As the plan moves forward,...new levels of service in terms of facilities and activities anticipated, the organization will need to investigate ways of establishing a consistent source of funding and revenue stream. ". The consultants' analysis of the funding sources identified that a sound funding formula that would advance the desire for a self sustaining financial agenda for the park was not found during the course of project discussions and research. In fact, some partners were not willing to discuss financial partnering in this stage of the management planning process. The steering committee advised that the detailed discussion around a potential economic model be deferred and that the financial work be included in a separate working document to be used to advance negotiation in the near future. This document is entitled Park Management and Financial Strategy Discussion Paper. TRCA supports the need to establish a separate strategic planning process around the difficult issues of funding, revenue generation, and roles and responsibilities of the partners and a "fair share" contribution model for each partner. This work needs to be expanded to include the full family of Rouge parks within a consolidated management effort. The Rouge Park Alliance needs to develop a process within which all partners can address their issues for governance, financing and park management both for the short and long term. TRCA commends the consultant's work to identify the difficult operational and financial gaps, and partnering challenges for the park, through their detailed examinations of the Little Rouge Corridor planning process. CONCLUSIONS TRCA applauds the extensive work that has been completed to date for the Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan and acknowledges the value of challenging discussions around the issues that are yet to be resolved about the management and funding responsibilities for the Rouge Park as a whole. The importance of these Little Rouge Corridor Park lands in restoring and enhancing their ecological values in the interest of building a critical linkage between the Rouge Park south (and Lake Ontario) and the Oak Ridges Moraine through the Rouge watershed is pivotal in the larger vision. TRCA will continue to work collaboratively to support the Rouge Park Alliance partnership in realizing the potential, of the Rouge family of parks, and in addressing outstanding issues for management. Report prepared by: Carolyn Woodland, extension 5214 Emails: cwoodland @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Carolyn Woodland, extension 5214 Emails: cwoodland @trca.on.ca Date: April 22, 2008 Attachments: 1 198 Attachment 1 199 RES. #A79/08 - BOB HUNTER MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN Endorsement of the draft final Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan. Moved by: Seconded by: Jack Heath Gay Cowbourne WHEREAS the Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan (BHMP) project team led by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Rouge Park Alliance staff and team consultants Envision -the Hough Group have completed the final draft Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan for consultation with partner agencies of the Rouge Park Alliance (herein "Alliance "); WHEREAS it is the understanding of the Alliance partners that the Hunter family has endorsed the plan for the memorial parkland management concept; WHEREAS the Rouge Park Alliance has released the final draft Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan to its member organizations, following a presentation on November 23, 2007, for review and endorsement; WHEREAS TRCA staff has met with the master plan team to discuss preliminary questions about the plan, its integration with the Little Rouge Park Management Plan, and its recommendations; WHEREAS TRCA staff believes that the Bob Hunter property provides a very significant land base for a public use gateway to the diverse landscapes, heritage features and recreational amenities of the larger Rouge Park system, as well as, from the local Boxgrove and Cornell communities; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) endorse the Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan; THAT following: the receipt of comments from all Alliance partners, TRCA requests the Alliance to conduct a partner working session /process to define the approach to park implementation, priorities and a protocol for implementation approvals; THAT TRCA further requests that the Alliance establish a partner- based, financial strategy process to determine implementation phasing, clear funding /revenue sources, and partner roles and responsibilities; THAT the Alliance be encouraged to pursue a strategic governance and funding assessment for the immediate challenges around managing the lands for the Little Rouge Corridor Plan and the Bob Hunter Park as new lands within the family of Rouge parks, and to look to the consolidation of the plans with the Rouge south and East Rouge Lands for purposes of developing a long term management agreement; 200 THAT the Alliance be requested to lead further dialogue with the Region of York, and the Region's Environmental Assessment (EA) process, to incorporate a suitable roadway concept for a potential 14th Avenue re- alignment that minimizes environmental impact within the natural system and properly integrates the road design within the parkland setting and public use concept; THAT the Alliance be requested to further explore adaptive re -use and alternative programs that support the public use and education plan objectives for several of the leased heritage properties within the master plan boundary, as well as incorporate a higher profile to the quality of visitor experience through site design and education strategies; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA supports the establishment of a catalyst project as a first phase initiative to establish visitor orientation to the park and an urgently needed gateway •experience for the Rouge Park through the Bob Hunter site. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2005, the Province of Ontario dedicated 193 hectares (477 acres) of additional land for Rouge Park purposes. The dedication was to honour the late Bob Hunter, a lifelong environmentalist and co- founder of Greenpeace, and to provide ecological protection to the area's natural character and function. Accordingly, the lands were dedicated as Bob Hunter Memorial Park. Bob Hunter Memorial Park is bounded by Highway 407 in the north, Ontario Hydro in the south, the CP Rail on the west, and the Rouge Park, specifically the Little Rouge Corridor, on the east (Attachment 1). The lands were placed in TRCA's portfolio of land holdings, under Rouge Park Alliance management. Serving as the western gateway to Rouge Park, Bob Hunter Memorial Park is traversed by two streams that flow into the Little Rouge Creek and contains natural ravine, forest and field habitats. Guided by the vision, goals and objectives set out in the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994), the Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan provides a site plan for the use of the newly • acquired lands (copies of the master plan will be made available at the meeting). The • development of the master plan included three phases of work. The first phase involved field work, information gathering, and initial assessment and mapping of conditions related to natural and cultural heritage resources. Meetings with stakeholders, including the area tenants, the Hunter family and relevant agencies also characterized this phase. The second phase entailed the development and review of two concept alternatives and further consultation. The third and final phase involved the selection of the preferred plan, based on a combination of elements from the two alternatives, and the preparation of the final master plan, including costing and recommendations for phased implementation. A broad array of policy frameworks and documents set the context for the Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan. These included, but were not limited to, provincial initiatives, including the Greenbelt Plan and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Rouge Park Management Plan and Rouge North Management Plan, the Rouge River Watershed Plan, TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System, and municipal official plans. SUMMARY AND RATIONALE The environmental restoration of the BHMP lands as part of the broader Rouge Park, reflects the commitment and passion that Bob Hunter projected for ecology and education. The focus of the plan will be on large habitat patch sizes (forest, grassland, wet meadow, wetland), corridors and connections between habitat areas. Key elements of the master plan include: • restoration of over 70% of the land as woodland to support and link the significant Box Grove Forest and the adjacent Little Rouge Corridor valley; • restoration of existing and former creek tributaries throughout the site to establish wetland environments; • incorporation of the north -south Rouge Trail, which is planned to link Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine, using the historic road alignment through'Cedar Grove, along the assumed Carrying Place Trail; • development of the north -west quadrant of the site as a Visitor Orientation and Demonstration Area with representative habitats: woodland, wetland, meadow, to be found throughout the Rouge Park, and including a significant heritage site, associated with one of the founding families of the area; • multi -use trails linking the park to areas of the Rouge Park to the east and Boxgrove to the west; • incorporation of open space areas comprised of meadow and grasslands supporting habitat and public uses such as trail routes, trailheads and picnic areas; • establishment of a visual identity for the park incorporating road standards, traffic calming, entrance features, wayfinding and park signage. TRCA staff has been very involved in assisting in the development of natural heritage restoration plans for the park, and is working closely with park staff to use the latest and most successful approaches to landscape restoration from our own research and applied applications in the field. The park landbase is dissected into four quadrants by Reesor Road and 14th Avenue. The challenge for the master planning project is to integrate these sectors in a manner to provide connections for trail, habitats and a sense of cohesion for the park landscape. An EA process will be looking at a potential re- alignment of the 14th Avenue roadway through the park. Additional study needs to be undertaken to determine the best way of integrating the Rouge Park considerations and regional traffic needs. The role of the leased properties on the site will change over time - some will continue in leased arrangements, others will be transitioned to agricultural activities, and yet others have the potential to be renovated and adapted to uses that support the park public use function. The management of the building assets raises the need for creative strategies to maintain a future revenue stream, preserve the built heritage resources (most needing a significant amount of investment), and protect the character and historical integrity of the settlement of Cedar Grove. Although not part of the terms of reference for this planning study, several key properties warrant detailed assessments for their ultimate value to the master plan vision, including The David Reesor Tenant House, and former Lapp Bros. Cider and Vinegar Mill. These properties could provide excellent opportunities for demonstration areas, agri- business ventures, farm markets, artisan space and interpretative facilities. With the appropriate approach to adaptive re -use in the park there could be some exciting opportunities for public programs or private investments that could enhance the visitor experience and actually act as a draw for visitors. 202 FINANCIAL DETAILS The site development costs for the master plan have been estimated to be about $6 million, not . including building repairs or re -use renovations. A budgeting summary has been provided in the master plan report as a breakdown for phasing and prioritization purposes. This work can serve as a base for partnership discussions about capital development and restoration phasing, and cost sharing, as well as, focusing in on management responsibilities on an operational basis for these new public parklands. An essential collaborative partnership and cost sharing arrangement will be needed over the long term to realize the important recommendations of this master plan and its sister park. CONCLUSIONS TRCA appreciates participation in an exciting planning exercise for such an important commemorative park initiative that will form the basis of a more sustainable community in future, and we will continue to work proactively to support the Rouge Park Alliance partnership in realizing its full potential. Report prepared by: Carolyn Woodland, extension 5214 Emails: cwoodland @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Carolyn Woodland, extension 5214 Emails: cwoodland @trca.on.ca Date: April 22, 2008 Attachments: 1 203 Attachment 1 204 RES. #A80/08 - OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL Environmental Assessment for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project. Authorization for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff to travel to meet with members of the Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates team to facilitate concept development for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project and Lower Don Lands Framework Plan, as required. Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Paul Ainslie THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff involved with the Environmental Assessment for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project (DMNP EA) be authorized to travel to the offices of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MWA) and their sub - consultants to attend key concept plan development meetings of the preliminary preferred alternative as required, for the duration of the DMNP EA. CARRIED BACKGROUND Further to the report submitted for Authority approval at Meeting #3108 to be held on April 25, 2008, regarding the Selection of the Preliminary Preferred Alternative for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project EA, it has been determined that the consultant team for the Lower Don Lands Framework Plan, led by the firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, will be assigned with the responsibility of developing a concept plan for the preliminary preferred alternative in support of the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project EA. In order to ensure that development of the concept plan will meet the project goal and objectives of the DMNP EA, TRCA and the Gartner Lee Limited (GLL) consultant team will work closely with the MVVA team throughout this design phase. Furthermore, as the TRCA and GLL consultant team will continue to retain responsibility to conduct a detailed impact assessment of the completed concept plan in support of the DMNP EA, it is critical that the EA team actively participate in all stages of the concept plan development in order to establish an intimate knowledge of all aspects and assumptions used to develop the concept plan. Since many of the concept design meetings will be held in the offices of MWA in New York City, and possibly in the offices of some of their sub - consultants, also located in the United States, TRCA staff and members of the GLL EA Team will likely be required to periodically travel to the United States to participate in these design meetings. TRCA staff most likely to travel to the United States to participate in these design meetings include, but need not be limited to the following: Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management; Ken Dion, Senior Project Manager, Lower Don EA; Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Projects; Don Haley, Water Management Technical Advisor; and Sameer Dhalla, Manager, Water Resources ( Highland /Don /Duffins /Carruthers). • Gord MacPherson attended a meeting on Tuesday, April 21 in New York at the request of the MVVA project manager and approved by Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) staff. Brian Denney authorized staff to travel with the direction that a report be brought to the Authority for approval. 205 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds for continued work on.the concept development and detailed impact analysis of Alternative 4WS, including travel, will be covered by the Delivery Agreement with TWRC and will be operated through -the 191 series of accounts. Report prepared by: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Emails: kdion @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Emails: kdion @trca.on.ca Date: April 21, 2008 RES. #A81. /08 - SANYO CANADA INC. SOLAR POWER AGREEMENT The Living City Campus at Kortright. Recommends entering into a lease agreement with Sanyo Canada Inc. for creation of a 850 KW solar power facility at The Living City Campus at Kortright. Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Maria Augimeri THAT item 7.14 - Sanyo Canada Inc. Solar Power Agreement be deferred. CARRIED ' RES. #A82 /08 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Duffins River Watershed 1320991 Ontario Limited, CFN 38587. Purchase of property located west of Tenth Line, south of Hoover Park Drive, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands.Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", -Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Duffins Creek watershed. (Executive Res. #B 16/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan THAT 4.17 hectares (10.32 acres), more or Tess, of vacant land, being Part of Lot 33, Concession 9 and designated as Block 180 on registered plan 65M -3919 prepared by Donevan Fleischmann Petrich Ltd. OLS under job no. 2002 - 191 -3, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York, located west of Tenth Line, south of Hoover Park Drive, be purchased from 1320991 Ontario Limited; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; 206 THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date and the transaction include any other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the Authority's Solicitor. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required, including an agreement to manage and protect the significant archaeological site found on the subject property. CARRIED RES. #A83/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed • Mattamy (Neilson) Limited, CFN 40080. Purchase of property located on the south side of Passmore Avenue, west of Neilson Road, City of Toronto. (Scarborough Community Council Area), under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010," Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 17/08) Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan. THAT 0.57 hectares (1.42 acres), more or less, of vacant land, being Part of Lot 15, Concession 4, designated as Block 97 on Plan 66M -2384, City of Toronto (Scarborough Community Council Area), located on the south side of Passmore Avenue, west of Neilson Road, be purchased from Mattamy (Neilson) Limited; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED 207 RES. #A84/08 - CITY OF TORONTO Conveyance of Land for the Don Valley Parkway located south of Eglinton Avenue, City of Toronto (Toronto and East York Community' Council Area) Don River Watershed, CFN 33224. Receipt of a request from the City of Toronto for conveyance of land for the Don Valley Parkway located south of Eglinton Avenue , City of Toronto (Toronto and East York Community Council Area). (Executive Res. #818/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).is in receipt of a request from the City of Toronto to convey certain lands for the Don Valley Parkway located south of Eglinton Avenue, City of Toronto (Toronto and East York Community Council Area); AND WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interest of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act, to cooperate with the City of Toronto in this instance; THAT a parcel of TRCA -owned land containing 0.608 hectares (1.502 acres), more or Tess, be conveyed to the City of Toronto for the Don Valley Parkway located south of Eglinton Avenue, said land being Part of Lot 7, Concession 3, From The Bay, City of Toronto, (Toronto and East York Community Council Area), designated as Part 2 on a plan of survey prepared by the City of Toronto, Works & Emergency Services Department under their Job Number 2002 -0091; THAT consideration is to be the nominal sum of $2.00, plus all legal, survey and other costs; THAT the City of Toronto is to fully indemnify and save harmless TRCA from any and all claims for injuries, damages or loss of any nature resulting in any way either directly or indirectly from this sale; THAT said conveyance is subject to the approval, if required, of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.27 as amended; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. CARRIED 208 RES. #A85/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CITY OF VAUGHAN Request for a Permanent Easement to Maintain a Box Culvert and Embankment, Don River Watershed, CFN 40560. Receipt of a request from the City of Vaughan to provide a permanent easement for the maintenance of a box culvert and embankment, east of Dufferin Street, south of Teston Road, in the City of Vaughan. (Executive Res. #B 19/08) Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from the City of Vaughan to provide a permanent easement for the maintenance of a box culvert and embankment, east of Dufferin Street, south of Teston Road, in the City of Vaughan; AND WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interest of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conversation Authorities Act, to cooperate with the City of Vaughan in this instance; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT a permanent easement containing a total of 0.027 hectares (0.066 acres), more or less, be granted to the City of Vaughan for the maintenance of a box culvert and embankment, said land being Part of Block 62, Registered Plan 65M -3916, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, designated as Part 3 on Plan 65R- 28664; THAT consideration is to be the nominal sum of $2.00, plus all legal, survey and other costs to be paid by the City of Vaughan; THAT the City of Vaughan is to fully indemnify and save harmless TRCA from any and all claims for injuries, damages or Toss of any nature resulting in any way either directly or indirectly from this easement or the carrying out of construction; THAT an archaeological investigation be conducted before any site disturbance with any mitigative measures required being carried out all at the expense of the City of Vaughan; THAT a permit pursuant to Ontario Regulation 166/06 be obtained prior to the commencement of construction; THAT all TRCA valleylands disturbed by the proposed works be revegetated / stabilized following construction and, where deemed appropriate by TRCA staff, a landscape plan be prepared for TRCA staff review and approval in accordance with existing TRCA landscaping guidelines; THAT the granting of this easement is subject to the approval of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.27 as amended; 209 AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. CARRIED RES. #A86 /08 - OAK RIDGES MORAINE CORRIDOR PARK Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York Agreement to Enter Into a Ground Lease with the Province of Ontario, CFN 36330. Seeks direction to enter into a ground lease for the management of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park from the Ontario Realty Corporation as agent on behalf of HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. (Executive Res. #B20/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a ground lease for the management of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park with the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) as agent on behalf of HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal; THAT the ground lease be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA and its solicitors; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the ground lease including the execution and, signing of documents. RES. #A87 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED SECURITY SERVICES FOR TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FACILITIES Award of Contract. Recommends award of contract for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's security services to other than lowest bidder. (Executive Res. #B21 /08) Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan THAT a contract to provide security services for 5 Shoreham Drive, Black Creek Pioneer Village and other Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) facilities be awarded to Reilly's Security Services, at the unit prices described in this report dated M_ arch 31, 2008, this bid being the preferred bid that met TRCA specifications. CARRIED 210 RES. #A88 /08 - PRINT VENDORS Moved by: Seconded by: • Preferred Vendor List. Preferred vendor list for Toronto and Region . Conservation Authority's 2008 roster of print vendors. (Executive Res. #B22/08) David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the roster of preferred print vendors for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA's) print requirements from January 1, to December 31, 2008 be established; THAT the total cost of services contracted to the preferred print vendors not exceed $250,000, plus applicable taxes; AND FURTHER THAT staff conduct a review of the performance of the individual vendors to determine any changes to the roster and budget allocation in 2009. RES. #A89 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED ADVERTISING VENDORS Preferred Vendor List. Preferred vendor list for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's 2008 roster of preferred advertising vendors. (Executive Res. #B23/08) Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan THAT the roster of preferred advertising vendors for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) advertising requirements from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 be established; THAT the total cost of services contracted to the preferred advertising vendors not exceed $300,000, plus applicable taxes; AND FURTHER THAT staff conduct a review of the performance of the individual vendors to determine any changes to the roster and budget allocation in 2009. RES. #A90 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD Terms of Reference. Approval of the Terms of Reference for the Budget /Audit Advisory Board. (Budget /Audit Res. #C 1 /08) David Barrow Glenn Mason 211 THAT the Terms of Reference for the Budget/Audit Advisory Board (BAAB) outlined in the staff report be approved. CARRIED RES. #A91/08 - 2008 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET. 2008 Operating and Capital Budget is recommended for approval. (Budget /Audit Res. #C2/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst WHEREAS the Conservation Authorities Act (CA Act) provides that a conservation authority, in establishing its annual levy, shall have the power to determine the proportion of total benefit of any project afforded to all participating municipalities that is afforded to each of them; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT, subject to such regulations under the CA Act as may be approved by the Lieutenant - Governor -in- Council: (I) all participating municipalities be designated as benefiting for all projects included in the 2008 Operating Budget; (ii) Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) share of the cost of the programs included in the 2008 Operating Budget shall be raised from all participating municipalities as part of the General Levy; (iii) the 2008 General Levy be apportioned to the participating municipalities in the proportion that the modified current value assessment of the whole is under the jurisdiction of TRCA, unless otherwise provided in the levy or a project; (iv) the appropriate TRCA officials be directed to advise the participating municipalities, pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act and the regulations made thereunder, to levy the said municipalities the amount of the General Levy set forth in the 2008 Operating Budget, and to levy the said municipalities the amount of the Capital Levy set forth in the 2008 Capital Budget and in the approved projects of TRCA; THAT, subject to finalization of the participating municipalities' apportioned levy amounts, the 2008 Operating and Capital Budget, and all projects therein, be adopted; THAT staff be authorized to amend the 2008 Operating and Capital Budget to reflect actual 2008 provincial grant allocations in order to determine the amount of matching levy governed by regulation; 212 THAT except where statutory or regulatory requirements provide otherwise, staff be authorized to enter into agreements with private sector or government agencies for the undertaking of projects which are of benefit to TRCA and funded by a sponsor; AND FURTHER THAT, as required by Ontario Regulations 139/96 and 231/97, this recommendation and the accompanying budget document, including the schedule of matching and non - matching levies, be approved by recorded vote. RECORDED VOTE Paul Ainslie Yea Maria Augmieri Yea David Barrow Yea Bryan Bertie Yea Gay Cowbourne Yea Lois Griffin Yea Suzan Hall Yea Jack Heath Yea Colleen Jordan Yea Glenn Mason Yea Reenga Mathivanan Yea Gerri Lynn O'Connor Yea Linda Pabst Yea John Sprovieri Yea Richard Whitehead Yea THE MOTION WAS CARRIED RES. #A92/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 2007 The 2007 audited financial statements are presented for the Budget/Audit Advisory Board's approval and recommendation to the Authority. (Budget /Audit Res. #C3/08) David Barrow Glenn Mason THAT the transfer of funds into and from reserves in the amount of $175,110 during 2007, as outlined in the schedule to the financial statements entitled "Continuity of Reserves ", be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the 2007 audited financial statements, as presented, be approved, signed by the Chair and Secretary- Treasurer of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), and distributed to each member municipality and the Minister of Natural Resources, in accordance with subsection 38 (3) of the Conservation Authorities Act. CARRIED 213 Attachment 1 Gra nt Thornton Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 April 22, 2008 Gra nt Thornton To the members of the Budget / Audit Advisory Board Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Grant Thornton LLP Suite 200 15 Allstate Parkway Markham, ON L3R 5B4 T (416) 366 -0100 F (905) 475 -8906 www.GrantThornton.ca We are pleased to report that we have now completed our audit of the financial statements of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (the "TRCA ") for the year ended December 31, 2007. We have attached our draft auditors' report. We will finalize this auditors' report once we have the opportunity to discuss the results of our audit with you. The report to the Budget / Audit Advisory Board has been prepared in accordance with the assurance recommendations issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) entitle "Communications with Those Having Oversight Responsibility for the Financial Reporting Process ". That standard recommends we communicate with the Budget / Audit Advisory Board (the "Board ") various matters including: the overall audit strategy, our responsibility as auditors, any matters arising from the audit, misstatements, significant accounting policies, and any other matters that may be of interest to the Board. We express our appreciation for the cooperation and assistance received from the management and staff of TRCA during the course of our audit. If you have any particular comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to raise them at our scheduled meeting. Yours very truly, Grant Thornton LLP ,• h JP Allister Byrne, FCA Partner cc: Brian Denney, Chief Administration Officer Jim Dillane, Director Finance and Business Services Rocco Sgambelluri, Controller 215 Contents Page Status of the audit 2 Audit results 3 Reportable matters 4 Technical updates 6 Appendix A - Draft auditors' report 7 Appendix B - Internal control letter 9 Appendix C - Accounting and Auditing developments 12 ■ 216 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31,•2007 Status of the audit 2 We have completed our audit of the financial statements of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the results of that audit are included in this report. • As noted in the covering letter, we have attached our draft Auditors' Report as Appendix A. The following items need to be addressed /completed before that report is signed: • Approval of the financial statements by the Board of Directors; • Management Representation Letter 217 Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Audit results Our audit identified the adjusted and /or unadjusted non- trival misstatements noted below. 3 Summary of misstatements There were no misstatements identified and adjusted in the financial statements by TRCA as a result of our audit procedures. Non - trivial misstatements noted during the course of our audit but not adjusted in the financial statements were as follows: We have discussed the unadjusted misstatements with management and they have concluded that, individually and in aggregate, these unadjusted misstatements are not material to the financial statements of TRCA. 218 Over /(Under) Statement of: Unadjusted misstatements Assets Liabilities Equity Ear nin gs Prepaid amount erroneously expensed in period (15,728) (15, 728) Offset of Accruals (8,659) 8,65 9 Under accrual of realty taxes • (15,021) 15,0 21 Total unadjusted $15,728 $(23,680) $- $7,9 misstatements after estimated - tax effect 52 We have discussed the unadjusted misstatements with management and they have concluded that, individually and in aggregate, these unadjusted misstatements are not material to the financial statements of TRCA. 218 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Reportable matters 4 Internal Control Management is responsible for the design and operation of an effective system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the accounting system provides timely, accurate and reliable financial information, and safeguards the assets of the entity. Through our role as auditors of your financial statements we possess an understanding of the entity and its environment, including internal control. However, a financial statement audit is not designed to provide assurance on internal control. Professional standards do require us to communicate to the audit committee significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal control that have come to our attention in the course of performing the audit. During the course of performing our audit, we identified the following weakness in internal control. • Audit document and staff available Our comments and recommendations on these matters have been provided in an internal control letter [and attached as Appendix B]. Significant new accounting policies New policy Considerations and results CICA 3862 - Financial Section 3862 replaces the disclosure requirements of previous Section 3861 Instruments - Disclosure and Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation and converges with IFRS 7. CICA 3863 - Financial New Section 3863 is consistent with previous Section 3861 which was based on Instruments - Presentation IAS 32. . • However, Section 3862 places an increased emphasis on disclosures abut risks associated with both recognized and unrecognized financial instruments and how these risks are managed. Controversial, emerging or unique accounting policy issues During the course of our audti, we noted the following emerging or unique accounting policy issues that are applicable to your entity, further details have been summarized below along with other technical updates in Appendix D: • PS 3150 - Tangible Capital Assets 219 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and'Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 • CICA 3855 Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement • CICA 3865 Hedges • CICA 1530 Comprehensive Income • CICA 3863 Financial Instruments - Presentation Sensitive accounting estimates and disclosures During the course of our audit, we noted the following accounting estimates and disclosures: 5 • TRCA and City of Toronto have jointly and severally agreed to provide a loan guarantee no to exceed $7.5 million to the Evergreen Foundation for the Don Valley Brick Works restoration project. As of December 31, 2007, Evergreen was negotiating with its proposed financing and interim project lenders will be subject to the approval of TRCA and City of Toronto. The lease agreement for the Brick Works was signed in January, 2008. Cooperation during the audit We report that we received cooperation from management and the employees of the TRCA. To our knowledge, we were provided access to all necessary records and other documentation and any issues that arose as a result of our audit were discussed with management and have been resolved to our satisfaction. Consultations with other accountants To our knowledge, management did not seek the advice or opinion of other external accountants on financial reporting or accounting matters. Fraud and illegal acts Our inquiries of management did not reveal any fraud or illegal acts, no did any of our audit procedures. Independence As external auditors of TRCA, we are required to be independent in accordance. with Canadian professional standards. .These standards require that we disclose to the audit committee all relationship that, in our professional judgement, may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence. We have provided a letter to the audit committee during the initial planning communication with confirms our independence with respect to TRCA. 220 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Technical updates Accounting and auditing standards Recent changes in accounting and auditing standards have been summarized in Appendix C. These accounting and auditing changes have had no potential effect on TRCA for this year. • 221 6 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Appendix A - Draft auditors' report 222 7 GrantThornton Auditors' report To the Members of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority kgN Grant Thornton LLP Suite 200 15 Allstate Parkway Markham, ON L3R 5B4 T (416) 366 -0100 F (905) 475 -8906 www.GrantThornton.ca We have audited the statement of financial position of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as at December 31, 2007 and the statements of financial activities and deficit and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of TRCA's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TRCA as at December 31, 2007 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Markham, Canada Chartered Accountants April 4, 2008 Licensed Public Accountants 223 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Appendix B - Internal control.letter . 224 9 Gra nt Thornton The Budget /Audit Advisory Board The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 154 April 4, 2008 Dear Board Members: Re: Internal Control Findings From the December 31, 2007 Audit Grant Thornton LLP Sue 200 15Alstate Parkway Malkharn, ON 1.3R 584 T (416) 366-0100 F (905) 4758908 wwrv.GranfThorrtonca Receiving observations and findings on your financial reporting processes and controls is one of the benefits of an annual financial statement audit. Grant Thornton LLP implemented new processes and technology to address the changing standards of conducting a financial statement audit. This approach includes an increased emphasis on internal control. The standards of the public accounting profession require us to report annually to you our findings on certain weaknesses and deficiencies in your internal controls. Our procedures identified a number of items that we wish to bring to your attention. Our audit is planned and conducted to enable us to express an audit opinion on the annual financial statements. The matters dealt with in this letter came to our attention during the conduct of our normal examination, may not necessarily include all matters that may be identified through a more extensive or special engagement. Matters reported in 2006 We are pleased to report that appropnate action has been taken on the following of the recommendations made last year: 1 Sales /admissions systcm — improvements to the billing system to ensure completeness and cut- off of revenue. • Pre- numbered billing and "request -to- invoice" forms are now implemented effective December 2007 2 Information technology — the following recommendations to improve physical security has been implemented by management•. • Development of an off -site operational site as part of a disaster recovery plan — a formalized IT Discovery Plan was approved by the Board in 2007. The IT department is also in the process of purchasing and setting up a new cluster in the Downsview office, which will have replicated information from TRCA's head office and act as the second offsite operations. 225 GrantThornton Current year's audit The audit proceeded generally very well and there was improvement from last year's audit. However, we did- experience some delays in receiving agreed upon schedules, .working papers, and financial statements. For the most part this is related to the challenge of obtaining complete financial information across various functions of the organization in a timely manner. This time factor resulted in accounting staff having to make constant modifications to the statements during the audit work. Audit preparation efforts were also delayed as TRCA is also simultaneously involved in the preparation of the 2008 budget and related deliberations, all of which afforded little time for preparation of audit. Your Finance staff are certainly hard working and capable, but we believe that, in order to meet all of the budget and audit deadlines, additional staff resources may be needed or move the audit back by several weeks to allow for the proper preparation. This communication is prepared solely for the information of management to assist it in discharging its responsibilities with respect to the financial statements and is not intended for any other purpose. This communication is not to be provided to a third party without our prior written consent. We accept no responsibility to a third party who relies on this communication. Please thank all the staff for their cooperation during our audit. Should you wish to discuss any of our comments, or if you require assistance in their implementation, please call me. Yours very truly, Allister Byrne, FCA Partner cc: Brian Denney, Chief Administration Officer Jim Dillane, Director Finance and Business Services Rocco Sgambelluri, Controller 226 Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 12 Appendix C - Accounting and Auditing developments _ Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 PSAB Accounting dove mcnts Rd) Nil Sector Acemuntiroil Board PSAB Section 3150 - Tangible Capital Assets PSAB has approved revisions to Section PS 3150 Tangible Capital Assets.- The Section now applies to all levels of government, includirig local governments. The most prominent change for local governments is the requirement to recognize and amortize all their tangible capital assets. Revisions to the Section include: • The definition of cost hiv., been amended to clarify that cost is the gross amount, and that capital grants are not to be netted against the cost of the relatedi,ingible capital asset. Guidance on the cost of leased tangible capital asset!, is also provided • The 40-year guideline on the a ilortIzation period has been removed • ihore is additional guidance on the commencement and cessation of ij rt dr rnj c,:lrryiril costs • During the period of tiansition, local 1,-v,'rnrnf.,[11,.--. :-,hotild follow Public Sector Guideline PS(-1 T 1 A:iisets of Local Government The revised Section app. local governments for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,2009. Earlier adoption is encourag PSAB Section 1200 Financial Statement Presentation This Section has been r;eci r,:.!:,u11 of trio CICA Errbhc Sector Accounting Handbook reqiiirern,--” it ,binpt ti Rill ,icc,rikil basis o accounting for local governments. This Section ostahlichos standards for recognition, presentation and disclosure in ,iuvernment financial slaetnentS. The main features of the Section ,ire a ftIlows: • Govt,rnmorlts are required to present a statement of financial posit lot bta ten e i t of operations, statement of changes in net debt and a statement of cash flows 4.-sr,07 • FinartClal statements should present net debt and accumulated surplus/ deficit on the statement ri,,t financial poNtion. annual surplus/ the change in net debt arid 'tangos In cash flows • Current year budget and actintr figures are to tx,, presented on both the statement of operations aria the statement rf 'hanges in net debt • Funds and reserves are to be reported in the notes or schedules when the government chooses to report on thorn iii!liall111111111111.11111111111111119111difile is Section currently applies to senior levels of government. This Section will apply to local governments for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is encouraged. 228 Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 PSAB Section 2700 - Segment Disclosures This Section establishes staiidarcls on WA,/ to j(IPntify ind disclose segments in a government's summary financial statements. In 1nq soiiment disclosures, it is important that the definition of a seginont is met, the objectives for segment disclosures are salislied and an apbropr late basis of ojrrreritotIor is chosen The Section poci1ios both the required and desired segment disclosureS in a i„povor iimonrs financial statements. As a IlliflI111111n . the notes or lilies tu the financial statements tor each government segment 111101 • The basis for identifying segments, the nature of the segments, tsoli they encompass and the method of sigriitioant allocations to segmentS • iTreginent ei■pei Ise by major ()hied or caterforV • ii.ieginent revenue by source and typo • ,i'i(tii0(.-jate. net surplus,cleficil of government busHIPSS PrItprprIses and ciovQrnment LLIsirIoos partnerships accounted for undor the equity method toi each segmepi, if applicable • net siinilusareficit of governMent etitanizations nrited for lor the modified equity aci.ordance with A 101.1 47,11 applici-lbile; .1111.1 • A r(iliIii1lILti1115 HP 1111()1111,111011(IISC.H.;r«.1 (r ti :,(?,111101ils ;.1111.1triP consolidated information in the :Ainimary financial statements The standard applies to the summary financial statements of federal, provincial, territorial and local governments for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2007. qt. Earlier adoption is encouraged. PSAB Section 1150 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles fills Section sictilitic,:inlly Xlects how all levels of qoverninent select their tiiiiiii policies 11 is intended to clarity: • "Irklustry- GAAP no rengi4 exists • Wriat constitutes GAAP for life public sector • What are the primary sources of GAAP for governments and those c4Inizations that consider the Accountind Recommendations of the Handbook l bo thn moot appropriato to tiled objectives and cuimlar IGO'S • Thit 4 the basis cit accounting used to prepare financial statements in accordance with regulatory, legislative or contractual ro<iiiiremer its coritlicts with the requironit:mt of this Section. that basis cannot bo ,loscrihed 05 being in accordance with GAAP • Vihal iitorii must he s::itistioU in cieterminniq an "other source ot /\ r' when there is no prim-11v sorvic ot GAAP ivauiibI he standard is applicable to all governments for fiscal years beginning on or otter April 1, 2005, excluding certain local governments currently required by legislation or regulation to prepare their financial statements in accordance with a basis of accounting other than GAAP. HOWEVER Transitional provisions deterred the application of this standard to fiscal years beginning on or alter April 1, 2006 for those IOC,* governments. Earlier adoption is encouraged. Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Public flectew Mem Ong Baird PSG-6 — hicludaig h r , -iiganizations and Pat trIPI Applying Fair Value Mt.i- ment c.; provides guidance to governments when reporting on ucivainniont organvatons and government partner shirts in their rfinlary financial statoments. Government organization:3 and d(,:0111,110nt partner are required to base their accounting policies Cii.11A Handbook Aci.ounting and adopt the financial instrument standmils, fclfl IF Irvi!.‘"W411. • (Ti'v'A 1530 — flipretiensive Income • k A '3'355 — F 111,111G-21 Instalments— Recognition and aqilternent aid • CICA 3865 — This Guideline communicates the application of PSA8's axis stand lid. to th rtn t tali value measurement adj is Guideline applies from the ate that the government rganizations and partnerships ' 1 implement CICA 1530, CICA 0855 and CICA 3865. These ..Sections in CICA Handbook — Accounting are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October I, 2007. • Tangible Capital Assets of Local Governments ,,,uftielino provides transitional quicianee to local clover nments on intormation rolated to tangible capital assets in ricite.s or h.-atoms to its- finary Lit flme as Ti' igihip capital. , A ..sots F'S 1 51,1 ...i::I'-.1 tit( Iciisal go-vernments PS 3150 l governments '._i ears b•-rgitining ori or alter ,--..Artier adoption is oncourdipd. 11 pus tiro Draft - Government Transfers a Re-1 ;•t,osure draft, -Government Transfers" propoi to amend the current Public Sector Accounting Handbook Section, tit 1 men( Transfers. In general. the [-imposed standaid: • tini gover11111,i it llan.leis • Di tad-. whorl irivitinnient Lam-Jets should be recognized as 1.->itim-?nt government would recognize a liability • t.i; teuisti3i • li 1 liiitinco on determining the authorization date of the 11 1 and • Ir twat, v ear operating transfers providil and received, Et it transfers rrm:•erved, the point of authorization, and the 11: iclatilrty of result,, iThis Guideline apples to fiscal years beginning on or alter 00( ii January 1, 2007. Earlier adoption is encouraged. t,itoini‘ni of Pitriciples — Financial instruments po:tsible treatment of financial t mum; nts !cif got; entitre3 and proposed the iollowing: • 1 v,:o coltew los would be used amortized CCGt and fair value • Any iliiftlhTd hedging income would be reported on the - statement .it net debt • would be con..istent with section 3855 of the arm oiniting handbook, Much IS in ordance with IFRS 7, The revised Section is proposed to apply to all governments for fiscal years boqiiiiing 00 or after January 1. 2i20:9, 4 This is open for comment until December 3, 2007 An exposure Oran is expected In June 2008, and is anticipated 10 be approved Di November 1 2008. Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Auditing development, -11.1111111111111111121%1;'t 4444 416ULitili Section 5365 - Communication with Aclua. This Section and the appended Joint Policy !,tatement ,',IPS have been reviseci to focus on appropi late methods of communication betmen actuaries involved in the preparation of the financial statements, and auditois They retloil an inciasecl emphasis on auditor independence and a change from the previous practice of the auditor relying on the won, of the actuary who is not independent of the audited entrty Section 9110 Agreed-upon Procedures Regarding Internal Control over Financial Reporting This new Section deals with the public xcountant's professional responsibilities in conducting an agreed-upon procedures engagement regarding internal control over financial reporting In addition to the basic professional standards In be met in nonducting such engagements, the Section deals with • ostablishing the t1111, Of the engagement, • perfoinung and dociurnorTIN the agreed-upon procedures; and • kmorting findings from having pertorined the ,3greed-upinn procedures AUG-45 - Legislative Auditor's Report on Financial Statements ol a Fedetal. PTovinciaI of Territorial Governrnent A legislative auditor el the financial statements Llf a federal, pnr,ancial cr rtitco la I goy irlmrnent may 1.-•.i required by his or her mandate to express an opinion on whether the linancial statements aio presented fairly in accoidance wrth staberl accounting 1y:dices. This Guideline provides guidance on the wording at the allthlor's report in such circurnstanr:es This Guideline n effective with respect to audit reports issued 011 or after July 1. N06. Auditing— Standards under development Status Accounting Estimates (CAS 540) The objective of this protect is to replace existing Canadian standards and guidance on evaluating the reasonableness of accounting estimates used by management 101 financial reporting prigx.)ses and on auditing fair value. measurements and disclosures contained in linanoral statements with the equivalent International Standard on Audning This pioject proposes to replace Sections 5305. Audit olAccounting Estimates and 5306, Auditing Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. with a new Canadian Auditing Standard ((AS) that essentially adopts the revised and clarified International Standard on Auditing 540, Auditing Accounting Estimates, Including Fair Value Accounting Estimates. and Related Disclosures (ISA 540), that is currently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board i kA b It is ‘;losely linked to Ma prowl nu Materiality Analytical P race dui es r he objective nt t hin . project is to replace existing Canadian standards and guidance on the use of analysis in risk assessment proc*dures, in substantive procedures. and as an overall review of the financial statements with the equivalent International Standard on Auditing (ISA), this (vloct proposesio repiaoe rs'ootion 5301, Aridly sts. with a new Canadian Auditing •.,Aaiti.lard (CAS) that essentially adopts the clarified International Standard on Auditing 520. Analytical Procedures (ISA 520). that is currently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (LAASB:, The AASB issued an exposuie draft in January 2007, with comments requested by March 23, 2007. he IAASB is developl exposure draft. Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Audit ip■H umentation (CA', 230) The AASB issued an exposure fil Ail-it-Irvin of tim; r)roi';I I 1(1 IPt)lJ('P 1:\itIrI;I Ir1u1i3i I Intl oil= iir itt in 11111Jan, 2007 with — a OtTIMOtitS requested by 16, 2007 . aid guidance on audit documentation for an audit of financial statements with the equiyalc!nt International Standard on A iictitm,) ISA This prefect proposes to replace tion 5145 Donmnlnion with Canadian Auditing Standard .,CAS) that essentially adopts Hia t Iuiliad I nter nati(i,nal Standard on Auditing 230, Audit D,,,i)moiltatiun , 250). currently being dovoloped by Pio Inter italwital A tidiffit:i and AssuidiK,u tindards Eclard dAASE3) Audit Evidence (CAS 500) Thi4AASE3 issued and exposur, 10,-) rldective (-J this protect is to replace €'i tin standards draft in May 2007, with tnd (ti 11(1.111C,0 on what constitutes audit evil n' in an audit or tinanci;11 comments requested by August the quantity and quality of audit evidmce to ta of)tat nod and rho udit phy..;(tiltitos that auditois use tot obtaining that al id it with the Pt 111IVAi41 it Intur1iitiniI :--iitiin(1,-ud on Ai Thr-; prole( t pi cyritosti?s to riitiplacio Soction 5200, Audit EvitIont-iit-iii with in,-Rii,irt At kitting St:Art(1,1rd ,,CAS:1 that 3 311 ilh niopt tfte ,dintornatici-tat Standard on Auditing 500, Hill o ,-.)11;it.,dlity of Audit Eyidorirld„, 1 7,11Y. tk tt is currently the I ittc,13.1tion„-11 Auditirl.1 And Assurance Standards IAASH „,' Audit Evidence Additional Considerations The 01,10k irvo (4 piolect is 13 and quIddri._ (.1 on audit t.:,,.edurg.-s Out iitijr ue Ivr obtaining audit This nrolout pi, 1,,) top1.1(.0 Invc,ntories, and -'''4“.t tun 656° C.ornnurnic;:itions with Lim Fit as Cilraini, with iv Canadi,-In Auditing Stand.tui th;it 61 51; lilt itiod Inlurn ilirnil `still-K.1(1rd on Auditing '31 An 111 61tior Awns fat p ti Horns. ;,I SA (-01 11 kit 1,0111(1 devolope,1 by th,.? Intrnttioi 1 it Auditing m A-;,-,L11,-.inco ithiindaicIs I fie iA A E 11 developing ()KPosure draft Audit Sampling and Other Testing trio Hilloctivl of tills propki ts ht-,stii(? exposure dt,:fi UNit lard ,,n Ati,fittn,1 on tryi and .l.-r moarts di tosting whon audit proceduld., to qat her aiidit it it I iii, op(it to 11 1 tri it,tithdiTircil (CAS), Mod plit)isit and ti N,t1.-2,111 s t:ISA at is ciirion11%,,, I; ,tornational AuL :11 at 1k Assurance 1,, B(,,11,1 Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Auditing — Standards under -.1.1r1V •!.„..Kk,„,itart Auditors Reports The objective of this project is to revise, standards and guidance, dealing with the standard report of an auditor who has been engaged to express an opinion on general purpose financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, The proj ect will also provide guidance on an auditor's report on special purpose financial alatements. Phase 1 The AASB proposes to revise Section 5400, The Auditor's Standard Report, to adopt the new standard audit report wording contained in International Standard on Auditing 700. The Independent Auditor's Report on a (7ornplete Set cif General Purpose Financial Statements (ISA 700). Phase 2 The AASB will address the remaining issues in and propose to adopt ISA 700, .3Iong with International Standards on Auditing 705, Modifications to Ono Opinirin inn the Independent Auditor's Report, 800, Special Coni,iicierations - Audi tr:, of Special Purpose Financial .„'-iitaterrients and fic Elements, AccoLints or Items of a Financial Statement and 805, Spek.ial Considerations When Rep.n ling on Summary Financial The project also proposes revisions to other Hai idl Sections, such • Audit cif Financial Statements - an Introduction, ,m),15095. Reasonable Assurance, and Auclit Risk, regarding the acid p11 iples governing an .audit, • Section 5110, Terms of the Engagement, regal ding terms of the engagment: • Se,,tion 5405. Dale of the Auditor's Report, egai cling the date of the auditor's repon t, and • .1 hill 0550, Sul-(,,.quirt Events. regarding -..Libsquent events. Further. the project also proposes revisions to examples of audit reports throughout the HandLicol,. IThis project proposes to replace Section 5751. Communications with TI lose Havinci 0,•-,1!..icilit Responsibility for the PirialKial Reporting Proves, with a I i ew Canadian Auditing Standard ;CAS) that essentially adc,pts the Jai ifil International Standard on Auditing 260, Communications with 'I- hose Charged with Governance (ISA 2C0), that is currently being developed by the International A 1..1 diting and Assurance St 41)1 41( Board ,,,IAASB). Communications with Those Charged with Governance (CAS 260) The objective of this project is to converge existing Canadian standards and guidance on the auditor's communication with those having oversight iespunsibility for the financial reporting process when performing an audit of an entity's financial statements the eq International Standard on Auditing. The AASB issued an exposure draft in January 2007, with requested by , 2007. Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto L1 Conservation Authority For the year endi 1 December 31, 2007 Ct:n,i>,arattna yTtia r va ,:4 this t:rcj?it 1 to Iap,laca existin i i;anarhan t.t ar xl + 1 t . . . n : rodudin,t ..e 11pacitrva t i : auras in andltad tinarn-.ial ,vith th : aqurvalant In tenxational ;tan lard on Au ■ Ming .1' 41I Tin. p ,tactprcn.ci' t, teph _nexlstin1..:anadiaristandard :and guidarno rAdarilrn i n?rnptrattce fiqurAs in audited financial statAinAnts, With ;+ new Canadian Auditing Standard r(.A.;} that adepts tn.? ctarified Into It rte nal Standard on Auditing 710, f,arpai it es. jISA 7 101 tent is nth being d:+v,?lcpad by the international Auditing andAssuidnca is Brigid 1AASB The propssad nAw ntan,.l.ardwouIdrapi,ii.) 1 �<rs.tinq ' to n '17'11 , Cnhar Reporting ktatter s, aid Assucinc., Sarni RNi.itod Soo' a_ ,uisiIi i Au1;- R Audit+ ,rs Report on ' Ccanp,irattve Fi in :iai `tatanients Thu AAS,F i considering tho dlr.po;itn,n of the tenauurn.l standards and duid in a inSoction 5701. The AASB Issued an extirx ure draft In May 2007. with colui iant: requested by July 1 :,, 20(7 . nrsliteration of Laws and Regulations (CAS 2501 c. ohjwitive of thlc project is to replace existing Canadian c.tand.ar I +aim 1,11 ahotd tnata't misstatements is ern l from the. is: µi ?ncKa i t dlegnI ::tn wahthe equivalent 1 itornatitnai Stand ,At t ht in. -1 i IOA i. TMs pi :gect prcT es> to rat-,lace Seaton 5130, t tr : tliter -nant.. - Iilagai A,1G. with a nee 0n a,tianAd Ming Standard that e santniy _ pt:; ttaa rlanfied hetama0 nni standard on Ar 1 tdin_t 2Ox1. rho Audits r _07l1tias Relate : to Laa,aand Radul•itigns in nnAud11of Fhta 1 d St,aterend? rh.A .$011 that rs alli'entty being del _Iopnd by the Inten 0, Al dlunq . 1,,.1 As_ amore Standards Boan:1 IAA56 Conaarta>ral cn ca the Internet Audit Fuiclian (CAS 610) The et i trva e,1 the, 1 ,i,r+ t r to ranat.i uxc..tn■ 1lan star�,l. and gill 1 x I, :a : n 1' ui i thu v ,r k of it doin-11 a udrt ni t: i rli rag al ®nga(t ii a -ot Internab,.1111 :5t.indar 1 oti Auditiri Tha AAS draft in.danuan/ 20 ITt oI1111 fir =,quastsd lt.2007. 11 'This l , t q.A -.t 1 r )t .e.a;. ti 10; : i Suction 5410 112.ing the Work of In(i<it Au+ it. with a r ' C anallan Audititaa ` ?tan lard (CA.`,i that c.?ntcilly adapt:, the clarifWd Intotnatlanai Standatd on A11d010is t,10. 10o Au tiro,' . 2,-,n .i iar<in, -ri at tti i Internal At Et Incton that inn "tit hi (1 fa,..,F %.1.1 by flu 0)0;0 1.111,-1 Auditinia ant Ass laat? St? plaids Board {IAA >>1; Ct>nirols at a Snr.ice Organ ialtan the by :trva at the . t ■n,jar1 1s_ L, rapt ice un:.tinu i'.anadran :stand.. in,i •7 'Ha nce to au iit,tir_= .vt: i nh audit r,ap,>rt, on the h ui:;.a h ne 1,y a ann, -a r l.mizati2n tot use by 11 1 .ar prgani� Stiranr, an ui.: =n u• it, ,vrthth,,. :, airN- ;slantlntu1rational;S,4u„1and:n As u!ance t. nhi t.anienis i 1',AE The IAA?.B i d. exposure draft. '.0151rign t pnot.cas to r. rla 5970. An, dir f; illoport 511 ,,ntr h, : 1 i Sand, nJr7anr: -neon witti a na:v ,anndian s,t.in, :tard hat .scantialIy adopts tho n8'N international Standard onAsswancy 111,xlani:ants 31111 d r.s1 an,2o nn G itr.IS at a 1 r;an ice I1:111,1111: 113f1 + I AI ' 4071, that i ;,.errantly bairn.t ,davuhe,pa,,j by the Intertiabon it 1.0 Mini and Afs,.ur v, a SL Vi firm'. P,nard t LIA`3Ft) U t11140 e Futtae Baraaflts -- t3efrreed Pain 'hag t ,,viva,>1thisprejer11, t: rave-.egwdarp .e raI.n ant 1 Ih.Ssaid« .r ,ppli .rte m o1 gAn.,ruify ac :7(100:11 11 0 standards to the ti uflon. m.aasur.;naant an i ,flo,rinsur a ,it the a st of atnld ,y. >A kitty, hanofit, ic•r aluu >J btn.•fit plans as s-21 x111 iii CICA handbook- Accountwig Section , 1 f nq'diiy'aa Fl 1 t;a,natit i hip. I r i.Y,.t 1,1,1, y∎ to i.rv1..t, Au, ; 29, Audit < f I onlvya_ rutn,- .,.ana,ts -- [N ,f ur; a; 1 result ,st the i<; :u,1nca of AuG -43, Audit cal h, -,y I i.ihi6hes .1 Insuiai n .. 1 ntaipn :,_ dead t r R. bed revisions b ?infl 1 ;. 1 A, hi 11110. Tha MOB has deferred this pr,aee1 Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 .F,S2,10 Entities Uoo o g.11132-lit T he cbjectve of this project IS to replace existing Canadian standariti. and guidan co. on the factors that an auditor considers when amlitirg thint financial statements of on entity that tesc.s a service organization to process certain transactions with the equivalent International Standard on Audrting (ISA) T his project propow±s to ipIac e Section 5210. Audit Evidence Considerations When an Entity Uses a Servio,?. Ordanizabon with a h1PY1 Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) that e SGentially adopts the rey'v-.,..1 and clanked International Standard on Auditing 402. kidit ConsidoratOns Relating to Entities Using Soivic o Organcations ISA -KC), that is currently being developed b the International Audthrg aryl Assurance Staplards Board (IAASB) External Confirmations Thu IAASE1 is dew! T he cbjectve cf thm project is to replace existing Canadian standards axpastro draft, and guidance on the 41$0 of opnfiimations as a mains of obtaining audit evidurtoo with the equivalent Inter natiorial Staridaid on Auditing I:ISA). This project propixyas to place 533d 05 5303. Confirmation. with a new Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) that essentially adopts the ransd and darrtiaJ International Staixiaid on Auditing 505 Extoinal C.,-nfirrnations IOA 505L that is catriently hal ng developed hy the Int nalyanal Aiiiirting and ASSU r a FtCP Standards Board (LAAS4I ) Financial Statement Audits — Obte cove and General. Principins (CAS 200) The iiirective id this project is to es..itablish standards regarding the init•fendont 1 Itt s oisrall nx,TAarLsibilaii‘ 'whorl condo:Wigan audit ot 1i11,111,1.1.11statoth,nts T ph-,j‘st ph,psck",E, to develop a now Canadian Audittna Standard CAS:, that ?SS 9nnal tv adopts tho clanfied International Sitandaid on ALL-faro 203, ohio,:tvo of the IndK.endont Atiditor the crciniliyt of an Audit in Ancorda nce with International Standards rm Air lairki. r ISA 20(h. that is currently being clovelciped by the Internatrinal AuJittild and AF....411.31102 Stardards Beaid dAASPI. Group Financial Statements (CAS 6001 T h blectve of this pored is to replace existing Canadian standards and guidance addressing relianc9 . tYy nci atilitcy !the prunary :auditor) on the id and wiTilk of another auditor ithe.,:.?cordary auditor when uditlIN) group finaric i.31 statements with the International Standard on Auiitut T his project prmp 1 apis SGecticm 020 Elino n Another Auditor with a new Canadian Auditing Standard ■.C.AS) that ,0sentalty adopts the. clat died International Standard Auditirg, 6.02, Special C,Dnsidorations Audits of (2roup Financial iStatemiy- its ilncludirg ttya. Woik of Componant Auditors) rICA 60111 , that is curientry being develcped by the Interryabonal Auditing and A....uranccii. !Standards Board ilPyASS). The AAS issued an exposure draft In May 2007, with comments requested by August 24, 2007. The IAASI3 iu raviowing the c received on the exposure Idontithfing and Assessing the Risk of Material Misstatements (CAS 315) The cbioctve ot this project is to replace existing Canadian standard and guidance on obtaining an understanding of the entity and rts environment inch.dmg its internal control. and on 3SSC,SSI the risks of.. material inisstatoniont in a finanial statement al.K1 it with the equivalent Inte(national Stardatil on Atiditirig r ISA) This 1,1.1,7.1 pi, In 1",p1,1, 'F:•-,■11,1i F.141 1 sta 1. 1 F fifty and Its Environment alld Asuino thz Risk ■-_,1 Material Misstatemaits, with a nrm Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) that ,Ncsorrtially adopts the clar tried International Standard on A with rh) 115 klontifying inil A ssc-i:ssing the Risk of Material Us.istatiamonts Through Understanding the Entity and Its Environment iISA 21 51. that was 0...icentry appriWeil by the Intimational Atictinng and Assurance Standards Board ilAAi;Fki ho Final Canadian Atattking Standard iCAS 01S) has bean approved by the AASS. Troll o are no changes frah istng standard Report to the Budget /Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Material Wr, „)hr Issas In inlorn, +1 t'unlrv1 he objective of this t t o ry xpanded guidance bC;inu evtloped by the International Au,iitilh: grid As o iandard , Bo. rd IAA ,B on the moaning of material weaknesses in internal control and the .auditors r?oponsibilltles to identity and communicate internal control issues to tho'.,o charged governance. This project proposes to develop a new Canadian Auditing 4,:11d (CAS‘ that essentinlfti Falb pis novr d on Auditing,F i.'i iknlalW=? ikn osoeo In Internal Control that is curt "e11tIy holnq :law -IIit ed by the Intemation,rl Auditing and A ;sur,rnr;N i•rrds Board 1 IAAz;Ft' Materiality and Evaluation of Misstatements (CAS 320 & 450) h:, onjo Ctrde of this project is to replace existing Catlldlarl stanu, -oils ,ir .Iuid<1nco on the concept of materiality and its application Juring an Hit "I nnancol i,lhel 1111ancial 1nfoini.itlr�n with lht' l t i , dc�nl Int errI itional :;t<lndard on ArldltIng pi ! (poses to replace 1ostion t,v( ) 110,1i.ul Atl<lihnll r talltirrirS I A`si that OSSOntially.1. opt thr= 1.1■11i11A IlltOr 1 patICinal _stun 1alds on Audit lul. MatonalitV In ['tanning ;and Penelnllnil Sul Audit IISA -1 :11 an(t 1 err 111 1 t 11r >�.1 It ,mrrh. Idennlic l [luring the Audit 1ft,A 4511:, thal are c1Ir10114 h_W rvr ' ;sloped by ill„ IAASE1 ,111 r7:(II1 r pi,irect to 1" ,ect1'_I1 r. I ,III'.' .Ind AtiC 41 Apt:dyIrnt Ili ,unc4pt of 1,- 1 <it�ri.ahf,. h 1� ii i:-n I� >Itllin,itr,l. Su) tictt... Modlllc:atlons to the Auditor's Report I h +, u i cri e of (his project I,s to reel rral exi3iing ;�1n adlan stand;;l,1 ;111,1 ,t'ii lass ° 111 i,es nVa1k?n; in the .1Uc11tor s r 'part, c111C1 othoi reporting io aito; , the gniv;llent Inloirviticn,ll •standard A1.Jdditing. ' i tai 1?p1,0 l' 5ir?ialt)rI 5510, Reserv,ttr 115 nr the 1u.lit r . ( ?,p�xt, ,na,i �atir ;ll r,7,11 , )1h,-tr Repo! tit! p M dt r with c; 1 1na,11 in :al.lrlltirlrl stand arcl L.AS1 ih it .,sserltiilllp tlrl� pie lhr- r ��Irs�?d b: 1 . twill-kJ International S1,I1hlnrc1=s gill Auditing 11o1 io lll�� ,- pmlor1 in the Indo p�lnd0n1 AtKiltY1 s Repoli 70u, 1 11111 y, : ;f M i te1 Parr(11apll .111r1 O1110f Matl'rr ;•) Pd11 1(11 11 111 the Irn1■1,011d..,n1 All, lltofs Report I5i1 that are - uIpntly t;c,ln0 1;,V011,p00111 111 IrllarrlatlonalAruditing andAgstit,1rlr'.-, Board 11,1ASf)' The AASB e - ued an exposure draft In December 2006, with comments requested by January 17, 2007. The exposure drat developinorit. under Planning an Audit of Financial Statements (CAS 300) The oijoctivo :11 lIr s project is to replace existing Can.ldiarl =h:>nrlal._is and .wid._iiis o o11 the up isidoratior ls and .activtti oa u;l?pli : <lhle 13 planrdrig an anllit of firs ial ;t ltoments wltil the equivalent 1lite414a1oi1 l `t,indlldonAuditing 1110 nr, ,'rule -�cl pr {gar):; to r -ire 5150, Planning, with a new �..,nikll,ul Atl,llinl 1 ',haw fat, ( ,;a`,i 11111 .1I1 opts the ,1 11111,'d II taI kW, 11 on ALI(1PtJnkt 30U, F'lallnfl1.1 inancial �>httoII) =ants 'HA -x1701, that enlly approved try the IWel ;1(ion<il A i 11 111�t arkl A ',nr.lnu St,irn1,11 Is Board (IAASE5 The Fin,,.. I t . a Standard (GAS 300) has be, approved by the AASB. There are no changes from th existing standard 236 Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto anci Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 )„)imtateae A 0844 'es Axer ioh 'he A 4411kitaiA; Quality Conti ol 1k hi t oe ot th proy,a E. to, rept. s Ifl1 naddin Aandards and guidance i i n itualita 0.)nti,4 pole v s and posiedures to be sstabil !Ate ki tr. the lino and tul the s pc ‘ tic goal r. contnd proked res to re tertermeg by the pi:Kamen:I and otter nhtkr t tle assurance team in an a 0diran5 e enisriernent ith rho. equocuhrn Intern at olnal Standard 1 Art1 hr..1 51 rot (1.St)Clartd Internahandl Standard on A uLhtune 11`,051 . Tho.lnoect prop," 1 eplive 6'4- QC. Geier al Standards nf Quality Control for turns that Perform A.stirance 1 tesasiienents. and Se. non s030. Atualth (5.ntr.lPts..e,Itue% tot .'-m,' I n1sett10n , iFh ne, Cnnadidn Stand:nd on Quality A ontual 5. '(5. and 5 anudtdr, Auddino ',landau] 15.15) that essentialls- .idepts the cleated International Standard ill Quahts Ci inn id I, Qualm ( ontnal fur Finns that Parini m Audits and R. R 1 ffe,iiiincal Financial Int onation, and ttiviA,sutunce and Related 5. .s dnenAvnentx 15 Qt und International Standard in Auditing 22 141.131iiv 1. ontrol tor Audits .4 116-toncal Innanoal Intorrnata.n) (ISA 220h that in currently to ■ne &Ye iLpoi by tbelowietuesaiAudittug and Aseurance :istarelarde ituard , ) ) Pin the As a result of this project it subsequent project -will he undertaken to replacu requirements and guidance in cur Font Section 5030 that cloal with aSt".•Utance engagements other than audits of financial zdatomonts Related Parties (CAS 550) The AASB issues an exposure The objective of this project is to replace osisting Canadian standards draft in March 2007, with and guidance on haw the auditor 'educes to an aeceptably to level the comments requested by June 8, risk of nig identifying a inateri:d misstatement in financial statornents 2007. arising horn related pad); transactions with the e. tur lent Inter imtional Standard on Auditing ISA) This project proposes to replac 9 S93hOn +.3010, Ai hit of Related Party Ti.eisactions,wgiii a new Canielian Auditing St:lie:lied IICAS) that essentially adopts the revised and clsnlrnd International Standard on Auditing 550, Related Parties i"ISA 550), that is ("intently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board ) Reporting en a Complete Set of General Purpose Financial Statements 11 itt 5j wti. tt of this pi aiject is to tool :Ice Canadian standards and quidanc, nn the auditor's standard roport with the equwalent International Standard on Ittinq iISA) 'This project proposes' to I eplac o Section 5400, The A uditor's..Standard Report with a new Canadian Auditing Standard (,CAS1 that essentially adopts the clarified Intel national Standard on Auditing 700, Thia Independent Auditor's Repo it on a Complete SO of General Purpose Financial Statement-, (ISA ?CO). that is cotrently being developed by the international Auditing and Assurance Standards BOafd dAASB). Reporting on Summary Financial Statements Th9 objective of this project is to replace Canadian ,iuidance on the auditor's report on summari:ed financial statements with the squnalttnl International Standard on Aarditing 1 ISA) This project proposes to rspl ac o Assurance and Related g91V1T”..; Guideline. AuG 25. Auditor's Report im Sunman:9d FillanCial with a now Cina),Ii an Auditing Stan died CAS) that essenti. illy adopts the revised ind clarified International St:111,1)rd on Auditing 8115, Special Cc,tr.idaantions W hen Pop-aging on Summary Financial Statemonts. 31)5.), that itt 0.irrently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance 'Standards Board t IAASB) The exposure draft is ultdor, ciwelopraerit rt$ Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 Responses to ee,sessed Reef, . CAS ear.ei he objective of ' project ilace ' )(lards and guidance on t fermining ()V€ ill respereevoine jr Ind per fouling furthe' rudit procedures to respond to the essessed risks of niatei kI misstatement at the financial statement and assertion levels in a f ler keel statement audit with the equivalent International Standard on Airditing (ISA). This project proposes to replace Section 5143, Die Auditor's Procedures in Response to Assessed Risks, with a new Cam-viten Auditing Standard e:AE3\ that essentially adopts the clarified International Standard oil Auditing 330, The Auditors Responses to Assessed Risks (ISA 3301. hiot ,,,-is recently approved by the International Auditing aad Assuiance Eitendards Board (IAASR). The 1 7 median Auditing Standard (GAS 330) has been approved by the AASB. ""jIte* „t07111 There are no chancles existing standard. .3( Responsibilities Relating to Fraud (CAS 240) Ti e (.1.Jjective of this project is to roplarto and guidance on the auditor's responsibility to r or rdcioi emit and r11istter1)entsnir1q thore from, in an audit ot turir al other linancial iiiformation with the equivalent hite natio International Star daid on Auditing ISA). This project proposes to replace Jece.tion 5135, The Auditor's Responsibility to Com,,kior R nd ith .1 no..., C'...n.idianAuditino Standard (CAS) that essentially aclopts the clarified Intern St,itx-hrd on Auditing 240, The Auditor's Responsibilities Related to F al id in an Audit of Financial Statements (ISA 2.10'i, that vi -i recently ar.nrovA by the Ititrnational Auditing and AssUtd Ili, 4) Standards Board IAASR). The Final Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS 240) has been approved by the AASB. There are no changes from the existing standarde Responsibility in Relation to Other Information (CAS 720) 111,'9 objective of this project is to replace eiti 1 ii ianocIiori 'Jai-dards 'ir I guidartce nn the me-liter's rosponsitpilitirar; %vitt) 1,r,poct t,, cir,furn,,nts 111,it contain tit v.incoi stat,..?iripiiis that the auditor lies aueired with the equivi dont International Standard on Auditing ISA This project proposes to replarto We existing GaiLididii ;:t,tsliirlditt id 9111(1-ince relating to documents conteining titiciitorl liiriciaI str-itements, W1111.1 fIRYV (an,idian Auditing Stendard (CAS) thdi essentially adopts tin clarified International Auditinq Standard on Anditina 720, Auditor's R.ponsibility in Relation to Other Intormation in Doi:lin-lents, Containing Audited Financial SLiternent!_:11SA 7201, that curl1ntIy being 1,,..,,,101)ed by the International Auditing and Assuniice Seredards Board ilArV,JR). The proposed new star elaid would rittplaol part ot fresting Jee:tion 7500, Auditor Association with Annual Reports, Intorini Reports 1 ither Ptibli, Documents. The AASB in corit,icloriiiri tl disposition 01 lite remaining ni .-iii(lards and gitrlartro in The AASB issued an exposure draft in January 2007, with comments requested by March 16, 2007, eee 1. 238 Report to the Budget,Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 tc.rIc.tion-,, th, A ttiiipott Othf-r C.A11,munications The ctioctive of this projeot is to develop standards and guidance on: • what is meant by the terms, 'general use* and "restricted use' .. • when it is appropriate to restrict the trio of the auditor s report; and • the appropriate language to be used in the auditor s report, or other communication issued by the auditor, when restricting the use andor distribution of the report or communication, or disclaiming responsibility when the report is used for extraneous purposes This proje,:it proposes to develop a new Section that more clearly explains and distinguishes behveen the following: • Restriction in distribution: A restriction in distribution aleits tha addressee that he or she is not entitled to *o the repast anyone outside the expressly permitted group of intended recipients. Because the restriction is in the opinion, a thud party who obtains a copy is at least put on notice that the repoit was 3 t interlded for hint or her • Restnction in uo A restriction in use (.,i■SCTIL.3S the piiipasn for which the report is intended Theiefo re, it addresses both third parties and intended addressees, warning both that the report is not intended for secondary uses. It can therefore help to restrict liJibility even with regard to an auditor's own client, • Disilainter 1 RK,pOrlsibility A disklairner is more direct, and advises that no responsibility is being assumed either to third orties, or when drifted in such a 111 1111)9 I, to clients turd third partie.s, when the report in 11::`,Q,1 for an extraneous purnose,, This project also proposes to build on the guidance in Arne! ii:011 Institute cif Certified Public Aci:ountargs Ali 532 *Restricting the Use (4 an Auditciris Report and, if appropriate, to harmonize with it The pro rused Se,dion woukl. howeryed time broader in si:o pa than AU 532, which deals only with 'restrictions in 1i9 alci not cAtiler types of restrictions and Iiinitationsd and is not applicable, tkrw 90111 119 retorts ur lettem to underwriters Subsequent Events (CAS 560) The AASB issued an oxposuro Tho objectivo of thnc. pijo t is to replace: existing Canadian standards draft in January 2007, with and guidance on t139 procedures the auditor performs to be satisfied that comments requested by March 1139.111,S °Coining following the date of the financial statements have been 16, 2007. kiiinititiod with the oiititivalont Intorrotional 5.iital1tiard on Auditing OSA') , - This project proposes to replace Section 6150, Subsequent Events, Mth a new Canadian Auditing Standard rCiASi that essentially adopts the clarified International Staridard on Auditing 560, Subsequent EventslISA 560,, that is currently being developed by the International Auditing and - - Assurance Standards Board rIAASB Terms of Audit Engagetnents The objective of this project is to rophoo existing Canadian standards and guidance on establishing an understanring of, and agreement ein, the terms of the engagentent for the audit of financial statements with the equivalent International Standard 011 Auditing OSA), This project proposes to replace Section 5110 Terms of the Engagement, with a now Canadian Auditirtg Standaid CAS/ that essentially adopts the clarified International Standard on Auditing 210, Terms of Audit Engagements ISA 210), that is Clit0971tty b9inq developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Stand-lids Board 'IAA The IAASB is developing tho exposer 6/ draft. Report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board - Communication of Audit Results Toronto and Region Conservation Authority For the year ended December 31, 2007 AWN Mamba's =lir chwohnimen 11-,Iit1(i the Work of an Expert e lective of this project is to replace existing Canadian standard and e on using the work of a specialist in obtaining audit evidence with the corresponding International Standard on Auditing. This project proposes to develop <3 new Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) that essentially adopts the revised and clarified International Standard on Auditing 620, Using the Work of an Auditor's Expert (ISA 620), that is currently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). As a result of this project, a subsequent projei t be undertaken to revise and clarify the existing Section 5049, 1,Ir,e of Specialists in Assurance Engagements that deal withi assurance engagements other than the audit of financial statements. Written Representations (CAS 580) 111 objectivo of this project is to replace existing Canadian standards and guidance on the use of management representations in gathering sufficient appropriate audit evidence in an audit of financial statements with the equivalent International Standard on Auditing (ISA). This project proposes to replace Section 5370, Management Representatiorts. with a new Canadian Auditing Standard (GAS) that adopts the revised and clarified International Staridarcl an Auditing 580, Written Representations ,'ISA 580), that is currently being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board IAASB). ‘,41 Itil-:?. IAA's'', H develop osure draft. t he The AASB issuE draft in January 2007, with comments requested by March 23, 2007. exoosure 240 SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A93 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Richard Whitehead THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.9.1 - 9.9.92, with the exception of 9.9.3 - 10 Valleyside Trail, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #2/08, held on April 11, 2008, be received. RES. #A94 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: John Sprovieri Jack Heath CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 item 9.9.3 - 10 Valleyside Trail, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #2/08, held on April 11, 2008, be received. RES. #A95 /08 - • SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Richard Whitehead CARRIED THAT Section II items 9.10 - 9.13, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #2/08, held on April 11, 2008, be received. CARRIED Section II Items 9.10 - 9.13, Inclusive REQUEST FOR DISPOSAL OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY -OWNED LAND (Executive Res. #B28/08) RYERSON UNIVERSITY (Executive Res. #B29/08) MEDIA SERVICES FOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS (Executive Res. #830/08) TOMMY THOMPSON PARK INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN PROJECT (Executive Res. #B31 /08) 241 SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A96/08 - 2007 MEDIA SUMMARY Summary of 2007 media coverage for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Moved by: • Seconded by: Rob Ford Jack Heath IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of media coverage in 2007 for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Business Excellence Advisory Board Meeting #1/06, held on March 3, 2006, the members requested an overview of media coverage for TRCA. Staff provided a summary of the media coverage in community newspapers, major daily newspapers and electronic media (TV /radio) from 2003 - 2005 in April, 2006. At that time, staff agreed to provide an annual 3 -year comparison summary. MEDIA SUMMARY (2005 -2007) Month 2005 2006 2007 Percentage Increase /Decrease 2006 vs. 2005 January 23 46 33 -29% February 32 63 20 -72% March 62 119 47 -61% April 72 72 47 -35% May 71 103 82 -20% June 68 97 35 -64% July 54 87 77 -12% August 68 81 51 -38% September 63 74 25 -67% October 66 85 31 -64% November 49 62 39 -38% December 45 35 • 10 -72% TOTAL 686 924 497 -46% Variances The consistent decrease in media coverage month to month is attributable to the combination of four factors: 1. The migration to online - coverage in response to the public's increasing use of the web -based information sources like Toronto.com and Toronto4kids.com. This coverage is not reflected in the media summary. (Cision, TRCA's media coverae tracking supplier, does track internet articles on web sites run by conventional media outlets. It does not track informational sites such as the above) 242 2. The concentration of media relations on higher impact media activities like in depth articles in popular newspapers. 3. TRCA does not monitor broadcast coverage as it is cost prohibitive. However, there is evidence of increased broadcast coverage of events like the Maple Syrup Festival and flood warning. 4. Cision, TRCA's media tracking supplier is having quality control issues. SUMMARY Even though TRCA's tracked media coverage has declined, there is an increase in high value articles (e.g. 'Clock is ticking for conservation dream' by Phinjo Gombu in the Toronto Star on January 13, 2008). Furthermore, there is increased demand for expert interviews of staff, indicating that TRCA is viewed as a dependable source of information on the environment and climate change. Of note is the significant coverage TRCA received in all media with the announcement of the World Green Building Council Secretariat in July, 2007. In response to the supplier service quality issues revealed in the the course of preparing this report, staff will work with Cision to rectify service quality, and it will review alternate suppliers of media tracking services. Should Cision fail to remedy its service deficiencies, an aternate supplier will be retained. Any service adjustments will be made without interuption to media tracking services. It is also recommended that staff provide a detailed tracking of TRCA's website as a means of gaining additional information on how members of the public are finding out about TRCA's events and watershed activities. FINANCIAL DETAILS The annual fee for Cision's service in 2007 was $3,100, plus $2.25 per domestic clip and $4.25 for international clip. Total expenditure for tracking TRCA coverage was $4218.25. An additional $6633.86 was spent to track international coverage on behalf of the World Green Building Council. The funds for this were budgeted in TRCA's 2007 Operating Budget, under the Corporate Communications Publicity subscriptions. Report prepared by: Rick Sikorski, extension 5414 Email: rsikorski @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Rick Sikorski, extension 5414 Email: rsikorski @trca.on.ca Date: April 7, 2008 RES. #A97/08 - CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES MORAINE COALITION 2007 Accomplishments. Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Gay Cowbourne IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report and brochure on the 2007 accomplishments of the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition be received. CARRIED 243 BACKGROUND The nine conservation authorities with,watersheds on the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) partnered together in late 2000 as the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition (CAMC). The mission of the CAMC is to: • advance the science and understanding of the Oak Ridges Moraine; and • work toward government, agency and community support for the form, function and linkages of the ORM. The goals of the CAMC are to: • define and protect natural heritage and water resource systems of the ORM through watershed studies and monitoring; • support an accessible trail system; • ensure effective stewardship services on the moraine; and • build partnerships to provide education, information and land securement opportunities on the ORM. Rae Horst, General Manager of Credit Valley Conservation, served as Chair of CAMC for 2007. David Burnett, Manager, Provincial and Regional Policy, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), has been the coordinator /senior planner of the CAMC since mid -2001. 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Details of the 2007 accomplishments of the CAMC are found in the brochure in Attachment 1. The brochure has been distributed to municipal councils and senior staff, Members of Provincial Parliament, Members of Parliament, CAMC partners and ORM stakeholders across the moraine. -The brochure is also posted on the CAMC page of the TRCA website. 2007 marked the second year of the 'Caring for the Moraine Project,' a strategic partnership among stewardship organizations to deliver coordinated outreach, education and watershed stewardship services to private landowners across the moraine. This resulted in 54 stewardship projects across the moraine in 2007 by CAMC member authorities and partners which achieved: • 80 hectares (ha) of reforestation and planting of 108,900 trees; • 3 ha of wetland creation /enhancement; • 14 ha of prairie restoration; • 7.6 kilometres (km) of riparian restoration; • 14 educational workshops for landowners; and • 2213 landowners contacted by letter resulting in 204 site visits. Similarly, land securement projects (acquisitions, donations, conservation easements) on the ORM by conservation authorities have shown great momentum since the enactment of the moraine legislation. A total of 278 ha of environmental lands on the ORM were acquired by conservation authorities in 2007. Details for both stewardship and land securement projects are found in Attachment 1. 244 Lastly, the 2007 accomplishments brochure reports the highlights of the ongoing York, Peel, Durham, Toronto (YPDT) CAMC Groundwater Study, as well as several projects being undertaken by ORM partners that CAMC has been assisting such as trails development and citizen monitoring. The brochure unfolds to reveal a poster -size map of the ORM to encourage tourism and discovery of moraine attractions including conservation areas, historic /cultural sites, trails and other points of interest. Printed copies of the CAMC 2007 Accomplishments brochure will be available at the board meeting upon request. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email:dburnett@trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email: dburnett@trca.on.ca Date: April 02, 2008 Attachments: 1 245 Attachment 1 Conservation Authorities Merninci, :oalition Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition t:onsEkvation Authorities were first formed over 60 years Njo under the Ccinscirvation kith onhes Act 5f 19.46, as coinniunity based environrmriita I organizations dedicated Li.eriseL yir q estoring. developing and managing natural resources on a watershed basis The 9 members of the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition (CA%1O1 united LLILILO 10 continue that traditipn, focustng our efforts on the Oak Ridges Moraine ORM) CAMC members lead many initiai ive.s to protect and en ha-- 'hi> moraine Just as important, CAMC supports the i,vork. many prime( organiza- tions and crtzens ixtrio aie cti Jet., engaged in Ilridc-r indinj and enhancing the land. Niter 311,.; community orsi.Lirrees cl the ORM T his rep art summarizes and IiihI1lit some of the lects kir idertiiken on the mord inc in 2007 Piy CNAC and pnriner; CAMC Mission • tr.) advance the scle,ric-.e 'ow! understanding cif ihry Oak Rriges Moraine; and • lo work lori.ivanJ id. digeney iiid community support for the granservalr n and protection of the form. function and linkages of the Oal,. Ridges Moraine Thank you to our partners .41 Citizens EllVil U1.1111C11 Viiatch City of Toronto Community Stream Stewards Conservation Ontario Ducks Unlimited Geological Survey of Canada Landowners Nat ire Conservancy of Canada Oak Ridges Trail Association Ontario Geological Survey ORM Foundation OR M Land Trust ORM municipalities ORM stewardship councils Province of Ontario Trail sper nyld Trees Outario Four iidation CAMC Goals • to define and protect natural heritage and water resource sy:teir is of the Oak Ridges Moraine through wales SI I ed scrience and monitoring. • to support an accessible trail system; • to ensure effective stewardship services on the Oak Ridges Moraine. and • to bu 11 partnerships to provide edur..ilirn. information and land segurement opportiini ties on the Oak Ridges rioraine Planning, rement ar,i Stewardship IN-,tprshed Studies & Plans The Oak Ridges ti, iiseryJhcn Plan requires that municipalities un ilertake 'w=1terstied br watersheds whose streams orqnal,- ivw,r,-11H,2 The envir-r-n-nt.11 Oij i ta rmpr A.lti--,s1r=,-1, :Hans will VilIP.1hrH resources in a sustmat.'IL2 mauler A COM MOI1 wmporioni ;:f watershed plan is the fiekl research and preparation .7:1 Fisheries Management P1 u. which includes live- samplinj (and release) of h 5rpcies and monitoring ot lrj water flows. temperatures and abundance of ariteir% 1 1 r (fish food). Many of those studies are burg led 1 CA.MiT, member conser- vation authorities and r.re irroxiint ',3clue.ving the mission and goals el CAMC. Land Securement Conservation Authorities currently own and manage more than 14.000 hecto r of public lands on the ORM CAMC members contind to be active throughout 2007. acquiring 278 ha r environmentally sensitive lands on the moraine from eon n-minded landowners • CLOCA acquire • KRCA acquired 11.'i h 1 • TRCA acquired f ha; •GRCAacqi vl ha. r,t,r Plans Two maj rrcels of law: ':filhe ORM isi•-.1 m.ip ::ppe5 Site pa qi.: re coming into public oh tir CAW.; me i:,ervation autherti,2s prer 1 in 1 11 iert:11 1 . . irplans to manage thi'l pri-,tectpn. :2- 1) East Cross Forest Kawartha Region Conservation Authority is conducting environmental studies and lead rig the master plan process for up to 1.500 acres of land in Scugog Township to develop a multi-use recreation area planned to be open in 2009. 75 volunteers held a successful clean-up day in June and removed three drums of hazardous waste. a 4)) yard and 20 yard bin of garba,ge. four vehicles, 35 tires and a dump truck load of shingles 2) Oak Ridges Corridor Park Toronto & Region Conservation Authority is leading the ster plan process for ever 1,000 acres of land in Richmond Hill Public uses will bo lirrOed to passive, low-impact activities such as hiking and bicycling on authodzed trails including sections accessible to persons with disabilities Additionally. most of the CAN1C members operate existing conservation areas on the moraine that include uses ranging from recreational walking and ski trails to inter- actir hands-on environmental education programs such t.,laple Syrup festals and naturalist-led nature hikes (Unfold brochure to see map inside ) "gelid 2117 Locum. *rot Pc•ors ri Wrtitqautat • FA 14 gl ■tk -1,wac,, WovIlw Or V NIIIMOrtiretap \r.., •111, 114,1,411 ri vim, • ?V Ve. 144 PAPP..t ti 1 rt, Watershed Stewardship CAMC moilLers continued their n year 2 of the °Carinf:. 1 the Moraine pr6p,1 en■-,;)9.rL,I.,-indown- ers n ste ifrt p 11) erii,rDnrnental (1 ;her ldnds Nunlp7','us G;:rserv;i comb:r1i'.(1E1-1,';ir erforis :o pro',Adt: erficien1 An,; coordmted rdr r,-c es ;() pr vale lando,vnert, TICIUderi • CA- f I 'hr.-led r& .n con',.x:: of 2 213 landowners :;hono. lnd /1)4 p•c.1(,r1:, 'isits, • 14 educational • 54 on 'Iv' prop-cir, •,-;s■llirq In r I[,,,,r,t,-Ptn And ;,.,int n(1 1 1,41)111r,-J,e, 3 ha 01 Nutrand rrealloWenKrGemuni 11 h; I ,:fpraint- re,toration; and km 111 riparian mstorat fln • :1\1,11; ;;;Intribut nn tr, fund ng .--)1 the "I ',arinq p•clect (ordir ,ro• Snakes on the Plains Nature Conservancy of Canada is the lead orgaiw:ation the Ganaraska Enns,,c;a- tion Authority and Aidr.,lie Firsl Nation lo protect tr threa!er , Eastern liag-nosed ,,nake TH2 partners are cond!.k.dina landowner contact awl cdeo.-anidlp 0:.tan,,te landowners and im 1)(0'0; hAl)11,it The snake has 3 t L .‘lr further Mien threatened It r.st, ; 1:a;;I y, 'ti ‘; .t; e a cobra, and strikes with its 1 TI r; tn.," nonstration often results in the i :1 ta?,ra_t /".1 '2'0[1 1' 1115 completely harrnieJz; f ntr„a_it.r- snake may go into contortions, ro1Invnr r I 1,`, .1, "of ':)-■t11 ts tongue and Play dead, These f u,a,,t des orefer sandy wuodlands and are found in tal:; ata r Art savanna hap.As Citizen Monitoring on the Moraine Monitoring the Moraine is a collaborative project between Citizens Environment Watch, STORM (Save the Oak Ridges Moraine) Coalition, and the Centre for Community Mapping, It is designed to engage and sustain community volunteers in scieix:e, evvardship, monitoring and declsim-making on the Oak Ridges Moraine. CAMC member staff ha* been assisting this project in the following ways: • Development of a policy monitoring manual and pres1atns * Stream assessment in the am ual Check Your Watershed Day; • LOCaliO4 terrestrial monitoring pbts to mentor forest health. rails 2Jd meribers ,.^,a!ked with the 1;dak kidaPs a 4. fnleral and yjvemlnects and an; ) rapiird ard irdrr(ivn trail .F.;v4or'.1S ra.lie i.Juiy e tomshd.rs 1 Scop,)a Li :i.t.fr ige ai King and the towns of Caledon and 1,%Thafff.lvir.dnSI,...r dtvle, ORM Symposium CAMC was an active participant in the Sympositsn that attracted 250 delegates to review achievements and discuss future cf. iallengeS in protecting the moraine. Generally, delegates recommended enhanced coordination and cclaboration in protectrig the moraine; support for additional education, outreach and feSeall:;b: aivi a renewed emphasis on community we-being and public recreational opportunities. Visit the ORklt, website to see tie full syinpusion h*,put. • CAMC staff prepared theme, papers and debvered presenta- tions on Land 8 Water: • CAMC contributed fundtng and s tali as well as serving ccifhf- CirgAniZirVi COMMigeel • CAMC nember staff attended 1 5,,-rrpnsium lo provide their advice and expert Be. MLR. PI hC Ook Ridges Mof ()inc. muur i Qbruoly 12-11 2007 wwwoirnt com'syrnuosiurn • •va to44 • • Groundwater York. Peel. Durham, Toronto - CAMC Groundwater Study The CANIC partnerp p ■fft'' the YPDT grip tr,Dzio 1,1 2 :1",i1 ri) Jurces Ir-P, Oak Rdoes Th-, oq orovv,in; slnnt ftic inpi,t for N:iler resoar •,•; plJnn rig and has avolvatrnn with i••••:riner jfl e for their municipal i.erlm•ad and so,Jrce ,c3tcx Drotelc n planning ,,Peork acc2criptshmenli part .16 rotinn n hp ;Inn JAI CAkin,n",-; ',A/314,ff- F11i,,,nk rcsted by lac'al c.,,ominurttir?s: • Exp:rt•Qn clf the geolcycal •Iatab•o?„, tfl ,,Y2,I ale the entio.-,1,:ryil base et the Trent Connfir 'on Coalition Sir :a Pro tecton Region: • t2;or.14?tion of gromdwater IlLeor mode ni fa Durham Region; • Extension of the gioun,Uater mcdel vofstovard to cover the Hunker River W•lif3•Shed 3rd its use br Pe•ff Region to refine !heir weld he ad prof edion areas • Completion of three geobp ica I rj)aractervJtion reports for areas across the rncraine h coilaboratkw, the Ontario Geobjcal Society,' • Tha appointmont of C.A kir.,-YP DT projcicii manayf Stave Hdysh k the Council . of _ariauan AcaJF•rnil•s' 0,p(,1 01-e1 advise on the SUSta rrab le management of CanDj3 "3 ,3 YOU 7f watac resources. More information about CAMC Central Lake Ontario (CLOCA) WWA luca.can 805-579-0411 Cre •(CVC) 9054370-1615 G,a■ J'in(GRCA) vro, .1, trot , 905-45-8173 r 4 r k ,.-C",6%.) • t f 1 f'r•ation corn 105.328-2271 Lar» Stmcoe RLvion (LSRCA) r, •r.on.ca 905-8954281 Lo ,c-1 Trent (LTC) on.ca 513-394-4829 Nottawasaoa Valley (MICA) 7'262424- '47O Otonabee wwwoto22it,)ee.,:om i%)5-274`)-5791 TOrOntOa1 Relian woivi.trca 4• f> ••100 Gorservatr)n Authorities Moraine 7: XiiltiOn www.tita i.i,i La •3f•Orfilii• Plf=3:Loo,eriatIon_authoribes: Caring fo he WNW '1-)r-,;irtef) n,Ite or•„;,Lanng C•ff•iro,,,,ito, Study ,t,r71) • N1N 1;)1.7" ot • 0 t *NNW I-NM:MEN NO Nal. VA+ LINNNUF N 1 Afl ft:* N.A. 1e4*1 001.111.1).. NN Noon NY N,,NN 7' ),Nti-NeN, THE OAK RIDGES MORAINE (*nun...1.n ArlfterlOa. Moro1,4 RES. #A98/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ABSENTEEISM SUMMARY 2007 Summary of the absenteeism rates for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff for 2007. Colleen Jordan Gay Cowbourne IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the 2007 Absenteeism Summary report, dated March 18, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Over the last several years, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has experienced less than half the national average of days lost due to illness. The average Canadian worker is absent due to illness 11 days a year. TRCA's numbers have remained relatively constant over the past two years. The weighted absenteeism averages for full time staff are: 2004 - 3.85 days 2005 - 4.16 days 2006 - 4.77 days 2007 - 5.68 days Although the absenteeism rate is increasing, this is explained by the number of employees who are on extended sick leave (19.5 days or more), which has increased in 2007 over 2006. The average sick leave per high use employee is 48.35 days in 2007 versus 31.75 days in 2006. For all other employees, the absenteeism rate has actually decreased from 3.64 days in 2006 to 3.41 days in 2007. The Employee Assistance Programme appears to be contributing towards greater well being of employees. There are several employees with chronic conditions (5 of 16 in the high absentee group). TRCA had 86 employees of full -time complement with no sick related absences at all. FINANCIAL DETAILS There is direct productivity impact from the fact that on average TRCA employees are on the job 5.32 days more per year than the average Canadian worker. Report prepared by: Catherine MacEwen, extension 5219 Email: cmacewen @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Catherine MacEwen, extension 5219 Email: cmacewen @trca.on.ca Date: April 7, 2008 253 RES. #A99/08 - GOOD NEWS STORIES Highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Work. Receipt of Good News Stories for February and March, 2008, from all sections of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Gay Cowbourne IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for February and March, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Team, a committee made up of senior staff at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meets monthly to discuss strategic initiatives and organizational development. RATIONALE Key accomplishments of each TRCA section are highlighted at each Management Team meeting. In keeping with TRCA's objective of Business Excellence, these accomplishments will be brought to the Authority for the information of the members. The following are the accomplishments cited from February and March, 2008, and a brief description of each. • Years of Service Awards - TRCA recognizes and celebrates 65 employees with over 1,000 years of service. • Remedial Action Plan Memorandum of Understanding - Was signed for over $1 million of federal commitment for 3 years. • Green Weddings - TRCA has positioned itself as a leader in the green wedding industry. • Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) - Committed $125,010 in 2008 and $121,630 (in principle) in 2009 to implement Phase One of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan. • $20,000 grant received to develop a water festival activity for ORMF. • Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) Program - 24 interns secured jobs from the 35 people who were in the PAIE programme. • Rouge River Watershed Plan:- Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future - Approved unanimously by the Authority. The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, Rouge Park Alliance and TRCA as they update their policies and programs for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration within the contexts of land and water use, and the planning of future urban growth. The plan also provides direction to local non - governmental organizations and private landowners with regard to best management practices and opportunities for environmental stewardship. • Winter Recreation Program - For the first time, cross - country skiing and maple syrup programs were open at the same time during March Break and Easter weekend. • The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto - Canvassers for the Conservation Foundation were warmly welcomed at the door where they were signing up monthly donors. • • Durham Conservation Trust - Contributions continue to come in for the Durham Conservation Trust to support TRCA projects in the Uxbridge area. 254 • Vaughan Projects - Vaughan Council approved $382,000 for the Granger Greenway (Humber) and $320,600 for the Bartley Smith Greenway (Don) to carry on with trail construction, environmental improvements and community outreach. • Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Committed to provide $61,500 to support various water management initiatives. • Kortright Permeable Pavement Parking Lot Demonstration Proiect - Received commitment of $10,000 from The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute for the project. RES. #A100 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Gay Cowbourne THAT Section IV items 8.5.1 - 8.5.2, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Items - 8.5.1 - 8.5.2 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL . • Minutes of Meeting #2/08, held on February 28, 2008 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #1/08, held on February 15, 2008 RES. #A101 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: Linda Pabst David Barrow THAT Section IV item 9.14 - Purchasing Policy, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #2/08, held on April 11, 2008, be received. CARRIED RES. #A102 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Glenn Mason THAT Section IV item 10.4 - 2007 Year End Financial Progress Report, contained in Budget /Audit Advisory Board #1/08, held on April 15, 2008, be received. CARRIED 255 TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 1:06 p.m., on Friday, April 25, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 256 c. Or THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #4/08 May 23, 2008 The Authority Meeting #4108, was held in the Theatres, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, May 23, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:44 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams . Member David Barrow Member Laurie Bruce Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch Member Rob Ford Member Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Jack Heath Member Colleen Jordan - Member Bonnie Littley Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn Member. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair Bryan Bertie Member Gay Cowbourne Member Grant Gibson Member Glenn Mason Member Ron Moeser Member Anthony Perruzza Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member 257 RES. #A103/08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Linda Pabst Suzan Hall THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3108, held on April 25, 2008, be approved. DELEGATIONS CARRIED (a) A delegation by Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada and Spokesperson, Cormorant Defenders International, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (b) A delegation by Julie Woodyer, Cormorants Defenders International, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (c) A delegation by Maureen Flynn, Richmond Hill, speaking in regard to Correspondence 6.10 and item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (d) A delegation by Paul Scott and Cathryn MacFarlane, Board Members, Aquatic Park Sailing Club, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (e) A delegation by Susan Krajnc, Toronto, speaking in regard to item 7.2 -• Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (f) A delegation by Simon Luisi, Toronto, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (g) A delegation by Ainslie Willock, Canadians for Snow Geese, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (h) A delegation by Harvey Rotenberg, Toronto, speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (i) A delegation for Vickie Janetos, Member, Wildlife Rehab Network, but read by Maureen Flynn, in regard to Correspondence 6.12 and item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (1) A delegation by Rob Laidlaw, CBiol, MIBiol, Director, Zoocheck Canada Inc., speaking in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. 258 RES. #A104 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall David Barrow THAT above -noted delegations (a) - (j) be heard and received. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by John Waller, Director, Long Range and Strategic Planning, Integrated Growth Management Unit, York Region, in regard to item 7.1 - Towards Sustainability in York Region. (b) A presentation by Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Projects, TRCA, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. RES. #A105 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted PRESENTATIONS Bill Fisch Laurie Bruce presentation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED RES. #A106 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted PRESENTATIONS Suzan Hall David Barrow presentation (b) be heard and received. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE (a) A letter dated May 1, 2008 from Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering, in regard to Great Waterfront Trail Adventure. (b) An email dated May 11, 2008 from Mr. Wayne Cox, Toronto, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (c) An email dated May 11, 2008 from Mr. Chuck Wightman in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. 259 (d) An email dated May 12, 2008 from Mr: G. Turner, Toronto, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (e) An email dated May 12, 2008 from Mr. James Pirhonen in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (f) An email dated May 12, 2008 from Ian Goulbourne, Toronto, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (g) An email dated May 14, 2008 from Barbi Lazarus, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (h) An email dated May 14, 2008 from Mary Seguin, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (1) An email dated May 14, 2008 from Dr. Carol Bigwood, Toronto, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (j) A letter dated May 16, 2008 from Maureen Flynn, Richmond Hill, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (k) A letter dated May 16, 2008 from D. Turner and L. Mauro, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. The same letter was submitted on May 19, 2008 from Theresa Hyatt, North York and on May 22, 2008 from Narmin Nasser, Richmond Hill. (1) (m) An email dated May 19, 2008 from Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway, Past Editors, Ontario Field Ornithologists, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. A letter dated May 20, 2008 from AnnaMaria Valastro, Campaigner, Peaceful Parks Coalition, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. (n) An email dated May 14, 2008 from Katharyn Rouse, in regard to item 7.2 - Management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. RES. #A107/08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Bonnie Litt ley THAT the Chair respond to above -noted correspondence (a). CARRIED 260 RES. #A108/08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall David Barrow THAT above -noted correspondence (b) - (n) be received. CARRIED 261 CORRESPONDENCE (A) CiN 0, -ti PICKERIG COUNCILLORS' OFFICE Direct: 905.420.46 05 Facsimile: 905.420.6064 May 1, 2008 Jennifer O'Connell City Councillor — Ward 1 Chair and Board Members Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, ON M3N 1S4 Re: Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) Pickering Civic Complex One mg Esplanade ceg �j L1V 6K7 cityofpickering.com As Chair of the Pickering Waterfront Coordinating Committee and GWTA Organizing Committee, 1 am very pleased that TRCA has committed to being a partner with the City of Pickering for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure event. Specifically, I am pleased to know that the renovations and construction of the washrooms located within the Petticoat Creek Conservation Park will be completed.before the GWTA visits Durham on July 6, 2008. We understand that the repair to the pavilion is not slated for completion until September 2008. As you are aware, the pavilion is in poor condition and is a serious safety concern. TRCA Board members are reminded that this is a major event that will receive provincial and national coverage, with over 200 riders participating. The City of Pickering is committed to ensuring a safe and pleasant GWTA and we look forward to TRCA's cooperation to avoid any potential embarrassment or safety liabilities. Due to the safety concerns, we are asking the Board to direct staff to ensure that both the washroom and pavilion renovations /repairs are completed prior to July 6, 2008. The GWTA Organizing Committee has determined a detailed work plan to ascertain that any outstanding matters are completed well in advance of the event. We would like the City of Pickering, the Waterfront Coordinating Committee and our community partners to provide our guests with the best possible experience while visiting our community. Therefore, we require any information on all outstanding matters, to ensure our work plan is appropriately updated and all matters are addressed accordingly. 262 As with all of our community partners who are working with the City of Pickering on this event, we hope to have representation from TRCA at our next organizing meeting. Board members are also welcome to attend our future meetings and site visits. If you are interested, I will provide you with these dates. In addition, I would ask the Board to assign a staff person who can provide regular status updates to my staff in between meetings. Thank you for your continuing commitment to work with the City of Pickering to make sure that the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is a huge success. Sincerely, Jennifer O'Connell City Councillor — Ward 1 Copy: Mayor Ryan Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer Waterfront Coordinating Committee Members City Tel: 905.420.4609 Fax: 905.420.6064 Residence Fax: 905.420.0802 Email: joconnell @city pickering.on.ca 263 Residence Tel. 905.420 2282 CORRESPONDENCE (B) "Wayne Cox" To <kstranks @trca on ca> 05/11/2008 09:00 AM cc <mayor_miller @toronto.ca> Please respond to "Wayne Cox" Subject bird control I support the bird control program proposed by the city. There are far too many cormorants and canada geese creating environmental and pollution problems ! Wayne Cox Toronto 264 CORRESPONDENCE (C) - "Chuck Wightman" 05/11/2008 02:33 PM Dear Mr. Miller and Ms Fletcher, To <mayor_miller @toronto.ca >, < councillor _fletcher @toronto.ca >, <info @trca.on.ca> cc Subject Cormorant Cull I am writing you with regard to the proposed cull of the Leslie Spit's coromorant population. Having just visited the Spit a few weeks ago, the vast migratory population was indeed one of the great draws to what while still undergoing rehabilitation is a somewhat bleak corner of the city. While the birds may be a burden to the trees in that specific area, the same could be argued of the beaver population, and the loss or reduction of either population would be a tragedy. Both will be forced by nature to limit their populations and the presence of both adds a fascinating element to the Spit. The Spit covers quite a broad area and thus I would suggest there is plenty of space for everyone. The birds have not moved to other forested areas on the Spit, so perhaps they recognize the limits to their population. The money required for a cull could be far better spent expediting the regeneration of the rest of the Spit 'landscape. Regards, Chuck Wightman 265 CORRESPONDENCE (D) "9thermidor" . 05/12/2008 02:08 PM Toronto and Region Conservation Authority To <info @trca.on.ca> cc <miller @toronto.ca> Subject Killing of Cormorants To whom it may concern: May 12, 2008 am strongly opposed to the proposed killing of all birds and their eggs at Tommy Thompson Park. know this has been going on for awhile (Canada geese and ring - billed gulls) and now you want to add cormorants. Where does it end? Humans created the conditions where these birds can flourish and because they are so adaptable they are to be killed. Is this a one time kill or will you need to continue doing this for years? What a stupid idea. Mr. G. Turner Toronto 266 CORRESPONDENCE (E) "James Pirhonen" 05/12/2008 04:05 PM Mayor Miller, To <mayor_miller @toronto.ca> cc <info @trca.on.ca >, <lettertoed @thestar ca> Subject Cormorants on the spit Please do not be swayed by such a small minority of people trying to protect to cormorants. They make the TRCA sound like barbarians that are out to kill live birds. In no way has the TRCA said they will kill live birds. The do wish to disturb their habitat and encourage diversification. The Leslie Street Spit is currently being destroyed by the over population of the birds. They are starting to spread out through the city, and no doubt they will begin to have a dramatic effect on the "forest city ", which might need to be renamed "Dead Wood City" once those birds are done. • I feel it was absolutely foolish of you to announce a "cormorant day". If you feel that there isn't any problem, I challenge you to take your family and have a picnic at the end of the spit. We keep loosing the memory that the Leslie Spit is a land fill, not a natural area. Natural areas are more diversified and capable of sustaining these bird. colonies. Although they make the argument about the food supply, that argument doesn't take into account the fact that the majority of the birds feeding from such a large area are concentrated in such a small area. At best, the spit is a very fragile area, with weak trees that cannot tolerate the stress impossed by these birds. I fully support the actions of the TRCA and plead that you do not interfere with their actions. They are . well trained scientists, not uneducation activists. Sincerely; James Pirhonen 267 CORRESPONDENCE (F) »> "ian" 5/12/2008 10:04 PM »> Hello Mr. Miller I would like to know where the may 23'° meeting is taking place to discuss the possible cormorant cull on the spit, and if its open to the public Having seen the devastation these birds do to our trees and park areas and the millions of dollars we loose in stocked fish I personally, as a resident of Toronto, hope that you and your council take the advise from the MNR and conservation officers and take a stand against these birds and agree to a cull. I look forward to hearing back from you Yours truly Ian Goulbourne Toronto, 268 CORRESPONDENCE (G) "Barbi Lazarus" 05/14/2008 04:19 PM To cc "'Kathy Stranks " <KStranks @trca on ca> Subject RE Cormorants on the Leslie Street Spit -for distribution to Board members Dear TRCA Board Members, I am writing because I am concerned to hear of the TRCA's plans to move forward with egg oiling of double crested cormorants without releasing the details of the plan to the public for comment. As I attended the public consultation in April regarding the management of cormorants, and am aware that the public and stakeholders were actively engaged and eager to participate and comment on such measures, I feel it is'unethical and undemocratic for the TRCA to move forward with an egg oiling project without releasing the details to the public. I care about this issue deeply and would like be able to participate in any decision made regarding this issue. The public and stakeholders spoke at the public consultation, with the majority opposed to cormorant management, including egg oiling, on the Leslie Street Spit. I sincerely hope the board will take into consideration the comments made at the consultation, and not push forward a project without further public input on the details of the plan. Thank you for your time and consideration, Barbi Lazarus CORRESPONDENCE (H) "Mary Seguin" To cc 05/14/2008 10:49 AM ATTENTION: Kathy Stranks Dear Kathy, <kstranks @trca on ca> Subject cormorants I feel strongly that the public should be aware of the decision to lethally control nesting cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. This attempt to "back door" this important issue'is not acceptable as we live in Canada and freedom of speech is relevant. M Seguin 270 CORRESPONDENCE (1) Carol Bigwood <> 05/14/2008 07.58 AM To cc Subject Brian Denney Chair and Chief Administrative Officer Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Dear Mr. Denney, kstranks @trca.on ca I am requesting that the Executive Board of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority delay any decision on egg oiling until the details of the project are made public. Why are you making such an important decision without the community knowing ? As a resident of Toronto island I have watched these birds over the past decades. What harm are.they doing? Fishermen can't safely eat the fish in this lake. You shouldn't think you can control nature in this way. Cormorants are beautiful birds. They have nested on the same trees for decades I.want to participate in any decision to lethally control nesting cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. Sincerely, Dr..C. Bigwood Toronto, Ont. 271 CORRESPONDENCE (J) May 16, 2008 Mr. Brian Denney Chair and Chief Administrative Officer Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, ON M3N 1S4 Dear Mr. Denney: am writing to express my deep concern about the plans of the T.R.C.A. to initiate a "research" experiment by oiling the eggs of some of the Double- crested Cormorants nesting at Tommy Thompson Park. The public meeting that was held on April 3rd with regard to this issue gave the message to the Authority, loud, clear, and unequivocally, that the oiling, harassment, establishment of decoys, or any other human interference on the Peninsulas A, B, and C were both unacceptable and inhumane throughout the months of their presence on the peninsulas. There was strong consensus on this at the public meeting. On Peninsula D, moving the bird banding station to the end of the peninsula, the presence of people along its edge through NARROW paths which would not disrupt migratory bird visitation by inviting in cowbirds, and the planting of vegetation not conducive to cormorant use was recommended. There were many other suggestions, as well, humanely and creatively offered, to celebrate the birds on Peninsulas A, B, and C, while discouraging their movement to Peninsula D. These should be what T.R.C.A. acts on. • This would be democracy at work. Cormorants are OUR NATIVE MIGRATORY BIRDS, and deserve to be left alone to nest and - thrive throughout the summer in preparation for their hazardous fall migration. I trust you are aware that they are harassed and shot during the migrations through the U.S., and that they are being harassed and shot in other locations in Ontario. How can Toronto as a bird - friendly city consider actions against our native birds? With your extensive knowledge of natural processes, I'm sure you are aware that, often, in nature, what seems to be an ending is really just a new beginning. When the egg of a butterfly hatches, and then, after a short life, the pupa begins to spin its cocoon, it would appear that the pupa is spinning its death bed. Instead, a transformation occurs, and the result is very much a rebirth. Cormorants are similar agents of change. Their guana, so appreciated by nurseries, fertilizes the soil so significantly that new and more lush species of vegetation will be able to grow. And, clearly, cormorants do not remain in one location forever. They move on to new locations, once again beginning the process of renewal. 272 I sat at the edge of Peninsula D last week, after reading then U.N. report which painted a bleak picture of worldwide bird survival statistics, and watched the beautiful black and brown birds sitting on their nests, taking a small sliver of dead grass to their nest, flying calmly and cooperatively among the geese, ducks, songbirds, gulls, swans, herons and egrets. They were beautiful in line and colour against the beautiful blue sky, and so, also, were the leafless trees which held their future. 'Why did no tours demonstrate this on International Migratory Bird Day, as was recommended at the public meeting? You are no doubt aware that Tommy Thompson Park came into being, not naturally, but through the restorative capacity of nature. One needs only look at the invasive species in our Great Lakes to know what human interference does. I submit that there are not too many cormorants. There are too many people who want to control the natural processes of every segment of land for their own purposes, regardless of the inhumanity of their actions or the long -term damage they will do. Although it is evident that nature always balances its ecosystems effectively over time, and people do not, the T.R.C.A. does not appear to trust it to do so. Cormorants have an important and long -term enhancive role in ecosystem development, and they are currently serving as aids in our invasive fish specie concerns. There are definitely too many invasive species of fish, which, as you are no doubt aware, form the basis of the cormorant diet. Instead of controlling their numbers through inhumane human intervention, we should be grateful for their contribution to the man -made imbalance already damaging the Great Lakes system, and willing to teach our citizens that in nature, there are no "bad animals "; that all animals play an important part in ecosystem change and development, and that the cormorants play an important and natural part in these processes. Tours which point to their beauty within their natural habitat would also be an important, and currently undeveloped teaching tool. The public will not fooled by the "limited oiling" and use of the word "research" in the T.R.C.A. plans to oil and water the eggs of a group of unlucky, selected cormorants this year. They will view it as a breach of the trust that the public forum provided. They will view T.R.C.A. as untrustworthy, and rightfully so, if it chooses to act to disturb the nests or birds throughout their time in Tommy Thompson Park. It is abundantly clear to many, I suspect, that this will serve as a catalyst to a much more aggressive plan next year, and in the years to come. As you know, this kind of action is unsuccessful in accomplishing anything unless it is repeated year after year. So the plan will be to repeat this trauma and miscarriage of justice on our migratory birds indefinitely. I don't want one tax dollar of mine to go to this horrific plan. I have learned that the T.R.C.A. has much experience with the practice of oiling eggs. There is no need whatsoever for research on egg oiling. T.R.C.A. has an opportunity, here, to model appropriate, humane acceptance of wilderness and its dwellers by allowing nature to do what only it can do: balance its ecosystem without interference. It has an opportunity, as well, to follow true democracy, and honour the wishes of the majority of its Advisory Committee and of the public as evidenced in the public meeting. And it has, as well, the opportunity to use this as a teaching tool to celebrate the natural 273 processes of change, and the beauty of all those who participate in the natural flows and . changes of ecosystems. Double- crested Cormorants are our migratory birds. They are a beautiful part of the natural ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Leave them alone!! Sincerely, Maureen Flynn, B. A., B. Ed., M. Ed. 274 CORRESPONDENCE (K) May 16, 2008 ATTN: Brian Denney Chair and Chief Administrative Officer Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 (c /o Kathy Stranks, Manager TRCA) kstranks @trc,a.on.ca Dear Mr. Denney, RE: EGG OILING OF NESTNG CORMORANTS - TORONTO It appears that the TRCA, along with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Parks Canada intend to proceed in actively killing nesting cormorants throughout the birds' migration route. We object to this projcct at Tommy Thompson Park which we understand will occur on peninsula A, an area of the Leslie Spit under the jurisdiction of the McGuinty government and managed by the TRCA. Without first revealing the methodology , rationale and validity of this egg oiling project, how can the whole project be properly reviewed and its merits assessed by all concerned? Despite the public opposition, and your own advisers rejection of such control measures being taken against nesting cormorants at the Leslie Spit, the TRCA and Ministry of Natural Resources seem determined to achieve this objective, anyway. Therefore, we respectfully request •that the Executive Board of the TRCA delay any further decisions on this Egg Oiling of Nesting Cormorants in Toronto until all details of this project are made public and democratically voted upon. As conservationists and longtime residents of Toronto, we care deeply about this issue and wish to participate fully in any controls being taken against the nesting cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park, particularly since Mayor Miller has promised to make all political issues transparent, and was elected to office based on that promise to its citizens. Although we were unable to attend the last Executive meeting in April with respect to this unresolved issue, we would like to know all relevant details of the next meeting, which we expect to be advertised and open to the general public. Thank you for both your consideration and attention to this matter. Sincerely, D. Turner and L Mauro 275 CORRESPONDENCE (L) Jean Iron <> • 05/19/2008 10:21 AM Dear Kathy Stranks, To kstranks @trca.on.ca cc mayor_miller @toronto.ca Subject Cormorant Cull by TRCA We are opposed to the cull of cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park because it is ecologically unnecessary. The cull stopped at Presqu'ile Provincial Park because of bad press for the park and Ministry of Natural Resources. Parks Canada is now experiencing the same problems at Middle Island on Lake Erie and the reputation of Point Pelee National Park will suffer. Cormorant culls are dividing the goodwill of conservationists, and they are consuming valuable staff time and the limited funding for conservation. The TRCA is losing our respect and support. Sincerely, Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Past Editors of Ontario Field Ornithologists 276 CORRESPONDENCE (M) ilk n CkFUL COALITION Brian Denney Chair and Chief Administrative Officer Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive • Downsyiew, ON M3N 1S4 Re: Management of nesting Double-crested ,Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park Dear Board Members, It has been impossible to receive details of the proposed egg oiling project from both the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Gail Fraser of York University. Both parties have worked diligently to ensure that members of the public that campaign to protect colonial waterbirds did not, and do not, have the details of what exactly is being proposed as it relates to the colonial waterbird colony at the Lesiie,Splt. ' Please find attached email correspondence attempting to get clarification of the proposed egg Oiling project and other current egg_oiling project across the Greater Toronto Area. It appears as if the City of Toronto is lethally controlling ALL colonial waterbirds through egg destruction including egg oiling except for Caspien Terns and Black - crowned Night Herons. Every single bird, except the two mentioned above, are being killed across Toronto. Only today, I received the number of Ring - billed Gull eggs that have, been'destroyed to maintain the desired population. According to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority over 100,000 Ring - billed Gull eggs' have been destroyed since the program began, and the program continues every year. - These projects go forward with NO public consultation or knowledge, and have been for years. There has been no recent public review of the Ring - billed Gull program and the Authority•as recent as February 2008 approved continued egg 1. Box 326. Station B 'onto, Ontario MST 2W2 'w.peaceftilparks.org : @peacefulparks.org destruction of Canada Geese because the birds cause 'severe aesthetic impairment'. i ani shocked to learn that the City of Toronto is killing — widespread — across the entire waterfront thousands of Canada Geese because of aesthetics. The proposed egg oiling project is not designed to answer questions about the impacts of egg oiling. Egg oiling has been widely utilized 101 decades to kill unwanted birds, including by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It is a control method applied precisely because its effects are well understood. The stress egg oiling inflicts on adult nesting birds is not measured as precisely as the effectiveness of hatchling suppression, but if the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority simply wanted to learn more on the effectiveness or 'humaneness' of egg oiling on nesting birds, then why not study the impacts on adult birds that are already targeted for egg destruction such as Canada Geese. If it is 'humaneness' that is motivating the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, than 'humaneness' should be applied to all colonial waterbirds and not just cormorants. If this project is a feasibility study for a wide- spread egg oiling project, then it should be presented that way. Please find attached two reports, partially funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and produced by the Peaceful Parks Coalition on the impacts of egg oiling on adult nesting Double- crested Cormorants. We found: Double- crested Cormorants are dedicated parents and will not leave their nests during incubation. The effects of egg oiling on nesting adults can result in incubation behaviour being extended up to two extra weeks. Average incubation period is 3.5 weeks. While sitting on their nests, adults do not feed, do not drink, and are susceptible to exposure. It interferes with natural reproductive instincts, and causes disturbances similar to that of harassment. Egg oiling is a lethal method of population control because it aims to reduce the overall bird population. The objectives are equivalent to that of shooting but the results are achieved over a longer time period. The application of mineral oil on eggs suffocates the embryo inside, and fools the adult bird into believing their eggs are still alive. This keeps the adult sitting on its clutch and discourages re- nesting. (Cormorants will attempt to produce a second clutch if their first clutch fails. Nesting behaviour continues until summer days begin to wane - a natural .marker tor nesting birds that signals the end of the nesting season). Egg oiling controls bird populations by suppressing the production of hatchlings compounded by natural mortality of adults. 278 The effects of egg oiling are well established and there is ample of research to review without an additional study. With the details released by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. we question the rnerits of the proposed project. For example, the sample size is too small to realistically measure disturbance levels to a colony and other colonial waterbirds. A sample size of only 60 treated nests can easily be selected from the perimeter of a colony without ever entering it, therefore limiting disturbance to only the outer edge. A realistic oiling project would require moving through an entire colony, causing widespread disturbance. It is a poorly designed, ad hoc project. Please see attached email from Gail Fraser. Tommy Thompson Park has evolved into one of the greatest urban wilderness areas in North America, and boasts the largest colonial waterbird colony In the Great Lakes - basin. This colony is home to the largest concentration of both nesting Double- crested Cormorants and Black- crowned Night Herons. This dynamic colony of colonial waterbirds exists in spite of the dry waste landfill still in operation at the bottom of the 'spit'. Many visitors to Tornmy Thompson Park consider this colony a great gift, and proof of Nature's perseverance to reclaim and repair areas of neglect. The people of Toronto are proud of the Leslie Spit. Yet the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are presenting here today their intention to control the expansion of the waterbird colony by limiting the number of nesting Double- crested Cormorants. Double- crested Cormorant colonies are typical of other colonial waterbird colonies found throughout the world. The large dense colonies during nesting periods serve as a natural barrier against predators that feast on cormorant eggs and chicks. These predators include other colonial birds such as Black- crowned Night Herons. Populations are self - regulating once colonies become too dense. This basic ecological principle is true for all species. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority works'closely with other jurisdictions that actively promote the shooting of cormorants throughout the bird's nesting habitat and migration route. Partnerships between the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating more efficient methods to kill cormorants on their 'flyway', leaving no place safe for these birds anywhere_ Tommy Thompson Park has become a safe refuge for these birds. 279 We believe it is this partnership that is motivating the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to push for cormorant management. There simply cannot be a population source anywhere on the Great Lakes for Double- crested Cormorants otherwise culling programs in other jurisdictions will not be as effective. In other words, the cormorant population must be controlled basin - wide. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority publicly states its mandate for the park is to respect the influences of natural forces in shaping the area's biodiversity, yet the TRCA is currently considering lethal control of cormorants through egg oiling. It would be difficult to defend the integrity of such a mandate if the action is to selectively prohibit the natural evolution of a native species deemed unwanted by city officials. Double- crested Cormorants are beautiful birds that move energy throughout the terrestrial and aquatic ecological system of the Great Lakes. Their large dense colonies are both inspiring and humbling to witness. We are asking. the Authority to reject any proposal that seeks to control the Double- crested Cormorant colony at Tommy Thompson Park. Sincerely, AnnaMaria Valastro Campaigner Peaceful Parks Coalition 280 CORRESPONDENCE (N) "Kathie Rouse" <> 05/14/2008 09.42 PM To <info @trca on ca> cc Subject Cormorant cull As sent to David Miller. A cull of cormorants can't happen soon enough. If you are familiar with the destruction of Coote's Paradise in Hamilton or, in Eastern Ontario, the Quinte area, you will be even firmer in your stand to oil eggs, and destroy these birds(not just the nests) in any way possible. To encourage them to move on will only pass the devastation caused by this vile species on to another lakeside area. They have no other enemy to keep them in check. The parks are made unusable by geese, ducks and their unpleasant by- products and now the trees along the lakefront will be destroyed by the cormorant's guano and the smell of the same is truly offensive. This is NOT the lakefront that you are trying to promote! Lake Ontario itself is finally coming back to a healthy balance. The cormorants will soon unbalance it. The fact that they can dive so deep (forty -five feet) and eat four to five times their weight in fish daily, they will deplete the feeder fish to the larger salmon and lake trout etc. The balance is destroyed, and the fishing industry and pleasure fishing industry which is already suffering, will be further damaged. Please Mr. Miller, do whatever you can to eliminate this scourge. It may not be the popular move with some but ask the people who use the parks for pleasure how much they wish the geese were gone! And now cormorants ?! Sincerely, Katharyn Katharyn Rouse 281 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A109/08 - Moved by: • Seconded by: TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY IN YORK REGION Support for York Region's Sustainability Strategy and alignment of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority projects and programs. Bill Fisch Laurie Bruce THAT York Region be congratulated for developing Towards Sustainability in York Region and for the early implementation action that has already been apparent; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to assist and support York Region in their efforts toward implementation the sustainability strategy; THAT TRCA staff be directed to participate in various monitoring and sustainability forums or workshops, including the Towards Sustainability in York Region Advisory Group if continued as part of the Strategy implementation; THAT TRCA encourage York Region to continue and expand their support for The Living City Campus at Kortright and its role in providing demonstrations of sustainable technologies, information and education programs for York Region residents, businesses and stakeholders; THAT TRCA work closely with the the Region and area municipalities on intensification projects, such as Vaughan Corporate Centre, to demonstrate a variety of greening and sustainability measures including natural heritage systems, green buildings, stormwater management, flood remediation, community energy and transit integration; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA and York Region officials meet to determine further areas of collaboration toward achieving the sustainability strategy. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #9/07, held on November 30, 2007, Resolution #A286/07 was approved, in part, as follows: ...AND FURTHER THAT the Regional Municipality of York be requested to make a presentation to the Authority once their sustainability strategy is finalized. In late 2007 York Region Council approved their sustainability strategy - Towards Sustainability in York Region after consultation with an advisory group and stakeholders within the region. TRCA's Chief Administrative Officer participated on the Towards Sustainability in York Region Advisory Group formed to advise on better integration of environment, development and infrastructure. TRCA staff has also provided comments to the Region through attendance at various forums as they advanced the strategy. In addition, staff has been working with the Region on a number of other initiatives that contribute to this Strategy. These other initiatives include: 282 • Regional Official Plan update; • Infrastructure Master Plans Update; • The Greening Strategy and Land Securement Initiatives; • The State of the Environment Report 2005; • Natural Heritage Discussion Paper. The'purpose of the York Region sustainability strategy is to provide a long -term framework for making smarter decisions about growth management and all municipal responsibilities that better integrate the economy, environment and community. The plan outlined a number of guiding principles for implementation and theme areas with specific action as follows: Guiding principals for Implementation Principle 1: Provide a long -term perspective on sustainability. Principle 2: Evaluate using the triple bottom -line elements of environment, economy and community. Principle 3: Create a culture of continuous improvement, minimizing impact, maximizing innovation and increasing resiliency. Principle 4: Identify specific short-term achievable actions that contribute towards a sustainability legacy. Principle 5: Set targets, monitor and report progress. 'Principle 6: Foster partnerships and public engagement. Principle 7: Create a spirit of stewardship; shared responsibility and collaboration. Principle 8: Raise the level of sustainability awareness through education, dialogue and reassessment. Principle 9: Promote sustainable lifestyles and re- evaluation of our consumption and expectations. Theme Areas I. Corporate Culture of Sustainability II. Healthy Communities III. Economic Vitality IV. Sustainable Natural Environment V. Education, Engagement and Partnerships VI. Sustainability Implementation and Monitoring A variety of actions accompany each theme area. Opportunities for Collaboration The sustainability strategy is intended to provide an integrated, innovative and long -term view for the future of York Region. In this way, decisions can be evaluated that strengthen the environment, economy and communities. TRCA supports the direction and elements of the strategy. It will be key to guiding the growth planning that York Region is also engaged in and in mitigating the effects of climate change. It is important that the Region and its partners take co- ordinated action on climate change, as recently initiated at the Climate Change in York Region workshop. 283 The themes are discussed further below, highlighting opportunities and areas of alignment between the Region and TRCA projects and programs. Theme - Corporate Culture of Sustainability The Region has a number of action items under the Theme of Corporate Culture of Sustainability around corporate practice for: • green procurement; • education of staff and council; • full cost and life cycle accounting; • greening of corporate facilities; • emissions reductions of harmful pollutants; and • establish a Regional Office of Sustainability. TRCA, with the Region's help, is working to position The Living City Campus at Kortright as a knowledge and demonstration centre where technology, green building forms and expertise will be housed and available to municipalities, academics, private sector interests and the general public. The initiative proposed here compliments the needs of the Region and will provide a centrally located hub for one stop shopping on sustainability and climate change. Theme - Healthy Communities The Region has a number of action items under the Theme of Healthy Communities including: • changes to community design; • integration of growth, infrastructure and natural heritage system plans; • promotion of transit, cycling and walking; • affordable housing; • recognition for culture and heritage of the area; • provision of human services in pace with development; • incentives for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects; • holding a Sustainable Greenfield workshop. Projected growth in the Region provides opportunities for community planning that incorporates sustainability measures. The Sustainable Greenfield workshop, Best Practises for New Communities publication and future workshops, as well as the results of the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) will all contribute to change in how communities are planned and designed. One of the largest and most complex intensification projects in the Region is the Vaughan Corporate Centre. Here, there is an opportunity to profile a variety of intensification issues including green buildings, transportation systems, storm water management, natural heritage, flood remediation and community energy. With new guidance from the Region to assist the • planning processes currently underway in the City of Vaughan there is a great opportunity for collaboration to acheive a model intensification project, showcasing new and emerging technologies. 284 Access to the outdoors is important for providing nature based recreation opportunities, including trails and nature appreciation that contribute to healthy communities in many ways. Conservation authorities operate conservation areas and education field centres within the • Region that provides such opportunities. TRCA is developing the Oak Ridges Corridor Park in the heart of Richmond Hill and the Rouge Park North /Little Rouge Corridor Park in Markham. Theme - Economic Vitality The Region has a number of action items under the Theme of Economic Vitality including: • Canadian work opportunities for the new immigrant work force; • sustainable business directory of companies; • engaging the business community in energy and water conservation; • initiating a greening technology centre of excellence; • support for local foods and near urban agriculture; • expansion of local tourism opportunities. TRCA has a number of existing programs that address the action items outlined above. These include the Professional Access and Integration Enhancement program (PAIE) that TRCA is an undertaking with the Province of Ontario and the federal government to provide opportunities for internationally-trained professionals to gain Canadian work experience and professional certification. • The Region is a participant in the Career Bridge program. TRCA's Community Transformation Program carries out a number of sector -based programs to drive energy and water conservation, including Greening Retail, Greening Health Care, Sustainable Schools and Mayors' Megawatt Challenge. As noted for corporate-culture theme, TRCA is developing The Living City Campus at Kortright which •is already becoming a greening technology centre of excellence. With the partners already Tined up and demonstrations of technology and green building forms in place, TRCA welcomes an expanded role by the Region in helping to implement the master plan for the Campus. The Region already supports the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) which assesses the performance of various water and energy related technologies. Theme - Sustainable Natural Environment The Region has a number of action items under the Theme of Sustainable Natural Environment including: • 'identification of a natural heritage system for York Region; • investigating community energy planning techniques and energy efficient systems; • working to improve the quality and quantity of stormwater; • protection for surface and ground waters; • green building strategy. TRCA has been working with the Region to develop the natural heritage system and watershed plans that outline the extent of action required to manage growth and its effects on the environment. The Authority will be working closely with the Region to advance Implementation of the recommendations coming out of the watershed plans. 285 Stormwater remains a significant issue for the quality and quantity of water in the Region. Support for the innovative approaches is already provided by the Region for the STEP program but the Region should also consider support for specific stormwater retrofit studies and implementation projects as they are essential to the protection of surface and groundwater and local infrastructure. Theme - Education, Engagement and Partnerships The Region has a number of action items under the Theme of Education, Engagement and Partnerships including: • education of residents, schools, businesses; • sustainability website; • reconstitution of the advisory group; • incorporate sustainability into the curriculum of York Region school boards; • continued work with conservation authorities on greening, climate change and intensification. Through the TRCA education and stewardship programs and field centres, a number of projects to provide environmental curriculum (e.g. EcoSchools) and outreach activities, particularly around communicating climate change action for residents, are already available. The York Region Public School Board is a partner at the Lake St George Field Centre, and TRCA and York Region already partner to deliver the York Children's Water Festival which can shift to incorporate more sustainable lifestyle messaging. In partnership with the Toronto City Summit Alliance (TCSA) and Evergreen Foundation, TRCA has a request for funding before the Province to support various greening,initiatives, including a web portal to identify and promote prioritized best practices, to help galvanize region -wide community action, and to show the GTA's performance against a series of key environmental metrics. The site will link to and build on the strengths and unique features of TRCA, Evergreen, the TCSA and other web resources, including the many local nongovernmental organizations working on environmental issues such as alternative transportation, downspout disconnection, energy home audits, and those being developed by the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council, World Green Building Council and the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Meet with Region staff to determine where TRCA can assist in the implementation of the strategy. • Identify funding requirements in 2009 -2013 budget submission to assist in implementing some of the actions upon identification of areas of alignment with York Region staff. Opportunities have been identified for contribution to or expansion of existing programs including those for community transformation, STEP, stormwater management retrofits, sustainable community planning and design, The Living City Campus as a centre for sustainability and climate change response, sustainability webportal, watershed plan implementation and delivering access to outdoor recreation, education and expansion of recreation or tourism opportunities within the public land base. 286 FINANCIAL DETAILS Participation in the York Region sustainability process is supported through the operating budget. York Region has supported the retrofit of the Kortright Centre for the past 3 years from Capital projects. Staff will be working with York Region to align TRCA's 5 year (2009 -2013) budget ask with the directions emerging from the various regional initiatives, including the sustainability strategy and climate change initiatives. Report prepared by: Deborah Martin - Downs, extension 5706 Email: dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brian Denney, 416 - 667 -6290; Deborah Martin - Downs, extension 5706 Email: bdenney @trca.on.ca; dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca Date: May 13;2008 RES. #A110/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MANAGEMENT OF DOUBLE - CRESTED CORMORANTS AT TOMMY THOMPSON PARK Management concerns regarding Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. David Barrow Linda Pabst THAT staff be directed to continue to work with the cormorant advisory group to assist Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in addressing management concerns regarding colonial waterbirds at Tommy Thompson Park (TTP); THAT staff be directed to work with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service and any other required regulatory agency to seek approval for the 2008 management strategy for colonial waterbirds at TTP; THAT staff be directed to implement the proposed management strategy for 2008; That staff be directed to continue to actively participate in local, regional and binational committees /working groups addressing the management and protection of colonial waterbirds; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Authority next year regarding the management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. AMENDMENT #1 Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the third paragraph of the main motion be replaced with the following: 287 THAT staff be directed to implement the proposed management strategy for 2008, with the exception of egg oiling; AMENDMENT #2 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Lois Griffin THAT the following be added to the end of above -noted Amendment #1: and post- breeding deterrence on Peninsula C; AMENDMENT #1 WAS NOT CARRIED AMENDMENT #2 WAS NOT CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, UNAMENDED, WAS CARRIED BACKGROUND In 1959, the Toronto Harbour Commissioners (now known as the Toronto Port Authority) began construction of a spit of land at the base of Leslie Street in the City of Toronto. From 1959 until present day, a combination of lakefilling and dredging activities has created the current configuration of Tommy Thompson Park. TTP extends 5 kilometres into Lake Ontario and occupies an area of approximately 260 hectares of combined land and water. Tommy Thompson Park has evolved into a significant feature along the shore of Lake Ontario. It is home to diverse bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, mammal and vegetation communities, which has resulted in TTP being formally designated as a Globally Significant Important Bird Area (IBA) and an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA #120). The international IBA designation demonstrates the significance of TTP both nationally and globally. As an ESA, TTP is recognized as supporting an unusually high diversity of biological communities. Double- crested Cormorants (DCCO) populations in the Great Lakes declined dramatically in the 1960 and '70s, primarily because of toxic contaminants, such as DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells and other health problems, leading to reproductive failure. Due to new regulations, increased enforcement and public awareness, toxic contaminants were significantly reduced by the 1980s, and cormorant populations have made a dramatic and successful recovery. Double- crested Cormorants began colonizing Tommy Thompson Park in 1990, when six nests were built in cottonwood trees at the end of Peninsula B. By 2007, there were 7,240 nesting pairs, representing a population of about 28,235 individuals including chicks, on Peninsulas A, B and C (Figure 1). 288 The DCCO colony at TTP has now become the largest known colony of cormorants on the Great Lakes, and represents 32% of the total population nesting in the Lake Ontario basin. The colonies of Double- crested Cormorants and other waterbirds, including Black- crowned Night- Herons (BCNH), Ring - billed Gulls and Common Terns, are one of the reasons it is celebrated an important ecological site of global significance. In 1992, the master plan and Environmental Assessment for TTP was completed, providing direction for the development of the park. The goals of the master plan are: • to conserve and manage the natural resources and environmentally significant areas; • - to provide a unique, water - oriented open space which will assist in meeting regional needs; • to develop public awareness regarding the significance of the Lake Ontario waterfront and Tommy Thompson Park. Tommy Thompson Park has also become a unique place for a variety of human activities, attracting well over 250,000 visitors a year. These visitors only access the park on weekends and holidays, and represent a very broad range of activities and interests including birdwatchers, naturalists, cyclists, in -line skaters, pleasure walkers, joggers, researchers and students. In 1990 TRCA.staff initiated a detailed monitoring program to track DCCO growth and expansion, impacts on vegetation cover and the dynamic interactions on other colonial bird nesting species. Staff has used this data and knowledge as the foundation for: participation in a binational Great Lakes Area Working Group on Colonial Waterbirds (GLAWGCW), presentations at international conferences, and working with the scientific and research community. The data collected since the early 1990s has been recognized by other agencies/institutions as one of most complete and comprehensive data sets on DCCO on the Great Lakes. Some of the key conclusions of the research are: • Cormorant nesting has resulted in the loss or degradation of about 24% of the forest habitat available at TTP. • Peninsula A is now devoid of forest cover. • Peninsula B has lost all the trees at the tip and most of the remaining trees are in poor health and expected to die within the next few years. • Tree health is rapidly declining on Peninsula C. • Average annual population increase was about 19% between 1998 and 2007. • The expansion of DCCOs has displaced BCNHs from their primary nesting areas into marginal areas which are prone to disturbance by park users. • Based on the rapid growth of the cormorant colony since 1990, it is expected that, if no management measures are undertaken, the population will continue to grow and cormorants will move into new areas to nest such as Peninsula D. TRCA celebrates the presence of cormorants at TTP and values their contribution to the biodiversity of the park. However, concerns have been raised about the impacts of cormorants on tree health and biodiversity at TTP. To address these concerns, and to ensure the objectives of the master plan are addressed, TRCA embarked on a process to involve stakeholders and the public in assessing the need for management and developing a strategy for cormorants at TTP. 289 The goal of the process is to achieve a balance between the continued existence of a healthy, thriving cormorant colony and the other ecological, educational, scientific and recreational values of Tommy Thompson Park. The objectives are: a) Increase public knowledge, awareness and appreciation of colonial waterbirds. b) Deter cormorants from nesting on Peninsula D. c) Limit further loss of tree canopy on the peninsulas beyond the existing cormorant colonies. d) Continue research on colonial waterbirds in an urban wilderness context. A cormorant advisory group of stakeholders and experts, including conservationists, academics and interest groups from across the spectrum was established to provide advice and input. The advisory group met on January 24, February 19 and April 23, 2008. Members of the advisory group include: TRCA Restoration Services Federal /Provincial Canadian Wildlife Service Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Toronto Port Authority Transport Canada City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Academia University of Toronto York University Interest Groups / Stakeholders Aquatic Park Sailing Club Cormorant Defenders International: Animal Alliance of Canada Canadians for Snow Geese Earthroots Zoocheck Canada Friends of the Spit Ontario Nature Toronto Island Residents Toronto Ornithological Club. The following organizations are not members of the cormorant advisory group, but have been provided with all of the advisory group communications: 290 • City of Toronto Public Health; • Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF); • Outer Harbour Sailing Federation; • Ontario Society for 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). Discussions with the cormorant advisory group have been extremely valuable, resulting in: • Better understanding of the range of values that TTP represents to different stakeholders. • Improved understanding of the significance and values associated with waterbird colonies. • Development and refinement of the goal and objectives. • • General agreement that some form of management is necessary, providing that the methods are humane to cormorants and do not affect other wildlife at TTP. • Refinement of proposed management techniques for use on each of the four peninsulas. • Advice on consultation with the public. Most members of the advisory group agreed that action should be taken to contain the spread of the cormorant colonies. There was general support for most of the 2008 management program proposed by TRCA. Advisory group members agreed that pre- nesting deterrence, post- breeding deterrence, enhanced ground- nesting and habitat restoration are all appropriate techniques, as long as the methods are humane to cormorants and do not affect other wildlife. Some advisory group members do not support the proposed research on egg - oiling. They believe that: • egg oiling does not effectively control population growth; • egg oiling of ground nests will encourage increased tree nesting; • egg oiling will have harmful effects on cormorant behaviour and health; • egg oiling may have adverse effects on other colonial nesting bird species; • research is not needed because there is enough information already about effects of egg oiling; The proposed egg - oiling research is specifically designed to address these perceived concerns. A web -page devoted to cormorants at TTP was launched on March 3, 2008 at http: / /www.trca.on.ca /cormorants. It includes background information on cormorants at TTP, advisory group meeting notes, the public meeting presentation and report, and links to relevant resources. The public meeting on April 3, 2008 was attended by approximately 80 participants, comprised mainly of members of stakeholder groups. Participants were invited to discuss the goal, objectives, potential methods and application of the methods in discussions at ten round - tables facilitated by TRCA staff. TRCA also received 42 individual comments from public meeting attendees as well as individuals.who were not able to attend. A report from the public meeting was prepared and posted on the TRCA website. The report summarizes the individual opinions and round table discussions. Participants expressed support for the consultative, transparent process that TRCA is undertaking. There was considerable support for the overall goal, but also some concern that "balance" can be interpreted in different ways. Most people endorsed the objectives to increase public knowledge, awareness and appreciation of colonial waterbirds and to continue research. There was considerable support for deterring cormorants from nesting on Peninsula D, if the least intrusive methods are used. There was a range of opinions 291 on whether to limit further loss of tree canopy on the other peninsulas, and on methods to accomplish this. Overall recommendations regarding the methods were to ensure the humane treatment of cormorants and avoid disturbance of other species. There were some misunderstandings concerning the purpose and effects of some of the methods and it was noted that egg oiling had the least amount of support. In order to solicit more input from the public about the cormorant colonies at TTP, staff prepared a fact sheet and comment sheet for participants at the Spring Bird Festival which was held on May 10, 2008. Park users had the opportunity to view the cormorant colonies and learn more about cormorants at TTP from TRCA staff. Visitors had the opportunity to express their views via a survey and comment sheet. The survey was given to 25 people who had just taken a tour of the Peninsula C colony or who had listened to staff interpret the TTP colony. Every person surveyed supported the overall goal of the strategy. When asked if they supported management of the cormorant colony at TTP, 75% did agree with management while 25% did not agree. Of all the people surveyed, 12.5% supported management only if egg oiling was not used. A number of participants expressed the importance of education about the situation; one person even indicated that this process had changed their opinion in favour of management. TRCA has a long standing commitment to colonial waterbird research and management at TTP. Since 1984 TRCA, under permit of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and the Ministry of Natural Resources, has engaged in a Ring - billed Gull management program at TTP. The program was initiated in consultation, and under direction of the provincial and federal agencies, as well as local municipal and interested stakeholders. The program was initiated to address concerns including: • airport flight safety hazards; • economic damage to agricultural industry;, • outdoor nuisance management issues; • displacement of other significant species such as Common and Caspian Terns; • vegetation growth impairments; • water quality concerns. The goal of the Ring - billed Gull program is to restrict gull nesting and breeding to the western peninsulas, and maintain a gull population of an approximate maximum of 50,000 nesting pairs. Management techniques include the use of deterrents, vegetation management, exclosure creation and egg oiling. The program has been successful at addressing the concerns regarding the impacts of the Ring - billed Gull colonies, and the population has been maintained at approximately 30,000 nesting pairs. TRCA also uses egg oiling as a management technique for Canada Geese and Mute Swans. The Canada Goose Management Program addresses problems caused by geese and Mute Swans in urban settings such as: fouling of public lands, water quality impairment, safety concerns when driving or flying and aggressiveness towards humans during breeding, nesting and brood season. Mute Swans are an introduced species that often disrupt or displace native marsh birds and cause a decline in marsh vegetation due to their voracious appetite. This program uses a variety of techniques to discourage Canada Geese from waterfront parks and • utilizes egg oiling as part of a strategy to limit reproduction. Under permit from CWS over 2096 Canada Goose nests containing 8,892 eggs have been treated and 149 Mute Swan nests containing 847 eggs have been treated since the start of the program in 1998. 292 The DCCO colony at TTP is one of the only colonies on the Great Lakes that is not, or has not, been actively managed at some time. To date the TRCA has not engaged in population control of cormorants at TTP: RATIONALE An extremely high level of concern has been expressed regarding DCCO populations and their management. Concerns have been raised from both sides of the issue, on the one hand calling for management, and on the other hand for protection of the birds and their nesting colonies. TRCA has an obligation to manage Tommy Thompson Park as directed by the Master Plan for Tommy Thompson Park as approved under the Environmental Assessment Act. To meet the intent of the Master Plan, TRCA staff feel that there is a strong rationale for undertaking a strategic approach to the management of Double- crested Cormorants at Tommy Thompson Park. Since November 2007, TRCA has involved stakeholders and the public in assessing the need for management and developing a strategy for cormorants at TTP. Generally, throughout the process there has been agreement that some form of management is necessary and appropriate, providing that the methods are humane to cormorants and do not affect other wildlife. Consensus was reached among advisory group members, and the public on a number of matters, however the use of egg oiling as a management technique continues to raise concerns. Egg oiling is a common management tool used on cormorant colonies throughout North America, however there are no published studies which examine the behavioral responses of cormorants on the nest after egg oiling takes place. The proposed research project by York University (see below) has been designed to specifically address potential behavioral responses to a management scenario that includes egg oiling. The results of this study will provide valuable information about the appropriateness of egg oiling as a technique to assist in achieving the goal and objectives of Double- crested Cormorant management at Tommy Thompson Park. The TRCA staff has therefore developed the following strategic approach to the management of cormorants at TTP for the 2008 season. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Goal and Objectives The goal of the management strategy is to achieve a balance between the continued existence of a healthy, thriving cormorant colony and the other ecological, educational, scientific and recreational values of Tommy Thompson Park. The specific objectives of the strategy are to: a) Increase public knowledge, awareness and appreciation of colonial waterbirds. b) Deter cormorants from nesting on Peninsula D. c) Limit further loss of tree canopy on the peninsulas beyond the existing cormorant colonies d) Continue research on colonial waterbirds in an urban wilderness context. 293 Increasing Public Knowledge, Awareness and Appreciation TRCA will seek all opportunities to increase public awareness and appreciation of Double- crested cormorants and other colonial waterbirds at TTP. A varied approach will be used including, but not limited to: • Public meetings • TRCA website • Annual Spring Bird Festival (May 10, 2008) • Development of interpretive signage • Improving opportunities to view colonial waterbirds, including cormorants using viewing blinds and platforms • Conducting tours with schools and interest groups • Presenting information at conferences and forums • Participation in working groups on colonial waterbirds. Information signs at strategic locations that request people to refrain from entering the colonial waterbird colonies during the nesting season are already in place to discourage the public from disturbing the bird colonies. Additional interpretive signs will be installed to educate park visitors on colonial waterbirds and their habitats. Researcher disturbance associated with TRCA and partner research programs will be controlled to reduce overall disruption. Proposed 2008 Strategic Approach TRCA proposes to utilize a variety of techniques in an integrated adaptive management approach to achieve the goals and objectives for the 2008 strategy. The following matrix (Table 1) outlines the techniques and strategies at specific locations of the site, and helps to provide insight regarding the relationships between the different techniques. Management techniques do not include lethal culling. Egg oiling will not be undertaken for management purposes in 2008, however a research project to assess any impacts of oiling on adult birds is proposed. The TTP cormorant colony currently occupies three of the four forested peninsulas of the park comprising three cormorant sub - colonies (Figure 1). Peninsulas A and B are considered Cormorant Conservation Zones where cormorant nesting and roosting is encouraged and enhanced. Efforts in 2008 will focus on enhancing ground nesting opportunities for the 2009 season, habitat restoration to delineate and buffer the colonies, providing safe loafing areas for 2008, and promoting research. • Peninsula C is the most recently colonized area and also contains the largest cormorant sub - colony and the largest Black- crowned Night -Heron population at TTP. The 2008 strategic approach on Peninsula C will focus on post- breeding deterrents to reduce stress on the trees, habitat restoration to delineate and buffer the colonies and continued research on raccoon predation on cormorant and night -heron nests. Peninsula D is the only forested peninsula not occupied by colonial waterbird species. Management efforts in 2008 will focus on habitat restoration and on deterring cormorants from nesting and loafing on Peninsula D. 294 TABLE 1. Strategic Approach. Matrix for 2008 Method Peninsula A Peninsula B Peninsula C Peninsula D Pre - nesting Deterrents * Post - Breeding Deterrents * * Enhanced Ground Nesting * * Egg Oiling Research * Habitat Restoration * * -* * Pre - nesting deterrents Avariety of humane deterrence methods that minimize disturbance to other wildlife will be utilized to discourage cormorants from nesting on Peninsula D. The techniques utilized will be employed on an increasing.scale of activity, with preference given to the least intrusive means needed. The scale would follow the following order: i) Human presence for recreation, research and education purposes ii) Active harassment of birds by people iii) Predator decoys and scarecrows iv) Inactive nest removal v) Noise bangers and other auditory techniques. Increased activity, associated with Peninsula D trail improvements, Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station activities, and staff presence is favoured over the other techniques. However, if presence alone does not deter nesting activities, deterrence would progress to active techniques including whistling, arm waving, running and shouting. Activity could be increased to carrying three meter poles to move low tree branches, and tap on trees. Poles would not contact any cormorants or nests. If nesting attempts persist, then artificial predators including owls, raccoons, hawks, and scarecrows will be placed in the trees in and near the nesting locations. If nesting attempts still persist additional sections may be added to the poles, increasing their length and actively used to remove newly placed nesting material. Poles will not be used on nests where eggs are present, or where cormorants refuse to leave the nest, and will not be come into contact with any cormorants. Noise bangers are the least preferred technique for pre- nesting deterrents, however staff believe that noise bangers will not be needed as pre- nesting deterrents in 2008. After the nesting season has ended and fledgling cormorants are feeding independently, post- breeding deterrents will be employed on the tip of Peninsula C and Peninsula D to reduce the effects of cormorant loafing (or resting) on trees. Deterrents will not be used on Peninsula's A and B: Displaced Cormorants will be encouraged to loaf on the Conservation Zones of Peninsulas A and B. To help achieve this, disturbance to Peninsulas A and B will be minimized and closely monitored by TRCA staff. Since these areas already support cormorant colonies, and field data indicates large loafing areas are currently available, staff believe cormorants will readily use these peninsulas for post- breeding loafing. 295 A variety of deterrence methods will be utilized that are humane for cormorants and minimize disturbance to other wildlife. The techniques utilized will be employed on an increasing scale of activity, with preference given to the least intrusive means needed. The scale will follow the following order: i) Human presence for recreation, research and education purposes ii) Active harassment of birds by people iii) Predator decoys and scarecrows iv) Noise bangers and other auditory techniques. Human presence is the most favoured technique, however, if presence alone does not deter loafing activities, deterrence would progress to active techniques as stated above in the techniques for pre- nesting deterrents. In all cases deterrents would be humane and minimize the impact to other wildlife. If loafing still persists, deterrence methods will progress to the use of auditory techniques. Noise bangers are the least preferred technique for post- breeding deterrents and if needed will be used with sparingly and with caution in a consistent manner. Staff will monitor the effectiveness of the auditory techniques, as well as their effects on other species and will discontinue use if undesirable effects are documented. Enhanced ground nesting In addition to encouraging post- breeding loafing on Peninsulas A and B, these areas will also receive enhanced ground nesting for the 2009 breeding season. The strategic approach includes enhancement of ground nesting opportunities through the placement of woody nest material, as well as the creation of artificially constructed nesting areas. Further ground nest enhancements may also include the use of cormorant decoys and auditory breeding calls to attract cormorants to the ground nesting area. Predator exclosures may also be created to ensure ground nesting success in certain areas until the establishment of the ground nesting colony. Work will be completed during the fall and winter of 2008 to increase the ground nesting cormorant population in 2009. Egg oiling An experimental egg oiling research project will be undertaken by Dr. Gail Fraser from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. The research will be carried out in partnership with TRCA, and with approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Canadian Wildlife Service and the York University Animal Care Committee. There are three primary objectives of this study, the first is to examine if egg oiling causes immediate nest desertion by ground nesting cormorants. The second is to examine the effects of oiling on the nesting behaviours of adults. The third is to quantify the impacts of all disturbances, including investigator disturbance, on ground nesting cormorants. An additional objective is to examine the effects of banding adults captured on the nest, on nest attendance and behaviours. 296 The research project will adopt a conservative approach to limit negative impacts to the Double- crested Cormorant colonies at TTP. Daedol 50 NF mineral oil will be the oiling substance. This oil, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, breaks down quite rapidly, and is the most commonly used oil for the management of cormorants, Ring - billed Gulls, and Canada Geese. A treatment of 30 nests will be oiled, and compared to 30 nests that will be sprayed with water, and to a control group of 30 nests that will not be manipulated in the • experiment. Detailed behavioral responses will be documented, quantified, and tracked throughout the breeding season. The research will also include a review of all other projects where oiling has been utilized as a management technique. Habitat restoration Habitat restoration activities will occur in areas of the peninsulas that are not currently occupied by colonial nesting waterbirds. The base of the peninsulas, and areas within the peninsulas that are not occupied by colonial birds, will be restored using site appropriate vegetation and soil amendments where necessary. Vegetation quadrats will be planted with a variety of species and monitored to assess the efficacy of the restoration and improve future endeavours. Habitat restoration and enhancement activities will also help delineate the extent of the current cormorant colonies and buffer the colonies from disturbance. Targeted improvements also include the addition-of native shrubs along the Embayment B shoreline to encourage Black- crowned Night -Heron nesting. Plantings of willow fascines and appropriate shrubs will occur along portions of the shoreline provide additional shoreline stability. Habitat restoration activities will occur in fall 2008 and early spring 2009, so the bird colonies are not disturbed. Monitoring, Research, and Reporting Annual nest census data for cormorants, night- herons and other colonial waterbirds will be undertaken in late May using a combination of staff and volunteers. As in past years, the census will identify the nesting populations of cormorants and other waterbirds, as well as their spatial nesting distribution within the peninsulas at Tommy Thompson Park. Some members of the Advisory Group expressed an interest in observing the annual monitoring program and TRCA staff will facilitate visits to the colony during monitoring activities. Annual tree health surveys will be undertaken in late August/early September to document changes in the health and condition of nest trees within the three peninsulas at TTP. A summary report of all components of the strategic approach will be completed and circulated to all regulatory agencies and the advisory group, and will be posted for public review upon completion of the 2008 season. This report will outline all approaches employed in the 2008 season including the methods used, their relative effectiveness, results of the egg oiling research, and the results of the annual monitoring program. This information will provide a basis for the development of the 2009 strategy using an integrated adaptive management approach. The next meeting of the cormorant advisory group will beheld in fall 2008, after the completion of the 2008 summary report. This meeting will provide an opportunity to review the results of the 2008 season and discuss whether any changes are needed for 2009. The public will also be informed and consulted before the 2009 season. 297 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds are available in the Tommy Thompson Park Interim Management account 210 -19 and the Tommy Thompson Park Double Crested Cormorant Account 210 -25 in the approved 2008 budget. Report prepared by: Ralph Toninger, extension 5366; Karen McDonald, extension 5248 Emails: rtoninger@trca.on.ca and kmcdonald @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ralph Toninger, extension 5366 Email: rtoninger@trca.on.ca Date: May, 2008 Attachments: 1 298 Attachment 1 Figure 1. TTP Peninsulas and Cormorant Colonies 299 RES. #A111/08 - GIBRALTAR POINT EROSION CONTROL PROJECT Direction to proceed with detailed design. Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Litt ley Linda Pabst WHEREAS the City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have recognized the need to restore and protect the Gibraltar Point area of the Toronto Islands; AND WHEREAS the Class Environmental Assessment for the Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Project is complete; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the preferred solution as determined through the Class Environmental Assessment for the Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Project be endorsed by TRCA; THAT staff be directed to request additional funding estimated at $450,000 from the City of Toronto to complete the detailed modeling, analysis and design process (valued at $500,000); THAT upon completion of the detailed design process, staff prepare a request for project funding for submission to the City of Toronto to fund implementation, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance of the project as part of the 2010 - 2014 Capital Budget process; AND FURTHER THAT the City of Toronto staff be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND Erosion has been documented at Gibraltar Point since 1879. In 1972, significant storm damage prompted the first of several studies recommending various long -term remedial solutions. Despite these recommendations, no major remedial actions were financially supported. Attempts were made rather to protect the Gibraltar Point shoreline with gabion baskets and rubble. These attempts had short -term success as they failed to address the large -scale coastal processes affecting the site. A severe storm event in February 2004 caused significant damage to an existing washroom building and associated infrastructure, prompting the City of Toronto to request the assistance of TRCA. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority responded by immediately securing the shoreline adjacent to the washroom with rip rap as a temporary protective measure and then proceeded to seek Authority approval to undertake emergency shoreline protection and design a more long -term solution. At Authority Meeting #6/04, held on June 25, 2004, Resolution #A194/04 was approved as follows: THAT staff be directed to proceed with the emergency shoreline protection works at Gibraltar Point, Toronto Islands as part of the "City of Toronto Valley and Shoreline Regeneration Project, 2002 - 2006 ", at a total cost not to exceed $100,000; 300 AND FURTHER-THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in conjunction with the City of Toronto commence a design study including required Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to develop a more permanent solution to stabilizing the shoreline. Following the placement of emergency shoreline protection in the immediate vicinity of the washroom building, TRCA initiated the Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Project under the Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects (2002). As part of the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process, TRCA retained Shoreplan Engineering to complete a coastal analysis to determine the regional processes around Gibraltar Point and assist with the development of alternative long -term solutions to the shoreline erosion. Results of Shoreplan's investigations determined that although erosion and deposition are occurring at various locations between the Western Gap and Gibraltar Point, there is an overall net Toss of sand resulting in ongoing shoreline erosion. A comparison of hydrographic survey data shows a lowering of the lakebed in the nearshore area around Gibraltar Point, which is consistent with the undermining and eventual failure of previous local shoreline protection works. Furthermore, Shoreplan's findings indicated that over the next 100 years, a substantial loss of highly valuable recreational and ecological land is projected, ultimately resulting in the breaching of the Islands from Lake Ontario to the Inner Lagoons (see Figure 1). In light of this information, a range of solutions were developed which recognized these processes and the limitations associated with each. To assist with the evaluation of the alternative options and provide input into the planning and design process, a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) was formed. Composed of technical staff, stakeholders, provincial agency staff, community activists and interested members of the public, the CLC became an integral part of the Class EA process. Through a series of CLC meetings, the range of solutions developed by Shoreplan were considered, ranging from traditional solutions such as breakwaters to more innovative approaches such as sand augmentation. In addition to providing feedback on technical and economic considerations, the members provided great insight into the importance of preserving the adjacent sand dunes, woodlots and beaches. It became evident early in the process that any solution would have to address the need to preserve the entire island landform. The preferred concept is a sand management plan that recognizes that some level of offshore protection may be required to ensure that the project is technically and economically feasible. The main purposes of the sand management plan are to provide a level of shoreline protection and to maintain the natural dynamic backshore processes that require a continuous supply of sand. Without a sand management plan, the existing dunes and beaches along the western facing shore will eventually degrade. RATIONALE The primary focus of the project is to implement a long -term and sustainable solution that halts erosion at Gibraltar Point to protect existing infrastructure. In addition to the washroom building, at risk infrastructure includes the intake lines to the Toronto Island Filtration Plant, and a water main that provides the only potable water supply to the Island Yacht Club and Island Airport, as well as the main supply for fire suppression. Other valued public assets within the affected area include recreational beaches, Gibraltar Centre for the Arts, the historic Gibraltar Point Light House, waterfront green space and unique habitats. 301 To ensure that the quality of the unique Island dune community and recreational beaches found at Gibraltar Point and Harilan's Point can be preserved, a sand management plan is necessary. Ongoing placement of sand along the beach and nearshore of Gibraltar Point will manage shoreline erosion, while preserving the dynamic nature of the shoreline. The sand will be moved by wind and wave action towards the Western Gap, feeding the beaches and dunes as it goes. The sand deposited offshore will then be dredged and placed back at Gibraltar Point, allowing the process to continue. Based on the sediment transport analyses carried out to date it is anticipated that the desired sand supply could be up to 20,000 m3 per year. The majority of that sand will be produced from a backpassing operation, which will involve removing sand from the depositional area (offshore of Hanlan's Point Beach and the Western Gap) and relocating it updrift of Gibraltar Point in the vicinity of Centre Island Beach. It may also be economically feasible to utilize sand generated from local dredging operations that regularly occur, such as at Ashbridge's Bay, Western Gap and Eastern Channel. Any sand that is placed at Gibraltar Point must meet Ministry of Environment (MOE) guidelines for open water disposal. The detailed design process will determine the annual sand requirements that produce the most efficient design, while achieving the project objective of managing erosion and preserving the dynamic nature of the shoreline. It has been determined that offshore protection will reduce the volume and frequency of sand that is required to be placed updrift of Gibraltar Point (e.g. more protection, less sand) as part of the sand management plan. As such, the detailed design process will utilize a physical model and /or computer model to examine a number of offshore protection options, in conjunction with different volumes of sand supply. Five possible options for implementing the preferred alternative will be modeled. A typical representation of the offshore protection options that will be explored, is shown in Figure 2. Three of these options will include different breakwater lengths and cross - sections (see Figures 3 and 4) in conjunction with varying levels of sand management. The fourth option will investigate a segmented emergent breakwater with little to no sand management and the fifth option will investigate a sand management plan without offshore protection. The main purpose for considering these options is to test the cost sensitivity of different levels of sand management and to determine the possible environmental affects. The modeling will also help to determine the exact dimensions and spacing of the breakwaters. An overall length of 930 m for the offshore protection was selected as a reasonable approximation of the longest length likely to be required in order to produce conservative cost estimates. It is possible however, that the modeling could show that a longer length of breakwater may be more effective. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The Environmental Study Report for the Gibraltar Point Erosion Control Project was made available to the public for comment on February 16, 2008, as advertised by TRCA in the Toronto Star. The project was granted approval under the Class EA process, on March 17, 2008. Working in partnership with Toronto Water, TRCA will work to secure the funding required to proceed with the detailed design phase through the City of Toronto. 302 Pending the approval of funding, TRCA will update site information by undertaking bathymetric surveys, and sediment sampling and calculating morphologic changes. TRCA will then initiate the detailed design process by forming a joint project planning committee -with City of Toronto. The project planning committee will involve staff from Ministry of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as experts to provide advice regarding dune ecology. This committee will help develop a vision for an adaptive management strategy that manages erosion, while preserving the dynamic nature of the shoreline. Predictive modeling based on current site condition information will then be used to test each shoreline management option to determine which best meets the project objectives. Once the most appropriate shoreline management option is selected, further modeling will be undertaken to refine the concept. Engineered drawings, specifications and cost estimates will be prepared based on these results. The final component of the adaptive management strategy will include the preparation of a shoreline monitoring plan. As per the adaptive management approach, the monitoring plan will establish methodologies that will be used to evaluate the performance of the implemented components of the shoreline plan and inform future works. FINANCIAL DETAILS The cost of the detailed design process is estimated at $500,000 including a 15% contingency. Included in this cost estimate is $45,000 to undertake further fieldwork and site analysis, $400,000 to complete physical and numerical modeling, and $55,000 for design drawings and specifications, reporting, and project management. Funding in the order of $50,000 is available through the City of Toronto Valley and Shoreline Regeneration Project for 2008 and will be administered under Account No. 151 -01. This funding will enable TRCA to undertake the fieldwork component of the detailed design process in 2008. An additional $450,000 in funding will•be required to complete the adaptive management strategy, modeling, detailed designs and specifications. The modeling that will be undertaken during the detailed design process will examine a number of offshore protection options, in conjunction with different levels of sand management to determine the most sustainable solution to the erosion problem. Current project estimates indicate that the up -front implementation costs to construct offshore protection could range from $4.7 million to $15.1 million, while the annual operating cost to fund the sand management component of the project could be in the range of $115,000 to $575,000. These estimates include contingency and are based on 2008 construction rates. As per the adaptive management approach, implementation of the shoreline plan will occur incrementally in response to the results of the ongoing monitoring plan. The first phase of implementation is expected to involve major in water works that would be completed over a period of two to three years, commencing as early as 2010. This work would be followed by a period of ongoing monitoring and analysis. Future phases of work would be undertaken based on the monitoring results. 303 Following completion of the detailed design process, TRCA staff will prepare a detailed estimate of the cost to implement, maintain and monitor the project based on a five -year timeframe. This information will form the basis of a request for special project funding from the City of Toronto. TRCA will also explore other funding opportunities, including a potential partnership with the Province of Ontario to implement the project. Report prepared by: Laura Stephenson, extension 5296 Email: Istephenson @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Laura Stephenson, extension 5296 Email: Istephenson @trca.on.ca Date: March 12, 2008 Attachments: 1 304 Attachment 1 1939 le Year Pr( . :tion Figure 1 Prediction of shoreline recession after 100 years, based on recession rates between 1939 and 1 988 Source: Shoreplan Engineering Limiter' Community a 2004. Figure 2. Representation of the offshore protection to be explored during the detailed design process, showing emergent breakwaters connected by an underwater sill in plan view. Source: Shoreplan Engineering Limited, 2007. 305 F'ICA /IA 750 1 R I LY' ..M ic,v nak r , n srn.a I ar,nca Ica .2+ Lake Bed Figure 3. Typical sill cross - section. Source: Shoreplan Engineering Limited, 2007. Figure 3 shows a typical cross - section for the sill. It has a maximum crest elevation of 2 m below chart datum so that it does not interfere with small craft navigation. The lakeward toe of the sill would be constructed down to a depth of 6 m below chart datum to allow for future downcutting of the lakebed profile as previously discussed. It is anticipated that the toe area would be excavated with a hydraulic dredge. Toe excavation and sill stone placement would occur in tandem with the stone placement following closely behind the dredging. This would allow the toe trench to be artificially backfilled with dredged sand rather than native sand from the lakebed in front of the sill. The landward toe of the sill would be constructed on the existing lakebed. The sill consists of randomly placed rip rap and small armourstone. Figure 4. Typical breakwater cross - section. Source: Shoreplan Engineering Limited, 2007. Figure 4 shows a typical breakwater cross - section. The breakwaters would be constructed by placing armourstone on top of a modified sill cross - section. The sill cross - section is modified by extending the toe approximately 8 m lakeward to provide a stable base for the armour. The crest of the breakwater is about 2 m above chart datum, which is above the 100 -year water level described previously. 306 RES. #A112/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project. Amendment to Authority Resolution #A178/07 relating to the acquisition of property rights on the Lake Ontario shoreline, City of Toronto, in the Scarborough Community Council Area, to facilitate the construction of Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project. Colleen Jordan Suzan Hall THAT the Parcel 'D' section of Authority Resolution #A178/07, approved at Authority Meeting #7/07, held on September 28, 2007, be amended to read as follows: Parcel 'D' THAT TRCA acquire a temporary working easement for access on the southerly 10 metres of lands owned by Le Chau Ly being Part of Lot 7, Registered Plan 2413, City of Toronto (formerly City of Scarborough) and municipal known as 483 Guildwood Parkway; THAT the term of the temporary easement be 18 months commencing October 1, 2007; THAT the rent be $15,000 plus vendor's legal fees. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #7/07, held on September 28, 2007, Resolution #A178/07 was approved as follows: THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) acquire the following property rights to facilitate the construction of the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project: Parcel 'A' THAT TRCA acquire a temporary working easement for access on the southerly 10 metres of lands owned by Lois Code being Part of Lot 4, Registered Plan 2413, City of Toronto (formerly City of Scarborough) and municipal known as 469 Guildwood Parkway; THAT the term of the temporary easement be 18 months commencing October 1, 2007; THAT the rent be $15,000 plus $1,000 on account of the vendor's legal fees. Parcel 'B' THAT TRCA acquire a temporary working easement for access on the southerly 10 metres of lands owned by Roy and Denise Wright being Part of Lot 5, Registered Plan 2413, City of Toronto (formerly City of Scarborough) and municipal known as 471 Guildwood Parkway; THAT the term of the temporary easement be 18 months commencing October 1, 2007; THAT the rent be $15,000 plus $1,000 on account of the vendor's legal fees. 307 Parcel 'C' THAT a parcel of land containing 0.049 hectares (0.121 acres) being Part of Lot 6, Registered Plan 2413, designated as Part 8 on Plan 64R- 11988, City of Toronto (formerly City of Scarborough) and municipal known as 477 Guildwood Parkway be purchased from Linda Ambos; THAT the purchase price be $2.00 plus vendor's reasonable legal costs. Parcel 'D' THAT an easement for access containing 0.033 hectares (0.082 acres) being Part of Lot 7, Registered Plan 2413, designated as Part 2 on Plan 64R- 11988, City of Toronto (formerly City of Scarborough) and municipal known as 483 Guildwood Parkway be purchased from Le Chau LY; THAT the purchase price be $2.00 plus vendor's reasonable legal costs. THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transactions at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. The Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project was originally developed in 1987 to provide protection for twenty -three (23) residential dwellings along the Scarborough Bluffs. Due to unresolved property issues, protective works were not completed along the entire length of the Guildwood Parkway sector. Currently, 600 metres (m) of the most westerly portion of the Guildwood Parkway sector is provided with shoreline protection in the form of an armourstone revetment, constructed as part of the original Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project. Phase 2 of the project was initiated in 2004 to complete shoreline stabilization and erosion control works for the remaining nine (9) properties not protected in the first phase. The proposed remedial works will provide protection for 170 m of shoreline, from the end of the existing revetment to below 483 Guildwood Parkway, just west of Morningside Avenue. At the time the original report and recommendation was prepared for Authority Meeting #7/07 on September 28, 2007, it appeared that the owner of 483 Guildwood, Mr. Ly, was willing to provide access at nominal consideration. After the agreements for temporary access were finalized with the owners of 469 and 471 Guildwood Parkway, Mr. Ly indicated that he was not willing to provide access to his property for $2.00. After extensive negotiations, Mr. Ly has agreed to the same arrangement as the owners of 469 and 471 Guildwood Parkway. RATIONALE The subject property is required for the construction of the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project. 308 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds for the costs related to'this purchase are available in the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project, through the City of Toronto capital budget. Report prepared by: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 Email: mfenning @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 or Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: mfenn_ ing @trca.on.ca or rdewell @trca.on.ca Date:.May 13, 2008 Attachments: 1 Attachment 1 OIHVjN0 3)IV1 A 4 to /1% ���\\ t:4.74 vi:stitifst, ;3:1744:: 4: 00) \ *-...'', 4 ' 4A,1:•\, 493°14 Vtrrf). I; P ..44 t.i1;414$11)%111;44:er �► ? ;1 ; �!k4.4,'.: eiwvi Z „ .4.,,� `� , .. r� 0 onservation for The Living City TRCA LANDS 0' MORNINGS/Of QvE 310 m Zi MM Z mZo Z • to � o O 7 c :u24 O Z fD 0xi 0 m 0 T 0 0 0 0 O 0 0. a 0 O a RES. #A113/08 - Moved by: • Seconded by: REQUEST TO LEASE TRCA -OWNED LAND ICL Management Inc. City of Pickering, CFN 40583. Proposal to lease approximately 0.08 hectares (0.2 acre) of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority -owned land located on the east and west sides of 509 Bella Vista Drive, City of Pickering, for a 5 year period for landscaping purposes. Bonnie Litt ley Lois Griffin WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from ICL Management Inc. to enter into a lease arrangement for lands located on the east and west sides of 509 Bella Vista Drive, City of Pickering; WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interests of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act, to cooperate with ICL Management Inc. in this instance; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enter into a lease of approximately 0.08 hectares (0.2 acres), more or Tess, of land with ICL Management Inc. for landscaping purposes, said land being Part of Lots 24, 26 and 27, Registered Plan 233, City of Pickering, Regional Municipality of Durham; THAT the lease arrangement with ICL Management Inc. be premised on the following: (i) the term of the lease will be '5 years with one 5 year renewal subject to the approval of TRCA; (ii) the rental rate is to be $1,000 for the 5 year period payable in advance; (iii) ICL Management Inc. shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with the installation, maintenance and repair of the landscaping; (iv) ICL Management Inc. shall be solely responsible for payment of all realty taxes levied against the property; (v) any other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by TRCA's solicitor. AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA is in receipt of a request from the owner of 509 Bella Vista Drive to lease a small parcel of TRCA -owned land located on the west and east sides of his property to use for landscaping purposes. The landscaping will consists of trees and shrubs. ICL Management Inc. will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the landscaping work. The landscape plan has been prepared to the satisfaction of TRCA staff. 311 The following are the key terms of the proposed lease arrangement: .1. Lease Payment: $1,000 payable in advance. 2. Term: 5 years. 3. Renewals: one 5 year renewal subject to the approval of TRCA. 4. Insurance: ICL Management Inc. will provide liability insurance with $2,000,000 coverage per occurrence and TRCA is to be shown as a named insured. 5. Realty Taxes: ICL Management Inc. will pay all taxes levied against the property. RATIONALE The fragmented public ownership along this reach of valley limits public use opportunities and makes management of these TRCA lands difficult. Staff feel this is an opportunity to partner with an adjacent owner to have TRCA lands restored and managed at no cost. FINANCIAL DETAILS The $1,000 in revenues generated from this lease will be used for TRCA purposes. Report prepared by: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 Email: mfenning @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 or Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: mfenning @trca.on.ca or rdewell @trca.on.ca Date: May 13, 2008 Attachments: 1 312 Attachment 1 REQUEST TO LEASE TRCA -OWNED LAND ICL Management Inc. City of Pickering CFN 40583 \vetn '3X,F"k"\\;a Sao?:` o,ikt \\N* Petticoat Creek Conservation Area .MM•171MCI )(? i' / abject Property 313 Woriggiltion for The Living City P// /,4TRCA LANDS SUBJECT PROPERT' RES. #A114 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CANADIAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION Role of Sonya Meek as National President, Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) and potential opportunities for advancement of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority interests through CWRA activities. Bill Fisch Lois Griffin WHEREAS the Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a non - profit, professional organization promoting effective water management that shares many common interests and objectives with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); WHEREAS TRCA employee Sonya Meek has been serving as CWRA National President since June, 2007; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Authority continue to support Sonya Meeks participation on the National Executive of the Canadian Water Resources Association; AND FURTHER THAT staff explore further opportunities to work with CWRA to advance initiatives of mutual interest. AMENDMENT RES. #A115 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Bill Fisch Lois Griffin THAT the following be inserted after the main motion: AND FURTHER THAT the Authority congratulate Ms. Meek on her election to the position of National President of the Canadian Water Resources Association and she be commended for the initiative and effort required to carry out this role while continuing in her role as Manager, Watershed Planning, TRCA. THE AMENDMENT WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: CARRIED CARRIED WHEREAS the Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a non - profit, professional organization promoting effective water management that shares many common interests and objectives with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); WHEREAS TRCA employee Sonya Meek has been serving as CWRA National President since June, 2007; 314 THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Authority continue to support Sonya Meek's participation on the National Executive of the Canadian Water Resources Association; THAT staff explore further opportunities to work with CWRA to advance initiatives of mutual interest; AND FURTHER THAT the Authority congratulate Ms. Meek on her election to the position of National President of the Canadian Water Resources Association and she be commended for the initiative and effort required to carry out this role while continuing in her role as Manager, Watershed Planning, TRCA. BACKGROUND CWRA was established over 50 years ago as a non - government, non - profit organization. It now has over 1,400 water management professionals from the private, public and academic sectors across Canada. CWRA promotes 'effective water management' through initiatives that promote awareness and understanding of Canada's water resources. It also provides forums for the exchange of information and opinions relating to water management. CWRA services include the quarterly publication of the Canadian Water Resources Journal and Water News newsletter, conferences, workshops, position papers, study reports, scholarships, awards, Canadian delivery of Project Water Education for Teachers (Project WET) and various provincial branch activities. The organization is administered by a part-time paid Executive Director and a membership services office who report to a national board of directors. Sonya Meek, Manager, Watershed Planning at TRCA, was elected to the position of CWRA National. President in June, 2007 for the first of a possible two year term. Ms. Meek previously served on the CWRA Ontario Branch Executive and as a Director on the national board for over 10 years. Ms. Meek will stand for re- election as National President for a second one year term in June, 2008. The President's role,generally involves guiding and supervising the activities of the organization, board, committees, officers and staff. TRCA benefits from Ms. Meek's involvement in CWRA in a variety of ways, such as national and international profile for TRCA; networking opportunities afforded through contact with national and international experts in water - management and senior federal and provincial government officials; opportunity to advance TRCA objectives; and professional development opportunities for Ms. Meek. Some examples of past CWRA benefits to TRCA include: • TRCA's Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) was designed with input from a CWRA Ontario Branch hosted workshop in 2002; • Ms. Meek.was influential in establishing a 'sustainability' theme and securing Toronto as the location for the 2006 CWRA national conference, which profiled several papers on TRCA watershed planning initiatives; • TRCA's The Living City Strategy was showcased in a CWRA commissioned paper evaluating the state of sustainable water management in Canada (2006); • A presentation on the Rouge watershed planning study has been invited to be part of the CWRA Quebec Branch /National Directors urban streams workshop in February, 2008 in Quebec City, the Integrated Watershed Management workshop in May, 2008 in Toronto and the CWRA Nova Scotia Branch water resources symposium in August, 2008 in Halifax; 315 • Ms. Meek has been invited to facilitate CWRA participation in workshops and comment on a variety of discussion papers on national and provincial water management issues. This has provided exposure to a breadth of water initiatives and opportunity to influence their strategic directions (e.g. Gordon Water Group's Blueprint for Federal Action on Water, Premier McGuinty's Climate Change Adaptation Summit, Environment Canada's proposal for water availability indicators for Canada and the Pembina Institute's water valuation study for the Canadian Committee of Ministers of the Environment). Several of CWRA's ongoing initiatives may provide further benefits or partnership opportunities for TRCA: Promotion of a Canadian National Water Strategy: The need for a national water strategy is increasingly being recognized by CWRA and other groups across Canada as a means of guiding consistent and coordinated approaches to manage current and emerging threats to Canada's water. CWRA has recommended a• procedure for the effective development and implementation of a Canadian National Water Strategy. Analogous to the principles for successful watershed management, CWRA believes the approach should involve participation of all stakeholders, foster endorsement of common goals and objectives while recognizing regional diversity, contain specific implementation plans for priority actions and ensure a mechanism for regular review of progress. There will be a role for TRCA participation in this significant effort, which can provide an opportunity to advance TRCA's interests for action on climate change. Climate change is proving to be a common threat to water management in many regions of Canada and is likely to be a central driver for the development of a Canadian National Water Strategy. Expanded ability for training partnerships: CWRA has recently introduced on -line registration services through its membership services office. The availability of this tool could assist TRCA in its interests in delivering an expanded annual program of training workshops and seminars. Skilled Newcomers Partnership Projects: CWRA is developing mentorship and other programs aimed at improving involvement of new Canadian water resource professionals in the industry. These programs will facilitate networking among resident water management practitioners and newcomers to Canada. CWRA's mentorship and new Canadian programs were inspired by TRCA's leadership in these areas and may in turn provide TRCA with access to a broadened national network of resources. Collaboration with Engineers without Borders (EWB): As CWRA's contribution to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals for Water, CWRA is exploring a unique partnership whereby it would raise funds to support an EWB volunteer for one year's work on water supply /sanitation projects in Africa. Exchange of information about water management practices is a related goal of this initiative. This may provide an opportunity for TRCA staff to 'give back' and learn of water management issues in a developing nation. Ms. Meek will continue to share knowledge learned through her participation in CWRA with relevant colleagues at TRCA and will explore additional opportunities for TRCA/CWRA partnerships. 316 FINANCIAL DETAILS Prior to Ms. Meek's election to the CWRA National Executive, her previous CWRA involvement was largely completed on her personal time and expense. TRCA has supported her role as National President for the past year up to one day per week of time and approximately $2,500 per year in expenses. TRCA will continue to support her at this level should she be re- elected to serve a second one -year term. These expenses are associated with travel, accommodation and registration at the annual general meeting (and concurrent national conference) and midterm national directors meeting. Costs vary depending on the Canadian location of those meetings. Often these meetings are associated with technical conferences and workshops, which are of added benefit to her role at TRCA. After her term as President, Ms. Meek is.expected to serve in the capacity of Past President on the Executive Committee for two years. Although her time commitment will be reduced, TRCA will continue to support her annual expenses of approximately $2,500 per year. Funds to support these expenses are derived 50% from operating (administration budget for Ecology Division) and 50% from capital watershed planning related projects (in recognition of the profile and technical information exchange CWRA involvement brings to this program). For Information on CWRA activities contact: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Email: smeek @trca.on.ca Date: May 9, 2008 RES. #A116/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: URBAN GROWTH CENTRES IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE Proposed Size and Location. Providing comments to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal and other ministries. Bill Fisch Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) commend the Province of Ontario-for recognizing and stating that public open spaces such as parks, natural features, natural systems and their linkages are key elements of complete communities envisioned in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; THAT TRCA request the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal to amend their draft technical paper titled "Proposed Size and Location of Urban Growth Centres in the Greater Golden Horseshoe" to address the following issues and recommendations: THAT growing use and degradation of natural systems from increased population densities and intensification be mitigated by incorporating appropriate open space elements and natural heritage system enhancements into Urban Growth Centres (UGCs) to achieve net environmental gains; 317 THAT a new guiding principle be added to the UGC technical paper directing that no increase in the level of flood risk due to intensification will be permitted in Special Policy Areas (SPAs) and that existing hazards will be mitigated to the extent possible based on comprehensive studies; THAT the conflict resolution provision from the Places to Grow Act /Growth Plan stating that the policies of the Growth Plan or Provincial Policy Statement that provide more protection to the natural environment or human health prevail, be added as a disclaimer to all UGC maps; THAT for UGCs that contain flooding hazards, it be added that the finalization of boundaries is premature until comprehensive flood risk assessment plans have been completed; THAT all UGC boundaries remain flexible until strategic studies have been undertaken to ensure that required densities can be implemented in a sustainable manner addressing natural heritage enhancements, water, energy and cultural heritage conservation, air quality, waste management and other locally identified constraints and opportunities unique to individual UGCs; THAT the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR) work with municipalities to assist in funding the recommended studies and infrastructure remediation projects to mitigate existing flood hazards and constraints necessary to achieve public safety as intensification of UGCs occurs; THAT this report be sent to the Ontario Growth Secretariat, MPIR, as TRCA's response to the request for comments; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA's member municipalities, Conservation Ontario, conservation authorities within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing receive a copy of the report sent to MPIR. AMENDMENT RES. #A117/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Bill Fisch . Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the following replace the sixth and seventh paragraphs of the main motion: THAT TRCA has concerns about the need for comprehensive review and conceptual development around intensification centres related to flood management, natural systems and open space requirements, as well as sustainable design including water, energy and cultural heritage conservation, air quality and waste management; THAT development continue in these areas subject to the need for comprehensive study of these issues and that boundaries be confirmed accordingly; THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED 318 THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) commend the Province of Ontario for recognizing and stating that public open spaces such as parks, natural features, natural, systems and their linkages are key elements of complete communities envisioned in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe; THAT TRCA request the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal to amend their draft technical paper titled "Proposed Size and Location of Urban Growth.Centres in the Greater Golden Horseshoe" to address the following issues and recommendations: THAT growing use and degradation of natural systems from increased population densities and intensification be mitigated by incorporating appropriate open space elements and natural heritage system enhancements into Urban Growth Centres (UGCs) to achieve net environmental gains; THAT a new guiding principle be added to the UGC technical paper directing that no increasein the level of flood risk due to intensification will be permitted in Special Policy Areas (SPAS) and that existing hazards will be mitigated to the extent possible based on comprehensive studies; THAT the conflict resolution provision from the Places to Grow Act/Growth Plan stating that the policies'of the Growth Plan or Provincial Policy Statement that provide more protection to the natural environment or human health prevail, be added as a disclaimer to all UGC maps; THAT TRCA has concerns about the need for comprehensive review and conceptual development around intensification centres related to flood management, natural systems and open space requirements, as well as sustainable design including water, energy and cultural heritage conservation, air quality and waste management; THAT development continue in these areas subject to the need for comprehensive study of these issues and that boundaries be confirmed accordingly; THAT the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR) work with municipalities to assist in funding the recommended studies and infrastructure remediation projects to mitigate existing flood hazards and constraints necessary to achieve public safety as intensification of UGCs occurs; THAT this report be sent to the Ontario Growth Secretariat, MPIR, as TRCA's response to the request for comments; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA's member municipalities, Conservation Ontario, conservation authorities within the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing receive a copy of the report sent to MPIR. 319 BACKGROUND TRCA has provided comments to the Province on an ongoing basis during the development of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (hereafter 'the Growth Plan'). Reports were brought to the various Authority meetings for approval in September, 2004, April, 2005, January, 2006 and September, 2006. In General, these comments have been in support of the Growth Plan as a means of aspiring to meet the objectives of The Living City objective for Sustainable Communities. Specifically, TRCA has also commented on the need to address and mitigate flood hazards and to ensure local natural heritage systems are protected and enhanced to cope with the increasing use pressures resulting from intensification within the existing urban boundary. This report expands on those previous comments by providing recommendations specific to the proposed size and locations of the ten Urban Growth Centres (UGCs) within TRCA watersheds. The UGCs in the TRCA watersheds as outlined in Attachment 1 include: Downtown Brampton; Markham Centre; Downtown Pickering; Richmond Hill /Langstaff Gateway; Toronto: Downtown; Toronto: Etobicoke City Centre; Toronto: North York Centre; Toronto: Scarborough Centre; Toronto: Yonge - Eglinton Centre; and, Vaughan Corporate Centre. The current technical paper prepared by the Ontario Growth Secretariat (OGS) and MPIR is titled Proposed Size and Location of Urban Growth Centres in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It contains background information about the Growth Plan, including the rationale and approved policies for intensification as well as new guiding principles for UGCs and maps depicting the proposed size and locations of the UGCs. RATIONALE Natural Heritage A sidebar in Proposed Size and Location of Urban Growth Centres in the Greater Golden Horseshoe states that public open spaces such as parks, natural features, natural systems and their linkages are key elements of complete communities envisioned in the Growth Plan. TRCA has previously made this comment to the Province in respect of the multiple benefits provided by natural systems such as maintaining biodiversity, enhancing air quality and human health, providing recreational and educational opportunities, aesthetics and the attenuation of stormwater impacts and urban heat island effects. TRCA commends the Province for recognizing in this document the importance of natural systems to the urban realm. Intensification of both jobs and residents in the UGCs will lead to increased use of available open space and the potential for overuse and degradation of valleyland parks and natural areas. Opportunities to enhance and increase natural cover and open spaces must also be pursued in planning for redevelopment and /or intensification. Examples of this are currently occurring in at least two UGCs: the Toronto: Downtown UGC is reducing flooding hazards in the lower Don River through landform construction and redevelopment, remediating contaminated soils, creating new public open spaces and re- naturalizing local portions of the river; the Toronto: Scarborough Centre UGC is proposing to reduce flooding hazards by opening up undersized culverts to pass peak flows and remediating adjacent lands to create new parkland, trails and re- naturalization of a parking lot. TRCA recommends that the rising use pressures on natural systems from increasing population and intensification in UGCs be recognized and that opportunities be sought to incorporate appropriate open space elements and natural heritage system enhancements. This would not only achieve net environmental gains but would also help to meet the expanded demand for greenspace by the population influx. 320 Natural Hazards Several UGCs, including Downtown Brampton, Markham Centre, Vaughan Corporate Centre, Toronto: Etobicoke City Centre and Richmond Hill /Langstaff Gateway have flood plains within portions of their proposed boundaries. With the exception of the Downtown Brampton UGC, which is designated a Special Policy Area under Section 3.1.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement, these flood vulnerable areas have not been acknowledged. Senior TRCA staff has been holding ongoing meetings with staff of the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), Natural Resources (MNR) and Public Infrastructure Renewal over the past year to discuss how flood risks can be addressed in SPA's and hazards mitigated to permit intensification while protecting public health and safety. The UGC technical paper and accompanying maps make only limited and vague reference to the flood hazard risks in the UGCs and do not provide the riecessary guidance or notice of the issues that need to be addressed during redevelopment or intensification in the affected UGCs. More specific direction regarding these risks, hazards and their remediation needs to be provided in the documents. Specifically, TRCA recommends that a new 'guiding principle' for the UGCs be added in the technical paper to direct that no increases in the level of flood risk due to intensification will be permitted and that existing hazards be mitigated as much as possible during the redevelopment and /or intensification process. The Places to Grow Act and the Growth Plan both contain a conflict resolution provision which states that if there is a conflict between the policies of the Growth Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), that the policies that provide more protection to the natural environment or human health prevail. This clause is important to counter the argument that has been advanced by some developers and municipalities that the Growth Plan requires intensification at any cost, and overrides any other policies of the PPS. Section 3.0 of the PPS clearly states the provincial interest in protecting public health and safety from unacceptable risks from natural hazards. TRCA recommends that the conflict resolution provision from the Places to Grow Act and the Growth Plan be added to the mapping for the affected UGCs identified above. Recommended Studies As noted above, .a number of the UGCs within TRCA watersheds contain portions of flood plain within their proposed boundaries. Also noted are the success stories of some UGCs that have already begun a comprehensive planning and analysis that resulted in alleviating flood risks and enhancing the natural environment and social amenities in conjunction with redevelopment and intensification projects. Similar comprehensive analysis and planning should be carried out for the remaining at risk' UGCs prior to the boundaries being finalized. This should be done in order to ensure the UGC is of sufficient size and appropriate location to accommodate the required growth and intensification, does not propose intensification in a flood plain (which is contrary to the PPS) and enhances the natural system and open space to create a net environmental gain. 321 Additionally, the Growth Plan also requires municipal policies and strategies to support a culture of conservation, including water, energy and cultural heritage conservation as well as air quality protection through reduced emissions and ensuring enhanced and integrated waste management systems. In this regard, the proposed boundaries and locations for the UGCs should maintain a degree of flexibility in order to respond to the results of comprehensive strategic planning studies for these areas. In order to implement the strategic vision of the Province for the UGCs of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Province should commit to assist in funding these strategic UGC studies prior to the boundaries being finalized. TRCA therefore recommends that finalization of boundaries for the identified UGCs is premature until strategic planning studies, including comprehensive flood risk assessment plans, have been completed. In this way the required densities and intensification can be implemented in a sustainable manner that addresses natural heritage, water, energy and cultural heritage conservation, air quality, waste management and other locally identified constraints and opportunities unique to individual UGCs. This will result in the creation of 'complete communities' as advocated in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email: dburnett @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email: dburnett@trca.on.ca Date: May 02, 2008 Attachments: 1 322 Attachment 1 Urban Growth Centres: Ontario Places to Grow Proposed Growth Plan: November, 2005 323 1 !I !Op 1 g l ii Ji a a= iii w r, s_ 323 RES. #A118/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES The development of Accessibility Guidelines for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Eve Adams Colleen Jordan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) develop and implement Accessibility Guidelines for all new and existing public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communications; THAT a current state accessibility audit of TRCA public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communications be conducted; THAT TRCA modify existing public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of communications to become more accessible; THAT an accessibility committee be established with at least fifty percent (50 %) of committee members being persons with a disability, to review current state and make recommendations regarding accessibility of TRCA public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communication; THAT a three year accessibility action plan be developed and reviewed annually; AND FURTHER THAT partnerships be sought to assist in the implementation of accessibility action plans. CARRIED BACKGROUND Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) requires that the Government of Ontario, municipalities, public transportation organizations, school boards, hospitals, colleges and universities identify, prevent and remove barriers to people with disabilities. Furthermore, the Ontrarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 mandates the development of annual accessibility plans for these organizations. The focus of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act , 2005 (AODA) is to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises by 2025 and provide involvement of persons with disabilities in the development of accessibility guidelines. As a result of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 has recently been legislated. Ontario Regulation 429/07 establishes accessibility standards for the customer service industry and it applies to organizations that provide goods or services to the public, effective 2010 or 2012. Additionally, under Ontario Regulation 429/07 organizations are legislated to develop accessibility policies, practices and procedures, including training. Furthermore, additional legislation and increased expectations from the Ontario Human Rights Commission in regards to accessibility is anticipated in the near future. 324 Many individuals, as they age, experience gradual declining powers of vision, hearing, mobility, strength and mental capabilities. An older person may be less able to climb steps, read small print, hear high frequencies, exert themselves physically and remember information. Due to the aging population, it has been estimated that by 2020, twenty percent (20 %) of the population of Ontario will have a disability, of this, sixty percent (60 %) of disabilities are physical, however mental disorders are anticipated to become a leading cause of disabilities. Current statistics indicate that ten percent (10 %) of persons aged 15 -64 have disabilities, however the number of individuals aged 65+ living with disabilities increases to forty percent (40 %). • Half of the 1.9 million Ontarians with disabilities live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the culturally diverse GTA, accessibility issues can be compounded - "interactions of identity" - unique experiences of immigrants with disabilities, particularly senior immigrants. RATIONALE It is the intent of TRCA to draw an expanded and diverse client base to all public use facilities in order to provide outdoor recreation based opportunities to all individuals, including, those with a disability. TRCA also aims to enhance its programs, services and facilities to become fully accessible through the development of Accessibility Guidelines. Given recent legislation, societal standards for accessibility and aging user groups, TRCA aims to be prepared to respond to increasing demand for accessibility guidelines and to provide fully accessible public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communication. In addition, TRCA's municipal funding partners currently prepare an annual accessibility plan and have indicated that they will require the organizations they are supporting financially to respond to recent legislation and create accessibility guidelines. FINANCIAL DETAILS Financial impacts as a result of the accessibility guidelines will be integrated into capital and operating budgets. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. Develop accessibility guidelines for all new and existing public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communication. 2. Conduct a current state of accessibility audit of TRCA public use facilities, policies, practices and methods of public communication. 3. Modify existing public use facilities, policies,'practices and methods of public communications to become more accessible. 4. Develop the terms of reference and establish an accessibility committee 5. Develop and implement a three year action plan that is to be reviewed annually and updated as necessary. 6. Develop partnerships to assist in the implementation of the accessibility action plan Report prepared by: Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Emails: bclubine @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brad Clubine, extension 5252; Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: bclubine @trca.on.ca; dedwards @trca.on.ca Date: April 15, 2008 325 RES. #A119/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: NAMING OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FACILITY Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground Facility, Heart Lake Conservation Authority, City of Brampton, Region of Peel. Request for naming the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority -owned Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground Facility at the Heart Lake Conservation Area in the City of Brampton, Region of Peel. Jack Heath Linda Pabst THAT the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be authorized to name the Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground Facility at Heart Lake Conservation Area. CARRIED BACKGROUND It is the intent of TRCA to draw an expanded and diverse client base to Heart Lake Conservation Area in order to increase revenue. It is also the intention of TRCA to pursue the recommendations outlined in the Heart Lake Conservation Area (HLCA) Master Plan in its entirety. At Authority Meeting #5/06, held on June 23, 2006, Resolution #A133/06 regarding the endorsement of the Heart Lake Conservation Area (HLCA) Master Plan was approved as follows: THAT the Heart Lake Conservation Area Master Plan, dated June 1, 2006 be approved; AND FURTHER THAT funding for the implementation of the plan be included in the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) capital budget plan for Peel Region 2007 — 2011. One of the key recommendations of the HLCA Master Plan is the development of a state of the art outdoor aquatic playground to replace natural swimming in Heart Lake. Heart Lake suffers from algal blooms and has a murky bottom which contributes to a poor swimming experience. In order to support Heart Lake's shoreline naturalization project and restoration to a warm water fishery, swimming is to be discontinued. However, the removal of swimming is to coincide with the installation of the outdoor aquatic playground. As a result of and in conjunction with the recently endorsed HLCA Master Plan and approved capital budget funding from the Regional Municipality of Peel, staff retained the services of Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects for the preparation of the outdoor aquatic playground facility design. Over the last few months staff worked closely with Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects to prepare and refine the design and construction drawings required to move forward with the tendering and building permit process. The outdoor aquatic playground is to be constructed on the lands owned and operated by TRCA as Heart Lake Conservation Area. The design features a state of the art and barrier free 1,300 square metre (m2 ) wetland theme outdoor aquatic playground. Key design features of the facility include: 326 • 30+ wetland themed user activated features, aquatic playground elements and shade structures. These elements are necessary to expand upon the existing client base and make the Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground a destination point. • 550 person capacity; • State of the art 10,000 gallon sand filtered closed loop water recycling system. This system filters and reuses water, thus reducing the accumulation of waste water and need for fresh water input. • Ultraviolet (UV) water sanitation system. • Wastewater that is generated through operational maintenance which will be distributed through a dispersal system to irrigate surrounding soft landscaping and. • Energy and water efficient mechanical and washroom facilities, including low flow toilets and faucets, sensor automated lights and energy efficient pumps. At Authority Meeting #9/03, held on November 28, 2003, the protocol for naming TRCA assets was approved via Resolution #A255/03. According to the protocol, the naming of TRCA assets must follow and contain any or all of the following: TRCA will follow a consistent process to name or rename TRCA assets including lands, structures and other physical attributes. This process would include: • Researching the current and suggested names, particularly their historical relevance. • Engaging in a consultative process with interested stakeholders, including Members of The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, donors, TRCA employees, Authority Members, members of the public, municipal and other non - profit organizations. All name changes shall be subject to approval of the Authority. Municipalities and other stakeholders will receive information on the naming process including the rationale, the timing of the name change and any research on the history of the name to allow for comment. The naming of TRCA assets may contain any or all of the following: • The name of a major individual or corporate /public sector organization, possibly a donor. • The name of an individual prominent in the environmental or conservation community. • A relevant historical name associated with the geographic area or community. • The name of a strategic initiative, a citizen's group or other partnership of TRCA. • Other names that may have significance for a specific site and area. Over the past several months staff worked in partnership with the Peel Region Children's Water Festival organizing committee to develop a public naming contest for the Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground. The naming contest is open to all 70+ grades 2 - 5 classes who participate in the 2008 Peel Region Children's Water Festival. Classes who participate in the Peel Region Children's Water Festival were issued promotional material introducing the wetland theme Outdoor Aquatic Playground naming contest and encouraged to submit one contest entry per class to TRCA staff for review. 327 Using the approved process and criteria for naming TRCA assets, contest submissions are to be evaluated by the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer based on creativity, uniqueness and appropriateness. A winner is to be selected as the official name of Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground and will be featured in promotional material and on -site signage. In addition, each student in the class that provides the winning entry will receive a free Conservation Journeys Family Pass valid through July, 2009. If a suitable name is not submitted via the contest, staff will develop a name for the Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground in conjunction with the criteria for naming TRCA assets. The recommended name will de decided by the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer's review and subsequent approval. RATIONALE Although the typical process for naming TRCA assets requires Authority approval, staffs•desire to notify the successful contestant prior to the end of the school year, the need for the design and development of on -site signage and promotional material prior to the official opening of the facility, and the sensitive construction schedule of the project, delegating approval to the Chair and Chief Administrative Officer is requested in order to meet these deadlines. The Region of Peel Children's Water Festival has become a staple event at Heart Lake Conservation Area. By engaging both the festival participants and Region of Peel Children's Water Festival organizing committee in this naming contest, TRCA is consistent with the protocol for naming TRCA assets through a consultative process. FINANCIAL DETAILS Provision for the production of promotional material and on -site signage for the Heart Lake Outdoor Aquatic Playground has been included in TRCA's Capital Budget account code 422 -10. Report prepared by: Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca Date: May 13, 2008 RES. #A120/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN Regional Municipality of Peel. Award of selected advertising supplier contracts for a public awareness campaign on the Regional Municipality of Peel's 2008 climate change program. . Richard Whitehead Eve Adams 328 WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) and the Regional Municipality of Peel have partnered to provide a comprehensive climate change program in Peel Region; WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of Peel has approved the Peel Climate Change Communications Project to be implemented from July 1 to December 31, 2008 for each of the following contracts, at a total cost of $150,000 and has provided $100,000 in funding to TRCA and $50,000 to CVC for the program; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT IMA Outdoors be awarded the contract to produce and place posters at 11 different GO Train stations in Brampton and Mississauga at a cost not to exceed $35,000, plus applicable taxes, in 2008; THAT CBS be awarded the contract to produce and place 3 billboards, within Mississauga and Brampton, at a cost not to exceed $24,000, plus applicable taxes, in 2008; THAT CBS be awarded the contract to produce and place transit ads on selected City of Mississauga buses on high volume routes at a cost not to exceed $24,000, plus applicable taxes; THAT Street Seen Media be awarded the contract to produce and place transit ads on selected City of Brampton buses on high volume routes at a cost not to exceed $25,000, plus applicable taxes; THAT Getty Images be awarded the contract to supply photographic images in the advertising for all campaign materials at a cost not to exceed $12,000, plus applicable taxes; THAT the Town of Caledon be awarded the contract to place advertising in the 2008 Recreation Guide at a cost not to exceed $1,500, plus applicable taxes; THAT Loon Communications be awarded the contract to produce and place posters for 16 Brampton Community Centres at a cost not to exceed $4,500, plus applicable taxes; THAT the City of Mississauga be awarded the contract to place advertising in the Active Guide at a cost not to exceed $1,800, plus applicable taxes; AND FURTHER THAT I -Moble Web be awarded the contract to provide website design and content on a website regarding what the public can do to address climate change in the community at a cost not to exceed $5,000, plus applicable taxes. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Regional Municipality of Peel approved funding to TRCA and CVC in 2008 for various programs in its jurisdiction to address the issue of climate change, including funds for a communication program to be run from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. All three agencies will be recognized on all advertisements' as partners in the project. 329 In the 2008 Environmental Monitor study conducted by McAllister, Canadians were shown to be concerned and aware of climate change, however unaware of the true causes of climate change and what they can do about it. The public awareness campaign in Peel Region has been designed jointly by Peel Region, CVC and TRCA staff to create greater understanding of climate change, what the Region of Peel is doing and what individuals can do in their day -to -day activities to mitigate the impacts. Protection of water and air quantity and quality, access to greenspaces and personal action are some of the key messages. RATIONALE To integrate the messaging and the solutions to climate change, the proposed advertisement placement is focusing on transit and high traffic areas in the Region of Peel's jurisdiction. The website for use in the campaign is www.lifeisbetterinpeel.ca, and links to the site will be available from the Peel Region, CVC and TRCA websites. The vendors have been recommended for the following reasons: IMA Outdoors: • GO train stations were selected for ad placement due to high traffic volume and availability during the contract period. GO Transit holds an exclusive contract with IMA Outdoors for advertising so it is a sole source contract. CBS: • CBS currently holds a contract with the cities of Mississauga and Brampton to place billboards within the respective municipalities. • City of Mississauga holds an exclusive contract with CBS for advertisements along Mississauga bus routes. • Highly reputable company with an existing relationship with the municipalities, so recommending awarding it is a sole source contract. Street Seen Media: • City of Brampton holds an exclusive contract with Street Seen Media for advertisements along Brampton bus routes so it is a sole source contract. • High volume routes available during our contract period. • Offering reduced rates based on contract period. Getty Images: • TRCA staff designed artwork to target the campaign message and after reviewing images on the market determined that some images with rights held by Getty to be the most effective for the advertising material. Town Of Caledon • Recreation guide distributed to 19,000 Caledon households. • Message will reach approximately 57,000 (through libraries, community centres and households). • Reduced advertising rates. • Based on large coverage,•it is recommended to award the sole source contract. City Of Mississauga • Recreation Guide distributed to 185,000 Mississauga households. 330 • Message will reach approximately 220,000 (through libraries, community centres and households). • Based on large coverage, it is recommended to award the sole source contract. Loon Communications • City of Brampton holds an exclusive contract with Loon Communications for advertising within 16 City of Brampton recreation centres so it is a sole source contract. I -Moble Web • Came in at the lowest quote between I -Moble and Applinx. • Existing two year relationship with I -Moble and TRCA. Further, the above -noted vendors have been recommended for this campaign as they are able to produce the advertisement,at a reduced cost based on the contract for production and placement of the advertisements. FINANCIAL DETAILS The Peel Climate Change Communications Campaign is funded entirely by the Region of Peel Climate Change envelope with a budget of $150,000. The current expenses attributed to this campaign total $132,800. Additional .expenses are not anticipated at this time. Report prepared by: Adrienne Langston, extension 5201 Email: alangston @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Catherine MacEwen, extension 5217; Adrienne Langston, extension 5201 Emails: cmacewen @trca.on.ca; alangston @trca.on.ca Date: May 20, 2008 RES. #A121/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Etobicoke Creek Watershed Kingdom Covenant International, CFN 40703. Acquisition of a property located at 40 Rakely Court, south of Eglinton Avenue West and east of Dixie Road, City of Toronto, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Etobicoke Creek River watershed. (Executive Res. #B34/08) Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley THAT 0.42 hectares (1.04 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot F, on the Etobicoke River (in range with Concession 2'North of Dundas Street) and designated as Parts 1 -8 inclusive on Registered Plan 66R- 22928, located at 40 Rakely Court (south of Eglinton Avenue West and east of Dixie Road), City of Toronto, be purchased from Kingdom-Convenant International; 331 THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid by TRCA; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A122/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Ralph and Linda Hollander, CFN 40084. Purchase of property, municipally known as 1229 Bethesda Road, east of Bayview Avenue, on the south side of Bethesda Road, in the Town of Richmond Hill, in the Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res. #835/08) Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley THAT 20.45 hectares (50.54 acres), more or less, consisting of a rectangular shape parcel of land, improved with a two storey stone exterior finished single family residence, triple detached garage and boat house, including a 9 acre kettle lake, said land being Part of Lot 5, Concession 2, Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York and municipally known as 1229 Bethesda Road, be purchased from Ralph and Linda Hollander; THAT the purchase price be $3,450,000; THAT acquisition by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is conditional on all necessary funding being available from one or more of following sources: Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Regional Municipality of York, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Toronto and other potential funding sources; THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT Gardiner, Roberts, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; 332 AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED RES. #A123/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: EXCHANGE OF LANDS Vicinity of Riverside Drive, Town of Ajax Marshall Homes Duffins Creek Watershed, CFN 40709. Receipt of request from Marshall Homes to exchange lands west of Riverside Drive and south of Rossland Road, Town of Ajax, Regional Municipality of Durham. (Executive Res. #836/08) Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from Marshall Homes, the owner of a parcel of land west of Riverside Drive and south of Rossland Road within the Town of Ajax; WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interest of TRCA in furthering . its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act, to proceed with an exchange in this instance; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enter into an exchange of lands on the following basis: a) Marshall Homes will convey to TRCA a parcel of land containing 1.169 hectares (2.89 acres) more or less, of vacant land, being Lot 17, Concession 2, Town of Ajax, Regional Municipality of Durham, being Block A on a sketch illustrating the proposed land exchange prepared by J. D. Barnes Limited under Ref. No. 07 -25- 990 -03 -A; b) TRCA will convey to Marshall Homes two parcels of land containing a total area of 0.096 hectares (0.24 acres), more or, Tess, of vacant land, being Lot 17, Concession 2, and Part Block 3, Plan 342, Town of Ajax, Regional Municipality of Durham, being Parcels 1 and 2 on.a sketch illustrating the proposed land exchange prepared by J. D. Barnes Limited under Ref. No. 07 -25- 990 -03 -A; c) Marshall Homes is to pay all legal and survey costs; . d) completion of this sale will be subject to any Planning Act approvals that may be required for the severance. Marshall Homes must obtain, at their sole expense, the approval of the Land Division Committee for the Regional Municipality of Durham and any additional approvals which Marshall Homes may desire or the municipality requires; 333 e) any additional conditions as deemed appropriate by the TRCA staff or solicitor; f) , that the sale be subject to the approval of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act C.27 as amended; AND FURTHER THAT appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of any necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. RES. #A124/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED SANITARY SEWER PROJECTS King Township Area of the Humber River Watershed. Report in response to the letter from Ms. Madeleine McDowell regarding the dewatering processes for the sanitary sewer projects and its affect upon the groundwater table in King Township. (Executive Res. #837/08) Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) understands concerns raised by the Humber Heritage Committee regarding the construction of underground pipes, potential dewatering processes and their possible effects to the natural environment in the King Township area of the Humber River watershed; WHEREAS the proponent is committed to notify the Coordinator, Environmental Monitoring Review (YDSS), TRCA, if triggers are approached and mitigation measures should be implemented; WHEREAS TRCA staff will continue to work with the proponent if necessary to avoid and or mitigate negative affects to the environment; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Coordinator, Environmental Monitoring Review (YDSS) continue to be involved in both projects on a regular basis reviewing all future submissions and monitoring information and by interacting with the proponent, • contractors and other regulatory agencies' technical staff to ensure that all previous commitments are followed; AND FURTHER THAT the Coordinator, Environmental Monitoring Review (YDSS) and enforcement staff continue to conduct site visits to the areas under construction to ensure that projects are built according to the plans. CARRIED 334 RES. #A125 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK BOARDWALK Contract RSD08 -08. Award of Contract RSD08 -08 for construction of the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Boardwalk. (Executive Res. #838/08) Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley THAT contract RSD08 -08 for construction of the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Boardwalk be awarded to The Ontario Construction Company Ltd. for the total amount of $348,955 plus GST, which includes a contingency amount of $25,000 to be expended as authorized by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), it being the lowest bid that meets TRCA specifications; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the contract including signing and execution of documents. CARRIED RES. #A126 /08 - LONG TERM OFFICE ACCOMMODATION PROJECT Needs Analysis and Preliminary Building Evaluation Phase. Report on the needs analysis and preliminary building evaluation phase of the project to meet TRCA long term office accommodation needs. (Executive Res. #B39/08 & Res. #840/08) Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT a Long Term-Office Accommodation Working Group consisting of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Members representative of the participating municipalities including the Chair, be created to support and guide staff in development and implementation of the Long Term Office Accommodation project; THAT staff include in the 2009 -2013 capital budget projections funding for the project; THAT at the Authority meeting on May 23, 2008, members be asked to indicate their interest in serving on the Working Group which will include Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Councillor Ron Moeser and Councillor Maria Augimeri; AND FURTHER THAT the working group and staff report back to the Executive Committee no later than December 31, 2008. AMENDMENT RES. #A127 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Jack Heath John Sprovieri 335 THAT the third paragraph of the main motion be amended to read: THAT the Working Group include Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Councillor Ron Moeser, Councillor Maria Augimeri, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and Councillor John Sprovieri; THE AMENDMENT WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: CARRIED CARRIED THAT a Long Term Office Accommodation Working Group consisting of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Members representative of the participating municipalities including the Chair, be created to support and guide staff in development and implementation of the Long Term Office Accommodation project; THAT staff include in the 2009 -2013 capital budget projections funding for the project; THAT the Working Group include Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Councillor Ron Moeser, Councillor Maria Augimeri, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and Councillor John Sprovieri; AND FURTHER THAT the working group and staff report back to the Executive Committee no later than December 31, 2008. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A128 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Reenga Mathivanan Richard Whitehead THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.7.1 - 9.7.93, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #3/08, held on May 9, 2008, be received. RES. #A129 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Suzan Hall CARRIED THAT Section II item 9.8 - Millcreek Estates, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #3/08, held on May 9, 2008, be received; 336 AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Caledon be requested to contact the landowners of record to provide them with the color -coded map of this subdivision which outlines the potential interests of TRCA. RES. #A130 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Reenga Mathivanan Richard Whitehead CARRIED THAT Section II items 9.9 - 9.11, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #3/08, held on May 9, 2008, be received. Section I1 Items 9.9 - 9.11, Inclusive ONTARIO REGULATION 166/06 PERMIT RE- ISSUANCE PROTOCOL (Executive Res. #847/08) REGIONAL WATERSHED MONITORING NETWORK (Executive Res. #848/08) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #849/08) SECTION IV -.ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A131 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED COMPENSATION STUDY Updated information on Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's compensation levels compared to our partners and stakeholder groups. Bonnie Litt ley Colleen Jordan IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the following Resolution #A263/07 approved at Authority Meeting #9107, held on November 30, 2007, be received and become part of the public record: THAT the Proposed Salary /Wage Schedule, outlined in Attachment A, be approved for implementation on April 1, 2008, subject to approval of the final 2008 Operating and Capital Budget. CARRIED 337 BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #9/07, held on November 30, 2007, Resolution #A263/07 was approved in camera as per the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 2.d in that the subject matter considered is labour relations or employee negotiations. Private minutes were retained as a record of this item at the meeting. For transparency, TRCA will report back on in camera items when they can become public so a record of the resolution appears in public minutes. RATIONALE The resolution was subject to approval of the 2008 Operating and Capital Budget, which was approved at Authority Meeting #3/08, held on April 25, 2008. As a result of budget approval, the item can be made part of the public record. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: May 12, 2008 RES. #A132 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Litt ley Colleen Jordan THAT Section IV items 8.2.1 - 8.2.2, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Items - 8.2.1 - 8.2.2 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #3/08, held on March 27, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #1/08, held on January 15, 2008. RES. #A133 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Litt ley Linda Pabst THAT Section IV item 9.12 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #3/08, held on May 9, 2008, be received. CARRIED 338 TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 1:35 p.m., on Friday, May 23, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 339 4%. • er.THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #5/08 • June 27, 2008 The Authority Meeting #5/08,, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, June 27, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:41 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Member Paul Ainslie Member. Laurie Bruce - Member Gay Cowbourne Member Rob Ford Member Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Jack Heath Member Colleen Jordan Member Bonnie Littley Member Glenn Mason Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn - Member Ron Moeser Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member Anthony Perruzza Member John Sprovieri Member Rrchard Whitehead Member ABSENT -Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow - Member Bryan Bertie Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch Member Grant Gibson Member John Parker Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member 340 RES. #A134 /08 - MINUTES • . i Moved by: d Reenga Mathivanan Seconded by: Linda Pabst THAT the Minutes of Meeting #4/08, held on May 23, 2008, be approved. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Adriana Hoogenboom, Junior Biologist, South Nation Conservation, in regard to United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali.. RES. #A135 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Anthony Perruzza Suzan Hall THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE (a) A letter dated June 17, 2008 from the Secretary of the Ontario Municipal Board, in regard to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Member's remuneration. RES. #A136 /08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: • Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Paul Ainslie THAT above -noted correspondence (a) be received. CARRIED 341 CORRESPONDENCE (A) ISSUE DATE: June 17, 2008 ®i ®i= Ontario Ontario Municipal Board Commission des affaires municipales de ('Ontario FI080012 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has made an application to the Ontario Municipal Board under Section 37 of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C. 27, as amended, for an Order to approve an increase in the Chair's honorarium and members' per diem by 1.9% effective January 1, 2008 OMB File No. FI080012 BEFORE: M. HUBBARD CHAIR Tuesday, the 17th day of June, 2008 THE BOARD having received a request from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to increase the Chair's honorarium and members' per diem by 1.9% effective January 1, 2008; THE BOARD ORDERS an increase in the Chair's honorarium and members' per diem by 1.9% effective January 1, 2008. �l SECRETARY 342 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A137/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN: PATHWAYS TO A HEALTHY HUMBER Approval of Humber River Watershed Plan and immediate steps to facilitate its implementation. John Sprovieri Reenga Mathivanan WHEREAS the Province of Ontario's Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2002) requires every upper tier and single tier municipality to prepare watershed plans for every Oak Ridges Moraine stream that originates within the municipality's area of jurisdiction; WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff completed a final draft Humber River Watershed Plan on behalf of watershed municipalities which updates the 1997 Humber River Watershed Strategy - Legacy: A Strategy For A Healthy Humber, meets watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2002) and augments management direction provided by the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan for upstream municipalities; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber River Watershed Plan, Pathways to a Healthy Humber, dated June 2008, be approved; THAT staff be directed to work with partners to implement the plan; THAT staff be directed to use the Humber River State of the Watershed Reports, Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report, Action Plan for Sustainable Practices and Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide as reference documents to inform and guide ongoing work and long term work planning and budget preparation; THAT copies of the Humber River Watershed Plan be circulated to municipalities within the Humber River watershed and their Councils be asked to adopt the plan and commit to work with the TRCA to implement the recommendations appropriate to their municipality; THAT copies of the Humber River Watershed Plan be circulated to the Humber Watershed Alliance, provincial and federal governments as well as all other relevant organizations and interest groups and they be asked to provide ongoing support for the implementation of the principles, objectives and relevant recommendations of the plan; THAT copies of the Humber River State of the Watershed Reports, Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report, Action Plan for Sustainable Practices and Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide be circulated to watershed municipalities and made available to other partner organizations and they be encouraged to use these reference documents to inform and guide their ongoing work; THAT copies of the Humber River Watershed Plan be circulated to local libraries and copies of the plan and all supporting documents be posted on the TRCA web site; 343 THAT staff be directed to work with watershed municipalities and other partners to develop five year workplans and budgets for top-priority projects identified in the Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide and incorporate them into the annual capital budget process; THAT the revised, Conformity Assessment for the Humber River Watershed Plan in Attachment 3 and the watershed planning(documents referenced in the conformity • assessment be deemed to fulfill the watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP; 2002) and be approved for use in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine and that the regional and local municipalities, Province of Ontario and Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition (CAMC) be .so advised; THAT staff meet with representatives of the Aboriginal community to discuss the Humber River Watershed Plan and ways they wish to be involved in its implementation; THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance assist staff with reporting on progress in the implementation of the Humber River Watershed Plan; AND FURTHER THAT staff convene up to 3 meetings per year with municipal staff and other stakeholder representatives from the Humber watershed, and in conjunction with other watershed groups where appropriate, to facilitate partnerships and track progress in implementation. CARRIED BACKGROUND Purpose and Role of the Watershed Plan In 2003, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) entered into a five year work program with the Regional Municipality of York, the Regional Municipality of Peel and the City of Toronto to prepare a watershed plan for the Humber River. This initiative was to assist York and Peel Region municipalities inf fulfilling the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) requirementto•have watershed plans completed by April, 2007. The study was also designed to update the 1997 watershed strategy, Legacy: A Strategy For A Healthy Humber, augment the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan by providing direction for upstream municipalities, identify high priority remedial actions that address goals of the Remedial Action Plan for the Toronto and Region Great Lakes Areas of Concern, and apply TRCA's vision for The Living City at a watershed scale. The goal of the watershed planning study was to make long term strategic recommendations for the protection and enhancement of watershed health, based on an integrated understanding of watershed systems and technical analysis of issues, opportunities and management strategies and their predicted effects on the watershed. The watershed planning approach is well- recognized.in legislation and local plans and policies, although it is only the ORMCP which requires municipalities to undertake watershed plans and incorporate their objectives and requirements into municipal official plans and ensure that major development on the Oak Ridges Moraine conforms with the watershed plan. 344 The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments and TRCA as policies and programs for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration within the contexts of land and water use are updated, and the planning of future urban growth. The plan also provides direction to local non - governmental organizations and private landowners with regard to best management practices and opportunities for environmental stewardship. Watershed Planning Process At Authority Meeting #6/04, held on June 25, 2004, Resolution #A191/04 was adopted, giving approval to an overall workplan for the watershed planning study. The workplan outlined a three - phased approach, including: 1) initial scoping and characterization of current conditions; 2) analysis of current and potential future stresses on the watershed and evaluation of various management strategies; and 3) preparation of the watershed management plan and implementation framework. Opportunities for public and stakeholder consultation throughout the process were recognized as an essential component of the work program. The scope of technical study components addressed the core ORMCP requirements (e.g. water, natural heritage) and acknowledged that 'other' study components such as cultural heritage and nature -based recreation were to be included to address local watershed interests and issues. In 2005, the province released a series of draft technical guidelines addressing various aspects of the ORMCP, including one on watershed planning. The guidelines were finalized in 2007. The watershed planning guideline, while quite general, advocates the same planning process that TRCA and its partners have followed. New Approaches TRCA has been a leader in advancing the science of integrated watershed planning in order to produce state -of- the -art watershed planning products that will provide a sound basis for effective management decisions. Some of the innovative aspects of this work included: • Modelling and analysis of the watershed's response to future land use and management scenarios, including various extents and forms of urban growth, stormwater retrofits, expanded natural cover and climate change; • An integrated, interdisciplinary analysis that has improved the understanding of the watershed system and its sensitivities (e.g. interaction of surface and groundwater; effects of terrestrial natural heritage on hydrology, etc.); • Development and application of linked modelling tools to support the above -noted analysis; • Development of a science -based methodology for prioritization of regeneration actions; • Social marketing studies in support of more strategic implementation recommendations for lot level practices in business and residential sectors; • Development of an implementation guide to accompany the watershed plan, including a policy component that will assist municipal planners in applying the plan's science and strategic recommendations; and • Ongoing commitment to community engagement in the planning process. 345 Supporting Documents The following principle documents support the Humber River Watershed Plan: A series of ten (10) Humber River State of the Watershed Reports (TRCA, 2008) document the current watershed conditions and issues in relation to the watershed objectives, according to the theme areas: Air Quality, Aquatic System, Cultural Heritage, Fluvial Geomorphology, Geology and Groundwater.Resources, Land and Resource Use, Nature -based Recreation, Surface Water Quality, Surface Water Quality and Terrestrial System. Drafts of these reports and ratings of current conditions provided input to the 2007 Watershed Report Card, Listen To Your-River: A Report Card on the Health of the Humber River Watershed (TRCA, 2007). Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report (TRCA, 2008) summarizes the predicted watershed response to future land use and management scenarios. This work . identified the relative effectiveness of various management strategies and provided a basis for recommendations in the Watershed Plan. Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (TRCA, 2008) organizes the watershed plan recommendations according to the relevant implementation tools and assembles additional information to inform initial action. The guide summarizes'a proposed workplan of implementation projects, within the context of existing programs and likely implementing partners. - Action Plan for Sustainable Practices - Implementation Strategies for the Residential and Business Sectors in the Greater Toronto Area (Freeman Associates, 2006), a social marketing based study which recommended strategies for accelerating the uptake and adoption of sustainable' practices, with a focus on lot level stormwater management and naturalization. These key strategies were included in the watershed plan. Consultation on Draft Humber River Watershed Plan and Supporting Documents Consultation Mechanisms TRCA staff has conducted a program of consultation for the plan. A series of seven reports and three presentations were brought to the Humber Watershed Alliance at milestone points in the watershed planning process. Copies of the first draft watershed plan. were sent out in June, 2007 to senior study contacts within key departments of each watershed municipality, provincial and federal government agencies, the Humber Watershed Alliance and other interested stakeholders. _Copies of the final draft watershed plan and implementation guide were sent out in April, 2008,to the same groups: Information was provided about the availability of other supporting.documents (downloadable from TRCA'.s web site or available upon request in hard copy or CD) and upcoming consultation sessions. An offer was extended to have TRCA staff attend meetings or provide presentations to facilitate reviews. Comments and an indication of support in principle for the watershed plan were requested by May 9, 2008, although this deadline was extended to June 3, 2008 in several instances. Half -day 'government' consultation sessions were held on March 30 and October 9, 2007 and April 23, 2008, involving staff representatives from watershed municipalities and provincial and federal government departments. There was general support for the strategic directions of the watershed plan and good dialogue about how to move forward to implementation at each meeting. 346 Three public open houses were held at locations around the watershed, including Caledon (November 19, 2007), Toronto (November 21, 2007) and Vaughan (November 22, 2007). A total of about 50 people attended. These sessions were advertised via notices placed in major community newspapers throughout the watershed. Feedback Received In summary, most of the feedback received was very supportive, acknowledging the scientific basis for the plan, the innovative and comprehensive planning approach and the action - oriented implementation directions. The most significant comments pertained to: • the need for clarification of the role of the watershed plan, in terms of the authority under which it is to be implemented (explanatory text has been added in response to this comment); • the need for flexibility in implementation, particularly regarding how recommendations will be incorporated into policies and programs; • the need for further analysis and refinement of the recommended target terrestrial natural heritage system as part of planning and implementation initiatives at more detailed scales; • the need for sustainable funding mechanisms to support implementation of municipal stormwater infrastructure and nature -based recreation system recommendations; • the need to establish new partnerships with business improvement associations, chambers of commerce and other community groups as a crucial step in moving forward with implementation initiatives; • the need to evaluate recommendations within the context of provincial direction for intensification and sustainability; and • the need to assess the economic implications of implementing the Watershed Plan integral recommendations. A few other comments identified the need for minor points of clarification and updated references to current initiatives of implementing partners. These edits have been incorporated into the final document brought forward for approval. Aboriginal Community TRCA staff attempted to engage Aboriginal communities to be involved in preparing and reviewing the watershed plan but were unable to identify representatives who were able to participate. Staff believe that involvement of the Aboriginal community in the implementation of the watershed plan will be very important to its success, particularly considering the rich cultural heritage of the watershed. Staff is currently working in consultation with First Nations representatives on a protocol to identify proper First Nations contacts, means of communication, interests in TRCA projects and preferences for participating in future watershed planning and implementation activities. 347 Expert Peer Review It had been the original intent of staff to conduct an expert peer review on the final draft plan and supporting documents (in addition to the peer review that was conducted on the draft state of the watershed reports and study workplan). However, given the time required by staff to complete.all background reports in conjunction with other concurrent watershed planning studies, TRCA staff has considered the relative benefits of additional peer review in relation to the further delays this would cause in finalizing and initiating implementation of the plan. Staff considered the fact that peer review has already been conducted on core components of the watershed planning work, specifically: • Modular Three- Dimensional Groundwater Flow Model (MODFLOW) was developed and reviewed by the.multi- partner 'YPDT groundwater group;' • The water - budget model used in the Humber watershed planning study is consistent with a TRCA jurisdiction -wide water budget model developed as part of the CTC Source Water Protection program, which has been favourably peer reviewed by an independently- contracted expert; • The TRCA's-Regional Terrestrial Natural Heritage Strategy which formed the basis for the Humber:watershed target terrestrial system has been peer reviewed; and • The Duffins Creek watershed planning process, which the Humber study followed, was favourably peerreviewed and has been cited by the province and others as a state -of- the -art model. Staff 'involved external expertise in workshops as part of the plan development, and the plan itself and supporting documents havebeen circulated for public and agency review and comment. Modelling of similar issues in neighbouring watersheds (i.e. Credit River, Rouge River) is showing similar watershed responses, and therefore staff feel the work is further supported by these findings. Finally, staff acknowledged assumptions and areas of uncertainty in the modellingithroughout the plan and supporting documents, and are committed to facilitate further work in those areas. Based on these considerations, staff believe the work is defensible and would prefer to proceed to final approval to allow implementation of the many 'no regrets,' urgent recommendations which have many benefits. The plan is a living document, which can be updated in the future, as new science and approaches emerge. Humber River Watershed Plan- Key Recommendations The Humber River Watershed Plan has concluded that a 'business -as- usual' approach to future development will result in continued.losses of environmental quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage, along with considerable costs to address the health, -social and economic consequences of degraded environmental conditions and damaged infrastructure. A healthy, more'resilient Humber River watershed that supports a high quality of life for communities is within reach only if opportunities to protect and restore healthy natural systems, build more sustainable communities and enhance the regional open space system are acted upon. (see Attachment 1 - Watershed Plan Executive Summary). The plan sets out a number of strategic recommendations to protect and enhance valued resources, regenerate damaged systems and build more sustainable communities. These strategies fall into three broad categories: • Expand the terrestrial natural heritage system; • Build sustainable communities (by improving water management and promoting sustainable practices overall); and • Recognize the distinctive heritage of the Humber through an enhanced regional open space system. 348 The recommended management strategies are as follows: Environment Water 1) Protect recharge and discharge 2) Increase natural cover 3) Improve sustainability of development design 4) Improve erosion and sediment control and site restoration 5) Implement stormwater retrofits 6) Maintain stormwater infrastructure 7) Prevent pollution 8) Manage flood risks 9) Protect stream form 10) Monitor, evaluate and adjust Air Quality and Climate Change 1) Reduce vehicle use and other emissions 2) Enhance natural vegetation sinks 3) Undertake a vegetation impacts study Aquatic System 1) Maintain or restore natural stream flow patterns and protect aquatic habitats 2) Optimize fish passage for native fish species 3) Support the draft Redside Dace Recovery Strategy 4) Improve recreational fishing opportunities Terrestrial System 1) Secure a targeted system 2) Restore and enhance natural cover 3) Manage the matrix Society Cultural Heritage 1) Investigate and conserve cultural heritage prior to changes in land use 2) Establish a communication plan with Aboriginal groups 3) Fill gaps in archaeological knowledge 4) Develop active and participatory programs to increase awareness 5) Develop a living cultural heritage program 6) Maintain the designation of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River Nature Based Recreation 1) Recognize and enhance the regional system for nature -based recreation 2) Complete the inter - regional trail network 3) Establish public access to a northern gateway to the Humber watershed 4) Protect the unique experiences of the Humber watershed greenspace system 5) Develop plans to balance public access and resource protection 6) Interpret natural and cultural heritage 349 7) Form community partnerships for implementation Economy Urban Land Use 1) Protect significant Iandforms 2) .Implement sustainable urban form 3) Implement sustainable infrastructure 4) Implement sustainable transportation Agriculture 1) Provide GTA -wide services for local farm businesses 2) Support local food and increase public awareness about sustainable agriculture 3) Implement policies to support agriculture Resource Use • 1) Increase water: efficiency and conservation 2) Reduce energy use and increase non - fossil fuel alternatives 3) Reduce waste Implementation Guide,- Top Priority Implementation Projects The implementation guide organizes the watershed plan recommendations according to relevant implementation tools (e.g. policy, regeneration, land securement, stewardship and _education,,operations and maintenance, enforcement and monitoring) and identifies top priority projects for initial implementation (see Attachment 2 - Implementation Guide Executive Summary). Likethe watershed plan, the implementation guide is intended to inform and guide. The proposed projects contained in the guide are meant to serve as a basis for discussion among implementing_partners and as a source for the further development of individual partners'•own long term work plan and budget preparations. Upon approval of the Humber River Watershed Plan, TRCA will initiate discussion with key implementing partners to develop five year workplans and budgets for the top priority projects, and incorporate them in capital budgets. • Revised ORMCP Conformity Assessment At Authority Meeting #7/07, held on September'28, 2007, Resolution #A209/07 was passed as follows: THAT the conformity assessment for the Humber River Watershed Plan and the watershed planning documents referenced in the conformity assessment be deemed to fulfill the watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP; 2002); THAT the conformity assessment for the Humber River Watershed Plan and the watershed planning documents referenced in .the conformity assessment be•approved for use by the appropriate implementation authority on an interim basis in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine until such time as municipal consultation is completed and a final watershed plan is brought back to the Authority for approval; 350 AND FURTHER THAT the regional and local watershed municipalities and the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition be so advised. Staff revised the conformity assessment, based on the final watershed planning document references (see Attachment 3 - ORMCP Watershed Planning Requirements Conformity Assessment for Humber River Watershed). Staff recommend that the revised conformity assessment and the final watershed planning documents referenced therein be approved for use in the review of major development proposals on the Oak Ridges Moraine portion of the Humber River watershed. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will take the following steps to facilitate the transition from plan to action: • Design the desk - top - published version of the Humber River Watershed Plan document and distribute it to watershed partners; • Meet with Aboriginal community leaders to discuss the watershed plan and ways they may wish to be involved in its implementation; • Meet with municipal staff and other key implementing partners to incorporate top priority projects in future years workplans and budgets; • Meet with municipal staff and other stakeholders to initiate the plan for hosting a 2009 multi - stakeholder forum to identify priorities, associated budgets and responsibilities for the implementation of the watershed plan; and • Include projects that implement the Humber River Watershed Plan recommendations, in annual capital budgets. Many municipalities, other agencies and local groups, have already begun to use the watershed plan to inform ongoing projects and new initiatives. FINANCIAL DETAILS Total funding in the amount of $1,500,000 over 5 years was provided for the Humber River Watershed Plan by the Regional Municipality of York, Regional Municipality of Peel and City of Toronto as part of the municipal capital budgets for TRCA. Additional grants totaling $50,000 were provided by Environment Canada's Great Lakes Sustainability Fund in support of the regeneration plan component of the Implementation Guide and social marketing research. In addition, the Remedial Action Plan Memorandum of Understanding funding indirectly suuports the development of these plans. Implementation funding for TRCA activities will be subject to capital allocations for 2009 and beyond. Report prepared by: Dean Young, extension 5662 Email: dyoung @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dean Young, extension 5662 or Sonya Meek, extention 5253 Emails: dyoung @trca.on.ca, smeek @trca.on.ca Date: June 12, 2008 Attachments: 3 351 Attachment 1 Humber River Watershed Plan Pathways to a Healthy Humber EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Humber River watershed is an extraordinary resource. It spans 903 square kilometers, from the headwaters on the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine down through fertile clay plains to the marshes and river mouth on Lake Ontario. The watershed provides many benefits to the people who live in it. It is a source of drinking water drawn from wells or from Lake Ontario. Unpaved land absorbs water from rain and snowfall to replenish groundwater and streams and reduce the negative impacts of flooding and erosion. Healthy aquatic and terrestrial habitats support diverse communities of plants and animals. Agricultural lands provide local sources of food and green spaces provide recreation opportunities. A rich human heritage affords links to the past that enrich and inform our lives today. The natural beauty of the forests, meadows, farmlands, wetlands, rivers and creeks provides urban dwellers with solace, renewal and contact with nature. However, this magnificent resource is under stress from human activities. The Humber Watershed Alliance, formed in 1994 to coordinate and promote activities to improve watershed health, gave the watershed an overall C grade in Listen to Your River: A Report Card on the Health of the Humber River Watershed, 2007. This grade was based on an average of the results for 26 indicators of watershed health that illustrate a wide range of conditions: from a very good rating for the protection of significant landforms to a failing grade for stormwater management. Conditions also vary considerably in different parts of the watershed, with generally higher grades in the upper, more rural parts of the watershed, and lower grades in the highly urbanized lower portions: This review of watershed health emphasized the need to continue.working to protect what is valuable and restore what is degraded. Issues identified in the report card include many harmful effects of urbanization on water balance, water quality, natural cover, aquatic and terrestrial communities, cultural heritage and air quality. These effects;include increased surface runoff, more water pollution, greater annual flow volumes in rivers'and streams, increased erosion and sedimentation, channel instability, smog, and losses of cultural heritage and biodiversity. All upland forest connections have been severed in.the cities of Toronto, Brampton and the southern portions of both Vaughan and Caledon and.more natural vegetation is scheduled for removal, according to current urban development plans. Only 25% of the urban area in the watershed has some level of stormwater management. The quality of fish habitat is deteriorating in many of the watershed's rivers and streams. 352 Successes include the 1999 designation of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River, recognizing its importance in the history of First Nations peoples, the early Euro- Canadian explorers and settlers of Upper Canada as well as its contribution to the development of the country. Provincial initiatives including the Niagara Escarpment Act, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, Greenbelt Act, Places to Grow Act, 2005 Ontario Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario Heritage Act and the recently adopted Ontario Regulation 166/06 for conservation authorities all provide increased protection for landforms, environmental and cultural resources and agricultural lands. In addition, many protection, stewardship and regeneration projects have been implemented. Over 400,000 trees and shrubs were planted and 8.8 ha of new wetlands were created in the watershed between 2001 and 2006. The removal of in- stream barriers is allowing rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon to return to spawning grounds in the Humber River for the first time in more than 150 years. The recent creation of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park in Richmond Hill is protecting 428 hectares of land from development and retaining the last remaining natural linkage between the western and eastern parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Humber watershed will experience further, major changes in land use over the next few decades. Approved official plans allow for an additional 8845 hectares of new urban lands beyond 2002 land uses, increasing the amount of the watershed that is urbanized from 27% to 36 %. Once these plans are implemented, there will probably be further development in some watershed municipalities up to the boundaries of the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. A large amount of commercial development is projected to occur along the east branches of the West Humber (Brampton and Caledon) and in the Rainbow Creek and Purpleville Creek subwatersheds (Vaughan). The proposed expansion of the 400 series of Provincial highways includes an anticipated extension to Highway 427 through the central part of the watershed. Trends in municipal servicing may result in a shift from groundwater supplies to lake -based water supplies, for example in Kleinburg and King City. The population size and diversity of the Humber watershed continues to expand. In 2001 (based on census data) there were approximately 670,000 people living in the watershed, an increase of 37% from 1995. Much of this population growth, and associated urban development, has occurred within the City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond Hill and City of Brampton. The growing population and cultural diversity of the watershed may create demands for different types of nature -based recreation and cultural heritage interpretation activities as well as new approaches to community involvement in stewardship and outreach education programs. What is the role of the watershed plan? The watershed plan is intended to inform and guide municipalities, provincial and federal governments, TRCA, non - governmental organizations and private landowners as they update their policies and practices for environmental protection and stewardship. 353 This updated watershed plan is part of an adaptive management approach to address these challenges. Since the publication of Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber in 1997, much has been learned about the Humber watershed from monitoring, research and the experiences of watershed partners. This plan updates the watershed management strategies in Legacy in Tight of new information, a stronger scientific foundation and better understanding of the effects. of human actions on the ecosystem. There is also a need to respond to a number of recent policy and planning initiatives, including the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Clean Water Act, City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan, stormwater retrofit studies of other municipalities, and TRCA's vision for The Living City. The guiding framework for this watershed plan comprises a set of principles and 30 objectives with specific targets for watershed conditions. They address: • • Environment: stream form, groundwater, surface water, air, aquatic, system, terrestrial system • Society: cultural heritage, nature -based recreation • Economy: land use, resource use Nine potential future scenarios were developed and examined in relation to existing conditions to provide an understanding of how the watershed might react to changes in land use and environmental management in the future. This process revealed that if future development proceeds with current approaches to community design and stormwater management, it will not be possible to maintain current conditions, let alone improve them. Instead, there will be additional deterioration of environmental conditions, biodiversity and damage to infrastructure and property. Further, the analysis showed that even if the most innovative sustainable community measures are applied, this deterioration cannot be completely prevented throughout the watershed. The anticipated effects of climate change may exacerbate these concerns. The .pathway to a healthier, more resilient watershed that emerged from this analysis is based on a comprehensive and inter - dependent set of strategies that will protect and enhance valued resources, regenerate damaged systems, and build more sustainable communities. This will help;to increase the resilience of natural systems to human activities and climate change. It will also create healthier places for people and wildlife and stronger support for economic activities. The recommended management strategies fall into three broad categories: 354 1 Protect and expand the terrestrial natural heritage system: Figure 5.2 illustrates an expanded natural heritage system that provides multiple benefits, including biodiversity and habitats, water balance maintenance and restoration, opportunities for nature -based recreation, carbon sequestration, improved quality of life, and greater resilience to urban growth and climate change. This system can be accomplished by protecting existing valued assets, securing additional lands, regenerating degraded areas, and improving stewardship of public and private lands. The first priority is the lands in the potential greenfield development areas outside the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt. The second priority is the protected countryside areas of the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plans and the rural area of the Niagara Escarpment Plan; and the third priority is in natural core and linkage areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and natural areas of the Niagara Escarpment Plan. 2) Build sustainable communities: More sustainable approaches to urban form, infrastructure, transportation and resource use are proposed in order to contribute to increased environmental integrity and quality of life. They should be applied to new communities, as well as to the intensification or redevelopment of existing ones. Some of the key features include reduced imperviousness, rainwater harvesting and other measures to maintain or restore predevelopment water balance, design features to facilitate sustainable choices (e.g. energy conservation, reduced vehicle use, support for local agricultural products) and protection and adaptive re -use of cultural heritage features. Erosion and sediment control practices must be improved to protect watercourses, especially in areas of intense urban growth. Development should be designed to proceed at a pace and extent that allows sufficient time to adopt, test and evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies and to make adjustments if the results do not meet the objectives and targets for the watershed. 3) Recognize the distinctive heritage of the Humber through an enhanced regional open space system: The Humber watershed has the basis for a significant, linked regional open space system including inter - regional trails, conservation areas, major municipal parks, and cultural heritage features and landscapes. Greater collaboration is needed between public and private sector partners to improve links between nature -based recreation and cultural heritage destinations and experiences and to facilitate better planning and management of the system. This system should be further developed to reach its potential to provide experiences for a growing population and support healthy communities, interpretation of natural and cultural heritage, links with local neighborhoods and connections to surrounding watersheds and regions. The status of the Humber as a Canadian Heritage River is a remarkable designation that should be promoted. Completion of a contemporary trail along the historic Carrying Place portage route that follows a spectacular river valley system would help to highlight and connect people with the natural and cultural heritage assets of the watershed. 355 To accomplish the management strategies, a collaborative, integrated approach is required. This begins,with increased awareness to ensure that watershed residents, businesses, developers and agencies understand the importance of the watershed, its water cycle, natural systems and cultural heritage. The coordinated efforts of government agencies and community • leaders must be applied to plans and policies, permits and regulations, enforcement, infrastructure operations and maintenance,. stewardship and regeneration programs, and education and awareness initiatives. Many challenges lie ahead on the pathway, but a healthy, sustainable Humber watershed is within reach. , This plan shows that a "business -as- usual" approach to future development will result in continued losses of environmental 'quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage, along with considerable.costs to address the health, social and economic consequences of degraded environmental conditions and damaged infrastructure and property. Instead, there are opportunities to create abetter future, with healthy natural systems and a rich natural and cultural heritage, supporting a high quality of life for our communities. With the guidance offered in this plan, a concerted effort by all watershed partners can bring these opportunities to fruition. 356 Attachment 2 Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The Humber River Watershed Plan - Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008), was prepared by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with municipal, provincial and federal government representatives and other stakeholders including the Humber Watershed Alliance. The Watershed Plan provides guidance to local, regional and provincial governments and TRCA as they update their policies and programs for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration within the contexts of land and water use, and the planning of future development. It also provides direction to local non - governmental organizations and private landowners with regard to best management practices and opportunities for environmental stewardship. The Watershed Plan is based on a strong understanding of current conditions developed through analysis of environmental monitoring information, combined with leading edge approaches to predicting potential future conditions that involved modeling and expert input. A series of management summit workshops were also held to develop recommendations that address key watershed management issues. The Watershed Plan shows that a "business -as- usual" approach to future development will result in continued losses of environmental quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage, along with considerable costs to address the health, social and economic consequences of degraded environmental conditions and damaged infrastructure and property. A healthy, more resilient Humber watershed that supports a high quality of life for our communities is within reach only if opportunities to protect and restore healthy natural systems, build more sustainable communities, and enhance the regional open space system are acted upon. Purpose of the Implementation Guide The purpose of this guide is to facilitate implementation of the recommendations contained in the Humber River Watershed Plan by planners, consultants, managers, businesses, community groups, residents and other watershed stakeholders. The Guide organizes the Watershed Plan recommendations according to relevant implementation tools (Policy; Regeneration; Land Securement; Stewardship and Education; Operation and Maintenance; Enforcement; and Monitoring) and assembles additional information to inform initial action. The Guide outlines a 10 year work plan of implementation projects, within the context of existing programs and likely implementing partners. Like the Watershed Plan, the Implementation Guide is intended to guide on -going implementation and updating or development of programs and policies. The proposed projects contained in this Guide are meant to serve as a basis for discussion among implementing partners and as a source of ideas for further development of individual partners' own long term work plan and budget preparations. Strategic Watershed Management Direction The Humber River Watershed Plan concludes that tht' watershed is at a critical crossroads in that it continues to support many unique natural and cultural heritage values, and yet a number of present and anticipated stresses will challenge the ability to sustain present conditions. The Watershed Plan identifies three strategic management directions for the protection and enhancement of the watershed: 357 1. Protect and expand terrestrial natural cover Protect, restore and enhance natural cover in a target terrestrial natural heritage system. This action is especially important in areas upstream of existing and future urban growth, from a water management and erosion control imperative, and for parts of the target system vulnerable to loss or impact from urban growth, and from a habitat biodiversity standpoint. It will also contribute to serving the growing demand for nature -based recreation and provide greater resilience to climate change. Land use policy, regeneration and land securement projects are the primary implementation mechanisms to achieve this set of recommendations. 2. Build more sustainable new communities and retrofit older ones to improve their sustainability,by improving water management and promoting more sustainable practices overall. a) Improve Water Management Manage for pre - development water balance (i.e., runoff volume control and maintenance of infiltration) by protecting natural heritage systems, naturalizing urban landscaping, using innovative lot level and conveyance stormwater - management technologies, and rain harvesting. This set of actions is critical to water management and the associated health of the aquatic system. b) Promote Sustainable Practices Overall Facilitate the use of these innovative water management approaches by promoting improved urban form, green buildings and sustainable behaviour, and at the same time address a broad range of other objectives for the sustainable community. Of particular interest is the need to accelerate the shift to the adoption of more sustainable practices - through education/ awareness, testing, and demonstrating new technologies. A co- ordinated combination of new policies, "retrofit" type regeneration projects, improved operations and maintenance programs, stewardship /education, and monitoring initiatives will be necessary. • 3. Recognize the Humber's distinctive heritage through an enhanced regional open space system Further develop the regional open space system to support healthy communities and a growing population by securing additional lands for greenspace, expanding the trail network, and creating new opportunities for interpretation and celebration of natural and cultural heritage. Promote the distinctive experiences of the hills of the headwaters, kettle lakes and Humber valley wilderness as part of marketing campaigns for local businesses and attractions. Cultural heritage features and landscapes are increasingly playing a role in recreation (e:g., rural heritage settings, adaptive re -use of heritage buildings) and opportunities to integrate them with the regional open space system should be considered. Active and participatory education programs were identified as a strategic means of engaging the public and raising.awareness of these issues and several regeneration capital works initiatives have been identified to address this set of recommendations. 358 Top Priority Implementation Projects This Implementation Guide outlines a 10 year work plan of implementation projects addressing all recommendations of the watershed plan, and is organized according to primary implementation mechanisms: • Policy; • Regeneration; • Land Securement; • Stewardship and Education; • Operations and Maintenance; • Enforcement; and • Monitoring. The following list of top priority implementation projects and actions has been selected with consideration for their collective ability to address the three strategic management directions noted above, in an expeditious and mutually supportive way. They are not listed in any particular order. The reference numbers in brackets (i.e., 1 -8) are the respective project numbers, as listed in the implementation work plan tables within the Guide, where additional information is provided. Policy and Related Special Studies 1. Municipalities and TRCA should work together to investigate ways to incorporate the following new policy directions into their planning documents (see Table 1.1 for details and Table 1.2 - project 1 -1): a) Identify a target terrestrial natural heritage system (TNHS) based on the system recommended in the Humber River Watershed Plan and adopt policies to protect and restore natural cover. b) Manage for pre - development water balance (i.e., reduce excess runoff volume, maintain or restore natural levels of infiltration and evaporation) with particular emphasis on areas confirmed as significant recharge areas. c) Develop strategies and policies to promote sustainable urban form, including sustainable infrastructure, transportation and resource use. d) Conduct Master Environmental Servicing Plans (MESPs) in a subwatershed context to establish the environmental features, functions and linkages as part of the growth planning process rather than limiting them to political or land ownership boundaries. e) Recognize, maintain and enhance a linked regional open space system that provides the basis for recreational experiences of the distinctive natural and cultural heritage of the watershed. f) Conduct comprehensive flood risk assessment plans where intensification is proposed in a flood vulnerable area or Special Policy Area. g) Support stormwater retrofits in existing developments and redevelopment projects (including road reconstruction). h) Adopt policy to implement the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area Conservation Authorities' Erosion and Sediment Control Guideline for Urban Construction and update municipal Erosion and Sediment Control by -laws and Fill by -laws as necessary. i) Adopt policy to recognize and implement the Humber River Fisheries Management Plan. 359 j) Support updated and expanded monitoring programs, including ambient monitoring, requirements for pre - development baseline monitoring, and the promotion and testing of new technologies and their cumulative effects:. 2. ORM Municipalities - recognize the Humber River Watershed Plan in their official plans, as required by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (1 -7). 3. ORM municipalities and TRCA should prepare a major development proposal review checklist that specifies the information to be included in a development application and criteria to determine ORMCP•conformity.(1 -8): 4. MPIR, MMAH, MOE, municipalities, TRCA, AMO, CO, BILD - Establish development standards for sustainable community design for application to new development proposals or urban expansions (1. -3). • 5. TRCA -, municipalities and other approval agencies - Develop a strategy /procedure for streamlining approvals for innovative designs (1 -4). 6. TRCA, BILD, municipality - Promote a sustainable greenfield neighbourhood demonstration project (1 -5). 7. TRCA - Undertake a continuous simulation and event -based hydrologic modelling study to determine the most conservative approach to sizing SWM ponds for flood control in future growth areas (1 -11). 8. TRCA, municipalities - Undertake a scoped economic assessment of the implications of implementing the.Watershed Plan integral recommendations, including valuation of • ecosystem services, preparation of a methodology for applying the net gain approach, and development of recommendations for applying fairness and equity in implementation (1 -18). Regeneration 1. All partners - Increase natural cover: 1) in Oak Ridges Corridor Park, Nashville Resource Management Tract,' Bolton Resource Management Tract and Claireville Conservation Area - implement existing restoration plans (2 -1); 2) in Whitebelt - prepare restoration implementation plans forthe natural heritage.system identified in municipal plans and co- ordinate with developers (2 -2); and 3) in Headwaters - prepare restoration implementation plans for targeted lands in priority areas and implement prior to urban development (2 -3). . 2.. TRCA,, municipalities — Develop sustainable neighbourhood retrofit action plans (2 -8) 3. Toronto and Vaughan - Undertake projects identified in stormwater retrofit plans in Black Creek, Rainbow Creek, Lower Humber and West Humber subwatersheds. Projects in combined sewer areas should be undertaken first (2 -9) 4. TRCA, NGOs - Continue restoration.work in the Humber.Marshes and Humber Estuary to increase wetland cover and improve aquatic habitat (2 -11). 5. MNR, TRCA, Ontario Streams - Further modify the eight (8) in- stream,barriers along the main channel between Bloor St. and Highway 401, to_improve passage for jumping and non - jumping.species, including repairing and improving the Raymore Park Fishway, upon completion of structural and fish passage assessments (2 -12, 7 -23). 6. Ministry of Culture'and, partners - Establish a facility for archaeological artifact storage and document collections that is accessible to researchers; secure funding for capital and operations (2 -22). . 7. TRCA,Ministry of Culture, Aboriginal groups - Increase awareness of Carrying Place Trail heritage by creating educational resources (e.g., book, Video, webpage) and interpretive signs on contemporary trails (2 -23). 360 Land Securement 1. TRCA - Update priority list for land securement within the Humber watershed based on the Humber River Watershed Plan's recommended priorities within the TNHS and for further development of the system of inter - regional trails and public greenspace (3 -1, 3 -4) 2. TRCA and municipalities - Work with MPIR to investigate mechanisms, as may be necessary beyond planning measures, to secure the target TNHS lands in potential urban growth areas (i.e., "whitebelt ") that do not have any legislated protection from urban development (estimated to be 446 hectares) (3 -2). 3. TRCA, municipalities, NGOs - Secure lands to establish the missing link in the Humber Trail between Steeles Ave. and Hwy. 7 along the main branch (3 -5). 4. TRCA, municipalities, NGOs - Undertake a land securement strategy for the proposed East Humber Trail (3 -6). 5. TRCA, Municipalities, NGOs - Undertake a study to: confirm the location of the historic Carrying Place trail; identify a conceptual route for the proposed contemporary Carrying Place Trail that connects the proposed East Humber Trail to a proposed northern gateway to the Humber greenspace system near Hackett Lake; and develop a strategy for the associated land securementand trail implementation (3.7). Stewardship and Education 1. TRCA and municipalities - Deliver technology transfer workshops, seminars and materials for sustainable technologies, innovative stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and sustainable urban form (4 -1, 4 -2, 4 -8, 4 -9). 2. TRCA, municipalities and others - Develop a co- ordinated program to accelerate implementation of lot level retrofits (rain gardens, permeable paving, rain barrels /cisterns and native plant landscaping) in priority areas by the business and residential and institutional sectors including resources for promoting rain gardens (2 -8, 4 -12, 4 -14, 4 -21). 3. TRCA, MNR, municipalities, community groups - Co- ordinate the development of educational materials on invasive species removal techniques and engage volunteer groups to help in monitoring and removal (4 -18) 4. Municipalities, utilities, TRCA - Develop an outreach program based on the results from the Renewable Energy Road Map to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies (4 -35). 5. Ministry of Education, Boards of Education, TRCA - Encourage all Boards of Education in the Humber watershed to participate in the Ontario Ecoschools Program and schools to achieve certification (4 -54). 6. TRCA, NGOs, municipalities - Organize annual community festivals or events and provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Humber River watershed (4 -38). 7. TRCA and others - Develop a pilot project for Ontario history and archaeology seminars for adults, featuring Humber sites. Special attention to reaching out to new Canadians and descendents of the watershed as target audience (4 -42). 8. TRCA and others - Develop a communications plan in partnership with Aboriginal groups to identify key groups and contacts, protocols for consultation and opportunities for cultural heritage interpretation, education and awareness programs, storing and viewing of artifacts, and special events (4 -51). 9. Municipalities, federal and provincial agencies, institutions and businesses - Adopt a local food procurement policy (4 -59). 361 Operations and Maintenance 1. Municipalities, TRCA - Prepare or update comprehensive stormwater management master plans for enhanced controls and low impact development in existing urban areas and new\developments (5 -1). 2. Municipalities, TRCA - Develop guidelines for designing and establishing municipal SWM facility maintenance programs, including monitoring, rehabilitation and financing mechanisms (5 -2, 5 -3, 5 -4). 3. Municipalities - Conduct assessments of sediment accumulation in SWM ponds and develop a prioritized list of clean out projects (5 -4). 4: Toronto, Vaughan - Undertake urban storm sewer outfall studies to identify high priority sources of bacteria and phosphorus. Focus on Lower Humber and West Humber subwatersheds (5 -5). 5. Municipalities - Undertake retrofits of conveyance and end -of -pipe stormwater measures as part of road reconstruction projects to provide improved water quantity and quality control (5 -6). 6. TRCA - Update the Claireville Dam operations manual (5 -22). , 7. TRCA, municipalities - Undertake an annual proactive program of EA projects to implement high priority flood risk remediation projects identified through the TRCA Flood Protection and Remedial Capital Works Prioritization Project (5 -23). 8. TRCA, municipalities - Prepare flood emergency response plan for Special Policy Areas and flood vulnerable areas, including an inventory of hazards, prioritization, and emergency response protocol (5 -24). 9. TRCA - Track advances in the prediction of regional and local climate change and reassess local flood risks and water management programs (5 -25). Enforcement 1. Various agencies, municipalities - Develop inter - jurisdictional compliance protocols for poaching (wildlife), erosion and sediment control, tree cutting, topsoil and land disturbance, dumping, trespassing, and encroachment). Identify gaps in regulatory capability and capacity. Identify options for addressing gaps. Develop resources and implementation plan (6 -2). Monitoring 1. TRCA and partners - Identify technologies that show promise and monitor their performance using Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) - i.e., Rainwater collection and re -use, permeable pavement, groundwater and soil contamination risk with infiltration technologies, etc. and long term performance and maintenance costs' of any green technology (7 -1, 7 -2). 2. TRCA and partners - Launch a cumulative effects (i.e., effectiveness). monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of innovative development design in mitigating predicted impacts (7 -6). 3. TRCA, municipalities- Review recommendations for additional monitoring in the Humber watershed as part of the 5 year review and update of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) (7 -7, 7 -11, 7 -12, 7 -14, 7 -17, 7 -19). 4. York, Peel, Durham and Toronto - Conduct new gravity survey of Laurentian bedrock channel between Weston Rd. and Jane St. in Vaughan through YPDT Groundwater Management Project (7 -13). 362 5. MNR, volunteers, TRCA - Develop a volunteer based detection and response program for aquatic invasive species (i.e., Round goby, rusty crayfish) (7 -21). 6. MNR, TRCA - Evaluate the effectiveness of in- stream barrier mitigation and aquatic species partition barrier projects (7 -22). 7. Municipalities - Develop and implement a program to monitor trail use and participation rates in other related recreational activities (7 -25). Tracking Progress TRCA is proposing to convene an annual multi - stakeholder forum to report on progress at implementing the Watershed Plan and confirm priorities for the following year. Particular attention will be given to the status of top priority implementation projects recommended in this Implementation Guide. Other unanticipated opportunities will be considered as well, based on criteria such as partner contributions, expected outcomes and future benefits. Changes and trends in watershed conditions will be monitored through programs such as the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program and Regional Watershed Monitoring Program. Results will be periodically reported by TRCA with the assistance of the Humber Watershed Alliance through the publication of progress reports, report cards and other appropriate media. 363 Attachment 3 ORMCP Watershed Planning Requirements - Conformity Assessment for the Humber River Watershed Subsection Requirement • Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(1) ,originate . Every upper -tier municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin preparing a watershed plan, in accordance with subsection 24.(3), for every watershed whose streams within the municipality's area of jurisdiction: . . Watershed planning and on -going watershed management have been activities the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has carried out in partnership with its municipalities for a number of years. Therefore a watershed plan was deemed to have been initiated prior to April 22, 2003, acknowledging that ' some study components required updating to varying degrees. A watershed planning study was nitiated by the TRCA, in partnership with the Region of York, Region of Peel, and City of Toronto and area municipalities for the Humber River watershed on June 25, 2004. A final draft of the Humber River Watershed Plan was completed on March 25, 2008. Approval of the final Humber River Watershed Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. A workplan to fulfill the watershed planning requirements of the ORMCP and direction to initiate the Humber River Watershed Planning Study according to the initial work program was approved by the Authority on Sept. 26,•2003 . (Authority Res. #A196/03). A detailed workplan for the Humber River Watershed Planning Study was approved by the Authority on June 25, 2004 (Authority Res. #A191/04) Approval of the final Humber River Watershed Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. . ' • Every upper -tier municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin preparing a watershed plan, in ' accordance with subsection 24.(3), or every watershed whose streams originate within the municipality's area of jurisdiction.- - . • • . Watershed planning and on -going watershed management have been activities the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has carried out in partnership with its municipalities for a number of years. Therefore a watershed plan was deemed to have been initiated /prior to April 22, 2003, acknowledging that some study components required updating to varying degrees. . A watershed planning study was nitiated by the TRCA, in partnership with the Region of York, Region of , Peel, and City of Toronto and area municipalities for the Humber River watershed on June 25, 2004. A final draft of the Humber River Watershed Plan was completed on March 25, 2008. Approval of the final Humber River Watershed Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. A workplan to fulfill the watershed planning requirements of the ORMCP and direction to initiate the Humber River Watershed Planning Study according to the initial work program was approved by the Authority on Sept. 26, 2003 (Authority Res. #A196/03). A detailed workplan for the Humber River Watershed Planning Study was approved by the Authority on June 25, 2004 (Authority Res. #A191/04) Approval of the final Humber River Watershed Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. . • 364 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(3) . A watershed plan shall include, as aSee minimum, (a) a water budget and conservation plan as set out in section 25; conformity assessments for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2). See document references for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2). (b) land and water use and management strategies; The Humber River Watershed Plan describes recommended management strategies regarding existing and future land and water Jse that will help to protect the ecological and hydrological features and functions of the watershed, ncluding the portions in the Oak !Ridges Moraine Area. Key strategies nclude the need to protect and expand natural cover and build sustainable communities, particularly with an aim to maintain or restore pre- development water balance. See section 5 (Strategies) of the Humber River Watershed Plan. ' (c) a framework for implementation, which may include more detailed implementation plans for smaller geographic areas, such as subwatershed plans, or for specific subject matter, such as environmental management plans; mplementation direction and initial considerations for priority actions and areas accompany the management strategies in the Humber River Watershed Plan. The Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide provides more detailed mplementation direction for policy, regeneration projects, etc. including supportive maps and criteria. See section 5 (Strategies) of the Humber River Watershed Plan. See Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide (d) an environmental monitoring plan; The Humber River Watershed Plan ncludes recommendations regarding changes or enhancements to existing environmental monitoring programs and other area, site or issue - specific monitoring requirements. See section 5.3.1 of the Humber River Watershed Plan and section 7 of the Humber Watershed Plan Implementation Guide for recommended enhancements to existing monitoring programs. (e) provisions requiring the use of environmental management practices and programs, such as programs to prevent pollution, reduce the use of pesticides and manage the useoractices of road salt; and, The Humber River Watershed Plan ncludes recommendations regarding environmental practices and programs. The Humber River Watershed Plan implementation Guide further identifies and policies applicable to the and use planning and development process. Many Humber watershed municipalities already require the use of environmental management practices (e.g., by -laws to control dling, dumping, filling, pesticide use, sewer use, and tree cutting, and salt management plans) See section 5 (Strategies) of the Humber River Watershed Plan. See Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide Also see endnotes for list of relevant municipal by -laws and salt management plans.2 365 Subsection ' Requirement onformity Assessment pocument Reference 24.(3) cont'd '• (f) criteria for evaluating the protection of water quality and quantity, hydrological features and hydrological functions. he Humber River Watershed Plan ricludes a framework of watershed •bjectives, indicators and targets to be sed to track or evaluate long term atershed health. The accompanying mplementation Guide sets out ecommended policies for the review •f land use proposals regarding . •rotection of groundwater and surface ater quality and quantity, hydrological eatures and functions, as well as errestrial features and functions and =quatic communities and habitat. See Appendix C of the Humber River Watershed Plan for a summary of watershed objectives, indicators and targets used to track or evaluate watershed health. See Humber River Watershed Plan 'mplementation Guide for a compilation of all policies and maps showing where the policy recommendations apply. 24.(4) Major development is prohibited unless, • (a) the watershed plan for the relevant watershed, prepared in accordance with subsection 24.(3), has been completed; ' final draft of the Humber River atershed Plan was completed on arch 25, 2008. Approval of the final umber River Watershed Plan by the • uthority was granted at the June 27, •008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. Approval of the final Humber River Watershed Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. (b) the major development conforms with the watershed plan; and - ee conformity assessment for section •4.(3) See document references for section 24.(3) (c) a water budget and conservation plan, prepared in accordance with section 25 and demonstrating that the water supply required for the major development is sustainable; has been completed. . ee Conformity assessments for .ections 25.(1) and 25.(2). See document references for sections 25.(1) and 25.(2) 24.(8) . An application for major development to which this subsection applies shall not be approved unless, • (a) the relevant municipality has complied with'clause (c) of subsection 24.(4); or . ee conformity assessment.for section •4.(4) • • See document references for section 24.(4) 366 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 24.(8) (b) the applicant, For any applications received prior to cont'd (i) identifies any completion of watershed plans, in hydrologically sensitive accordance with the Oak Ridges features and related Moraine Conservation Plan, conformity . hydrological functions on will have been reviewed and confirmed the site and how they will be protected, (ii) demonstrates that an adequate water supply is available for the development without compromising the .hrough applicant submitted studies. . ecological integrity of the . Plan Area, and (iii) provides, with respect to the site and such other land as the approval authority considers necessary, a water budget and water conservation plan that, . • (A) characterizes . . groundwater and surface water flow systems by means of modelling, (B) identifies the availability, quantity and quality of water . sources, and (C) identifies water conservation measures. 367 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(1) • . Every upper -tier municipality and single -tier municipality shall, on or before April 22, 2003, begin ) preparing a water budget and conservation plan, in accordance A water budget study was initiated in January by the TRCA, in partnership with.the Region of York, Region of Peel, and City of Toronto and area municipalities for the Humber See TRCA 2003 Capital Budget Workplan and Authority approval to hire consultants to undertake a study terms of reference. ' • with subsection 25.(2), for every watershed whose streams originate within the municipality's area of urisdiction. ' . River watershed in advance of the overall Humber River Watershed Planning Study. , The Region of York's Water for Tomorrow program outlines specific goals for both education and water conservation measures as outlined in he initial scope of work. The Water Approval to initiate the Humber River Vatershed Planning Study according to a general workplan, ncluding a water budget study component, was granted at the ept. 26, 2003 meeting of the TRCA Authority Res. #A196/03) and urther approval of a detailed workplan was granted on June 25, • • Efficiency Master Plan Update recommends new and /or updated programs for public education and water conservation measures. New goals for education and water conservation measures will be set once the program implementation plan s completed and approved by council. 2004 (Authority Res. #A191/04). York Region Water Efficiency Master Plan Update, 2007. Regional Municipality of Peel Water Efficiency Plan - Final Report, Region of Peel, 2004. The Region of Peel's Water Water Efficiency Plan, City of Toronto Conservation Plan was initiated in 2002 and completed in May 2004. The • objectives of the plan are to reduce average annual day demand by 10 per Works and Emergency Services, 2002. Approval of the final Humber River . cent, peak day demand by 10 per cent,Watershed and wastewater flows by 7 per cent, of projected 2015 levels. Key components of the Region's water Plan by the Authority was granted at the June 27, 2008 meeting by Res. #A137 /08. 3fficiency efforts include public 3ducation through Water Smart Peel, rebate programs and other incentives. • The programs are targeted to residents throughout the Region. • The City of Toronto completed a water afficiency plan in 2002. The plan targets a reduction of peak day water demands by 275 ML/day or approximately 14% projected 2011 evels, and a reduction of wastewater • `low by,86 ML/day, by 2011. 368 Subsection Requirement onformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(2) A water budget and conservation plan shall, as a minimum, (a) quantify the components of the water balance equation, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater inflow and outflow, surface water outflow, change in storage, water withdrawals and water returns; ' he Humber River Watershed Plan ncludes a quantitative description of he major components of the water •alance equation on an average =nnual basis over the watershed . urface area. The water budget was •eveloped based on available nformation regarding land use, egetation, surficial soil characteristics, opography, stream flow at permanent .tream gauges, permitted water ithdrawals and spatial variations in ong term average precipitation, emperature and evaporation across he watershed. It was developed using -recipitation Run -off Modelling System PRMS) software. The PRMS model senerated recharge estimates for input o the groundwater flow model MODFLOW software), developed hrough the York - 'eel- Durham - Toronto partnership PDT), which was used to estimate he groundwater component of the ater budget. Section 3.2.3 of the Humber River Watershed Plan describes the overall water budget for the watershed. The Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report provides a more detailed description of the existing water budget, including maps and tabular summaries, and the predicted effects of future land and water use and management scenarios on water budget components. . (b) characterize groundwater and surface water flow systems by means of modelling; he groundwater flow system of the umber River watershed has been haracterized by development and alibration of a groundwater flow odel that utilizes MODFLOW .oftware, developed through the ork -Peel- Durham - Toronto partnership (YPDT). he surface water flow system of the umber River watershed has been haracterized by development and alibration of a hydrologic model eased on Hydrologic Simulation 'rogram - Fortran (HSPF) software. his model was originally developed .y the City of Toronto in support of ork on the Toronto Wet Weather Flow anagement Plan, and was refined for RCA to support work on the Humber 'fiver Watershed Plan. See section 3.2.3 of the Humber River Watershed Plan and section 4.0 of the Humber River State of the Watershed Report - Geology and Groundwater Resources for a characterization of the groundwater flow system. See section 3.2.4 of the Humber River Watershed Plan and section 5 of the Humber River State of the Watershed Report - Surface Water Quantity for a summary of the surface water flow system. The Humber River Watershed ' Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report provides more detailed descriptions of the existing surface and groundwater flow systems, ncluding maps and tabular summaries, and the effects of future land and water use and management scenarios on these systems. 369 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference ,. • • 25.(2) ' (c) identify, . The Humber River Watershed Plan See 24.(3)(f) above for watershed cont'd (i) targets to meet the water ncludes criteria in the form of maps targets. needs of the affected . and targets (both quantitative and • . . ecosystems, (ii) the availability, quantity qualitative) for the protection of groundwater and surface water quality See section 4 of the Humber River State of the Watershed Report - . and quality of water and quantity, hydrological features and Geology and Groundwater sources, and functions, as well as terrestrial features Resources and section 5 of the (iii) goals for public education and functions and aquatic Humber River State of the Watershed and for water conservation; communities and habitat. • Water efficiency plans or programs of the Region of York, Region of Peel and Report = Surface Water Quantity for summaries of information on the availability and quality of water sources. City of Toronto have set goals for water • conservation and public education. Section 5.5.3 of the Humber River Watershed Plan•addresses water conservation and supports continuation of municipal water efficiency and public awareness programs. See York Region Water Efficiency Master Plan Update (2007) See section 2.0 of Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004) See section 1.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002) (d) develop a water -use profile The Region of York, Region of Peel See section 4.0 of York Region's • and forecast; and City of Toronto have developed water -use profiles and forecasts as part of studies to update their water master. plans. The forecasts consider the effect of planned water conservation measures on future demand. Long Term Water Project Master Plan Update, April 2004 for water use forecast. See Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004) for water use forecast. See City of Toronto's Water Drawing on this information,a watershed -based water use profile and forecast was developed as part of Efficiency Plan (2002) for water use forecast. • preparing the ,Humber River Watershed See section 5.3 of the Humber River • Plan. State of the Watershed Report - Surface Water Quantity for the watershed -based water use profile. Also see section 5.3 of the Humber River State of the Watershed Report - , Geology and Groundwater Resources for a summary of groundwater takings in the Humber River watershed. 370 Subsection Requirement onformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(2) cont'd • • (e) evaluate plans for water facilities such as pumping stations and reservoirs; • • watershed -scale evaluation of the •redicted effects of forecasted water :nd land use on groundwater levels as completed in support of the umber River Watershed Plan. Based •n this evaluation, appropriate land :nd water use management strategies ave been provided in the watershed •Ian. urther plans for any such facilities are - valuated by municipalities as part of -nvironmental assessment studies :nd /or updates to water supply master •tans and will be reviewed in the ontext of watershed -based nformation from the Humber River atershed Plan, supporting technical eports and available databases. See section 5 (Strategies) of the Humber River Watershed Plan for management strategies. The Humber River Watershed Scenario Modelling and Analysis Report provides a summary of predicted effects of forecasted water and land use on groundwater levels. York Region's Long Term Water Project Master Plan Update, April 2004 (f) identify and evaluate, (i) water conservation measures such as public education, improved management practices, the use of flow restricting devices and other hardware, water reuse and recycling, and practices and technologies associated with water reuse and recycling, (ii) water conservation incentives such as full cost:chieving pricing, and (iii) ways of promoting water conservation measures and water conservation incentives; ' II upper -tier and single -tier unicipalities in the Humber River atershed have developed water - fficiency plans and programs that dentify and evaluate water onservation measures, incentives and ays of promoting water conservation easures and incentives. The Humberrecommendation 'fiver Watershed Plan supports the ecommendations of the municipal ater efficiency plans and programs :nd describes management strategies hat would further contribute to the objectives and targets of hese plans /programs. See section 5.5.3 of the Humber River Watershed Plan. See sections 5.0 and 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update (2007) for the identification, evaluation and of water conservation measures and education. . See sections 6.0 and 9.0 of Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004). See sections 4.0 and 6.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002). (g) analyse the costs and benefits of the matters described in clause (f), • • II upper -tier and single -tier unicipalities in the Humber River atershed have developed water - fficiency plans and programs that analyse the costs and benefits of their ecommended water conservation easures, incentives and promotion - trategies. See Section 5.2.3 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update(2007) for the cost analysis of water conservation measures See section 8.0 of Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004) See section 5.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002) 371 Subsection Requirement onformity Assessment Document Reference 25.(2) cont'd • . ' . (h) require the use of specified water conservation measures and incentives; • • ork Region's Water for Tomorrow •rogram used specific water onservation measures and incentives =s part of the original capital plan. The ater Efficiency Master Plan Update = Iso recommends the use of specific ater conservation measures-and ncentives. he Region of Peel and City of Toronto ater efficiency plans also use specific ater conservation measures and ncentives'such as system leak • etection, computer controlled rrigation, watering restrictions, toilet eplacement, clothes washer eplacement, and indoor and outdoor ater audits. See section 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update (2007) for the recommended program strategy. See section 6.0 of Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004.) See, section 4.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002). • (i) contain an implementation pla for those specified measures and incentives that reconciles the demand for water with the water supply; • • • ork Region developed an , mplementation plan for the program =s part of the scope of work in 1998. he Water Efficiency Master Plan pdate has recommended an updated •rogram strategy. An implementation • Ian for the updated program is being • eveloped. he Peel Region and City of Toronto ater efficiency plans include mplementation schedules. See Section 6.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update (2007)for.the recommended program strategy See section 9.0 of Peel Region's ' Water Efficiency Plan (2004). • See section 6.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002). (j) provide for monitoring of the water budget and water conservation plan for effectiveness. • • • • ork Region's Water Use Efficiency aster Plan Update, Peel Region's ater Efficiency Plan and City of oronto's Water Efficiency Plan ecommend monitoring and evaluation • rograms be implemented. • he Humber River Watershed Plan ncludes recommendations regarding hanges or enhancements to existing -nvironmental monitoring programs = nd other area, site or issue - specific onitoring requirements that provide or, or improve capacity for monitoring •f the water budget (e.g., additional limate stations, stream gauges, _• roundwater monitoring wells etc.). See Section.9.0 of York Region's Water Efficiency Master Plan Update(2007) See section 9.0 of Peel Region's Water Efficiency Plan (2004). See section 6.0 of City of Toronto's Water Efficiency Plan (2002). See section 5.3.1 of the Humber River Watershed Plan and section 7 of the Humber Watershed Plan 'mplementation Guide for recommended enhancements to existing monitoring programs. . 372 Subsection Requirement Conformity Assessment Document Reference 27.(1) Except with respect to land in Settlement Areas, all development and site alteration with respect to land in a subwatershed are prohibited if they would cause the total percentage of the area of the subwatershed that has impervious surfaces to exceed, (a) 10 per cent; or The Humber River Watershed Planning Study assessed the current and projected future percent impervious cover for each Oak Ridges Moraine subwatershed (based on methods suggested in draft Technical Paper #13 which exclude Settlement Areas, utilizing subwatershed boundaries defined in draft Technical Paper #9). These estimates indicate that no Oak Ridges Moraine subwatersheds in the Humber River watershed exceed the 10% impervious cover criteria for current conditions (based on 2002 land use), nor will they exceed 10% upon build -out of municipal official plans approved as of January 2005. See Humber River Watershed Oak Ridges Moraine Subwatersheds Assessment Technical Brief (b) any lower percentage specified in the applicable watershed plan. No lower percentage has been specified. N/A Endnotes: 2 - City of Brampton Fill By -law, By -law 143 -95. - City of Brampton Refuse By -law, By -law 381 -2005. - City of Brampton Sewage By -law, By -law 90 -75. - City of Brampton Salt Management Plan, 2005. - City of Brampton Tree Preservation By -law, Bylaw 38 -2006. - City of Brampton Woodlot Conservation By -law, By -law 70 -2001 as amended by By -law 402 -2005. - City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapters 455 (Filling and Grading), 517 (Idling of Vehicles and Boats), 548 (Littering and Dumping of Refuse), 612 (Pesticides, Use of), 658 (Ravine Protection), 681 (Sewers), and 813 (Trees), - City of Toronto Salt Management Plan, 2004. - City of Vaughan Fill By -law, By -law 189 -96 as amended by By -law 265 -2006 - City of Vaughan Idling of Vehicles By -law, By -law 170 -2004 - City of Vaughan Littering and Dumping By -law, By -law 3 -2004. - City of Vaughan Private Property Tree Protection By -law, By -law 185 -2007 as amended by By -law 205 -2007. - City of Vaughan Sewer Use By -law, By -law 12 -74 - City of Vaughan Tree Protection By -law (Public Property), By -law 95 -2005 - Dufferin County Forest Conservation By -law, By -law 2006 -15. - Dufferin County Salt Management Plan, 2005. - Region of Peel Salt Management Plan, 2007 - Region of Peel Sewer Use By -law, By -law 90 -90. - Simcoe County Tree - cutting By -law, By -law 5289. - Simcoe County Anti - dumping By -law, By -law 4805. - Town of Caledon Dumping on Private or Municipal Property By -law, 87 -100 - Town of Caledon Fill By -law, By -law 2007 -59 - Town of Caledon Healthy Horticultural Landscapes By -law, By -law 2003 -81 as amended by By -law 2005 -82. - Town of Caledon Salt Management Plan, 2005. - Town of Caledon Woodlands Conservation By -law, By -law 2000 -100. - Town of Richmond Hill Salt Management Plan, 2005. - Town of Richmond Hill Tree Preservation By -law (Private Property), By -law 41 -07. - Town of Richmond Hill Water Use Restrictions By -law, By -law 157 -05 , - Township of King Water Restriction By -law, By -law 75 -43. - York Region Salt Management Plan, 2004 - York Region Sewage By -law, By -law S- 0064 - 2005 -009. - York Region Trees By -law, By -law TR- 0004 - 2005 -036 373 RES. #A138/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: REGIONAL WATERSHED MONITORING PROGRAM Annual Report of Activity. Update on the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program and 2007 Progress Report. Reenga Mathivanan Bonnie Litt ley THAT the 2007 Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) progress report be received; THAT staff be directed to circulate the progress report to the program's funding and network partners; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to continue with the implementation of monitoring activities associated with the ongoing Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, as well as to continue to pursue and foster partnerships under the Regional Watershed Monitoring Network. CARRIED BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Regional Watershed Monitoring Program focuses on long -term monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at the sub - watershed and watershed scale and across the region as a whole. The program was launched in 2001 as a mechanism to bring all of TRCA's ecological monitoring work under a single program. This helped to provide better planning and coordination, protocol standardization, filling of data gaps, effective data management, and consistency and cost effectiveness. It also facilitates the communication of data availability and data sharing both internally and with external agencies. The RWMP, with its established sets of protocols, also provides the ability to implement short-term or special project data collection /monitoring in a timely manner in response to needs identified by TRCA or its partners. The long -term annual data provides baseline data in support of "before and after" analysis related to ecosystem and infrastructure impacting events. The data collected is shared with partner municipalities and other agencies, and is used for planning, implementation and reporting activities. Project partnerships with academic institutions facilitate achievement of common research objectives as well as data sharing in support of academic study. All elements of the program are designed to provide data sets that allow for interpretation at the site, watershed and regional scales. Data collected to date illustrate the effects of urbanization on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, specifically showing a trend towards declining water quality, fish community composition /diversity, the quality and quantity of terrestrial habitat, and representation of species in areas of increasing urban land use. Where restoration and recovery plans are implemented, future monitoring will track the progress of such enhancement initiatives. All program elements are strongly focused on the collection of scientific data, however when possible, community outreach and education are incorporated. This is accomplished through the involvement of trained volunteers (e.g. Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program), through partnerships with community groups and other non - governmental organizations, and through special events that demonstrate to or involve the community. 374 The RWMP program provides the underlying scientific data that informs the key planning and reporting mechanisms of TRCA. The following are monitored as part of the RWMP: • aquatic habitat and fish community; • terrestrial habitats, communities and species; • surface water quality and quantity; • fluvial geomorphology; • groundwater; • West Nile virus mosquito vector monitoring. The 2007 progress report provides an overview of each component of the monitoring program, highlights from the 2007 season, types of data available, and how the data is used. It also highlights the "network approach" to data collection and how data can be shared among partner agencies. Copies of the report will be available at the Authority meeting. The following table outlines the various monitoring components included in the program and the agencies involved in the network: Table 1 - Regional Watershed Monitoring Network Monitoring Component . # of Sites 2007 Agency /Partner Aquatic Habitat and Species Benthos 147 TRCA /MOE Fish /Habitat 48 TRCA/MNR Fluvial Geomorphology 47 TRCA Stream Temperature 63 TRCA West Nile Virus Monitoring 45 TRCA/MOE /Municipality Water Quality Surface Water 34 TRCA /MOE /City of Toronto Tributary Toxics 10 MOE Fish Biomonitoring - MOE Lake Partner Program - MOE Groundwater 21 TRCA/MOE Water Quantity Stream Flow Gauges 22 TRCA/Env. Canada Base Flow /Low Flow 65 TRCA Precipitation 32 TRCA/Municipalities Snow Course 10 TRCA /MNR Groundwater 22 TRCA/MOE Terrestrial Natural Heritage Systematic Inventories 1300 ha TRCA • Terrestrial Volunteer Network 55 TRCA/Volunteers 2007 Monitoring Activities and Highlights The following highlights some of the monitoring activities carried out during 2007: 375 • Fish community and in= stream habitat was characterized at 88 sites including 48 RWMP and 40 special project locations. Data has been used to establish baseline aquatic conditions at project sites, provide ongoing status of aquatic communities for watershed planning and reporting, and to report distribution data on fish species of interest such as redside dace, brook trout, central stoneroller and invasive species such as the round gobie. • Seasonal water temperature was recorded at 63 locations in the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek. Analysis indicated that there was an overall decline in "thermal stability" in these watersheds from 2004. • Surface water quality was measured monthly at a total of 34 sites in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Ministry of Environment (MOE). In 2007 TRCA also partnered with MOE and Environment Canada in other projects designed to monitor pesticides used for turf management. • Benthic invertebrates were assessed at 147 RWMP stations and 37 special project sites. Through comparison of.Hilsenhoff scores calculated for 2006 -2007, the benthic macroinvertebrates collected across the TRCA watersheds indicated improvements in water quality for Frenchman's Bay and Highland Creek while the Humber, Don and Rouge rivers showed some level of deterioration in water quality from 2006. Twenty -one groundwater wells throughout the jurisdiction were sampled in partnership with MOE under the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network. Data collection includes continuous water levels at all wells along with seasonal groundwater quality at select sites. • Water quantity was measured through a network of stream gauges, precipitation gauges and snow course sites in 2007. Equipment replacement and up -grade was undertaken at a number of sites. • Baseflow was assessed at 65 indicator stations,throughout the region along with 43 stations in Etobicoke Creek. Baseflow levels in 2007 were observed to be lower than in previous years, especially in the latter part'of the summer. This was likely due to the very dry weather conditions experienced, primarily in the month of August. • West Nile virus monitoring activities focused on a total of;36 wetlands and 9 stormwater management ponds in Peel, Durham and York regions, and the City of Toronto. Results from 2007 indicated that there had been an overall reduction in the density and the number of species of mosquitoes in the wetlands. Dry and hot weather conditions were attributed to the reduced number of larvae collected. 376 Data Management One of the key elements of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program is the data that is collected on an annual basis. As such, the storage, security and retrieval of the data is extremely important. In 2001, TRCA contracted a consultant to develop a relational database (TRCA Envirobase) to house all of the various environmental data collected through this and other programs of TRCA. This relational database also has the ability to link various data sets that are currently available. Updates to the relational database have been completed in subsequent years including the addition of a sediment quality and fluvial geomorphology component. Additional customization of TRCA's database structure along with data entry is on- going. Changes to the corporate IT /network structure in the near future will enable more effective sharing and use of the relational database by staff. Products To date there have been a number of reports that have been produced that describe components of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, along with applications of the data and information generated by the network. Specifically data from the program has been used as basis for the development of TRCA watershed report cards and plans, fisheries management plans, Remedial Action Plan progress reports and updates, water quality reports and project summaries. Data has also been contributed to several regional "State of the Environment" reporting exercises. Several additional report products were completed or contributed to in 2007, as follows: • Gavin Miller and Vladimir Kricsfalusy co -wrote a report entitled Dog- strangling vine - Cynanchum rossicum: a review of distribution, ecology, and control. This was a comprehensive literature review of European and North American sources, combined with habitat information derived from Ecological Land Classification field work. It was funded in partnership with Rouge Park Alliance and received by Authority in February 2008. • Reports completed in 2007 resulting from terrestrial biological inventories include: Secord and Goodwood Conservation Areas, Port Union, Rowntree Mills, Mimico Creek (between Bloor St. and the Queensway), Centennial park, Sheppard and Meadowvale, and 6431 and 6461 Steeles Avenue. • The RWMP data was used to support the development of the Humber watershed report card titled "Listen to Your River - A Report Card on the Health of the Humber River Watershed 2007 ". • An article, by Theresa McKenzie, Monitoring Terrestrial Ecosystem Health in an Urban and Urbanizing Landscape was published in the EMAN Monitor, February 2007. • RWMP data was used in the preparation of the two TRCA reports: Update on the Status of the Fish Tumour Beneficial Use Impairment in the Toronto and Region Area of Concern completed in June 2007 and the State of the Seaton Lands: A Report on the Enhanced Aquatic Assessment of 2006 completed in July 2007. • Borisko, J.P., Kilgour, B.W., Stanfield, L.W., and Jones, F.C. 2007. An evaluation of rapid bioassessment protocols for stream benthic invertebrates in Southern Ontario, Canada. Water Qual., Res. J. Canada. 42 (3): 184 -193. 377 DETAILS OF. WORK TO BE DONE The 2008.field &work and data collection commenced in the spring, and will include additional fish, habitat and water quality monitoring to be done in Don River and Highland, Mimico and Petticoat creeks watersheds. Further updates to TRCA's relational database will be forthcoming in the next few months as well as staff development and training on its use. A 5 year program review of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program is underway and will be completed over the.summer months. This review will assess the current state of the RWMP with respect to the,programs original goal and objectives as well as assess the current data needs and opportunities of TRCA and its key network partners. In addition, staffmill continue to foster partnerships with community groups and other agencies involved in monitoring activities through the watershed monitoring network. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for the 2007 Regional Watershed Monitoring Program was made available from the following partners /sources: Report prepared by: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca Date: June 6, 2008 RES. #A139/08 - TERRESTRIAL VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM RESULTS Receipt of staff report Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007. Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Jack Heath THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) report entitled "Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007 ", be received; 378 2007 City of Toronto • $265,000 Region of Peel $265,000 Region of York $265,000 Region'of Durham $110,000 RAP MOU 2006/07 - $57,000 TOTAL $912,000 Report prepared by: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca Date: June 6, 2008 RES. #A139/08 - TERRESTRIAL VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM RESULTS Receipt of staff report Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007. Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Jack Heath THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) report entitled "Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007 ", be received; 378 THAT the Authority recognize the contribution of TRCA volunteers and private landowners who participate in the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program, without whom the program could not have achieved its current level of success in the collection of long term, high quality scientific data representative of the terrestrial ecosystem of the TRCA jurisdiction; THAT staff be directed to continue to recruit and train volunteers and to monitor the terrestrial ecosystem across TRCA's watersheds through the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program; THAT staff use the information in the "Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007" report to assist in the preparation of management restoration, and site monitoring plans for TRCA -owned lands; THAT staff modify the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program protocols to address the information gaps and enhancements identified in the "Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007 "; THAT staff explore opportunities to integrate the analysis of the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring data with the analysis of data from other Regional Watershed Monitoring Program elements and the Terrestrial Natural Heritage biological surveys; THAT staff continue to report on the monitoring results from the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program at regular intervals as data analysis indicates; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to communicate with the regional municipalities of Peel, York and Durham and the City of Toronto regarding the availability of the monitoring report and monitoring data for their jurisdictions. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program (TVMP) was established in 2001 as one element of the overall TRCA Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, and began data collection in the spring of 2002. The TVMP recruits and trains volunteers to conduct monitoring surveys on established 10 hectare terrestrial fixed sites distributed throughout the watersheds in TRCA's jurisdiction. Sites are located on both public and private lands, with the generous permission of landowners and land managers. Surveys are conducted throughout all four seasons, and at the same sites every year, providing the opportunity to gather long term data. Volunteers submit data online through*a data entry website. TRCA staff and systems store, manage, quality control and analyze it. In addition to providing the ability to cost effectively collect a large quantity of high quality scientific data, the partnership with volunteers also supports the development of students in ecology and environmental science by offering them practical field work experience, assists new immigrants with environmental backgrounds in building their Canadian experience and networks, and builds a connection to nature and understanding of the terrestrial ecosystem for residents. interested in learning more about nature within their communities. Over 250 volunteers have been involved in the program to date. 379 The private landowner participants receive information and reports according to their interests and requests, including what species were found on their properties, what the results indicate about the health of the ecosystem; and how data from sites on their land is used in the overall analysis. RATIONALE A selected set of indicator species are monitored under the program, including representatives of the amphibian, bird, mammal, tree, flowering plant-and lichen groups. Through their presence or absence at sites over a period of time, specific information may be inferred about the condition of the ecosystem in the areas monitored. The quality assurance and data analysis to date has verified the scientific value of the data collected by trained volunteers under, the program. The analysis also demonstrated a clear agreement between the interpretation of monitoring data collected "on the ground" and the predictions of the landscape level analysis and modelling conducted during the development of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy.. Further, the occurrence of indicator species on the terrestrial monitoring sites supported the predictive value of the Flora and Fauna Scoring and Ranking Protocol and the TRCA jurisdictional Species of Conservation Concern ranks of those species. Not surprisingly for an urban and urbanizing region, the monitoring results reflect decreased biodiversity and a degraded terrestrial ecosystem regionally, relative to what it would have been historically.. Comparisons between the rural, urbanizing and urban land -use zones showed . clear differences with the rural zone achieving higher scores on all measures, the urbanizing zone being close or equal to the rural, and,the urban zone demonstrating a more degraded condition, and lower biodiversity. The baseline data(now established, provides a starting point for analysis of change over time as collection and analysis continues, to determine whether the ecosystem in the three zones and the jurisdiction as a whole is stable or changing. We will be able to assess the degree of success of measures taken to protect the ecosystem as development occurs, particularly in the urbanizing zone; measure success where restoration and recovery is undertaken; and determine whether degraded areas are stable or- further declining. At a localized level, analysis of which species are found or not found will allow land managers to pinpoint actions they may take to improve the level of biodiversity on their lands, prevent further decline or demonstrate success. Others wishing to conduct monitoring of specific sites may also use the established data set in a comparative sense, if they follow the same protocols that the TVMP uses. The Executive Summary is available in • Attachment 1 with anroverview of results. FINANCIAL DETAILS The TerrestrialVolunteer Monitoring Program is funded by the City of Toronto and regional municipalities of Peel, York and Durham under the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, and is an ongoing long term monitoring program. 380 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The report will be made available on the TRCA website, and printed copies made available upon request. The report will also be distributed among TRCA staff to assist with recovery planning, land management, restoration and site monitoring efforts. Staff will communicate with municipal partners and others to ensure that the report is made available to municipalities, academia, other agencies and stakeholders. Staff will make the report available to past and present volunteers and participating landowners. Volunteer recruiting, training and monitoring will continue. Modifications to current protocols will be developed and implemented as indicated by the data analysis and program review process. Program materials, including the program manual are to be updated and renewed as necessary to ensure that training and survey materials are current and adequate. Report prepared by: Theresa McKenzie, extension 5658 Email: tmckenzie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Theresa McKenzie, extension 5658 Email: tmckenzie @trca.on.ca Date: June 3, 2008 Attachments: 1 381 Attachment 1 Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program: Monitoring Results 2002 - 2007 Executive Summary The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program (TVMP) has been collecting indicator species data on fixed monitoring sites • distributed throughout the Toronto region since 2002. The program was designed to provide information on the condition of the terrestrial ecosystem in the region, with a focus on its forest, wetland and meadow habitats, to evaluate differences between zones defined on the basis of the degree of urbanization within them, and to track change over time. This information, when . considered in conjunction with the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, 'and the jurisdictional Species of Conservation Concern data set provides a basis for recommendations for TRCA land and watershed management, restoration and recovery planning and monitoring, as well as development planning enhancements to meet our objectives for regional biodiversity. Volunteers are trained and work in pairs to conduct the biological surveys, visiting assigned sites 10 times each year to survey for the presence of a selected set of indicator species. • Species were chosen as indicators based on their ecological needs and sensitivities, with the full complement of 56 species providing the ability to evaluate various aspects of ecosystem function across the region. Tables 1 and 2 on pages 15 and 16 summarize the species sujveyed, the observation methods used.and the schedule of site visits. Appendix C highlights the information indicated by the presence of each species as well as potential interpretations for. its absence from a habitat type that it might be expected to occupy. Data analysis to date has compiled results from sites for the monitoring period to evaluate overall indicator species richness (the number or percent of indicator species found) as well as species richness for subgroups within the indicator species list, i.e. jurisdictional Species of 'Conservation Concern, amphibians.(frogs /toad), breeding birds, flora, and lichens. The data for sites were grouped by land -use zone (i.e. urban, urbanizing and rural) and by major habitat type (forest, wetland, meadow) and compared. Analysis of change over time and investigation of temporal trends will be conducted once 10 years of data has been collected. Not surprisingly for an urban and urbanizing region, the terrestrial ecosystem showed a considerable degree of degradation. The indicator species richness mean (average) for the region was 39 %. In a fully functional system comprised of native forest, wetland and meadow habitat, this number would be much higher. The indicator Species of Conservation Concern group demonstrated a low species richness averaging 6 of a possible 28 species. The indicator amphibian group mean was 3 of a possible 8 species found. Breeding birds averaged 4 of a possible 14 species, and the porcupine was found on just 6 % of sites. In the past, this species would have been widespread in the region's forests. • 382 Landscape analysis of 2002 aerial photography, combined with regional planning information, showed the urban zone occupying approximately 60% of the regional jurisdiction, with the rural zone at 30% and the urbanizing zone 10 %. Statistically significant differences were evident in the average indicator species richness and number of Species of Conservation Concern found on sites in the urban versus the rural zone, with the urbanizing zone being very close to the rural one for the time period analyzed. Within the rural zone, comparisons were made between sites located on the Oak Ridges Moraine and those located off the moraine, with no significant differences found between the two groups. The monitoring results infer a considerably reduced level of structure and function within the remaining natural cover in the urban zone, as compared to the other zones. Its overall indicator species richness was 31 %, and its mean for Species of Conservation Concern found was 4 of a possible 28 species. For fauna Species of Conservation Concern the mean was 1 of a possible 17, with the majority of the urban sites having none of these species present. The urbanizing zone was intermediate between the urban and rural zone on most measures, and in most cases not significantly different from the rural zone. The similarity between these 2 zones relates to the fact that much of the urbanizing zone was in fact still rural during the period of study. A large portion of the urban zone was developed at a time when regional biodiversity was not considered in the planning process. Today, an improved process builds in greater habitat protection and buffering, yet we continue to see reduced biodiversity following development. Application of the systems approach presented in the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Systems Strategy will help to further ameliorate the negative effect of development on the remaining ecosystem by protecting sufficient habitat in a connected system to support a higher level of biodiversity. If a Terrestrial Natural Heritage System is not implemented in some jurisdictions, the ecosystem in those parts of the urbanizing zone would be expected to decline to the level of the recently developed parts of the urban zone. Results from the TVMP suggest additional factors that are likely important, and improved controls that might be helpful, such as applying best practice methods to minimize the potential for road salt to contaminate natural wetlands. The existing TVMP baseline data for this zone will support the ability to provide a quantitative assessment of ecosystem change as development occurs and monitoring continues. TVMP monitoring sites are located on both public and private lands, with sites on many TRCA conservation properties, within municipal parks and in Rouge Park. The monitoring results are available for public sites and can be used in management planning. In the case of private properties, an individual landowner report has been prepared for each and distributed to the landowner. Private property data is used by TRCA only in the group analyses to arrive at the mean values presented. 383 The baseline data set and interpretation of. the TVMP monitoring results is of value not only for ongoing TRCA monitoring and analysis; it can also be used for reference by others planning local site monitoring. If the,TVMP protocol, or a subset of it, is used for such monitoring projects, the local site results can provide better information on how healthy the site is relative to the land -use zone or region. Where monitoring of the entire TVMP indicator species set would be too ,onerous, the amphibians are recommended as the most informative group on which to base monitoring efforts. This is due to their need for both aquatic and terrestrial habitat, their need for connections between these habitats and their sensitivity to contamination of either. If an existing site without wetland is to be monitored, the set of TVMP fauna indicator Species of Conservation Concern is a recommended alternative group. A gap analysis of the TVMP monitoring effort, along with the results for flora species indicates a need for the modification of protocols under the current program to address invasive flora species distribution and rate of spread throughout the jurisdiction and the concurrent impact on native species. In addition, the results for monitoring of the Northern leopard frog, combined with continental concerns regarding its decline, suggest a need for a modified monitoring protocol, whether under this program or other TRCA monitoring, to better understand its distribution and population status, as well as relevant impacts to this species in the Toronto region. The Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program continues to be an extremely valuable contributor to the TRCA's data collection efforts. The quality of the data is evident both during the quality assurance process and through the analysis presented here. The quantity of data collected is clearly much higher than could be achieved at reasonable cost using staff field teams. The opportunity for interested community members to participate and build their knowledge of the terrestrial ecosystem and biodiversity issues is an added benefit. Multiple volunteers, particularly students and recent immigrants with an environmental background, have progressed from participating in the terrestrial monitoring program to employment within the environmental sector, some of them with TRCA. 384 RES. #A140/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER OF ONTARIO 2006/2007 REPORT Grand River Conservation Authority Recommendations. Supporting the Grand River Conservation Authority endorsement of the recommendations made by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his 2007 report. Laurie Bruce Linda Pabst WHEREAS the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) strongly advocates the need to change the way planning is undertaken in Ontario to address environmental impacts related to projected growth and its attendant pressures on the natural and physical infrastructure of the province; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) support, where applicable, the ten recommendations of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario in his report of 2006/07 titled "Reconciling Our Priorities ", while recognizing the progress that has been made within TRCA watersheds, and request provincial ministries to take the appropriate actions to address 'irreconcilable priorities'; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA's member municipalities, the provincial ministries of Natural Resources, Municipal Affairs and Housing, Public Infrastructure Renewal, Environment, Northern Development and Mines and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the ECO and the Grand River Conservation Authority be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND At its meeting on March 29, 2008, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) resolved to support the ten recommendations contained in the 2006/07 report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) and requested that other conservation authorities pass similar resolutions (Attachment 1). The report of the ECO identifies a number of irreconcilable priorities from the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and other provincial planning - related documents that represent a challenge to creating sustainable communities in southern Ontario. Some of these irreconcilable priorities include: • protecting provincially significant wetlands from development while allowing infrastructure to be constructed within; • preserving significant natural areas from development while allowing for aggregate extraction within; • requiring municipalities to plan for additional growth and population in the face of environmental limits to providing servicing capacity for unbuilt but approved growth; • expanding road networks while facing increasing contamination of water sources from road salts; and • directing intensification to take place in areas currently subject to flooding hazards. 385 r RATIONALE Gord Miller is the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. He released his annual report titled 'Reconciling Our Priorities in December, 2007. The report notes that the provincial planning framework of legislation, policies and regulations is intended to promote sound land use planning and protection of ecological values. However, when ecological values and economic, political and social priorities are factored into decision making, the ECO report identifies that more often than not, decisions are made in favour of the latter priorities to the detriment of ecological values. The report also identifies a need to revise existing legislation such as the Mining' Act and the. Public Lands Act to provide the tools needed to maintain and enhance ecological`values. The 10 recommendations of the ECO report (in italics), and their current state within-TRCA-watersheds, are summarized below. In a number of instances, TRCA and our municipal, and other partners are already on the leading edge of addressing the recommendations of the ECO, which can be used as examples to inform provincial directions. 1. That the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) speed up the process of wetland identification and evaluation and ensure Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs) are incorporated into municipal official plans. Within TRCA watersheds the identification, evaluation and incorporation of PSWs into municipal official plans, especially for the. Oak Ridges Moraine, has generally been quite good, Largely due to the area's extraordinary development pressures. 2. That the PPS be revised to prohibit new infrastructure in PSWs unless there are no reasonable alternatives and there will be no negative impacts. This recommendation is directly applicable as wetlands in TRCA watersheds are still being negatively impacted by infrastructure projects such as the Highway 410 extension. 3. That aggregate, proposals conflicting with natural heritage or source water protection values be screened out early during the aggregate approvals process. TRCA supports a full and early-assessment of aggregate proposals to ensure protection of the natural environment and sources of drinking water. 4. That the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe's intensification and density targets be increased. • TRCA support increasing density targets and intensification and made this comment previously in response to the draft Growth Plan, recommending that increased impacts and use pressures on urban parks and open space systems would need to be offset with.a more robust natural heritage system within the urban boundary. 5. That the Mining Act be reformed to reflect the land use priorities of Ontarians, including ecological values. This recommendation is not directly applicable in TRCA watersheds but is still worthy of support. 6. That the Public Lands Act be reformed to provide MNR with better tools to protect ecological values on Crown lands. This recommendation has limited applicability as there are no Crown lands in TRCA jurisdiction, other than the bed of Lake Ontario. TRCA does, however, support providing MNR with better tools to-ensure the broad based protection and enhancement of the natural environment. 7. That a province -wide road salts management strategy be developed. Many of TRCA's municipal partners have been actively implementing their own salt management plans to reduce the impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and limit potential groundwater contamination of private and municipal wells. TRCA recently convened a salt management workshop for the Don watershed plan to further address this issue. 8. Improve the speed at which aggregate pits are rehabilitated, apply current legislation to grandfathered licences and hire more aggregate inspectors. The cumbersome process to modify existing pit licences and rehabilitation plans to incorporate natural heritage system improvements and public use recreational trails is frustrating to pit operators, public agencies and citizens alike. TRCA is currently working with stakeholders in the Township of Uxbridge to address these issues in the Glen Major area. 9. Development of standards for the land application of stable and pathogen -free sewage biosolids. Within the Greater Toronto Area, lands available for the spreading of sewage biosolids are decreasing due to increasing urbanization. Some municipalities such as Durham Region have undertaken a master plan process to address the issue. Sustainable alternative uses such as the use of biosolids for soil remediation on brownfield sites or for reclamation and rehabilitation of aggregate pits are being investigated. 10. Minimize cumulative effects of heavy atmospheric emitters through obtaining emissions offsets and improve upon / update older Certificates of Approvals in heavily burdened airsheds. This would potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, assist in achieving the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) goals within the Toronto and Region Area of Concern (AOC), contribute to TRCA reforestation projects as offsets and is a beneficial recommendation that should be supported. Only some of the ten recommendations of the ECO report are directly applicable in TRCA watersheds and in the Toronto and Region AOC. Their implementation, however, would provide important benefits to the natural environment throughout the province as well as to help make significant gains towards restoring the AOC. Staff recommend that TRCA support the recommendations of the ECO, where applicable, and request the province take the appropriate actions to implement the recommendations to reconcile these irreconcilable priorities. The implementation of such actions would also confirm the province's commitment to restore environmental conditions in the Toronto and Region AOC and protect Lake Ontario. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email: dburnett @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Email: dburnett @trca.on.ca Date: May 14, 2008 Attachments: 1 387 Attachment 1 Grand River Conservation Authority April 3, 2008. Ms. Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON M3N 1S4 Dear Chair O'Connor: 400 Clyde Road, P.O, Box 729 Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6 Telephone (519) 621.2761 Fax (519) 621 -4844 • kuemel: Pure: ?1wu wgrandrirer,Ca The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario released his latest annual report "Reconciling our Priorities" on December 4, 2007. Conunissioncr Miller urges the Province to take a broad view of environmental impacts associated with projected population growth in Ontario and the attendant stresses on the natural and physical infrastructure of the Province. The Commissioner is concerned that development pressures inay lead toover exceeding thc environmental Iimnits or carrying capacity of the natural system upon which we depend for ecological services (e.g. waste assimilation, drinking water, etc.), demands for additional transportation infrastructure to acconunodate rriore cars which results in further cnviromnental degradation of the air, ]and'and water, and continued aggregate extraction in environmentally sensitive.arc.as. The Grand River Conservation Authority concurs with the Commissioner regarding the need to address these issues sooner rather than later. For this reason, the Grand River Conservation Authority supports the ten recommendations outlined on pages 206 -207 of the Commissioner's report and is requesting that thc Province to take prompt action in implementing each'one (see attached). At its meeting on March 29, 2008, the Grand River Conservation Authority members, by Resolution No. 35 -08 ratified Motin No. CW -33 -08 as follows: WHEREAS the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) strongly advocates the need to change the way planning is undertaken in Ontario to address environmental impacts related to projected growth and its attendant pressures on the natural and physical infrastructure of the province, be it. resolved: THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority support the ten recommendations contained in the 2006/2007 Annual Report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario and request the appropriate provincial agencies to take the appropriate actions to address "irreconcilable priorities": INTERNATIONAL RIVERPRIZE WINNER For Excellence In Watershed,Management AND THAT the Grand River Conscr.ration Authority request member municipalities to support these recommendations and ask appropriate provincial agencies to take appropriate action 10 address - irreconcilable priorities '; ANT) T11,:\T the Grand River Conservation Authority request member municipalities 10 incorporate sustainable Lvater and environmental tal concepts into their Official Plans at the next avai1ahle opportunity; Ai\1) THAT the Cirand River Conservation Authority request member municipalities and provincial agencies to support an update to the Grand Rive! Basin Water Management Study which focuses on sustainable water management in the Grand River watershed and addresses the cumulative impacts of climate change and population growth on water quality and quantity; AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority ask Conservation Authorities located within the Greater Golden Horseshoe to endorse a similar motion which requests their member municipalities to undertake similar actions Consequently, the Grand River Conservation Authority would ask that you join us in requesting the Premier and the appropriate Ministers to implement the Coiniriissioner's recommendations promptly and to encourage your member municipalities to do Iikebvise. If you have any questions or would like to discuss our request further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours very truly, Alan Dale, Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority. c c. Cord tvliller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. Lt The [[r")emmmeodh,that UUP,uyoKnamk op the process of,ahand identification and evaluation drid ensure that F'io'dricialh. a le incorpcliaRd into municipal ipfficial plans, The EC econmends that UT,14Hanendthe P/unocia|Fn|k!Vatenent10 prohibit na,inhax/wtore such as hmhxays in Provincially S,ignificaot 'i.W.danck unless thei e ae no reasonable alternatives and it has been demonstrated that ther e will be nci negative impacts on their ecological functions. The ECU eccwxneo cE/hat the provincial go�/omem reconcile its conflicting iow,ks ben` enaygmgate extraction and enamomeotal protection. Specifically, the province should develop a new mechanism within the pf thatm*em out, atane/|! proposals conflicting w:th identified natural heritage of source :ate/ protection values. • The E[(' ecummeod that Nu4H 'cinoeae UeGGH Plan's intensification and den by The [{V /eoznmend` that QttDt,,i reform the m reflect land usep/mmieycf iiium/iam The VII /a"nmpod that UhIR /etorm/he to cleate a planning system that provides ',..Hth the. to,oh. to bele' protect ecological ,'.31ties cm all Crown lands, IL, 1. +111,eli I 1 ri L. d,,:eleep a corripreherisr.e. rirat-datcir,, cedr-Le-,Noie road salts It[ IH 11._111,_1:1 1111:1111,1 1[111, ffeArial eceis.,srealis are pr,-Ite.cted fr-Ln ehleIncles The Err) re. Tt[I, ir LltiL 1 r! FILL of ()Iv:1r fits and quarries b lliticiducing Lith did 11111elme, it, Hoes to grandparented licences, and L, tt,u1,e; Ardel'herilliLl the ministry s H PI 4JJ, lul dons "-151:4:041;4041:011:11:**.oz, F 'VP:77'1,0N The EC) recommends that 1.11:1:F and CV .',.fRA develop quality standards that support land application ul 1dLl dthugen-lite The ECO recommends that where ne v,. emitter are seeking entry into heavily burdened airsheds. rIGE inv1,-Tient i 'i - 1 rhiril111.7,e Diy cibtairifilg emission ottsets and speedng up Ill process ot updating old,--1 i,1 that ,311511ed. RES.#A141/08 .- Moved by: Seconded by: POLICY AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES /GUIDELINES FOR SERVING ALCOHOL AT TRCA PERMITTED FUNCTIONS Approval of an alcohol policy for use at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority facilities involved in the sale and service of liquor. Jack Heath Suzan Hall THAT Toronto and, Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA). Policy and Operational Procedures /Guidelines for Serving Alcohol at TRCA Permitted Functions be approved; THAT a copy of the alcohol policy be distributed and communicated to all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of alcohol; THAT the alcohol policy be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it is in compliance with the Alcohol and Gaming Comm ission of Ontario's Liquor License Act and that the operational procedures /guidelines be updated as necessary by TRCA staff; AND FURTHER THAT copies of the Policy and Operational Procedures /Guidelines for Serving Alcohol at TRCA Permitted Functions be made available to the public via TRCA's website. CARRIED BACKGROUND In January of 2008, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) made a number of changes to the Liquor License Act (LLA),that deal specifically with the mandatory training of • serving staff. In order to comply with the LLA, TRCA has developed a standardized policy to cover all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of liquor. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's alcohol ,policy has regard for the health and safety of people at events on TRCA managed land through a responsible, managed approach to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The policy offers practical solutions to common problems faced by staff and provides a practical framework upon which they can operate. The policy indicates TRCA's responsible serving practices and TRCA's intention to comply with the Act. A copy of the policy will'be distributed and communicated to all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of liquor. The alcohol policy describes all the things that a person or group holding an event on TRCA managed lands under a Special Occasions Permit (SOP) needs to do to prevent dangerous situations involving alcohol; and to promote.low -risk drinking. It also outlines the responsibilities of all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of liquor. In order to meet all the changes in the LLA, the policy also address all of the following areas: 1. monitoring of facility door; 2. actively marketing food; 3. pricing; 4. promotion of alternate beverages; 5. training of all staff; 6. a safe transportation plan; 7. never serving underage customers; 392 8. how to manage the intoxicated customer; 9. how to monitor drinking by customers; 10. the marketing of TRCA's position and policy. A key component of the Act deals with issues surrounding server training. In order to comply with the changes to the LLA, the following items related to server training are included in the alcohol policy: 1. All license holders will need to ensure that managers /persons involved in the sale or service of liquor and security staff hold, within 60 days after being hired or 90 days for existing employees, a certificate demonstrating the successful completion of a server training course approved by the board of the AGCO. 2. This requirement applies to full -time, part-time and contract employees, as well as any licensees who are involved in the day -to -day operations of the establishment. Currently, the server training program that has been approved by the AGCO for these purposes is the Smart Serve Training Program. Smart Serve teaches hospitality staff about Ontario's liquor laws and strategies on how to prevent, recognize and deal with intoxication. FINANCIAL DETAILS Financial impacts as a result of the implementation of the alcohol policy will be integrated into the permit fee. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. Ensure that all staff and managers involved in the sale or service of liquor take Smart Serve training. 2. Provide all staff involved in the sale or service of liquor with a copy of the alcohol policy and operational procedures /guidelines. 3. Adopt a safe transportation plan. 4. Develop a mission statement and post it prominently at all facilities and or functions in which alcohol is served. Report prepared by: Nick Foglia, extension 5275; Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: nfoglia @trca.on.ca; dedwards @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Nick Foglia, extension 5275; Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: nfoglia @trca.on.ca; dedwards @trca.on.ca Date: May 09,2008 Attachments: 1 393 Attachment 1 POLICY AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES /GUIDELINES FOR SERVING ALCOHOL AT TRCA PERMITTED FUNCTIONS MAY 2008 BACKGROUND In January of 2008, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) made a number of changes to the Liquor License Act (LLA) that deal specifically with the mandatory training of serving staff. In order to comply with the LLA, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has developed a standardized policy to cover all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of liquor. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's alcohol policy has regard for the health and safety of people at events on TRCA managed property through a responsible, managed approach to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The policy offers practical solutions to common 'problems faced by staff and provides a practical framework upon which they can operate. The policy outlines TRCA's responsible serving practices and our intention to comply with the Act. A copy of the policy will be distributed and communicated to all TRCA staff involved in the sale or service of liquor. THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS PERMIT The Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. It allows .the permit holder to sell or serve liquor during a special occasion under the regulations of the Liquor License Act. ELIGIBLE LOCATIONS FOR THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS PERMIT TRCAlocations including TRCA -owned buildings, facilities, parks, properties may be locations for SOP events. Land and facility holdings under partnered management agreement are excempt from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's alcohol policy. The event organizer must obtain the appropriate permit or approval from TRCA in order to hold an event on TRCA managed land. TRCA staff will review all requests to hold an SOP event on TRCA managed land to determine if it is an appropriate location for such an event. Evaluation criteria could include: • nature, duration and hours of the proposed event; • impact upon neighboring properties and other facility users; • participant, TRCA staff and public safety considerations; • proximity to public transportation services; • adequate availability of space, parking and washrooms; • adequate availability of water and electrical supply. The event organizer must provide proof to TRCA staff that servers have Smart Serve training (i.e. the Smart Serve certificate) in order to receive a TRCA- issued permit or approval for an SOP event., TRCA management has the authority to deny a TRCA- issued permit or approval from a proposed SOP event at any TRCA managed locations if they consider it inappropriate. 394 Alcohol is not allowed at events targeted exclusively to youth under 19 years of age held at TRCA locations. INSURANCE The Special Occasion Permit holder must purchase third -party liability insurance for their event. This insurance will: • set a $2,000,000 minimum per occurrence limit, or an amount determined by a TRCA Director or designate; and • identify TRCA as an additional insured with respect to the permitted event. TRCA staff must receive written proof of insurance for an SOP event at least 10 days before the event is to take place, and before they can issue a permit or approval for the event. TRAINING In order to hold an SOP event on TRCA -owned land, the event organizer must ensure in writing that all people serving and selling alcohol at the bar and serving drinks to tables have completed the Smart Serve Training Program or AGCO- approved server intervention training program in order to receive a TRCA- issued permit. TRCA staff members who are involved in the management or approval of an SOP event must also have taken the Smart Serve Training Program and received specific training about TRCA's alcohol policy. FOOD AND BEVERAGES Non - alcoholic beverages must be available, either at no charge or at a cost of less than half the price of the lowest - priced alcoholic beverage. The Liquor License Act requires that food be served at an SOP event. Event organizers must provide and encourage the consumption of food. Chips, peanuts and other such snacks do not qualify as food. Sandwiches and other light meals are considered appropriate for such events. Foods high in carbohydrates help to slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and therefore reduce the risk of intoxication. Practices which encourage increased consumption of alcohol are not allowed. Specifically, oversize drinks, double shots, pitchers of beer, drinking contests and volume discounts are not allowed. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from a licensed retail store such as the LCBO, The Beer Store, or stores of Ontario wineries and breweries may be sold /served at SOP events held at TRCA managed land. Event organizers and participants may not sell, bring or consume home -made alcoholic beverages or their own alcoholic beverages at SOP events held on TRCA managed land. BAR REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATION The bar should be located in an area that allows the bartender(s), ticket sellers and floor monitors to see and monitor event participants while they are consuming alcohol. The bartender must not serve any person more than two alcoholic drinks at any one time. 395 For safety reasons, all alcoholic beverages must be dispensed and served in a plastic cup or container. Glassware may be permitted at the discretion of an appropriate TRCA representative. All empty alcohol containers must remain in the bar area. Ticket sales must end at least a 30 minutes prior to the bar closure time specified on the TRCA- issued permit. There must be no last call for the bar. Last call usually encourages high and rapid consumption of alcohol and results in high blood alcohol levels just as the event is ending, which may lead to impaired driving. Practices that encourage increased consumption of alcohol, such as discounting of ticket prices for volume buying, are not allowed. The bar must close at the time indicated on the TRCA- issued permit or the SOP - whichever is earlier. Under no circumstances must a person under the age of 19 be served, or be allowed to consume, an alcoholic beverage. The only acceptable identification for proof of age is an Ontario Photo Card, a passport or a driver's license with photo. Tickets must not be sold to anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated. Outdoor Licensed Bar Areas In addition to the bar requirements listed above, outdoor licensed bar areas must be clearly defined and separated from unlicensed areas by a physical barrier with a minimum height of 1.06 meters (42 inches). The Special Occasion Permit holder is responsible for cleaning -up the outdoor beverage area at the end of the event. A security deposit must accompany the application in case major clean -up or repairs are required after the event. FLOOR MONITORING /EVENT WORKERS Event workers (the permit holder or his /her designate and persons working for the permit holder) must not consume alcoholic beverages while they are working at the event, or after the bar is closed and the event is over. The permit holder or his /her designate, must attend for the duration of the event and be responsible for.decisions regarding the operation of the event. Event workers must ensure the participants do not engage in activities that could potentially harm themselves and others. Event workers should be easily identifiable by TRCA staff, e.g. wear badges, caps. 396 Number of Floor Monitors The Special Event Permit holder must ensure that floor monitors are present for the entire event. The role of the floor monitor is to ensure that the SOP requirements and the requirements of the TRCA alcohol policy are carried out. TRCA staff, in consultation with the Special Occasion Permit holder, will determine the number of monitors required for each SOP. As a guideline, a ratio of at least one floor monitor per 100 participants should be applied. The nature and location of the event, the expected attendance, and if applicable, the number and size of outdoor licensed bar areas operated in conjunction with the event, will have an impact on the number of floor monitors required. TRCA staff will determine if a TRCA representative should attend an SOP event. The designated TRCA staff representative has the authority, on behalf of TRCA, to shut down the event. Security In some cases, and at the discretion of TRCA management, security services and /or pay -duty police may be required at the event, at the permit holder's expense. TRCA may also require that entrances to license bar areas be supervised by police officers or professional security staff. ACCOUNTABILITY If TRCA's alcohol policy is violated, or any law is broken, there will be consequences for the permit holder, up to and including withdrawal of privileges to hold future events at TRCA -owned lands. If TRCA's alcohol policy is violated, TRCA management or their designate can, at their discretion: • close down the even immediately; and /or • refuse to issue future facility permits to the event organizers. SIGNAGE A sign concerning rules of the event and our mission statement must be posted near the bar. These signs are provided by the TRCA in English to the permitter. The content of the sign is as follows: • The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. No persons under 19 years of age shall drink any alcoholic beverages at a TRCA- issued permitted event. • If anyone appears to be under 19 years of age, the bartender, other event staff and /or TRCA staff can request proof of age. The only acceptable proof of age is: 1. a valid drivers license with photo identification; 2 on Ontario Photo card; 3. a passport. • Bar tickets may be purchased until one half hour before the bar closes. There will be no last call. • At any one time, patrons may only purchase bar tickets sufficient for up to two drinks. • It is against the law for bartenders, servers or participants to provide alcohol to anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated. If the event participants do not understand English, the permit holder(s) must post the contents of the TRCA sign translated into the language(s) of the majority of the participants, as well as the English sign. 397 SAFE TRANSPORTATION Permit holders must ensure that provisions have been made for safe transportation of intoxicated participants, should any participant be or become intoxicated. Plans for safe transportation may include, but are not limited to: • a designated driver program (including advertising of such a program at the event); • free non - alcoholic drinks for the designated drivers; • arrangements for event sponsors to drive intoxicated patrons home; • taxi chits (receipts to be provided for money owed); • calls to the police if intoxicated participants insist on driving. ADVERTISING • Events sponsored by alcohol manufacturers must include messages about responsible consumption of alcohol. • Alcohol sponsorship is not allowed for events which are aimed at youth (under 19 years of age). • Event names which convey the message that drinking is the principal activity or purpose of the event should not be used. 398 RES. #A142/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: BRUCE'S MILL CONSERVATION AREA Habitat Enhancement Project. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority proposes to strategically place approximately 130,000 cubic metres of clean surplus fill on TRCA -owned tablelands located within Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, Township of Whitchurch - Stouffville. Jack Heath Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) request formal proposals from contractors to supply and place clean surplus fill on TRCA -owned lands as a means to enhance wetland interpretive habitat features and restore forest cover, subject to regional and municipal approvals; THAT the funds received as compensation for receiving the surplus fill be set aside exclusively to offset project costs, for future restoration and habitat enhancements within the property and general TRCA purposes; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all the necessary documentation required. CARRIED BACKGROUND Bruce's Mill Conservation Area (BMCA) is located in the upper reaches of the Rouge River in the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York. The property is approximately 118 hectares (ha) in size with 89.5 ha of natural cover comprising 52 ha of forest, 2.5 ha of wetland (1.2% of watershed total for forest and wetland combined) and 35 ha of meadow /successional habitat. BMCA hosts a variety of nature -based recreational activities including hiking and picnicking. There are also several lease agreements for activities occurring on BMCA lands, including soccer, a driving range and agricultural uses. Additionally, the conservation area hosts a yearly Maple Syrup festival and an annual York Children's Water Festival in partnership with York . Region. TRCA has also entered into a long term lease arrangement with the Regional Municipality of York (Community Safety Village of York Region) for lands situated within the Bruce's Mill Conservation Area. At Authority Meeting #6/04, held on June 25, 2004, the process for preparing a master plan for BMCA was approved. 399 Preparing a master plan for BMCA is extremely important for the park's development because no guidelines exist to shape.management activities. Neither a management plan nor a master plan has, ever been developed forBMCA. Moreover, the Rouge North Management Plan advises that a master planning process be completed for BMCA, which is considered the northern gateway to Rouge Park. Furthermore, population growth in the-Township of Whitchurch - Stouffville and the Regional Municipality of York will likely increase the number of users.. As such, a plan is required that can address future public use demands and enhanced environmental protection. - Moreover, it is necessary to prepare a comprehensive and integrated master plan for the property that can respond to the changes in the availability of public funds and evolving concepts in conservation and sustainability. The plan must also match TRCA's objectives for The Living City - healthy communities based on a healthy ecosystem. The master planning process occurs in several phases. To date, staff has completed the compilation of background materials and research and the development of a background report. TRCA has developed the vision, goals and objectives to guide the master plan, along with a series of management recommendations. A draft public use and recreation plan has been developed that outlines the recreational uses and opportunities, and also includes a trail plan for the park. The public use and recreation plan will include a map showing the major recommendations and uses under the plan, a chapter detailing the recommendations as well as sustainable design standards, and an implementation strategy detailing project costs and suggested•timelines for implementation. Throughout the process there have been public information and consultation sessions as well as advisory committee meetings. Included in.th'e draft public use and recreation plan are several opportunities to implement revenue- generating fill projects. A summary of these projects was_presented to TRCA.Directors Committee on April 3, 2008. One of the projects that was endorsed as part of that summary was a 5 hectare habitat enhancement project for the agricultural fields in the north west corner of Bruce's Mill Conservation Area. As part of the master plan process, these fields have been targeted for restoration to natural cover, as recommended in the TRCA Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. Other project sites that were highlighted as part of the summary that was presented to Director's Committee will require further investigation and planning as part of the master planning,.process. The land uses that are determined for those areas may incorporate a filling component. TRCA staff has completed detailed design drawings,showing how the 5 hectare parcel of tableland.will be enhanced by importing and strategically placing clean surplus fill. It is the opinion of staff that this is an opportunity to restore forest cover and create wetland and interpretive opportunities while creating the foundation for diverse habitat and public`features. Upon completion of the fill placement and grading phase of the project and subject to available revenues, TRCA staff will complete landscaping as shown on the attached grading and restoration plan. The habitat enhancement project has been presented at meetings of the staff steering committee.and the advisory committee, as well as at a public meeting. Additionally, staff and the advisory committee have had the opportunity to review and comment on the detailed design drawings for the site. 400 It is the opinion of staff that multiple sources of clean surplus fill will be available to complete the regeneration objectives and generate the necessary revenue to offset project costs and future costs associated with the management of the property. TRCA will implement a fill quality control program to ensure and confirm that all fill placed on TRCA -owned property meet Ministry of Environment Residential Parkland criteria. TRCA archaeology staff has completed their assessment of the site and found a small scatter of aboriginal lithic artifacts of unknown origin. The site is now cleared from an archaeological perspective and ready for fill placement. RATIONALE TRCA staff has completed similar projects in other areas with considerable success. Examples of these successful projects include: the recently completed berm on Kortright Centre for Conservation tablelands off Pine Valley Drive; Boyd North Pit rehabilitation off Rutherford Road; berming along Intermodal Drive and Highway 407 within Claireville Conservation Area; the berming along the new Markham By -Pass east of Ninth Line; and, berming and wetland complex development at Boyd North (along Islington Avenue north of Rutherford Road). Staff see this regeneration work as a benefit to all involved as the surplus fill along with the financial compensation will allow for the creation of habitat opportunities and public features on the property. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Subject to project approval, TRCA staff will begin the process of requesting proposals from qualified contractors to supply and place the required fill. TRCA staff also need to obtain various municipal and regional approvals. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA staff anticipates that fill revenue from this project will offset direct project operating and restoration costs. Report prepared by: David Hatton, extension 5365 Email: dhatton @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Hatton, extension 5365 Email: dhatton @trca.on.ca Date: June 12, 2008 Attachments: 2 401 Attachment 1 402 Attachment 2 403 RES. #A143/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SOUND ANDVISUAL ATTENUATION STRUCTURE 14th-Avenue and Reesor Road, Town of Markham. Proposal to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) from TACC via the Rouge . Park Alliance requesting permission to place 90,000 cubic metres of topsoil on TRCA -owned agricultural tablelands located on the west side of Reesor Road north of 14th Avenue, Town of Markham. Jack Heath Ron Moeser THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into an agreement with TACC to accept placement of clean surplus topsoil on TRCA owned lands at 14th Avenue and Reesor Road to create an environmental berm /buffer, subject to archaeological and municipal approvals; THAT the fee for accepting the topsoil will be $3.50 /cubic metre (m3); THAT, in addition to the tipping fee, TACC will be responsible for all costs of sediment control, placing topsoil, fine grading and seeding the site with a basic cover crop; THAT the funds received as compensation for receiving the surplus soil be set aside exclusively for project costs, for future restoration and habitat enhancement of the property and associated Rouge Park and TRCA purposes; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all the necessary documentation required. CARRIED BACKGROUND Staff of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) received a proposal from TACC via the Rouge Park Alliance to construct habitat enhancement berms containing a total of approximately 90,000 cubic metres (m3) of surplus topsoil on lands north of 14th Avenue and west of Reesor Road in the Town of Markham. In addition to the financial compensation package of approximately $315,000, TACC will be responsible for the supply, placement, grading and seeding of the structure with a basic cover crop. The berms shown on the attached concept design drawing will enhance the boundary between Bob Hunter Memorial Park and the adjacent rail line, the proposed extension of Don Cousens Parkway and the urban developments in Box Grove. A vegetated berm along the western perimeter of the park will provide a physical and visual boundary between urban and park lands, and would provide some habitat variety to a flat site. The structures would reduce the intrusion of light, noise and road salt spray into the naturalized and public use areas. Staff view these functions as assets to the future protection of the park and its restored habitats. It is the opinion of staff that this is an opportunity to strategically preserve a significant asset and enhance the restoration potential of-the proposed Bob Hunter Memorial Park. TRCA staff will implement a soils quality control program to ensure and confirm that all soil placed on site meets Ministry of Environment parkland criteria. 404 RATIONALE TRCA staff had previously identified the lands along the rail line north of 14th Avenue as a potential site for a sound and visual attenuation structure similar to the one proposed by TACC. Although the site had been identified by TRCA, the restoration initiative was put on hold pending the development of the Bob Hunter Park Master Plan. The recent proposal by TACC to place clean surplus topsoil was fortuitous in that it coincides with the Rouge Park's desire to accelerate restoration efforts at the park. Further, because of the proximity of the topsoil source to the deposition location (500 metres), it is the opinion of staff that the compensation package offered by TACC would not be matched by any other supplier. In addition, the project will be implemented within the summer months in time to allow for fall planting and restoration. If implemented, TRCA will oversee the construction of the berm structures that had previously been considered, and the financial compensation will allow for the implementation of a restoration plan beneficial to Bob Hunter Memorial Park, Rouge Park and TRCA. TRCA staff has completed similar projects in other areas with considerable success. Examples of these successful projects include: the recently completed berm on the Kortright Centre for Conservation table lands off Pine Valley Drive in the City of Vaughan; Boyd North Pit rehabilitation off Rutherford Road in the City of Vaughan; berming along Intermodal Drive and Highway 407 within Claireville Conservation Area in the City of Brampton; the berming along the new Markham By -Pass east of Ninth Line in the Town of Markham; and the berming and wetland complex development at Boyd North (along Islington Avenue north of Rutherford Road) in the City of Vaughan. Staff sees this regeneration work as a benefit to all involved as the surplus soil, 'along with the financial compensation, will allow for the creation of habitat opportunities and public features on the property. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff need to obtain various archaeological, municipal and regional approvals. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA staff anticipate that fill revenue from this project will offset direct project operating and restoration costs. Report prepared by: Dave Hatton, extension 5365 Email: dhatton @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dave Hatton, extension 5365 Email: dhatton @trca.on.ca Date: June 19, 2008 Attachments: 1 405 Attachment 1 406 RES. #A144/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREAT LAKES COMMISSION Local Investment in Great Lakes Protection and Restoration. Great Lakes local investment and the need for additional senior level government investment. Colleen Jordan Bonnie Litt ley THAT the Authority recommends to the federal and provincial governments that they establish a fund to assist municipalities with their remedial measures for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to meet best practices to ensure quality supply of drinking water for the economic prosperity of future generations; THAT the federal and provincial governments be requested to provide sustainable funding for ongoing monitoring and scientific research to expand knowledge of water quality issues on Lake Ontario; AND FURTHER THAT federal and provincial finance ministers, Environment Canada, the Ontario ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, Conservation Ontario, City of Toronto and regional municipalities of Durham, Peel and York be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND Conservation Ontario (CO) and Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) participated in a 2007 working group tasked with conducting a survey to determine how much municipalities and conservation authorities are investing in the protection of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River on an annual basis. The Great Lakes Commission for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative organized this survey and prepared the subsequent report entitled Local Investment in Great Lakes Protection and Restoration. Support was provided by the Joyce Foundation. The Expert Workgroup also includes representatives from: • City of Montreal • City of Toronto • Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District • Toledo Waterway Initiative • Regional Municipality of Niagara • Porter County Planning Commission • Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative • Great Lakes Commission Background on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is a binational coalition of mayors and other local officials that works actively with federal, state and provincial governments to advance the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. 407 Mayors of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Region have a direct interest and stake in the sustainability of the region. The lakes are essential to the continued vitality of the cities, townships, villages and, counties both along the shores and in the surrounding watersheds as they support countless recreational, commercial, tourism and cultural activities for citizens and visitors; drive economic development and economic value of 'shoreline communities; support •critical aquatic and coastal ecosystems; provide fresh drinking water for millions of people and support agricultural and industrial activities. Current Status From the 143 United States and Canadian local governments that responded to the survey, it was determined that local investment on water quality management activities, including wastewater systems operation, maintenance and infrastructure was $2.5 billion for 2006. $784 million was spent on ecosystem protection activities such as greenspace protection and recycling /reuse programs in 2006. By extrapolating to incorporate the entire survey population of 688 local governments, which included cities, towns, villages, counties, regional municipalities and conservation authorities, the estimated local government investment is $15 billion annually, with $12 billion for water quality management and $3 billion'for ecosystem protection. The report was released in Washington, D.C. during a press conference adjacent to Great Lakes Day on February 27, 2008. The report and all related materials are available at: http: / /glc.org /glinvestment/ and http:// www. glslcities .org /glinvestment.htm. While this report highlights the substantial amount of investment local governments and agencies are making to protect Great Lakes water quality, it is also necessary to comprehend the massive infrastructure deficit that many of these local governments are facing. Waste and stormwater infrastructure needs far exceed the funding and resources available. The report estimates that the Canadian and U.S. local governments are facing a $31 billion (CDN) and $276.8 billion (US) water and wastewater infrastructure deficit respectively. Within TRCA's jurisdiction estimates to improve waste and stormwater are substantial. For example, the implementation of the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan is estimated at $1 Billion /25 years; stormwater management ponds, which this region has over 700, are estimated to cost $1 million to retrofit. Without the contribution of the provincial and federal governments, local governments will not be able to make the improvements necessary to protect Lake Ontario and drinking water quality for residents. Authority members may wish to reference this report as they continue to discuss and advocate with the federal and provincial levels of government for specific financial support to remediate waste water and stormwater infrastructure. Report prepared by: Gary Bowen;. extension 5385, Kelly Montgomery, extension 5576 Emails: gbowen @trca.on.ca, kmontgomery @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gary Bowen, extension 5385, Kelly Montgomery, extension 5576 Emails: gbowen @trca.on.ca, kmontgomery @trca.on.ca Date: June 5, 2008 408 RES. #A145/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION Proposed New Order of Approval and Plan 2007 for Regulation of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River through the Moses /Saunders Dam at Cornwall - Massena (March 28, 2008). To report on the International Joint Commission's (IJC) proposed New Order of Approval and Plan 2007 for Regulation of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence currently in the IJC's public hearing /comment process until July 11, 2008 and the recommendation considered at the Conservation Ontario Council meeting held on June 23, 2008. Laurie Bruce Colleen Jordan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as watershed /waterfront resource managers responsible with our partners for 62 km of shoreline, the nine watersheds that drain into Lake Ontario and the health of the shoreline ecosystem, endorse Conservation Ontario Council's resolution from its June 23, 2008 meeting in regard to the International Joint Commission's (IJC) "Proposed New Order of Approval and Plan 2007 for Regulation of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River through the Moses /Saunders Dam at Cornwall - Massena (March 28, 2008), with emphasis on the strong support forPlan B+ - Balanced Environmental as the basis for regulation of outflows from Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence; AND FURTHER THAT the IJC, Conservation Ontario and TRCA's waterfront municipalities be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND The IJC issued an Order of Approval on October 11, 1952, amended on July 2, 1956, for the construction of the St. Lawrence River Hydropower Project (Moses Saunders Dam, Cornwall). Regulation of Lake Ontario water levels and outflows in accordance with the Commission's orders began in 1960. The current plan, 1958 -D, which has been in effect since October 1963, was designed for the hydrologic conditions experienced from 1860 to 1954. For that reason, 1958 -D has not performed well under the extreme high and low water supply conditions experienced since that time. As a result, the IJC and its International St. Lawrence River Board of Control have had to adjust Plan 1958 -D to better address changing needs and interests. On December 11, 2000, the Commission issued a directive to the International Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence River (LOSL) Study Board, which it had appointed, to: i) review the current regulation of levels and flows in the Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence River system, taking into account the impact of regulation on affected interests; ii) develop an improved understanding of the system among all concerned; and iii) provide all the relevant technical and other information needed for the review. The LOSL Study Board prepared "Options for Managing Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Water Levels and Flows" (March 2006). The IJC released the report for public comment until September 15, 2006. At the Conservation Ontario meeting held on August 18, 2006, Council Resolution #C.W. 42/06 was approved as follows: 409 WHEREAS the International Joint Commission established in December 2000 the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Study Board to comprehensively evaluate options for regulating levels and flows in the Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River System beyond the current plan 1958 -D which has been in effect since October, 1963. WHEREAS the Study Board adopted a Vision to contribute to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River System and a Goal - to identify flow regulation plans and criteria that best serve the range of affected interests, and address climatic conditions in the basin. WHEREAS the Study Board was directed to consider six interests - 3 interests under Plan 1958D (commercial navigation, municipal - industrial - domestic water uses and hydroelectric power generation) and 3 new interests (wetlands/environmental, recreational boating/tourism and coastal processes). WHEREAS the International Joint Commission has initiated a five -step decision process and is requesting by September 15, 2006 public comment on the Lake Ontario St Lawrence River Study to assist them in their deliberations towards a draft decision: WHEREAS Conservation Ontario advocates the need for implementation of "integrated watershed approaches" and the continued preservation and restoration efforts of the environment to ensure the sustainability of the•Great.Lakes Basin. AND WHEREAS Conservation Ontario will have further opportunity after development of a draft decision to participate in Commission hearings on the draft decision. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Conservation Ontario strongly support Plan B+ - Balanced Environmental as the basis for regulation of out flows from Lake Ontario consistent with the Study Board's vision, goal and guidelines. THAT - predicted small increases in shoreline erosion and flooding under Plan B+ be managed, as discussed in the study, with measures employed by various levels of government, including the conservation authorities regulation of development within hazardous lands. THAT Conservation Ontario_supports the Adaptive Management recommendations as critical in maintaining the investment and benefit of data collection, scientific analysis and plan evaluation models to monitoring and performance review of a new operating plan and making informed adjustments in future. THAT Conservation Ontario and the 11 Conservation Authorities along the Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence system will continue to support the Adaptive Management Approach and recommendations by providing monitoring information, analysis and commenting on future plan adjustments. AND THAT this recommendation be forwarded to the International Joint Commission. At Authority Meeting #7/06, held on September 26, 2006, Resolution #A208/06 was approved as follows: THAT the report on the three selected candidate plans labeled A +, B+ and D+ and other recommendations outlined in the final report "Options for Managing Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Water Levels and Flows" by the International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Study Board to the International Joint Commission dated March, 2006 be received; THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) endorse Conservation Ontario Council's resolution from its August 28, 2006 meeting with emphasis on the strong support for Plan B+ - Balanced Environmental; AND FURTHER THAT the International Joint Commission (by the end of the public comment period - September 15, 2006), Conservation Ontario and TRCA's waterfront municipalities be so advised. Current Status The International Joint Commission recently released a "Proposed New Order of Approval and Plan 2007" for regulation of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River through the Moses - Saunders Dam at Cornwall - Massena on March 28, 2008. The proposal reflects the IJC's deliberations on the regulation options by the LOSL Study Board as well as the extensive public comments including Conservation Ontario's and the consultation with the governments of the United States and Canada. IJC has held ten public information sessions and will hold ten "public hearings" and will accept written comment until July 11, 2008. The following public information sessions were attended by the identified TRCA staff: • April 21st Information Session in Belleville (Larry Field /Gary Bowen - TRCA); • April 29th Information Session in Port Jordon (Kelly Montgomery - Toronto Remedial Action Plan (TRCA) and Cassandra Bach - Aquatic Habitat Toronto (TRCA)); • May 8th - Information Session in Massena, NY (Larry Field - TRCA); The public hearings to be held before the IJC Commissioners commenced on June 9, 2008 in Port Jordan. Conservation Ontario is scheduled to present its position at the public hearing before the IJC Commissioners on June 24, 2008 in Kingston. The Commission indicates that all public comments generated during the 90 day public comment period will be considered and the concurrence of the two federal governments will be sought. The Commission's goal is to sign a new order by the end of 2008 and implement a new regulation plan shortly thereafter. Summary - Proposed New Order of Approval and Plan 2007 Details of the New Order of Approval and Plan 2007 are set out in the IJC's documents which can be found at http:// www. ijc .org /LOSLdocuments /index.php. In summary, the following five building blocks are included from the IJC's communications material and reflects the IJC opinions: 411 1. Proposed new Order of Approval . The proposed new Order provides the legal framework and authority for the continued operation of the Moses- Saunders Dam. The IJC indicates that the new order and plan provide for a more transparent and predictable regulation under a wide range of conditions. The following provides a guide to the key aspects of the proposed New Order of Approval as provided by IJC: 1. Complies with the rules and principles in Article VIII of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, specifically the order of precedence of uses under the Treaty, which is: i. Uses for sanitary and domestic purposes ii. Uses for navigation and iii. Uses for power and irrigation purposes. 2. Provides comparable orgreater benefits to the interests identified in the 1956 order, which include: • Sanitary and domestic • Navigation • Power • Irrigation and • Shore property owners. 3. Reduces' the risks of shoreline flooding and erosion on Lake Ontario by limiting higher water levels on Lake Ontario during seasons. 4. Takes account of the environment and recreational boating. 5. Takes account of new information and the wider range of water supplies that has occurred since 1956. 6. Requires the Commission to conduct a review after two years and to implement a regulation plan based on Plan B+ if the Commission determines that measures to mitigate the additional risk to all interests are in place. 7. Establishes an International Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence River Board to: • Manage the - regulation plan • Set up a monitoring and adaptive management committee • Communicate with the public and • Carry out other duties for the Commission. 8. Requires the Board to assess system -wide risks in times of extreme high or low water supply. conditions. The Board may then seek the Commission's consent to deviate from the regulation plan flows. 9. States that the Commission will develop a directive to the Board that addresses the need for deviations from plan flows during winter operations, emergencies, flood discharges from the Ottawa River, peaking and ponding, and other special short -term situations.. 2. Regulation plan (2007) After the conclusion of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Study, the Commission requested - additional work by study experts on a regulation plan that would allow occasional low water levels to provide environmental gains, retain high water level restrictions to reduce shoreline damages and maintain benefits comparable to those in the current Order. A new regulation plan, known as Plan 2007, is the result. In the opinion of the IJC, the proposed Plan 2007 has overall benefits for all interests, including the environment. Experts based this plan on a far greater range of water conditions than was considered in the 1950s, including drier and wetter conditions than have been recorded, and four climate change scenarios. • 412 Specifically, the IJC claims that Plan 2007 provides for an increase in environmental benefits while also maintaining the same or improved level of benefits for property owners and the shipping industry. 3. Adaptive Management and the New Board To help ensure that the expected benefits are realized and that needed improvements can be made in the long term, the Commission is recommending monitoring and adaptive management, including regular periodic reviews of available information. The governments of Canada and the United States have indicated their strong support for adaptive management and will actively participate in the further development of an adaptive management plan for implementation. The newly renamed International Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence River Board, appointed by the Commission, will have broader responsibilities for monitoring and adaptive management and system -wide oversight of the Order and Regulation. As a part of its duties, the board will manage and coordinate increased communications needs. 4. Implementation The proposed new Order provides for short-term discretionary deviations and emergency deviations. Short -term discretionary deviations are minor within -week deviations from the plan flow and are usually made up in the following week. They apply to such contingencies as hydropower unit maintenance or assistance to commercial vessels due t� unanticipated low water levels. Emergency deviations are rare, but necessary under extreme conditions such as major power blackouts, major power dam shutdowns or ships sinking. The Commission believes that, apart from emergency measures and short-term beneficial interventions, deviations from the flows determined by the regulation plan must be minimized to realize Plan 2007's benefits. 5. Public outreach The Board will ensure two -way communications, and public understanding of the regulation process, decision, and impacts, as well as engagement in the monitoring and adaptive management program. The Board will establish a Communications Committee to implement a communications strategy and may, at its discretion, establish an informal group of public advisors. The Commission also plans to establish technical and policy groups charged with overseeing monitoring and assessment and with providing communication between stakeholders and the board on matters related to adaptive management. TRCA Assessment TRCA staff assessment supports the points raised in the Conservation Ontario Report and presentation made to the IJC on June 24, 2008. A key improvement over the existing Order is the separation of the Order and Plan which will allow the plan to be revised in future without reopening the debate on the Order. 413 The proposed Order seems to focus on the previous interests and only "takes account of the environment and recreational boating ". Given that these interests were added by the IJC to the study board's list of six interests to consider, the treatment of the environment in the Order is insufficient. The Order also requires the Commission to conduct a review after two years and to implement a regulation plan based on Plan B+ if the Commission determines that measures to mitigate the additional risks to all interests (i.e. primarily Lake Ontario southern shoreline development) are in place. This is reliant on the initiative of other levels of government without means to require that the governments fund or implement such an initiative. As the responsibility for implementation leaves the control of the Commission, it is our belief that mitigation is less likely to happen to the extent necessary to implement water levels that are environmentally acceptable. The key differences of Plan 2007 to Plan B+ are as follows: • Plan 2007 in terms of water levels generally keeps the status quo with slightly lower fall and winter levels and slightly higher summer levels. Overall, this plan provides less variability in levels. This variability is critical for re- establishing coastal wetlands. • Plan 2007 provides marginal environmental benefits at best primarily in "wetland meadow marsh community ". • Plan B+ is better for the environment with the greater water level variability and seasonality. • The.Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence shoreline provides a dynamic confluence of riverine, wetland, littoral, and lacustrine waters and habitats. It is within this system that conservation authorities (CA) are major landowners responsible for major wetland creation and rehabilitation projects, and resource managers responsible for this system's health and contribution to a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem. • Plan 2007 produces generally better results across all coastal interests by reducing high water levels during winter and spring storm seasons. However, the biggest benefit is in Lake Ontario with primary benefit to shore protection maintenance for those existing private property owners in the shoreline hazard and wave energy area primarily on the south shore of Lake Ontario. It appears the shoreline interests gain more protection than afforded by the current regulation Plan 1958 -D with deviations. • Plan B+ only performs poorly where existing development is in the shoreline hazard zone. The IJC has identified that mitigation of this limited extent of shoreline is possible with the partnership of the appropriate levels of government. The health of the overall river and lake environment should'not be compromised because of this development. • On commercial navigation, Plan 2007 does not produce the strong results that Plan B+ does for the seaway and good results elsewhere. • Hydropower - Plan 2007 provides substantially lower benefits to New York Power Authority, Ontario Power Generation and Hydro - Quebec. • Recreational boating - Plan 2007 produces slightly better outcomes for recreational boating, but still the smaller marinas under low water on Lake Ontario could experience a reduction of current regulation benefits. 414 The monitoring and adaptive management approach is key to accessing the benefits of a new regulation plan and future refinements. It is recognized that there is a need to secure other government funding, in addition to the Commission's budget, to implement an adaptive management plan. Conservation Ontario and the 12 CAs could participate in the development of the adaptive management plan and offer monitoring data being collected within current budgets. Additional funding and partnerships may emerge in future as the new board and senior governments develop the adaptive management plan. On implementation, the new Order provides clearer direction for the new board on short term discretionary deviations and emergency deviations. It is generally supported that deviations from the flows determined by the regulation plan must be minimized to realize the anticipated plan benefits. The public outreach is supported through the proposed communication strategy which will improve the Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence public's knowledge on the regulations process, decisions and impacts. Other Positions The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of State, New York State Assembly, and numerous advocacy and environmental agencies are rejecting Plan 2007 and supporting Plan B +. In a May 6, 2008 letter to the IJC, U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, New York State, previously urged the IJC "to devise a final plan that contains criteria to mitigate potential flood and erosion damage along Lake Ontario's south shore. I am disappointed that Plan 2007 fails to do so. I urge the IJC to meet with the State of New York and develop an environmental restoration and mitigation plan that will provide the necessary protections. As you have stated, implementing this kind of plan would allow the IJC to adopt Plan B+ which has been evaluated by the public and endorsed by stakeholders, including the State of New York and the Province of Ontario. ". Conservation Ontario Review and Recommendations The proposed Order of Approval and Plan 2007 was reviewed by Conservation Ontario and the 12 CAs (Central Lake Ontario, Credit Valley, Ganaraska Region, Conservation Halton, Hamilton, Lower Trent, Niagara Peninsula, Quinte , Toronto and Region, Cataraqui Region, South Nation and Raisin Region) along the Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence System. At Conservation Ontario Council meeting held on June 23, 2008, Resolution #C.W.31/08 was approved as follows: WHEREAS the International Joint Commission (IJC) established in December 2000 the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Study Board to comprehensively evaluate options for regulating levels and flows in the Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River System beyond the current plan 1958 -D which has been in effect since October, 1963. WHEREAS the 'Study Board adopted a Vision to contribute to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River System and a Goal - to identify flow regulation plans and criteria that best serve the range of affected interests, and address climatic conditions in the basin. 415 WHEREAS the Study Board was directed to consider six interests - 3 interests under Plan 1958D (commercial navigation, municipal - industrial - domestic water uses and hydroelectric power generation) and 3 new interests (wetlands /environmental, recreational boatingltourism and coastal processes). WHEREAS the Study Board recommended three plans (Plan A +, B+ and D +) and associated recommendations on mitigation actions, adaptive management, St. Lawrence River Board of Control, and public outreach activities. WHEREAS the International Joint Commission has carried out further investigations and analysis on the public comments on the Study Board's plans and has released a new draft Order of Approval and Plan 2007 for public comment, through a hearing process and. submission process by July 11, 2008. WHEREAS Conservation Ontario advocates the need for implementation of "integrated watershed approaches" and the continued preservation and restoration efforts of the environment to ensure the sustainability of the Great Lakes Basin. AND WHEREAS Conservation Ontario through its member Conservation Authorities has substantial interest in the environment and coastal wetlands as major land owners and resource managers on Lake Ontario and is concerned with the minimum environmental benefits of the proposed Plan 2007. THEREFOREBE IT RESOLVED THAT Conservation Ontario commend the IJC for the significant improvements set out in the draft new Order of Approval and the commitment to.an adaptive management program - a formal process for continually improving' management policy and practices. THAT Conservation Ontario does not support implementation of Plan 2007 either in the interim or long-term. THAT Conservation Ontario continues to strongly support Plan B+ - Balanced Environmental, as the basis for regulation of outflows from Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence with the IJC working with,the other levels of government on concurrent mitigation plans and having the ability to consent to deviations in extreme high water periods to minimize shoreline loss until mitigation is in place. THAT Conservation Ontario and the 12 Conservation Authorities along the Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence system will continue to support the Adaptive Management Approach as budgets permit. AND THAT this recommendation be forwarded to the International Joint Commission before July 11, 20d8 and. present Conservation. Ontario's position to the IJC Ih Commissioners at the June 24 public hearing in Kingston. 416 RATIONALE The previous study and recommendations to the IJC were consistent with Conservation Ontario's advocation of "integrated watershed approaches and the continued preservation and restoration efforts of the environment to ensure the sustainability of the Great Lakes Basin. ". They were also consistent with the 2005 resolutions passed by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. TRCA supports the Conservation Ontario approach to Plan B+ - Balanced Environmental as the basis for regulation of outflows from Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence. This approach was also based on the IJC working with other levels of government on the preparation and implementation of a concurrent mitigation plan. In addition the IJC maintains flexibility to consent to a new Lake Ontario -St. Lawrence Board deviations during extreme high water • periods to minimize shoreline loss until mitigation is in place. As noted in TRCA's 2006 report, "Plan B+ - Balanced Environmental was the only candidate plan that consistently transforms and improves the diversity and productivity of the natural ecosystem (e.g. coastal wetlands), addresses species at risk legislation objectives, and represents an important step forward towards a level of ecological integrity that would otherwise be difficult to achieve." The formal process for continually improving management policy and practices is supported. Data collected through the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, Durham Coastal Monitoring, and Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Restoration Strategy (shoreline structures and habitat projects, i.e. Tommy Thompson Park wetland creation) within TRCA's current budgets would be available to contribute to an Adaptive Management Program. Additional funding and partnerships may emerge in future as the new Lake Ontario /St. Lawrence River Board and senior governments develop the adaptive management plan. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The comments and recommendations will be forwarded to the IJC by July 11, 2008 and also to Conservation Ontario and TRCA's member municipalities along Lake Ontario. Report prepared by: Larry Field, extension 5243 Email: Ifield @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Larry Field, extension 5243 Email: Ifield @trca.on.ca Date: June 23, 2008 RES. #A146/08 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River Watershed Thomas J. Bata, CFN 40941. Acquisition of a conservation easement, located at 44 -46 Park Lane Circle, south of Lawrence Avenue, and east of Bayview Avenue, City of Toronto. (Executive Res. #852/08) 417 Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnielittley Gay Cowbourne THAT a conservation easement for the protection of the environmental features and functions containing 1.04 hectares (2.56 acres), more or Tess, consisting of an irregular shaped, parcel of land being Part of Lot 5, Concession 2 EYS and Part of Block A on Registered Plan 2584 and designated as Part 4 on the draft R -plan prepared by R. Avis Surveying Inc., Project No 2227 -0, City of Toronto, be purchased from Thomas J. Bata; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT Thomas .J. Bata be responsible for the cost of preparing a survey to identify the conservation easement; THAT the firm Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land-transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A147/08 '- Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED 2008/09 TRANSFER PAYMENT ALLOCATION FOR DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION Approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Natural Resources for the 2008/09 Operating, Administration and Water Budget Transfer Payments for MNR Drinking Water Source 'Protection Partnership funding. (Executive Res. #B53/08) Bonnie Littley Gay Cowbourne THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) as the CTC watershed region lead enter into e Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) providing $1,941,940.50 for the 2008 -2009 Operating, and Administration and Water Budget Transfer Payments; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreement with MNR, including the execution, and signing of documents and entering into agreements with municipalities in the CTC Source Protection Region. CARRIED 418 RES. #A148 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE VISITOR'S CENTRE Award of Contract RSD08 -14. Award of Contract RSD08 -14 for Black Creek Pioneer Village Visitor's Centre Roof Replacement /modifications. (Executive Res. #854/08) Bonnie Litt ley Gay Cowbourne THAT Contract RSD08 -14 be awarded to Flynn Canada Ltd. for the total cost not to exceed $298,180.00, plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid that meets Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. RES. #A149 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED PORT UNION WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PHASE 2) City of Toronto Tender RSD08 -12 for Supply and Delivery of 4 to 6 Tonne Armour Stone. Award of Tender RSD08 -12 for the supply and delivery of approximately 6,600 tonnes of 4 to 6 tonne armour stone to the Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project (Phase 2), City of Toronto. (Executive Res. #855/08) Bonnie Litt ley Gay Cowbourne THAT Contract RSD08 -12 for the supply and delivery of approximately 6,600 tonnes of 4 to 6 tonne armour stone to the Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project (Phase 2), City of Toronto, for the total amount not to exceed $297,000.00 plus applicable taxes be awarded to Stonescape Quarry, it being the lowest bid that meets Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. RES. #A150 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED CONTRACT RSD07 -11 EXTENSION Supply of Rental Rates for Operated Heavy Construction Equipment and Dump Trucks. Extension of Contract RSD07 -11, for the Supply of Rental Rates for Operated Heavy Construction Equipment and Dump Trucks, for a further one year period. (Executive Res. #856/08) Bonnie Litt ley Gay Cowbourne THAT Contract RSD07 -11 for Supply of Rental Rates for Operated Heavy Construction Equipment and Dump Trucks, awarded in 2007 to Sartor & Susin Ltd. be extended for a period of one year to July 31, 2009 subject to terms, conditions and performance satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff. CARRIED 419 RES. #A151 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: 1 AQUATIC PARK SAILING CLUB 2008 -2010 License Agreement. As part of the ongoing management program at Tbmmy,Thompson Park, staff has outlined the proposed 2008 -2010 license agreement with the Aquatic Park Sailing Club. (Executive Res. #857/08) Bonnie Litt ley Gay Cowbourne THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into the 2008 -2010 License Agreement with the Aquatic Park Sailing Club; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take action required to implement. the Aquatic Park Sailing Club lease agreement at Tommy Thompson Park, including the signing and execution of documents. RES. #A152 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED CITY OF TORONTO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Automated Watercourse Monitoring Network. Approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with'the City of Toronto to implement an Automated Watercourse Monitoring Network. (Executive Res. #B58/08) Bonnie Littley- Gay Cowbourne THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Toronto for the design, construction, monitoring and maintenance of an automated watercourse monitoring network for the City's wet weather flow monitoring initiatives; THAT the,MOU be on terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and as necessary; its solicitors; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA authorized signing officers be directed to take such action as is necessary to execute the MOU including obtaining all necessary approvals and signing of documents. CARRIED 420 RES. #A153 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: YORK - PEEL - DURHAM - TORONTO / CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES MORAINE COALITION GROUNDWATER STUDY Status Update and 2008 Groundwater Management Program. Update on status of York -Peel- Durham - Toronto and Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition Groundwater Management Program and approval of contracts for 2008. (Executive Res. #859/08) Bonnie Litt ley Gay Cowbourne THAT staff be directed to implement the 2008 work plan of the York -Peel- Durham - Toronto (YPDT) Groundwater Management Program; THAT the existing three -year contract with Earthfx Incorporated to provide ongoing groundwater flow modeling, database and website management services to the program be renewed for a further three years, at a cost not to exceed $200,000, plus applicable taxes, per calendar year, subject to performance satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff; THAT a contract be negotiated with the University of Waterloo for a partnership in the new Groundwater Resource Management Chair for a period of three years, at a cost not to exceed $50,000 per year; AND FURTHER THAT a contract be negotiated with Water and Earth Science Associates to assist with the migration of the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring data into the database at a cost not to exceed $30,000, plus applicable taxes. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A154 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Linda Pabst Ron Moeser CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.9.1 - 9.9.120, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #4/08, held on June 13, 2008, be received. RES. #A155 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan 421 CARRIED THAT Section II item 9.10 - Out of Country Travel, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #4/08, held on June 13, 2008, be received. • CARRIED RES. #A156 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Gay Cowbourne Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT Section II item 9.11 - Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project (Phase 2), contained in Executive Committee Minutes #4/08, held on June 13, 2008, be received. CARRIED RES. #A157 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Anthony Perruzza Rob Ford THAT Section II item 9.12 - Greening Greater Toronto, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #4/08, held on June 13, 2008, be received. SECTION IV.- ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD .RES. #A158 /08 - GREENING HEALTH CARE • Update on Greening Health Care Program Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan CARRIED IT IS RECOMMENDED'THAT the staff report on the status of the Greening Health Care program be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Greening Health Care (GHC) is a program under The Living City banner focused on creating substantive measurable change in the sustainability of the Health Care Sector in Ontario. The program is ,a collaborative initiative'working with partners in the health sectorto engage and enable leadership to take action on energy efficiency and environmental performance. Greening Health Care was endorsed in 2004 at Authority Meeting #2/04, held on February 27, 2004, via resolution #A45/04 which was approved as follows: 422 THAT the program of activities set out in the staff report and as presented in the summary of the Living City Centre programs be endorsed. AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to seek further opportunities and new partnerships which will support the efforts of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's member municipalities to create more sustainable urban and rural communities. The purpose of this report is to provide the Authority with a summary of the status of the Greening Health Care program. The nature of health care facilities and operations makes them inherently intensive users of resources. Hospitals in Ontario spend more than $250,000,000 a year on utilities. As facilities expand and acquire new equipment and the prices of energy, water and waste removal' continue to rise, hospitals are faced with volatile costs that consistently rise faster than the rate of inflation. To help hospitals deal with these issues, the Greening Health Care program provides member hospitals with opportunities to share experiences and data with their peers. Through the program hospitals can benchmark their performance, find best practices, develop action plans, apply for incentives and track their results. In the fall of 2006, membership in the program included 16 hospital corporations, representing a total of 19 hospital sites. Today, only a year- and -a -half later, membership includes 31 hospital corporations and 52 hospital sites. This increase in membership has been achieved through: • establishment of an Eastern Ontario chapter (launched in 2007); • inviting non - member hospitals to attend one of the four annual workshops to experience the program first hand; and • targeted one -on -one marketing to hospitals that have expressed interest. In addition, Enerlife Inc., Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA's) partnering energy consultant who delivers the workshops and hosts the on -line energy data system, is in the process of running a GHC pilot with 27 hospital facilities in British Columbia. RATIONALE GHC continues to provide a valuable service to participating hospitals. In 2007 alone, GHC members achieved energy savings which reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10,000 tonnes. This is the equivalent of taking over 1,500 cars off the road for a full year. GHC and Enbridge established an innovative savings incentive program through which GHC members with significant energy savings can receive rebates based on energy savings validated through the GHC data management system. This process has already resulted in: • an $81,000 Enbridge incentive payment to the Hospital for Sick Children for changes made which resulted in savings of 1.6 million cubic metres (m3) of natural gas, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 3,300 tonnes per year; and • an $11,000 rebate to Credit Valley Hospital for savings of 450 tonnes of emissions per year. 423 Enbridge included a full, article touting the benefits and successes of the program in its primeEnergy magazine for the commercial sector this past winter. Humber River Regional Hospital issued a press release trumpeting the benefits of Greening Health Care. Other, articles have appeared in the Toronto Community News and the Arnprior Ontario community newspaper. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE In 2008, the program will focus on: • continuing growth (particularly in Eastern Ontario); • research viability of northern and western Ontario chapters; • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for health care pilot (GHC members will be asked to participate and help establish LEED baselines and standards); • continuing energy and greenhouse gas savings; and • continuing;to provide verification and validation to Enbridge so members can seek rebates for savings from demonstrable efforts. FINANCIAL DETAILS As a result of the growth in membership, as well as sponsorship by Enbridge and Hydro One Networks, the program achieved revenue of approximately $180,000 in 2007 and did not require supplemental funding from TRCA in order to operate. The program is expected to continue to be self- funding in 2008 and beyond. Report prepared by: Brian Dundas, extension 5262 Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca . For Information contact: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca Date: June 11, 2008 RES. #A159/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GOOD NEWS STORIES Highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Work. Receipt of Good News Stories for April and May, 2008, from all sections of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Lois Griffin Suzan Hall IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for April and May, 2008, be received. • CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Team, a committee made up of senior staff at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meets monthly to discuss strategic initiatives and organizational development. 424 RATIONALE Key accomplishments of each TRCA section are highlighted at each Management Team meeting. In keeping with TRCA's objective of Business Excellence, these accomplishments will be brought to the Authority for the information of the members. The following are the accomplishments cited from April and May, 2008, and a brief description of each. • Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) Program - The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration approved $317,895 and Citizenship and Immigration Canada approved $58,428 to support the next PAIE Program, focusing on environmental engineers over a 17 -month period. TRCA will partner with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES) and Workplace Communication and Diversity Inc. (WCD) to develop and deliver workshop curriculum and recruit instructors and host organizations. The program will provide a group of internationally trained environmental engineers with a 3 -month English Language Training component complemented by a 12 -month full -time work placement in order to gain the necessary local experience for PEO licensure. • Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project Environmental Assessment (DMNP Project) - The DMNP Environmental Assessment has been significantly enhanced by the international competition led by Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, enabling the new mouth of the Don River to be incorporated fully into the revitalization of the Toronto Portlands. Following our efforts to integrate the Design Competition results into our EA, our consultant team has conducted an extensive evaluation of alternatives and selected a preliminary preferred alternative which has undergone extensive consultation throughout the first quarter of 2008. The Ministry of the Environment is very interested in this approach and considers it a unique case study as to how EA's might be done in future. • Humber Watershed Report Card - The Canadian Institute of Planners has chosen "Listen to Your River: A Report Card on the Health of the Humber River Watershed, 2007" as the winner of their 2008 Award for Planning Excellence in the category of Environmental Planning. • South Mimico Earth Day Event - Over 300 people attended the Earth Day event in Tom Riley Park, including Minister Cansfield and MPP Broten. • Peregrine Falcon - Confirmed the 75th pair of nesting Peregrine Falcon's in the Etobicoke Creek watershed. • Toronto's 20- Minute Makeover - Over two dozen TRCA staff at 5 Shoreham Drive and Downsview collected dozens of bags of garbage as part of the City of Toronto Mayor's 20- Minute Makeover. Other TRCA locations outside of the City of Toronto participated as well. • Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Training Course - For the second year, TRCA is administering the training course with Ministry of Natural Resources for 25 participants from conservation authorities, consulting firms and ministry staff. • Black Creek Pioneer Village - Featured in an Ontario Museum Association publication as a leader in sustainability initiatives among Ontario museums. • Temporary home for a Great - horned Owl. • To receive $46,000 from Department of Canadian Heritage for digitization project at BCPV. • Awarded funds for 6 -month intern for costume department. • 7,800 people visited BCPV for Doors Open Toronto. 425 • Maple Syrup Festival - Maple syrup event was the best ever. Revenue numbers very .positive. • 'Eat Smart Award - Lake St. George recognized with Eat Smart Award from York Region Public Health. • • Archaeology,- Heritage Canada Foundation grant received for an 8 -month intern in archaeology. One of four grants awarded in Canada. • • Torimmv Thompson Park - A-threatened Blanding's turtle has been on site for 5 years, but confirmed multiple turtles in the park for the first time. They were sited in habitat that would be suitable for nesting. • 2008 Operating and Capital Budget - Authority approves $86.5 million operating and capital budget for The Living City. • Press Coverage - More good press than ever before. Front page of major daily 4 times in past 2 months. Several television spots. • Storrnwater'•Management Workshop - 220 people attended innovative stormwater management workshop to prepare for climate change. • Spring Plantings - Planting up from last year. Close to 300,000 units this spring, and projecting another 75,000,to 100,000 units this year, amounting to almost 1,000 carbon credits. • Restoration Services Centre -.The LEED Platinum building won the Sustainable Architecture and. Building Magazine award and another from Ontario Power Authority. • Ministry-of the Environment - Provided $100,000 to TRCA to undertake benthic algae • biomonitoring project. • World Green Building Council Secretariat - Celebrated 1st anniversary of partnership with TRCA in'May. . • Atlantic SalmonProgram - 27,000 salmon, including 93 from Claremont Field Centre's • classroom hatchery, were released into the Duffins Creek. • .Green Fleet -- Hosted.Toronto's Green Fleet services workshop at.BCPV. • • Partners in Project Green - $70,000 grant approved from Federation of Canadian Municipalities for Pearson Eco- business Zone project. • Near Urban Farming - Signed agreement with FarmStart who will train new farmers and grow local produce at Claireville.Conservation Area in Brampton. RES. #A160/08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan THAT Section IV items 8.3.1 - 8.3.2, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. _ CARRIED Section IV .Items 8.3.1 - 8.3.2 ETOBICOKE- MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION Minutes of Meeting #1 /08, held on February 21, 2008 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/08, held on April 4, 2008 426 RES. #A161/08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Litt ley Suzan Hall THAT Section IV item 9.13 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, contained in Section IV of Executive Committee Minutes #4/08, held on June 13, 2008, be received. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:36 a.m., on Friday, June 27, 2008. CARRIED Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 427 I "THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #6108 July 25, 2008 The Authority Meeting #6/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, July 25, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.. PRESENT Bryan Bertie Member Laurie Bruce Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Rob Ford Member Lois Griffin Member Jack Heath Member Bonnie Litt ley Member Glenn Mason Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn Member Ron Moeser Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member ABSENT Eve Adams Member Paul Ainslie . Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow Member Bill Fisch Member Grant Gibson . Member Suzan Hall Member Colleen Jordan Member 428 RES. #A162 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Laurie Bruce THAT the Minutes of Meeting #5/08, held on June 27, 2008, be approved. DELEGATIONS CARRIED (a) A delegation by Andrew McCammon, Taylor Massey Creek Project, in regard to Taylor Massey Creek Project 2008 Strategic Goals (background information accompanying the agenda package). (b) A delegation by Fred Johnson, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, in regard to item 7.1 - Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan. RES. #A163 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Bryan Bertie THAT above -noted delegation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED RES. #A164 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Reenga Mathivanan THAT above -noted delegation (b) be heard and received. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Terri Wills, Project Manager, Toronto City Summit Alliance, in regard to item 7.2 - Toronto City Summit Alliance Greening Greater Toronto Initiative. (b) A presentation by Chris Rickett, Project Manager, Watershed Planning, in regard to item 7.12 - Partners in Project Green - A Pearson Eco- Industrial Project. 429 RES. #A165 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Laurie Bruce Jack Heath THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. RES. #A166 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Reenga Mathivanan THAT above -noted presentation (b) be heard and received. SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A167 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED CARRIED OAK RIDGES TRAIL STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Recommends endorsement of the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Update for Caledon and Adjala - Tosorontio. Lois Griffin Reenga Mathivanan THAT the Oak Ridges Trail'Strategic Plan Update for Caledon and Adjala - Tosorontio as completed by_the.Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA) and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation'(ORMF), which supports the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) vision for The Living City and Sustainable Communities initiatives, be endorsed; THAT TRCA staff continue to participate on the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee to develop trail implementation recommendations; THAT TRCA staff work cooperatively with the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee to ensure appropriate design, development and management of the trail; THAT TRCA staff report back to the Authority at key stages of the plan implementation; AND FURTHER THAT the ORTA and the ORMF be so advised. CARRIED .BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #6/04 held on June 25, 2004, Resolution #A185/04 was approved as follows: 430 THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) endorse The Strategic Plan for The Oak Ridges Trail as completed by the ORTA as it supports the approved Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and is consistent with an integrated watershed management approach and watershed public use initiatives of the TRCA; THAT staff participate on the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee to develop trail implementation recommendations; THAT staff work cooperatively with the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee to ensure appropriate trail design, development and management; • THAT staff report back to the TRCA on an annual basis regarding implementation of the plan; AND FURTHER THAT the ORTA and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation be so advised. TRCA staff has been working in partnership with the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA) since July 2004, on the refinement and implementation of the strategic plan for The Oak Ridges Trail. More recently, ORMF and ORTA have been identifying opportunities to expand and improve the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, in accordance with the Trail Strategy that was adopted in 2004. In general, the ORTA and ORMF are planning to establish a trail across the entire east/west length of the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) and also to substantially increase the proportion of the trail to be located off of traveled roads. The proposed trail improvements are in keeping with policies of Section 39 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, which in part requires: • the establishment of a non - motorized recreational trail to provide a continuous access and travel along the entire Plan Area accessible to all including persons with disabilities; • be designed to maintain and where possible improve or restore the ecological integrity of the ORM; and • work to improve the trail to provide access and remove barriers to its use, for the benefit of all including persons with disabilities. Strategy for the Expansion and Improvement of the ORM Trail in Caledon The Town of Caledon currently contains a section of the ORM Trail running from the King /Caledon Townline westward to the community of Palgrave. The staff of the ORMF and the ORTA met in April 2008 with the staff of the Town of Caledon, the Region of Peel and TRCA to discuss options and possibilities for expanding and improving the ORM Trail. The results of these discussions formed the following strategy for this section of the trail. Using the existing Oak Ridges Moraine Trail in the Town of Caledon as a starting point, the proposed three phase strategy includes: 1. Establishing an Interim Extension to the ORM Trail from the western terminus of the trail at Regional Road 50 northward to Highway 9 and from there northward into Simcoe County. This trail would follow existing traveled roads and a proposed trail through the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area, which is currently being designed and implemented in partnership with TRCA. 431 2. Pursue opportunities to move the trail off road. Five locations have been identified that can be addressed immediately, including: Areal Contact Brock Aggregate Corporation to explore the feasibility of locating a trail along the western boundary of their mineral aggregate pit located in Lot 26, Concession 10. This will allow the removal of a section of the trail off about 1.5 km of traveled road. Area 2 Work with TRCA staff to relocate the trail through the TRCA property located in Lot 27, Concession 7. Area 3 Work with the Town of Caledon and the landowner (i.e. Sunshine Estates) to relocate a portion of the trail through,the property opposite Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area on Regional Road 50 including the crossing of the Humber River. The property is located in Lot 28, Concession 7. Area 4 Work with the landowner of the property north of Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area in Lot 31; Concession. 6 to negotiate a trail easement northward from the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area. Area 5 Work with TRCAstaff to negotiate a trail easement through TRCA property located in Lot 32, Concession 6 just south of Highway 9 to complete the trail up to Highway 9. . Pursue longer term trail relocation opportunities with landowners and the Town of Caledon in the northeast corner of the Town on lands known as the Palgrave Estates. ' Implementation Actions In order to implement this strategy, ORTA will need to undertake the following actions: • Present the above -noted strategy to the Council of the Town of Caledon, the Council of the Region of Peel and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to seek their input and support. • Engage TRCA staff to negotiate and confirm trail relocations through TRCA properties including the signing of the,appropriate trail management agreements. • Engage the owners of Brock Aggregates to explore the feasibility of establishing a trail route through their property on Lot 26, Concession 10 including implementing the necessary landowner /ORTA agreement. • Work with the Town and TRCA staff to initiate landowner contact with the owners of the private lands in Lot.28, Concession 7 to determine if a landowner agreement can be, negotiated for access and use of portions on their property for trail purposes. • Work with the Town and TRCA staff to initiate landowner contact with the owners of the private lands located in Lot 31, Concession 6 to determine if a landowner /ORTA agreement can be negotiated for access and use of portions of their property for trail purposes. 432 • Work longer term with the Town to explore opportunities to relocate portions of the trail through private lands within the Palgrave Estate lands at the northeast corner of the Town of Caledon. • Hold a public meeting in the area to notify and seek input of the residents living in the vicinity of the proposed trail. A Strategy for the Expansion and Improvement of the ORM Trail in the Township of Adjala - Tosorontio and the Town of Mono A proposed western extension of the ORM Trail Corridor has been identified from the community of Palgrave in the Town of Caledon, through Township of Adjala - Tosorontio and terminating in the Town of Mono where it will join up to the Bruce Trail. The staff of the ORMF and the ORTA met with the staff of the Town of Mono, Township of Adjala - Tosorontio, Simcoe County, TRCA and the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority (NVCA) on November 20, 2007 and June 11, 2008 to discuss options and possibilities for expanding the ORM Trail in this area. These discussions resulted in the development of this second strategy. The proposed two phase strategy includes: 1. Develop an Interim Trail The interim ORM trail would extend from Highway 9 just west of County Road 50 to the Bruce Trail in the Town of Mono and include portions of the trail along the following parcels: • ORTA will negotiate an interim trail across a property owned by Hockley Valley Resorts at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highway 9 and County Road 50. Shown as Trail Section 1. • ORTA will negotiate with TRCA for the establishment of a trail across property owned by TRCA in Lot 3, Concession 4 and Lot 2, Concession 5, Former Township of Adjala . Shown as Trail Section 2. • Establish an interim section of trail along Concession Road 4 north to the intersection with 5 Sideroad, then westward along 5 Sideroad to the intersection with Concession Road 2, and then north on Concession Road 2 to the eastern boundary of the Patterson Tract of the Simcoe County Forest. Shown as Trail Section 3. • ORTA will negotiate with Simcoe County for an east/west trail across the Patterson Tract of the Simcoe County Forest located in Lot 7,Concession 1 in the former Township of Adjala. Shown as Trail Section 4. • Establish an interim trail extending down the Mono - Adjala Townline to the the 5'h Sideroad and then westward along that sideroad and into the Town of Mono until the trail joins up to an existing side trail of the Bruce Trail and then up to the Main Bruce Trail. Shown as Trail Section 5. 433 2. Develop a Long Term Trail Using the Interim trail as a basis to build upon, ORTA will pursue opportunities to improve this section of the ORM Trail by working with landowners in the vicinity of the portions of the interim trail located on existing roads to explore the feasibility of relocating road portions of the trail onto private lands. This could include a number of options such as handshake . agreements, formal agreements, easements, etc.. The interim trail established on the lands owned by Hockley.Valley Resort would need to be revisited once final designs are • developed for an approved golf course on the property. This proposed trail would be subject to final approval and conditions of the landowner. Implementation Actions In order to fully, implement this strategy, ORTA will undertake the following actions: • Present the above -noted strategy to the Councils of the Township of Adjala - Tosorontio, Town of Mono, Simcoe•County and the TRCA board to seek their input and support. • Work with TRCA staff to negotiate-and confirm trail location and design through the TRCA forest property including the signing of the appropriate trail management agreements. • Work with Simcoe County staff to negotiate and confirm trail location and design through the Patterson Tract of the Simcoe County Forest including the signing of the appropriate trail management agreement. • Work with the Hockley Valley'Resort to establish a trail route through their property on Lot 26, Concession 10 including implementing the necessary landowner /ORTA agreement. • Work with TRCA, NVCA and others to initiate landowner contact with the owners of the private lands in areas'where an interim trail is located on a public road to explore the feasibility of establishing additional portions of the trail on private land. • Work with the Bruce Trail Association to negotiate and co- ordinate link -up, maintenance and signage agreements where the ORM Trail will join up to the Bruce Trail. • Hold a public meeting'in the area to notify and seek input of the residents living in the vicinity of the proposed trail. RATIONALE The Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Update is a comprehensive strategy to improve and establish important new sections of trail in the Town of Caledon, Township of Adjala - Tosorontio and the Town of' Mono. The plan provides strategic direction for the next five years and promotes appreciation and respect for the ORM's ecological, cultural and scenic integrity. The strategic plan update was developed in consultation with the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, partner municipalities and conservation authorities. The strategic plan update supports the implementation of Section 39 of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, which calls for the development and maintenance of a recreational trail system that provides continuous access and travel across the entire ORM accessible to all people including people with special needs. The plan contains detailed direction and actions for improved access, trail securement and environmental protection. The strategies in the plan will guide the development of a trail system ensuring that it is: • • designed to maintain and where possible, improve or restore the ecological integrity of the - ORM; • located in the Natural Core and.Natural Linkage Areas as much as possible; and • located away-from public roads and unopened road allowances to the extent possible. 434 The overall administration and management of the trail will be led by ORTA in partnership with other trail clubs, municipalities, conservation authorities, the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation and the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust. The partnership group, including a TRCA staff representative, will continue to participate on a Strategic Plan Implementation Advisory Committee that will provide direction and input toward the implementation of the plan. In addition, the plan update incorporates TRCA's Trail Plan for Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area and the integrated Humber River watershed management approach and watershed public use initiatives for TRCA -owned land on the ORM. Finally, the plan also supports the existing License Agreement between ORTA and TRCA. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will notify the Oak Ridges Trail Association and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation of the TRCA decision on endorsement of the strategic plan update. TRCA staff will continue to participate on the Oak Ridges Trail Strategic Plan Advisory Committee and will provide appropriate landowner contact information where possible. Also, TRCA staff will update the Authority about key implementation accomplishments as they are completed. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funds for TRCA staff involvement in trail planning have been budgeted and are available in 2008 budget from the Region of Peel, Account No. 408 - 45. Report prepared by: Mike Bender, extension 5287 Email: mbender @trca.on.ca For Information contact:.Mike Bender, extension 5287 Email: mbender @trca.on.ca Date: A'pril 24, 2008 RES. #A168/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TORONTO CITY SUMMIT ALLIANCE Implementation of Greening Greater'Toronto Initiative. Next steps for implementation of the Greening Greater Toronto initiative. Laurie Bruce Jack Heath WHEREAS the Toronto City Summit Alliance recently released their report entitled 'Greening Greater Toronto' which outlined a number of key actions to make the Greater Toronto Area the greenest city region in North America; WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) participated in the working groups and in the preparation of this report; WHEREAS TRCA has agreed to be a partner in the delivery of the four initial green steps; 435 THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA continue to participate in the implementation groups to be formed by the Toronto City Summit Alliance; THAT TRCA identify opportunities for collaboration of other partners including TRCA member municipalities and Greater Golden Horseshoe conservation authorities; THAT TRCA staff be directed to continue participating in the implementation groups; THAT TRCA staff be directed to enter into discussions with the Toronto City Summit Alliance and Evergreen to further develop the initiative around the Network of Education and Demonstration Centres and Projects; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA seek funding through capital and other funding sources to aid in the successful implementation of the Greening Greater Toronto initiative. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA was approached by the Toronto City Summit Alliance in the fall of 2007 to participate in • the development of a.strategy for greening of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Though the fall and winter. of 2008, TRCA staff participated in the Measurement and Performance and Green Technolog.y working groups as well as on the task force set up to direct this work. On June 24th, 2008 the Toronto City Summit Alliance released its report entitled 'Greening Greater Toronto'. This report outlines a vision - to make the GTA the Greenest<City Region in North America. This is to be: accomplished by 5 environmental goals: • reduced carbon /greenhouse gas emissions; • clean air; • clean water; • reduction and effective management of waste; • sustainable land use and expanded greenspace; For each of these five goals, indicators have been developed for the purposes of measuring and assessing environmental quality. Data on the GTA's current performance against these indicators will allow us to benchmark the GTA against other cities and regions, set targets and measure progress over time.' The Greening Greater Toronto report identified a number of key drivers that contribute to the • existing conditions in'the city region and best practices to address these conditions. This report goes on to outline four initial Green Steps to address some of the most significant environmental issues. They are: 1. A region -wide plan to accelerate retrofits of GTA buildings in conjunction with others already engaged in this 'activity including a Corporate Greening Challenge awareness campaign, promotion of innovative retrofit financing mechanisms, convening key commercial tenants to work with building owners and building a task force to tackle barriers to.retrofitting buildings. 436 2. A network of Education and Demonstration Centres and Projects to provide practical advice and demonstration of best practices to support GTA residents in their quest to undertake individual action. This will be complimented by easy to access web -based information. TRCA and Evergreen, who already have demonstration centres are key players this activity. 3. A Fund through which businesses will contribute to the greening of NGOs and the public sector through the establishment of a multi - million dollar Domestic Emissions Reduction Fund supported by businesses who are seeking ways to contribute to additional GHG reductions that will fund non profit and public sector projects. 4. A corporate Green Procurement Program which will promote transformation of business operations by accelerating the adoption of green products, services, technologies and business practices to reduce waste, GHG emissions as well as contribute to land use decisions, and air and water quality improvement. At Executive Committee Meeting #4/08 held on June 13, 2008, Resolution #B66/08 was approved as follows: THAT the Toronto City Summit Alliance be advised that Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is pleased to participate in the proposal to establish a network of education and demonstration centres as part of the "Greening Greater Toronto" initiative. Next steps for the implementation of the four initial Green Steps have been identified by the Toronto City Summit Alliance and include encouraging additional organizations and companies to become partners in Greening Greater Toronto and reforming the working groups into implementation groups. RATIONALE The Living City strategy of TRCA identifies the need to address the built environment if we are to be successful in protecting and managing the water and natural resources of our jurisdiction. The Greening Greater Toronto initiative aligns with TRCA's vision and our major areas of program activity. The Living City Campus at Kortright is already a demonstration centre for best practices and green buildings with additional plans to be implemented in the future. The Living City Campus at Kortright is identified as one of the suggested demonstration centres which is a natural alignment with the activities of TRCA, Earth Rangers as well as the World Green Building Council Secretariat. In addition, other programs of TRCA are well aligned with this initiative including: • the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program to provide environmental quality data oh water and greenspace; • environmental education program, including Watershed on Wheels as a mobile demonstration unit; • the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) to identify and test best practices, • the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program to assess the needs for greenspace and urban canopy; 437 • the Community Transformation Program to encourage public and private sectors to alter practices and benchmark performance; and • Partners in Project Green - the Toronto Pearson Airport ecopark. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • TRCA staff will work with the Toronto City Summit Alliance to further scope the demonstration centres and projects and identify the funds required to undertakethe projects. • TRCA will continue to be involved on the implementation groups. • TRCA will ensure that staff responsible for other TRCA programs and projects are informed of thisinitiative, and where possible align activities with it. • TRCA will bring this initiative to the Greater Golden Horseshoe conservation authorities to identify opportunities for collaboration and additional partners.. • TRCA will bring this initiative to the regional municipalities in TRCA's jurisdiction to determine interest in becoming partners and to seek alignment of our various programs and projects where possible. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for development of The Living City Campus at Kortright is currently secured on a project by project basis. Additional funding will be required to complete the demonstration centres and web projects. The other TRCA programs are currently funded by capital contributions from the regions of Peel, York, Durham and the City of Toronto, as well as other private and public sector funding sources. Report prepared by: Deborah Martin - Downs, extension 5706 Email: dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca For Information contact:, Deborah Martin- Downs, extension 5706; Brian Denney, 416 - 667 -6290 Email: dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca; bdenney @trca.on.ca Date: July 14, 2008. RES. #A169/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: DON RIVER WATERSHED PLANNING STUDY Progress Report. Progress on the technical work of the Don River watershed plan and ongoing public consultation. Glenn De, Baeremaeker Bryan Bertie THAT staff continue to work with municipal partners, the Don Watershed Regeneration _Council andother stakeholders to complete the Don River watershed plan, including a draft regeneration priority implementation plan. 438 AMENDMENT RES. #A170/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Bryan Bertie THAT the following be inserted after the main motion: THAT the Taylor Massey Creek Project volunteers be congratulated and thanked for the extra effort they have taken for the Don River watershed; AND FURTHER THAT the Authority supports seeking reach by reach funding from senior levels of government to support watershed plan implementation. THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT staff continue to work with municipal partners, the Don Watershed Regeneration Council and other stakeholders to complete the Don River watershed plan, including a draft regeneration priority implementation plan; THAT the Taylor Massey Creek Project volunteers be congratulated and thanked for the extra effort they have taken for the Don River watershed; AND FURTHER THAT the Authority supports seeking reach by reach funding from senior levels of government to support watershed plan implementation. BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with its watershed municipalities, and in consultation with the multi - stakeholder Don Watershed Regeneration Council, is developing a watershed plan for the Don River. This planning process has been initiated in response to a number of recent policy and planning developments, including the need to fulfill York Region's watershed planning requirements under the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) Conservation Act and the ORM Conservation Plan and to update the original management strategy outlined in Forty Steps to a New Don (1994). The study is also designed to augment the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan by providing direction in the '905' region and apply TRCA's vision for The Living City at a watershed scale. The plan will focus mainly on filling information gaps, guiding land use planning and approval decisions (particularly re- development), and providing direction to advance implementation of regeneration priorities. 439 At Authority Meeting #7/03, held on September 26, 2003, Resolution #A196/03 was approved, giving approval to overall workplanning processes for the Rouge, Humber and Don watershed planning studies being undertaken in support of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The Don watershed planning study was scheduled to follow the major periods of work on the Rouge and Humber rivers, in recognition,of the relatively limited area of remaining developable lands on the ORM in this watershed. The Rouge and Humber watershed plans were brought forward for Authority approval in March and June 2008, respectively. Public and stakeholder consultation has always been recognized as an essential component of these work programs. The multi - stakeholder Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC) plays a central role in guiding the Don watershed planning process. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the status of the technical work of the Don watershed plan and ongoing public consultation. Progress on Technical Work .Through 2007 and early 2008, work has been underway on the major technical components of the Don watershed plan. The main deliverables and status of each are as follows: 1. Current conditions reports - A set of ten draft technical background reports were prepared to document the current state of. the watershed's condition for the following . subjects: geology and groundwater, surface water hydrology /hydraulics and stormwater management, baseflow and water use, surface water quality, fluvial geomorphology, terrestrial natural heritage, aquatic system, nature -based experiences, land and resource use, and cultural heritage. The technical reports are currently undergoing senior staff review: Public - release of the draft reports is anticipated in August 2008, although key findings of the reports and a synthesis report have been presented to the • DWRC, municipal partners and the public in fall 2007 and earlier in 2008. 2. Management framework - A management framework for the watershed plan has been developed including a draft vision, principles, objectives and associated targets for watershed condition. .Consultation on the draft vision, principles and objectives is underway with the DWRC, municipal partners and the public. Draft working targets are included in the above -noted technical reports and will be the subject of further consultation with the DWRC and the public over the fall in the context of all study findings. 3. Future scenario modelling - Modeling of the potential impact of future development scenarios (i.e., full build -out vs. full build -out with stormwater management retrofits), on the quality and flows of the Don River. XCG Consultants Ltd. has completed stormwater scenario modelling and the preliminary findings have been presented to TRCA staff, DWRC and municipal partners. Final modelling results are expected in July 2008. 440 4. Management strategies and subwatershed regeneration plans - Based on the findings of the above -noted work, .a set of integrated strategies to guide land use and water management decisions and a set of seven preliminary subwatershed regeneration plans have been drafted in conjunction with completion of the technical work. Input has been and continues to be provided to the development of these working draft documents by the DWRC and municipal and other planning partners. Work is underway to identify candidate sites in each of the seven subwatersheds, for the purposes of preparing concept plans illustrating application of the management and regeneration actions at the community scale. A writer for the watershed plan was hired in May 2008. The writer has attended key watershed plan meetings and a public open house, and is being provided with all draft components of the watershed plan prepared to date. A first full draft of the watershed plan and subwatershed regeneration priorities plans are to be prepared over the summer months of 2008. Summary of Public Consultation To Date As referenced above, consultation on the watershed plan technical work is underway via four main mechanisms: 1. the Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC), a volunteer, multi - stakeholder advisory committee that reports to TRCA and meets 1 -2 times per month; 2. a Municipal Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of planning, works, and parks staff from partner municipalities (City of Toronto, York Region, Town of Markham, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Vaughan). The committee was formed for the purposes of this planning study and meets quarterly; 3. formal and informal workshops and meetings on specific issues, involving relevant experts and stakeholder groups; and 4. public open houses. Throughout 2007 and 2008, as technical components of the watershed plan (e.g., terrestrial natural heritage, water management) have been developed by TRCA's Don Watershed Technical Team, they have been presented to the DWRC and Municipal TAC for review and comment. Management summit workshops have been convened on the subjects of salt management and landfill monitoring, and additional workshops are planned to discuss social marketing management strategies. An advisory committee for the Don Fisheries Management Plan meets regularly to guide the aquatic aspects of this planning work. Consultation with the broad public was initiated in June 2008 with the first public open house, which was attended by over 65 participants. The session solicited feedback on current watershed conditions; a vision, set of principles, and objectives for the watershed plan; and emerging strategic directions. Further public consultation on watershed plan strategies and subwatershed regeneration priorities is planned for the fall of 2008. Specific dates cannot be confirmed until staff has developed a revised schedule with the writer, in response to delays in completion of the modelling study. These delays were due to a decision to conduct additional modelling than was originally planned. 441 Highlights of the discussions and feedback to date include: • There is a need to update the vision statement for the Don watershed, as published in Forty Steps to a New Don, to stress the integral relationships between how we manage the built city, human activity and the natural environment. The format should include both a full, long version and a short version and consider how to reflect different visions for each subwatershed. • The water management benefits of extensive lot level stormwater management retrofits on their own are not likely going to provide the compelling rationale needed to secure resources and commitment for implementation in this already degraded urban watershed. Therefore, many partners have recognized the need for integrated analysis and demonstration of the multiple benefits of these actions, in terms of adaptation to climate change, reduction or avoidance of future remedial cost, and other sustainable community values. • Public education strategies should be given a high priority in the plan, given the importance of community actions in making a difference in watershed health and generating the advocacy needed to support large public projects. • The Taylor Massey Creek Project (TMP) has provided recommendations regarding subwatershed specific targets and actions for incorporation into subwatershed regeneration plans, based on their work toward the development of a subwatershed plan for the Taylor Massey Creek. The TMP and several other community groups have provided a number of suggestions for candidate concept sites to illustrate application of the watershed strategies at a site level, based on their rich local knowledge. • Overall, participants at the public open house expressed support for the meeting format and the avenues available to provide continued input. Emerging Strategic Directions The following three strategic themes are emerging from the Don watershed planning process, and with refinement are expected to form the basis for the updated watershed plan: 1. Build, re- build, and retrofit our communities to be more sustainable The remaining greenfield development, redevelopment and infilling, and retrofit of existing built areas of the watershed will offer opportunities to achieve incremental, cumulative gains in watershed function and condition through improved water management, protected terrestrial natural heritage and urban canopy, creation of greenspaces and trails, conservation of cultural heritage, and resource conservation (energy, water). 2. Regenerate the landscape Through the actions of agencies, organizations, and individuals, gains have been made in watershed conditions. For example, water quality has improved (metals and some nutrients) 'over the last few.decades, losses of natural cover have been minimal over the past 10 years, fish are found in reaches that had been devoid of life, and trail systems have expanded. There is a continued desire to improve watershed conditions and contribute to restoring the beneficial uses to the Toronto Area of Concern (RAP). 442 3. Engage the people of the Don The Don River watershed has a long history of grassroots and agency involvement and advocacy for regeneration. Annual celebrations, such as Paddle the Don and the Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash engage members of the community. Planning and implementation of the Lower Don River West and the Don Mouth projects are acting as a focal point of enthusiasm for a regenerated Don. The time is ripe to capitalize on that interest across the watershed, and re- engage the people of the Don to achieve the vision of a revitalized urban river. Engagement and voluntary uptake of sustainable practices (e.g., backyard naturalization, lot level stormwater retrofits) by residents and businesses in the Don will be essential to achieving the vision. Upcoming Milestones Upcoming milestones for the Don River watershed plan include: • release of technical background reports by mid August 2008; • finalization of stormwater retrofit scenario modelling by end July 2008; • completion of a draft watershed plan and draft subwatershed regeneration priority plans by end September 2008; • additional public consultation in the fall of 2008; and • presentation of the final Don River watershed plan to the Authority in early 2009. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for the Don River watershed plan has been provided in the Region of York and City of Toronto capital budgets. Report prepared by: Janet Ivey, extension 5729 Email: jivey @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Janet Ivey, extension 5729; Sonya Meek, extension 5253; Adele Freeman, extension 5238 Emails: jivey @trca.on.ca; smeek @trca.on.ca; afreeman @trca.on.ca Date: July 8, 2008 RES. #A171/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: PROPOSED PETTICOAT CREEK WATERSHED PLAN Progress report on efforts to develop an Action Plan for the Petticoat Creek watershed. Bonnie Littley Maja Prentice THAT staff be directed to continue to pursue required partnerships and funding support for the proposed action plan for the Petticoat Creek watershed; THAT the City of Pickering, Town of Markham and community groups be advised that this study will be delayed until such time that additional funding for the plan is arranged; 443 AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the Clerks of the Region of Durham, Region of York, 'City of Pickering, Town of Markham, City of Toronto and the Rouge Park Alliance. AMENDMENT RES. #A172/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Littley Maja Prentice THAT the main motion be replaced with the following: THAT staff be directed to continue to pursue required partnerships and funding support for the required action plan for the Petticoat Creek watershed;• THAT the Regions of York and Durham be thanked for their recently announced funding contribution of $20, 000 as part of the York Durham Sewer System Project; THAT the City of Pickering and the Town of Markham be thanked for their funding support; THAT the City of Pickering, Town of Markham, Rouge Park Alliance and community groups be advised that this. study will commence in the fall; THAT staff be directed to report back on the progress of this study in the fall; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the Clerks of the Region of Durham, Region of York, City of Pickering, Town of Markham, City of Toronto and the Rouge Park Alliance. THE AMENDMENT WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: CARRIED CARRIED THAT staff be directed to continue to pursue required partnerships and funding support for the required action plan for the Petticoat Creek watershed; THAT the Regions of York and Durham be thanked for their recently announced funding contribution of $20, 000 as part of the York Durham Sewer System Project; THAT the City of Pickering and the Town of Markham be thanked for their funding support; THAT the City of Pickering, Town of Markham, Rouge Park Alliance and community groups be advised .that this study will commence in the fall; THAT staff be directed to report back on the progress of this study in the fall; 444 AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the Clerks of the Region of Durham, Region of York, City of Pickering, Town of Markham, City of Toronto and the Rouge Park Alliance. BACKGROUND Petticoat Creek watershed drains approximately 26.8 sq. km in the City of Pickering, Town of Markham and the City of Toronto (Attachment 1). North of Finch Avenue, this watershed is mostly rural land use and is protected under the provincial Greenbelt designation. This area was included in the 2006 Central Pickering Development Plan prepared by the Province of Ontario. South of Finch Avenue, the land use is urban and for the most part, this portion of the watershed either has been or is the process of being developed. While Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park Alliance and City of Pickering have completed a number of studies in this watershed and they have been actively engaged in certain management actions, these initiatives are for the most part focused on more immediate issues or opportunities. A watershed plan has not been developed for this watershed. At Authority Meeting #8/07, held on October 26, 2007, Resolution #A240/07 was approved as follows: THAT WHEREAS the Petticoat Creek watershed located in the City of Pickering, Region of Durham, is experiencing a number of pressures resulting from urban and near urban pressures; WHEREAS interest has been expressed in developing a plan for the protection of the resources of the watershed; WHEREAS the undeveloped portions of the Petticoat Creek watershed are protected by the provincial Greenbelt designation, Rouge Park and previously by agricultural easements; WHEREAS there are a number of planning requirements to bring official plans into conformity with the Greenbelt designations; WHEREAS Petticoat Creek is geographically situated between the Duffins and Rouge watersheds and whereas these adjacent watersheds have undergone extensive review in recent years and that it is reasonable to assume that many of the "lessons learned" in those processes may apply to this smaller watershed; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA staff be directed to meet with interested councillors and the appropriate senior staff of the Region of Durham, City of Pickering, Region of York and Town of Markham to consider the opportunity of holding a one day forum /meeting to discuss the needs and opportunities and to develop an action plan to protect and enhance the watershed resources of Petticoat Creek within the context of the current planning opportunities and initiatives at the provincial, regional and local level; 445 THAT TRCA staff discuss with these persons a cost sharing arrangement to support this effort including, but not limited to, a one day forum/meeting, including development of any background reports, meeting facilitation and preparation of a strategic action plan/report with recommendations based on the forum outcomes; THAT staff report back within the first quarter of 2008 on these discussions including potential funding arrangements and timelines; AND FURTHER THAT staff provide the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee with an ,overview of the South East Collector and subdivision development projects in the vicinity of Altona Forest. Over the past ten.months, TRCA staff has been actively pursing future partnerships and funding support for the development of a plan for the Petticoat Creek to protect and enhance watershed functions. Meetings and discussions have been held with the City of Pickering, Town of Markham and Rouge Park Alliance (RPA). The RPA has, or is about to assume responsibilities for a number of properties to the west of the York - Durham Line in the Petticoat Creek watershed and has expressed a desire to become a working partner with TRCA in the development of the proposed plan. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Through preliminary discussion with potential partners a proposal has been formulated to develop the Watershed Action Plan in partnership with the Rouge Park Alliance, with funding support from the watershed municipalities. The proposed action plan would: • document studies completed on the Petticoat Creek watershed; • identify issues for the•Petticoat Creek watershed; • recommend management actions and set priorities; • describe roles and responsibilities for actions; • outline potential funding mechanisms for implementation; • forge new partnership opportunities. Over the past decade, TRCA has been studying the Petticoat Creek watershed as part of our on -going conservation and water management responsibilities. Our preliminary review has identified sufficient water quality, groundwater, surface hydrology, terrestrial natural heritage, fisheries, erosion, stormwater and public use (trails) information available to start the action plan study. Many of the critical water management elements such as flood control and flood plain mapping have been initially examined. Furthermore, advanced watershed studies in neighbouring watersheds provide an extensive knowledge base on general watershed 'issues and cost-effective management actions that can be applied to the Petticoat Creek watershed. Additional site specific knowledge exists in background environmental information that has been gathered as part of the City of Pickering Growth Management Study and the Province's 2006 Central Pickering Development Plan. While it is recognized that there may be gaps in watershed work, it is proposed that these gaps will be addressed as management actions in the plan. In recent years TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance staff have been looking at restoration opportunities for the current land holdings in Petticoat Creek. • Staff will continue over the next few months to explore mechanisms to secure the required funding support. Actual work on this study will not commence until such time that sufficient funds are in place. 446 FINANCIAL DETAILS Preliminary estimates for the development of the watershed action plan suggest an initial budget of between $40,000 and $60,000 would be required, depending upon timelines, and costs to develop, produce and distribute the reports. Both TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance are exploring opportunities to support this plan with in kind and budget resources. In response to Resolution #A240/07 and follow up letters from TRCA requesting funding, both the Town of Markham and City of Pickering were able through council resolutions to provide financial support. The City of Pickering provided $10,000 and the Town of Markham $5,000. The City of Pickering on behalf of the Petticoat Creek watershed study partners have requested a $20,000 funding contribution from the York Durham Sewer System Project (YDSS). At this time, we have not heard if the City of Pickering's request will be supported by the YDSS study.. As a result, there is an identified shortfallof between $25,000 and $35,000. If this is the case, TRCA staff would recommend to the Authority and study partners that the study be delayed awaiting opportunities to secure the required funding through York Region's and Durham Region's conservation authority capital budget submissions. Report prepared by: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Emails: gbowen @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Emails: gbowen @trca.on.ca Date: July 8, 2008 RES. #A173/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TERRESTRIAL NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM STRATEGY Status Report. Progress in Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy implementation and achievement of the target system. Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to continue working with municipalities to identify natural heritage systems as part of municipal growth planning; THAT TRCA staff advocate for the protection of the target terrestrial natural heritage system through its role in plan and permit review; . THAT TRCA staff develop guidelines /procedures to assist in the negotiation and natural heritage compensation for individual applications in consultation with municipalities and other stakeholders; THAT TRCA staff continue to monitor and report on progress toward achieving the targeted natural heritage system; 447 AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff report on progress on current natural heritage initiatives and research related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, recovery planning, urban forests, trails and road ecology, as these studies advance. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #11/06, held on January 26, 2007, Resolution #A306/06 was passed to approve the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (herein "Strategy ") (in principle) along with the following directions: THAT staff publish the Strategy and provide it to member municipalities, stakeholder watershed councils and task forces, the Greater Toronto Home Builders Association -Urban Development Institute (GTHBA -UDI), the Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario, contributing private foundations, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the.Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (MPIR), Canadian Wildlife Service, local universities and colleges, Conservation Ontario, the South Central Ontario Conservation Authorities (SCOCA) Natural Heritage Discussion Group, and participating or interested non - governmental organizations, citizens and professionals; THAT staff make council presentations, and conduct workshops or information sessions, to inform municipal staff and stakeholders about the terrestrial natural heritage tools and science to assist them in planning for growth; THAT staff be directed to promote the use of the science and tools in the Strategy to local and regional municipalities to assist them in developing a system to achieve local natural heritage protection and restoration goals in their official plans and to provide support as requested in its interpretation and application in development review/official plans and site specific plans; THAT staff be directed to work with local and regional municipalities and the province to re- evaluate the natural heritage system requirements in the urban expansion lands, known as the "white belt area ", as part of an integrated planning process being undertaken to meet the requirements put forth by the province in Places to Grow, and report back to the Authority in approximately 6 months on progress towards successful integration of these potentially conflicting objectives of growth planning; THAT staff use the tools and science in the Strategy to inform environmental assessment and.plan input and review activities to encourage a terrestrial natural heritage system (TNHS) that will result in long term protection and enhancement of biodiversity, giving each municipality time to develop and define their own system; THAT staff use the Strategy for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) activities including watershed planning, land securement, land stewardship, conservation land planning, restoration planning and education; AND FURTHER THAT staff monitor and report on progress toward achieving the targeted natural heritage system, and continue research and monitoring to provide leadership in advancing the science in sustainable ecosystem management for regional biodiversity. 448 Important progress has been made in all areas as directed by the Authority as outlined below. The approved draft of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy was posted on the TRCA website and copies were provided upon request. The draft was then formatted into its final published version and posted on the TRCA website. Copies are included with the agenda package. Following approval of the Strategy in 2007, TRCA conducted three workshops for staff from • municipalities and neighbouring conservation authorities. At the workshops, municipal staff expressed a strong desire to meet individually to explore how TRCA's Strategy could assist them in defining a natural heritage system as part of growth planning for their individual' municipalities. As recognized in the Strategy, a balanced and flexible approach is required to achieve a strong natural heritage system in concert with sustainable, liveable communites that will accommodate the required growth within TRCA's watersheds. Staff had already established such a relationship with the City of Toronto by assisting in identifying a natural heritage system for their Official Plan update in 2002. Target Terrestrial System and Watershed and Municipal Planning The Strategy's regional target system was used in the development of the watershed plans for the Humber, Rouge, Don and Etobicoke - Mimico watersheds, with the target system refined at the watershed scale using more recent orthographic photography, land use information and input from the watershed stakeholders including municipal staff. It is this refined system that staff has been promoting for use with TRCA's municipalities, where applicable. City of Toronto During the development of the Strategy TRCA worked with the City to identify a natural heritage system that became part of the new Official Plan for the City. As part of Phase II of their natural heritage work, TRCA staff has been working with City staff and consultants over the last year to develop natural heritage screening tools for the planning staff. In addition, City staff is using TRCA's species, vegetation community and habitat patch ranking and scoring to determine thresholds for updating and designating Toronto Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs). Region of Peel TRCA staff is using our data and information to assist the Region of Peel in Phase 1 of their Official Plan review, which is focusing on Significant Woodlands, Significant Wildlife Habitat and Significant Valley Lands. TRCA staff will also provide support to the Region in the second phase when they will be identifying a Natural Heritage System. Staff has been working closely with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) to ensure that natural heritage information is consistent and compatible across the Region of Peel. This includes working with CVC as they complete their natural heritage modeling project using their Terrestrial Ecosystem Enhancement Model (TEEM). TRCA staff has provided data, technical advice and support in the development of their natural heritage program. Mississauga TRCA has provided Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) with technical support in their Landscape Scale Analysis (LSA) for the City of Mississauga. This project is a component of a comprehensive Lake Ontario Watersheds Restoration Plan coming out of CVC's Credit River Valley Water Management Strategy Update. 449 Region of York TRCA staff has met with Regional planning staff and provided target system mapping and data to assist them in their growth planning. The exercise included a comparison of their growth targets against' the results of the various scenarios evaluated in the Rouge, Humber and Don 'watershed plans. It is anticipated that staff will continue to work with Region of York staff as they move forward in their growth planning over the next several months. Vaughan TRCA,staff has reviewed and provided input into the Terms of Reference for the Natural Heritage System design and policy development portion of Vaughan's Official Plan Review. TRCA has provided data and mapping to the consultants and is currently working with Vaughan staff and•their consultant team on the development of the Natural Heritage System. Ajax and Pickering Staff has used the Strategy along with TRCA regional inventory data to assist the Province and municipalities in defining the natural heritage systems for large planning areas, including Seaton Lands and Duffins Heights in Pickering and the adjacent A9 lands in Ajax. We are continuing to provide input and support for protecting the system through the subsequent stages of the planning processes. Province Staff has stayed abreast of Provincial initiatives related to natural heritage management and planning. For example; we have provided data and technical input to the Province in support of the Pre- settlement Vegetation model, updates for the Ecological Land Classification System and the Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System (SOLRIS). We will continue to provide every support wecan to Provincial programs and ensure TRCA's program nests appropriately with any new Provincial directions. Conservation Ontario As members of the South Central Ontario Conservation Authorities (SCOCA) natural heritage discussion group, staff. continues to participate in quarterly meetings and to exchange ideas with neighbouring conservation authorities. SCOCA continues to be a forum for the exchange of information with Conservation Ontario and others on current provincial matters. Review of Landuse and Infrastructure Plans TRCA staff is taking the "best efforts" approach to incorporating the Strategy's target system into development planning, considering that the target system has not yet been incorporated into most municipal planning documents. We do not always achieve the target system on individual sites but the Strategy has allowed staff to enter into the discussion of what is needed at the site level in order to promote a sustainable Living City region. It has provided a starting point for discussion /negotiations that was not available previously. This shift in the thinking around natural heritage "systems" protection is supported by Provincial policy and has been supported by recent Ontario Municipal Board decisions that have recognized the importance of a regional natural system in site level planning such as the North Oakville decision. 450 "...not only is a systems approach an appropriate approach to determining the boundaries of a [sic/NHS in a developing urban area, it is the best approach. It is clearly the best approach given what experts now understand about environmental biology. No longer can society afford to look at the "natural environment" as isolated pockets of green which have been fortunate enough to have survived in an urban landscape. The Board is convinced by the evidence adduced in this hearing, that for the natural environment to have a chance of sustainability in developing urban areas, a systems approach must be taken to delineating boundaries... the use of a systems approach substantially increases sustainability of the natural environment in an urban context, by supporting the diversity of species and making the natural area more resilient to the effects of urbanization.' "(Ontario Municipal Board Decision by S.B. Campbell, 2008) TRCA Programs The directions, recommendations and tools from the Strategy are being used in a variety of TRCA programs. Staff is working to integrate the recommendations from the Strategy and protection for the terrestrial natural heritage target system into the update of TRCA's Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program, known as "The Living City Policies ". Watershed Planning As mentioned above, the regional target system has been refined through the preparation of watershed plans for the Humber, Rouge, Don and Etobicoke - Mimico watersheds. The refined watershed terrestrial system has been used as an input into the hydrologic modeling of various growth scenarios. The results of this modeling have confirmed the benefit of an expanded terrestrial system on the hydrologic function of the watershed and the health of the aquatic system. As well, the Strategy's reporting format for existing and target conditions has been incorporated into watershed plans and report cards. Land Securement The target system is an important criterion and layer in TRCA's Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 -2010 site selection tool. Since the establishment of the project in 2006, TRCA has conducted just under one hundred transactions and secured 324 hectares, of which 312 hectares were within the target terrestrial system. Conservation Land Planning and Restoration The Strategy and its tools are currently being used to guide the development of Bruce's Mill Master Plan, Bolton Resource Management Tract Management Plan, Oak Ridges Corridor Park East Management Plan and Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan. The Strategy's target system and implementation recommendations informed the delineation of management zones, including areas to be protected, restored or managed for active uses. Restoration Services Division staff.has been using various elements of the Strategy in their restoration planning, including the Habitat Improvement Plan (HIP) assessments, for several years now. 451 Current and Emerging TRCA Initiatives The Strategy recognized theneed for additional research and work to be done in three key areas. The first was to develop guidelines and procedures to assist in site level negotiations on the natural heritage system boundaries and the potential•for natural heritage compensation when the identified system cannot be completely achieved. The second was to provide direction for the management, restoration and uses within the target system. The third was to look at ways to improve the ecological functional relationship of the urban -rural matrix with the target system. Natural Heritage Compensation The Strategy recognized that other considerations such as sustainable community design, and necessary infrastructure could mean that the entire target system may not be achievable on a given site. To this end, staff is developing a protocol to address if and when reductions in the. target system could be considered and how the loss can be compensated. An important component will be the valuation of "ecosystem services" in determining compensation. Staff is researching existing literature and examples from other jurisdictions to develop an appropriate valuation method for TRCA. Staff hasmet with Metrus Development to collaborate on a case study that will assist in developing this compensation protocol. Staff will be consulting with municipalities and other•stakeholders, including the development industry, before the approach to compensation is finalized. Climate Change Our changing climate underscores the need for management of both the system and the matrix of urban /rural uses that surround the system. Climate change could result in significant shifts in ecosystem function and biodiversity and have an impact on the implementation of the Strategy. It is therefore incumbent upon staff to understand and also contribute to cutting edge climate change research. To this end, we are undertaking an extensive literature review in 2008 and 2009 that will.focus on the following topic areas: effects of climate change on biodiversity, adaptive measures and ecosystem management, ecosystem monitoring, and the identification of gaps in the current knowledge._, Ensuring staff has access to the most relevant and contemporary 'sources of information, will be critical in this initiative. It should be noted that sustainable biodiversity as advocated in the Strategy is fundamentally linked to climate change. adaptation and /or mitigation. Recovery Planning The Strategy provides the foundation for how much habitat is required and where it should be located. A significant-portion of the target system is made up of "potential natural cover ", areas that require restoration. It is therefore important to provide direction on where restoration will have the greatest improvement in biodiversity. This project will allow prioritization of restoration efforts. Over the long term, how each site was restored will determine the make up of the regional system; therefore, a second facet is the selection of target species and communities to be restored. The products being developed through the Recovery Planning project will help TRCA be strategic when planning and designing restoration projects. They will allow the biodiversity benefits of restoration projects to be more fully understood. We are currently in the second year of this three year project. Some of the planning tools being developed through this project are ready for use by restoration staff. Others will be completed in 2009. 452 Trail Ecology Trails ecology falls under The Living City's "Regional Biodiversity" objective to provide habitat for species and opportunities for enjoyment of nature. As human populations have expanded regionally and the popularity of open air recreation increased, there is a high demand for areas that provide trails for public use. This demand will only increase as the regional population continues to grow. While TRCA has been a consistent promoter of trail development, we also need to ensure that the trail network protects the ecosystem and maintains a positive user experience. The best management practices in TRCA's Trail Planning and Design Guidelines were written in 1992 and need to be updated to reflect the Strategy's sustainability objectives at all geographic scales. Staff of Ecology Division and Conservation Land Plannin group is embarking on a comprehensive Trail Ecology Study to examine the influence of trail density, width and location; user type and numbers; habitat patch size, shape and matrix; and trail age, on both biodiversity and user experience. A 2007 preliminary study of the effect of trail density on biodiversity is currently in draft. Invasive Species Invasive species have been recognized as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. That threat is evident in TRCA's jurisdiction where more and more, the proliferation of invasive, non - native species is impacting the distribution ofnative species. As more resources are allocated to the management of invasive species, it becomes increasingly important to allocate these resources strategically and effectively. In collaboration with staff from other Divisions, Ecology staff is developing a set of criteria for determining and mapping priority areas for managing invasive plants. This will help to identify locations where invasive species management will have the greatest ecological benefit. The criteria and mapping, which will build coordination between TRCA programs, will be completed by the end of 2008. This project will also identify gaps in our knowledge of invasive species and their implications on biodiversity; it should set the course for developing additional guidance for invasive species management. Urban Forest Studies Urban forest studies involve taking stock of existing urban trees and evaluating their combined contribution to the sustainability of an urban landscape. The Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) Model summarizes the health, composition and distribution of the urban forest (the structure) and provides a detailed account of the urban forest value in terms of climate change regulation, air pollution reduction, carbon sequestration, hydrology and energy consumption reductions (the function). These "ecosystem services" are the reason that municipalities in the region have taken an interest in the urban forest; for example, the Region of Peel is funding its urban forest study through its Climate Change budget. 453 UFORE was used in the 2002 Toronto and 2006 Oakville studies and will be used in studies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in 2008 and 2009. TRCA is coordinating efforts between all municipalities embarking on urban forest studies within the TRCA jurisdiction, including Peel, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, York Region, Markham, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering and Toronto. The collaboration promotes solutions to common challenges and sharing of resources, and will make. it possible to compare the municipal data sets or to combine them at a, broader regional scale if desired:in the future. To that end, TRCA organized a Project Design Forum with 45 project managers and urban forestry experts participating. TRCA staff will be presenting 'on the collaboration at the Ontario Urban Forest Council Annual General Meeting and at a Clean Air Partnership meeting this fall. • TRCA is managing two urban forest studies, those of Region of Peel and Town of Ajax. Field data are being collected, in summer 2008. The Peel Model Strategy will be completed in early 2010; the Ajax Study in early 2009. Road Ecology Study Road Ecology, the interactions between roads and the natural environment, has become increasingly important in southern Ontario. This is particularly true in TRCA's jurisdiction as urban development continues to necessitate. the construction of new roads and the widening of the existing network. This puts continued stress on the remaining species populations that must move through the landscape to fulfill their life cycles. Transportation managers at all levels of government are looking for the tools and the science necessary to make informed decisions when designing new road works. Subject to funding TRCA is developing a project that will help to characterize species movement through the landscape; identify where current. and planned roads may effect target species movement; and identify where mitigation or management should be focused.•TRCA is represented on the Ontario Road Ecology Group, a newly formed group of.ecologists, road planners and educators,with the goal of raising awareness about the threat of roads tobiodiversity in Ontario, and to research and apply solutions. Staff presented the Strategy approach at the'Ontario Roads Ecology Group's Symposium (April 2008) and provided species and habitat patch data. to the Road Ecology Group research project headed by the Toronto Zoo. Monitoring It is too early to report on progress in achieving the target system quality, distribution and • quantity Orin achieving improved species populations and natural community health, given the recent adoption of the Strategy. Staff is discussing the next steps for measuring changes through remote - sensing. The watershed monitoring arm of the Ecology Division has developed a Tong -term monitoring protocol and has set up plots throughout TRCA lands in the TRCA jurisdiction (a separate report on this topic entitled "Terrestrial Fixed Plot Monitoring" is on this agenda). As we have in the development of the Strategy, TRCA staff continues to provide science leadership in the set up of long - term monitoring of The Living City region's ecosystems. 454 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff is incorporating the Strategy into many aspects of our work for The Living City. Now that the Strategy has been developed, we will continue and expand our efforts to develop good, practical science in landscape management that will help us through the next 20 years of changes in our landscape and our climate. This includes increasing our knowledge on the restoration of lands within the target system and in the management of activities outside of and adjacent to the target system. It includes understanding the link between ecosystem structure (features) and ecosystem services (functions), and the link between the ecosystem structure and services and human health. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding has been secured for the 2008 work program through municipal capital projects, Remedial Action Plan and the Salamander Foundation. Staff is actively pursuing funding and research partnerships on the topics of trail ecology, road ecology, urban forestry, climate change mitigation and adaptation, land use compatibility, and the link between biodiversity and human health. Report prepared by: Dena Lewis, extension 5225 Email: dlewis @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dena Lewis, extension 5225 Email: dlewis @trca.on.ca Date: July 14, 2008 RES. #A174/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TERRESTRIAL FIXED PLOT MONITORING Long term monitoring at fixed plot locations is needed in order to identify spatial and temporal trends in species and vegetation across the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority jurisdiction. Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie THAT staff continue to set -up and monitor fixed plots across the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) jurisdiction as part of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program in order to be able to identify region -wide trends in species and vegetation; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff look for additional sources of funding in order to expand the program to look at trends across 3 different land use zones (urban, urbanizing and rural) and to conduct pre and post development monitoring at selected areas. CARRIED 455 BACKGROUND As part of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program (TNHP), staff biologists have collected extensive vegetation community and flora.and fauna field data. This data collection was driven by the development of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (TNHSS) in order to have baseline data to input into various computer models and in addition, for the development and upkeep of the scores.and ranks of the species and vegetation communities. In recent years a shift has been made from data collection to support the TNHSS to data collection in areas of land use change.and characterization to various land management initiatives such as watershed and management plans. Being one of the largest data sets of its kind in the province, this data has proven to be invaluable in the delivery of TRCA services and to municipalities for their projects, as well as other private sector clients. Through the review of the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP), a data gap was identified in the ability to identify temporal trends in terrestrial species and vegetation communities found in TRCA's jurisdiction. The Terrestrial Volunteer Program is able to identify some trends in species however, a more scientifically rigourous program is needed in order to support various TRCA programs. RATIONALE Although the method of field inventory data collection of vegetation communities and species is extremely important, there is.an additional need to be able to identify spatial and•temporal trends in terrestrial biodiversity. As it would not be cost effective nor would it be feasible to 'return to all of the sites where field inventory data were collected in order to try and get temporal trend, information, it was determined that fixed plot monitoring was needed over the long -term. Monitoring the long -term trends of species and vegetation will give a greater indication of the condition of the terrestrial natural heritage system and therefore provide more strategic direction in maintaining and increasing biodiversity in the jurisdiction. With the unknown impacts of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity this data collection will be imperative in order to make appropriate decisions as it relates to restoration activities, environmental protection and management of natural areas in the future. As few agencies have invested the time and resources into careful planning of their monitoring programs, TRCA would be compared with the few leading agencies (Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Parks Canada and. the Georgian Bay Littoral Biosphere Reserve) that have developed comprehensive and effective long -term terrestrial monitoring programs. Few agencies have developed and implemented monitoring programs that assess trends in biodiversity, ecological processes and stressors across a range of ecosystem types within the same landscape: By implementing the suggested monitoring program that follows, TRCA would be placed along with these agencies as having the most comprehensive ecological monitoring programs in Ontario. 456 Study Design Table 1: Results of the "priori" power analysis conducted by Zorn Environmental Consul in Ecosystem Type Monitoring Measure Monitoring Objective Estimated Annual Sample Size Forest Tree Mortality Overall temporal trend 40 trees pooled from EMAN plots Difference is trend among 3 zones 30 trees per zone (90 total) Crown Vigour Overall temporal trend 30 trees pooled from EMAN plots Difference is trend among 3 zones 30 trees per zone (90 total) Mean Floristic Quality Index Overall temporal trend 11 EMAN plots Difference is trend among 3 zones 7 EMAN plots per zone (21 total) Forest bird species richness Overall'temporal trend 14 FBMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 FBMP routes per zone (24 total) Forest bird abundance Overall temporal trend 14 to 20 FBMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 to 11 FBMP routes per zone (24 to 33 total) Plethodontid abundance Overall temporal trend 14 EMAN plots Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 EMAN plots per zone (24 total) Wetland Frog chorus call Overall temporal trend 14 MMP stations Difference is trend among 3 zones 6 MMP stations per zone (18 total) Wetland bird species richness Overall temporal trend 10 MMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 7 MMP routes per zone (21 total) Wetland bird abundance Overall temporal trend 14 to 20 MMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 to 11 MMP routes per zone (24 to 33 total) Mean Floristic Quality Index Overall temporal trend 12 transects Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 transects per zone (24 total) Meadow Meadow bird species richness Overall temporal trend 7 FBMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 to 11 FBMP routes per zone (24 to 33 total) Meadow bird abundance Overall temporal trend 14 to 20 FBMP routes Difference is trend among 3 zones 8 to 11 FBMP routes per zone (24 to 33 total) 457 Year Tasks Budget • 2008 - conduct "priori" power analysis to determine number of plots required - set -up and monitor 21 forest vegetation plots, 20 forest bird monitoring routes, 12 wetland vegetation transects and 13 meadow bird monitoring routes for region wide trends - set -up .14 wetland stations for amphibian monitoring (to be monitored -in spring of 2009) . - determine proper data storage and management - $20,000 RAP - $60,000 from capital dollars as part of the Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program (TNHP) and the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) 2009 - continue with region wide fixed plot monitoring - set -up additional sites in support of trends between - 3' land use zones (conditional on additional funding) • • - $66,000 as part of the region wide fixed plot monitoring capital ask through the TNHP and RWMP. - $90,000 in additional asks in order to set up plots to compare between 3 land use zones. 2010 - continue with monitoring - conduct`power analysis on data collected in first two years to ensure proper number of fixed plots have been implemented in order to detect trends region -wide. . - $72,600 as part of the region wide fixed plot monitoring capital ask through the TNHP and RWMP. - additional funds of $77,000 for monitoring between land use zones 2011 - continue with monitoring - $80,000 as part of the region wide fixed plot monitoring • capital ask through the TNHP and RWMP. - additional funds of $84,700 for monitoring between land use zones. 2012 - continue with monitoring - begin statistical analysis on 5 years of data collection and report , - $88,000 as part of the region wide fixed plot monitoring capital ask through the TNHP and RWMP. - additional funds 'of $95,000 for monitoring between land use zones. FINANCIAL DETAILS In 2008 funds are available in order to set up a limited number of plots across the jurisdiction in order to look at region -wide trends. Additional capital funds are being requested in order to expand the number of plots to look at differences between the 3 land use zones. For Information contact: Sue Hayes, extension 5356; Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Emails: shayes @trca.on.ca; sjarvie @trca.on.ca Date: June 23, 2008 458 RES. #A175/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MALTON ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECT Final Report. The accomplishments of the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project. Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thank and acknowledge the project partners who contributed to the success of the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project (MESP) from 2004 to 2008. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #7/07, held on September.28, 2007, Resolution #A211/07 was approved as follows: THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) continue to work with the City of Mississauga, Mississauga- Airport Rotary Club, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Regional Municipality of Peel to implement the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project (MESP) work plan deliverables; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back upon the completion of this project in the summer of 2008 to acknowledge the project's four year accomplishments, project partners and how to sustain the project into the future. The MESP began in 2004 as a four year community initiative through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $253,700. The Malton Environmental Stewardship Project was designed to provide hands -on environmental stewardship opportunities to the community of Malton in the City of Mississauga. This project engaged local schools, faith groups, agencies, businesses and culturally diverse communities in tree plantings, litter clean -ups, workshops and nature walks that empowered and engaged the community. The Authority received project updates at Meeting #3/04, held on June 11, 2004, Meeting #3/06, held on July 14, 2006 and Meeting #3/07, held on September 14, 2007. The Malton Environmental Stewardship Project has reached over 21,500 people, engaged over 3,500 volunteers who have contributed over 12,550 hours of their time and exceeded many of its targets. In 2008, the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project completed its fourth and final year of the Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The expected results and accomplishments are as follows: 459 Expected Results (July 1, 2007 - June 20, 2008) Accomplishments (July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008) • 6 naturalization /clean -up /restoration events each year during the life of the project in the 7 community action sites. 9 naturalization /clean -up /restoration/ interpretive walks events held in year four of the project. Approximately 2,000 native trees, shrubs and meadow plants to be.planted over the life of,the project.' 2,000 native trees and shrubs were planted over the life of the project. Approximately 5,600 square metres of forest, wetland, riparian and meadow areas enhanced during the life of the project. Approximately 9,000 square metres of forest, wetland, riparian and meadow areas enhanced over the life of the project. 4 wildlife structures installed and 18 nest boxes installed over the life of the project. • 4 wood duck boxes and 2 habitat piles installed in Malton parks. 50 bird nest boxes constructed for installation in Malton schools, parks and backyards. 3 community or business education workshops held each year. 6 community and business workshops held in year four of the project. An annual environmental festival held each year. 1 annual Malton Stewardship Day festival .held. An annual newsletter is produced. 3 newsletters produced in year four (winter 2007, spring 2008 and summer 2008) Malton Community Action Area Advisory Committee is established with representation from key community stakeholder groups. Malton Environmental Stewardship Group formed in fall 2004 remains engaged in regular meetings and assist with events. An environmental youth corp is formed and participate in stewardship activities. Youth•Action Group formed in 2004. 50 members currently engaged. Youth from this group also sit on event planning committee. 2 schools participate in stewardship activities each year 4 schools participated in stewardship activities in year four. 5 environmental activities organized by each participating school each year. Participating schools engaged in 3 -6 . environmental activities each. Sustainable Schools Challenge Program introduced to local schools. Ridgewood ,Public School was awarded $1500 for future school ground greening projects as the winner of the Sustainable Schools Challenge. Ridgewood PS took part in tree planting, bird box building and a number of environmental workshops. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE In 2008 and 2009, TRCA and its existing community partners would like to continue to offer a variety of stewardship and outreach education opportunities to the residents of Melton. Regular meetings will be held to plan for the delivery of these,activities. New partnerships are being developed more broadly throughout the Mimico watershed. This will allow other communities to benefit from the experiences of this project. 460 FINANCIAL DETAILS This project has been granted core funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in the amount of $253,700. The project has also received funding from the Region of Peel's Sustainable Communities Program in amount of $120,000. Additional funding for this project was provided by • $9,000 - Wal -Mart - Evergreen Green Grants Program • $700 - Wal -Mart Canada Inc. • $5,000 - Cargill Foods Toronto • $1,750 - Mississauga - Airport Rotary Club • $500 - United Parcel Service (UPS) • $1,000 - Johnson Controls • $6.000 - United Way, Peel Region In total, the Malton Environmental Stewardship Project raised over $397,650. Report prepared by: Jessika Corkum - Gorrill, extension 5748 Emails: jcorkum - gorrill @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Jessika Corkum - Gorrill, extension 5748 Emails: jcorkum - gorrill @trca.on.ca Date: July 03, 2008 RES. #A176/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CLAIREVILLE COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP PROJECT 2006 - 2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS The accomplishments of the Claireville Community Stewardship Project. Lois Griffin Reenga Mathivanan THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority thank and acknowledge the project partners who contributed to the success of the Claireville Community Stewardship Project (CCSP) from 2006 to 2008. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #3/06, held on April 28th, 2006, Resolution #A88/06 was approved as follows: THAT staff be authorized to take such action as is necessary to implement the Claireville Community Stewardship Project; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to the Authority on the progress of the Claireville Community Stewardship Project. 461 In 2006, the CCSP was granted $100,500 in financial support from the Ontario Trillium • • Foundation (OTF). The goal of the CCSP was to strengthen the organizational structure and capacity of the Friends'of Claireville and to foster awareness, build community and restore the ecological health of the Claireville Conservation Area. The project included hands -on environmental stewardship programs that provided youth, adults, community and business leaders•with the knowledge and tools required to help revitalize and care for the watershed's natural resources.' The Authority received project updates at Meeting #3/06, held April 28th, 2006, and Meeting #7/07, held on September.28, 2007. These updates identified accomplishments to date and work plan priorities for the following year. As of June 30th, 2008, all workplans associated with the CCSP were completed as outlined in the Ontario Trillium Foundation Proposal and Funding Agreement. The program has recently completed its third and final year. The expected targets and actual achievements are summarized below. Expected Targets • Program Accomplishments Deliver 6 Community Planting Events Organized and implemented 6 community planting events, planting over 3,500 native trees and shrubs. Deliver 6 Habitat Enhancement Projects • . Delivered 14 habitat enhancement projects that . included the installation of 75 songbird boxes, 8 Wood Duck nesting boxes, log fish cribs, removed invasive species and the planting of over 400 aquatic plants. Monitor Planting Success Rates . Established tree monitoring plots to monitor tree health on newly and recently planted sites using established and accepted protocols. Deliver 6 Community Educational Workshops /Seminars Delivered 8 community educational workshops /seminars. • Deliver 3 Community Shoreline Clean -up Events , Organized and implemented .3 community shoreline clean -up events, removing over 2,500 Ibs of garbage. • Develop Volunteer Monitoring Program . Developed and successfully launched the Claireville Stewards in the Field Program Develop Communication and Marketing. Materials . . • Developed communication and marketing materials for the.CCSP and the Friends of Claireville including 2 displays, project Fact sheets, newsletters, event flyers, and portable signage. Develop Claireville Fishing Festival . A Fishing Festival was organized and implemented at the Claireville Reservoir. 462 Expected Targets Program Accomplishments Install and Maintain 3 Trailhead Kiosks installed 1 Trailhead Kiosk at the Claireville Hwy 7 entrance. A second Trailhead Kiosk has been purchased and will be installed at the Claireville Hwy 50 entrance in the fall of 2008. Additional funding to create and install the third kiosk was not secured. Install and Maintain all- access Fishing and Canoe Dock Installed all- access fishing and canoe dock at the Claireville Reservoir. Indian Line Campground staff has agreed to provide the ongoing maintenance. Organizational Development of the Friends of Claireville Through this project, the Friends of Claireville have grown as an organization, received a great deal of media and public exposure, developed a volunteer /contact database, developed a volunteer monitoring program and developed a marketing and media toolkit. Increased Community Engagement in Stewardship Activities Hosted 38 Stewardship events engaging over 1400 people in stewardship activities. Protection, Restoration, and Enhancement of Claireville CA • . Through this project, volunteers have contributed considerably to the protection, restoration and enhancement of Claireville through their participation in a variety of stewardship activities, including native tree and shrub plantings, aquatics plantings, installation of wildlife nesting and habitat structures, participation in aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs, and participation in educational workshops and seminars. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Work plan priorities for 2008, as agreed upon by all project partners, include: • Prepare and submit final report to project partners • Develop and install project kiosk and signage • Transfer knowledge to assist the Friends of Claireville with capacity building • Introduce New Canadians to the Claireville site through group outings and events FINANCIAL DETAILS Core funding for the CCSP has been provided by Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in the amount of $100,500. The project also received funding from the Region of Peel in the amount of $100,000. Additional funding for this project was provided by • • $4,500 from the Shell Environmental Fund • $3,000 from the Community Fisheries/Wildlife Involvement Program • $56,000 in In -kind support from community volunteers 463 In total, the Claireville Community Stewardship Project raised over $264,000. Report prepared by: Vince D'Elia, extension 6415 Email: vdelia @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Vince D'Elia, extension 6415 Email: vdelia @trca.on.ca Date: July 07, 2008 RES. #A177/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GROWING DURHAM Recommended /Preferred Growth Scenario for the Region of. Durham. Providing comments on the Recommended /Preferred Growth Scenario for the Region of Durham. Bonnie Littley Ron Moeser WHEREAS the Growing Durham report recommended /preferred growth scenario (Attachment 1) includes 1,454 hectares of new lands in the City of Pickering, much of which is located in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed; WHEREAS the provincial Growth_Plan (policy 2.2.8.2 h) requires that the environmental, agricultural and public health and safety sections of the Provincial Policy Statement be applied in determining the most appropriate location for expansions to the boundaries of settlement areas; WHEREAS the_scenario analysis evaluation for the Growing Durham report excluded the previously"defined environmental criteria from consideration in the scenario evaluation; WHEREAS A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek (2003) watersheds identified the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek as an area of high sensitivity; WHEREAS the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force recommended a precautionary, approach to further urbanization given that the watershed plan did not consider, urbanization north of the Town of Ajax's urban boundary; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) reaffirm its support for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force recommendation to take a precautionary approach to the upper Carruthers Creek watershed in order to protect and enhance the remaining environmental attributes and to prevent potentially, expensive infrastructure remediation projects in the lower reaches of the creek in the existing downstream Ajax community; THAT TRCA believes that the designation or approval of a settlement area boundary expansion within a municipality is premature until all aspects of the provincial Growth Plan policy 2.2.8.2, including an environmental analysis, have been addressed; 464 THAT should the Region of Durham decide to consider future urban growth in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, an update to the watershed plan for the Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses; THAT an update to the Carruthers Creek watershed plan identify and inform opportunities for infrastructure remediation, natural heritage enhancement, maintaining water balance and flood and erosion protection measures necessary for safe and sustainable intensification and redevelopment within existing urban areas; THAT a terms of reference for an update to the watershed plan for the Carruthers Creek be developed by TRCA in consultation with the Region of Durham, the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax, and include modeling of potential downstream impacts within the Greenbelt, urban Ajax and waterfront lands; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the Region of Durham, the four other conservation authorities within Durham Region, the Town of Ajax, the City of Pickering, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and to the Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, and Energy and Infrastructure. AMENDMENT #1 RES. #A178 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Litt ley Lois Griffin THAT the fourth last paragraph be amended to read as follows: THAT should the Region of Durham decide to consider future urban growth in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the regional and local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses; AMENDMENT #2 RES. #A179 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley THAT the last 3 paragraphs of the main motion be amended to read as follows: THAT an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek identify and inform opportunities for infrastructure remediation, natural heritage enhancement, maintaining water balance and flood and erosion protection measures necessary for safe and sustainable intensification and redevelopment within existing urban areas; 465 THAT a terms of reference for an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek be developed by TRCA,in consultation with the Region of Durham, the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax, and include modeling of potential downstream impacts within the Greenbelt; urban Ajax and waterfront lands; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be -sent to the Region of Durham, the four other conservation authorities within Durham Region, the Town of Ajax, the City of Pickering, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, Energy and'Infrastructure, Environment, and Transportation, the Premier of Ontario, and to the City of Toronto Public Works and Infrastucture, and Parks and Environment committees. AMENDMENT #1 WAS AMENDMENT #2 WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED CARRIED CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS the Growing Durham report recommended /preferred growth scenario (Attachment 1) includes 1,454 hectares of new lands in the City of Pickering, much of which is located in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed; WHEREAS the provincial Growth Plan (policy 2.2.8.2 h) requires that the environmental, agricultural and public health and safety sections of the Provincial Policy Statement be applied in determining the most appropriate location for expansions to the boundaries of settlement areas; WHEREAS the scenario analysis evaluation for the Growing Durham report excluded the previously. defined environmental criteria from consideration in the scenario evaluation; WHEREAS A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek (2003) watersheds identified the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek as an area of high sensitivity;. WHEREAS the Duffins Creek and Carruthers. Creek Task Force recommended a ' precautionary approach to further urbanization given that the watershed plan did not consider urbanization north of the Town of Ajax's urban boundary; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). reaffirm its support for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force recommendation to take a precautionary approach to the upper Carruthers Creek watershed in order to protect and enhance the remaining environmental attributes and to prevent potentially expensive infrastructure_remediation projects in the lower reaches of the creek in the existing downstream Ajax community; THAT TRCA believes that the designation or approval of a settlement area boundary expansion within a municipality is premature until all aspects of the provincial Growth Plan policy 2.2.8.2, including an environmental analysis, have been addressed; 466 THAT should the Region of Durham decide to consider future urban growth in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the regional and local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses; THAT an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek identify and inform opportunities for infrastructure remediation, natural heritage enhancement, maintaining water balance and flood and erosion protection measures necessary for safe and sustainable intensification and redevelopment within existing urban areas; THAT a terms of reference for an update to A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek be developed by TRCA in consultation with the Region of Durham, the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax, and include modeling of potential downstream impacts within the Greenbelt, urban Ajax and waterfront lands; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the Region of Durham, the four other conservation authorities within Durham Region, the Town of Ajax, the City of Pickering, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, Energy and Infrastructure, Environment, and Transportation, the Premier of Ontario, and to the City of Toronto Public Works and Infrastucture, and Parks and Environment committees. BACKGROUND A TRCA staff report titled "Growing Durham" was listed as Item 8.3 on the agenda of the Executive Committee Meeting #5/08, as held on July 11, 2008. After much discussion by committee members, the committee resolved to send the report back to staff to address the comments from committee members for greater protection of the Carruthers Creek watershed. The key change to this report relates to the recommendation for environmental analysis at an earlier stage in the planning process in order to support the expansion of urban boundaries in the most appropriate locations. RATIONALE Growing Durham working paper, May 27, 2008 The document titled Growing Durham, Scenario Evaluation and Recommended Preferred Growth Scenario Working Paper (phase 3 & 4 of the study) was received by Durham Region Planning Committee at their meeting of June 3, 2008. The committee endorsed a recommended preferred growth scenario (Attachment 1 - Scenario 3) and initiated public consultation on only the recommended scenario, with comments to be received by July 14, 2008. This report was preceded by a Phase 1 & 2 Report: Summary of Understanding and Initial Growth Assessment, on which TRCA provided comments to the Region of Durham in a letter dated February 11, 2008. Several other working papers were prepared by the study consultants between these two phases, which were not circulated to TRCA. Attachment 1 shows the preferred /recommended Scenario 3 from the addendum to the Growing Durham report, which identifies the lands beyond the current urban boundary deemed necessary to accommodate future urban growth in Durham to 2031. This scenario results in the urbanization of almost the entire Carruthers Creek watershed. Even the Greenbelt Plan lands separating the existing urban boundary of Ajax from the subject whitebelt lands contain several golf courses, plus existing and approved but not yet built rural estate subdivisions. 467 (Details of land uses and environmental conditions of the Carruthers Creek watershed are contained in the supplementary background report - Attachment 2). • The phase 3 & 4 study is primarily a land budget assessment to identify the amount and location of new greenfield lands needed by Durham Region to meet the provincial population and employment numbers identified in the Places to Grow (P2G) Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. • • The lands identified-in all 3 scenarios as new lands to be added into the urban boundary are mostly.designated as prime agricultural lands in the current Durham Official Plan (as amended in 2006). • The lands have also been identified in the provincial P2G growth plan as so- called "whitebelt" lands,.which may be available for future urban expansion once the P2G conformity criteria have' been addressed. • Of the seven principles identified in the initial Phase 1 & 2 report, to be used to evaluate growth alternatives,.the two environmental principles were not used in the Phase 3 & 4 analysis. Places to Grow conformity The current study to undertake a region -wide land needs assessment analysis addresses one part of the'criteria for P2G conformity. Two other criteria required for P2G conformity include achieving a density target of not less than 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare in new designated greenfield 'areas and achieving a minimum 40% residential intensification within'the existing urban (built -up) area by 2015. The Growing Durham report appears to indicate, based on a combination of top -down (regional) and bottom -up (local municipal) analysis, that the density target in designated greenfield areas would not be met even by 2031, and that the residential intensification target within the built boundary (40 %) would only be met by 2031, and not by 2015 as required forconformity..The implications of not meeting the P2G conformity targets mean\that potentially more land than is required to meet growth projections to 2031 would be added.into the urban boundary, resulting in less success in creating more compact, transit - supportive complete communities. TRCA therefore supports the consultant's recommendation'contained in the Growing Durham report to identify innovative policy incentives to ensure thatthe greenfield density and built -up area intensification targets and associated timelines aremet in the refined Recommended Scenario, as required for conformity with P2G. Policy 2.2.8.2 of the provincial Growth Plan sets out a number of policies that must be addressed for the-expansion of a settlement area within a municipality. The policy requires that 'a settlement area boundary expansion may only occur as part of a "municipal comprehensive review" where it has been demonstrated that the requirements of subsections 2.2.8.2 a) to i) have been addressed. In particular, subsection 2.2.8.2 h) states that: "in determining the most appropriate location for expansion to the boundaries of settlement areas, the policies of Sections 2 (Wise Use and Management of Resources) and 3 (Protecting Public Health and Safety) of the PPS, 2005 are applied" 468 The sections of the PPS (Provincial Policy Statement) referred to include, among other things: Natural Heritage, Water, Agriculture, and Natural Hazards. TRCA staff interpret this Growth Plan policy to require an analysis of environmental (and other) issues as•part of the study process to expand settlement area boundaries - not just to be done after the fact. The decision on the need and locations to expand the urban boundary in Durham appears to have been made solely on the basis of projected population, employment and land budget analysis. TRCA believes that the designation or approval of the settlement area boundary expansion within Durham is premature until all aspects of the provincial Growth Plan policy 2.2.8.2, including an environmental analysis, have been addressed. Need for Environmental Analysis to Support Growth Planning Originally, the Phase 1 & 2 report identified seven principles to evaluate the various growth alternatives. The Phase 3 & 4 report had narrowed this down to only five principles, with no explanation as to why the evaluation principles had been modified. The two evaluation principles deleted were the primary environmental principles; to Live in Harmony with the Environment; and, to Protect and Enhance the Region's Waterfronts. Therefore, the Phase 3 & 4 Growing Durham report is primarily an economic /land needs analysis without any evaluation based on an environmental analysis of downstream impacts or consideration of the carrying capacity of the lands' ability to support the preferred /recommend growth scenario. The current Durham Region Official Plan (DROP) contains several policies related to watershed planning and development including: • Council's support for watershed planning as an effective tool to protect the Region's natural resources (DROP 2.3.8); and • that watershed plans be prepared or updated...recognizing development pressures... (DROP 2.3.9); Durham Planning committee has instructed the consultants to refine the preferred /recommended scenario with the expectation that a draft Official Plan amendment to expand the urban boundary will be prepared in the fall of 2008. This amendment needs to recognize that: • the proposed urbanization of the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed is to take place in a portion of the watershed that was not previously included for study in the 2003 watershed plan for the Duffins and Carruthers creeks watersheds; • it is known only generally that the headwaters are a highly sensitive portion of the entire Carruthers Creek watershed; • the environmental analysis that was done in 2003 for the downstream urbanized portions of the Carruthers Creek watershed was based on the assumption of the headwaters remaining in its natural and agricultural state; and • therefore, the previous watershed plan environmental analysis, including downstream flooding and erosion hazards and the identification of opportunities to retrofit stormwater ponds and enhance the natural heritage system is incomplete and inadequate to assess and provide strategies to mitigate the impacts of the proposed new urban lands. 469 TRCA therefore recommends that should the Region of Durham decide to consider future urban growth in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, that an update to the watershed plan for the Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses: Additionally, the update to the watershed plan should also identify and inform opportunities for infrastructure rernediation, natural heritage enhancement, maintaining water balance and flood and erosion protection measures necessary for intensification and redevelopment within existing urban areas. TRCA further recommends that any terms of reference for the update to the watershed plan for the Carruthers Creek include modeling of the downstream impacts within the Greenbelt, urban Ajax and waterfront lands, and be developed by TRCA in consultation with the Region of Durham. Timely Review of Infrastructure Projects The Growing Durham report notes that extensive new infrastructure will be required to support the preferred /recommended new urban growth lands, and that this new infrastructure will need to cross existing Greenbelt Plan lands. Additionally, it can be expected that significant upgrades will be needed to existing infrastructure (sewer, water, roads, etc.) to accommodate the urban growth centres, urban. intensification targets and redevelopment that will occur within the downstream existing urban lands. Many of these projects, whether in the recommended scenario locations or elsewhere, will be undertaken by theregion through the environmental assessment process and will often require a permit from the conservation authority (eg. where infrastructure crosses streams or requires in -water works). Currently, TRCA has agreements with the regions of York and Peel to fund the.staffing levels needed to review their environmental assessment projects, resolve issues, and provide comments and conditions and issue permits, in a timely manner. TRCA staff will need to meet with Durham staff to discuss approaches to ensure that sufficient resources'are available to meet regional timelines for review of Environmental Assessments and approval of infrastructure projects needed to service growth in the recommended /preferred scenario. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca Date: June 26, 2008 Attachments: 2 470 SC FNIAI2. 1),EINFORCINi F.X1TINC CC)MN1ljN A,It 1 A 15( )1:NIJARY Land Need beyond Urban Area Boundary: approx 4,250 gross ha' Living Area Lands-63t Employment Area L2nds-25% Future Centres-12% PrCKERING 41t LEGEND b. ,t) E.:roar, 4*. OSHA A ***** ,t t: CLARINGtOr 4 ‘./ r -74 tt tittt - LAKE Ci4iAatC4 11(.<1.:P.1:13A ?*" 1 Tit 1111.;•*, ". i*) AREA 1. MSc • AL,1 3, RE *-,)01,1/r3..1 LAN A•S it3-• :111/3> iffm )1„(,t4 14A t.tx LLY Nv,vaOot1vE kAR*13A3N1 EU ANL NIEN Sex 13:ALAI. CCVTAL.5.TeAR i l l ONI A I vi*: • ',AEA .1,1)%4 ItEILAt 1 MATI121CALLY LOCATEL, EVIRAt ,3•RtAN1 )1,U4 ARV AANLA R 1 A N E R V E A ) P R O V E 3 A ONlIt • A V134,4.•?-.1.EN-., LA,,,E3t,TI*LE %CAI MARRA'. UIEI'l'T).L ft CA A ARIAL', F.: AA f...AS If ; ho.,T,AC)-4 AAR ts..3 IER *"..,;‘)E, All NATURAL itERATAC;A A" flYilktRA 'RAC ARAIA;R.A.,,, fit( 33*/*AY v*-Hri Of WAY 404,4 A4A,!1■R fiv ORO ItimA PIE. 1 1 te.m.4',,41',1 IR RENL.,LNIN`C. LAND ART...NS 1MAT1'tY ItifAV4T THE AltOWTH R3AN 1 3It1'AES. 1-3M) AEI FC 111 LAE+ 3.14 NAKIREEME Xt NICI1'4.1. F; 91 i* LNtili I- IUOWLIOellV Attachment 2 RE: KEY ISSUE: CARRUTHERS CREEK Supplementary Background report Proposed Development of Headwaters Proposed development in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed and implications based upon findings from the 2003 watershed plan. BACKGROUND Carruthers Creek watershed is a small 38 sq. km watershed located on the eastern portion of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) jurisdiction in the Regional Municipality of Durham (Appendix 1).' Its headwaters arise on a till plain, south of the Oak Ridges Moraine in the City of Pickering and enter Lake Ontario in the Town of Ajax. The East Branch of Duffins Creek and the West Branch of Lynde Creek intercept the groundwater flow from the Oak Ridges Moraine, and as a result the headwaters of Carruthers Creek have minimal baseflow. Consequently, the till formation in the upper Carruthers represent for this watershed, a significant recharge function. This watershed is very narrow (2 -4 km) and is only 18 km in length. The Province of Ontario has protected a narrow band in the middle of the watershed under the Greenbelt designation (Appendix 2). This protected area is the former Lake Iroquois shoreline deposited about 10,000 years ago when the waters levels were much higher due to glacier melt water. Headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed are class 1 and 2 agricultural lands, which represent-some of the best farmlands in southern Ontario. These lands have been actively farmed for over a hundred years and represent some of the most viable agricultural operations in the Region Municipality of Durham. These lands are currently classified as prime agricultural land in the Durham As illustrated in Appendix 2, the headwaters of Carruthers Creek watershed are part of the "white belt area ", a zone between the present urban boundary and lands protected under the • Provincial Greenbelt legislation. These "white belt areas" are considered as potential growth areas, subject to the appropriate municipal planning studies and provincial policies. In 2003, the Duffins-Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force completed a watershed plan for this.watershed.and the adjacent Duffins Creek. Background information on the Carruthers Creek watershed' is provided in the 2002 State of the Watershed Report. A fisheries management plan was also completed in 2004 by TRCA, with support of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 472 The current urban boundary in Carruthers is confined to the area south of Taunton Road in the Town of Ajax. Land uses within the Carruther's Provincial Greenbelt designation are fragmented from a natural heritage perspective. Deer Creek Golf and Country Club operations extend from Taunton Road north to the 5th Concession and east from Salem Road to Audley Road. Adjacent to Deer Creek facilities is the rural estate subdivision in Ajax, on Buggy Lane. On the west branch of Carruthers Creek above the 5th Concession in the City of Pickering, there is also the Hawthorne Valley Golf Course. A rural large estate subdivision (Staxton Glen) exists around a former gravel pit north of the 5th Concession in the City of Pickering. In addition, there are a few older approved subdivisions (Barclay Estates and Birchwood Estates) and lots of record in the 2000 Pickering , within the Greenbelt which are currently being developed or are anticipated to be built in the very near future. Increasing pressure for economic growth in the Regional Municipality of Durham has resulted in the headwaters of Carruthers, within the commonly called "white belt area" being considered for future urban use, as part of the on -going Growing Durham study. This area is in close proximity to the proposed Pickering Airport on the Federal lands and is subject to, or in close proximity to a number of Federal Airport Planning Controls (Airport Regulation Zone, Bird Hazard Area and Noise Controls). At the present time, portions of the Carruthers Creek watershed area are within a long standing Provincial Minister Zoning Control. To accommodate the growing transportation needs of southern Ontario and the Regional Municipality of Durham, plans are underway to widen Highway 7 and to extend Highway 407. Studies completed for the 2003 task force watershed study and TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy have identified deficiencies in both the amount and distribution of natural cover in the Carruthers Creek watershed. The amount of available cover is considered insufficient to support required biodiversity functions. Of note, is the limited amount of public land holdings in the Carruthers Creek watershed, outside of the immediate waterfront greenspace area. Consequently, TRCA has not been able to undertake very many restoration projects in the watershed. Aquatic studies in the Carruthers Creek watershed have identified potential for Redside dace habitat, which is a species of fish that may achieve special ecological "species" status this year. It is common during the late summer, for Carruthers Creek to be dry as far south as Taunton Road. From the baseflow data collected and mapped for the watershed plan, it appears that in wet years, the upper portion of the Carruthers Creek watershed can supply additional baseflow that can range up to 40 % of the total watershed flow. In drier years, this number is expected to be reduced significantly. The significance of this seasonally available baseflow is not presently known. Being small in size, the Carruthers Creek watershed does not have the same capacity to assimilate downstream impacts from land use change, as larger watersheds such as the Rouge River, Duffins Creek or Lynde Creek. The Regional Municipality of Durham under its "Growing Durham Study" is considering a preferred growth scenario reinforcing the existing physical, transportation and land use structure of the Region by balancing the forecasted growth throughout existing Lake Ontario shoreline communities. Employment lands are activated as a strategic reserve along the entire extent of the future 407 alignment to the eastern boundary of Oshawa. Within the Carruthers Watershed, the Salem Road /Seventh Concession Road area is one of five proposed future urban centres, including living centres. Excerpts from the 2002 State of the Watershed Report for Carruthers Creek: 473 The headwater streams of the Carruthers Creek are protected under Pickering's Natural Areas designation as part of the Open Space System. The Natural Areas designation permits uses such as conservation, environmental protection, restoration, education, and passive recreation. Agricultural uses are also allowed outside of valley and stream • corridors, wetlands, environmentally significant areas and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Surrounding these natural areas, land use is almost entirely designated for agricultural practices. Agricultural policies in the area municipal s further support agricultural objectives stated in the regional Official Plan, by generally recognizing lands containing classes 1 -4 soils (as defined by the Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture) for long -term protection, and/or only permitting agricultural uses in accordance with the Agricultural Code of Practice. Additionally, the most - northern lands in this area are contained within a larger area that is under a Provincial Order to restrict development adjacent to the Pickering Airport Lands_to the west. Page 9 Land use in the Carruthers Creek watershed is changing rapidly in many areas, from a predominantly rural landscape to suburban or country residential communities with pockets of commercial and employment nodes. Based on current development activity and population and /employment projections, effects on the environment, infrastructure /servicing, and resources are expected to continue ' with the increasing pressure for growth and development.- These pressures brought together the'regional and two municipal governments in the Carruthers Creek watershed in support of developing a watershed strategy. Various levels of government with interests in the Carruthers Creek watershed, must work together to ensure that their land use planning policies'and practices are consistent with one another and that they are working towards the same goals. As outlined in this chapter, there are tools available in the land use planning process which can be used to improve and /or maintain present conditions in the watershed. The.key will be to recognize where these growth pressures are, what natural features and functions should be protected, and to develop a consistent and balanced approach. to controlling future development and its impacts. A healthy, functioning natural system contributes so much to the quality of life in neighbourhoods and communities. Developing a feasible watershed management strategy that can be implemented through the land use planning process will provide further opportunity for governments, agencies, and citizens of the Carruthers .Creek watershed to protect and rehabilitate their environmental heritage for generations to come. page 14 The following statements concerning future development in the headwaters of the Carruthers , Creek watershed were made by the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force in their 2003 watershed plan: • The development of the Carruthers' Creek watershed beyond the current urban boundaries requires caution, given the watershed sensitivity to ground water flow systems and a less robust terrestrial natural heritage system. • Very few opportunities exist through the normal development process to increase the natural cover in this watershed to levels recommended by the Plan. • Without major changes in development planning, it is very likely that the health of Carruthers Creek will continue to decline. 474 The Duffins and Carruthers creeks watershed plan was adopted by TRCA in June, 2003. Both the City Of Pickering (June, 2003) and the Town of Ajax (July, 2003) supported the plan in principle by resolution of Council. Furthermore, the Town of Ajax amended its in 2006 to incorporate specific policies recognizing the watershed plan. When the watershed plan was being prepared, TRCA and the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Task Force were directed by the watershed municipalities to study the watershed implications of future growth within the respective 's approved urban boundaries. As a result, development of the headwaters of Carruthers was not examined in detail. On the basis of a number of ecological and watershed function metrics, the carrying capacity of the Carruthers is already stressed. It is anticipated that a proposed update to the 2003 watershed plan would come to the same conclusions concerning future development impacts. Based upon professional judgment, reviews of the technical studies completed for the 2003 watershed plan, and as well findings from TRCA lead watershed studies in the Rouge River and Humber River, TRCA staff recommends to the Authority, that a precautionary approach be taken to future planned development of the headwaters As experienced in other highly urbanized watersheds within our jurisdiction, TRCA and the watershed municipalities could be challenged in the future with a number of potentially expensive infrastructure /watershed restoration projects in the Carruthers Creek watershed should further development take place beyond the current urban boundary. For Information Contact: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Attachments: 2 475 476 Picker n • T nZt RI: .1( )1 le-. onservatiori hot-. The 1 it I1!1 • Wh itby 1"/ ,•0 IIIPIS Carruthers Creek Watershed „.„ Ajax Q'recribeir Boundary Municipal Boundary TRCA Jurisdiction Major Road r RCA Property Carruthers Creek 1 25 Ktinotatres 2 5 • atto,1 b., I obAtto and 'Abu, UT,: tonal tb unt k Lutato. u efi ' '„A.C1f, ha' T•t•`; .1sr ,tta 1{4J ttella” (11 tr ...•:”1,11‹,/ Ir. 1111 1 1* ttik& T11-1,1,11,661, ,1,1, .1111,1 lt, 41: Ow ti - t Ann the t l.hIl.fn t_--- o11,0.11, 1 I.,o ,.■01 sndir Intotat ma. n about the la, n Om, vt.tp Ic. 01lk 11hr T it" 111 oloott -Wt.'. • -tk Inintm ti• 1 I,,,nent, Itt 110 4' 0 ta,11.0,C,,, FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 477 Lake Ontario RES. #A180/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: RESTORATION SERVICES CENTRE Sole Source Contract: Supply and Installation of Material Holding and Storage Fabric Building. To award the contract for the supply and installation of a fabric building to provide for nursery plant material holding and storage as part of the Restoration Services Centre indigenous plant propagation operations. Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie THAT the contract for the supply and installation of a pre- engineered fabric covered storage building, including concrete grade -beam footing and floor, at the Restoration Services Centre (RSC) be.awarded to Cover -All Building Systems of Ontario at the quoted price of $181,337.04 plus applicable taxes; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) officials be authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to implement the contract including signing of documents; AND FURTHER THAT staff be. authorized to approve additional unspecified expenditures to a maximum ten (10 %) percent of the total building cost as a contingency allowance,• if deemed necessary. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2007, a procurement request was approved for the supply and installation of a storage building to provide for equipment, vehicle'and material storage as part of the RSC construction program (RFQ #1./07 - $10,000 to $100,000 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, June 30, 2007). It was envisioned that this building would be the first of two. The first storage structure was completed in September, 2007 at a total cost of $89,027.05 (GST included) and has met or exceeded Restoration Service Centre's (RSC) operational requirements. The second building.is now proposed to assist staff in supporting enhanced nursery production and handling of plant materials. This structure is proposed to function_ as a holding and storage facility for plant materials (bare root and /or container) and will help to mitigate some of the impacts of variability of weather and climate. Through the improvement of plant material storage and maintenance infrastructure the planting windows can effectively be lengthened, thereby supporting an increase in corporate outplanting capability. The substantial increase in cost can be attributed to the increase in building size (10% larger gross floor area), impact of global market supply /de'mand for oil and steel, and the incorporation of a concrete floor and grade beam foundation. A breakdown of the component cost is as follows: Building (62' W x.126' L) w /overhead doors concrete grade beam foundation concrete slab floor w /integral drainage Total package price (GST extra) $115,709.18 $ 25,665.34 $ 39,962.52 $181,337.04 478 In the 2007 report, details were presented documenting the rationale for the selection of Cover -AII Building Systems of Ontario as the preferred product supplier including: • completeness of proposal; • level of detail and information supporting product claims; • compatibility of design with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) requirements; • product durability /longevity and superior warranty coverage. It is with this contractor's experience and product knowledge that staff recommend that Cover -AII Building Systems of Ontario be engaged to supply and install a 'sister' building - matching footprint, materials and finishes - that will be aesthetically consistent and function appropriately, and is consistent with Criteria 1 of TRCA's Purchasing Policy - "Need for compatibility with goods and services previously acquired and there are no reasonable alternatives, substitutions or accommodations ". TRCA has been working with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) nursery /forestry staff to develop a collaborative inter - agency stock production effort that would see CVC producing 10,000 container units per year to assist TRCA in supporting its outplanting. requirements utilizing seed source identified stocks.. The new structure has been designed to accommodate both bare root dormant (November - April) season storage and container stock, growing season (May- October) storage. The fabric enclosure will shelter the plants from extremes of weather (winter cold /summer heat) and physical damage by herbivory. Opening fabric curtains along the sides will provide for improved air circulation to promote plant health and facilitate access for maintenance. Accessibility and control of order shipping will also be enhanced due to the proximity of the structure to the RSC office. FINANCIAL DETAILS The contract cost is not to exceed $181,337.04, plus GST, with a 10% contingency allowance, and is to be charged to the Restoration Services Centre capital development account 408 -88 -344. Funds to offset the expenditures are budgeted within the 2008/09 Indigenous Plant Propagation accounts. Report prepared by: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: drogalsky @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Nick Saccone, extension 5301 or Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Email: nsaccone @trca.on.ca, drogalsky @trca.on.ca Date: June 26, 2008 479 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RES. #A181 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Reenga Mathivanan THAT the committee move into closed session to discuss item 7.11- Revised Project for the Etobicoke Motel Strip' Waterfront Park (Revised March, 1993). ARISE AND REPORT RES. #A182 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Gay Cowbourne THAT the committee arise and report from closed session. RES. #A183 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED CARRIED REVISED PROJECT FOR THE ETOBICOKE MOTEL STRIP . WATERFRONT PARK (Revised March, 1993) V. and E. Gadzala Holdings Limited and 412264 Ontario Limited CFN 24191. Receipt of the decision and order of the Ontario Municipal Board relating to compensation for injurious affection resulting from the expropriation of lands from V. and E. Gadzala Holdings Limited and 412264 Ontario Limited. Ron Moeser Lois Griffin THAT confidential item 7.11 - Revised Project for the Etobicoke Motel Strip Waterfront Park (March, 1993), be approved; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back when the item is completed and can be made public. RES. #A184 /08 - Moved by:,. Seconded by: CARRIED PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN: A PEAR SON ECO- BUSINESS ZONE To begin the implementation of Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Maja Prentice Reenga Mathivanan 480 WHEREAS "Meeting the Challenge of Climate.Change: TRCA Action Plan for The Living City" identifies the establishment of North America's largest eco- business zone as a major climate change mitigation initiative; WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is committed to taking immediate action to support communities and partners in dealing with the climate change issue; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the key priorities contained in the draft Partners in Project Green Strategy, being eco- efficiency, resource re- utilization, renewable energy and green business development, be approved, in principle; THAT the attached draft Terms of Reference for the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee be approved and staff be authorized to establish the Steering Committee to begin the implementation of key priorities; THAT staff explore self- sustaining revenue generating opportunities and partnerships to leverage existing municipal levies to ensure the Tong -term viability of the project; THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to execute agreements and, as required, to facilitate implementation of project priorities; THAT the Partners in Project Green Strategy findings and priorities be presented to TRCA's regional and local municipal partners involved in Partners in Project Green and a copy of the Executive Summary be forwarded to all TRCA members; AND FURTHER THAT the partners and supporters be formally recognized at the official project launch in early October, 2008 at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. CARRIED BACKGROUND In partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the Region of Peel, the City of Toronto, the City of Mississauga and the City of Brampton, TRCA has been working to develop Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Partners in Project Green is an initiative to develop North America's largest eco- business zone on the industrial lands surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto Pearson). The project aims to assist existing businesses to improve their financial and environmental performance, while acting as a catalyst for attracting new eco- economic investment into the business area. Overall, the goal is to transform the area surrounding Toronto Pearson into an internationally recognized community known for its competitive, high performance and eco- friendly business climate. Partners in Project Green will achieve this goal by working with partners to develop programming and projects that assist businesses in: • reducing costs via resource efficiencies (energy, water and waste); • developing by- product exchanges (one company's waste becomes another's feedstock); and, • promoting eco- economic development (retaining and attracting green investment) 481 To develop this programming, TRCA worked with its partners to complete the Partners in • Project Green Strategy, which involved in -depth data collection and analysis, and business . consultation process. Work Completed to Date At Executive Committee Meeting #5/07, held on July 6 ,2007 , Resolution #B77/07 was approved, in part, as follows: THAT the firm Eco- Industrial Solutions Inc. be retained to develop a comprehensive resource baseline, quantify eco- industrial networking opportunities and develop an eco- industrial park strategy for the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sector surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport within the Etobicoke and Mimico creeks;... Eco - Industrial Solutions Inc. worked with TRCA, GTAA and municipal staff to complete the Partners in Project Green Strategy. This work involved a number of activities, including: • • collection and analysis of data relating to businesses; land -use and resource flows; • stakeholder-consultation; • identification of eco- industrial opportunities for businesses; • developing a business model; and, • completing a communication and marketing plan. Partners in Project Green is seen as a business led initiative and the key to its success lies in the ability to build business -to- business relationships to share sustainable business practices. To this end, the process to develop the Partners in Project Green Strategy involved consulting 200+ businesses through three workshops, an online survey and one -on -one meetings with TRCA staff. In addition, staff from all of the partner municipalities, the provincial government (Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Research and.lnnovation) and the federal government (Natural Resources Canada), attended two additional workshops to offer their input into the development of the Partners in Project Green Strategy. Through this consultative process, a significant amount of interest in Partners in Project Green was generated among both the private and public sectors. This interest translated into 40 businesses indicating their 'willingness to volunteer to serve on the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee and a number of other public and private organizations volunteering to sit on specific project teams that would lead the implementation of initiatives of interest to their group. The data analysis involved collecting business inventories, land -use, electricity, natural gas, potable water, wastewater and transportation information, to develop a geographic information systems (GIS) database that allowed staff to better understand the flow of resources and identify opportunities in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. This data collection and analysis process was completed to ensure that financial resources are directed to the best opportunities for financial and environmental improvements. 482 RATIONALE Through the data collection and analysis, it was discovered that the Pearson Eco- Business Zone currently represents: • over 12,000 hectares of industrial land surrounding Toronto Pearson; • more than both 350,000 jobs and 12,500 businesses, making it Canada's largest employment zone, with logistics, aviation, automotive, food processing and plastics being the largest sectors; • 25,000 people already employed in green collar jobs (mainly in energy and waste management); and • 80% of businesses are small -to- medium enterprises (under 500 employees). This large concentration of businesses and employees provides Partners in Project Green a perfect platform for the promotion of sustainable business initiatives. In addition to the large concentration of businesses, there is also a large concentration of businesses implementing environmental best practices and three LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings have already been built within the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. It was also revealed that over 180,000 employees are within a 400 m walking distance of green /open space along the Etobicoke and Mimico creeks. While the natural systems are degraded in the area, there is an opportunity to restore and expand the natural systems as business amenity. Beyond this foundation of green business, the Pearson Eco- Business Zone also offers opportunities for even greater financial and environmental performance, as the area currently consumes annually: • 5.8 million megawatt hours of electricity use (largest consumers manufacturing and logistics /warehousing); .• 46,000,000 GJ of natural gas; 9 • 108,500,000 m of potable water (largest consumption in logistics /warehousing and food processing); • Total energy costs of $563,000,000. When combined, these findings represent an opportunity to not only build on the foundation of green business leadership in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone, but more importantly, to assist existing companies in improving their financial outlook and their ability to compete in a green economy. Key Priorities Through consultation with the business community, businesses were asked how Partners in Project Green could assist them in improving their financial and environmental performance. The following areas were identified: • Eco- Efficiency - all businesses were interested in finding ways to reduce their resource consumption; • Resource Re- Utilization Initiative - this topic received the most interest among businesses and municipalities, as both asked Partners in Project Green to find ways to assist turning waste into new revenue streams; • Renewable Energy - there are a number of opportunities for renewable energy production within the Pearson Eco- Business Zone and businesses were interested in pursuing these opportunities further; • Green Business Development - the attraction and retention of businesses through green economic development was a priority of both municipal and business stakeholders. 483 FINANCIAL DETAILS Initial funding for Partners in Project Green has come from ,a number of sources including: • 'Greater Toronto Airports Authority (a seven -year commitment); • Regional Municipality of Peel; • Woodbine Entertainrnent Group (a three- yearcommitment); • The Federation of Canadian Municipalities. In -kind contributions of staff and data were provided by: • City of Toronto; • City of Brampton; • City of Mississauga; ; • Enbridge Gas; • CB Richard Ellis. Additional funding sources are also being explored for specific projects, including financial assistance from: • • City of Toronto; • • Natural Resources Canada; • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; • Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade; • Ontario Ministry of the Environment; • Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation; • Enbridge Gas; • . private sector partners. The financial model for Partners in Project Green will be developed by the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee, but the goal will be to generate revenues from a variety of sources, gradually reducing the need for financial assistance from municipal partners. The types of . funding models being investigated include: • private enterprise sponsorship; • fee - for - service; • royalties. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The next steps for Partners in Project Green include: • Completion of the Partners in Project Green Strategy - the strategy has been reviewed by all partner municipalities and is currently being finalized by TRCA staff. • Present project findings to City of Toronto, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga and Region of Peel councils. • Establish the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee - a business led steering committee will be established in August 2008 to begin the implementation of key priorities identified as part of the Partners in Project Green Strategy. • Establish Partners in Project Green Project Teams - the steering committee will establish project teams made up of both public and private stakeholders to implement priority projects. 484 • Launch Partners in Project Green - a formal launch with public and private sector partners in early October, 2008 at Toronto Pearson. Report prepared by: Chris Rickett, extension 5316; Chandra Sharma, extension,5237 Emails: crickett @trca.on.ca; csharma @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chris Rickett, extension 5316; Chandra Sharma, extension 5237Emails: crickett @trca.on.ca; csharma @trca.on.ca Date: July 18, 2008 Attachments: 1 485 Attachment 1 Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone Steering Committee Terms of Reference (2009 -2010) - July 28, 2008 1. Background ,Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone is developed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the Region of Peel, City of Toronto, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), to transform the lands surrounding Toronto Pearson into an internationally recognized community of eco- friendly businesses. The Partners and Project Green Steering Committee (herein Committee) is being established to implement this vision. 1.1 Authority Direction At Authority Meeting xxx, held on July 28 ,2008 , Resolution # was approved, in part, as follows: ...THAT the Terms of Reference for the Partners In Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone Steering Committee, as appended, be approved and staff be authorized to establish the Partners in Project Steering Committee to begin the implementation of keypriorities;... 2. Vision The vision of Partners in Project Green is. to transform the Pearson Eco- Business Zone into an internationally recognized community known for its competitive, high performance and eco - friendly business climate. 3.. Mandate The mandate of the Committee is to: • Assist businesses in the Pearson Eco - Business Zone improve their financial and environmental performance; and, • Retain and attract green investment in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Generally, the.Committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to: • Build capacity -.to stimulate,strategic investments and partnerships that lead to green market transformation in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. • Initiate action — to be a catalyst for new ideas, innovation, excellence and improvement in the employment lands encompassed by the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Specifically, the Committee's responsibilities will include: • Oversee the development, implementation and management of the Partners in. Project Green Business Plan. • Facilitate, initiate and direct resources to project teams to implement projects and programs identified through stakeholder consultation. • Champion green economic development and infrastructure investments in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. 486 • Provide a regional business perspective in the areas of federal, provincial and municipal policy and program development as it pertains to green economic development. • Publish an annual report, undertake regular stakeholder consultation, and commit to an ongoing process to review, evaluate and improve Partners in Project Green programs and projects 4. Reporting Relationship The Committee is responsible to the broader region and community and the overall goals of Partners in Project Green. It will be accountable to the goals of Partners in Project Green by ensuring measurable goals are set and monitored, assessed and reported. The Committee will be a subcommittee of TRCA and will regularly provide minutes to the Authority and report twice a year to the Authority on the status of Partners in Project Green initiatives, and provide updates to municipal councils and the GTAA board as requested. The Committee is free to provide comments on issues concerning the Pearson Eco- Business Zone and request staff to develop and implement projects and programs. Projects may be subject to TRCA or other agency approvals. TRCA staff will assist with obtaining any required approvals. An evaluation of the Committee's mandate, role and reporting structure will be undertaken after the first two years. 5. Structure The Committee will have a chair and will establish action - orientated project teams to pursue key initiatives and will be supported by a secretariat provided by TRCA. 5.1 Committee Members The Committee will consist of 27 voting members that will be comprised of 75% businesses from within the Pearson Eco- Business Zone and 25% government. The breakdown will follow: . • Business Community — a minimum of 17 members drawn from the Pearson Eco- Business Zone and representative.of the business community; •' Business Organizations — up to three members will be business organizations with members within the Pearson Eco- Business Zone; • Municipalities — a council member from each of the Region of Peel, City of Toronto, City of Brampton and City of Mississauga will be invited to participate or send a Council appointed designate; • Federal and Provincial Governments — one staff will be appointed from both the federal and provincial governments; • TRCA — the Chair of the Authority or other designated TRCA member or staff (Chief Administrative Officer). 487 Committee members will be appointed for two -year terms and can serve up to a maximum of two terms. It is anticipated that members will commit at least four days per year to prepare for and attend Committee meetings. Committee members will be expected to act as advocates at various events (e.g. visibility at key events and speaking engagements) and participate in or provide members for project teams. The Committee will meet on a quarterly basis or at the call of the chair. Meetings are anticipated to be no more than one -half day in length and an agenda will be distributed well in advance of meetings. 5.2 Appointment Process The initial membership for the first two years will be drawn from organizations that have expressed an interest in participating on the Committee, can make the time commitment and have the expertise to assist in project development. Business organizations, municipalities and other levels of governments will be formally requested to make appointments. Partners in Project Green foundirg members will recommend the appointment of the Chair to the TRCA board. Appointments, including the Chair, will be recommended by GTAA, Region of Peel and TRCA (founding members), and will be presented by TRCA staff for formal approval to Authority Meeting #7108, scheduled to be held on September 19, 2008. The Vice Chair will be elected by the members of the Committee. 5.3 Committee Chairs and Vice Chair The Chair will provide leadership in building a shared vision and community commitment for moving forward with a blueprint for action. The Chair will have the following additional responsibilities: • being the primary spokespersons for Partners in Project Green at public and official functions; • presiding over Committee meetings, setting the agenda and generally ensuring the effectiveness of meetings; • recruiting 'members to project teams and appointing project team chairs; • ensuring that the nomination and appointment of Committee members occurs through an effective process and in a timely manner; and, • facilitating progress on Partners in Project Green initiatives in collaboration with working group chairs. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair will perform the above functions. 5.4 Staff Liaison Additionally, staff from the Region of Peel, City of Toronto, City of Brampton and City of Mississauga will be requested to designate a staff from their economic development departments to liaise with the Committee. Additional staff from planning and works may be appointed to participate on project teams as required. • 488 5.5 Project Teams Project teams will be task oriented and established based on Committee priorities as reflected in its work program. Work plans will be prepared for each working group including projected outcomes and timelines. Project teams will be comprised of both Committee members and non - members who have a particular expertise critical to the task at hand. They will meet as required, will keep the Committee apprised of activities and progress and will report to the Committee as appropriate. 5.6 Project Team Chairs The Chair of a project team can either be from the Committee or from a- Pearson Eco- Business Zone business or outside organization They will provide leadership on specific initiatives and effective communication between the Committee and project teams, and among project teams as appropriate. Chairs of project teams will have the following additional responsibilities: • being the primary spokesperson for the project team at public and official functions; • setting work program and meeting schedule in collaboration with project team members and the secretariat, and presiding over project team meetings; • recruiting project team members; and, • ensuring project team terms of reference are drafted and confirmed with the Committee. 5.7 Quorum A quorum will consist of one -third of the members of the Committee. 5.8 Rules of Conduct Consensus -based decision making will be the preferred procedure. TRCA Rules of Conduct and Purchasing Policies will be adhered to as required. Specific policies governing public - private partnerships may need to be developed and brought back to the TRCA board for approval during the first term of the Committee. 6. Secretariat The Committee, its Chair and project teams will be supported by a secretariat led by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The secretariat will provide facilitation, project and program development and implementation, research and policy analysis, administrative support, financial management and communications. • T. Funding Committee and project team members will contribute their expertise as in -kind services. Compensation for transportation will be provided for attendance at meetings according to TRCA policy where these are not covered by their agency or other source. Core funding for Partners in Project Green will come from both public and private sector organizations, with specific funding for programs and projects being sought from a variety of funding sources. 489 RES. #A185 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Lloyd E. Perryman and Ethel Perryman, CFN 39163. Purchase of a partial taking from a property, municipally known as 11751 and 11825 Leslie Street, north 19th Avenue, on the east side of Leslie Street, in the Town of Richmond Hill, in the Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res. #B71 /08) Bonnie Litt ley Ron Moeser THAT a partial taking of 33.47 hectares (82.71 acres), more or less, consisting of an irregular shaped parcel of vacant land, said land being Part of Lot 33, Concession 3, Town of Richmond'Hill, Regional Municipality of York, be purchased from Lloyd E. Perryman and Ethel Perryman; THAT the purchase price be $2,150,000; THAT acquisition`,by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is conditional on all necessary funding being available from one or more of following sources: Oak Ridges Moraine. Foundation, Regional Municipality of York, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Toronto and other potential funding sources; THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT Gardiner, Roberts, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance be so advised. RES. #A186 /08 - CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River Watershed Joseph Wojdat, CFN 41028. Purchase of property located north of Sheppard Avenue, east of Bathurst Street (rear of 21 Roycrest Avenue), City of Toronto (North York Community Council Area), under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010," Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Don River watershed. (Executive Res. #B72/08) Moved by: , Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Ron Moeser 490 THAT 0.008 hectares (0.02 acres), more or less, of vacant land, being Part of Lot 9 on Plan 3722, designated as Part 3 on a Plan of Survey prepared by Avanti Surveying Inc., under their Project No. 07 -045, dated April 4, 2007, City of Toronto (North York Community Council Area), located north of Sheppard Avenue, east of Bathurst Street (rear of 21 Roycrest Avenue), be purchased from Joseph Wojdat; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A187/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: • CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Speirs Farm Corporation, CFN 39980. Donation of a portion of a property municipal known as 12412 Dixie Road, located north of Mayfield Road, west of Dixie Road, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B73/08) Bonnie Litt ley Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) accept the donation from Speirs Farm Corporation of 8.276 hectares (20.450 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 19, Concession 3, designated as Part 1 on Plan 43R- 31988, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, being a portion of their property municipal known as 12412 Dixie Road, located north of Mayfield Road, west of Dixie Road; THAT an income tax receipt be issued for the Fair Market Value of the Ecological Gift as determined by Environment Canada in accordance with the guidelines as set out by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency; THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements: 491 THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A188/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Patricia Dale Cation, John Gordon Cation and William Everard Cation, . CFN 39980. Donation of a portion of a property municipal known as 12505 Heart Lake Road, located north of Mayfield Road, east of Heart Lake Road, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B74/08) Bonnie Litt ley Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) accept the donation from Patricia Dale Cation, John Gordon Cation and William Everard Cation of 4.520 hectares (11.170 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 20, Concession 3, designated as Part ,1 on Plan 43R- 31987, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, being a portion of their property municipal known as 12505 Heart Lake Road, located north of Mayfield Road, east of. Heart Lake Road; THAT an income tax receipt be issued for the Fair Market Value of the Ecological Gift as determined by Environment Canada in accordance with the guidelines as set out by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency; THAT TRCA'receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance, subject to existing service, easements: THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED 492 RES. #A189 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Patricia Dale Cation, William Everard Cation, John Robert Cation and David Hunter Cation, CFN 39980. Donation of a portion of a property, located north of Mayfield Road, east of Heart Lake Road, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B75/08) Bonnie Litt ley Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) accept the donation from Patricia Dale Cation, William Everard Cation, John Robert Cation and David Hunter Cation of 4.416 hectares (10.910 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 19, Concession 3, designated as Part 2 on Plan 43R- 31989, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, being a portion of their property located north of Mayfield Road, east of Heart Lake Road; THAT an income tax receipt be issued for the Fair Market Value of the Ecological Gift as determined by Environment Canada in accordance with the guidelines as set out by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency; THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements: THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A190 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Linda Pabst CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.7.1 - 9.7.93, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #5/08, held on July 11, 2008, be received. CARRIED 493 RES. #A191 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Richard Whitehead Seconded by: Linda Pabst THAT Section II item -9.8 - Derrydowns Pedestrian Bridge Construction Project, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #5/08, held on July 11, 2008, be received. SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF "THE BOARD RES. #A192 /08 - CARRIED TORONTO ATMOSPHERIC FUND SolarCity Technology Assessment Project. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to participate in Toronto Atmospheric Fund's SolarCity Technology Assessment Project. Moved by: Maja Prentice Seconded by: Linda Pabst IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report entitled Toronto Atmospheric Fund dated July 15, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) finances Toronto based initiatives that improve air quality and,combat.global climate change. The SolarCity Technology Assessment Project is one such initiative. The project goal is "to develop the tools and resources required to support excellence in the selection, installation and monitoring and evaluation of solar equipment on City facilities and in the capture and transfer of knowledge gained from these projects. ". Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has developed a good working relationship with TAF through its involvement in the City of Toronto's Mayors Round Table on renewable energy. To help advance the SolarCity Technology Assessment Project, TAF has asked TRCA to provide technical assistance through the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program • (STEP). The project contines until June 30, 2009. This is a significant opportunity for TRCA build its relationship with TAF and to advance its competency in the sustainable"technologies field. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will.continue to work with TAF to implement the agreement. Services to be provided by TRCA will include analyzing solar installation performance data, delivering training workshops, advising onrcurrent and emerging projects, assisting with new site selection, reviewing proposals for solar installations and services and developing monitoring plans, technical protocols and reports. Staff will provide an update on outcomes of the SolarCity Technology Assessment Project as part of regular reporting'to the Authority on the progress of STEP. 494 FINANCIAL DETAILS TAF has agreed to pay up to a maximum of $40,000, plus applicable taxes, for TRCA's services. ' Payment will be made through quarterly payments in response to invoices detailing hours spent and deliverables submitted. Deliverables required for the maximum contract amount may be adjusted upon mutual agreement. Authority for TRCA to participate in this project is provided in the Authority resolution approving the 2008 Operating and Capital Budget. Report prepared by: David Nixon, 905 - 832 -2289 extension 239; Tim Van Seters, extension 5337 Email: dnixon @trca.on.ca; tvanseters @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Tim Van Seters, extension 5337 Email:tvanseters @trca.on.ca Date: July 15, 2008 RES. #A193/08 - Moved.by: Seconded by: SUMMARY OF REQUESTS FOR QUOTATIONS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008. Receipt of the 2008 mid -end summary of procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate. Lois Griffin Gay Cowbourne IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate for the January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008 period be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/05, held on June 24, 2005, Resolution #A124/05 approved the Purchasing Policy, and resolved, in part, as follows: staff report to the Business Excellence Advisory Board semi - annually with a list of all Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals approved by the Chief Administrative Officer pursuant to Schedule 'A'; Pursuant to the resolution quoted above, the summary of Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008, is found in Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. The report includes approvals of $10,000 or greater, to the maximum allowable limit under the policy, approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate. 495 Further, as per the staff report to Executive Committee Meeting #2/08, held on April 11, 2008, the attached summary includes a brief explanation as to why sole source was appropriate for the particular services or goods procured, as per Section 1.14 of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Purchasing Policy which describes the criteria to be used for non - competitive procurement (Attachment 1). - As permitted under the approved policy, the Chief Administrative Officer.has designated senior staff, generally including Director and Manager level positions, approval authority for purchases up to $10,000. Opportunites for Longer Term, Larger Volume Tenders Staff has been asked to consider opportunities to secure better pricing for aggregate and other stone material by offering longer term contracts securing larger volumes of material. In general, there are economies of scale when larger volumes of materials are secured. 'With some goods and services, TRCA does do this. One example is purchase of fine papers where TRCA "piggybacks" on arrangements with one its municipal partners to secure paper at a more competitive price. Tenders for purchase of aggregate and stone products have been very competitive. The factors affecting pricing are the type of material being purchased, time frame for delivery and distance to the job site. TRCA purchases a wide variety of aggregate and stone product depending on the needs of the project. • There are many different sizes and types of aggregates purchased during the year. The volumes of various material being purchased annually are already significant, TRCA will have difficulty getting any more of a volume discount than they do now. The price of the material itself is being eclipsed by the cost to transport the product. Timing of project approvals varies depending on permits, funding and other approvals. For a 12 month period, it is difficult to guarantee either volume or delivery dates to the suppliers and ensure delivery is in time to meet contract requirements. The major factor is transportation costs. The location of the project is a critical factor in getting good pricing for delivery of aggregate and stone. The closer the quarry, the better the pricing and the more likely the supplier can meet timelines for delivery. Each supplier has different transport arrangements and using local truckers. It is -not practical to secure longer term transport contracts for locations across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, nor does TRCA want to have to deal with truckers independent of the aggregate and stone suppliers. The rising cost of fuel is now a major factor-and staff believe that suppliers will be reluctant to "lock in" pricing when facing such fuel cost uncertainty. TRCA staff continually look for opportunities to secure economies of scale in purchasing but have to balance this against timing of project approvals, availability of funding and assessment of the markets for various products and services. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264; Jim Dillane, 416 -667 -6292 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca; jdillane @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264; Jim Dillane, 416 - 667 -6292 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca; jdillane @trca.on.ca Date: January 8, 2008 Attachments: 2 496 Attachment 1 TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PURCHASING POLICY Section 1.14 Non - Competitive Procurement Process A non - competitive procurement process shall only be used if one or more of the following conditions apply and a process of negotiation is undertaken to obtain the best value in the circumstances for the TRCA. Authorized Buyers are authorized to enter into negotiations without formal competitive bids, under the following circumstances: 1. The goods and services are only available from one source or one supplier by reason of: • A statutory or market based monopoly • A fluctuating market prevents the TRCA from obtaining price protection or owing to market conditions, required goods or services are in short supply • Existence of exclusive rights (patent, copyright or licence) • Need for compatibility with goods and services previously acquired and there are no reasonable alternatives, substitutes or accommodations • Need to avoid violating warranties and guarantees where service is required 2. An attempt to purchase the required goods and services has been made in good faith using a competitive method and has failed to identify a successful supplier. 3. When the extension or reinstatement of an existing contract would prove most cost - effective or beneficial. The extension shall not exceed one year. 4. The goods and services are required as a result of an emergency, which would not reasonably permit the use of the other methods permitted. 5. The required goods and services are to be supplied by a particular vendor or supplier having special knowledge, skills, expertise or experience that cannot be provided by any other supplier. 6. Any other sole or single source purchase permitted under the provisions of this policy including those noted in Schedule 'B'. 497 Attachment 2 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Sole Source (up to $50,000) January 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008, Project . • Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes • Sole Source Criteria • • Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Advertisement' EZ Rock Radio 10,490.00 Criteria 5 - Number one radio station in the Greater Toronto Area for the main target audience for the festival. Bathurst Glen Golf Course Alcohol Products Beer Store 20,000.00 • Criteria 1 - The Beer Store is the designated supplier of multiple brands of beer. It, is possible to go to individual breweries, but the product available is limited to their brands and the pricing is no different than The Beer Store. Equipment Parts Podolinsky Equipment 13,000.00 Criteria 1 - Podolinsky is a specialty division of John Deere and is the sole supplier for John Deere golf turf equipment in he Bathurst Glen area. Kitchen and Food Supplies Gorman Distributing 17,000.00 Criteria 1 - Best value identified through pre- negotiated comprehensive purchasing program of the National Golf Course Owners'Association. Aerification Unit G.C. Duke Equipment 10,200.00 Criteria 1 - Exclusive distributors of the preferred product. Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project -3D Hydraulic Modeling Software WL 1 Delft • Hydralics 20,000.00 Criteria 1 - Required non - propriety software with ability to transfer licenses between project partners. Determined to be the most suitable modelling platform for this type of work. The Living City Carbon Footprint Calculator (Region of Peel and watersheds) zerofootprint 21,750.00 Criteria 5 - zerofootprint has already created a similar calculator for the City of Toronto and can modify this technology to meet requirements. Archetype Sustainable House Project Funding and Partner Engagement Manager . Mr.•Len Hart,, Mr. Norm Dyer • 30,000.00 + 2,500.00 dispersements • 15,000.00 Criteria 5 - Based on qualifications, experience and contacts within the.building industry. Criteria 5 - Based on qualifications, experience and contacts within the building industry. Replaced Mr. Hart when he was unable to complete the contract. Purchase of Solar Panels • . Arise . Technologies Corporation 36,686.00 Criteria 1 - One of the only integrated solar panels on the Canadian market. Discounted price by $25,000.00 to be part of the demonstration project. Insulated Panel Roofing System • Kent Trusses 34,428.60 Criteria! 1 - Only supply that will deliver pre -cut sized panels, provide a supervisor for installation. Discounted price by $4,969.00 to be part of the demonstration project. 498 Project • Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Sole Source Criteria Foundation Construction Monclare Construction Inc. 25,978.00 Criteria 1 - Only company able to complete the job on schedule and able to install the specialized foundation block required for the demonstration project. Kitchens: • House A • House B • The Healthist Home • Yuill Built • 25,000.00 • 29,700.00 Criteria 5 - support for the sustainable house project in the form of donations Supply of Herbaceous Plants Native Plants 15,000.00 Criteria 3 - Extension of the agreement that was established to purchase of plants in 2007. Partners in Project Green Eco- Efficiency Program Development Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement 10,000.00 Criteria 5 - OCETA has expertise in the development and delivery of eco- efficiency programming, and an existing relationship with TRCA. Heart Lake Conservation Area - Picnic Shelter Construction Dardan Contracting Inc. 29,100.00 Criteria 3 - Dardan was low bidder on two other picnic shelter projects Annual Software Licences Maintenance and New Licences Purchase Criteria 6 - Licences are exempt from the policy. Indian Line Campground Store Retail Supply KARRYS 25,000.00 Criteria 3 - extends existing contract Electronic Campground Reservation Systems Camis Inc. 15,000.00 Criteria 1 - Existence of exclusive rights for use of the product TRCA has used for past 8 years. Supply of Biohaven Floating Habitat Island - Topham Pond Canadianpond. ca Products Ltd. 18,879.00 Criteria 5 - Only Canadian distributor for this European technology. . Flood Protection Landform, West Don Lands - Peer Review Construction Golder Associates 35,000.00 Criteria 1 - Refinement of an existing workplan to complete the work. Service Recognition Awards Eight Blocks North Inc. 25,100.00 Criteria 5 - Only supplier able to use TRCA's existing mold and provide the product at a reasonable cost. Albion Hills Conservation Area Aquatic Facility Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects 44,220.00 Criteria 3 and 5 - established relationship; value add of knowledge from previous work; cost effective to extend contract to avoid difficult learning curve City of Toronto Storm Damage Repair Project Brown and Company Engineering Limited 12,200.00 + 25% contingency allowance Criteria 3 and 5 - urgency of the work; desire on the part of funding partner to use company with established track record for this work Black Creek Pioneer Village Radio Advertisements EZ Rock Radio 18,750.00 Criteria 5 - Number one radio station in the Greater Toronto Area for the main target audience for BCPV. Black Creek Pioneer Village Brochure Display CTM Brochure Display 13,000.00 Criteria 5 - Provides the best distribution to the target audience in the target area for BCPV brochures. 499 Project , • Awarded Bidder • Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable . Taxes , Sole Source Criteria • City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Monitoring Program Temporary Watercourse Can -Am 14,500.00 Criteria 1 - To meet equipment deadlines, maintain Monitoring Stations Instruments 41,827.00 consistency and familiarity in data collection equipment. One 4x4 Extended Cab Pickup Truck Limited 18,208.00 12 requested 5 received Portable Steel Frame Canadian 17,663.00 Criteria 1 To meet equipment deadlines, Water Survey Enclosures Portable Structures 81,261.00 Canada and MOE standards, maintain consistency and familiarity in data collection equipment. One New Utility Vehicle Limited 16,900.00 • 3 requested 2 received Partners in Project Green WirelessLinx' 21,300.00 WirelessLinx Inc. Website Development Inc. and . ) (16,000.00 and Criteria 3 - has bid competitively on 2 previous 4 requested 3 received Eco- Industrial 5,300.00 contracts; completed successfully . Solutions Inc. respectively) Eco - Industrial Solutions Inc. • . Criteria 5 - Already retained consultant working on development of the Partners in Project Green strategy REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) January 1, 2008 - June 30. 2008 Project • • Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Acquisition of Vehicles or Equipment Two 4x4 Extended Cab Trucks Marvin Starr Pontiac Buick GMC 53,698.00 12 requested 6 received One 4x4 Crew Cab Truck Dixie Ford Sales Ltd. 41,827.00 12 requested .5 received One 4x4 Extended Cab Pickup Truck Dixie Ford Sales Ltd. 18,208.00 12 requested 5 received One Hybrid SUV Dixie Ford Sales Ltd. 32,820.00 12 requested 5 received Three 4x4 Crew Cab Pickup Trucks Marvin Starr Pontiac Buick GMC 81,261.00 12 requested 8 received One New Utility Vehicle Kooy Brothers Lawn Equip. Ltd. 16,900.00 • 3 requested 2 received MapleSyrup Products Packaged Maple Syrup Voisins Maple Products 51,553.35 4 requested 3 received Bulk Maple Syrup Robinsons Maple Product 10,800.00 4 requested 3 received Maple Syrup Suckers North Hatley Inc. . 12,420.00 4 requested 2 received 500 Project • Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Maple Syrup Products Smokey Kettle Maple Co. Ltd. 19,872,92 4 requested 1 received Horse Drawn Wagon Rides • Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright and Bruce's Mill Tigar Paw Exotics 14,400.00 . 13 requested 2 received Highland Creek Emergency Bank Stabilization Project • • Supply and delivery of approximately 250 tonnes of 3 - 5 tonne stackable armour stone Glenn Windrem Trucking 47.76 per tonne Estimated - 11,940.00 5 requested 5 received Bathurst Glen Golf Course Rental of Golf Carts . Bennett Golf Cart 18,500.00 2 requested 2 received Fertilizer Products Nu -Gro Corporation 25,000.00 • Pre - negotiated comprehensive purchasing program of the National Golf Course Owners Association Turf Materials All Turf Ltd. 30,500 00 3 requested 3 received Beverage Products Coca -Cola Bottling Group 19,000.00 Pre - negotiated comprehensive purchasing program of the National Golf Course Owners Association Paper Purchases . Buntin Reid 30,000.00 Tied into Tender conducted by City of Toronto Upper Mimico Creek Restoration Project - Phase II • Supply and delivery of approximately 850 tonnes of 3 - 8" round stone; 130 tonnes of 0.5 - 1" river run, 370 tonnes of 10 - 24" round stone • Supply and delivery of approximately 920 tonnes of gabion stone • Waynco Sand and Gravel • Nelson Aggregates 38,256.92 24,232,80 3 requested 1 received 3 requested 3 received Ninety Digital Cameras for Lake St George Field Centre Programs Pentax Cameras Inc. 13,500.00 3 requested 3 received 501 Project . Awarded Bidder . . Cost Not to Eicceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Atwood Place Slope Stabilization Project " • Supply and delivery of . approximately 1,000 tonnes of 10 - 300 mm cobble stone • Supply and delivery of approximately 300 tonnes of 300 - 600 mm boulders Glenn Windrem Trucking • Glenn Windrem Trucking 35.67 per tonne Estimated - 35,670.00 36.67 per tonne Estimated - 11,001..00 , 10 requested 2 received 10 requested 2 received • Planting and Tending of 86,800 S Seedlings - Claireville "Duncan" Property and Oak Ridges Corridor Park Bartram Woodlands • 38,192.00 + 11,544.00 contingency for additional tending service if required due to weather conditions 5 requested 3 received Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project Supply and delivery of approximately 750 tonnes of 225 - 450 mm riprap stone Nelson Aggregate Company Ltd. 27.29 per tonne Estimated - 20,467.50 5 requested 3 received Supply and delivery of approximately 2,000.cubic yards of screened topsoil Earthco Soil Mixtures 7.74 per cubic yard Estimated - 15,480.00 3 requested 3 received Supply and delivery of approximately 1,500 tonnes of concrete sand Franceschini Brothers Aggregates 25,020.00 4 requested' 2 received Supply and installation of chain link fence . • Leone Fence Company Ltd. 28,193.00 . 3 requested 3 received Annual Software Licences Maintenance Purchase Dell Canada /ASAP Software 18,000.18 4 requested 4 received Pyrotechnics Display - Caledon Canada Day Firemaster Productions 13,000.00 11 requested 1 received Black Creek 'Pioneer Village • Plumbing Services Nor -Line Plumbing & Mechanical Ltd. 15,021.00 3 requested 3 received Gas Heating System Canadian Air Technology Inc. 11,982.00 3 requested 3 received Albion Hills and Indian Line Campground Washroom Renovations • • Interior Renovations - Indian Line • Interior Renovations - Albion Hills ,• Trimar General Contracting • Trimar General Contracting . 34,084.00 s 33,044.00 7 requested 4 received 7 requested 3 received Tiles and Associated Materials Olympia Tile International Inc. 12,904.76 3 requested 3 received Six Heubsch'Front Load Washer Laundry Machines Phelps Apartment Laundries .Ltd. 10,380.00 3 requested 3 received 502 Project Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Archetype Sustainable House Project • Supply and delivery of approximately 900 tonnes of 50 mm crusher run limestone • Lafarge Construction Materials 19.62 per tonne Estimated - 24,525.00 3 requested 3 received Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Washroom Renovations Trimar General Contracting 31,530 00 5 requested 2 received 2008 Laboratory Analytical Services • Waterfront and Projects Environmental Monitoring Program • Fill Quality Control Program • AGAT Laboratories • MAXXAM Analytics Inc. 28,525.00 9,035.00 4 requested 4 received 4 requested 4 received Heart Lake Conservation Area Beach Centre Renovations BLT Construction Services Inc. 78,374.00 + 10% contingency 4 requested 1 received Picnic Promotions Radio Advertisements CHFI Radio 10,080.00 2 requested 1 received Rental Home Renovations 7702 14th Avenue, Bob Hunter Lands B.W. Doucette 19,064.45 7 requested 3 received 7939 Reesor Road, Bob Hunter Lands B.W. Doucette 23,246.30 7 requested 3 received 7277 14th Avenue, Bob Hunter Lands • B.W. Doucette 21,137 84 7 requested 3 received Directional Signs - Boyd Centre and Restoration Services Centre Allograph Inc. 20,000.00 3 requested 3 received REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid Not Accepted (up to $100,000) January 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 Project Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received 200 Park Picnic Tables Precision Custom Welding 21,790.00 3 requested 2 received Rental Home Renovations 9330 Pine Valley Drive, Former Jacobs Property Weida Windows 9,939.05 2 requested 2 received 7669 Reesor Road, Bob Hunter Lands Nova Decor Construction 19,750.00 7 requested 3 received 7733 14th Avenue, Bob Hunter Lands Benaqua Contracting 14,300.00 7 requested 3 received 503 Attachment 3 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Sole Source (up to $50,000) • January 1, 2008 - June 30 2008 Project . • • • Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Sole Source Criteria . Realty Tax Consultarit, Altus Derbyshire 20,000.00 + reasonable expenses Criteria 5 - Extension knowledge and database developed due to past contracts Geoenvironmental Consulting and Analytical Services - Kleinburg New Forest North - Terraprobe Ltd. 47,000.00 Criteria 5 - Extensive knowledge and specific experience dealing -with shale CTC Source Protection Committee - Facilitation Services Ogilvie, Ogilvie & Company 40,100.00 Criteria 5 - Knowledge of source protection process through previous training provided to SPC chair's Taxation of Conservation Lands :Legal Services • Research and strategy development for appeals • Hearing preparation and conduct before Mining and Lands Commission . • • Borden Ladner Gervails LLP ' • Borden Ladner Gervails LLP 14,400.00 450 per hour for 2008 Criteria 5 - Extensive experience with such matters before MLC, and understanding of unique characteristics of TRCA -owned lands. .' Staff Day Workshop of Employees Brady Wilson 13,500.00 Criteria 5 - Developed and delivers innovative tools and programs. REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Competitive Bid (up to $100,000) January 1, 2008 - June 30. 2008 Project . . Awarded Bidder • Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Mimico Waterfront Linear Park - • Engineering services for design of boardwalk. _ Brown & Co. Engineering Ltd. 16,020.00 + 1,500 dispersements & expenses 5 requested 3 received • Kleinburg New Forest North Project . Peer Review Services _ Decommissioning Consulting Services Limited • 31,105.00 + 10% contingency 4 requested 1 received Architectural Assessment for Bruce's Mill Buildings Goldsmith, Borgal & Company Ltd. 15,500.00 • 5 requested 2 received 504 RES. #A194 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Gay Cowbourne THAT Section IV item 8.3.1, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Item 8.3.1 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #4/08, held on April 24, 2008 Minutes of Meeting #5/08, held on May 29, 2008. RES. #A195 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Gay Cowbourne THAT Section IV item 9.9 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #5/08, held on July 11, 2008, be received. NEW BUSINESS RES. #A196 /08 - OAK RIDGES MORAINE FOUNDATION Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Gay Cowbourne CARRIED WHEREAS the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) was created by the Province of Ontario in 2002 and at that time the Province provided the ORMF with $15 million to support its activities: WHEREAS ORMF has provided Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto with funding for land acquisition, stewardship, restoration, management and research projects; WHEREAS this funding has been a key factor in the success of these projects; WHEREAS the ORMF has committed most of the initial Provincial funding to stakeholder projects and will not be able to continue to support projects on the moraine without additional funding; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA request that the Province of Ontario renew its financial investment in the Oak Ridges Moraine by providing additional funding of $30 million to the ORMF; 505 AND FURTHER THAT the regional municipalities of York, Peel and Durham, the City of Toronto and the Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition be requested to support the request to the Province of Ontario for additional funding for ORMF. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:48 p.m., on Friday, July 25, 2008. CARRIED Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 506 th■ erTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #7/08 September 19, 2008 The Authority Meeting #7/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, September 19, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:38 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow Member Bryan Bertie Member Laurie Bruce Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch Member Rob Ford Member Grant Gibson Member Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Colleen Jordan Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn Member Ron Moeser Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead - Member ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member Jack Heath Member Bonnie Litt ley Member Glenn Mason Member Linda Pabst Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member . MINUTES RES. #A197 /08 - . MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Laurie Bruce THAT the Minutes of Meeting #6/08, held on July 25;2008, be approved. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS • (a) A presentation by Mike Schreiner, Vice President and Chris Alward, Account Manager, Local Food Plus, in regard to item 7.1 - Local Food Purchasing. RES. #A198 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Reenga Mathivanan . THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A199 /08 - • Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED LOCAL FOOD PURCHASING Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for local food .purchasing programs. Suzan Hall Reenga Mathivanan WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) operates food service facilities at the Kortright Centre for Conservation , Lake St. George, Albion Hills and Claremont field centres, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Bathurst Glen Golf Course, Albion Hills Conservation Area, Bruce's Mill Conservation Area and Head Office; WHEREAS TRCA is committed to supporting local farmers and food producers through food procurement programs; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA continue to develop and implement purchasing guidelines that support local agriculture; THAT TRCA staff assess Local Food Plus (LFP) procurement practices and the operational and financial feasibility of integrating LFP procurement practices into TRCA's own local food purchasing guidelines; 508 AND FURTHER THAT TRCA continue to develop innovative learning programs for the purposes of educating students on the value of local agriculture. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA food service facilities provide a variety of food services to a wide range of clientelle with diverse cultural and dietary requirements. Increasingly, TRCA clientelle are also demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complex issues associated with food supply and the importance of supporting local agriculture and local economies, particularly as it relates to climate change. In response to this increased awareness of food sources and sustainability, and as a result of TRCA's own strategic objectives as they relate to supporting local agriculture and local economies, TRCA staff have begun shifting purchasing approaches to meet the growing demand for local food. Since 2004, TRCA food service facilities have undertaken a number of initiatives to support local agriculture and local economies, including: • purchasing products from local bakeries and markets; • buying locally grown fruits and vegetables when in season; • purchasing meats that are Canadian grown; ,• promoting seasonal menu choices and specials that feature Ontario produce that is in- season including featuring an "All Ontario" menu on special occasion dinners; • developed "The Food Mile Minute ", a meal -time learning program at the field centres that focuses on a specific item associated with the meal being served and discusses whether it is locally grown or not; • working with key suppliers to insist on more local products; and, • working with key suppliers to begin to quantify distance that other products travel to determine where changes in purchasing can be made. Further to this, TRCA food service facilities have set as a target that by 2012, 40% of food purchased by TRCA will be locally grown or produced. In order to achieve this, TRCA will be developing expanded partnerships with local farmers and marketing associations, as well as continuing to work with key suppliers to advocate for a wider selection of local products. In addition to supporting local food producers, TRCA food service facilities undertake a number of actions designed, to reduce the ecological impact of their operations. These include: • reducing the number of deliveries in order to minimize emissions from delivery vehicles; • when disposable utensils or plates are required, only 100% biodegradable products are used; • the elimination of bottled water from corporate meetings, functions, events and weddings; • maximizing operational efficiencies wherever possible -- for example water conservation through high temperature /low water dishwashers; • minimize waste through more advanced meal forecasting, purchasing products in bulk packaging and composting of organics; • only serving organic•fair -trade coffees. Report prepared by: Darryl Gray, extension 5604 Emails: dgray @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Darryl Gray, extension 5604, Nick Foglia, extension 5275 Emails: dgray @trca.on.ca, nfoglia @trca.on.ca Date: September 4, 2008 509 RES. #A200/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: TRCA SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE POLICY Approval of a policy for the use of land owned and directly managed by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for sustainable near -urban agriculture initiatives. Lois Griffin Suzan Hall WHEREAS sustainable near -urban agriculture: • promotes social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for increased accessibility to fresh, healthy and local food; • provides opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for the local people; • reduces our ecological footprint by providing locally grown, raised and sold food, reducing food miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation and helps to reduce the impacts of climate change; • can provide a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a diverse range of crops; • provides a positive influence on adjacent natural heritage; and • • complements Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) vision for The Living City by participating in growing local foods that contribute to sustainable communities; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the TRCA Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy for lands owned and directly managed by TRCA, dated September 2008, as appended in Attachment 1, be approved; THAT the Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture to be finalized and used in conjunction with TRCA's Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy; THAT sustainable near -urban agriculture on TRCA agricultural lands be considered a priority use for both annual and multi -year leases, with specific provision for production of crops and products for local consumption; THAT TRCA staff be directed to investigate and develop partnerships for sustainable near -urban agricultural use of TRCA land; THAT TRCA partner with existing organizations to develop innovative educational programming focused on themes of local food, sustainable near -urban agriculture, food security and food economics, and educate staff and students at TRCA's educational and other facilities on these practices; AND FURTHER THAT regular compliance monitoring be done by staff to ensure that tenants are employing sustainable agriculture practices, are participating in the Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and are abiding by provincially- recognized Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) prescribed for the land, plus any additional standards set by TRCA as may be required from time to time. 510 AMENDMENT RES. #A201 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Ron Moeser THAT the following be inserted after the main motion: AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to-develop a sustainable near -urban agricultural policy in conjunction with the Rouge Park Alliance for lands within the Rouge Park and report back. THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE, RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS sustainable near -urban agriculture: • promotes social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for increased accessibility to fresh, healthy and local food; • provides,opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for the local people; • reduces our ecological footprint by providing locally grown, raised and sold food, reducing food miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation and helps to reduce the impacts of climate change; • can provide a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a diverse range of crops; • provides a positive influence on adjacent natural heritage; and • complements: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) vision for The Living City.by participating in growing local foods that contribute to sustainable communities; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the TRCA Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy for lands owned and directly managed by TRCA, dated September 2008, as appended in Attachment 1, be approved; THAT the Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture to be finalized and used in conjunction with TRCA's Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy; THAT sustainable near -urban agriculture on TRCA agricultural lands be considered a priority use for both annual and multi -year leases, with specific provision for production of crops and products for local consumption; THAT TRCA staff be directed to investigate and develop partnerships for sustainable near -urban agricultural use of TRCA land; 511 THAT TRCA partner with existing organizations to develop innovative educational programming focused on themes of local food, sustainable near -urban agriculture, food security and food economics, and educate staff and students at TRCA's educational and • other facilities on these practices; THAT regular compliance monitoring be done by staff to ensure that tenants are employing sustainable agriculture practices, are participating in the Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and are abiding by provincially- recognized Beneficial' Management Practices (BMPs) prescribed for the land, plus any additional standards set by TRCA as may be required from time to time; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to develop a sustainable near -urban agricultural policy in conjunction with the Rouge Park Alliance for lands within the Rouge Park and report back. BACKGROUND TRCA began acquiring land in the 1950's for flood and erosion control purposes which resulted in an inventory of productive agricultural lands. TRCA has always leased, on an annual basis, some land for agricultural purposes. However, agriculture has always been regarded as an interim use with the long -term goal being that these lands be reforested sometime in the future or used for another purpose. Most of the agriculture taking place on TRCA -owned lands can be classified as conventional agriculture where cash crops such as corn, soybean and hay are grown and livestock is raised. Soil types on these lands are predominately classified as 'prime agricultural land' (class one to three soil), according to the Canada Land Inventory System. TRCA's agricultural land rentals have been declining over the past 25 years. Short-term leases provide no incentives to make the personal investment to implement more long -term and often more costly BMPs even though these BMPs are defined as practical and affordable approaches to conserving soil and water resources on a farm without sacrificing productivity. Accessibility to farmlands due to land fragmentation, parcel locations, small plot size, congested roadways and urbanization have also resulted in the decline of agricultural use on TRCA lands. The vision for agriculture on land owned and directly managed by TRCA includes the use of new and innovative agricultural production methods (i.e. a combination of technology, BMPs, Ecological Goods and Services (EG &S), Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) and community gardens) which may be on a smaller scale than the typical agri -food industry approach. The kinds of agriculture permitted on TRCA land will not compromise other TRCA objectives such as, the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, and The Living City objectives. The use of TRCA land for agriculture will support the local food system, are often community -based and will promote environmental sustainability. Near -urban agriculture complements TRCA's sustainable communities objective under The Living City vision and provides numerous benefits such as: • managing possible environmental risks through the implementation of environmental and agricultural stewardship initiatives that reflect the EFP; • promoting social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for increased accessibility to fresh, healthy foods; 512 • providing opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for local people; • reducing the Greater Toronto Area's (GTA) ecological footprint by providing locally grown, raised and sold food, reducing food miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation, and helping to reduce the impacts of climate change;. • providing a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a diverse range of crops; and • providing a positive land use influence on adjacent natural heritage. SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE: NEW PARTNERSHIPS As the largest public land owner in the GTA, TRCA can make a contribution to near -urban agriculture. Over the past few years, TRCA has played an active role in helping to maintain agriculture by establishing new partnerships and venturing into new sustainable near -urban agricultural projects on its land not under management agreement with other agencies. The following are some of TRCA's recent near -urban agriculture initiatives: • In 2003, the Toronto Urban Farm was established at Black Creek Pioneer Village in response to the need for greater access to affordable and ethno- specific foods and the need for creating employment and leadership /learning opportunities for young people in this high density area. • In 2007, the GTA Agricultural Action Plan was provided office space, technological and professional assistance at Black Creek Pioneer Village. • In 2006 and 2007, TRCA initiated consultations with a wide range of potential partners - interested in working with TRCA to pursue sustainable agricultural opportunities on its lands. These groups include: GTA Agricultural Action Plan, University of Guelph- Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, Community Economic Development for Immigrant Women, FarmStart and Ontario Farmland Trust. • In 2008, TRCA entered into a lease agreement with FarmStart, a not - for - profit organization, involving approximately '15 hectares of land in the Claireville Conservation Area, City of Brampton, for the establishment of a research and training farm facility for new and immigrant farmers. • The concept of a new form of "urban agriculture" has also been introduced into watershed planning documents (i.e. the Rouge and Humber River watershed plans). • Demonstration plots of heritage fruits /vegetables at Black Creek Pioneer Village. • Provision'of land owner assistance programs such as fencing livestock from watercourses, well decommissioning and streambank planting. The above initiatives represent a need for TRCA to formalize a policy that will guide future work in this area. Currently, TRCA does not have a policy in place to govern its agricultural lands. 513 SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE POLICY The purpose of the Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture policy is to permit and encourage agricultural uses on lands owned and directly managed by TRCA. The policy applies to an existing inventory of approximately 409 hectares (382 hectares in the Humber River watershed, 9 hectares in the Rouge River watershed [outside Rouge Park], and 18 hectares in the Duffins and Carruthers watersheds combined) which will be protected for future agricultural uses. TRCA lands within the Rouge Park are excluded from this policy. The Rouge Park currently does not have an agriculture policy in place. However, references to permitted agricultural use in the Rouge Park can be found in the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994). It is anticipated that an agriculture policy will be developed for the Rouge Park in the future. The policy does not apply to TRCA land under management agreement with municipalities or other agencies. The policy specifically covers: • agricultural land use proposals; • general terms and conditions for lease agreements; • certification programs; • permitted agriculture and related uses; • prohibited uses; • infrastructure and land use to support sustainable near -urban agriculture needs; • existing tenancy; • revenue; and • monitoring and maintenance.. Staff consulted with the following agencies during the preparation of the policy. Their comments have been incorporated into the documents. • Humber Watershed Alliance; • Don Watershed Regeneration Council ; • Rouge Park Alliance staff; • GTA Agricultural Action Plan Committee; • York Federation of Agriculture; • Peel Federation of Agriculture; • Durham Federation of Agriculture; • York Soil and Crop Improvement Association; • Peel Region Agricultural Working Group; • York Region; • Peel Region; • Durham Region; • City of Brampton; • City of Vaughan; • Town of Caledon; • Town of Markham; • • Town of Richmond Hill; • Urban Strategies Inc.; • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; • York University; • University of Guelph, Centre for Land and Water Stewardship. 514 FINANCIAL DETAILS Stewardship budget to allocate $20,000 annually for farm monitoring, reporting and EFP implementation. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1 Adopt TRCA Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy. 2. Finalize Operational Procedures. 3. Integrate Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy into TRCA's The Living City policies. 4. Invite proposals for sustainable near -urban agriculture uses on TRCA land. 5. Organize meetings and focus group sessions with agricultural associations and other potential partners wishing to work with TRCA to explore and initiate a sustainable urban agriculture pilot and /or demonstration projects on TRCA land. 6. Continue to work with existing tenants to implement BMPs outlined in the EFP. 7. Review policy every five years, or earlier with cause to do so. Report prepared by: Sonia Dhir, extension 5291 Email: sdhir @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gary Wilkins, extension 5211 Email: gwilkins @trca.on.ca Date: September 4, 2008 Attachments: 2 Attachment 1 TORONTO AND REGION Lonservation for The Living City TRCA SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE POLICY 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to permit and encourage agricultural uses for lands owned and directly managed by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). All TRCA agricultural land holdings are defined as "near urban" based on their location in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). • This policy is to be read in conjunction with TRCA's Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture (draft). TRCA recognizes that agricultural land is a vital resource, which must be conserved, and that progressive environmental stewardship in the farming /agricultural sector will be a requirement for TRCA to collectively realize The Living City vision for a healthy, attractive, sustainable urban region extending into the 22nd century, based on a foundation of Healthy Rivers and Shorelines, Regional Biodiversity, Sustainable Communities and Business Excellence. A vision for sustainable near -urban agriculture . on TRCA lands includes the use of diverse crops and innovative and sustainable • agricultural production methods, (i.e. a combination of appropriate technology, Environmental Goods and Services (EG &S), Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs), Community Shared Agriculture (CSA), and community gardens, etc.) which may be on a smaller scale than the typical agri -food industry approach and do not compromise other TRCA objectives (i.e., the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, The Living City objectives). Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture can be defined as: .... the practice of growing food and production of livestock in a way that preserves and enhances the environment, provides economic opportunity and good health for individuals and communities, and connects people to the land around them. It generally avoids long- distance travel, striving instead to create fresh, healthy produce for local consumption. It focuses on both processes and produce. It is as much about the systems that create our food (i.e., who grows it, where, and how much) as it is about the food itself (Adapted from The Food Project: http: / /www.thefoodproject.org /agriculture /index.asp). Planning Frameworks An analysis of regional Official Plans and strategic plans in TRCA's jurisdiction (regions of York, Peel and Durham) was undertaken to determine the range and direction of agricultural policy in TRCA's jurisdiction. The following themes were found to be consistent: 516 • Protection of Prime Agricultural Areas for long -term, agricultural use. Prime Agricultural Areas.consist of areas where prime agricultural lands predominate (class 1 to 3 soils for Peel Region, class 1 to 4 for York Region and class 1 to 3 for Durham Region under the Canada Land Inventory System). • Implementation of BMPs, conservation measures and sustainable farming practices that will protect agricultural lands and minimize negative impacts to the environment. • Promotion of economic viability for the agricultural industry. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan are also two strong pieces of provincial legislation that recognize these issues as a concern for the future of agriculture in Ontario. These.plans are guided by the Provincial Policy Statement which requires regional and local municipalities to protect Prime Agricultural Areas and lands. Agricultural lands are designated Protected Countryside in the Greenbelt Plan (which covers the existing Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan area). The Protected Countryside contains an Agricultural System, Prime Agricultural Areas and rural areas which are designated within municipal Official Plans. An analysis of TRCA agricultural related plans and staff reports (i.e. Rouge and Humber River watershed plans) also acknowledge the above issues identified,in provincial and regional planning frameworks, including the need to: • Establish a permanent agricultural base to ensure a local food source for the GTA. • Provide opportunities for community economic development by helping to reduce the number of imports and by creating jobs and meaningful work for the local people. • Reduce TRCA's jurisdictional ecological footprint by providing locally grown, raised and sold food, reducing food miles and greenhouse gas emissions related to food transportation and help reduce the impacts of climate change. • Provide a space for celebrating the cultural diversity of communities by growing a diverse range of crops. • Promote social equity and food security in communities by providing opportunities for increased accessibility to fresh, healthy foods. • Partner with organizations to pilot and implement on TRCA lands, sustainable agricultural practices and programs which include BMPs and EG &S. • Partner with existing organizations to develop innovative educational programming focused on themes of sustainable near -urban agriculture including agricultural BMPs, food security, food sources and food costs. • Support the implementation of the GTA Agricultural Action Plan. Agricultural Context TRCA's agricultural objectives framework expands upon provincial and regional planning frameworks and builds on the GTA Agricultural Action Plan initiative. Near -urban agriculture is essential for fulfilling TRCA's Sustainable Communities objective under The Living City vision: "The quality of life on Earth is being determined in rapidly expanding city regions. Our vision is for a new kind of community, The Living City, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity." 517 TRCA can play a role in helping to revitalize agriculture in the GTA by conserving its current inventory of agricultural lands and by making its lands available to near -urban agriculture. In order for farming to be viable in TRCA's jurisdiction, the adjacent farm communities must be supported as well. TRCA will lead by example and work with municipalities within its jurisdiction to implement sustainable near -urban agricultural practices on its land. 2.0 SCOPE TRCA currently has approximately 409 hectares (ha) of land that it directly manages in agricultural use. 382 ha are in the Humber River watershed, 9 ha in Rouge River watershed [outside Rouge Park], and 18 ha in the Duffins and Carruthers watersheds combined). TRCA lands within the Rouge Park are excluded from this policy. The Rouge Park currently does not have an agriculture policy in place. However, references to agriculture in the Rouge Park can be found in the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994). It is anticipated that an agriculture policy will be developed for the Rouge Park in the future. The policy does not apply to TRCA land under management agreement with municipalities or other agencies. This policy affects all employees, existing and new tenants, lease agreements, partners, or any entity that may use, monitor, or support sustainable near -urban agricultural initiatives on land owned and directly managed by TRCA. 3.0 DEFINITIONS Definitions for all terms that are italicized in this policy can be found in Appendix A. 4.0 POLICY Existing Tenancy The following is applicable to all existing tenants on lands owned and directly managed by TRCA: • Existing tenants are permitted to apply for lease extensions for a period up to five years at the time of renewal if all terms and conditions of the lease agreement are fulfilled, including a completed Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Existing tenants without an EFP will be subject to a revised lease agreement that incorporates new environmental and agricultural stewardship practices outlined in the EFP. • TRCA will continue to work with existing tenants who have a valid EFP to help them meet the terms and conditions of the EFP over a mutually agreed period of time. • Existing tenants must adhere to all applicable local, provincial and federal environmental laws and regulations and additional standards set by TRCA for the property EFP including those identified in site assessments and other conservation policies and plans. New Agricultural Proposals • As lands become available (through leases that have been terminated or cancelled), TRCA will investigate suitable, sustainable near -urban agriculture opportunities and /or advertise through a "Call for Proposals ". 518 • Proposal submission and review must follow TRCA's Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture (draft). • Proposals must adhere to TRCA's Principles for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture on TRCA Lands identified in the Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture (draft). • Successful proposals will be matched to available TRCA lands according to project scope, land -use capabilities and site restrictions. Infrastructure and Land Use to Support Near -Urban Agriculture Needs a) The following infrastructure and land use investments and requirements to support near -urban agriculture are the responsibility of the tenant: • All certification (i.e., organic, Local Food Plus, etc.). • All required soil testing and analysis. • Application of-soil amendments, pest and weed control products in accordance with generally accepted practices (i.e., TRCA's Pest Management Policy). . • Implementation of BMPs and the EFP. • Securing surface and groundwater or municipal water supplies and distribution system. • Ensuring infrastructure and land use investments are in compliance with Official Plans, policies, municipal zoning and bylaws, and all applicable TRCA Land Management Plans and additional TRCA programs and policies. b) TRCA at anytime may request from the tenant in writing, proof of compliance with Official Plans, policies, municipal zoning and bylaws or other requirements as they arise. c) Any infrastructure and land use investments and requirements to support near -urban agriculture which are not included in the lease agreement will be subject to TRCA approval. Lease Agreements The following are the general terms and conditions that apply to all farm leases on TRCA lands: • No person shall implement agricultural practices except under a lease issued by TRCA. • Leases up to five years will be permitted. • Pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, any lease over five years requires approval from the Minister of Natural Resources. . • Tenants pay fair - market rental rates through lease agreements unless other arrangements are made between TRCA and the tenant due to circumstances that provide desired benefits to TRCA and the tenant. • Financial considerations (e.g. reduced rental rates) may be considered for tenants who financially invest to pursue sustainable agricultural initiatives on TRCA lands. • Lease agreements are site - specific and will be negotiated accordingly. • Lease agreements are subject to terms and conditions and BMP prescriptions that must be followed by the tenant. 519 Organic Certification and Other Certification Programs • TRCA recognizes that farmers are important stewards of our environment and encourages farmers to use sustainable farming practices that are a holistic approach to agriculture, encompassing environmental,.social and economic aspects of the farm enterprise. • TRCA does not exclusively promote certified organic agriculture or any other certification programs for its agricultural lands and practices, although the rigorous standards in organic certification can prove an effective way for a farmer to convey their ecological management practices to the end consumer. • TRCA recognizes the broad range of certification for food safety, pesticides, food labeling and on farm management. • Tenants are responsible for having all appropriate certification(s) in place to substantiate promotional and marketing messages. Permitted Agriculture and Related Uses a). Agriculture uses include: • growing legal crops, including grains, alfalfa, heirloom and current varieties of fruits and vegetables and horticulture; • raising livestock; • apiaries; • agro- forestry; • maple syrup production; and • associated on farm buildings and structures, including accommodation for farm labour that is in accordance with Official Plans, policies, municipal zoning and bylaws. b). Related uses include: • farm - related uses that are small scale and directly related to the primary farm operation (such as roadside stands to sell produce, maple syrup production and other value -added products); • activities associated with on farm buildings and structures, which include: • Farmers' Markets; • Pick - Your -Own; • On -Farm Shops; • Cooperative Food Stores. Prohibited Use TRCA agricultural lands may not be used for: • , political propaganda, rallies or other public demonstrations; • unlawful activities; • activities that conflict with TRCA policies; • uses that contravene applicable legislation or policies or municipal by -laws. Land Monitoring, Maintenance and Insurance Tenants must take full responsibility for establishing, monitoring and maintaining the site, including insurance coverage satisfactory to TRCA and to satisfy such other conditions as TRCA may require. 520 Enforcement In the event of non- compliance with the lease agreement by any person or persons, TRCA shall have the right, at its sole discretion to terminate leases at anytime as directed by the Authority. Delegation of Authority Conservation Lands and Property Services staff is authorized to enforce this policy with the technical support of Watershed Specialists and Stewardship staff. Accompanying Policies TRCA Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Operational Procedures and Guidelines. All farm tenants using.TRCA lands must adhere to all applicable environmental laws and regulations and additional standards set by TRCA in the Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture (draft). Review Cycle This policy is to be reviewed every five years or earlier with cause to do so, as determined by TRCA. Lease agreements and EFPs will be reviewed every three years or earlier with cause to do so, as determined by TRCA. 521 REFERENCES Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Coalition. 2004. The 3rd Edition Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Program Workbook. Canada: Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada (AAFC) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF). Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario. 2005. Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Plan. Canada: Government of Canada. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2005. Greenbelt Plan. Ontario: Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2002. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2005. Provincial Policy Statement. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario. The Food Project. 2008. Sustainable Agriculture. Available at: .http://www.thefoodprojectorg/agriculture/index.asp. The Regional Municipality of Durham. 2006. Durham Region Official Plan. The Regional Municipality of Durham. 2003. Growing Together: Durham's Community Strategic Plan. The Regional Municipality of Peel. Peel Region Official Plan. 2005. The Regional Municipality of Peel. 2007. Region of Peel Strategic Plan V: 2007 -2010. The Regional Municipality of York. 2007. York Region Official Plan. The Regional Municipality of York. 2007. Vision 2026: York Region Strategic Plan. Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). 2007. Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. Downsview: TRCA Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA).' 2003. The Living Countryside, Draft Urban Agriculture Policy. Downsview: TRCA. Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). 2008. TRCA's Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture (draft). Downsview: TRCA Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). 2004. TRCA's Policies Procedures for Farm Operations on TRCA Lands Environmental Management System (Draft). Downsview: TRCA. 522 Attachment 2 APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) Practical, affordable approaches to conserving a farm's soil and water resources without sacrificing productivity. Source: http : / /www.omafra.gov.on.ca /english /environment /bmp /series.htm Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are assessments voluntarily prepared by farm families to increase their environmental awareness,in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Through the EFP local workshop process, farmers will highlight their farm's environmental strengths identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with time tables to improve environmental conditions. Environmental cost -share programs are available to assist in implementing projects. Source: http: / /www.omafra.gov.on.ca /english /environment /efp /efp.htm Community Gardens Community Gardens are commonly shared spaces on public or private lands where individuals work together to grow and care for vegetables, flowers and native plant species for their own consumption /use. The gardeners divide responsibilities amongst themselves to organize, maintain and manage the garden area. Other forms include: school gardens, youth leadership projects, or communal growing projects where people grow food for the food bank. Another approach is a communal field where farmers share the responsibility,of producing a crop where the cash proceeds are donated to local food banks and similar FoodShare organizations. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Community Supported Agriculture provides opportunity for, consumers to enter into a direct relationship with a farmer. This happens when a'group of consumers agree to share the costs and benefits associated with food production. Consumers pay a share of.the projected farm production in advance, assisting the farmer with the initial costs of planting and assuring that the farm will get an income once the produce is harvested. The harvest is distributed amongst the consumers every week or month according to the shares and the quantity. Cooperative Food Stores . Co- operative food stores are voluntary driven by members who own an equal share in the business and therefore, provide mutual economic and democratic participation in the enterprise. The benefits of this type of model is that it allows for the collaborative to market individual farm products as a whole, providing a larger variety of products to the consumer while providing the producer with a larger business support network. Occombee Farm in the United Kingdom is an example'of a co- operative store that has also incorporated interactive demonstration projects and recreational uses. 523 Ecological Footprint Ecological footprint tries to measure human demand on the Earth's ecosystems and natural resources. It compares human consumption of natural resources with planet Earth's ecological capacity to regenerate them. It is an estimate of the amount of biologically productive land and sea area needed to regenerate (if possible) the resources a human population consumes and to absorb and render harmless the corresponding waste, given prevailing technology and current understanding. Using this assessment, it is possible to estimate how many planet Earths it would take to support humanity if everybody lived a given lifestyle. Source: http: / /en .wikipedia.org /wiki /Ecological footprint Environmental Goods and Services (EG &S) Environmental Goods and Services are the positive environmental benefits that Canadians derive from healthy ecosystems, including clean water and air, and enhanced biodiversity. The EG &S concept includes market goods produced from ecosystems (e.g. food, fibre, fuel, fresh water, generic resources, biochemicals, etc.), the benefits from ecosystem processes (e.g. nutrient cycling, climate regulation, water purification, waste treatment, pollination, etc.) and non - material benefits (e.g. aesthetic values, recreation, etc.). Source: http : / /www.agr.gc.ca /pol /egs -bse /index e.php Farmers Markets Although farmers markets are not production methods, they are popular secondary agricultural uses which can compliment various production models. Farmers markets are usually seasonal and community driven operations which host a number of vendors selling a variety of products such as: fruits and vegetables, crafts and value -added products (i.e. preserves, baked goods, meat, fish, dairy products). Vendors have to pay a small rental fee for a stall at the market. These markets are usually located at a convenient location to the public. Some markets typically exclude organizations that are not growers or direct processors of locally grown products. Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Agricultural Action Plan The GTA Agricultural Action Plan is a document produced in partnership and endorsed by all four of the GTA Regional Councils (York, Peel, Durham and Halton), GTA Federations of Agriculture, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) and.Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada (AAFC) and local municipalities. The purpose of this plan is to identify and act on steps required to keep the GTA agricultural industry competitive in the face of economic, land use and environmental pressures. There are 37 key action policies identified in the plan. Local Food System A "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self - reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular place" [1] and is considered to be a part of the broader sustainability movement. It is part of the concept of local purchasing and local economies, a preference to buy locally produced goods and services. Source: http: / /en.wikipedia.org /wiki /Local food 524 On -Farm Shops Where planning policies allow, on -farm enterprises such as a farm shop enables producers to directly marketing their commodities as produced or processed (i.e. jams, butchered meats, ice cream parlour, etc). On -farm shops allow for fresh product to directly reach the consumer and often incorporate well with pick - your -own operations. Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture The practice of growing food and production of livestock in a way that preserves and enhances the environment, provides economic opportunity and good health for individuals and communities, and connects people to the land around them. It generally avoids long- distance travel, striving instead to create fresh, healthy produce for local consumption. It focuses on both processes and produce. Its about the systems that create our food -who grows it, where, and how much as it is about the food itself (Adapted from The Food Project: http: / /www.thefoodproject.org /agriculture /index.asp). Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (TNHSS) A document developed by TRCA to identify core habitats and corridors, and provide guidelines for the protection and restoration of terrestrial habitat. The Living City The Living City is TRCA's vision for a healthy, attractive, sustainable urban region extending into the 22nd century, based on a foundation of Healthy Rivers and Shorelines, Regional Biodiversity, Sustainable Communities and Business Excellence. The vision: "The quality of life on Earth is being determined in rapidly expanding city regions. Our vision is for a new kind of community, The Living City, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. ". 525 RES. #A202/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: YORK REGION DISCUSSION PAPER: BEST PRACTICES FOR NEW . COMMUNITIES Providing comments on York Region's discussion paper "Best Practices for New Communities ". Colleen Jordan Maria Augimeri THAT York Region be commended for preparing the discussion paper Best Practices for New Communities; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to assist and support York Region in the implementation of these and other best practices for sustainable community development and to address issues such as barriers to implementation, training needs and incentives; THAT TRCA staff be directed to participate in the follow -up New Communities Symposium and Charrette; THAT TRCA encourage York Region to research and implement best practices from other advanced jurisdictions, such as European communities; THAT TRCA programs and studies, such as watershed plans, the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) and the Archetype Sustainable House be used to inform best practices in York Region in the areas of natural heritage systems, green buildings, stormwater management, and alternative energy and energy conservation; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff be directed to promote the use of best practices in not just new communities, but in the redevelopment of existing communities as well. CARRIED BACKGROUND Following on their Sustainability Strategy, York Region has compiled and documented a number of "best practices ", primarily from Canada, that are being employed in sustainable community building efforts. The Best Practices for New Communities Discussion Paper includes 42 best practices organized in the following ten theme areas: 1. Sustainable Community Planning; 2. Energy; 3. Water Management; 4. Green Buildings; 5. Creating Liveable, Vibrant Communities; 6. Sustainable Transportation; 7. Green Space; 8. Natural Heritage System; 9. Sustainable Community Economics; and, 10. Measuring and Reporting Progress. . 526 Comments and Opportunities for Collaboration The document contains many practices that TRCA is promoting. Overall, the directions in this paper and York Region's initiative are consistent with the major overall recommendations arising •from the Humber, Rouge and Don watershed plans. This will assist in and support the watershed plans' implementation in the areas of enhanced natural heritage system, water management recommendations for lot level stormwater management and rain harvesting, and energy conservation, among others. Staff provide the following observations and comments on the report: • . Goals for sustainable communities need to be clearly articulated in order to establish measurable performance objectives, desired outcomes and criteria against which to • • evaluate the success of the best management practices (BMPs) in meeting the community goals. • The addition of a reference to watershed plans as contributing to the formulation of science -based environmental targets to guide sustainable community design would be appropriate. • Other areas of the world, notably Europe, are far more advanced in their use of best practices and these also should be evaluated for use in York Region. • Further attention needs to be directed toward developing and promoting landscape or "nature- based" best practices and low impact design to complement the building /technology focused BMPs. • TRCA cautions against the entrenchment of specific BMPs in the official plan as, by their very nature. BMPs can become outdated and replaced with better management practices. • The BMP case studies would benefit from an analysis as to how successful they have been in meeting the desired objectives, or what the shortcomings might be. • While the Stormwater Source Control BMP from Vancouver is a good example, TRCA's new Water Management Guideline (currently draft) is a local example developed specifically for Greater Toronto Area (GTA) communities. • The Archetype Sustainable House, currently under construction at The Living City Campus at Kortright in Vaughan should also be highlighted as a BMP demonstration project for residential housing in the green building section; • TRCA's Sustainable Technology Evaluation Program (STEP), of which York Region is a funding partner, could also be shown as a BMP under a more broadly defined section on Measuring and Reporting; 527 Key to the success of building sustainable new communities will be the implementation of these and other best management practices. It has been TRCA's experience that many recent development applications are full of promise for being more sustainable and implementing many of these BMPs. However, as time goes by and costs are tabulated, these BMPs and innovative sustainable elements of the plans are the first items to be dropped, resulting in a "business as usual" development. TRCA and York Region need to work collaboratively to ensure the promise of sustainable community development is fulfilled. The translation of goals into practical community design processes and site plan review need to be explored in an integrated municipal department and agency approach. Discussions need to occur to understand barriers to implementation, training needs for both agency and development industry staffs, and the need for incentives to encourage the desired outcomes. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca Date: September 09, 2008 RES. #A203/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: POLLUTION PROBE'S VISION AND STRATEGY FOR A NEW APPROACH TO WATER MANAGEMENT IN CANADA Support for a Canadian national water strategy that strengthens the national policy framework for watershed -based approaches to water management. _ Suzan Hall Colleen Jordan WHEREAS there are many groups across Canada supporting the need for a Canadian national water strategy, as a means of ensuring coordinated, efficient and effective responses to current and emerging threats to Canada's water, such as climate change; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the vision and strategic elements for a national water strategy as identified by Pollution Probe in its report "A New Approach to Water Management in Canada" be endorsed, in principle; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff advocate that the vision and strategic elements for a Canadian national water strategy (i.e. watershed -based approach, stewardship ethic, knowledge base and financial investment), as described in the Pollution Probe report, be considered for adoption by any groups formally working toward the development of such a strategy; AND that Pollution Probe and Conservation Ontario be so advised and sent a copy of this report. CARRIED 528 BACKGROUND There is a growing number of groups across Canada - calling for the development of an updated national water strategy or policy, as a means of ensuring coordinated, efficient and effective responses to current and emerging threats to Canada's water. The last comprehensive water policy document, the Federal Water Policy, was published in 1987. It focused on management directions within the federal government's mandate. The number of effective players in water management has grown since then, and in particular, much leadership and innovation has occurred at the local level. Therefore, a number of groups have identified the need for a truly national water strategy that addresses the roles of all players, and not only that of the federal government. Many people believe that such a strategy could help address gaps in capacity, provide consistency in approaches and ensure that current and emerging water issues, such as climate change, are effectively addressed. In 2006 Pollution Probe spearheaded a national workshop series on water policy and they have recently recommended a vision and strategy regarding a new approach for water management in Canada, based on the workshop findings. Pollution Probe is a non - profit charitable organization that works in partnership with all sectors of society to protect health by promoting clean air and clean water. In addition, there are related activities being led by a number of other groups, such as the Canadian Water Resources Association, which has proposed a process that Canada could follow to develop and formalize a national water strategy. There are a number of benefits to TRCA from this work. Details of this activity are discussed below. Towards a Vision and Strategy for Water Management in Canada In 2006 Pollution Probe hosted a series of five workshops across Canada for decision - makers, experts and key influencers to seek input for moving forward with a common vision and strategy for water policy in Canada. They published the workshop findings in the report: Towards a Vision' and Strategy for Water Management in Canada - Final Report of the Water Policy in Canada: National Workshop Series (Pollution Probe, April 2007). Copies are available at www.pollutionprobe.org. A number of water issues were noted, the extent and severity of which differs in different regions of the country. These issues include: climate change, pollution, loss of ecosystem services, population growth and urban development, competing demands, water diversion threats, and inadequate drinking water treatment in First Nations communities. In reviewing responses across Canada to these water issues, participants observed the emergence -of a new approach to water management, involving a shift from top -down planning to an inclusive watershed -based approach; from command - and - control to shared decision - making; and from managing supply to addressing demand. This transition, it was concluded, demonstrates the need for policy and infrastructure to catch up with the way decisions are currently being made. The following key issues of Canadian water management were identified: • • Increasing demand and supply restrictions on Prairie waters; • Need to understand and address impacts of climate change; • Need to value water resources in ecological and economic terms; • Inadequate information and understanding; need for better integration of science and policy; 529 • Capacity crisis in terms of human, financial and technical support as responsibility for water management is pushed down to community level; and • Lack of a forum (political or otherwise) to debate and prioritize issues and coordinate actions among a multitude of agencies and other partners. It was also noted that the range and diversity of water issues means that leadership in addressing the issues is diffuse and centralized action is difficult. Many workshop participants believed that a national policy or strategy for water management in Canada could provide the mechanism for consistent and coordinated action on current and future challenges across the country. It was also recognized that many elements of a national approach are already in place, but are not fully applied. A New Approach to Water Management in Canada - Vision and Strategy (Pollution Probe, March 2008) Based on a synthesis of input generated from their national workshop series in 2006, Pollution Probe released a report in March 2008 outlining a vision and strategy for Canadian water management (document available for download at www.pollutionprobe.orq). Their vision is that water resources will be best protected by: A broadly shared ethic of stewardship and responsibility for sustainable watershed management in Canada. Pollution Probe believes a New Approach to Water Management must contain the following elements: • An inclusive watershed -based approach to governance; • A stewardship ethic that motivates Canadians in all walks of life to contribute to sustainable watershed management; • A knowledge base that informs effective decision- making; and • Financial investment to ensure full implementation of the New Approach. Three "strategic priorities" are identified, as follows, and a more detailed list of actions is presented for each in the report: 1. Watersheds - To achieve the Vision, human demands for water need to be placed in the context of watersheds. Accordingly, meeting the ecological needs of watersheds is a top priority. Responsible authorities and water managers need to bring their skills and resources to bear on agreed upon actions to protect and enhance watersheds. 2. Distributed Governance and Distributed Information Management - In contrast to the current approach that emphasizes political and bureaucratic territories and jurisdictions, enhance the ability of individuals and organizations operating at all levels to act responsibly and in a coordinated way to protect, restore and improve the ecological assets of the watershed, while meeting a range of societal objectives. 3. Build on Strengths: Enhance the Existing Framework - A number of progressive policies, laws and regulatory mechanisms are already in place across Canada, but they are not always being fully implemented or provided with the resources needed to be effective. Furthermore, competition and contradictions can arise between and among departments and various levels of government. These mechanisms should be updated and brought together in a forward looking, national strategy for sustaining Canada's clean water heritage. 530 An additional nine strategy area address Canada's role in global and binational water matters and set out.specific roles and responsibilities for each other major player in Canadian water management. This vision and strategy represents a strong confirmation of many approaches already employed by TRCA, as further discussed in the Benefits section of this staff report. Pollution Probe's next steps will focus on further research on selected elements of the new approach, such as in the area of "net gain ". Other groups are calling for a national water strategy In the past two to three years several groups have produced documents, resolutions or charters calling for a Canadian national water strategy (CNWS) or policy. The diversity of these groups reflects the vital and broad ranging ecological, social and economic roles of water and the widespread concerns for its sustainability. These groups include: • Canadian Chambers of Commerce; • Conference Board of Canada; • Energy Council of Canada; • Insurance Bureau of Canada; • Pollution Probe; • Gordon Water Group; • Many authors in Eau Canada (Bakker, 2007); • Canadian Environmental Law Association; • National Council of Women of Canada; • Council of Canadians; • Canadian Water Resources Association. Proposed Process for the Development of a CNWS The Canadian Water. Resources Association (CWRA) released a report in June 2008 outlining a process that Canada could follow to produce an effective Canadian national water strategy. The recommendations are based on a review of experience from other jurisdictions, such as the European Union, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, and consideration for the Canadian context. Key principles of the approach include: • , Participation by all stakeholders, inside and outside government; • Commonly endorsed goals and principles; • Specific commitments to action on key areas; • Able to evolve and adapt; • Mechanism to track implementation progress; • Builds on existing governance structures. The process would be led by a multi - stakeholder leadership team. CWRA believes the precise form and.content of a CNWS cannot be specified in advance of the process, however examples, such as the Vision and'Strategy proposed by Pollution Probe, could serve as an excellent basis for discussion and consensus.building. The CWRA report Toward a Canadian National Water Strategy was authored by Rob de Loe and was prepared with,funding from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation. Copies are available at www.cwra.org. CWRA is now approaching prospective members of a leadership team to gauge their interest in forming an initial leadership group to, launch the process. 531 BENEFITS Pollution Probe's Vision and Strategy for a new approach to water management in Canada reinforces many aspects of TRCA's watershed management programs, including: • use of the watershed plan as a context for land use decisions; • role of multi - stakeholder watershed advisory committees as a mechanism to facilitate shared decision - making; • promotion of sustainable practices and behaviour to foster the emergence of a broader stewardship ethic; and • watershed place -based education programs as a means of connecting society to environment. Pollution Probe proposes the establishment of water trusts in watersheds across Canada to function as non - profit entities which could work toward achievement of net gain in ecological assets through objective setting, monitoring and financial roles. Such trusts may offer an opportunity to strengthen the role of existing foundations, such as The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto. A Canadian national water strategy could endorse and strengthen many of the approaches TRCA and its partners already practice. It could also help address gaps and improve efficiency in several areas, for example: • clarification of roles and responsibilities could ensure effective participation by all key watershed stakeholders; • improved capacity and resources to implement the recommendations of plans; • application of the "jurisdiction best placed" principle could create mechanisms for more effective delivery of watershed programs by TRCA and its partners. This principle means that responsibility for implementation is given to the level most appropriate to resolve the issue, and these roles are supported with adequate money, data and legal authority; • strengthened policies regarding binational water issues could improve protection of Great Lakes waters; • renewed federal support for a national research agenda (e.g. improved science on new forms of pollution such as hormones and pharmaceuticals), links between environment and health, economic valuation of ecological services, climate change adaptation; and • national standards and tools for data collection, storage and knowledge sharing. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will advocate that the vision and strategic elements for a Canadian national water strategy (i.e. watershed -based approach, stewardship ethic, knowledge base and financial investment), as in the Pollution Probe report, be considered for adoption by any groups formally working toward the development of such a strategy. 532 In recognition of the fact that many other conservation authorities in Ontario are also already practicing many of these principles and could similarly benefit from an improved national framework for water management, 'staff will send a copy of this report to Conservation Ontario for their information and appropriate action. Report prepared by: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Emails: smeek @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Emails: smeek @trca.on.ca Date: September 2, 2008 RES. #A204/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ONTARIO ECOSCHOOLS The recognition of EcoSchools Certification Awards to all five Toronto' and Region Conservation Authority education facilities. Colleen.Jordan Maria Augimeri THAT Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Kortright Centre for Conservation, Albion'Hills. Field Centre, Claremont Field Centre and Lake St. George Field Centre be congratulated and recognized for their achievement of Gold and Silver EcoSchool Certification during the 2007 -2008 school year; THAT the five education facilities continue to demonstrate their commitment to educating for sustainable living through modeling, teaching, active engagement and facilities management practices, including participation in the Ontario EcoSchools program in the 2008 -2009 school year; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) education facilities reduce their ecological footprint even further through continuing research and sourcing of both locally grown and organic food options,,decreasing their solid waste generated, purchasing to ensure greatest energy efficiencies and encouraging wise water usage; AND THAT TRCA continue to promote EcoSchools to other conservation authorities and district school boards in creating and reinforcing a. culture of sustainability across Ontario. CARRIED BACKGROUND The goal of the Ontario EcoSchools (OE) program is to help schools reduce their environmental impact through the education of staff, students and community, and by the reduction of energy / water use and waste generation within facilities. Through the creation of an EcoTeam within each school, teachers, students, administrators and operations personnel are able to assess and review areas of strength and weakness, and determine how the school community might best approach the identified areas of concern and opportunity. Behaviour change, green purchasing, school ground greening and awareness are all encouraged and provide meaningful, measurable results. 533 Provincially, the Ontario EcoSchools program was given recognition by the Ministry of Education in their 2007 document, Shaping Our Schools, Shaping Our Futures. This report offered 32 recommendations to the Ministry of Education regarding environmental education in the Province, all of which were adopted and are presently being implemented. Since then, the number of EcoSchools certified has increased from 251 in 13 school boards to 540 in 24 school boards. TRCA and EcoSchools TRCA has been involved with the Ontario EcoSchools program since its initial development in 2002. As a non - school board member of the OE steering committee, TRCA not only offers the presence of the greater education community, but also models how like- minded education facilities can offer support, recognition and continuity of experience to the students that visit our • education sites, and to the Ontario EcoSchools program. In addition to its role on the Ontario EcoSchools steering committee, TRCA is the lead agency supporting the delivery of EcoSchools within Peel Region schools. Funded through the Region of Peel's Climate Change Mitigation program, the Peel EcoSchools program has set as its goal the certification of every school in Peel within 10 years. TRCA is currently working with the Peel District School Board on implementation of the pilot program with an anticipated 15 schools being certified from that board in June of 2009. TRCA Education Centres EcoSchool Certified The Kortright Centre for Conservation, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Albion Hills Field Centre, .Claremont Field Centre and Lake St. George Field Centre achieved four gold certifications and one silver certification for the 2007 -2008 school year. Not only must each facility maintain their pre- existing standards, but each year demands improvement of performance. Highlights from TRCA facilities this certification year include: • completion of the energy audits for all historic buildings at Black Creek Pioneer Village; • a pollinator - themed Earth Day festival at Albion Hills Field Centre; • the installation of LED lights in the dormitory at Lake St. George; • the installation of a solar powered hot water system at the Kortright Centre; • participation of the Claremont Field Centre staff and students in both hatching and releasing of Atlantic Salmon. Further to this, all sites continue to reduce the amount of food waste generated, increase the amount of shade plantings, and maintain the high standards of environmental education for which TRCA Education facilities are known. Report prepared by: Nancy McGee, extension 5234 Emails: nmcgee @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Nancy McGee, extension 5234 Emails: nmcgee @trca.on.ca Date: May 28, 2008 534 RES. #A205/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: BRUCE'S MILL WEST HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Supply and Placement of Fill Results of Tender and Award of Contract. Recommends award of contract following the Tender Opening on September 5, 2008 for the supply and placement of clean fill on TRCA -owned tablelands located within Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, Township of Whitchurch - Stouffville. John Sprovieri Bill Fisch THAT contract RSD08 -24 for the supply and placement of approximately 120,000 cubic metres of clean fill for the Bruce's Mill West Habitat Enhancement Project be awarded to Clipper Construction Limited o/a Coreydale Contracting Company with compensation payable to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) at the tendered unit rate of $5.00 per cubic metre; THAT in addition to the tipping fee, Clipper Construction Lirhited o/a Coreydale Contracting Company will be responsible for all costs of sediment control, placing fill, fine grading and seeding the site with a basic grass mixture; THAT the funds received as compensation for receiving the surplus fill be set aside exclusively to offset project costs, for future restoration and habitat enhancements within the property, long term management of the property and general TRCA purposes; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the contract including the signing and execution of all necessary documentation. CARRIED BACKGROUND Bruce's Mill Conservation Area (BMCA) is located in the upper reaches of the Rouge River watershed in the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York. The property is approximately 118 hectares (ha) in size with 89.5 ha of natural cover comprising 52 ha of forest, 2.5 ha of wetland (1.2% of watershed total for forest and wetland combined) and 35 ha of meadow /successional habitat. BMCA hosts a variety of nature -based recreational activities including hiking and picnicking. There are also several lease agreements for activities occurring on BMCA lands, including soccer, a driving range and agricultural uses. Additionally, the conservation area hosts a yearly Maple Syrup Festival and an annual York Children's Water Festival in partnership with York Region. TRCA has also entered into a long term lease arrangement with the Regional Municipality of York (Community Safety Village of York Region) for lands situated within the Bruce's Mill Conservation Area. At Authority Meeting #6/04, held on June 25, 2004, the process for preparing a master plan for BMCA was approved. A master plan was adopted for BMCA by the Authority in 1962 but is in need of updating to reflect current practices. Preparing an updated master plan for BMCA is extremely important for the park's development because guidelines to shape management activities are not addressed in the 1962 master plan. Moreover, the Rouge North Management Plan advises that a master planning process be completed for BMCA, which is considered the northern gateway to Rouge Park. Furthermore, population growth in the Township of Whitchurch - Stouffville and the Regional Municipality of York will likely increase the number of users. As such, a plan is required that can address future public use demands and enhanced environmental protection. Moreover, it is necessary to prepare a comprehensive and integrated master plan for the property that can respond to the changes in the availability of public funds and evolving concepts in conservation and sustainability. The plan must also match TRCA's objectives for The Living City - Healthy Rivers and Shorelines, Regional Biodiversity, Sustainable Communities and Business Excellence. The master planning process occurs in several phases. To date, staff has completed the compilation of background materials and research and the development of a background report. TRCA has developed the vision, goals and objectives to guide the master plan, along with a series of management recommendations. A draft public use and recreation plan has been developed that outlines the recreational uses and opportunities, and also includes a trail plan for the park. The public use and recreation plan will include a map showing the major recommendations and uses under the plan, a chapter detailing the recommendations as well as sustainable design standards, and an implementation strategy detailing project costs and suggested timelines for implementation. Throughout the process there have been public information. and consultation sessions as well as advisory committee meetings. Included in the draft public use and recreation plan are several opportunities to implement revenue - generating fill projects. A summary of these projects was presented to TRCA Directors Committee on April 3, 2008. One of the projects that was endorsed as part of that summary was a 5 hectare habitat enhancement project for the agricultural fields in the north west corner of Bruce's Mill Conservation Area. As part of the master plan process, these fields have been targeted for restoration to natural cover, as recommended in the TRCA Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. Other project sites that were highlighted as part of the summary that was presented to Director's Committee will require further investigation and planning as part of the master planning process. The land uses that are determined for those areas may incorporate a filling component. TRCA staff has completed detailed design drawings showing how the 5 hectare parcel of tableland will be enhanced by importing and strategically placing clean surplus fill. The drawings have been reviewed and approved by Whitchurch- Stouffville staff as part of their site alteration permit process. TRCA anticipates receiving the site alteration permit after September 22, 2008. It is the opinion of staff that this is an opportunity to restore forest cover and create wetland and interpretive opportunities while creating the foundation for diverse habitat and public features. Upon completion of the fill placement and grading phase of the project and subject to available revenues, TRCA staff will complete landscaping as shown on the attached grading and restoration plan. 536 The habitat enhancement project has been presented at meetings of the staff steering committee and the advisory committee, as well as at a public meeting. Additionally, staff and the advisory committee have had the opportunity to review and comment on the detailed design drawings for the site. TRCA archaeology staff has completed their assessment of the site and found a small scatter of aboriginal lithic artifacts of unknown origin. The site is now cleared from an archaeological perspective and ready for fill placement. It is the opinion of staff that multiple sources of clean surplus fill will be available to complete the regeneration objectives and generate the necessary revenue to offset project costs and future costs associated with the management of the property. TRCA will implement a soils quality control program to ensure and confirm that all fill placed on TRCA -owned land meet Ministry of Environment Table 1 criteria. At Authority Meeting #5/08, held on June 27, 2008, Resolution #A142/08, was approved, in part, as follows: THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) request formal proposals from contractors to supply and place clean surplus fill on TRCA -owned lands as a means to enhance wetland interpretive habitat features and restore forest cover, subject to regional and municipal approvals; An advertisement was placed in the Daily Commercial News requesting Tenders from interested parties to undertake the required work. Tenders were received from eight contractors (two contractors were disqualified for failure to provide a bid bond): COMPANY NAME Coreydale Contracting Co. Ragno Excavating Ltd. B. Gottardo Construction Ltd. Ciro Ltd North York Excavating & Contracting Ltd. Anpro Excavating COMPENSATION OFFERED $5.00 per cubic metre $3.10 per cubic metre $3.00 per cubic metre $2.00 per cubic metre $1.75 per cubic metre $1.00 per cubic metre Staff reviewed all Tenders and determined that the submission by Clipper Construction Limited o/a Coreydale Contracting Company met all TRCA requirements and included the highest price per metre compensation of the six acceptable tenders received. RATIONALE TRCA staff has negotiated similar agreements with developers and /or operated similar operations in other areas with considerable success. Examples of these successful projects include the berming along the new Markham by -pass east of the Ninth Line, berming along Highway 407 at Claireville Conservation Area, berming' and wetland complex development at Kortright Centre for Conservation and berming and wetland complex development at Boyd North (along Islington Avenue north of Rutherford Road, City of Vaughan). 537 Staff see this regeneration work as a benefit to all involved as the surplus fill along with the financial compensation will allow for the creation of habitat opportunities and public features on the property. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Obtain various regional and municipal permits prior to beginning fill placement. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA staff anticipate that fill revenue from this project will offset direct project operating and restoration costs. The potential gross revenue from this project is approximately $600,000. The direct project operating and restoration costs will be deducted from this revenue. Revenues and expenses associated with this project will be directed to account 106 -11. Report prepared by: Dave Hatton, extension 5365 Emails: dhatton @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dave Hatton, extension 5365 Emails: dhatton @trca.on.ca Date: September 10, 2008 Attachment: 1 538 Attachment 1 539 ft z RES. #A206/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK PHASE 2 Approval to Enter Into Agreements with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. Recommends approval to enter into all necessary agreements with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to implement Phase 2 of Mimico Waterfront Linear Park. Lois Griffin Ron Moeser WHEREAS Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) has approved an expanded funding envelope to complete phase 2 of the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park; WHEREAS TWRC has advised that they wish to enter into appropriate agreements with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to implement phase 2 of the project; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT authorized TRCA officials are directed to enter into any necessary agreements with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation and its funding partners to implement Phase 2 of Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project, and to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreements including the execution and signing of documents. CARRIED • BACKGROUND In 2003, TRCA entered into a Delivery Agreement with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to undertake the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project for an estimated cost of $6.5 million. TRCA is responsible for all aspects of project planning and implementation. In April 2004, TRCA undertook property appraisals of all necessary private lands required to implement the project. Based on completed appraisals, TRCA and TWRC agreed to pursue the purchase of all available properties. TRCA was successful in acquiring all but four properties from three owners; TWRC directed TRCA to implement a stand -alone Phase 1 (central and west sectors) project. Late in 2005 and early 2006, TRCA met with TWRC a number of times regarding the budget shortfall identified following the acquisition of the private properties. Based on these discussions, a consensus was reached among senior management at both TRCA and TWRC to pursue a revised project budget of $10.6 million to implement Phase 1. At the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Board of Director's meeting held on January 12, 2006, a revised project budget of $10.6 million for Phase 1 was accepted and TWRC staff was directed to provide this funding through the new 10 year business plan. A revised Delivery Agreement was drafted to reflect the scope and budget changes. This Delivery Agreement was executed on August 9, 2007. Implementation of Phase 1 began in July 2006 and was opened to the public on July 28, 2008. 540 On September 3, 2008, TWRC approved an expanded funding envelope for the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project to facilitate the acquisition of all remaining properties required for Phase 2 and its implementation. The next step is to have the Amended Contribution Agreement executed and a subsequent change made to the Delivery Agreement. Once these agreements have been executed, TRCA Will initiate negotiations with the remaining property owners. Based on approvals for the first phase of the project which was successfully implemented, staff anticipate that the form and wording of necessary agreements will be substantially the same. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE For this process, timing is "critical.- Staff will continue to work with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to provide any necessary information to facilitate the execution of the Contribution Agreement;and Delivery Agreement amendments. Staff is seeking direction from the Authority, to enter into the Delivery Agreement as soon as TWRC is in a position to fund the acquisition program. Property acquisition under this process will proceed in accordance With TRCA policies and procedures. Each "acquisition will require specific Authority approval and appropriate communications and recommendations will be made to the Executive Committee and the Authority. Report prepared by: "Nancy Gaffney, extension 5313 Email: ngaffney @trca.on.ca For Information Contact: Nancy Gaffney, extension 5313 Email: ngaffney @trca.on.ca Date: September16, 2008 SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A207 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Colleen Jordan THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 Items 9.1.1 - 9.1.86, Inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #6/08, held on August,8, 2008, be received. RES. #A208 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Reenga Mathivanan 541 CARRIED THAT Section II item 9.2 - Invar (Freshway) Limited, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #6/08, held on August 8, 2008, be received; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back with a detailed history of the site. RES. #A209 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Colleen Jordan CARRIED THAT Section I1 items 9.3 - 9.5, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #6/08, held on August 8, 2008, be received. CARRIED Section II Items 9.3 - 9.5, Inclusive COATSWORTH CUT DREDGING PROJECT Executive Res. #895/08 MIMICO WATERFRONT LINEAR PARK PROJECT Executive Res. #B96/08 OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL Executive Res. #B97/08 RES. #A210 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Carruthers Creek Watershed Lajiter Property, CFN 41232. Donation of a parcel of land located on the east side of Shoal Point Road, south of Bayly Street, Town of Ajax, Regional Municipality of Durham, under the " Greenlands Acquisition Project For 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Carruthers Creek watershed. Executive Res. #B 100/08 David Barrow • Laurie Bruce THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) accept the donation from Ann and Janine Lajiter of 15.40 hectares (38.06 acres), more or Tess, consisting of an irregular shaped parcel of vacant ecologically sensitive land, said land being Part of Lot 4, Range 3, Broken Front Concession, Town of Ajax, in the Regional Municipality of Durham, as shown on a Draft Plan of Subdivision prepared by J. D. Barnes Limited, Ontario Land Surveyors, under their Project No. TUN 623 -1, dated July 2008, situated on the east side of Shoal Point Road, south of Bayly Street; THAT the acquisition of the donation is to be on the following basis: 542 (a) the purchase price is to be $2.00; (b) an income tax receipt is to be made available to Ann and Janine Lajiter for the appraised value of the ecologically sensitive land, in accordance with the guidelines set out by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency; (c) Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is responsible for appraisal, environmental and reasonable legal fees; THAT TRCA extend their appreciation and thanks to Ann and Janine Lajiter for their generous donation; THAT.TRCA receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A211/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED REFORESTATION SEEDLING PROCUREMENT 2009 - 2011. To authorize staff to negotiate with Somerville Nurseries Inc. for the supply of reforestation seedlings to supply anticipated Toronto and Region Conservation Authority program and project demand for the three year period to ensure an uninterrupted supply of stock through 2011. Executive Res. #8101 /08 David Barrow Laurie Bruce THAT staff be authorized to negotiate terms satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff with Somerville Nurseries Inc. to ensure an uninterrupted supply of reforestation seedlings based on TRCA seedling demand forecasts to provide for program and project needs to December 31, 2009; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to implement the seedling procurement including signing of documents. CARRIED 543 RES. #A212 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: RYERSON UNIVERSITY Memorandum of Agreement. Approval to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Ryerson University for a strategic partnership on research and development in sustainable technologies and sustainable community development. Executive Res. #B 102/08 David Barrow Laurie Bruce WHEREAS the vision for The Living City Campus at Kortright includes the development of a post- secondary sustainable technologies education and research centre; WHEREAS Ryerson University's Strategic Research Areas on Energy and Environment and Technology Innovation are complementary to the vision for The Living City Campus at Kortright; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ryerson University in a collaborative strategic partnership on research and development in sustainable technologies and sustainable development, for a period of two years effective the date of signing; AND FURTHER THAT TRCA designated signing officers be authorized and directed to take such action as is necessary to execute the MOA including obtaining all necessary approvals and signing of documents. CARRIED RES. #A213 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Relationship with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Annual update on the World Green Building Council relationship with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority through the World Green Building Council Secretariat. Executive Res. #B 103/08 David Barrow Laurie Bruce THAT the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) continue to receive support and assistance from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff and associates where required. CARRIED 544 RES. #A214 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Bill Fisch THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 10.5.1 - 10.5.90, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #7/08, held on September 5, 2008, be received. CARRIED RES. #A215 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Bill Fisch THAT Section II item 10.6 - Claireville Conservation Area, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #7/08, held on September 5, 2008, be received. SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A216 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED _TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSET ACCOUNTING Status Report. Provides an update on work to date on the tangible capital asset accounting changes required by Public Sector Accounting Board Section PS3150. Ron Moeser Bryan Bertie IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on Tangible Capital Asset Accounting dated August 29, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, along with Canadian municipalities, must commence reporting tangible capital assets on the financial statements for fiscal years that begin after January 1, 2009. Tangible Capital Assets are assets that have a physical substance, are used continuously, last over one year and have an economic value. Prior to the new requirements, costs related to tangible capital assets were recorded on a cash basis and fully expensed in the fiscal year incurred. Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) Section PS3150 requires the assets to be recognized on the 2009 financial statements on an accrual basis requiring the assets costs to be amortized across the assets' useful lives. Failure to meet the requirements in 2009 will result in a qualified audit opinion on the financial statements. 545 Staff was requested to keep Authority members advised of progress with respect to this project. RATIONALE In preparation for the change in reporting, staff has been retained to oversee the process. There are two distinct phases to the implementation: First Phase: Determine the Opening Balance As financial statements include the prior year comparative, the December 31, 2008 tangible capital asset balance must be disclosed. This figure will become the 2009 opening balance of the asset account. Calculating the opening balance initially requires the collection of existing asset inventory information. The information requirements are utilized in determining the classification, valuation, amortization and useful life of the assets. Staff has begun meeting with TRCA divisional staff, municipalities, neighbouring conservation authorities and the external auditor to discuss policy requirements and management agreements. Following successful testing, the required policies will be brought to the Authority for approval. Second Phase: Ongoing Recording of Asset Changes and Reporting Commencing January 1, 2009, transactions that significantly impact assets will be tracked for compilation of the December 31, 2009 figures. These transactions would include, but are not limited to, disposals, major repairs, write - downs, purchases, construction and contribution. Appropriate policies and procedures will be in place to manage these assets for Tangible Capital Asset Accounting requirements in a consistent manner. Reporting changes due to PS3150 require the implementation of a new structure for the 2009 Financial Statements. These statements will include new accounts such as Tangible Capital Assets, Accumulated Amortization, Gains on Disposal of Assets and other accounts not previously on TRCA's financial reports. The changes will impact future budget cycles and financial reports. These changes will be reviewed during 2009. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will report to the Authority in January 2009 with a further update. Report prepared by: Janice Darnley, extension 5768 Emails: jdarnley @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Janice Darnley, extension 5768 Emails: jdarnley @trca.on.ca Date: August 29, 2008 RES. #A217/08 - SUSTAINABILITY REPORT, 2007 Summary of Sustainable Management System activities in 2007 by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 546 Moved by: Seconded by: Laurie Bruce Grant Gibson THAT the Sustainability Report, 2007 for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 1999, the Authority approved a corporate Environmental Policy statement and a framework to implement an environmental management system. Since that time, staff has done research and engaged in extensive consultations both internally and with various outside institutions to determine and test environmental management targets, objectives and tools. The program was expanded in 2004 to allow for inclusion of social and economic targets and renamed Sustainability Management System in order to better manage TRCA's organizational commitment to sustainability. The Sustainability Management System (SMS) enables TRCA managers to continually review, consult, monitor, report, revise and improve TRCA's environmental performance in selected areas where internal operations have significant impact on the environment. These areas are called 'significant aspects' under ISO 14000 terminology, one global standard for environmental management systems. The primary vehicle for communicating TRCA's sustainability performance to stakeholders is the Annual Sustainability Report. Staff made significant changes to enhance the reporting structure and this has delayed the presentation of this report. In 2009, staff expect that the 2008 report will be presented to the Authority in the spring. 2007 Sustainability Highlights Energy TRCA's energy use continues to increase because of increases in the number of projects and programs. For example, Peel Region climate change initiatives, capital projects for the City of Toronto and Toronto Waterfront Revitalization (TWRC), Restoration Services Centre and additional planning and development staff have all contributed to growth in the work of TRCA. Since 2003, TRCA has added 3 major buildings and 25% growth in full time equivalents (FTE's). The numerous energy retrofits and energy management initiatives have all contributed to the mitigation of the potential energy use which would otherwise have occurred. The greatest increase in total gigajoules (GJ's) of energy used occurred at Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV), where the total energy has increased approximately 25% since 2003. The 2,500 GJ increase represents about half of the total TRCA energy increase. BCPV is taking steps to mitigate this with a new roof at the Visitors Centre and systematic replacement of aging heat pumps and other equipment. Also, BCPV has a long term program to replace expensive electric heat in the heritage buildings with gas heating. Also, TRCA has launched its "green weddings" initiative at BCPV and Kortright. Since the beginning of 2006, TRCA has purchased a percentage of its electricity from Bullfrog Power. In 2007, green electricity was about 17% of total electricity purchased. Kortright Centre, Restoration Services Centre and Head Office are entirely powered by green electricity. The purchase of "green energy" helps to offset energy increases. 547 Waste TRCA's large number of facilities dispersed geographically among many municipal jurisdictions has led to a largely decentralized approach to waste management, which has, in turn, led to great difficulty in obtaining reliable and comparable waste diversion data. TRCA's move to Turtle Island Recycling for much of its waste and recyclables in 2007 represented a major step forward in this regard. A condition of the tender process requires that Turtle Island provide reports on diversion rates from various facilities. According to numbers provided by Turtle Island, TRCA achieves 40% diversion from landfill. This number is lower than actual diversion rates because some activity is not captured such as recyclables going out by haulers other than Turtle Island and materials composted at our facilities which are not included in the numbers. Staff acknowledge the need to better document the performance of TRCA facilities taking into account the complex and decentralized nature of our operations. In 2008, TRCA is preparing a waste management plan with operational waste objectives and principles. Additional data from facilities that look after their own composting and recycling will be collected so that accurate diversion rates from all facilities can be calculated and presented. Knowing waste volumes for an entire calendar year will facilitate development of TRCA waste baseline data. Vehicles and Travel TRCA's fuel consumption and total kilometres driven continue to increase with organizational growth. Fuel consumption is up 44% since 2003. In 2007, TRCA's owned fleet consisted of 55 vehicles: 45 trucks (pickups, vans, other), 6 cars (3 hybrids), 4 passenger vans (mini and other). Fleet fuel efficiency has remained relatively constant since 2003 as volume of kilometres travelled increased significantly and the size of the fleet has grown. The process begun in 2004 to reduce the size of vehicles (i.e. moving to smaller vehicles and smaller engines) and the commitment to purchase additional hybrid vehicles has produced additional fuel efficiency. This has been more that off set by the need to acquire additional heavy duty trucks to handle expanded capital projects and other work. These changes explain the plateau in fuel efficiency. TRCA has introduced a program to encourage staff to avoid travel to meetings by use of teleconferences. As well, staff who do travel are carpooling using fleet vehicles. Procurement Since 2003, TRCA has adhered to unique and innovative green procurement through its Mandatory Green Procurement List. The green option is the only option for the products and services in the various categories on the list. To our knowledge, few government agencies have such a comprehensive mandatory direction for the procurement of green products and services. In 2007, TRCA added 100% post consumer FSC paper to this list, which also includes requirements for Energy Star appliances, use of green hotels on travel, the green fleet vehicle procurement policy, among others. Land Management Since 2002, TRCA has increased its efforts to manage,its lands in a sustainable manner. Among our accomplishments: • over 150,000 square metres of conservation lands renaturalized; • establishment of formal conservation land planning process; 548 • ongoing development of master plans for conservation areas (CA's); • Bathurst Glen Golf Course and several parks are working on Audubon certification; • naturalization of(Head Office grounds; • ban on using non - native plants for aesthetic plantings; • parking lot stormwater runoff treatment at Head Office; • revised TRCA Pesticide Policy, enforcing near -ban on pesticide use on TRCA lands except in special circumstances; • removed or replaced all TRCA underground fuel storage tanks (28) - five year project completed in 2006; • ongoing effort to meet Ont. Reg. 903 requirements for abandoned wells on TRCA lands; • completed removal of pit toilets at CA's; • four new seasonal wetlands have been created at Kortright; • converted pool at Indian Line Campground to salt water system reducing chlorine usage. In 2008, TRCA will continue to pursue Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification for CA's and Bathurst Glen Golf Course. Social Sustainability In 2007, TRCA introduced its Employee Assistance program. This program, provided by Shepell FGI, is a confidential service to assist employees in managing crises, developing • personal_ strategies and overall improving there quality of working and personal life. Approximately 12 to 14% of our full time employees have used this service and the anecdotal information is very positive from both managers and employees. TRCA won the Immigration Success Award from TRIEC for providing immigrants employment services to internationally - trained professionals. This was an endorsement that we are contributing to the overall sustainability of the community and will be a spring board for further actions. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE 1. TRCA's primary goal is to reduce energy consumption even with organizational growth. To help achieve this, TRCA will initiate an Energy Management Plan in 2008 that will: • , set direction for the future. use of facilities at TRCA (office consolidation, what will happen to older facilities); • track the ongoing progress and performance of buildings and facilities; • track building components, retrofits, actions and analyze effect of these on performance; • set targets for energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions (per building /facility) and organizationally; • set green energy procurement targets at all facilities; • set a schedule of audits and or capital enhancements to reduce energy and water use (or provide basis for site specific scheduling); • enact a "quick start" exit lighting retrofit project; • set out a priority list of renewable energy projects to be taken at various facilities; • present a plan for financing all of the above; • present a plan for communicating with stakeholders; • contribute to TRCA's efforts to calculate its carbon footprint. 2. Complete a TRCA -wide Waste Management Strategy. 549 3. Continue EcoSchools and EcoOffices. 4. Review and improve Greenfleet performance. Copies of the Sustainability Report, 2007 are available upon request. Report prepared by: Brian Dundas, extension 5262 Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brian Dundas, extension 5262 Email: bdundas @trca.on.ca Date: August 26, 2008 RES. #A218/08 - ENERLIFE CONSULTING INC. Status of the business relationship. Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Ron Moeser IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the staff report on the status of the business relationship with Enerlife Consulting Inc. be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/07, held on June 22, 2007, Resolution #A145/07 was approved, in part, as follows: AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report back to the Authority on an annual basis, with an update on the status of the business relationship. Over the course of 2007 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff worked closely with Enerlife Consulting on three key programs: Mayors' Megawatt Challenge; Greening Health Care; and Sustainable Schools. • Program Status Mayors' Megawatt Challenge The Mayors' Megawatt Challenge membership remained stable over the course of the year with 13 municipalities participating, including Ajax, Barrie, Burlington, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Mississauga, Oshawa, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Toronto, Uxbridge and Waterloo. Natural Resources Canada declined further sponsorship of the program due to changes in program priorities and funding and as such, staff is approaching electrical gas utilities for sponsorship to assist in keeping membership fees low. In 2007 the municipalities in the Mayors' Megawatt Challenge were able to save 2.5% on their electricity, 4.2% on their gas, 12.6% on water use for a total cost savings of $1,111,288 and the elimination of 2,746 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. • 550 In 2006 and 2007, ten Ontario municipalities enrolled 27 separate arenas in our collaborative project to develop and achieve large -scale energy and water use savings in arena facilities, through identification and implementation of comprehensive energy retrofit projects and operational best practices. The results of the study show a variance of up to 6:1 between the lowest and highest energy users. The study showed that there are large differences in energy use between facilities and thus opportunities for significant energy savings in the following categories: Metric Variance Ice,Maintenance (kWh /week /sq. ft. ice) . • 4:1 Ice Plant Peak Demand (kW /sq. ft. ice) 4:1 Ice Plant Duty Cycle (% runtime) 3:1 Rink Lighting (W /sq. ft. ice) 6:1 Total Facility Gas,Usage (m3 /sqft/ #mths ice in) 4:1 Total Facility Energy Usage (ekWh /sq. ft. / #mths ice in) 3:1 Greening Health Care The membership in Greening Health Care grew substantially in 2007 to 28 hospital corporations representing 44 hospital sites. Hydro One Networks was a significant sponsor of the program in 2007 by providing membership fee subsidies for hospitals in their jurisdiction. .Enbridge also became a sponsor of the program providing both incentive payments to hospitals and funding to the Greening Health Care program based on gas savings achieved by the hospitals. In 2007 the hospitals in Greening Health Care saved 1.5% on their electricity, 4.8% on natural gas, 3.4% on water for a total of $2,442,682 in cost savings and the elimination of 9,600 tonnes of GHG emissions. Sustainable Schools The Sustainable Schools project was completed in 2007 with phenomenal success. The Sustainable Schools project included only new schools (built since 2000). The savings results in the table below are due solely to operational improvements to new systems with minimal or no capital expenditure. The boards took action based upon their benchmarked performance, and on 1 -2 workshops with their Operations and Maintenance staff, caretakers and school principals. Charettes were also conducted with design teams of 3 of the boards, using the benchmarking results, and leading to a range of improvements to new school designs. The 51 schools involved represent about 1% of all Ontario's schools and 10% of Ontario's school boards. 551 Sustainable Schools program, 2007 vs 2006 . TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL EXPENDITURE Greening Health Care GHG reduction, _ tonnes Gas use reduction, m3 Electricity use reduction, kWh Water use reduction, m3 Cost savings $ Total 1,433 476,245 1,775,504 10,506 $ 367,244 Average per school 28 _ 11,932 66,015 498 $ 11,686 Average % per school 12 8% 6.7 /0 11.7 /o , - * Based on 51 schools (across 8 Ontario boards). Not all schools made reductions in all categories. * Source: Sustainable Schools program and Enerlife utilities management system I The Sustainable Schools project results were instrumental in the Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC) decision to adapt LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to include measurement of actual performance and initiation of the LEED Canada pilot for school boards. Adaptation of Sustainable Schools to create an ongoing program is on hold pending completion of the CaGBC pilot with school boards from across Canada. Additional Programs Other programs identified in the agreement with Enerlife Consulting include the Home Energy Clinic and the Community Scorecard. Activities associated with these projects were suspended in 2007 to allow staff to focus on the three core programs of Mayors' Megawatt Challenge, Greening Health Care and Sustainable Schools. FINANCIAL DETAILS The business partnership with Enerlife Consulting generated total revenues of just under $1 million and total expenditures of slightly more than $1 million (Table 1). In 2007 the programs had a deficit of $30,715. All of the deficit was associated with the Mayors' Megawatt Challlenge and resulted from the loss of Natural Resources Canada as a program sponsor. TABLE 1: Financial Overview of Business Partnership with Enerlife Consulting in 2007 PROGRAM TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL EXPENDITURE Greening Health Care $269,702 $268,962 Mayors' Megawatt Challenge . $407,053 $444,252 Sustainable Schools $320,977 $315,234 TOTAL $997,733 $1,028,448 552 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The current agreement expires in 2010. Staff will continue to work closely with Enerlife Consulting to increase program membership and sponsorship for the Mayors' Megawatt Challenge, and Greening Health Care. The two organizations will also work closely to develop the next iteration of Sustainable Schools. Report prepared by: Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Emails: bmcintyre @trca:on.ca For Information contact: 'Bernie McIntyre, extension 5326 Emails: bmcintyre @trca.on.ca Date: September 8, 2008 • RES. #A219/08 - GOOD NEWS STORIES Highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Work. Receipt of Good News Stories for June, July and August, 2008, from all sections of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan David Barrow IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for June, July and August, 2008, as amended, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Team, a committee made up of senior staff at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meets monthly to discuss, strategic initiatives and organizational development. RATIONALE Key accomplishments of each TRCA section are highlighted at each Management Team meeting. In keeping with TRCA's objective of Business Excellence, these accomplishments will be brought to the Authority for the information of the members. The following are the accomplishments cited from June, July and August, 2008, and a brief description of each. • Green Building A dvocate Award - TRCA received the from Canada Green Building Council, one of 5 awards given nationally. • Archaeological Field School - Bookings pouring in due to significant exposure with two television appearances, interviews with several major daily's and 9,100 hits on a social ad on Facebook'by the end of the.first day. • Humber Watershed Report-Card - Approved by the Authority in June. Received the Canadian Institute of Planners Award for Planning` Excellence in July. • Wet Weather Flow - TRCA awarded contract to design and maintain 14 new Wet Weather Flow monitoring stations in the City of Toronto to assess water quality of watercourses prior to and following implementation of innovative wet weather flow strategies. 553 • Land Acquisition - 80 acres transferred in June from the Province of Ontario to TRCA in the headwaters of Petticoat Creek. • At the end of July we completed the acquisition of the 50 acre Swan Lake property located in the Town of Richmond Hill south of Lake St. George. The property is on the Oak Ridges Moraine and is an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) and is a Provincially Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and wetland. The property also contains a small kettle lake. This purchase was funded by the Region of York, City of Toronto, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Town of Richmond Hill and Ducks Unlimited Canada. • Greening Greater Toronto - Toronto City Summit Alliance released its report entitled 'Greening Greater Toronto', which outlines a vision - to make the Greater Toronto Area the Greenest City Region in North America. TRCA staff participated on several working groups. • Conservation Foundation - The John and Pat McCutcheon Foundation continues to support pioneering work to restore the Timber Brothers gravel pit in Uxbridge. The work is intended to show how gravel pits on the Oak Ridges Moraine can be creatively rehabilitated. • Almost $1.2 million received from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation to purchase two spectacular properties on the Oak Ridges Moraine. • Mimico Waterfront Park - Phase 1 of Toronto's newest waterfront park officially opened following a Community Celebration on July 28th. The celebration included official opening ceremonies, a fish check -up and community BBC). • • Canada Day Celebrations - Albion Hills annual event enjoyed record breaking attendance - over 10,000 people. • River Conditions - Since the extremely 'dry summer of 2007, baseflows are up 30% - 50% in most of the TRCA watersheds thanks to the record breaking precipitation of 2008. • American Fisheries Society 2008 Annual Meeting - TRCA staff was part of the organizing committee for the conference held in Ottawa in August. The meeting attracted 1,800 delegates from the United States, Canada and several other countries. TRCA staff presented and moderated sessions as well as manning the Conservation Ontario display. • At the request of its Executive Committee, Aquatic Habitat Toronto hosted a symposium on Urban Aquatic Habitat at the conference. There were 11 presentations from agencies including TRCA, Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Botanical Gardens, Remedial Action Plan, Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and City of Toronto, to name a few. Ed DeBruyn, Area Director, Ontario -Great Lakes Area, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central and Arctic Region moderated the session. Subsequently Aquatic Habitat Toronto has been asked to pursue other opportunities including the North American Lake Management Society conference in Lake Louise and the American Fisheries Society Urban Aquatic Habitat symposium in Chicago. Aquatic Habitat Toronto also launched its new website this month - www.aquatichabitat.ca. • 2008 Summer Olympics - Jason Burnett, son of TRCA's Manager, Provincial and Regional Policy, David Burnett, wins Silver Medal in Trampoline at Summer Olympics. • Town of Alax - TRCA staff, particularly Gary Bowen, provided support and partnership to the Town of Ajax on water quality issues such as the training of the Town's staff in water sampling, TRCA sampling and studies, as well as encouraged the focus of an International Study to include our waters off our shores. 554 • The Town received an Association of Ontario Municipalities (AMO) Federal Gas Tax Project Award for its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters. TRCA planted the "seed of LEED" by presentating the LEED concept to the Town's Environmental Advisory Committee and subsequently providing information and contacts as staff researched the possibility of developing a LEED certified firehall. • The Town was awarded the Wege Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices Award and $5,000 for its ongoing efforts to improve water quality along the shores of Lake Ontario. The award was presented at the 2008 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) Annual Member Meeting and Conference on July 18 in Toronto. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information'contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: September 03, 2008 RES. #A220 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Ron Moeser THAT Section IV item 8.5.1, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. SEction IV Item 8.5.1 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #2/08, held on April 15, 2008 RES. #A221 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Colleen Jordan THAT Section IV item 9.6 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, contained in Executive Minutes #6/08, held on August 8, 2008, be received. CARRIED 555 NEW BUSINESS RES. #A222/08 Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Ron Moeser THAT staff be directed to send a note of condolence and sympathy to the family of Mr. William Dempsey for the passing of Mr. Dempsey. CARRIED TERMINATION • ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:17 a.m., on Friday, September 19, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks • 556 THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #8/08 October 24, 2008 The Authority Meeting #8/08, was held In the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, October 24, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:37 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair David Barrow Member Bryan Bertie Member Laurie Bruce Member Rob Ford - . Member Lois Griffin Member ,Suzan Hall Jack Heath Member Bonnie Littley Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Ron Moeser • Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch Member Grant Gibson Member Colleen Jordan Member Glenn Mason Member Peter Milczyn Member 557 RES. #A223 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Linda Pabst THAT the Minutes of Meeting #7/08, held on September 19, 2008, be approved. CARRIED DELEGATIONS (a) A delegation from Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, in regard to Correspondence 6.1 - Restoration Methodology Concerns and Recommendations. RES. #A224 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Richard Whitehead THAT above -noted delegation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Jason Burnett, Silver Olympic Medalist, in regard to the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. .(b) A short video presentation on the Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone project. (c) A presentation by Jane Holmes, Vice - President, Corporate Affairs, Woodbine Entertainment Group, in regard to item 7.12 - Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone project. (d) A presentation by Gord MacPherson, Manager, Restoration and Environmental Monitoring Projects, TRCA, in regard to item 7.1 - Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan. (e) A presentation by Jim Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Development, TRCA, in regard to item 10.1 - 2009 Preliminary Estimates, Operating and Capital. RES. #A225 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Suzan Hall Seconded by: Maja Prentice 558 THAT above -noted RES. #A226 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted RES. #A227 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted presentations (a) - (c) be heard and received. PRESENTATIONS Lois Griffin Richard Whitehead presentation (d) be heard and received. PRESENTATIONS David Barrow Reenga Mathivanan presentation (e) be heard and received. CORRESPONDENCE (a) CARRIED CARRIED CARRIED An email dated September 20, 2008 from Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, in regard to Restoration Methodology Concerns and Recommendations. . (b) A letter dated October 15, 2008 from David Edwards, resident, Town of Caledon, in regard to Arlington Homes, Rolling Meadow Drive, Caledon. (c) A memo dated October 21, 2008 from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, Toronto and Region Source Protection Authority, in regard to Receipt and Next Steps for Proposed Terms of Reference for Source Water Protection Work in Toronto and Region Source Protection Area as required under the Clean Water Act, 2006. (d) A letter dated October 21, 2008 from Mr. David Edwards, Resident, Town of Caledon, in regard to Arlington Homes, Rolling Meadow Drive, Caledon. RES. #A228 08- CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted RES. #A229 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: THAT above -noted Lois Griffin Richard Whitehead correspondence (a) be received. CORRESPONDENCE Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst correspondence (b) and (d) be received. 559 CARRIED CARRIED RES. #A230/08 - CORRESPONDENCE Moved by: David Barrow Seconded by: Maja Prentice • THAT above -noted correspondence (c). be received. ti 560 J.. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE 6.1 jimrobb < jimrobb @frw.ca> To goconnor @trca.ca, Kathy Stranks <KStranks @trca.on.ca >, Brian Denney <bdenney @trca.on.ca> 09/20/2008 02:43 PM cc Adele Freeman <afreeman @trca.on.ca >, Beth Williston <BWilliston @trca.on.ca >, Carolyn Woodland <CWoodland @trca.on.ca >, Gord MacPherson <GMacPherson @trca.on.ca >, Sonya Meek <SMeek @trca.on.ca> Please respond to jimrobb @frw.ca Subject Restoration Methodology Concerns and Recommendations Dear TRCA Chairperson, Board of Directors and Staff: Attached please find a letter and appendices providing concerns and recommendations regarding the 50 Million Trees program and associated restoration projects. These concerns and recommendations are forwarded to you by: Caroline Schultz, Executive Director, Ontario Nature, M.Sc. — Plant Ecologist John Riley, Chief Science Officer and National Director, Conservation Strategies, Nature Conservancy of Canada Marshall Buchanan, B.Sc. & M. Sc. Forestry, R.P.F. & Restoration Consultant Mary Gartshore, Restoration Ecologist and Native Plant Grower Paul Heydon, Species at Risk Ecologist and Native Plant Grower Jim Robb, Hon. B. Sc. Forestry, Restoration Ecologist, Friends of the Rouge Watershed These concerns and recommendations encourage biodiverse manual restoration methods rather than mechanized conifer plantation restoration methods. These concerns and recommendations are triggered by Spring 2008 mechanized creation of conifer plantations in Rouge Park and other locations in southern Ontario through the 50 Million Trees Program and Trees Ontario. A hard copy of this letter and appendices will be forwarded by mail. We look forward to working with MNR, TRCA, Trees Ontario and Rouge Park staff to refine and implement these recommendations. Sincerely, Jim Robb for Friends of the Rouge Watershed 647 -891 -9550 561 September 20, 2008 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario, M3N 1 S4 E -mail: info @trca.on.ca Re: 50 Million Trees Program - Ecological & Biodiversity Concerns & Recommendations Dear Chairperson O'Connor, TRCA Board Members and Staff: We are writing to express concern about the way the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' 50 Million Trees program is being implemented and to provide several recommendations which address Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy and modern ecological restoration science and practice. On May 21, 2008, a 50 Million Trees event took place in Markham (9th Line & Steeles Avenue) in Rouge Park with the participation of the Ontario Government, Trees Ontario, TRCA and York Region. Straight rows of white pine, white spruce and white cedar seedlings were mechanically planted at approximately two metre spacing in a risky late spring planting: In early September 2008, mowing occurred between the seedling rows, adding to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, trampling and cutting planted trees, and stimulating increased grass competition. Within the Great Lakes —St. Lawrence and Carolinian forest zones of southern Ontario, this type of planting is out -dated and inconsistent with the objectives of the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy and regional initiatives such as the Rouge Park Management Plan . Modern ecological restoration science.and practice does not support dense conifer row plantings because: They create unnaturally linear and low diversity tree plantations with a sterile ground cover of acid needle duff, limiting benefits for people, wildlife, recreation and tourism; They are vulnerable to insect, disease and fire outbreaks due to over - crowding, low diversity and stress from strong inter - species competition; They slow the natural regeneration of native hardwoods, shrubs and wildflowers; They require costly and polluting maintenance and thinning to remove crowded and diseased trees and prevent growth stagnation; and They often involve mechanical plantings which do not engender youth and community involvement in, and support for, forest and ecological restoration. As registered professional forester (RPF) Marshall Buchanan notes: "Rushing ahead to plant conifers at high densities is not going to conserve biodiversity or rare and threatened species ". 562 Modern ecological restoration projects have proven that forest restoration can be accomplished without reliance on dense row plantings of a few conifer tree species. Organizations such as Pterophylla, Friends of the Rouge Watershed and 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley, have tested and refined methods to restore a diverse mix of native conifer, hardwood, shrub, wildflower and grass species and a rich variety of forest, wetland and meadow habitats. Appendices A -1, A -2 and A -3 contain a few photographs of diverse ecological restoration sites compared with traditional conifer plantations. Recommendations: The following recommendations (principles) should be incorporated within MNR programs and guidelines for publicly funded reforestation projects in southern Ontario. A brief rationale for each recommendation is attached in Appendix B. These recommendations are adaptable to the special constraints and opportunities of individual site conditions. 1) Prepare Sites to Address Hydrological Restoration and Support HabitatDiversity On most sites with imperfect drainage, catchments or tile drains, site preparation should involve the interception of tile and ditch drainage and the re- creation of pond, wetland and meadow habitats to improve water quality, reduce runoff and flooding, and support biodiversity. The restoration of pond, wetland and meadow areas will contribute to better water retention; buffering of drought, flooding and climate change stresses; amphibian breeding; and improved groundwater recharge, stream base flows and fish habitat. A significant proportion (10% to 20 %) of restoration funding should be dedicated to good site preparation. Good site preparation is critical to plant survival and growth and biodiversity. Where nearby native seed sources exist, good site preparation and timing supports native tree and shrub seed germination and growth to enhance biodiversity. Pit and mound'site preparation increases natural seeding by providing a variety of moisture, sunlight and soil exposures for germination of seeds falling from nearby native species. Good site preparation often requires up -front suppression of non - native grasses and weeds and working of the soil (e.g., pit- and -mound creation, ploughing, disking, etc.) to improve the soil's water and air infiltration capacity and fertility. On retiring farm fields, it is helpful" to grow soya beans the year before restoration to reduce grass and weed competition and restore soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. 563 2) Plant a Greater Diversity of Species to Fulfil the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy A) On most sites, restoration /reforestation should involve a clumped mixture of at least 10 native species of early- to mid - successional conifer, hardwood and shrub species. Trees and shrubs such as aspen, cottonwood, sycamore, birch, ash, oak, hickory, maple, elm, serviceberry, hawthorn, cherry, dogwood, alder and willow, should be planted and /or inter- seeded in planned openings between clumps of pine, cedar and spruce to increase biodiversity and beauty. B) Native deciduous trees and flowering shrubs should generally comprise 25% or more of the planting numbers and costs on most sites. On some sites, such as heavy soils within the Carolinian Zone, seasonally flooded areas and riparian areas, up to 100% native lowland deciduous trees and shrubs should be planted or seeded. 3) Avoid Over - Crowding to Reduce Thinning Costs, Mortality, Disease, Pests and Fire A) Average minimum tree planting spacing should be increased to more than 2.5 X 2.5 metres (less than 1600 trees/hectare) and trees should be planted in clumps at variable spacing, not uniform rows like a tree plantation. By planting in reduced densities, the natural in- seeding of high -value local tree, shrub and wildflower species can occur. B) To surpass the 50- million tree target without crowding trees onto currently available sites and to avoid the displacement of important meadows and open wetland habitats, public agencies should help their planting partners to access additional public and private restoration lands. 4) Collect and Sow Native Seeds to Conserve Local Genetic and Biological Diversity A) Seeding of site - appropriate native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, should generally involve more than 10% of the overall planting area and cost. Seeding should occur in well - prepared openings with suitable soil and moisture conditions for the relevant seeds. In the early stages of forest restoration, native grasses and wildflowers enhance biodiversity, inhibit or limit weeds, improve tree health and build ecosystem function and integrity from the first year of planting. Many native grasses and flowers are now rare in settled landscapes. Native flowers and grasses and their pollinators and predators need such habitat restoration. B) Plant materials should come from local or regional sources. Government, non - government and private- sector programs should encourage and fund efforts to collect, clean, store and stratify sufficient native tree, shrub and wildflower seed from appropriate local seed sources, for local and regional planting needs. 564 5) Support Community Based Ecological Restoration Work In areas with qualified and experienced NGOs and restoration companies, the capacity of these organizations should be harnessed and increased through: A) multi -year funding for seed collection, site preparation & ecological restoration work; B) multi -year access to a sufficient supply of approved and prepared restoration sites; C) on -going access to appropriate resources, permits, training and agency support. Good NGOs and restoration companies provide meaningful employment, training and research opportunities for students studying natural sciences. By training volunteers and hiring local youth for restoration projects, NGOs and restoration companies increase community awareness and taxpayer support for restoration / reforestation programs. 6) Control Persistent Invasive Species versus Temporary Weed Control Additional funding and resources should be allocated to research and control invasive species such as exotic grasses, dog strangling vine, garlic mustard, Eurasian "wildlife" shrubs, phragmites and other invasive species. Invasive species are a serious and growing threat to biodiversity, forestry and farming. 7) Favour Hand Planting and Selectively Use Innovative Mechanical Seeding In most situations, native trees, shrubs and wildflowers can be hand - planted in a cost effective and efficient manner with trained volunteers and professional planting teams. Hand plantings avoid the un- natural linearity, regularity and pollution of mechanical plantings. Hand plantings involve young people from the local community and this translates into better community, support and public relations. Innovative mechanical planting can be useful for seeding trees, wildflowers and grasses and planting plugs over large areas, if proper site preparation is employed and linearity and uniformity are avoided. On large restoration sites, costs may be reduced, if mechanical planting of seeds and /or plugs is creatively combined with manual plantings of tree and shrub seedlings in non linear clumps of diverse species. Conclusions: To support diverse habitat and forest restoration projects which address Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy and to avoid the proliferation of sterile tree plantations, restoration / reforestation funding should be increased to an average of $5,000 to $10,000 per hectare on public lands in southern Ontario: This improved funding level should support: 1) — Better site preparation, including hydrological site restoration, to restore wetland habitat, conserve water and improve source water protection, steam base flow and fish habitat; 565 2) — The planting / regeneration of more than 400 hardy native hardwood trees and shrubs per hectare of several suitable species to increase landscape beauty, health and biodiversity; 3) — The planting of less than 1200 native conifers per hectare in non - linear clumps to avoid over - crowding and costly thinning, disease, fire and pest problems; • 4) — The collection and planting of several kgs/ha of hardy native wildflower, grass, tree and shrub seeds to protect genetic diversity, suppress weeds and address biodiversity strategies; 5) — The facilitation of youth and community education, training and involvement in restoration work to increase community and taxpayer support for government programs; 6) The suppression of persistent invasive weeds to avoid loss of biodiversity; and 7) — The general utilization of hand planting and the selective use of innovative mechanical seeding to optimize community benefits and restoration beauty, diversity and productivity. In addition to the number of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers planted, the funding and evaluation criteria for the 50 Million Trees program and the Rouge Park Restoration Program should also address: a) the area (hectares) protected and restored to enlarge core habitat areas and restore ecological linkages; b) the area of hydrological improvement through site preparation which restores pond, wetland and meadow habitats; c) the area of successful seeding of native species and the amount and species of seeding (kilograms); d) the area of regeneration to mixed hardwoods, conifers and flowering shrubs; e) the area of successful invasive weed suppression; f) the area of free -to -grow biodiverse plantings; g) the number of volunteers educated, trained and involved; and h) the number of local people trained and employed. Southern Ontario's natural heritage must be both protected and enhanced through appropriate land -use planning and stewardship, watershed protection and natural heritage system restoration. Public expectations are growing with regard to the protection and restoration of ecosystem health, watershed health and biodiversity. To meet these expectations, we need to apply modern ecological science and restoration principles. Ontario government programs should support innovation, research, bio- monitoring and information- sharing to refine restoration methods. The adoption of the practical recommendations contained in this letter will help to restore the health, beauty, biodiversity and integrity of southern Ontario's natural environment. If the Ministry of Natural Resources implements these recommendations, we are confident that good work will be done by the 50 Million Trees program and other restoration programs. We look forward to a positive response to these recommendations from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Rouge Park, Conservation Authorities, York Region and Trees Ontario. Attached please find the signature page and Appendices A and B. 566 Signature Page .50 Million Trees, Ecological & Biodiversitv Concerns & Recommendations Sincerely, ----P , ( .11FolinC r 1)11L. Ailk21.11(.1C SL \VCSl., Suite 2.'11. I ok.!!ilo, ().\ \ I R9 },,nail: tt oittarionature :r .John Riley Plant Ixolt)L;ist lohn RiIev, titicer and \naII)Irector, Conservation Strategies Nature Conservancy of Wost. Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M4R, 1AI Erna& R \1 R P I Restoration Consultant Sk:tilt Rush I.1. 1>ouHsts, t 1-,IN I ‘,;() licrit.ip_clrees ,iiOn Loin Mary Iartshore, lestoratior 1 colo:!Thi ;ind Plait ti■ioNver I() Norfolk. County RLI (, I , )%, NON \tt IinaiI: gartcat,, cool Paul Ile\ don. Spcoes a I:IA, i»t ‘111,1 ■:aik cs Plant (irov.cr 47 1)w-ham:York 3i, (.-lareinoni . ont.trio palievdon(a hottiiii r). .I1111 Robb. I lom Se. Folestry. R,-,tui,ithw I I !i,:nds t. the Rouge Watershed ' N.lcadoN\ ale Road, ! R ' innrohlmr fr-N■ 567 Appendix 1.A. 45 yr old white pine plantation Rouge Park 7 yr old FRW biodiverse planting Beare Rd 25 yr old Pine pldntd n York Region 14 yr old FRW biodiverse planting Milne Park 568 Appendix 1.B. rr old white pine plan' 'ion Rouge Park yr old Pterophylla Black C k Amer. Hazel 2S yr o iin„,11 101n i A. n 12 yr Pterc 569 'ylla Black Oak Tulip -tree planting Appendix 1 ( rare flora around ponds 2yr old fRwpan hydrological restoration has huge biodiversity benefits 2 yr old Pterophylla 53 ha 90 spc; ies restoration 570 45 yr old ti I ii, pine plantation invaded by DSV Appendix B Additional Rationale for Restoration Recommendations Improve Site Preparation to Address Hydrological Restoration and BioDiversity On most sites with imperfect drainage, catchments or tile drains, site preparation should involve the interception of tile and ditch drainage and the re- creation of pond, wetland and meadow habitats to improve water quality, reduce runoff and flooding, and support biodiversity. The restoration of pond, wetland and meadow areas will contribute to better water retention; buffering of drought, flooding and climate change stresses; amphibian breeding; and improved groundwater recharge, stream base flows and fish habitat. Rationale: On many cultivated southern Ontario sites, intermittent (first order) streams have been put in pipes (tile drains) or ditches and more than 80% of wetlands, ponds and wet meadows have been lost. Before restoration begins, tile drain pipes should be located and disconnected and ponds, mounds, wetlands and meadows should be re- created to restore hydrological health, biodiversity, ecological health and productivity. Ponding areas and mini - wetlands provide ideal conditions for the capture, germination and rapid growth of seeds from nearby native plant communities. Pit and mound site preparation increases natural seeding by providing a variety of soil, moisture and sunlight conditions for successful germination of seeds falling from a variety of nearby native species. Ponds and mounds imitate the hummocks found in biodiverse old growth forests from the uprooting of old trees. With growing climatic extremes, restoring ponding areas, mounds and wetlands will be crucial to on -site water conservation, tree and plant growth, buffering of drought and flooding problems, amphibian survival, groundwater level stability, stream base flows and fish habitat. Good site preparation and non - native grass suppression are also critical to ecological restoration success. Where there are nearby native seed sources, good site preparation and timing helps local native seeds germinate andgrow before weeds and grasses can out - compete them for water, sunlight and growing space. The survival and growth of native species are dependent on good initial suppression of non - native grasses and weeds and good soil structure, water and air infiltration capacity and fertility. On retiring farm fields, it is helpful to grow soya beans the year before restoration to reduce grass and weed competition and restore soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Plant 'a Greater Diversity of Species to Address Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy A) On most sites, restoration /reforestation should involve a clumped mixture of at least 10 native species of early- to mid - successional conifer, hardwood and shrub species. Trees and shrubs such as aspen, cottonwood, sycamore, birch, ash, oak, hickory, maple, elm, serviceberry, hawthorn, cherry, dogwood, alder and willow, should be planted and • /or inter - seeded in planned openings between clumps of pine, spruce and cedar to increase biodiversity and beauty. 571 B) Native deciduous trees and flowering shrubs should generally comprise 25% or more of the planting numbers and costs on most sites. On some sites, such as heavy soils within the Carolinian Zone, seasonally flooded areas and riparian areas, up to 100% native lowland deciduous trees and shrubs should be planted or seeded. Rationale: Mixtures of conifers, early succession hardwoods and •flowering /fruiting shrubs create a young forest which is more attractive to both people and wildlife. Conifers have a high survival rate because they are drought hardy, compete successfully with weeds and grass, and generally suffer less rodent and deer damage than hardwoods. However, deciduous trees and shrubs add important habitat diversity and improve soil structure and fertility with their leaf litter. Flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs attract and feed the birds, insects and wildlife which help to pollinate plants and disseminate seeds to accelerate forest evolution and biodiversity. The inter - planting of clumps of hardwoods also helps to reduce the spread of conifer fires, pests and diseases. 3) Avoid Over - Crowding to Reduce Thinning Costs, Mortality, Disease, Pests and Fire A) Seeding of site - appropriate native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, should generally involve more than 10% of the overall planting area and cost. Seeding should occur in well - prepared openings with suitable soil and moisture conditions for the relevant seeds. In the early stages of forest restoration, native grasses and wildflowers enhance biodiversity, inhibit or limit weeds, improve tree health and build ecosystem function and integrity from the first year of planting. Many native grasses and flowers are now rare in settled landscapes. Native flowers and grasses and their pollinators and predators need such habitat restoration. B) Plant materials should come from local or regional sources. Government, non - government and private- sector programs should encourage and fund efforts to collect , clean, store and stratify sufficient native tree, shrub and wildflower seed from appropriate local seed sources, for local and regional planting needs. Rationale: By increasing tree spacings and planting clumps of hardwoods and conifers and shrubs, instead of conifer rows, we can reduce the need for costly thinning and reduce future losses from the pests, disease and fire outbreaks which are common in dense row plantings of conifers. Tree spacings of less than 2.5 metres are designed for regular thinning for pulp production and saw logs, not for forest beauty, biodiversity, recreation and tourism potential. Taxpayers want biodiverse forests not plantations. 4) Collect and Sow Native Seed to Conserve Local Genetic and Biological Diversity A) Average minimum tree planting spacing should be increased to more than 2.5 X 2.5 metres (less than 1600 trees /hectare) and trees should be planted in clumps at variable spacing, not uniform rows like a tree plantation. By planting in reduced densities, the natural in- seeding of high -value local tree, shrub and wildflower species can occur. 572 B) To surpass the 50- million tree target without crowding trees onto currently available sites and to avoid the displacement of important meadows and open wetland habitats, public agencies should help their planting partners to access additional public and private restoration lands. Rationale: Seeding helps to protect local genetic diversity (biodiversity). The collection and planting of local seed provides a rich and diverse template of locally adapted genotypes to prime the natural selection process. Many hardwood species such as hickory, oak, butternut, walnut, are. best planted as seeds. Many shrub and wildflower species grow readily from seeding and they improve biodiversity and productivity. 5) Support Community Based Ecological Restoration Work In areas with qualified and experienced non - profit and charitable NGOs, the capacity of these groups should be harnessed and increased through: A) multi -year funding for seed collection and ecological restoration work; B) multi -year access to a sufficient supply of approved and prepared restoration sites; C) ongoing access to appropriate resources, permits, training and agency support. Rationale: In many watersheds, there are non - profit conservation groups which have many years of experience and success with community based ecological restoration and reforestation projects. In the Rouge Watershed, groups such as "Friends of the Rouge Watershed" and "10,000 Trees" have tested and refined restoration methods to plant more than 500,000 trees, wildflowers and shrubs and 500 kilograms of native tree, shrub and wildflower seed over the last 20 years and restore more than 160 hectares (1.6 square kilometres) of Rouge Park. These groups are guided by professionally trained foresters and ecologists with decades of local and regional experience. Unfortunately, these NGO groups are often impeded by: a) - lack of strategic restoration plans (a Phase I Rouge Restoration Plan was completed recently); b) - lack of timely access to well - prepared sites; c) - lack of reliable multi -year (5 year) funding; and d) - too much red tape. These groups have the capacity to involve thousands of community volunteers in the beautiful restoration of large areas to diverse forest, wetland and meadow habitats, if they have multi -year access to sites, funding and resources. By involving volunteers (taxpayers) in restoration projects, these groups increase community awareness and support for associated government programs. 6) Control Persistent Invasive Species Control versus Temporary Weed Control Additional funding and resources should be allocated to research and control invasive species such as dog strangling vine, garlic mustard and Phragmites. Invasive species are a serious and growing threat to biodiversity. 573 Rationale: A recent scientific study found that Garlic Mustard harms the fungi that some native trees and plants require for proper growth. Dog strangling vine, garlic mustard, phragmites and other invasive species are spreading at an alarming rate in southern Ontario. We should be placing more emphasis on the suppression of these persistent invasive weeds and less effort on traditionally targeted weeds such as dandelions, thistles, Queen Anne's lace and lamb's quarter, which are short -term invaders of restoration sites. Many common weed species improve soil structure and fertility by penetrating hard sub - surface soil layers (e.g. plough layers) and improving soil nutrient cycling. Weeds such as lamb's quarters act as a wind break and collect and drip dew at night, thus improving the micro- climate for young trees. Weeds in the clover family fix nitrogen to restore nitrate levels on retired farm fields. Many "weeds" such as milkweed and thistle provide important food sources for species such as.Monarch butterflies and gold finches. 7) Favour Hand Planting and Selectively Use Innovative Mechanical Seeding In most situations, native trees, shrubs and wildflowers can be hand - planted in a cost effective and efficient manner with trained volunteers and professional planting teams. Hand plantings avoid the un- natural linearity, regularity and pollution of mechanical plantings. Hand plantings involve young people from the local community and this translates into better community support and public relations. Rationale: Well trained and supervised volunteers and seasonal restoration crews can ' plant large areas at a cost comparable to machine planting. Hand planting methods offer greater flexibility in planting spacing and species diversity and the best opportunity to match individual species requirements with changing soil and moisture conditions across heterogeneous planting sites. Manual planting crews can plant earlier in the season when the soil is too wet and soft for machine access. Earlier planting translates into higher survival and better growth. Manual planting crews can plant larger planting stock (2 +2 bare root) which has a better chance of reaching the free -to -grow stage before grass and weed competition becomes problematic. Hand planting can restore sites which are too wet, too small, too stony, too difficult to access or too rough for efficient machine plantings. Human crews can work around pond, mound, wetland and meadow habitat features. Hiring young people from local communities can also translate into better community support for the planting project and better public relations. Innovative mechanical planting can be useful for seeding trees, wildflowers and grasses and planting wildflower and grass plugs over large areas, if proper site preparation is employed and linearity and uniformity are avoided. On large restoration sites, costs may be reduced, if mechanical planting of seeds and /or plugs is creatively combined with manual plantings of tree and shrub seedlings in non linear clumps of diverse species. 574 CORRESPONDENCE 6.2 October 15, 2008 Deco -d ere c ee o -s Toronto Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Re; Arlington Homes, Rolling Meadow Drive, Caledon TRCA; Edw d ards Caledon, Ontario Again; over most of the summer of 2008, extensive, illegal, prohibited, filling of the protected Watercourses, Wetlands, fish habitat, and other resricted, protected areas of the Rolling Meadow Drive development have continued, as has been a common theme for nearly six years now. On saturday October 4, 2008, three OPP Officers witnessed the filling occurring, in the Watercourse, in the Wetland, on lots 4 and 5. This filling occurred in the specific protected Watercourse, Wetland, fish habitat that were the subjects of MNR's 2004 letter. This is also the specific area where the Minister of Natural Resources wrote, September 3 2008, that "if the 'property owners carry out activities not authorized, TRCA will consider its powers under its regulation process ". This is, once again, one of the areas protected throughout all of the site specific documents, and protected by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board This is the specific area where the property owner, Mr. Melo, is quoted in the Caledon Enterprise, 2004, explaining that he is prohibited from filling this area, and'was made aware of this by MNR. Residents told the OPP officers that the Town's Geoff Hebbert had told them they could fill the Watercourse, Wetland, fish habitat area. Again; on saturday October 11, 2008, filling continued all day, with trucks sometimes lined up three at a time. This continued again holiday monday. Also; I understand that a fake, fraudulent, attempt at "repairing" the Runoff Control Dam was undertaken at some point, but this was immediately defeated, removed, breached, by residents. Cc; TRCA Board of Directors. CORRESPONDENCE 6.3 DRINKING WATER sN IAN, 'E ,•N • I•NAU H• 'I Memorandum DATE: October 21, 2008 TO: Authority Members, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority RE: Receipt and Next Steps for Proposed Terms of Reference for Source Water Protection Work in Toronto and Region Source Protection Area as required under the Clean Water Act, 2006 On October 20, 2008, Toronto and Region Source Protection Authority (TRSPA) Chair Gerri Lynri O'Connor received the above report and transmittal letter from the CTC Source Protection Committee Chair Susan Self. A copy of this letter is attached. Copies of the report will be given to members at the Authority meeting on October 24, 2008, with copies to be mailed to those members not in attendance. Next Steps At the November Authority meeting we will also convene a meeting of the TRSPA to: 1. receive the Terms of Reference; 2. approve staff comments for the Chair to send on behalf of TRSPA to the Minister of the Environment; 3. receive a staff report on any comments received through the current public commenting period and any outstanding municipal issues; and 4. approve the appointment of source protection committee members to fill vacancies. Should you have any questions regarding the Terms of Reference, please contact Beverley Thorpe at 416- 661 -6600 extension 5577 (bthorpe @trca.on.ca), or Adele Freeman at extension 5238 (afreeman @traca.on.ca). Sincerely ORIGINAL SIGNED BY Brian Denney, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer /Encl. - Letter from Susan Self, October 20, 2008 cc Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Beverley Thorpe, Project Manager, CTC Region Rae Horst, Chief Administrative Officer, Credit Valley Source Protection Authority Russ Powell, Chief Administrative Officer, Central Lake Ontario Source Protection Authority 576 Attachment 1 DRINKING WATER Dear Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Submission of Proposed Terms of Reference for the Toronto and Region Source Protection Area as required under the Clean Water Act, 2006 and Ontario Regulation 287/07 I am pleased to submit these proposed Terms of Reference (TOR) on behalf of the CTC Source Protection Committee (SPC). Copies of these TOR have also been sent to the clerks of the municipalities wholly or partially within the Toronto and Region Source Protection Area and posted on the CTC website w ww ctcswp.ca with a notice of the opportunity to submit comments by November 19, 2008 to your Source Protection Authority c/o Brian Denney. Staff has worked with staff of your source protection area to ensure that this information has been highlighted on the conservation authority website and CTC staff has also sent copies of the notice to persons who have attended our public information forums, who have previously provided comments or who asked to be kept informed. Action To Be Taken At this point your source protection authority has several regulatory obligations and discretionary powers. 1. You are required to submit these TOR to the Minister of the Environment no later than December 22, 2008 for his review and approval, along with any comments you receive from municipalities or the public by the November 19th comment deadline referred to above. 2. You may review and comment on these TOR as a source protection authority and send those comments to the Minister. 3. You are required to summarize for the Minister any issues raised by municipalities that are have not been satisfactorily resolved in these TOR. 4. You are required similarly to summarize any concerns raised by bands of reserves if there are any included in your source protection area. The CTC SPC has confirmed that here are no such reserve lands within your source protection area and so the CTC SPC was not required to consult with any bands. Therefore there are no matters to be addressed by the SPA in this regard. Staff continues to try to identify informal opportunities to identify First Nations persons who reside within the source protection region to invite their comments on the source water protection program as we go forward. 5. You are required to send the CTC SPC a copy of all the comments referred to under the above items. 577 Background The CTC SPC has prepared these TOR in accordance with the legislation, regulations and advice of provincial staff in order to comply with the• requirements of the Clean Water Act, 2006 and associated regulations. The CTC SPC was granted a two -month extension to the timeline to complete these TOR by the Minister which also provides an extension to the deadline for your SPA to submit the TOR to the Minister to December 22, 2008 (note while the extension was to Dec. 20, 2008, since this is a Saturday, ministry staff has advised that the actual deadline is Monday Dec. 22, 2008). Municipalities and other source protection area residents and business sectors were provided the opportunity to make written comment on the draft versions of these TOR through the posting of the documents and a notice on our website, newspaper ads, posters and media articles. In addition, the SPC hosted seven public information forums during September. The comments made (including those from municipalities) and our responses to these comments are found in Appendix F of these TOR. Also enclosed is a table summarizing the comments received from municipalities that are part of your SPA and copies of the council resolutions and /or staff reports where council resolutions are pending. This information will be of particular value in addressing Task #3 above. I also wish to highlight that the CTC SPC expects to amend these TOR, pursuant to Section 9 of O. Reg. 287/07 once the province has clarified the requirements for the source protection plans. The province has advised that it intends to release a discussion paper in November leading to a regulation next year for source protection plans. We have drawn attention to this intention in these TOR. Additional funding requirements will be identified, along with additional tasks and responsibilities. Municipal staffs have advised that they will be recommending to their councils that they lead or co -lead a number of these source protection planning tasks when we develop the details. Submission of these TOR marks the completion of the first major task of the CTC SPC. On behalf of the SPC, I want to assure you and members of your authority that we are continuing to work with technical staff of your authority and our municipal partners to complete the technical studies that will form the assessment report to identify the risks to municipal drinking water and other designated supplies. We recognize that once the Minister has approved these TOR, we collectively have only twelve months to submit the assessment report to the Ministry the Environment for approval. Should you require further information, or if you would like me to attend a meeting of your source protection authority to address any questions, I would be pleased to assist. Yours truly, .Original Signed by Susan Self, Chair CTC Source Protection Committee 578 Attachments 1. TRSPA Proposed Terms of Reference 2. Summary table of relevant municipal comments & copies of resolutions and /or staff reports to council cc. Brian Denney, C.A.O., Toronto and Region Conservation Authority CTC SPC members Beverley Thorpe, CTC Project Manager 579 CORRESPONDENCE 6.4 October 21, 2008 Board of Directors Toronto Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Re; Arlington Homes, Rolling Meadow Drive, Caledon Dear TRCA Board; David Edwards MEIMOMMIN Caledon Ontario i OCT 2 2 X008 Ch:c ,'.a•:','. - :;Ilor's.4ilice I recieved an e-mail, from TRCA, monday, October 20, 2008, explaining that a letter 1 wrote to TRCA, October 15, 2008, and Cc'd to the TRCA Board, has been added to the agenda for the October 24 TRCA Board meeting. 1 did not intend that this would be heard as a delegation to the Board. I will not be at the October 24 TRCA Board meeting. I just thought, given the history of this development, and the worsening environmental damage, and because TRCA never responds to my letters, 1 should copy my letters to the TRCA Board. 1 am concerned here that it might appear that I requested to be heard by the Board, and then, either didn't show up, or withdrew my request,...neither of which is true. I am also concerned about who else TRCA may have advised of this matter being on the October 24 agenda, and what may occur at the Board meeting as a result. (For example; will anyone from the Town, TRCA, MNR, or any of the residents, be speaking, or responding to my letter, at the Board meeting ?) I hope TRCA will correct this mistake, and advise me of how it was corrected, please. I have not been treated fairly by TRCA, or the TRCA Board, in dealing with this development over the past six years. The TRCA and TRCA Board's conduct with respect to this development has greatly contributed to, continues to contribute to, the ongoing, widespread, significant, environmental damage, and related public health and safety hazards and liabilities. A significant part of the Headwaters of the Humber River that was protected through a lawful public planning process, protected through MNR conditions of approval, protected by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board, etc., continues to be completely, needlessly, destroyed here, for no legitimate reason. This situation is still not getting the responsible attention it deserves from TRCA, or anyone else. In my October 15, 2008 letter, I repeated issues of the still continuing filling of a protected Watercourse, Provincially Significant Wetland, fish habitat, etc., and the removal of the pre- existing Runoff Control Dam. 580 It is very troubling to me, that TRCA e- mailed me, October 2008, stating that the Runoff Control Dam had been repaired this spring, when the Minister of Natural Resources wrote that TRCA; MNR, and Town staff conducted a site visit, June 23, 2008, and found the Dam had again been tampered with and defeated. In fact, the Dam was never repaired and never once ponded a single drop of water. As I notified the TRCA and its Board when the permit to repair the Dam was being approved, the permit for this repair compromised the requirements for the original MNR, OMB required Runoff Control Dam, in every way, and provided for a structure that absolutely would not provide any of the required function for the original Dam, and absolutely would not pond any water. Whatever work may have occurred in the spring of 2008, it was not a good faith effort at restoring the required (MNR, OMB) Runoff Control Dam. A terrible thing continues to occur here. The pre - existing, required (MNR, OMB, etc.,) Runoff Control Dam was intact, ponding water, in 2003. It is widely acknowledged that the developers removed the Dam to lower standing water levels in the protected areas of this development. This "low water relief' was then used to facillitate the multitude of violations committed by the developer, to'expand the building envelopes into the restricted, protected Watercourse and Wetland. This then caused all of the many problems associated with this development. Despite this, despite the developers ignoring repeated instruction from the Town and MNR to repair the Dam,... the TRCA decided to further reward the developers questionable conduct by approving a different Dam that is compromised in every way. Even then, the Town, TRCA, Developers still make a mockery of tiller obligations and still have not repaired the Dam. The question the TRCA Board should be asking/answering, is; Why? (Residents claim to have been promised the Dam will not be repaired...the Dam has not been repaired; Why ?) The filling that occurred in lots 4 and 5, on and around October 4, 11, 13, 2008, included filling the specific Watercourse and. Wetland, fish habitat, where, in 2004, MNR wrote, "It is imperative that no filling occur within the Watercourse as it provides habitat for fish" and "MNR does not support any further filling within the boundary of the Wetland." By the time MNR wrote that letter, 2004, that specific protected Watercourse had already been reduced from about forty feet wide, to about a foot, or so, wide, by the developers, and the houses, lots 5 and 6; were constructed, below the water level, in the Watercourse. (This is one of the issues I reported to TRCA, many times, and reported to the TRCA Board, June 27, 2003.) Since MNR's 2004 letter, that Watercourse has been filled, and re- established itself, a few times. From 2007, to date, the entire Watercourse has been filled, and, in places, about a hundred. feet beyond, into the Wetland, has been filled. In 2002, TRCA issued a permit to provide outfall from the storm sewer system, into this Watercourse. At the same time, a filter was constructed between the outfall and the Watercourse. This seemed to recognise the requirement to protect this Watercourse. Since then, the filter was removed, the silt fencing was removed, and the Watercourse filled. The required, pre - existing Runoff Control Dam was removed from the OMB Ordered Primary Natural Area, and trenches have been excavated through the OMB 581 Ordered Primary and Secondary Natural Areas, to divert storm/flood water onto properties outside this development. The required, agreed upon, storage area and capacity for storm drainage have been reduced to 0. So; TRCA approves outfall into the Watercourse, and then that Watercourse is filled? Why? (Please recall that there are three Watercourses mapped on the registered maps of this development and clearly evident from aerial photos. I hope we are not confusing this protected Watercourse with the other, parallel Watercourse along the opposite side of the Wetland, much further back from the houses.) The area that was filled, in the October, 2008, instance, is about the size of a good sized residential, urban, bulding lot. This area was clearly and repeatedly protected, and this filling was clearly and repeatedly prohibited, throughout all of the approved, registered plans and agreements for this develpment, as required by MNR's conditions of approval for the development, and by Order of the Ontario Municipal Board. In any event, as MNR confirmed in thier 2004 letter, this Watercourse provides habitat for fish. DFO's Gary Cooper confirmed, verbally, only a few months ago, that this area is fish habitat. This Watercourse, fish habitat, should recieve the protection required by the Fisheries Act This is the specific regulated area where the Minister of Natural Resources wrote, September 3, 2008, "if the property owners continue to carry out activities not authorized, the TRCA will consider its powers under its regulation process." An example from the Agreement is; the required snow fencing around areas that "shall not be disturbed in any way whatsoever ", was installed, around this area, by the original developers; about the mid 1990's, and remained there, intact but dilapidated, until very recently, when it was removed to accomodate this prohibited filling. This has been a common theme with all of the filling over the past several years. Remove the fence, fill the Watercourse, Wetland. One of the property owners undetaking this prohibited filling, Mr. Melo, is quoted in the Caledon Enterprise, in 2004, describing how he is prohibited, by MNR, from filling this area. The article makes specific reference to fish habitat. I noted in my October 15 letter that residents told police that the Town's Geoff Hebbert told them they could fill this protected Watercourse, Wetland, fish habitat. I confirmed with MNR that Mr. Hebbert has no authority to allow this filling. This filling can not be justified as any part of any filling that might have been considered part of the original, 1989 -91, approvals. This filling can not be justified as part of any effort to mitigate flooding issues, or basement water filtration issues, or e-coli contamination issues, associated with this development. in fact, this and the rest of the prohibited filling, is the cause of the flooding/basement/e -coli issues. It is very unfortunate, and typical of my experience here, that the filling issue finally getting some attention, is, by far, the least extensive and least significant of the many instances of illegal filling that have occurred over the past few years. A multitude of fill 582 went in the restricted areas during the 2003 -04 development Extensive, gradual filling occurred over the 2004 -05 period. From late sununer 2006, to the end of 2007, about four hundred truck loads of fill went into the restricted Watercourse and Wetlandareas. Over the course of 2008; again, countless trucks dumped fill in the restricted areas. A letter from our area Councillor, Beffort, explains that this filling would require TRCA permits..TRCA confirms that no fill permits exist. Why is the filling allowed to continue? A reasonable fast step in finding the cause of all of the problems associated with this development, would be to truthfully document the extent of the filling and environmental damage. Three Watercourses, eighteen acres of Provincially Significant Wetland, the entire "natural drainage pattern ", completely drained and mostly filled, with fill and construction garbage, some toxic or hazardous material, ranging to eight feet deep. Five houses and respective wells, septic beds, secondary buildings, etc., consructed in the Watercourses. One house, now the subject of a million dollar civil suit, constructed in the Watercourse, where that Watercourse is normally sixfeet.deep. One Watercourse diverted into the protected forest, then the forest areas filled to further divert the Water. Accepting, recognizing, admitting, this plain simple truth is the first step toward correcting the many problems this has caused. I understand from MNR, that MNR, TRCA, and the Town are planning yet another site visit,'and considering the prospect of another flood study. The Town, TRCA and MNR have had six years to correct this, and it continues to get worse. The TRCA, Town, and MNR share a conflict of interest here, and there needs to be some independant or public oversite and accountability here. The rights-and interests of the public and environment are not being properly respected here, and they should be. Please be advised; my letters to TRCA are not recieving the protection required by the freedom of information and privacy act. Sincerely; Original Signed by David Edwards 583 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A231/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ROUGE PARK NATURAL HERITAGE ACTION PLAN Endorsement and implementation of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan. Jack Heath David Barrow THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) endorse the final draft'of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan, subject to further consultation with the agricultural community and local municipalities to refine the plan so as to encourage sustainable, near urban agriculture; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to further support and assist Rouge Park Alliance and other project partners in the implementation of this plan. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2007, the Park Improvement and Heritage Committee embarked on the work necessary to complete the Rouge Park Habitat Restoration Action Plan. The committee has completed that work and has prepared the final draft of the Rouge Park Habitat Restoration Action Plan. At the Rouge Park Alliance (RPA) meeting held on June 6, 2008, RPA formally endorsed this plan with the adoption of Resolution #21 /08: THAT the Rouge Park Alliance endorse the final draft of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance support and direct the Park Improvement • and Heritage Committee and staff to initiate implementation of this Plan immediately. This plan focused on answering two critical resource management questions: What should be the habitat mix on Rouge Park Lands and how should these habitats be created? The action plan addresses these issues and includes recommendations on restoration priorities and implementation strategies. RPA and TRCA staff embarked on a process that addressed the technical issue of determining ecologically appropriate habitat restoration activities. Similar to the TRCA Habitat Implementation Planning we developed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) -based hydrological analysis that determined riparian, wetland and forest cover opportunities. These cover opportunities were verified and delineated in the field by on site field investigations by RPA and TRCA technical staff. The plan outlines these site prescriptions and how they were utilized to determine restoration priorities and ensure that restoration is consistent with previous Rouge Park plans and the current watershed plan and fish management plan. 584 The site prescriptions developed under the Natural Heritage Action Plan represent a new approach to habitat restoration. First and foremost the utilization of the ArchHydro GIS analysis ensured that hydrological site conditions were incorporated into each site prescription. The analysis identified drainage areas suitable for riparian habitat and wetland opportunities. Both of these features attenuated peak flows, augment base flows and add to the ecological integrity of down stream receiving waters and restore the hydrological conditions of the landscape. This is a critical and important foundational condition that leads to short and long term biodiversity, as well as future species and park management opportunities. The Natural Heritage Action Plan includes the Little Rouge Corridor, un- restored restoration zones south of Steeles Avenue and the Bob Hunter Memorial Park areas of Rouge Park. In recognition of and respect for the local agricultural community, and to minimize the impacts over the long term, recommendations have been laid out for agricultural lease management and communications with the agricultural community. Restoration priorities were developed with the intent of implementing the restoration activities over the next 5- 7.years. Priority areas include: • the establishment of a 600 m corridor along the Little Rouge Creek to create a North -South flora/fauna corridor; • the Box Grove Forest and wetland prescriptions in the Bob Hunter Memorial Park in an effort to establish important habitat connections between the Little Rouge Creek and existing habitats within the park; • restoration of the remainder of the Little Rouge Corridor; • completion of the Restoration areas south of Steeles within 5 Years. In addition to site prescriptions the plan outlines a revised Natural Heritage Committee mandate, structure, policies and procedures. Direction on how the committee should relate to other committees and the Rouge Park Alliance has also been determined. The revisions as well as the site prescriptions will allow the Rouge Park and the Natural Heritage Committee to shift from a 'project granting' approach to a 'call for proposal' approach for implementation of habitat restoration projects. This represents a fundamental shift from managing scattered projects to directing more strategic and targeted restoration efforts within the Rouge Park. The plan has provisions for managing the Rouge Park Natural and Cultural Heritage Funding Program.and a Small Grants Program and will follow the TRCA Purchasing Policy and procedures. Throughout the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan document there are many opportunities that have been identified for cooperative partnerships and implementation between the TRCA and RPA and other Rouge Park partners. FINANCIAL DETAILS Annual cost to 2013 are detailed below: 585 • Year • Site preparation Little Rouge Creek Bob Hunter Park Rouge • Park South of Steeles Total 2008 $75,000 $0 $0 $0 $75,000 . 2009 $78,000 $309,000 $112,270 $226,600 $725,870 2010 $80,200 $318,270 $115,640 $233,400 $747,510 2011 $82,610 $327,800 $119,100 $240,400 $769,910 2012 $85,000 $337,650 $122,680 $247,600 $792,930 2013 $0 $347,780 $126,360 $255,040 $729,180 Total $400,810 $1,640,500 $596,050 $1,203,040 $3,840,400 In total, wetland restoration is estimated at $500,000, forest cover at $2,375,000, riparian at $945,000 and meadow habitat at $30,000. Efforts are now underway to secure funding partners and project support for this Natural Heritage Action Plan. Implementation of the projects would be coordinated by the Rouge Park Alliance and conducted by a number of partner agencies including TRCA, non - governmental organizations, and federal, provincial and • local governments. Report prepared by: Gord MacPherson, extension 5246 Emails: gmacpherson @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gord MacPherson, extension 5246 Emails: gmacpherson @trca.on.ca Date: October 8, 2008 RES. #A232/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: EMBAYMENT "D" IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Use of Embayment "D" at Tommy Thompson Park as compensatory wetland habitat for ongoing operations conducted by the Toronto Port Authority. David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) property known as Embayment "D" at Tommy Thompson Park be used as compensatory habitat for the ongoing Iakefilling operations conducted by the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) to satisfy their requirements under the Fisheries Act; 586 THAT staff continue negotiations with TPA to develop a Wetland project in Embayment "D" that is consistent with the goals of the approved Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan, and the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Strategy; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with TPA outlining our respective project, construction and financial responsibilities. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 1959, the Toronto Harbour Commission (now known as the Toronto Port Authority or TPA) began construction of a spit of land at the base of Leslie Street in the City of Toronto. From 1959 until present day, a combination of lakefilling and dredging activities created the current configuration of the Leslie Street Spit extending 5 kilometers into Lake Ontario, and having a • total land /water base of approximately 471 hectares. TRCA currently owns 247 hectares of this land and water which is formally known as Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) (Attachment 1). Those areas still under construction are owned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and are :leased to the Toronto Port Authority. OMNR indicated the intent to transfer a further 224 hectares of land and water to TRCA upon the completion of lakefilling activities. The current lease (2001 -2011) makes provision for the transfer to TRCA of a portion of these lands not required for TPA filling operations. Tommy Thompson Park has evolved into one of the most significant features along the north shoreline of Lake Ontario. It is home to numerous birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and vegetation communities, which have distinguished Tommy Thompson Park as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and as an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA #130). The IBA international designation demonstrates Tommy Thompson Park's significance nationally, as well as globally for its biological contribution to bird life. As an ESA, Tommy Thompson Park is recognized as supporting an unusually high diversity of biological communities, including provincially, regionally rare plant species, aquatic communities and wildlife. TPA continues to undertake lake filling and dredging operations at the site. The eastern most portions of land known as the East Headland and Endikement are the current areas of activity for TPA. The TPA has made application to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).under the Fisheries Act for Authorization for Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Destruction (HADD) for the construction of the East Headland and Endikement Iakefill project. Part of the DFO permit involves providing compensation habitat in the form of a coastal wetland. Embayment D is one of the smaller lagoons at TTP, and is the first embayment on the northwest side situated approximately one kilometre from the park entrance. This embayment is approximately 6.0 hectares in size, and is almost completely devoid of aquatic vegetation and structural fish habitat. TRCA staff has assessed the embayment, and determined that there is a great opportunity to create a significant coastal marsh. The potential for habitat enhancement of Embayment "D" was first targeted in the Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan, and was addressed in more detail in the TTP Aquatic Enhancement Plan and the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Restoration Strategy. TRCA staff has completed all the background monitoring, conceptual designs and project development. TRCA also contracted Ducks Unlimited Canada to develop a design option for a wetland management structure within Embayment "D". 587 The project consists of the creation of a dyke structure, approximately 350 m long, to enclose an area of approximately six hectares with a Fish/Water Level Control Structure connecting the system to the open lake. The project also includes the construction of a series of artificial islands to provide habitat and create additional sheltered water area between the islands and the dyke. The project has a number of key goals including: • preventing large carp from accessing the embayment • to vegetate 6 ha of coastal marsh; • creation of habitat islands for colonial waterbirds, reptiles and other wildlife; • creation of 3 ha of native aquatic vegetation in the sheltered waters; • reintroduce wild rice and other aquatic plants back to the waterfront; • provide habitat for waterfowl, marsh birds; and shorebirds; and • significantly improve fish habitat. Restoration Services staff of TRCA has been in discussions with TPA and DFO, around the opportunity of using Embayment "D" as the compensation component of the Toronto Port Authority's Application with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada. TRCA staff has received formal correspondence, dated October 9, 2008, indicating the TPA's commitment and desire to proceed with Embayment "D" Wetland creation to fulfill their DFO habitat compensation requirement (Attachment 2). RATIONALE The loss of historical wetland habitat within the Toronto Harbour has been very significant. The restoration of Embayment "D" will improve the biodiversity, habitat health and ecosystem function of Tommy Thompson Park and the surrounding area. Coastal wetlands'and their adjacent riparian areas are extremely productive systems that support a great diversity of fish and wildlife habitats. The Embayment "D" Wetland project is expected to create an additional 9 hectares of wetland habitat on the Toronto waterfront. The artificial islands will also function as habitat with the inclusion of underwater habitat features that benefit fish and other aquatic species, as well as terrestrial habitat components that provide habitat for birds and reptiles. Staff has been planning for the Embayment "D" Wetland Creation Project since 2004. The cost and the difficulty in the engineering and implementation have prevented the project from moving forward. The current partnership with the Toronto Port Authority represents a great opportunity for TRCA to implement the project, in a cost effective and efficient manner.. Through the discussions between TRCA, TPA and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, there has been general concurrence that this project would satisfy the TPA requirements needed under the Fisheries Act, and would also meet the TRCA targets for waterfront regeneration. TPA has been overseeing the lakefilling activities at TTP since the early 1950's. The equipment and infrastructure needed to implement the project are currently on site and in ownership of TPA. The construction and staging for the project would be incorporated into TPA's current operations, and would be carried out with little burden on TRCA staff or resources. TRCA staff has a long history in partnering with TPA, and continues today through the Lakefill Quality Program, Cell 1 and 2 Capping programs, and other TTP Master Plan implementation projects. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Overall, our goal for the Tommy Thompson Park - Embayment "D" area includes the restoration, creation and expansion of wetland area, creation of critical fish and wildlife habitat, and improving and managing public access. 588 Toronto Port Authority and TRCA staff need to: • develop a Memorandum of Understanding outlining construction responsibilities, financial arrangements, and project control; • finalize the detailed design and cost estimates; • ensure the projects meets the wildlife and habitat goals of the TTP Master Plan, the Toronto Waterfront Aquatic Habitat Strategy, and other local and regional strategies; • secure any additional approvals or requirements; and • develop a post construction monitoring program to be implemented upon completion of the project. FINANCIAL DETAILS The total project value has not been finalized, however early estimates suggest an approximate value of $400,000 to complete the project. The funds for the construction costs would be provided by TPA as it is a requirement of their DFO Authorization. Report prepared by: Ralph Toninger, extension 5366; Karen McDonald, extension 5248 Emails: rtoninger @trca.on.ca and kmcdonald @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ralph Toninger, extension 5366 Emails: rtoninger @trca.on.ca Date: October 16, 2008 Attachments: 2 589 Attachment 1 Tommy Thompson Park Land Ownership TRCA 247 ha MNR / TPA 224 ha Land ownership and location of E_mbayment D 590 471 ha Attachment 2 Toronto Port Authority Administration Portueire de Toronto 60 Harbour Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 187 TeVrel: 416,663.2000 • Faxfr lecopieur:416.863.4830 October 9, 2008 Mr. Nick Saccope Director, Restoration Services Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham Drive Downsvicw, Ontario M3N 1S4 Dear Mr. Saccone, • iwrw.torontoport.com RE : COMPENSATORY HABITAT WORKS AT EMRAYMENT "D" TOMMY THOMPSON PARK Further to your letter dated February 11, 2008, it is Toronto Port Authority's (TPA) continued desire to work in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in developing and designing the Compensatory Habitat in Embaymcnt I) at the Tommy Thompson Park. In order to proceed with the Compensatory Habitat Project, the TPA hereby commits that. in conjunction with the TRCA, will do the following: • continue the process of finalizing the detail design and costs estimates; • enter into a Memorandum of Understanding outlining construction responsibilities, financial arrangements and project control; • secure the appropriate approvals from the TPA and TRCA boards and regulatory agencies; and • ensure working meetings between TPA and TRCA staff are scheduled on a regular basis. TPA is pleased to advise that Shoreplan Engineering Ltd. has been appointed as TPA's Shoreline Engineer to assist with the design side of the Compensatory Habitat Project. TPA's staff are also currently working on finalizing the costs estimates for this Project. Should you have any questions regarding the same, please feel free to contact me at (416) 863 -2082. Yours truly, cc: Brian Denney, "I'RCA Laud Matos, Fisheries and Ocegps Cana a " Alan J. Paul Acting President & CEO RES. #A233/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SEA LAMPREY CONTROL PROJECT Partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Continued partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for sea lamprey control within the Toronto region. David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) continue to work in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to reduce the impact of sea lamprey on fish communities within Lake Ontario. CARRIED BACKGROUND Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) serves as an agent of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) fulfilling the GLFC's sea lamprey management obligations in Canada. The Sea Lamprey Control Centre (SLOC) based in Sault Ste. Marie is DFO's operational arm tasked with this obligation. For the past three years, TRCA has worked with SLOC to operate the trapping facilities on the Humber River and Duffins Creek and in developing and gradually improving on an outdoor facility intended solely to retain captured live sea lamprey. Attended to by TRCA staff, the sea lamprey are held for several weeks in these tanks then they are distributed to universities and the Ministry of Natural Resources for research projects with the remainder picked up by SLOC staff to be transported to the sterilization facility. Within the TRCA jurisdiction two sea lamprey trapping sites have been established by DFO. One is at the southernmost weir of Duffins Creek and the other is at the southernmost weir of the Humber River at the Old Mill. These weirs prevent the upstream migration of lamprey and permanent traps are built at the base of these weirs to funnel and capture the sea lamprey. During the spawning season, which runs from approximately mid April to mid June, a partnership consisting of TRCA and DFO staff check the traps daily, process the fish and collect both male and female lamprey for various studies and research programs for the federal and provincial governments and academia. Also, a percentage of the lamprey are marked and released for a population study. Other captured incidental fish species such as minnows are counted, identified and released. The remaining captured sea lamprey are then transferred back to the Boyd Office in a truck outfitted with aerated transport tanks. Once the lamprey are at the Boyd Office they are sorted and placed in the three holding tanks which are outfitted with a recirculating well water system. In order to control sea lamprey populations, DFO has used lampricide on larval sea lamprey and a sterile male release program on adult sea lamprey. The sterile male release program is the control method that TRCA has been involved with. The goal of this program is to reduce the success of sea lamprey spawning. During the spawning season male sea lamprey are captured, sterilized and transported to the St. Mary's River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, then released back into the streams to compete with the fertile males for females. 592 RATIONALE History .Sea lamprey are a parasitic fish,native to the Atlantic Ocean. Sea lamprey have a suction cup mouth lined with teeth which they use to attach to other fish. They then use their rasping tongue to tear through the fish's scales and flesh in order to feed'on the bodily fluids. A sea lamprey can destroy up to• 18 kilograms of fish during its lifetime and generally only one in 'seven fish will survive an attack. The first reported occurrence of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes was in the 1830's and it is believed that they entered the Great Lakes through the shipping channels. Sea lamprey are not preyed on by other fish and are not considered to have any commercial value within this region. The sea lamprey's lifecycle consists of a three to six year larval phase, an adult phase and a spawning phase. Adult sea lamprey migrate upstream to spawn during which time they stop feeding. Once the fertilized eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the substrate where they feed on algae and detritus. After the larval phase the sea lamprey transform into adults and migrate into the Great Lakes to begin the parasitic phase of their lifecycle. The sea lamprey spends 12 to 20 months in the adult phase before returning back upstream to spawn and die. Sea lamprey populations were at their peak in the 1940's and 1950's during which time there were no control methods. In the 40's and 50's sea lamprey had a significant role in the collapse of the lake trout and whitefish fisheries, which have both been historic economic mainstays of the Great Lakes fishery. Benefits Current control practices on Lake Ontario include lampricide applications, operation of barriers and trapping spawning -phase adults. The abundance of sea lamprey is estimated using a model combining adult mark - recapture data, estimates of larval production potential and spawning potential in producing streams. Estimates from this model show a substantial decline in the spawning -phase sea lamprey population since 1982 and is expected to remain low and stable. From TRCA's perspective, the incidental data collected during these operations are transferred to TRCA's fisheries databases adding to its extensive long term fish monitoring information. This not only benefits the Toronto region but also provides a lake wide perspective and highlights how the Toronto waterfront and surrounding region fits into the entire Lake Ontario system. DFO gains a local partner with extensive knowledge and expertise of the jurisdictional watersheds and highly trained technical professionals to help with the daily operations. With this work, .TRCA is able to add another facet to their continued partnership with DFO by expanding into the management and control of a devastating invasive species while continuing to show a commitment to excellence in environmental science. TRCA is committed to work with outside agencies with a collaborative interest in fish community health and to provide both expertise and financial support for the benefit of not only TRCA's jurisdiction but also to the ancillary benefits of the greater Great Lakes region. 593 • FINANCIAL DETAILS The sea lamprey control program is funded by DFO for $10,000 with additional funding provided by TRCA in the amount of $2,000. Funding for this project is managed through account 251 -75. Report prepared by: Rick Portiss, extension 5302 Email: rportiss @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Rick Portiss, extension 5302 Email: rportiss @trca.on.ca RES. #A234/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ETOBICOKE CREEK HEADWATERS SUBWATERSHED STUDY SYNTHESIS REPORT Approval of the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report and ongoing implementation of the recommendations. David Barrow Ron Moeser WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) initiated a subwatershed planning study for the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters in partnership with the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon, City of Brampton and Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition in 2003; WHEREAS a revised Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report has been completed, incorporating comments based on Steering Committee review; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report, dated September 2008, be approved; THAT staff be directed to continue to work with municipalities and other partners to implement the recommendations of the report; THAT copies of the report be circulated to the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon and City of Brampton and they be requested to commit to work with TRCA to implement the recommendations appropriate to their municipality; THAT the Town of Caledon be commended for pursuing an innovative community vision in the Mayfield West area and encouraged to continue to use the information and directions provided by the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report to inform and guide their planning studies in this area; THAT recommendations and technical information from the subwatershed study be integrated into the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watershed Update Study; 594 AND FURTHER THAT a copy of the report be circulated to the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition and they be requested to provide support for implementation of the recommendations. CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2002 the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Task Force released Greening Our Watersheds: Revitalization Strategies for Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks, which established a vision and objectives for healthier and more sustainable watersheds by the year 2025. Protection of the natural features and functions of the headwaters was recognized as being vitally important .to the overall health of Etobicoke Creek. As the urbanized portion of the Greater Toronto Area continues to grow, the headwaters of Etobicoke Creek are expected to experience significant development pressure. This area was therefore identified as a focus for subwatershed planning efforts in order to inform an environmental assessment study for a proposed extension of the Region of Peel's Lake Ontario -based water supply infrastructure to the north and to inform the Town of Caledon's community planning process for the Mayfield West area, located north of Mayfield Road east and west of Highway 10. In October of 2003, TRCA initiated a subwatershed planning process for the Etobicoke Creek headwaters in partnership with the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon, City of Brampton and the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, and with capital funding from the Region of Peel. The subwatershed study•provided an opportunity to examine local watershed management issues and formulate recommendations for local actions that would contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks watershed strategy, Greening Our Watersheds. Study Process and Products A steering committee was established in 2003 to direct the organization and management of the Etobicoke Creek headwaters subwatershed planning process. The steering committee was made up of representatives from the Public Works and Planning Departments of the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon, and City of Brampton, the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition and TRCA. Representatives of the Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources were invited to take part in the steering committee, but chose not to participate. The subwatershed planning process involved characterization of subwatershed conditions through a review of existing information and field studies to fill critical information gaps. Information collection, processing and analysis were completed by August 2004. In October 2004 TRCA hired a consultant (CH2M Hill Canada Limited) to assist with the preparation of a report summarizing available information about the current condition of the subwatershed and local watershed management issues of concern from the first phase of work. This draft "Synthesis Report" was delivered in October 2005. The original study workplan envisioned a second phase of studies to predict the response of the subwatershed system to different scenarios of land use change that were being considered by the Town of Caledon for the Mayfield West growth area identified in the Town's Official Plan. However, upon completion of the first phase of the study, the Town of Caledon's planning process had advanced to a stage where a decision regarding the location of the new community had already been made, with the Town's next step being preparation of terms of reference for environmental planning studies required to support proposed new developments on the east side of Highway 10 north of Mayfield Road. TRCA staff decided-that, in order to provide timely and effective input to the Town's planning process, the scope of the report from the first phase of the subwatershed study should be expanded to include recommendations for further study, that could be incorporated into the Mayfield West community environmental planning study terms of reference, and recommendations for management actions, based on understanding of current conditions and local watershed management issues. In effect, a portion of the further subwatershed planning studies would become study requirements for the developers. TRCA prepared the revised Synthesis Report within one month to accommodate the Town's schedule. In addition to the draft Synthesis Report, new data and information collected through the subwatershed planning study were provided to consultants working on environmental planning studies in support of developments proposed in the Mayfield West community. This information was also provided to the Region of Peel to inform their environmental assessment study for a proposed water supply infrastructure expansion. New information included: • field assessment of all terrestrial natural heritage patches, which provided a basis for refinement of the targeted terrestrial system (only limited data had previously existed); • first full baseflow monitoring survey for Etobicoke Creek, thereby contributing to the establishment of an understanding of baseline low flow conditions and groundwater- surface water interactions; • wet weather flow sampling for rural non point source contaminants, which assisted in understanding possible sources for high nutrient levels in this creek; • permeameter measurements to field verify groundwater infiltration rates, discharge rates and locations of groundwater discharge - used to strengthen the York -Peel- Durham - Toronto groundwater database and groundwater modelling assumptions; • comprehensive survey of historical land ownership in the subwatershed, thus providing a rich source of cultural heritage information to inform interpretive programs; and • compilation of previous fluvial geomorphology assessments, used to define erosion thresholds and set stormwater management pond design criteria. Key Study Recommendations Key findings and recommendations of the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Report are as follows: Existing and Future Urban Areas • 'The Region of Peel, City of Brampton and TRCA should continue to work together to implement improvements to stormwater management in existing urban areas to help mitigate the negative impacts of untreated urban run -off on the health of Etobicoke Creek. 596 • Planning and design of new urban settlements should be based on low impact development principles that minimize changes to pre - development water balance (i.e. pre - development rates of infiltration, run -off and evapotranspiration). Innovative urban designs that minimize impervious surfaces, maintain the function of small drainage features, incorporate stormwater controls that promote infiltration of run -off and utilize green roof technologies and rainwater harvesting cisterns should be considered as part of the overall stormwater management strategy. • Planning and design of the natural heritage system and open space system within new urban settlements should take into consideration the lands within the subwatershed that have been targeted for securement and restoration of natural cover through the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy and consider ways to improve habitat quality and maintain or improve biodiversity. • Monitoring of the effectiveness of community design and management measures that will be put in place in new developments to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, should be undertaken as part of an adaptive management approach, and to inform planning processes for future phases of urban growth. Natural and Cultural Heritage • Management of natural areas in existing and new urban settlements should include measures to avoid or mitigate negative influences on habitat quality associated with surrounding land uses, including enhancement of remaining habitat patches to improve size and shape, fencing to prevent uncontrolled access, provision of planned access points and trail infrastructure in public greenspace areas, enforcement of municipal by -laws restricting encroachments on public lands, and planned off-leash pet areas separate from sensitive natural features. • Available information on the cultural heritage of the area should be considered when assigning place names associated with new urban settlements and utilized in programs at new public facilities to help new residentssconnect with the cultural heritage of the area. Rural Areas • Work to promote rural and agricultural beneficial management practices in the rural portion of the subwatershed that reduce the risk of contamination of surface waters'from land -based activities (e.g. vegetated riparian buffers, upgraded manure storage facilities, improved washwater management) should continue through the Region of Peel and TRCA Rural Clean Water Program; • Predictions regarding the distribution of groundwater discharge areas and important recharge areas from the regional groundwater flow model developed through the York -Peel- Durham - Toronto partnership should be correlated with available monitoring information regarding baseflow, in- stream temperature and fish species to gain a better understanding of how the groundwater system influences stream flow and aquatic habitat in the subwatershed system. Copies will be made available upon request. 597 Consultation and Role of Initial Study Products As noted above, the draft Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report was completed in November 2005. A steering committee meeting was held in January 2006 to present and discuss the report. Formal review of the draft report by the Study Steering Committee and Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition ended in March 2006. The most significant comments focused on the additional environmental studies that would need to be completed in advance of development planning. The draft report recommendations and comments were used by staff from TRCA, the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel to provide input to the formulation of the Town of Caledon's terms of reference for the required environmental planning studies and to inform staff involved in reviewing the Mayfield West environmental planning studies. The information also informed the Town's work in developing policies for incorporation in the Mayfield West Secondary Plan. The Town of Caledon incorporated many of the subwatershed planning study recommendations in the terms of reference, and should be commended for pursuing an innovative vision for community design and for promoting an adaptive management approach, which was relatively new at the time. No further broad public consultation was conducted, in deference to the normal process that the Town would follow for its growth planning work under the Planning Act. Rationale for Study Hold Concurrent with work on the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study, TRCA staff was also engaged in developing.watershed plans for the Rouge and Humber watersheds to assist the Region of Peel, Region of York and City of Toronto in fulfilling the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. It was decided that, because timely input had been provided to the Region of Peel's environmental assessment process and the Town of Caledon's Mayfield West community planning process, and that planning of further urban settlement area expansions in the Etobicoke Creek headwaters would not likely proceed for at least another three years, that the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study would be put temporarily on hold so that TRCA staff efforts could be focused on meeting the legislated • deadlines for Oak Ridges Moraine watershed plans. Upon completion of the Humber River watershed plan in June 2008, staff immediately resumed work on completion of the subwatershed planning study documentation. Given that a previously - scheduled watershed plan update study had begun in 2008 for the Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds, staff ensured that the critical unfinished technical work in the subwatershed study was incorporated into the scope of work for the comprehensive watershed study. The watershed plan update study is compiling new technical information on current conditions and reintegrating it with existing knowledge to produce an improved understanding of the interactions among systems throughout the watersheds as a focus of work in 2008. The update study will be completed in 2009 with updated management and implementation recommendations to guide coordination of the many ongoing and new initiatives. Therefore, staff recommend that the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report be finalized and regarded as the conclusion of that study. 598 Current Context and Role for the Subwatershed Plan In January 2008, the Town of Caledon initiated a planning process for a second phase of urban settlement area expansion in the Mayfield West community. TRCA staff has provided input based on the draft Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Synthesis Report and updated and new information collected as part of the watershed plan update study. Town of Caledon staff has also drawn forward the guidance provided to the Phase 1 Mayfield West studies and are furthering that direction in the Phase 2 work. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff will take the following steps to facilitate the transition from study recommendations to action: • circulate copies of the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report to municipal partners to inform their planning processes for new urban settlements; • utilize information and recommendations in the report to review and comment on environmental planning studies in support of new developments in the Etobicoke Creek headwaters; • work with Town of Caledon staff and development proponents to design an adaptive management monitoring program for the Mayfield West Community to evaluate the effectiveness of community design and management measures that will be put in place to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts; • complete the on -going riparian restoration strategy for Etobicoke Creek that will identify high priority reaches on which efforts to restore natural vegetation cover along the stream banks should be focused first; • use findings to inform the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watershed Update Study (i.e. follow up on recommendations for further analysis, build on understanding); and • use findings to inform the ongoing implementation of TRCA's Rural Clean Water Program, Healthy, Yards program and other stewardship activities. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding.in the amount of $335,000 was provided for the Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Planning Study by the Regional Municipality of Peel through the Peel Water Management Project. A budget of-$25,000 was reserved after completion of Phase 1 to complete further fluvial geomorphic assessment, as planned. This work is now being coordinated as part of the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watershed Update Study. TRCA staff is recommending to the Region of Peel that the remaining surplus budget of $30,000 be used to offset the update study's 2009 budget request, in an equal amount. • Report prepared by: Dean Young, extension 5662 Email: dyoung @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dean Young, extension 5662; Sonya Meek, extension 5253 Email: dyoung @trca.on.ca or smeek @trca.on.ca Date: October 09, 2008 599 RES. #A235/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ONTARIO STREAM ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL Training Course. Approval for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to partner with the Ministry of Natural Resources and undertake the administration and delivery of the annual Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol training course in 2009 -2010. David Barrow Ron Moeser WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has successfully administered and delivered an annual training course for the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol in 2007 and 2008; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to pursue opportunities to renew the partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources to administer the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol training course for another two year period; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the contracts including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA has been using the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) as the principle means of collecting aquatic habitat and species data within its watersheds since 1999. This protocol is used extensively through the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program and other projects to collect aquatic data in support of long -term monitoring and site specific projects. A number of TRCA staff have been trained in the protocol over the years, and two have participated as instructors for the course (Scott Jarvie and Jeff Vandenberg). In 2006, TRCA was approached by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to take on the administration and delivery of the annual training course for OSAP a two year period for 2007 -2008. A partnership agreement was signed in this regard, and a steering committee that includes representative from TRCA, MNR and Fisheries and Oceans Canada was established. Both the 2007 and 2008 courses were highly successful. They were offered at the Durham College facilities in Oshawa and attracted participants from MNR, conservation authorities, private consulting firms, academic institutions, non - government organizations as well as unaffiliated individuals. A summary report on the 2008 course was completed and forwarded to MNR and the OSAP steering committee. .Discussion and planning for future courses has been initiated, and through the steering committee that has been established, it has been suggested that TRCA maintain their current role as course administrator. RATIONALE ' Over the years TRCA has become a key partner in the application and promotion of the Ontario • Stream Assessment Protocol. Training and experience gained through the instruction of the OSAP course in previous years has enabled TRCA to train and certify in -house their own field . staff on an annual basis. 600 The administration of the publically offered course in partnership with MNR highlights and reinforces TRCA's role as a leader in watershed science, monitoring and technical field protocols. Networking with participants in the course has led to opportunities for collaboration and data sharing. Further, the partnership arrangement provides an opportunity to generate revenue and funding to cover staff time spent on administration of the course. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE . Followingthe completion of the two year partnership agreement, TRCA has been asked to. consider continued administration of the course. Staff has initiated discussion in this regard and recommend that a partnership agreement be developed for another two year period (2009 -2010) . Staff will work with MNR on the development of an updated agreement. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA has previously set -up an account code for the administration of the course (124 -51) for the last two years. Currently the revenues generated from the course offset TRCA staff time for administration, as well as provides direct revenue (20% of fees) back to TRCA. These revenues and recoveries amounted to $13,615 over the last two years. There is an additional amount of $7,919.00 that was transferred to TRCA from the previous course administrator that is to be held in TRCA's account to be used for continued course development, updates and promotion. These funds will be dispersed at the discretion of the OSAP Steering Committee, and otherwise carried forward to be.returned to MNR in the future. It is proposed that a similar funding arrangement be in place for the next two year period. Report prepared by: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Emails: sjarvie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Emails: sjarvie @trca.on.ca Date: September 24, 2008 RES. #A236/08 - GROWING DURHAM Draft recommended growth scenario and policy directions. Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the Regional Municipality of Durham and their consultants be credited for reducing the 2031 projected urban footprint by over 1,000 hectares by meeting the intensification targets of the provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan; 601 THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) supports the recommended policy directions to encourage and demonstrate sustainable community design practices; THAT an environmental monitoring component be added to the proposed "Five Year Growth Management Reviews" to ensure development also proceeds in an environmentally sustainable manner; THAT TRCA does not support the incorporation of lands in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed into the Durham Region 2031 urban boundary until such time as the following issues have been satisfactorily addressed: • completion of an update to A Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek to assess the environmental carrying capacity of the watershed, define a sustainable natural heritage system, and address potential flooding and erosion impacts to downstream residents and infrastructure, • an analysis to show when the subject lands would be needed within the ten -year local urban boundary, • a comparison of the agricultural viability of the Carruthers lands to other whitebelt lands currently being excluded from the urban boundary, and • the completion of Durham's Master Water and Wastewater Servicing Study; AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this report be sent to the. Region of Durham, the four other conservation authorities within Durham Region, the Town of Ajax, the City of Pickering, the Municipality of Clarington, the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Natural Resources, and Energy and Infrastructure and to the City of Toronto Public Works and Infrastructure, and Parks and Environment committees. CARRIED BACKGROUND Staff last reported on the Growing Durham initiative (phase 3 and 4) at Authority Meeting #6/08, held on July 25, 2008. The Growing Durham initiative is the planning process of the Regional Municipality of Durham to amend their official plan to be in conformity with the provincial Places to Grow Act and Plan. Several issues of concern in the report to the Authority were identified including: • the entire remaining headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed would be placed in an urban designation; • no previous watershed studies had taken place in the headwaters portion of the watershed; • previous watershed studies that assessed flooding and erosion hazards in the lower reaches of the watershed were done on the basis that the headwaters would remain in a natural or agricultural state. One of staffs recommendations in the report was: THAT should the Region of Durham decide to consider future urban growth in the . headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, an update to the watershed plan for the Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses; 602 Authority members felt this recommendation was not strong enough and amended it to request that the update to the watershed plan be completed prior to the approval of the regional and local official plan amendment to redesignate the lands for urban uses. A Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek and'Carruthers Creek was published in August 2003. Growing Durham - Draft Recommended Growth Scenario and Policy Directions This new document dated September 23,. 2008 refines the population numbers and recommended preferred growth scenario from the previous Phase 3 and 4 document. Some of the changes and policy recommendations contained in the document include: • the provincial density targets for new greenfield developments (50 residents and jobs combined per hectare) and residential intensification targets for existing urban areas (40% annually by 2015) now appear to be being met, resulting in over 1,000 ha less land needed for urban development to 2031; • a recommendation to encourage sustainable community design practices and require a demonstration of how development will address issues such as permeability, water quality and conservation,'energy conservation, air.quality protection, increased (transportation) modal splits and walkable communities, and green buildings and infrastructure; • a recommendation for "Five -year Growth Management Reviews" to ensure growth proceeds in a logical and orderly manner, meets provincial intensification and density targets, and appropriately phases development over the next five year period; • a specific recognition of the Carruthers Creek watershed headwaters as a sensitive area and a general recommendation for natural heritage studies and watershed plans to be required as part of the secondary plan process (as opposed to being required at the regional official plan amendment stage, as per the Authority amended resolution); • a recommendation to use holding provisions on lands designated urban until natural heritage system and watershed planning studies have determined the appropriate development limits; • a recommendation to limit expansion into greenfield lands until such time as intensification targets are being met and to require 75% build -out of approved secondary plans prior to the approval of sequential secondary plans; • a recommendation to encourage the continuation of agricultural uses on lands designated for urban uses within the regional official plan but which are not yet designated for development in the local official plan; anda recommendation to direct local municipalities to provide within their urban boundary sufficient lands to accommodate a ten -year supply of land for housing and employment needs and to ensure logical and sequential development patterns with each phase. Discussion At Authority Meeting #5/03, held on June 27, 2003, A Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek was approved. The key issue.for Authority members based on discussions at the July 25 Authority meeting was that "an update to A Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek . and Carruthers Creek be completed prior to the approval of the regional and local official plan amendment to redesignate these lands for urban uses; ". This resolution ( #A177/08) was based on taking "a precautionary approach to the upper Carruthers Creek watershed in order to protect and enhance the remaining environmental attributes and to prevent potentially expensive infrastructure remediation projects in the lower reaches of the creek in the existing downstream Ajax community. ". The consultant's recommendation in the current Growing Durham report did not incorporate the resolution, as amended by the Authority, to update the watershed plan prior to the regional official plan amendment (OPA). Neither was TRCA staff's 603 initial recommendation to update the watershed plan prior to the local OPA included. Instead, the consultant's recommendation is to require a watershed plan at an even later stage in the planning process - in advance of or concurrent with the secondary plan process. There are many issues that are appropriate to study and resolve at the secondary plan level. However, staff feels there are a number of high -level issues associated with the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek that need to be addressed prior to designating all these lands for urban uses. These high -level issues include: • A comparison of the agricultural viability of the subject lands to other whitebelt lands currently being excluded from the urban boundary. The headwaters of the Carruthers Creek contains some very high quality agricultural operations that may have increasing value as near urban, close -to- market agricultural lands. The subject lands are surrounded by Greenbelt lands and may have better long -term viability for agriculture as compared with other whitebelt agricultural lands in Clarington. The Clarington lands are contiguous with adjacent urban lands and closer to the Lakeshore urban corridor. A comparison of these lands for their long term agricultural viability should be undertaken in accordance with policy 2.2.8.2 f) of the provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan. • The completion of Durham's Master Water and Wastewater Servicing Study to determine if the subject lands can be serviced in accordance with Durham's goal to provide servicing in a logical, sequential and cost - effective manner, as compared to other whitebelt lands. This is also recommended by the Region's consultants. The lands in the Carruthers Creek headwaters are surrounded by Greenbelt Plan lands and isolated from other urban lands, making servicing to this area potentially more difficult and costly. • An analysis to show when the subject lands would be needed within the ten -year local . urban boundary given the uncertainty around the airport, the current economic uncertainty and the projected time for the build out of the Seaton lands. Seaton is being planned for 70,000 residents and 35,000 jobs over a projected period of 15 to 25 years. If efforts at intensification in existing urban areas and the provision of improved transit to serve these areas bears fruit, the full development of Seaton, and the need for additional urban fringe • lands in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek, may be many years in the future. • Completion of an update to A Watershed Plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek to, among other things, assess the environmental carrying capacity of the watershed, define a sustainable natural heritage system and address potential flooding and erosion impacts to downstream residents and infrastructure. In summary, there are too many unknown and outstanding issues to be addressed for the lands in the headwaters of the Carruthers Creek watershed to warrant their inclusion in the regional urban boundary at this time. Report prepared by: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca For Information contact: David Burnett, extension 5361 Emails: dburnett @trca.on.ca Date: October 07, 2008 604 RES. #A237/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: EAST DUFFINS HEADWATERS MANAGEMENT PLAN Update fo'r Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Properties. Completion of a management plan update for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's East Duffins Creek Headwaters properties. David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT staff be directed to establish,a Project Steering Committee and a Public Advisory Committee to facilitate the opportunity for public input, which would include members of the Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods Stewardship Committee, interested community groups, business representatives, community residents, agency staff, municipal staff and area councillors to assist with the completion of the East Duffins Creek Management Plan Update for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.(TRCA) properties; AND FURTHER THAT the final version of the management plan be presented to the Authority for approval. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan for TRCA Properties was completed in 2003 and included the Glen Major Resource Management Tract (1081 hectares), Walker Woods Tract (429 hectares), Former Timber Brother Gravel Pit (38 hectares), Claremont Field Centre (161 hectares), Secord Forest and Wildlife Area (93 hectares), Goodwood Resource Management Tract (110 hectares) and Clubine Agreement Forest (30 hectares). Since the completion of that management plan, new properties and conservation easements have been acquired in proximity to the Glen Major and Walker Woods Tracts. These new lands, paired with increased public use and recreation, has created the need for an updated management plan that is more focused on the Glen Major and Walker Woods area properties. This management plan update, titled the East Duffins Creek Headwaters (EDCH) Management Plan, will focus on the Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods complex of properties, including the newly acquired Pleasure Valley, Wilder and Brock lands. The East Duffins Creek Headwaters properties total approximately 1,700 hectares of TRCA land in the Duffins Creek watershed in the Region of Durham. All of the lands are owned by TRCA, with the exception of 72 hectares in the Glen Major Resource Management Tract that is owned by Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by TRCA. The management plan area extends east from Brock Road to Lakeridge Road and from the northern section of Pickering into southern Uxbridge, in the Region of Durham. The TRCA properties included in the management plan area include: • Walker Woods Tract; • Glen Major Resource Management Tract; • Brock Tract; • Wilder Forest and Wildlife Area; • Pleasure Valley Forest; and • North Dagmar Forest. 605 The EDCH properties consist of forest, successional forest areas, meadows, wetlands and many headwater streams that provide quality habitat in the Duffins Creek watershed, as evidenced by the variety of flora and fauna species of regional concern. The study properties currently provide the opportunity for passive, year -round public use. There is an extensive multi -use trail system (100 kilometres) that links all the TRCA lands. Permitted uses include hiking, horseback riding, leashed dog - walking, cycling and cross - country skiing. In addition, TRCA trails are connected to an inter - regional trail system via the Oak Ridges Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. The goals of the EDCH Management Plan process are to protect, conserve and manage TRCA properties within an ecosystem framework, and to ensure watershed health, environmental sustainability and public enjoyment in consultation with the community. This updated management plan will provide a renewed framework for TRCA to determine priorities and rationale for future initiatives, including the protection of natural features, habitat regeneration, and the development of public use and environmental education opportunities. Deliverables include the following: • identification of existing property features, including natural and cultural heritage resources; • evaluation of the property based on conservation planning policies, landscape features and functions, site environmental opportunities and constraints, community needs, and municipal policies, plans and requirements; • a site securement and protection plan; • refinement of conservation land management zones; • management guidelines and recommendations for each management zone; • expanded trail plan including hazard management and emergency response. The management plan process will follow the study approach used by TRCA for the preparation of management and master plans for Heart Lake, Bruce's Mill and Greenwood conservation areas. Staff has recommended the establishment of a project steering committee and a public advisory committee to provide an integrated approach to the management plan. The committees will assist with refining management zones and management recommendations, and provide direction and comment on the public use and restoration plans. The steering committee will be comprised of Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods Stewardship Executive Committee members including: • TRCA - Chair (Ex Officio); • Michael Tucker, Durham Conservation Association (DCA); • Brian Buckles, Uxbridge Naturally, DCA; • Tom Hawks, Durham Mountain Bicycling Association (DMBA); • Jason Murray, DMBA; • Robin John, Uxbridge Horseman's Association; • Brian Millage, Oak Ridges Trail Association. Agency and community representatives will be selected and invited by TRCA to be members of the advisory committee for the duration of the project. The advisory committee could include representatives from: • TRCA - Chair (Ex Officio); 606 • City of Pickering - Councillor and staff; • Town of Uxbridge - Councillor and staff; • Region of Durham - Councillor and staff; • local members of provincial and federal parliament; • Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods Stewardship Committee; • Durham Conservation Association: • Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust; • Oak Ridges Trail Association; • Ontario Heritage Trust; • Uxbridge Naturally; • Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee; • mountain bicycling community, potentially represented by the Durham Mountain Bicycling Association; • • equestrian community, potentially represented by the Uxbridge Horsemen's Association; • community residents; and, • local business representatives. Staff will attend advisory committee meetings to provide technical input and direction. RATIONALE It is an appropriate time to complete a management plan update for the TRCA properties located in the EDCH as there have been many changes to the properties since the last plan was completed in 2003. The Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan for TRCA Properties (2003) recommended a review and update of the management plan every five to seven years. Visitation and public'use-at Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods has substantially increased over the last five years. In addition, two large parcels of land have been added to TRCA holdings and 13 conservation easements have been secured on neighbouring properties since 2003. Also, to properly address the increased management responsibilities, It is necessary to prepare a comprehensive and integrated management plan for the EDCH properties that can respond to the increased use, changes in the availability of public funds and evolving concepts in conservation and sustainability. The EDCH Management Plan will move TRCA towards its vision for The Living City, ultimately for sustainable communities based on a healthy ecosystem. The EDCH Management Plan will address property management and public safety issues, site securement and vegetation management objectives, as well as respond to future demands for nature based recreation opportunities in the region. It will establish appropriate environmental protection and restoration techniques, facilitate public input regarding appropriate use, and create a sense of stewardship among users and adjacent landowners. The update will be guided by recommendations outlined in A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek (2003). In addition, the management plan update will integrate Ontario's Places to Grow program that is designed to manage growth and development in Ontario. The updated management plan will complement a number of TRCA initiatives, including: • . The Living City vision; • A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek (2003); • Fisheries Management Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek (2004) ; • Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy; • Former Timbers Brother Gravel Pit restoration project. 607 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Develop a project Terms of Reference, which will include the scope of work responsibilities and projected timelines. • Establish advisory committee. • Compile and update all background material on the subject lands into a background report. • Review and update plan vision, goals, objectives, management zones and management recommendations. • Develop trail, site securement and protection plans. It is anticipated that the management plan will be completed by January 2010. TRCA staff will complete the following work: Phase One (October 2008 - March 2009) • update property inventories including natural heritage data, geo- referenced trail locations, forest management, restoration opportunities and site securement; • establish staff steering groups and a management plan advisory committee and host meetings; • update plan vision, goals and objectives; • establish and circulate a study newsletter; • host one public information session to introduce the project. Phase Two (December 2008 - June 2009) • review and update management zones; • review and update management recommendations; • integrate updated watershed management recommendations; • develop a site securement and protection plan including public use hazard management; • review and update an overall trail plan for the properties including emergency response; • host staff steering and advisory committee meetings; • circulate a study newsletter update; • host one public meeting to review draft material. Phase Three (May 2009 - January 2010) • finalize draft management plan document; • finalize site securement and protection plan; • finalize trail plans; • host staff steering and advisory committee meetings; • host public meeting to present final draft plan; • obtain partners and TRCA board endorsement and / or approval of the plan; • circulate a study update newsletter. 608 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for background studies was budgeted in 2008 from Durham Region under 109 -06, and provision for the update of the EDCH Management Plan for TRCA properties has been included in TRCA's Preliminary 2009 Capital Budget under account 109 -06 and Conservation Lands account 408 -45. Report prepared by: Michael Goodyear, extention 5578 Email: mgoodyear @trca.on.ca For Information contact:Michael Goodyear, extention 5578; Mike Bender, extension 5278 Email: mgoodyear @trca.on.ca, mbender @trca.on.ca Date: October 1, 2008 RES. #A238/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: FORMER CANADA POST CORPORATION PROPERTY City of Mississauga Award of Contract for Demolition of Buildings. Recommends award of contract for demolition of the buildings located at 1352 Lakeshore Road East (former Canada Post property), City of Mississauga, Region of Peel. David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the contract for the demolition of buildings at 1352 Lakeshore Road East, City of Mississauga, be awarded to Lions Group Inc. for a total cost of $168,000, plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. CARRIED BACKGROUND The subject TRCA holding consists of Part of Lot 5, Concession 3, SDS, City of Mississauga, Regional Municipality of Peel, being part of a much larger area acquired from Canada Post on October 30, 1992. At the time of acquisition there was an existing lease with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for use of approximately 24,000 sq. ft. of the office warehouse building and storage building situate at the west entrance to the property from Lakeshore Road East for a training facility. A small area of the-building was leased at a nominal rent by COPS, a community youth group sponsored by Peel Regional Police. OPG was responsible for utilities, regular maintenance, taxes and rent. In 2004, OPG commissioned two studies to determine required repairs and upgrades to the building. The OPG studies indicated that over a five to ten year horizon the building could require in excess of $2,000,000 in repairs and upgrades. TRCA conducted an independent review of the studies, as well as a review of requirements under the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code which confirmed that the repairs proposed by OPG were reasonable. 609 In October of 2006, TRCA approved a proposal from OPG regarding the repairs and upgrades to the building. This proposal provided OPG with a one year extension to the lease to give OPG time to conduct a leasing study to determine if it was feasible for OPG to continue to lease the facility given the extensive repair and upgrade costs. If OPG determined that it was feasible to continue the lease, TRCA would provide an additional 10 year extension for an annual rental rate of $1.00 subject to OPG spending a minimum of $1,000,000 over the 10 year period to • repair and upgrade the building. After completing this study OPG determined that it was not feasible to continue to lease the building and. both OPG and COPS vacated the building in June of this year. RATIONALE The intent of purchase of this property was to expand Marie Curtis Park to form a 41 hectare waterfront park. The lease to OPG was an interim use until the park was developed. City of Mississauga has done an extensive review of the building and has indicated that they do not want to use the building for municipal purposes. Since the building is now at the end of its economic life and will require a substantial investment to make it useable, staff is recommending that the building be demolished. Contract documents were sent to a total of five bidders with the following bids being received: Contractor Amount Lions Group Inc. $168,000.00 Progreen Demolition L.T.D. $168,042.00 Murray Demolition $292,530.00 Priestly Demolition Inc. $364,102.00 Greenspoon Specialty Contracting $420,230.00 Based on the bids received, staff recommend awarding the contract for the demolition of 1352 Lakeshore Road East to Lions Group Inc. for the total amount of $168,000.00 (plus applicable taxes). FINANCIAL DETAILS There is capital funding available for this demolition. Report prepared by: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 Emails: mfenning @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 or Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: mfenning @trca.on.ca or rdewell @trca.on.ca Date: October 09, 2008 610 RES. #A239/08 - ALBION HILLS FIELD CENTRE ROOF REPLACEMENT Award of contracts for roof replacement on Albion Hills Field Centre. Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the contract for roofing at Albion Hills Field Centre be awarded to Pollard Roofing at a cost not to exceed $134,000 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications; THAT the contract for masonry at Albion Hills Field Centre be awarded to JVH at a cost not to exceed $9,000 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications; THAT,the contract for carpentry at Albion Hills Field Centre be awarded to IN 2 DEEP at a cost, not to exceed $44,870 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications; THAT the contract for painting at Albion Hills Field Centre be awarded to Platinum 'Painting at a cost not to exceed $8,975 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received. meeting TRCA specifications; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the contracts including the signing and execution of documents. • CARRIED BACKGROUND In 2007, as part of the Region of Peel's Climate Change Mitigation Program, TRCA engaged Montgomery Sisam Architects, Ltd. to undertake'a facility assessment and conceptual redesign of Albion Hills Field Centre. The purpose of the assessment and redesign program was to provide a framework for major renovations and system retrofits to improve the environmental performance of the building while supporting climate change and sustainability learning programs for visiting students. Through the assessment process and conceptual redesign phase Montgomery Sisam was asked to identify priority building areas or functions that are either specifically inefficient or have an adverse climate change impact. Early on in the process the roof was identified for several reasons: • thermal impacts of having 'a dark roof; • low insulation value resulting in significant heat loss; • degraded fascia and soffits resulting in high risk of water penetration into the building. In August of 2008, TRCA engaged the services of Percon Construction Inc. to act as project managers for the Albion Hills roof replacement project. Percon worked with Montgomery Sisam in developing.the terms of reference and specifications for the roof replacement and associated work. The specifications of the work called for increasing the insulation value of the roof and the installation of a new high albedo TPO roofing membrane. 611 RATIONALE On a hot day (85 degrees Fahrenheit), a black roof surface can heat up to 172 degrees Fahrenheit, while a white TPO membrane roof will only heat up to approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A TPO membrane roof also meets the design criteria for one Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credit under Sustainable Sites Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect: Roof. The intent of the Heat Island Credit is to "reduce heat islands to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat ". In September of 2008 a call for bids on four components of the work was issued and a site meeting held for interested bidders. In order to maximize value for TRCA, work was split into four components: • roof work; • masonry work; • carpentry work; • painting; The following is a summary of bids for each of the components of the work with the successful bidder identified in italics: ROOF WORK Pollard Roofing $134,000 Nortex Roofing $149,000 Rogue Roofing $139,000 Dufferin Roofing $194,000 Seeback Roofing No Bid Stybek Roofing No Bid MASONRY JVH $9,000 Blockwall No Bid Michelin No Bid Angel Masonry No Bid Nelvex Masonry $11,000 CARPENTRY Ballan Carpentry No Bid NR Woodwork $54,000 Grecio Carpentry $60,000 IN 2 DEEP $44,870 PAINTING Platinum Painting $8,975 P &D Painting $12,325 JGL Painting $13,865 Based on the bids received staff recommend that the contacts be awarded as follows: • Masonry - JVH at a cost not to exceed $9,000 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications. 612 • Roofing - Pollard Roofing at a cost not to exceed $134,000 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications. • Carpentry - IN 2 DEEP at a cost not to exceed $44,870 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications. • Painting - Platinum Painting at a cost not to exceed $8,975 plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting TRCA specifications. FINANCIAL DETAILS - Funds are available in the Peel Climate Change Mitigation capital budget 129 -70. Report prepared by: Darryl Gray, extension 5604 Emails: dgray @trca.on.ca For Information ,contact: Darryl Gray, extension 5604 Emails: dgray @trca.on.ca Date: October 07, 2008 RES. #A240/08 - ALBION HILLS CONSERVATION AREA Splash Pad and Wading Pool. Award of contract for construction of the Albion Hills Conservation Area Aquatic Facility. Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Linda Pabst THAT the contract for the construction of the Albion Hills Conservation Area Aquatic Facility be awarded to Ferdom Construction, at an upset cost not to exceed $775,000.00 including contingencies, plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid received meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications; THAT award of the contract be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and legal advisers, including but not limited to determination of the final contract cost not to exceed the approved amount; THAT should staff be unable to achieve an acceptable contract with the above - mentioned contractor, staff be authorized to enter into contract negotiations with other contractors that submitted tenders, beginning with the second lowest bidder; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the contracts including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED 613 BACKGROUND Albion Hills Conservation Area is a 446 hectare active -use park north of Bolton in the Town of Caledon which features a campground, natural swim lake and sees over 100,000 visitors annually. It is the intention of TRCA to draw additional users to Albion Hills Conservation Area in order to expand and diversify the client base, and to provide innovative regional recreational opportunities. In the past the existing natural water -based activities have been well received at Albion Hills, however, staff notes that swimming attendance at the natural swim lake has diminished over the last number of years. Diminishing attendance has been attributed to the public's negative perception of the lake not being an aesthetically pleasing swimming environment. Algae blooms, Eurasian milfoil and murky water are commonly present at the lake which are no longer publicly acceptable or pleasant for water -based activities in a controlled environment. The introduction of a new interactive aquatic facility at Albion Hills Conservation Area will coincide with the discontinuation of the traditional natural swimming at Albion Hills where the annual installation of the swimming curtain and chlorine injection is to cease. The pending discontinuation of natural swimming will allow aquatic vegetation and fauna to return to, and once again thrive, in natural conditions at the Albion Hills Conservation Area lake. Additional water -based programming, such as fishing and boating will remain intact therefore providing less harmful water -based activities on the natural aquatic ecosystem. The installation of a new interactive aquatic facility coupled with existing natural water -based programming will allow Albion Hills Conservation Area to serve a larger demographic and serve as a regional destination point. Staff retained the services of Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects for the complete design of the facility. Staff set out the following design parameters at the onset of the project. The new aquatic facility is to be fully accessible, feature both innovative splash pad elements as well as traditional swimming areas of various depths, in order to accommodate a variety of users groups and skill levels. As well, TRCA aims to provide and incorporate the latest in sustainability, conservation and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria into aspects of the project design and work. As part of the planning process for the installation of a interactive aquatic facility at Albion Hills Conservation Area, an extensive consultation process took place. . Initial consultation took place internally with TRCA staff. A meeting was convened with all relevant departments including Conservation Lands and Property Services, Planning and Development, Ecology (Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology), Archaeology and Watershed Management. The focus of the meeting was on the rationale for the installation of the facility as well as the design and technical features of the facility. Follow -up meetings were held with staff from Planning and Development, Water Resources and Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology to ensure that the design and technical specifications were satisfactory. Following discussions with staff, members of the community and representatives of local stakeholder groups and agencies were invited to attend a consultation meeting. The meeting was attended by Richard Whitehead, Councillor in Caledon and Leigh Booth of the Caledon Cycling Club. Comments from these individuals were integrated into the design and implementation plans, including organizing a Grand Opening for Canada Day, 2009. 614 Lastly, a public meeting was held on May 27, 2008 and was attended by approximately 15 members of the public. The planning process has also considered and ensured that the facility will be in conformity with the Oak Ridges Moraine Consultation Plan and all relevant legislation and building codes. Over the last few months staff worked closely with Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects to prepare and refine detailed design and construction drawings required to move forward with the tendering and building permit process. The aquatic facility is to be constructed on the lands owned and operated by TRCA as Albion Hills Conservation Area. Key design features of the aquatic facility include: • fully accessible; • 125 square metre (m2) aquatic playground; • 445 square metre (m2) swimming pool; • user activated features aquatic playground elements; • 400+ person aquatic facility capacity; • large fenced compound will provide access to the beach area, boating and other water based opportunities, snack bar and provide large shaded and unshaded picnicking areas; • state of the art filter aid closed loop filtration system which reuses water, thus reducing the accumulation of wastewater and need for fresh water input; • wastewater that is generated through operational maintenance will be distributed into a bioswale; • energy and water efficient mechanical and washroom facilities, including low flow toilets and faucets, sensor automated lights and energy efficient pumps; and • green technologies will be incorporated into the facility where deemed feasible. In conjunction with Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects staff prepared a Request for Tender for the complete installation of the approved aquatic facility design. Based on the uniqueness and size of the project, the following firms were invited to submit tenders for the project: • Accent Building Sciences; • Ferdom Construction; • Rutherford Contracting; • Aldershot Landscape Contractors; • Melfer Construction Ltd.; • Mopal Construction Ltd.; • Gateman- Milloy. Landscape Contractors; • Pine Valley Ent. Inc.; • Sommerville Construction. Tender documents and drawings were distributed to the aforementioned general contractors on September 16, 2008. The tender closed on October 9, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.. The public opening was held on October 10, 2008. Tenders were received as follows; 615 . COMPANY BID (including GST) Ferdom Construction $856,485.00 Gateman- Milloy Landscape Contractors $1,261,242.66 Pine Valley Ent. Inc $930,756.75 Sommerville Construction $1,393,350.00 • Staff evaluated the proposals based on criteria that included: • completeness; • compliance with tender requirements; • relevant project experience; • references; and • fee proposals. Based on the evaluation criteria and recommendations from Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects, staff concluded that the tender submitted by Ferdom Construction meets all requirements set out in the tender documents and is the lowest bid received. Subsequently, staff evaluated the tenders and determined that the lowest tendered bid is over the approved available budget of $775,000.00. Staff recommends that the following series of cost saving measures be implemented during the contract negotiating phase in order to reduce project cost: 1) line item deletions: the project's scope of work to be altered by directly deleting line items from the tender form; 2) revisions using submitted unit prices:•the project's scope of work to be altered by revising the quantity of selected design elements (revised prices shall be calculated by applying the unit prices for addition and deletion of items submitted by the contractor on the tender form); and 3) negotiated reductions using submitted lump sum prices after redesign: reductions to be achieved through the redesign of selected project elements and subsequent negotiations with the contractor. As a result of cost saving measure implementation, the integrity of the project will remain intact and not be compromised, and the completed facility will become a destination attraction. Staff is confident that as a result of implementing the above outlined cost saving measures during the contract negotiating phase, Ferdom Construction will conduct the required tasks in a timely and cost effective manner that meet the approved facility budget of $775,000.00 and the opening date of June 15, 2009. If staff is unable to come to a mutually agreeable contract, then staff request authorization to enter into contact negotiations with the next lowest bidder. FINANCIAL DETAILS The bid prices received through the tender process were in keeping with industry expectations for the contract given the type and scope of work and current construction market conditions. 616 Funds required to support and complete this project are available from Peel Region within the Public Use Peel Region Capital Budget account #463 -10. Report prepared by:Brad Clubine , extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca Date: October 15, 2008 RES. #A241/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: LONG TERM OFFICE ACCOMMODATION PROJECT Change to Membership. Addition of a Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Member to the Long Term Office Accommodation Working Group. David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT Mr. Bryan Bertie be appointed as a member of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Long Term Office Accommodation Working Group. CARRIED RATIONALE TRCA has grown considerably since its main office at 5 Shoreham Drive was constructed in the 1970's. The purpose of the Long Term Office Accommodation Project is to determine the office accommodation needs of TRCA over the next 20 years and recommend a comprehensive, cost effective solution. Staff will finalize a work plan for the office needs analysis including terms of reference for consultant support. Staff is considering all of the issues involved in creating new office space, not the least of which is a financial plan. .The timeframe is to report back`to the Executive Committee by year end with the needs analysis preliminary building evaluation and a project plan including financial projections. To support and advise staff as the project moves forward, a small Long Term Office Accommodation Working Group was created at Authority Meeting #4/08, held on May 23, 2008, by Resolution #A126/08, as amended, in part, as follows: ...THAT the Working Group include Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Councillor Ron Moeser, Councillor Maria Augimeri, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and Councillor John Sprovieri;... It would meet as needed to support the staff group responsible for the project. Staff reports would flow through the working group to the Executive Committee. 617 Mr. Bertie has expressed interest.in being a member of the working group. Staff recommended that the working group be no less than 5 members but did not have an upset limit. As such, staff is recommending that Mr. Bertie be appointed to the working group. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Jim Dillane; 416- 667 -6292; Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: jdillane @trca.on.ca; kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: October 14, 2008 RES. #A242/08 - PARTNERS IN PROJECT GREEN: A PEARSON ECO- BUSINESS ZONE PROJECT Terms of Reference and Steering Committee. Progress update on Pearson Eco- Business Zone project, update to the Terms of Reference and approval of the steering committee members. Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Maja Prentice THAT the presentation on Woodbine Entertainment Group's green initiatives by Jane Holmes, Vice President of Corporate Affairs be received and Woodbine Entertainment Group be congratulated for their energy and water conservation initiatives, and their support of Partners in Project Green; THAT the amended Section 5 of the Terms of Reference for the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee, as outlined in the staff report, be approved; AND FURTHER THAT the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee members, as listed, be approved. CARRIED BACKGROUND In partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), the Regional Municipality of Peel, the City of Toronto, the City of Mississauga and the City of Brampton, TRCA has been working to develop Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Partners in Project Green is an initiative to develop North America's largest eco- business zone on the industrial lands surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport (Toronto Pearson). At Authority Meeting #6/08, held on July 25, 2008 , Resolution #A184/08 was approved, in part, as follows: ...THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the key priorities contained in the draft Partners in Project Green Strategy, being eco - efficiency, resource re- utilization, • renewable energy and green business development, be approved, in principle; 618 THAT the attached draft Terms of Reference for the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee be approved and staff be authorized to establish the Steering Committee to begin the implementation of key priorities;... ...THAT the Partners in Project Green Strategy findings and priorities be presented to TRCA's regional and local municipal partners involved in Partners in Project Green and a copy of the Executive Summary be forwarded to all TRCA members; AND_FURTHER THAT the partners and supporters be formally recognized at the official project launch in early October, 2008 at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Progress Update and Project Launch Staff presentations to partner municipalities were very well received and municipal representatives have been appointed to the Partners in Project Green Steering Committee (herein "Steering Committee "). Fourteen businesses have also confirmed their participation on the Steering Committee. The Partners in Project Green: A Pearson Eco- Business Zone Strategy was officially launched on October 9, 2008 and featured a reception with over 250 business and government representatives in attendance. The evening included remarks from project founding partners and greetings form various levels of government including the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. The project strategy and findings have been posted on the project website. Over 400 downloads have been reported during the first week. Support to grow with new funding commitments from both the government (Natural Resources Canada) and private sector. Woodbine Entertainment Group has recently confirmed their funding support toward a green job development program for the project area. Amendment to the Terms of Reference Minor amendment to Section 5 of the Steering Committee Terms of Reference is proposed to reflect the relationship and participation from the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition. Section'5.8 is recommended to be added as follows: 5.8 Relationship to the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition The Chair of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition or designate will be invited to attend Committee meetings. Steering Committee Membership The following business and municipal representatives have agreed to participate on the project Steering Committee. Business Representatives • Toby Lennox, Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communications, GTAA • John Coyne, Vice President General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Unilever • Jane Holmes, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Woodbine Entertainment Group • Neil Lacheur, Vice President Property Management, Bentall Real Estate • Ferg Devins, Vice President Government and Public Affairs, Molson • Ernie Springolo, Country Head, Bayer Material Science, Bayer Inc. • Anne Tennier, Vice President Environmental Affairs, Maple Leaf Foods 619 • Eric Lange, President, Lange Transportation • Mark O'Connor, Director Security and Compliance, Kuehne and Nagel • Mike Brandt, Chief Financial Officer, Monteco Group, representing Ontario Environment Industry Association • Blair Wok, Project Manager, Orlando Corporation • Darryl Neate, Manager of Sustainable Programs, Oxford Properties • Bob Griesbach, Director of Business Consulting, Hatch Energy, representing Mississauga Board of Trade • Carmen McClelland, President, Brampton Board of Trade • Ian Howcroft, Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association • Dan Pastoric, Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer, Enersource • Walter Kraus, Senior Director Environmental Affairs, George Weston Ltd. • Lenard Foster, Vice President Toronto Operations, Canadian Tire Retail Political /Municipal Representatives • Suzan Hall, Councillor City of Toronto • Maja Prentice, Councillor City of Mississauga • Eve Adams, Councillor Region of Peel /Alternate: Chief Administrative Officer or the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel. • Gael Miles, Councillor City of Brampton /Alternate: Sandra Hames Councillor City of Brampton. TRCA • Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer Representatives from the federal and provincial governments and two more business representatives are yet to be confirmed. These names will be brought back to the Authority for approval upon confirmation of them as representatives. The first meeting of the Steering Committee is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2009. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Establish project working groups and initiate implementation of key priorities identified in the Partners in Project Green Strategy with input from the business community and project partners. The key priorities are as follows: • Eco- Efficiency - working with the business community to identify and realize savings from energy, water and waste conservation measures; • Resource Re- Utilization Initiative - investigating ways for businesses to turn waste into feedstocks and revenue streams; . • Renewable Energy - identifying and implementing opportunities for renewable energy generation in the Pearson Eco- Business Zone; and, • Green Business Development - working with municipal economic development departments on the attraction and retention of green businesses. • Seek representatives from the federal and provincial governments and four more businesses to participate on the Steering Committee. • Host the first meeting of the Steering Committee. 620 • Initiate work on a communication and marketing strategy to promote the Pearson Eco- Business Zone. Report prepared by: Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Email: csharma @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Chris Rickett, extension 5316; Chandra Sharma, extension 5237 Email: crickett@trca.on.ca; csharma @trca.on.ca Date: October 17, 2008 RES. #A243/08 - 2007/08 TECHNICAL TRAINING SUMMARY Watershed Monitoring and Reporting. Summary report on 2007/08 technical training courses offered by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff and its associated revenue generation. Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Reenga Mathivanan WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is dedicated to facilitating knowledge transfer to partners and peers, and to furthering the accuracy and standardization , of data collected in TRCA's watersheds; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to continue to explore, develop and deliver a variety of technical training opportunities to external organizations, in order to offset program costs, provide a source of revenue, and promote TRCA as a leader in the development and application of technical practices within various environmental and watershed disciplines. CARRIED BACKGROUND TRCA is widely recognized as a leader in various aspects of watershed management and planning. A key component of this is the strong technical background and abilities of staff in • the areas of watershed monitoring, inventory, restoration and assessment. In an effort to further promote and reinforce TRCA staff as technical leaders, Ecology Division staff have been pursuing opportunities to develop and offer technical training to external agencies and partners. A variety of benefits to TRCA have been identified, as follows: • TRCA staff has expertise in various environmental fields with transferable and marketable skills; • TRCA staff would like to continue to raise their profile as "technical experts" in various fields; • staff regularly hold training for internal staff; • training courses and workshops are a source of revenue and can help offset the cost of training internal staff; • builds the capacity (skill and knowledge) of other agencies and groups with in turn promotes standardized collection methods and sharing of data; 621 • provides skills to individuals that may be considered for future employment with TRCA; • additional networking opportunities resulting from participation by agency staff or individuals. In 2007/08 the following training courses were offered: 1. Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) training was offered in 2007 and 2008 in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada. This course was intended for field crews and resource managers involved in stream surveys and management. This 5 day course is designed to train and certify users in a variety of standardized stream assessment techniques for evaluating habitat, benthic invertebrate and fish communities in Ontario's wadeable streams. These methods are documented in the OSAP manual and are provincially recognized as standards by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and federally recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The techniques require varying levels of effort and provide data with a corresponding range of precision. Like the modular OSAP manual, the • training is organized into the following complementary units: • identifying and documenting site locations; • benthos sampling; • temperature sampling; • fish community sampling; • characterizing physical processes and in- stream structure; and • data management. Students can register for the whole course or just a selection of these individual units. An Introductory (i.e. Level 1) benthos identification (Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network) and Level 1 and Level 2 fish identification courses were offered concurrently on the weekend preceding the OSAP course, and Class 2 backpack electrofishing certification is also available. 2. Class 2 Backpack Electrofishing Certification offered in 2007 and 2008 as a one day training workshop designed to certify crew leaders in the use of backpack Electrofishing equipment. The main emphasis of this course is the safe use of backpack electrofishing units. The topics covered include protective equipment, safe procedures and backups or fail- safes. The course will also include the fundamentals of electrical theory. There is also a practical component to the course for which participants will be required to demonstrate safe electrofishing practices in the field. Instruction was provided by TRCA staff that has been certified as Class 1 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) instructors and was designed to meet OMNR policy standards. 622 3. West Nile Virus Vector Mosquito Larvae Identification training was offered in 2007 and 2008 as an extension of TRCA's West Nile Virus Surveillance and Monitoring program. This half day workshop held at the Boyd Office lab is designed to teach the basic features and morphology that.are important in the identification of mosquito larvae and to learn how to use the identification keys developed to recognize the different genera and species. The participants have the opportunity to learn how to differentiate mosquito larvae from other similar looking dipteran larvae, receive step by step instruction on how to use the keys to correctly identify the vector mosquito larvae that are currently found in Ontario. The course was targeted towards field staff from Regional Health Departments working on West Nile virus monitoring programs and was designed as an introductory course, suitable for those with or without biology background. All of these courses were well attended and staff received positive feedback from the participants regarding their content and delivery. In 2008 several pages were added to the TRCA corporate website (www.trca.on.ca /training) to promote the training courses, and help provide background documentation and course materials to the participants. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE In addition to continuing with these 3 highly successful programs, staff within the Ecology Division will continue to explore opportunities to further develop and deliver training programs and to explore partnerships with other agencies. Training opportunities in a variety of watershed planning, monitoring, best management practices and sustainable technologies will be examined. Potential new courses and /or workshops being considered are: • Low Flow /Baseflow Monitoring; • • Field Sampling techniques for West Nile Virus Monitoring; • Winter Tree Identification; • Aquatic Sampling and Monitoring (non OSAP). Updates to the corporate website will be maintained as necessary, in order to identify and promote an annual listing of technical training offerings. Additional marketing /promotion of the training courses will be reviewed. FINANCIAL DETAILS Revenue from these 3 training activities completed in 2007 and 2008 has totalled approximately $17,600 and has been used to support staff and project costs within the Watershed Monitoring and Reporting Section. Report prepared by: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Emails: sjarvie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Scott Jamie, extension 5312 Emails: sjarvie @trca.on.ca Date: September 24, 2008 623 RES. #A244 /08 - Moved by: . Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project Josephine and Lawrence Daley, CFN 12173: Settlement of compensation for rights expropriated for the Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project - Phase 2. (Executive Res. #B 110/08) Bonnie Litt ley Maja Prentice THAT confidential item 7.1 - Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 -2010, be approved; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back when the item is completed and can be made public. RES. #A245 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED WEBSITE REDEVELOPMENT Award of contract for the redevelopment of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority website and a content management system. (Executive Res. #B 111 /08) Bonnie Litt ley Maja Prentice THAT the contract for the redevelopment of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) website be awarded to The Jonah Group Inc., at a cost not to exceed $210,000.00, plus applicable taxes, it being the bid that best met TRCA specifications; THAT award of the contract be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and legal advisers, including but not limited to determination of the final contract cost not to exceed the approved amount; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such actions as are necessary to implement the contract including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED RES. #A246 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: 2009 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES, OPERATING AND CAPITAL Recommends approval of the 2009 Preliminary Estimates, Operating and Capital. (Budget /Audit Res. #C7/08) David Barrow Reenga Mathivanan 624 THAT the 2009 Preliminary Estimates, Operating and Capital be approved; AND FURTHER THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff and, as appropriate, the Chair of TRCA, be directed to meet with TRCA funding partners to present the 2009 Preliminary Estimates, Operating and Capital. RES. #A247 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED 2009 FEE SCHEDULE Changes to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 2008 Fee Schedule for Public Facilities and Programming. (Budget /Audit Res. #C8/08) David Barrow Linda Pabst THAT the 2009 Fee Schedule for Public Facilities and Programming, including the proposed changes, be approved effective January 1, 2009. CARRIED SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A248 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Littley Suzan Hall THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9:3.1 - 9.3.78, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #8/08, held on October 3, 2008, be received. RES. #A249 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Bonnie Littley Suzan Hall CARRIED THAT Section II items 9.4 - 9.6, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #8/08, held on October 3, 2008, be received. CARRIED Section II Items 9.4 - .9.6,. Inclusive REQUEST FOR DISPOSAL OF TRCA -OWNED LAND (Executive Res. #B 117/08) WILD WATER KINGDOM (Executive Res. #B 118/08) 625 PORT UNION WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (Executive Res. #B 119/08) SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A250/08 - RURAL CLEAN WATER PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT An update on the program since 2005. Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Bryan Bertie IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the Rural Clean Water Program progress report be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #1/06, held on February 24, 2006,.Rural Clean Water Program staff provided a 5 year update of the successes of the program. This report highlights the continued achievements of the program since 2005. Since 2000, the Rural Clean Water Program has proactively partnered with agriculture and rural representatives, and farm and rural non -farm private landowners within the Toronto and Region Area of Concern (AOC). With the goal to reduce direct and non -point source pollution on agricultural and rural lands, the Rural Clean Water Program provides technical and financial assistance to implement a range of voluntary Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality. The Rural Clean Water Program operates differently in Durham, Peel and York regions. In Durham, the program delivers technical assistance to rural landowners. In Peel and York regions, funding support enables the program to provide both technical and financial assistance. With support from the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund as well as the regions of Peel and York, BMP project categories available for grant funding include: Barnyard Runoff Control Buffer Strips Chemical Storage* Clean Water Diversion Deadstock Composting* Education & Training* Erosion Control Structures Fuel Storage* Integrated Pest Management* *Indicates new project categories available for grant funding starting in 2008 Livestock Access Restriction Manure Storage & Handling Milkhouse Washwater Disposal Nutrient Management Strategy & Plan Private Well Upgrades* Septic System Repair & Upgrade (Not available in Region of Peel) Tree Planting Well Decommissioning* (Provided directly through Region of Peel in that area) 626 Landowner contact programming is a primary element of the outreach and extension component of the program. Staff is guest presenters and participants at agricultural and rural events, meetings, workshops and conferences. To date, the Rural Clean Water Program has outreached to over 12,500 rural landowners and has participated in over 250 public events and meetings. This has led to 90 Rural Clean Water Program projects being implemented. These projects have: • protected and rehabilitated over 16 hectares of woodlot and 6.7 kilometres of streams; • created 4.4 kilometres of windbreaks; • planted over 6,000_native trees and shrubs in riparian zones. The 2005 -2008 Rural Clean Water Program deliverables include: 1. TRCA Agricultural Leased Land Environmental Farm Planning nd In 2002, a 2 Edition Ontario Environmental Farm Plan was completed for each actively leased TRCA agricultural property, outside of the Rouge Park. This program is administered by the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) to support farmers in taking voluntary. action to reduce the risk to the environment from agricultural rd operations. In 2005, the 3 Edition Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm. Plan (EFP) was released, necessitating an update of the existing EFPs. In 2007, the Rural Clean Water Program initiated and approved a 3 rd Edition EFP for each of its 12 active agricultural leased lands, outside of the Rouge Park. This was essential in ensuring that Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) continues to be at the forefront of 'agricultural stewardship not only in its programming but on its own agricultural lands as well. In 2008, program staff worked in partnership with tenants to initiate implementation of the recommendations made in the EFP. Opportunities exist to provide cost -share funding with the tenants to implement the recommendations, to showcase BMPs and to pilot new technology. To be consistent with TRCA's Sustainable Near -Urban Agriculture Policy, on -going reviews of TRCA's agricultural leased lands for environmental land use practices and BMPs will be completed. 2. Equestrian Stewardship Pilot Program In 2008, the strategic development of a stewardship program for the equine community was initiated. The Rural Clean Water Program hosted two workshops in partnership with Equine Guelph, Ontario Ministry of Agricultural Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), University of - Guelph and the Uxbridge Horseman's Association, to gauge the interest from the horse community itself for a program. 627 Staff is now working with community partners to develop a grassroots Equestrian Stewardship Program that provides technical and financial assistance for the implementation of the identified BMPs. As part of this program, staff is working in partnership with OMAFRA to develop a manure demonstration project for equine operations. There is an expressed interest from other conservation authorities to partner with TRCA on development of this program so that it can be transferred to other rural water quality programs. 3. Peel 4 -H Conservation Club Since 2005, the Rural Clean Water Program has partnered with Peel 4 -H. 4 -H is a youth development organization that engages agricultural and rural minded youth. This conservation programming teaches habitat, ecosystem health, agricultural and rural non -farm BMPs and environmental stewardship. Activities have included sessions on fish, bird and tree identification, habitat structure installation, tree planting, identification of agricultural BMPs and monitoring of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. 4. Peel Rural Water Quality Program . In 2005, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and TRCA collaborated with the Peel Federation of Agriculture, the Peel Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Region of Peel to create a seamless rural clean water program throughout the Region. Administered by TRCA and CVC, projects submitted to the Peel Rural Water Quality Program are peer reviewed by the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group (PAAWG). From 2005 to 2008, 35 projects have been approved in the Region of Peel, with over $170,000 in cost -share funding. In 2007, CVC, Region of Peel, TRCA and the PAAWG partnered together to deliver the first Peel Rural Water Quality Farm Tour. As part of this tour, past PRWQP participants and their projects were profiled. This pilot was found to be very successful and a second tour will be delivered in the spring of 2009. 5. Recognition Program As an outcome of the 2005 strategic development survey of past Rural Clean Water Program participants, a recognition program was developed. In 2008, participants from the Peel Rural Water Quality Program and the Rural Clean Water Program, dating back to 2005, received a complimentary registration to the FarmSmart agricultural conference. FarmSmart is an annual, one day conference hosted by OMAFRA, OSCIA and the University of Guelph. This recognition program will continue with each participant in the 2008 -09 year receiving a complimentary registration. Participants also receive Rural Clean Water Program mailbox signage to voluntarily indicate that they have completed a project through the program. 6. Rural Clean Water Program- York Region Since 2005, 11 projects have been approved in the Region of York with $30,000 in cost -share funding. The new well upgrade and decommissioning project categories have been widely received with a number of upcoming projects being anticipated for approval. 628 Rural Clean Water Program staff is in discussion with agricultural stakeholders in the Region of York as well as neighbouring conservation authorities to develop a Region of York peer review committee to evaluate all Rural Clean Water Program projects within the Region. 7. `Rural Healthy Home' Homeowner Kit The 'Rural Healthy Home' homeowner kit provides alternative, eco- friendly products and technical information to encourage an environmental ethic in the home. The kit targets rural water and energy conservation and the use of alternative, eco - friendly products. Components Kits include items such as low -flow showerheads, rain gauges, backwash valves and natural home cleaning products. The kit is used as part of workshops and landowner contact programming. It is provided to landowners at a subsidized cost. Kit recipients are contacted by program staff approximately 6 months later by telephone. Participants are surveyed to gauge the level of change in landowner behavior through such areas as continued use of the products, to gain performance feedback on the items in the kit and to encourage future participation in TRCA events. 8. Source Water Protection & Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program Rural Clean Water Program staff is TRCA's delivery agent for the CTC Source Protection Region's Source Water Protection Education and Outreach program and Early Action Funds. In the2007 -08 delivery year, Rural Clean Water Program staff contacted 160 landowners within 100 metres of a municipal Well Head Protection Area (WHPA) in TRCA's jurisdiction. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • Continue to position TRCA as a leader in the agricultural community, by maintaining its primary focus of delivering outreach and financial assistance to private rural landowners to implement voluntary BMP projects. • Secure additional funding to facilitate the expansion of the program into Durham, support the new project grant categories and meet the demand of the uptake of the program. FINANCIAL DETAILS In 2008, $168,000, of financial support has been received for the RCWP program from City of Toronto, Credit Valley Conservation, Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, Peel Region Sustainable Communities, Police Association of Ontario and York Region Regeneration and Natural Heritage. Financial support for staffing was also received from the Province of Ontario for the administration of the Source Water Protection program in 2007 -08. 629 The Rural Clean Water Program continues to receive in -kind support from the Durham Land Stewardship Council, King Township, OMAFRA, OSCIA, PAAWG, Peel - Halton Stewardship Council, Town of Caledon, Town of Markham, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Vaughan, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville, University of Guelph, York Stewardship Council and private rural landowners. Report prepared by: Melanie Williams, extension 5349 Email: mwilliams @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Melanie Williams, extension 5349 Email: mwilliams @trca.on.ca Date: October 1, 2008 RES. #A251 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall • Bryan Bertie THAT Section IV items 8.3.1 - 8.3.3, inclusive, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. Section IV Items 8.3.1 - 8.3.3, Inclusive DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #6/08, held on June 26, 2008 Minutes of Meeting #7/08, held on July 24, 2008 ETOBICOKE- MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION Minutes of Meeting #2/08, held on May 22, 2008 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #3/08, held on June 6, 2008. NEW BUSINESS RES. #A252 /08 - PARC DOWNSVIEW PARK DEVELOPMENT . Moved by: Seconded by: Maria Augimeri • Reenga Mathivanan CARRIED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff contact the staff of Parc • Downsview Park (PDP) with a view to investigating the on -going construction and management of a pond on the Keele Street side of PDP, specifically the viability of the pond with respect to, but not limited to: 630 • health - related concerns (ie. West Nile virus); • monitoring of algae and bacteria; • effect of rain water; • water management; • potential of degradation over time; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back at Executive Committee Meeting #9/08, scheduled to be held on November 7, 2008; CARRIED RES. #A253/08 - OUT OF'COUNTRY TRAVEL Moved by: Suzan Hall Seconded by: Reenga Mathivanan THAT approval be granted for Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, to attend the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, November 18 -19, 2008 at a cost not to exceed $2,000, paid for by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:44 a.m., on Friday, October 24, 2008. Gerri, Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary: Treasurer /ks 631 erTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #9/08 November 28, 2008 The Authority Meeting. #9/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, 'November 28, 2008. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:59 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Maria Augimeri David Barrow Bryan Bertie Rob Ford. Grant Gibson Lois Grifin Suzan Hall Jack Heath Colleen Jordan Bonnie Littley Glenn Mason Peter.Milczyn Ron Moeser Gerri Lynn O'Connor Linda Pabst John Parker Anthony Perruzza Maja Prentice' •John Sprovieri Richard Whitehead Member Vice Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Chair Member Member Member Member Member Member ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member Laurie Bruce Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Bill Fisch ' . Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Gino Rosati Member 632 RES. #A254 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Ron Moeser THAT the Minutes of Meeting #8/08, held on October 24, 2008, be approved. DELEGATIONS CARRIED (a) A delegation by Nick deBoer, Councillor, Town of Caledon, in regard to the 2015 Pan American Games bid. (b) A delegation by Madeleine McDowell, Chair, Humber Heritage Committee, in regard to the Old Mill site and the Humber River. RES. #A255 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Linda Pabst THAT above -noted delegation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED RES. #A256 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Lois Griffin Seconded by: Peter Milczyn THAT above -noted delegation (b) be heard and received; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back with a full history of the Old Mill site, including all of the property issues, and with final staff comments on the site plan application, prior to comments being submitted to the City of Toronto and any community meetings being held. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Scott Jarvie, Manager, Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, TRCA, in regard to item 7.1 - Regional Watershed Monitoring Program - Program • Review 2001 - 2008. (b) A presentation by Dave Rogalsky, Manager, Resource Management Projects, in regard to item 8.1 - Reforestation Planting - Metrics, Methods and Management. 633 RES. #A257 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Eve Adams Linda Pabst THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED RES. #A258 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Bryan Bertie, Lois Griffin THAT above -noted presentation (b) be heard and received. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE (a) A letter dated November 26, 2008 from The Taylor Massey Project in regard to Release • of Regeneration Plan for Taylor Massey Creek. • RES. #A259 /08 - CORRESPONDENCE' Moved bj,: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Byran Bertie THAT above -noted correspondence (a) be received. CARRIED 634 CORRESPONDENCE (A) . THE TAYLOR MASSEY PROJECT Celebrating and Protecting Taylor Massey Creek November 26, 2008 Release of Regeneration Plan for Taylor Massey Creek The Taylor Massey Project has today released its regeneration plan for Taylor Massey Creek, a major tributary to the Don River, and will be seeking public comment until early 2009. Reach by Reach, a 49 -page report prepared by volunteers, provides both strategic recommendations to four levels of government and details on regenerating the Taylor Massey sub - watershed to the fullest extent possible, suggesting that $4,275,000 be spent on the top five priorities over 5 years. Reach by Reach is offered as a companion document to the new Don Watershed Plan, being developed by staff at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and its advisory . committee, the Don Watershed Regeneration Council. "The current draft of the Don Plan provides an inspiring, high -level vision of the watershed, urging smart growth, municipal- conservation authority cooperation, the adoption of green technologies ranging from expanded mass transit to energy - efficient buildings, and six regeneration concept sites for the Don watershed ", according to principal author Andrew McCammon. "Nonetheless, it • falls short on implementation details and would not result in the full regeneration of any of the • Don's three main tributaries, let alone the whole watershed." "In contrast to the new Don Plan" states TMP Chair Nancy Penny, "Reach by Reach shines a light on how to implement'the regeneration of a full sub - watershed, augmenting the six concept sites being proposed in the new Don Plan with a systematic plan for the regeneration of Taylor Massey Creek: protecting water quality, remediating our ravines, linking our neighbourhoods, and facilitating the transition to sustainable development through enhanced community stewardship initiatives." Reach by Reach is based on four principles of watershed regeneration, and contains four sections the Don 'Plan does not: • A detailed summary of sub - watershed current conditions; • A vision for a revitalized creek; • Suggestions for improved agency performance on watershed management; and, • Specific suggestions to protect water quality, regenerate the creek, and establish trail throughout the sub - watershed, supported by a draft budget to implement the top priorities. • Public consultations on the new Don Plan will be coordinated by the TRCA in early 2009, and the TMP will receive comments and suggestions on Reach by Reach over the same period while articulating its goals in the public consultations on the Don Plan. At the end of the public consultations on the Don Plan, the TMP will submit the final version of Reach by Reach to our members, the public, and appropriate local agencies. The Taylor Massey Project • www.theTMP.org • Eco @theTMP.org c/o Ste 1606 - 39 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 1G6 •1 6. Prioritization and Estimated Costs of Regenerating TMC 6.1 Institutional Leadership A. The City.of Toronto should implement the 25-year, $1B Wet Weather Flow Master Plan in an appropriate watershed management framework that includes targets with measurable outcomes, restores the creek to natural conditions where possible, and engages the community. The City should also transition the Storm Outfall Monitoring Program to become.a comprehensive surface water quality monitoring program making with data from all levels of government available on the internet. Cost: Wet Weather Flow is already budgeted. Combining existing monitoring with the continuation of the SOMP should not present increased costs above current budgets. B. The TRCA should balance its recent efforts on regional sustainability with renewed commitment to water quality, leaking landfills on lands it owns, run -off from snow dumps, and the Remedial Action Plan. It should also move from watershed management to sub - watershed management, including standardized indicators and regeneration targets that can be assessed in report cards, and a larger role for reach stewardship groups on advisory councils for each watershed or sub - watershed. • Cost: Minimal new costs for increased monitoring, but no other additional costs; C. The Provincial Government should commit to cleaning up and protecting the Great Lakes and implement an adequacy assessment of current provincial water quality objectives, including the issuance of advisories and action plans when the objectives are exceeded. Cost: These are policy initiatives with minimal costs. Program costs to be identified but fall within currently stated provincial goals. D. The Federal Government should pursue a new national water strategy, a commitment to de- listing Great Lakes Areas of Concern, and increased transparency and accountability for the Toronto Remedial Action Plan. Cost- These are policy initiatives with minimal costs. Program costs are committed on paper, but require a new policy agenda to be implemented. Joint Responsibility for Water Quality The TMP encourages better cooperation and more publicly - available reporting from all agencies involved in aquatic monitoring, including the Water Quality Index and Beneficial Use Impairments, spills and exceedances under Certificates of Approval, and monitoring for e-coli, benthic invertebrates, the health of fish populations, and leachate from abandoned landfills. We suggest the best way forward may be to transition the resources used in the Storm Outfall Monitoring Program, as described on page 16, to create a comprehensive surface water quality monitoring program, with spills and aquatic test results from all levels of government posted to the internet for public access. 636 Digital copies of the full 49 -page dociiment are available on the TMP's website, www.theTMP.org or can be requested. via e -mail to ecoa thcTN IP.org. The executive summary of Reach by Reach, a note about the Taylor Massey Project, and the section summarizing implementation priorities are provided below. For further Information, please contact Andrew McCammon at 416 23 1 9484 or via email. Executive Summary Taylor Massey Creek is the most polluted and degraded tributary of the Don River, the most polluted river in Ontario. Regardless, many of the people who live along its banks love the potential of this little creek and its accompanying ravines, forests, and meadows, and have a vision for its regeneration. We urge local agencies with-a role in watershed management to embrace our vision of a regenerated sub - watershed. protecting water quality, rentediating our ravines, linking our neighbourhoods, and facilitating the transition to sustainable development through enhanced community stewardship initiatives. In particular, we urge the City of Toronto and the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, with support from the federal and provincial governments as required, to: • Implement the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan in an appropriate watershed management framework that includes targets with measurable outcomes, restores the creek to natural conditions where possible, and engages the community; • Complete the Storm Outfall Monitoring Program while transitioning it to become a comprehensive surface water quality monitoring program, with spills and aquatic test results from all levels of government posted to the internet for public access; and, • Budget $4,275,000.00 to implement the key regeneration priorities for Taylor Massey Creek, as detailed on pages 47 -48, over the next five years. About the Taylor Massey Project Established in 2003, the Taylor Massey Project focuses on: • Engaging local residents by coordinating local clean -ups, plantings, and educational activities; • Articulating a watershed management approach to protecting and restoring the Creek; and, • • Connecting the communities of the Creek with new trails, bridges, and street & railway crossings. Working with more than 20 partner organizations, the TMP has staged 66 events involving 3,425 • participants who have planted 3,550 trees and shrubs and picked up more than 1,300 bags of litter over the last 6 years. During this period, we have also made 21 submissions to local agencies. A final version of Reach by Reach will be released in 2009. 637 6.2- Reach by Reach Implementation Priority Description Costs Top Priorities, as identified in sections 4 and 5, requiring capital budget expenditures A: The Warden Hydro Trail: The strongest message that can be sent on managing TMC as a watershed is a commitment by the City of Toronto to acquire responsibility for the corridor and: • Construct separate pedestrian and cycling paths, with • $1,500,000 associated berms and swales; • Install one traffic light, a bridge over the railway south of Ellesmere, and directional signage to link the Warden Hydro Trail to the Creek -side Trail and • Plant 10,000 trees and shrubs per year for 20 years. See page 45. B. The Creek -side Trail: Costs for infrastructure for the Creek -side Trail are included in the reach budgets below. 2 Terraview- Willowfield: Implementing Phase III of the plan from 1994 while remediating the plunge pool and underground storm -water pond should be possible in short order. A leash -free dog area against the 401, a proposed butterfly garden, and dual pedestrian and cycling trails can be added, along with a safe street crossing at Ellesmere. See page 23. 3 The Eglinton Reach — The Maide Vale, Eglinton, and Farlinger Ravines: The three ravines need both extensive natural regeneration and significant infrastructure, including: • Extensive creek -bank remediation, with trail and tree plantings; • A pedestrian bridge in Maida Vale, • A pedestrian bridge in Eglinton Flats; • Regeneration of flood plain south of Eglinton; and, • A railway crossing south of Eglinton See page 28. 4 The Underwriters' Reach: Regeneration plans for this reach should be jointly developed by the TRCA and the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Master Plan, including: • The remediation of perched culverts • The installation of oil and grit separators where needed; • Formalized trail surface; and, • The possible installation of underground storm -flow storage facilities. The reach should also become a model for the development of a Corporate Stewardship Initiative. See page 26 638 • $350,000 10,000 trees /yr for 20 years - from existing budgets • $750,000 • $250,000 • $ 75,000 • $ 50,000 • $ 50,000 • $250,000 • $ 50,000 • $100,000 • $100,000 • Included in WWF. • $50,000 Priority Description . Costs * 5 Warden Woods: WW should be designated an Environment- ally Significant Area. The development of plans to protect and regenerate the woods and the creek should be led by a Community Stewardship Initiative, tentatively called the Friends of Warden Woods, to be coordinated by the City but with a citizen -led Board including the TMP, local . neighbourhood and other community organizations, and property owners abutting the park. See page 33. Secondary Priorities with operating but no capital budget expenditures 6 Pine Hills: The TMP hopes to work with Pine Hills Cemetery, the TRCA and the City to develop a model environmental stewardship initiative for cemeteries in Toronto. See page 31. 7, 8, 9 Manhattan and the Ferris and Curity Ravines: The City and TRCA, in cooperation with the TMP, local neighbourhood associations, and other organizations working in the • community, should develop a Stewardship Protocol for all private properties abutting the Creek along these reaches. The Protocol could protect against the discharge of water, litter, and the seeds from non - native species from private property into the ravine. See pages 25, 39, 40. Longer -term priorities with costs to be determined 10 - 14. St Clair, Dentonia, the Goulding Estate, and Taylor Creek Park: Work on these reaches, which we have not costed, can proceed after the priorities above. Regeneration goals mentions in section 4 could be included in Wet Weather Flow, a capital . budget other than WWF, or incorporated into park operating budgets. Total Estimated Costs for the top five priorities: This investment would: • Regenerate four reaches; • Establish the Taylor Massey Trail; and, • Create three community -based stewardship initiatives. • $50,000 / yr for 3 years to create the Friends of Warden Woods; $50,000 to develop a regeneration plan; and $500,000 to implement • TBD • Included in outreach budget for WFF. TBD $4,275,000 * Costs are best estimates from the TMP and need to be refined. 639 SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A260L08 - REGIONAL WATERSHED MONITORING PROGRAM Program Review 2001 -2008. Receipt of report and recommendations from the review and evaluation of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Regional Watershed Monitoring .Program. Moved by: Seconded by: Eve Adams Linda Pabst WHEREAS Toronto andiRegion Conservation Authority (TRCA) has implemented a Regional Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) since 2001; WHEREAS staff has undertaken a review of the program operation over the past seven years with respect to its original goals and objectives; . THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT staff continue to monitor and report on the health and status of the region's terrestrial and aquatic natural heritage through the RWMP and support the various watershed planning and management initiatives of TRCA and its partners; THAT staff continue to develop new partnerships that support the objectives of a Regional Monitoring Network, including opportunities for data collection, analysis, sharing, collaboration and research; THAT staff follow -up on the specific recommendations identified through the program review; THAT staff be directed to proceed with a 10 year roll -up and reporting on the data obtained through the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program, and coordinate these efforts with the development of The Living City Report Card; AND FURTHER THAT the report be circulated to TRCA's Regional Watershed Monitoring Program partners. CARRIED BACKGROUND - The TRCA's Regional.Watershed Monitoring Program (RWMP) focuses on Tong -term monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at the subwatershed and watershed scale and,across the jurisdiction of TRCA. The program was launched in 2001 as a mechanism to update "state and condition" information on the region's watersheds and bring much of TRCA's watershed monitoring work under a single program: This in turn has improved planning and coordination of monitoring efforts, protocol standardization, filling of data gaps, effective data management, as well as consistency and cost effectiveness. The RWMP program provides underlying scientific data that informs the key planning and reporting mechanisms of TRCA such as the watershed report cards and strategies, and it also facilitates the communication of data availability and data sharing both internally and with external agencies. 640 The data collected is shared with partner municipalities and other agencies, and is used for • planning, implementation and reporting activities such as Regional State of the Environment Reporting, source water protection, the Toronto Remedial Action Plan, and to support major capital and infrastructure projects. Partnerships with academic institutions facilitate • achievement of common research objectives as well as data sharing in support of academic study. All elements of the program are designed to provide data sets that allow for interpretation at the site (if applicable), watershed and regional scales. All program elements are strongly focused on the collection of scientific data, however when possible, community outreach and education are incorporated. This is accomplished through the involvement of trained volunteers (e.g. Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program), through partnerships with community groups and other nongovernmental organizations, and through special events that demonstrate to, or involve, the community.. The RWMP collects data on aquatic habitat and fish communities, terrestrial habitats, • communities and species, surface water quality and quantity, fluvial geomorphology, groundwater quality and quantity, and West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito vector monitoring. The benefits of monitoring data include: • Watershed monitoring data provides the platform for many of the regular reporting tools used by TRCA. Without current data on the various watershed health indicators, these reports could not be created nor updated in an effective manner. • The same data provides the foundation for the "science" or "knowledge" base that facilitates the development of decision making tools and policies that can be used to address key regional environmental issues, such as water quality, watershed health or urbanization. An example is TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy. • Some of the data collected to date shows the effects of urbanization on aquatic and terrestrial natural heritage systems, specifically a trend towards decline in water quality, fish communities and the quality of natural heritage cover and species in areas of increasing urban landuse. The good news is that staff is confident that we can track change through TRCA's monitoring efforts and therefore track the progress of improvements or of changes made. • • The use of standardized protocols has made RWMP data robust and valuable for sharing with TRCA's partners and for application at other scales (i.e. site level, Oak Ridges Moraine). This further ensures the future benefit of the data for applications beyond our current reporting and assessment needs. As a means of ensuring continuous improvement, TRCA staff has prepared a report that reviews the first seven years (2001 -2008) of operation of the TRCA's Regional Watershed Monitoring Program with respect to the original goals and objectives outlined in the document Development of a Regional Watershed Monitoring Network (TRCA 2000). The review included a number of staff focus group meetings and a review of various watershed and regional planning documents produced over the past seven years. The report briefly touches on network operation as a whole, as well as some of the work being done by other agencies participating.in the network, but is focused mainly on TRCA's watershed monitoring activities as implemented through the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program: In addition, a gap analysis was conducted, emerging.issues are discussed, and recommendations are provided to help guide the future implementation of this program in the Toronto region. Copies of the report will be made available at the meeting. 641 Monitoring Program Components Aquatic Habitat and Species Monitoring Current Status • 149 fixed sites monitored for fish and benthic invertebrate communities and aquatic habitat monitoring; • 150 fixed sites monitored for fluvial geomorphology; • 45 fixed sites monitored for West Nile virus vector mosquito species. Gaps /Opportunities • headwater streams are not monitored for fish and benthos as part of the RWMP; • some benthic invertebrates samples are currently identified to family /genus.level rather than the species level; • algae monitoring is being further developed as this indicator is expected to be the first aquatic community to respond to environmental change; • information on freshwater mussels in Toronto streams is lacking. Recommendations • a headwater stream study is currently underway; recommendations from this study should be considered for implementation to the RWMP; • a cost- benefit analysis with regard to benthic invertebrate sampling (i.e. should sampling be conducted annually? what level of taxonomy-is appropriate) should be conducted; • further development of algae monitoring protocols, statistics and indices should be continued in partnership,with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE); • a five year review of the WNV monitoring program should be conducted after the 2008 sampling season; • riparian vegetation monitoring (e.g. air photo interpretation to document gains /losses over time) needs to be developed more thoroughly based on new digital orthophotos; • investigate the need for freshwater mussel monitoring in the Toronto area. Terrestrial Natural Heritage Current Status • . over 36,000 hectares of natural cover inventoried to date (approximately 60% of TRCA's jurisdiction); • 118 fixed plots set -up in 2008; • approximately 55 sites monitored through the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program. Gaps /Opportunities • currently implementing fixed plot systematic monitoring throughout the TRCA jurisdiction; • lacking information on soils. Recommendations • maintain the fixed plot monitoring to ensure long -term changes (e.g. climate change) can be documented; • addition of more fixed plots in each of the three land use zones (i.e. urban, urbanizing, rural) to assess changes due to land use and climate change; • continue supporting the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program; • continue to inventory natural cover in the TRCA jurisdiction on an issues /needs basis. 642 Surface Water Quality Current Status • 34 stream water quality monitoring sites, including 11 under the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network; • partnerships with the Ministry of the Environment and the City of Toronto for laboratory analysis of water quality samples. Gaps /Opportunities • no water quality monitoring site in the Petticoat Creek or Frenchman's Bay watersheds; • consistent laboratory analysis (e.g. methods, detection limits) is required; • improved laboratory resolution (e.g. lower detection limits for certain parameters) is required; • • emerging contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals); • integrated flow and water quality sampling; • updated and improved monitoring of inland lakes /ponds in partnership with MOE. Recommendations • establish water quality monitoring sites the Petticoat Creek and Frenchman's Bay watersheds; • continue participating in the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network; • develop improved quality assurance /quality control (QA/QC) procedures; • review current lab analysis partnerships and pursue laboratory methods with higher resolution for certain parameters (e.g. phosphorus); • review needs and opportunities for wet weather flow monitoring and develop partnerships to fill data gaps; • review inland lake /pond monitoring with MOE and help facilitate additional data collection through volunteers. Stream Flow and Precipitation Current Status • 54 stream flow stations throughout TRCA's jurisdiction, 32 of which are operated in partnership with Water Survey Canada; • 10 snow pack monitoring sites; • 32 precipitation monitoring gauges; • 5 climate monitoring stations added in 2008. Gaps /Opportunities • climate monitoring including evaporation, soil moisture /temperature, solar radiation. Recommendations • continue to assess data needs for climate station monitoring. Groundwater Monitoring • Current Status • • •. groundwater quality and quantity is monitored at 21 wells across five watersheds in partnership with MOE (Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Program). 643 Gaps /Opportunities • Mimico Creek, Highland Creek, Carruthers Creek and Petticoat Creek watersheds do not have any groundwater monitoring. • current monitoring program is inadequate for assessing groundwater flow paths and trends in the Toronto region. Recommendations • incorporate TRCA's groundwater monitoring needs into the source water protection planning program. Air Quality Monitoring Current Status • RWMP does not have an air quality monitoring component; • air quality monitored by MOE. Recommendations • no further action by TRCA. Defer to MOE. Key Findings Scale - The RWMP was designed to monitor environmental variables at the watershed and subwatershed scale. On a watershed scale, most components of the RWMP are being monitored with at least one site per watershed and in watersheds with multiple sites, and the sites tend to be spread out throughout the watershed. Exceptions include the Carruthers Creek watershed which is lacking groundwater and precipitation monitoring and Petticoat Creek which does not have any surface water quality monitoring or groundwater monitoring. On the subwatershed scale, additional monitoring may be required in several subwatersheds, particularly where subwatershed mapping has been refined since the inception of the RWMP (i.e. there are additional subwatershed boundaries identified through watershed planning documents). There is also a need to examine differences between urban, urbanizing and rural areas within the regions and as a result additional monitoring sites within each of these land uses may be required for analysis. Indicators - The RWMP has focused on monitoring stress /condition type indicators. These indicators reflect the quality of the environment by monitoring the quality and quantity of natural resources. The indicators that are monitored by the RWMP are relevant to the needs of TRCA as well as to other organizations such as municipalities,'provincial and federal agencies and educational institutions. Pressure /stress indicators (describe the natural processes and human activities that impact, stress or pose a threat to environmental quality) and management/response indicators (include individual and collective actions to halt, mitigate, adapt to or prevent damage to the environment) have not been chosen or monitored in any formal fashion by the RWMP. Monitoring Network, Approach - TRCA's RWMP operates within a network approach in order to fill gaps, reduce duplication of effort and where possible share resources. The monitoring network currently has several external participants (e.g. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, various municipalities and academic institutions) whose roles and responsibilities are varied and have changed throughout the course of the program. These groups often have their own reporting requirements, although their data is often used for TRCA reporting. 644 In addition other TRCA activities have been identified as critical elements of the network approach including TRCA's Waterfront Monitoring, Aquatics, and Stewardship and Outreach sections. Each of these additional TRCA business functions conduct monitoring and reporting that contribute to the regional ecological body of knowledge. These internal groups also have separate reporting requirements, but again, the data can be combined with RWMP data for specific reporting needs. To date, no organization has formally stepped forward to manage the network as a whole (i.e. not the RWMP specifically, rather the monitoring network comprised of multiple participants /organizations). No formal network advisory committee was formed as suggested by the original development document, and formal agreements between agencies have not been established due to some concerns about the "binding" nature of an agreement with respect to funding and resource commitments. General Recommendations • set -up an annual workshop with both active participants in the network and potential new participants to discuss current monitoring activities which are part of the•network, activities outside the network, potential for collaboration /streamlining and discussions of new, innovative or potential future monitoring techniques; . • TRCA should take a larger role in managing the overall monitoring network; • undertake further efforts to streamline programs which are conducted by more than one agency to improve efficiency and reduce cost; • continue to produce annual reports outlining the type of data collected by the RWMP as well as other programs participating in the monitoring network; • conduct a review and roll -up of the RWMP data in 2010 (allows for a minimum of three years of data to be collected per program component) and report on findings to TRCA's partners and network participants; • further define stress /pressure and response /management indicators in conjunction with future watershed report cards and develop monitoring protocols to measure /monitor these indicators; • develop a website or similar media to improve communication among network participants; • continue to improve databases and tools for the storage and retrieval of data collected through the program; • continue to support citizen - science programs such as the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program; • improve monitoring of inland water bodies (lakes, ponds) through partnerships with MOE . . and citizen volunteers; • explore opportunities to add additional monitoring sites in smaller watersheds or subwatersheds based on reporting needs and recommendations from watershed planning and implementation documents; • review specific land use zones in the TRCA jurisdiction to determine if urban, urbanizing and rural areas are adequately represented for data analysis and explore opportunities to add monitoring sites if required. Is the Program Achieving its Goals and Objectives? The overall conclusion provided in the report with respect to the original goals and objectives outlined in the report "Development of a Regional Watershed Monitoring Network - 2000" were as follows: 645 Objective The development of a program that provides the necessary information to assess the health of the Remedial Action;Program (RAP) area, watersheds, subwatersheds and waterfront ecosystems, both spatially and temporally. • Yes but needs improvement - TRCA's RWMP along with additional information supplied by other agencies participating in the monitoring network provides much of.the necessary information to assess the health of the RAP area and watersheds, both spatially and temporally. Some smaller watersheds and subwatersheds are not currently being monitored and this situation needs to be rectified to ensure that all subwatersheds are being properly monitored. The current monitoring program is focused on condition type indicators which are necessary to ascertain the details to determine the health of the watershed. Future efforts incorporate stress /response and response /management type indicators into the program to ensure watershed managers have ready access to information/data in order to make informed decisions about the management of natural resources Objective To identify a set of indicators that reflect ecosystem condition, integrate the monitoring requirements of the RAP with report cards for individual watersheds, and are compatible with the indicators being developed through State of the Lake Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) for the Great Lakes basin as well as indicators being developed for municipal State of the Environment Reports. • Yes - The condition /state indicators used by the RWMP provide comprehensive monitoring of the natural environment in the TRCA jurisdiction. Additional monitoring activities which should be considered for enhancement of the RWMP are discussed in the paper. • Objective To develop an efficient program that builds upon existing monitoring activities and avoids duplication between agencies, municipalities, and organizations and is cost effective in allocating the best use of resources and informs management decisions. • Yes but needs improvement - Several components of the RWMP have undergone streamlining exercises with other agencies to avoid duplication and to make monitoring more efficient. Successful examples include the surface water quality monitoring program and the flow monitoring program. Other programs should undergo similar exercises to ensure that resources are being used effectively. Objective To identify ways to engage and involve the public, interest groups, and school groups in meaningful monitoring activities. • Yes - The Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program is a very successful project that has shown that,volunteers can effectively collect quality data. New programs such as an Aquatic Volunteer.Monitoring Program will add to the repertoire of public involvement projects. 646 Objective To develop and obtain agreement from stakeholders on a set of monitoring protocols for the collection, analysis, storage and distribution of data on the indicators that are identified • • Yes but needs improvement - Most sampling is conducted according to provincial protocols which have been approved by the appropriate provincial government ministry. Data management systems used by network partners are varied and complex and although data storage and distribution are considered important by all partners, there are many challenges to the development of shared database systems. TRCA is continuing to make improvement to the design and utility of its corporate data storage and management systems and is working with provincial and academic partners to help develop web -based data management systems for watershed data and information. Laboratory analysis of samples (water quality) is not standardized among program partners which in turn leads to challenges when.using and interpreting the data. • Objective To develop a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated approach to environmental monitoring • that fulfils the watershed monitoring and reporting needs of the Toronto Remedial Action Plan . (RAP), the TRCA and those of the individual watershed and waterfront councils and alliances while furthering the interests of municipal, provincial and federal partners • Yes but needs improvement - TRCA's RWMP, along with additional information supplied by other agencies participating in the monitoring network, provides most of the necessary information to assess the health of the RAP area and watersheds, both spatially and temporally. A notable exception is the groundwater monitoring program which has been deemed inadequate for the current monitoring needs. CONCLUSIONS Overall both the RWMP and the monitoring network are generally performing as expected with respect to the original goals outlined in the Development of a Regional Watershed Monitoring Network document (TRCA 2000), but needs some refinement to improve functionality. Monitoring of indicator variables has been achieved successfully and the program should continue monitoring these variables over the long term. As the RWMP and the monitoring network progresses, efforts should be concentrated on developing programs to monitor stress and response variables. Some of these variables are already being monitored by TRCA and other-agencies but a review exercise similar to the one recently conducted for RWMP should be conducted to ensure that all parameters are being monitored in a streamlined and efficient manner and that available data is shared among various agencies. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE The following activities will be undertaken through the end of 2008 and into 2009 and part of the • continued implementation of the RWMP. • • Copies of the review report will be circulated to network participants. • • Implementation of the 2009 field data collections will commence early in the new year. • Staff will be initiating the compilation and analysis of a 10- yeardataset. (2001 -2010) next year. This data will be reported in several ways including the inclusion in The Living City Report Card in 2011. Results will be presented to the Authority, TRCA partners and other organizations. 647 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for the RWMP comes from a variety of sources; however the majority of the funding has been made available from TRCA's regional partners (regions of York, Peel, Durham and the City of Toronto) in the form of capital grants. Additional funding has been provided through the Remedial Action Plan, and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. In -kind funds have also been provided by Ontario Ministry of the Environment, City of Toronto and the University of Toronto. Funding to support the continued implementation of this long term program has been included in TRCA's capital funding requests for 2009 and beyond. In addition, staff continue to explore new partnership and funding opportunities as well as revenue generation through the provision of technical training. Staff will be reviewing the recommendations from this program review to determine their impact on the annual funding requirements. Funding modifications, if required, will be reflected in capital funding requests for 2010 and beyond. Report prepared by: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Scott Jarvie, extension 5312 Email: sjarvie @trca.on.ca . Date: October 31, 2008 RES. #A261/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CENTREVILLE CREEK SUBWATERSHED STUDY SYNTHESIS REPORT Approval of the final Centreville Creek Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report and ongoing implementation of the recommendations. Richard Whitehead Suzan Hall THAT the Centreville Creek Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report, dated November 2008, be approved; THAT copies of the report and a letter of thanks be sent to the Region of Peel, Town of Caledon, Humber Watershed Alliance and other appropriate partners for their reference and endorsement; THAT the Region of Peel be commended for implementing a subwatershed based approach in their studies to evaluate options for municipal water supply servicing in the Village of Caledon East, Town of Caledon; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to continue to work with municipalities and other partners to implement the recommendations of the report. CARRIED 648 BACKGROUND As a headwater tributary of the Humber River, Centreville Creek flows from the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine, through the Village of Caledon East in the Town of Caledon, and into the main branch of the Humber River at Albion Hills Conservation Area. Centreville Creek subwatershed contains a high concentration of good quality natural habitats including large forested areas, numerous and extensive wetlands and coldwater fish habitats. While the majority.of Centreville Creek subwatershed is rural and protected from urban growth by the Niagara Escarpment Plan, 1994, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2002 and Greenbelt Plan, 2005, expansion of urban settlements in the Village of Caledon East is planned and requires additional municipal water supply infrastructure to service the new settlements. In December 2002, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) initiated the Centreville Creek subwatershed study in partnership with the Region of Peel and Town of Caledon. The study was initiated to collect, integrate and summarize information on baseline conditions to inform Region of Peel studies that were evaluating options for servicing planned new developments in Caledon East with municipal water supply. At the time, studies were underway to evaluate the option of utilizing an existing artesian well in the area as a pumped municipal well. The subwatershed study also provided an opportunity to examine local watershed management issues and opportunities, and formulate recommendations for local actions that would contribute to achieving the objectives of the Humber River watershed strategy, Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber. Study Process and Products The first phase of the study involved collecting field data to establish baseline conditions. New information collected through the study was provided to consultants working on Region of Peel studies to evaluate options for servicing new developments in Caledon East with municipal water supply. New information included: • installation of a new permanent stream flow gauge on Centreville Creek at Albion Hills Conservation Area in 2002; • field assessment of all terrestrial natural heritage patches in the study area (approximately 3,800 hectares) during 2002 and 2003 (only limited data had previously existed); • full baseflow monitoring survey, which established an improved understanding of baseline low stream flow conditions and groundwater /surface water interactions; • permeameter measurements to field verify groundwater infiltration rates, discharge rates and locations of groundwater discharge which was used to strengthen the York -Peel- Durham - Toronto groundwater database and groundwater modelling assumptions; • assessments of channel form which characterized reaches and indicator sites and established criteria for use in designing stormwater management controls in.new developments to help mitigate increases to channel erosion rates; • assessment of natural riparian vegetation to identify opportunities for tree and shrub plantings; • survey of agricultural land uses and practices, which was used to predict predominant source areas for agricultural non -point source water contaminants; • inventory of on -line ponds which was used to identify opportunities to improve fish passage and mitigate thermal impacts on coldwater fish habitat; • in- stream temperature monitoring.to improve understanding of the extent of coldwater fish habitat in the study area and identify high priority areas for riparian plantings and thermal - impact mitigation initiatives. 649 A study steering committee was established involving representatives of the planning and public works departments of the Region of Peel and Town of Caledon, TRCA, Humber Watershed Alliance and Niagara Escarpment Commission. Steering committee meetings were held to review the study work plan and drafts of study reports. A-stakeholder focus group was also formed to bring together elected officials, municipal staff and stakeholder groups and provide a forum for their review of study findings and input on recommendations. Two stakeholder focus group workshops were held in Caledon East on August 13th and September 30, 2003. Each meeting was attended by approximately 15 participants. Input was provided on local watershed management issues of concern and opportunities for stewardship and naturalization initiatives. They provided comments on the information presented to them regarding baseline conditions, and confirmed the management objectives established by Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber as being a suitable framework on which to base 'subwatershed study recommendations. A draft Characterization Report providing a summary of baseline conditions, local watershed management issues and opportunities and draft management recommendations was completed in June 2003 and reviewed by the study steering committee. At•the time, information regarding the groundwater system from the York -Peel- Durham - Toronto (YPDT) 'Groundwater Management Project was not available because the regional groundwater model did not yet include the study area. A groundwater modelling study had recently been completed for the Region of Peel that included the study area but the results required further evaluation and were considered preliminary at the time. 1t was decided,that finalization of the Characterization Report should be delayed so that new information anticipated to come from the YPDT Groundwater Management Project could be integrated with other information on baseline conditions. It was felt that this new information would significantly improve the current understanding of subwatershed system function and groundwater /surface water interactions. While work on other aspects`of the subwatershed study continued, information from the expanded YPDT.regional groundwater flow model was not available until 2006. In 2004 the Region of Peel's study evaluating options for water supply servicing of planned new. developments in Caledon 'East concluded that utilizing the existing artesian well in the study area as a pumped municipal well was not feasible. Further evaluation of the option 'of increasing pumping rates from existing wells was undertaken. Baseline information collected through the subwatershed study,was used to inform the monitoring and hydrogeological studies required to support an application for new permits to take water. • Work on the second. phase of the Centreville Creek subwatershed study between 2003 and 2004 involved examining potential effects that anticipated future land uses could have on the health of the subwatershed and evaluating alternative scenarios of management action. Computer modelling techniques and expert analysis were used to predict the response of the subwatershed system with regard to surface water hydrology (using an HSPF water budget and continuous hydrologic simulation model), and surface water quality (using an Agricultural Non -point Source - AGNPS model). Three scenarios were examined: • 1) baseline conditions (defined by 1999 land use); • 2) anticipated new development to 2021 with a conventional management approach; and, 3) anticipated new development to 2021 with implementation pf the TRCA target terrestrial natural heritage system. 650 Technical reports were completed documenting the results from the surface water hydrology and surface water quality scenario modelling studies. Steering committee meetings were held • in November 2003 and April 2004 to review and discuss findings from scenario modelling studies and the format of the final study report. . Based on an integrated examination of information on baseline conditions, findings from • scenario modelling and analysis work and input from Steering, Committee members, recommendations for action were developed. It was recognized that the recommendations would need to be reviewed and confirmed or revised, once new information regarding the groundwater system and groundwater - surface water interactions was available from the YPDT groundwater model. Key Study Recommendations Key findings and recommendations of the final Centreville Creek Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report are as follows: Existing and Future Urban Areas • Region of Peel should continue to implement monitoring of groundwater levels to track .. effects of increased pumping from municipal wells and implement adaptive management measures if established thresholds are exceeded. • Town of Caledon and TRCA should work together to implement improvements to stormwater management in existing portions of the Village of Caledon East with no stormwater treatment as part of future infrastructure improvements, redevelopment and infill development initiatives. • Planning and design of new urban settlements should be based on design principles that minimize changes to pre - development water balance (i.e. pre - development rates of infiltration, run -off and evapotranspiration). Innovative urban designs that minimize impervious surfaces, maintain the function of small drainage features, incorporate stormwater controls that promote infiltration of run -off and utilize technologies such as green roofs and rainwater harvesting cisterns should be considered as part of the overall . stormwater management strategy. • Town of Caledon should require stormwater management plans associated with proposed new developments in the Village of Caledon East to include stormwater management facilities designed to control stream bank erosion through run off reduction. The design of . new stormwater management facilities, including lot level and conveyance controls should be informed by continuous hydrologic simulation modelling using the HSPF model developed for Centreville Creek subwatershed, or another continuous simulation hydrologic • "model, and available information regarding the characteristics and sensitivity of stream channels. • Planning and design of the natural heritage system and open space system within new urban settlements should take into consideration the lands within the subwatershed that have been targeted for securement and restoration of natural cover through the Terrestrial .Natural Heritage System Strategy and consider ways to improve habitat quality and maintain or improve biodiversity. • Region of Peel and Town of Caledon should consider alternatives to spreading of road • de -icing salt as part of winter road maintenance programs within wellhead protection areas in the Village of Caledon East as a drinking water source protection strategy. 651 • Monitoring of the effectiveness of community design and management measures that will be put in place in new developments to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts - should be undertaken as part of an adaptive management approach. Natural and Cultural Heritage • Management of natural areas in existing and new urban settlements should include measures to avoid or mitigate negative influences on habitat quality associated with .surrounding land uses, including enhancement of remaining habitat patches to improve size and shape, fencing to prevent uncontrolled access, provision of planned access points and trail infrastructure in public.greenspace areas, enforcement of municipal by -laws restricting encroachments on public lands, and planned off -leash pet areas separate from sensitive natural features. • Town of Caledon should develop interpretive signs, resources or programs highlighting local natural and cultural heritage features along local and inter - regional trails (i.e. Caledon Trailways portion of the Trans- Canada Trail). • Town of Caledon should consider available information on the cultural heritage of the area when assigning place names associated with new urban settlements and utilized in programs at new public facilities to help new residents connect with the cultural heritage of the area. Rural Areas • TRCA should continue to promote rural and agricultural best management practices that reduce the risk of contamination of surface waters from land -based activities (e.g. vegetated riparian buffers, upgraded manure storage facilities, improved washwater.management) and improve natural habitat. Rural Clean Water Program staff should contact landowners with land holdings in areas identified as predominant source areas for surface water contaminants to promote best practices and tree and shrub planting programs. • TRCA should work with tenant farmers leasing lands adjacent to Albion Hills Conservation Area to improve manure storage facilities and spreading activities and undertake riparian tree and shrub plantings. • TRCA should continue to work with landowners with land holdings in areas identified -as high priority for naturalization, to promote tree and shrub planting, wetland restoration and other rural best management practices. • TRCA should work with landowners to mitigate high priority in- stream barriers to fish movement associated with on -line private ponds and adapt outlet structures to reduce downstream thermal impacts. An electronic copy of the full report can be downloaded from the Humber River page in the watershed strategies section of the TRCA website (www.trca.on.ca). Contact TRCA staff to obtain a hard copy of the full report. 652 Rationale for Study Hold In 2004, concurrent with work on the Centreville•Creek subwatershed study, TRCA staff was also engaged in developing watershed plans for the Rouge and Humber rivers watersheds to assist the Region of Peel, Region of York and City of Toronto in fulfilling the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. It was decided that, because finalization of information on baseline conditions was awaiting input from the YPDT groundwater model and that timely input regarding available baseline information had been provided to the Region of Peel for their studies, that the subwatershed study would be put temporarily on hold so that TRCA staff efforts could be focused on meeting the legislated deadlines for Oak Ridges Moraine watershed plans. Key findings and management recommendations from the Centreville Creek subwatershed study were conveyed to TRCA staff working on the Centreville Creek Community Outreach and Environmental Stewardship Program. This information was also integrated into the•Humber River watershed planning study. Upon completion of the Humber River watershed .plan in June 2008, staff immediately resumed work on completion of the subwatershed study documentation. Use of Study Products To Date As noted above, baseline information collected through the subwatershed study was used to inform the Region of Peel's studies to evaluate options for servicing new developments in Caledon East with municipal water supply. It also contributed to hydrogeologic studies and monitoring undertaken for the Region of Peel to support their applications for new permits to take water from existing wells. Concurrent with preparation of the final study report, TRCA commenced the three year Centreville Creek Community Outreach and Environmental Stewardship Program in 2004 to increase awareness and educate the community about environmental issues impacting the subwatershed. This program included hands -on initiatives such as monitoring, habitat creation, watershed clean -ups and tree plantings that empowered and engaged the community. Information regarding priority areas for improved stewardship and opportunities for naturalization from the Centreville Creek subwatershed study was used to guide initiatives undertaken through this program. Program achievements included: • • engaged 3,500 individuals; • 25 community planting events; • 12 community clean -up events; • worked with 57 school groups; • planted 1,900 aquatic plants; • planted 17,200 native trees and shrubs; • installed 90 wildlife habitat structures; • • completed 9 monitoring programs; • hosted 4 educational workshops; • -assisted 33 private landowners with stewardship initiatives. 653 Current Context and Role for the Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report Through the Humber River watershed planning study, updated information on baseline conditions in Centreville Creek subwatershed was included in the Humber River State of the Watershed Reports, and updated and more comprehensive management recommendations were put forward in the Humber River Watershed Plan and Implementation Guide. While the Humber River watershed reports are the most up -to -date sources of information on baseline conditions and management recommendations, the Centreville Creek Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report provides more detailed direction regarding local opportunities for improved stewardship and naturalization initiatives and should continue to be considered a primary source of information to guide work on community outreach and environmental stewardship initiatives in the area. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff Will take the following steps to facilitate the transition from study recommendations to action: • circulate copies,of the Centreville Creek Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report to municipal partners to inform their environmental programs and planning processes for new urban settlements in the Village of Caledon East, and . to the Humber Watershed Alliance to inform their community action site initiatives in Caledon East; • work with Town of Caledon staff and development proponents to design an adaptive management monitoring program for the Caledon East community to evaluate the effectiveness of community design and management measures that will be put in place to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts of new developments; • use findings to inform the ongoing implementation of the Rural Clean Water Program, Healthy Yards Program, Caring for the_Moraine Landowner Contact Program and other environmental stewardship and outreach activities in the area. • use findings to inform on -going drinking water source protection planning work. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding was provided for the Centreville Creek Subwatershed Planning Study by the Regional Municipality of Peel through the Peel Water Management Project. Report prepared by: Dean Young, extension 5662 Email: dyoung @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dean Young, extension 5662 Email: dyoung @trca.on.ca Date: November 7, 2008 RES. #A262/08 - FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANS Humber River and Etobicoke Creek. Completion of the Humber River and status updates on the Etobicoke Creek fisheries management plans. Moved by: Seconded by: John Sprovieri Maja Prentice 654 WHEREAS the development of fisheries management plans (FMP) are a critical supporting document for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) watershed plans, restoration plans and stewardship programs; WHEREAS the development of FMPs has been lead by TRCA in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO); WHEREAS substantial input from stakeholders and the general public has been sought; WHEREAS the FMPs provide a mechanism to achieve multiple and similar aquatic ecosystem health goals set by TRCA, the Province of Ontario and the federal government by identifying the significant ecological links between river ecosystems and Lake Ontario; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber River Fisheries Management Plan, dated November 2005, be endorsed in accordance with the MNR direction to TRCA staff to consider the document approved (March, 2008); THAT the draft Etobicoke Creek Fisheries Management Plan, titled "The Aquatic Ecosystem" and dated 2006, be posted for 30 days on the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights by the MNR and comments be incorporated, as appropriate, in the final plan and brought back to the Authority for endorsement; THAT staff be directed to continue to update relevant fisheries and fish habitat data by undertaking field investigations to close identified data gaps and to use this information to enhance the interpretation and management direction provided in the FMPs; THAT staff be directed to use the FMPs as resource documents for review of planning and permit applications as well as TRCA restoration and stewardship projects; AND FURTHER THAT staff coordinate fisheries management activities between municipalities and other partners in cooperation with MNR and DFO to address the management actions established in the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek fisheries management plans. CARRIED BACKGROUND A FMP provides background information on the state of the aquatic ecosystem as well as develops management objectives, strategies and targets for protection and enhancement. It establishes priorities for specific management activities that can inform ecosystem and land use planning, as well as stewardship, restoration and research efforts. TRCA has prepared FMPs for the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek following MNR's guideline for Watershed -based Fisheries Management Plans (MNR, 2005). .Technical guidance for FMPs was provided by MNR, DFO and TRCA with additional input from stakeholders and the general public. The FMPs prepared by TRCA are one of the tools /guidance documents used in the preparation of watershed plans, and other initiatives related to The Living City . objectives for Healthy Rivers and Shorelines, and Regional Biodiversity. 655 RATIONALE Hum_ ber River Fisheries Management Plan The need for a Humber River Fisheries Management Plan was identified in, Legacy, A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (1997). A draft FMP was received at Authority Meeting #12/97, held on January 30, 1998 by Resolution #A318/97. The Humber River FMP is now approved by. MNR as the.official provincial guidance for fisheries management in the Humber River watershed. In general, the Humber River supports a relatively healthy aquatic ecosystem. Opportunity for maintaining and improving this health lies mostly with species specific habitat protection, enhancement and restoration in the upper portion of the watershed. In the lower sections, there is greater emphasis on habitat connectivity between the lake and upper reaches (i.e. barrier.mitigation), continued enhancement of the Humber marshes and improved stormwater quantity and quality controls. Some key issues and recommendations are summarized as follows: • In- stream barriers (e.g. online ponds, perched culverts, dams /weirs, etc) are one of the main issues in the Humber River from several perspectives: fragmentation of habitat in smaller tributaries, impacts to water quality and temperature, and barriers to fish migrating up from Lake Ontario to the headwaters. However, there are strategic barriers that need to be maintained to prevent the spread of invasive species (e.g. sea lamprey and round goby). It is estimated there are 1,200 in- stream structures that require detailed field assessment before management recommendations can be developed. Given the large size of the Humber River, at least a two year program will be necessary to fill this data gap. • Redside dace, a species at risk (SAR), are present in many parts of the Humber River. As well, Atlantic salmon, also a SAR, are scheduled to be introduced back into the Humber River within the next few years under a provincial program. The FMP identifies areas /reaches for protection, restoration and stewardship efforts for these species. • There is a paucity of riparian vegetation and wetlands, particularly in the West Humber River, that has contributed to the'poor in- stream fish habitat. The protection, rehabilitation and restoration of riparian cover and wetlands has the dual benefit of improving the aquatic habitat, as well as achieving the targets for terrestrial biodiversity set out in TRCA's Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy (2007). • Two major impacts to the health of aquatic resources and the fishery are poor water quality and increased flow volume associated with stormwater from urban areas, even when there are stormwater ponds in place. Mitigating these impacts will be particularly challenging in the middle reaches where the soils are. tight (e.g. the Peel Plain) and infiltration of excess water is difficult. There are not enough top predators (large fish - eating fish) in the Humber River. The FMP identifies areas for habitat improvements and enhancements to support existing populations and reintroductions (i.e. Atlantic salmon) and stocking of lake -run salmonids. 656 Etobicoke Creek Fisheries Management Plan The Etobicoke Creek FMP was prepared specifically for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) titled Etobicoke Creek Living City Project: Aquatic Ecosystems Report (2006). The • Etobicoke Creek FMP is recognized by MNR as a draft guidance document for fisheries projects proposed within the Etobicoke Creek watershed. The FMP has been informed by the findings and recommendations in the TRCA Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy, Etobicoke Creek Watershed Habitat Implementation Plan and City Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan. A more detailed implementation chapter will be written by TRCA staff in 2009. Any comments will be addressed and the final FMP will be sent to MNR for approval. . In general, the Etobicoke Creek watershed is heavily urbanized through the lower half, with upper reaches presently undergoing conversion from agricultural to urban uses. The aquatic habitat is significantly degraded across the watershed. Rehabilitation efforts will need to focus on improved stormwater management (retrofits and Best Management Practices (BMP)), strategic barrier removal to give fish access to the better quality habitats still remaining along with restoration of wetlands and riparian vegetation cover. The major findings and key recommendations of the Etobicoke FMP are summarized as follows: • The altered flow regime (flashy and with high stormwater volumes) is a major challenge to providing the habitat requirements of target fish species. The Upper Etobicoke subwatershed is least impacted by this stressor and should receive the benefit of BMPs as planned landuse changes occur. • Stream habitat restoration should be undertaken on a subwatershed basis, however, there are data gaps around fish presence, abundance and passage through the headwater reaches of the watershed that need to be filled. • Protection and management of small riverine coldwater habitat just upstream of the airport for the target species of sculpin. • Protection and enhancement of Etobicoke Creek habitat (upstream and downstream of GTAA) for darters and smallmouth bass in the small and intermediate riverine warmwater management zones. • The need to establish a community -based monitoring program in order to develop partnerships, constituency and knowledge around the impacts to aquatic habitat. The FMP also supports additional key recommendations for the subwatersheds listed in the GTAA Living City Project - Etobicoke Creek Watershed (2006): • Riparian vegetation to be established 30m on either side of banks. • . .Application of natural channel design techniques during alterations to a watercourse. • The protection of baseflow through limiting or mitigating imperviousness. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE • TRCA staff will complete the detailed implementation chapter of the Etobicoke Creek Fisheries Management Plan. There are two more FMPs currently being updated for the Rouge and Don rivers by TRCA staff with anticipated drafts in early 2009. Website access to the approved FMP documents will be used to better disseminate • information and foster more consistent understanding of ecological needs and objectives within a wider scope of stakeholders, including but not limited to, developers, anglers and nongovernmental organizations. 657 • Staff will continue to implement projects and develop partnerships with watershed stakeholders, private landowners and the provincial and federal governments to help achieve the objectives identified in the fisheries management plans. • Staff will be developing workplans for long and short term applied research aimed at filling data gaps identified in the FMPs. Staff will work towards renewing current partnerships, foster new ones and seek funding to continue existing projects and undertake new ones. The guidance coming from these FMPs establishes context and support that will be an important basis for project planning by TRCA, including: • Species at Risk Management: redside dace protection and recovery; • Monitoring and Assessment : effectiveness of mitigation and restoration projects; • Barrier Assessments and Priority Management: Etobicoke River is underway and next priority is the Humber River; • Sensitive Streams: characterization, monitoring, mapping; • Climate Change: adaptation of monitoring programs, assessment of vulnerability (species and habitat) and adaptive management. FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for completed and pending work on the FMPs came from municipal sources and the Toronto Remedial Action Plan (RAP). In -kind contributions were received by MNR and DFO. Annual workplans for 2009 for the Aquatic group will be determined by some of the FMP recommendations. It is anticipated that the funding will come from municipalities and other sources. Report prepared by: Christine Tu, extension 5707 Email: ctu @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Christine Tu, extension 5707 Email: ctu @trca.on.ca Date: November 13, 2008 RES. #A263/08 - LAKE SIMCOE PROTECTION ACT Support for Conservation Ontario resolution on the Lake Simcoe Protection Act. Moved by: Seconded by: Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst WHEREAS the Province of Ontario is seeking comments on the proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act (Bill 99); WHEREAS Conservation Ontario has provided comments on the Act and passed a resolution expressing support in principle for the Lake Simcoe Protection Act subject to suggested amendments; 658 THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) support the position of Conservation Ontario; . AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of the Environment, Minister of Natural Resources, Members of Provincial Parliament in the TRCA jurisdiction, the Chairs of the Region of York and Region of Durham, the Chair of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and Conservation Ontario. CARRIED BACKGROUND The Lake Simcoe Protection Act (LSPA, Bill 99) is being proposed to protect and restore the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Lake Simcoe Protection Act, if passed by the Legislature, would set the framework for protecting the lake by: • requiring the province to create the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan; • setting the objectives of the plan; • setting the scope of the plan and the mechanisms for carrying it out; • creating science and stakeholder committees to support plan implementation; • allowing the Province to regulate shoreline protection in critical areas to protect water quality; • promoting environmentally sustainable land use practices and development; • allowing the Province to require municipalities to pass by -laws to control site alteration, top soil removal, tree cutting, use of lawn fertilizers and pet waste. The objectives of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan would include, among other things: • to protect, improve or restore the elements that contribute to the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed, including water quality, hydrology, key natural heritage features and their functions and key hydrologic features and their functions; • to improve the Lake Simcoe watershed's capacity to adapt to climate change; • to provide for ongoing scientific research and monitoring related to the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed; and • to promote environmentally sustainable land and water uses, activities and development practices. Conservation Ontario has reviewed the proposed Act and provided a number of comments to the Ministry of the Environment that outline the potential for overlap, duplication and inefficiency between the activities of the conservation authority and the provisions in the LSPA. A copy of their letter available in Attachment 1. At the October 6, 2008 Conservation Ontario Council Meeting, Resolution C.W #38/08 was approved, as follows: WHEREAS all CAs are in full agreement that the best way to protect and restore the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed is through an integrated watershed management plan; AND WHEREAS CAs are watershed -based resource management agencies, enabled through Sections 20 and 21 of the Conservation Authorities Act to coordinate and lead watershed management plans and programs, locally; 659 Attachment 1 Conservation ONTARIO Na usal'Champions. August 15, 2008 Mr. Stephen Maude, Senior Policy Advisory Ministry of the Environment Integrated Environmental Planning Division Land and Water Policy Branch 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 6th Floor Toronto, Ontario M4P 1P5 RE: Proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act (Bill 99) (EBR #010 -3753) Dear Mr. Maude, The following comments are being provided on behalf of Conservation Ontario representing Ontario' s,36 Conservation Authorities. Conservation Authorities are local resource management agencies working on a watershed basis to protect natural areas and open space, restore and protect aquatic and natural habitats; and provide recreational and educational opportunities to local residents. More than 11 million people, approximately 90 per cent of Ontario's population live in the watersheds managed by Conservation Authorities. General: Conservation Ontario is in full agreement that the best way to protect and restore the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed is through an integrated watershed management plan. As enabled through Sections 20 and 21, of the Conservations Autliorities Act (CA Act) and as supported by the Province to date, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is a watershed management agency that has substantial capacity for the coordination and leadership-of watershed plans and programs. As well, Section 2.2.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act, directs planning authorities to undertake watershed planning that, among other things, identifies "surface water features, ground water features, hydrologic functions and natural heritage features. and areas which are nece.ssaty for the ecological and hydrological integrity of the /2 661 AND WHEREAS Conservation Ontario has very serious concerns with the potential for duplication, overlap and inefficiencies created by the current draft of the legislation; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Conservation Ontario supports the LSPAct in principle subject to amendments being made to Bill 99 and the CA Act to remove duplication; AND THAT CO supports that the implementation of Bill 99 must support and acknowledge the significant role of the CA; AND FURTHER THAT the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and all CA Boards be notified of this resolution for their support and so inform their local MPPs. RATIONALE Conservation authorities (CA), established under the Conservation Authorities Act are local, watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources in partnership with government, landowners and other organizations. The Conservation Authorities Act , R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C. 27 delegates certain rights and responsibilities to conservation authorities, including: (1) For the purposes of accomplishing its objects, an authority has power, . (a) to study'and investigate the watershed and to determine a program whereby the natural resources of the watershed may be conserved, restored, developed and managed; Conservation authorities have been advocating for renewed investment from the Province in watershed planning and other activities. The LSPA provides an opportunity to strengthen CAs roles and mandate, and to have the support of the Province behind the watershed planning . activities that are undertaken by CAs. Recognition of the role of CAs in helping the Province deliver their vision for a restored Lake Simcoe is key to establishing an effective planning and implementation framework for success. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff of TRCA will continue to monitor the development of the LSPA for implications with respect to our watershed planning activities and will participate with Conservation Ontario as requested. Report prepared by: Deborah Martin - Downs, extension 5706 . Emails: dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca • For Information contact: Deborah Martin - Downs, extension 5706 . Emails: dmartin- downs @trca.on.ca Date: November 4, 2008 Attachments: 1 660 2 watershed ". Thus, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has been supported also 'by its watershed municipalities to prepare watershed plans for the same objectives identified in the Lake Simcoe Protection Act (LSPA). There is potential for conflict between watershed plans under the LSPA and watershed plans under Sections 20 and 21 of the CA Act and this should be clarified. Conservation Ontario supports the concept of a provincially mandated watershed plan for the protection of Lake Simcoe and the ultimate approval of such a.Plan by. the province and recommends that the Province respect and acknowledge the watershed management agency role mandated to Conservation Authorities through the CA Act. Conservation Ontario has very serious concerns with the potential for duplication, overlap and inefficiency that the current drafting of the legislation creates. Specific instances will be noted in the comments below but, in general, the LSPA should amend the CA Act where appropriate rather than include clauses that affect the CA Act. This approach is consistent with the amendments to the Ontario Water Resources Act (under the LSPA) and the amendments to the CA Act under the Clean Water Act. Section 4 — OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN This section lays out the objectives of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan and subsection 4(j) (ii) lists the provincial legislation that provide protection for the Lake Simcoe watershed and are specifically necessary to build upon. It is of extreme concern that the Conservation Authorities Act is not notedin this subsection especially given the overlap between the intent of this legislation and Sections 20 and 21 of the CA Act noted above. Overall, Conservation Ontario encourages the province to support and acknowledge the significant past; present and future role of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority in leading watershed management activities and programs within Lake Simcoe watershed through any plan which is developed: Implementation of the plan should avoid duplication of existing programs (e.g. watershed planning, science and monitoring, stewardship) and should build upon them so as to ensure efficient delivery on behalf of Ontarian and watershed taxpayers. Section 24 — REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 28 OF THE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES ACT Subsection 24(1) which deals with expansion of the area of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority's jurisdiction for the purpose of the Section 28 regulations, in effect provides for limited Or-partial Conservation Authority powers within this portion of the Lake Simcoe- Watershed. Regulations are one of a number of tools necessary to implement watershed management objectives and therefore the expansion of the Conservation Authority jurisdiction should not be limited to Section 28 regulations. Addressing expansion of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority would provide for the necessary power to levy the municipalities for the implementation of the regulatory program as well as the-full watershed management program that supports it (i.e. planning, regulations, Board policies, enforcement and stewardship). ...13 662 Subsection 24(2) which deals with prosecution of regulation violations for up to 2 years from the date of violation should be implemented through amendment to Section 28 of the CA Act. in addition to this amendment, there are a number of amendments to Section 28 of the CA Act that have been requested by Conservation Ontario (see Attachment 1). Addressing all of these amendments would assist in protecting watersheds across Ontario, in addition to the Lake Simcoe watershed and would maintain consistency within this regulation. Conservation Ontario would be pleased to assist in the review of draft legislation. . Section 26 — REGULATIONS — SHORELINE PROTECTION Conservation Ontario does not support the overlap and duplication presented by the proposed Section 26 regulations and the existing CA Act Section 28 regulations. The LSPA Section 26 regulations are proposed for areas currently covered under the CA Act Section 28 Development, Interference and Alterations Regulations and for potentially similar purposes. The Section 28 regulations empower CAs to regulate development and activities in and adjacent to River or Stream Valleys; Great Lakes and Large Inland Lakes Shorelines; Hazardous Lands (Unstable Soil and Unstable Bedrock); Watercourses; and, Wetlands In the case of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Regulation 179/06 includes the shorelines of Lake Simcoe as well as the above mentioned regulated areas. Over the past two years the Ministry of Natural Resources / Conservation Ontario Section 28 Regulation Peer Review and Implementation Committee (the MNR/CO Committee) has prepared draft Guidelines to Support Conservation Authority Administration of the "Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations lo Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation" (the Draft Guideline). The Draft Guideline, which is non- prescriptive, deals specifically with CAs' regulatory role under Section 28 of the CA Ac/ and it supports implementation of the Conservation Authorities' individual regulations which were approved by the then Minister of Natural Resources in May 2006. Of particular interest and area of conflict for the proposed Lake Simcoe Protection . legislation is the current interpretation of Conservation of Land and interference that is addressed in Section 1.4.3 of the draft Guidelines: 1.4.3 Additional Definitions and Interpretations • "Conservation of Land" has never been defined in the Act or Regulation or any other planning document prepared by the Province. On this basis, past decisions by the Mining crud Lands Commissioner were reviewed and documented (Appendix 1) [also attached #2 to this letter]. Based on the review of all of the • decisions in their entirety, the interpretation below was developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources / Conservation Ontario Section 28 Peer Review and Irnplenrentation Committee. ../4 663 4 Conservation of Land is interpreted as: ... the protection, management, or restoration of lands within the watershed ecosystem for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the natural features and hydrologic and ecological functions within the watershed (February 2008). The common uses of words in this interpretation can be found in the Oxford Dictionary as follows: Protection means: to defend or keep safe from or against danger or injury. (It is assumed that this tvould apply to animate (people) as well as inanimate objects (land or properly). Management means: organize or regulate (while management can also mean managing or being managed as well as being in charge of administration of business concerns or public undertakings). Restoration means: to bring back to original state or bring back to former place or condition; restoration is the act of restoring. (Restoration can also apply to rebuilding or repairing. Maintaining means: cause to continue; retain in being; take action to preserve in good order (such as in a machine or house etc.) Enhancing means: heighten or intensify (quality). For further background information, all Mining and Lands Commissioner decisions regarding Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act may be found . at: www.omlc.mt►r.Mov.on.ca: In addition, the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 97/04 do not define "Interference" nor was any definition found in any other planning document; hence, the interpretation below was developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources/ Conservation Ontario Section 28 Peer Review and Implementation Committee. Under the Regulation, "interference" only applies to projects within watercourses and wetlands. Interference in any way is interpreted as: "any anthropogenic act or instance which hinders, disrupts, degrades or impedes in anyway the natural features or hydrologic and ecologic . frnrctions c f a wetland or watercourse" (March 2008). .. /5 5 The common uses of words in this interpretation can he found in the Oxford Dictionary as follo►vs: Hinder means: to delay or impede Disrupt means: to interrupt or disturb (an activity or process) Degrade means: lower the character or quality of Impede means: delay or block the progress or action of (P.18) To avoid confusion and unnecessary conflict due to two instruments that are so similar, it is recommended that the above interpretations of Conservation of Land and Interference be built upon and more clearly defined in the CA Act /O.R. 179/06 for purposes of Lake Sirncoe Protection. This would effectively allow Section 26 to be removed in its entirety from the LSPA in that it would be redundant and it would also avoid the expense and confusion of gearing up an additional agency to accomplish similar objectives. In summary, Conservation Ontario would be pleased to assist in the review of draft legislation and recommends consultation with the Mining and Lands Commissioner office. Section 27 — REGULATIONS — GENERAL Section 27 (I) (a) allows the Lieutenant Governor in Council to make regulations that designate for the purposes of the LSPA, the participating municipalities for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. As indicated in comments with regard to Section 24, to reduce confusion and duplication, this should be addressed through amendment to the CA Act and specific to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. This is not unprecedented as there are already Sections of the CA Act that speak to individual CAs (e.g. Sections 5, 6 and 7): Section 30 — ONTARIO WATER RESOURCES ACT — WATER QUALITY TRADING Conservation Ontario has member Conservation Authorities including Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and South Nation Conservation, that have experience in applying the concepts of water quality trading and'as such Conservation Ontario should be consulted during the development of the proposed supporting regulation under the Ontario Water Resources Act. • Conclusion - NEED FOR A PROVINCIAL WATER STRATEGY In closing, Conservation Ontario appreciates this legislative initiative; however we also encourage the Province of Ontario to consider-the advice of Justice O'Connor in his .../6 . 6 Part II Report on the Walkerton Inquiry. His advice reflected the positions of many stakeholders about overall water management in Ontario. While Commissioner O'Connor's specific recommendations were necessarily focused on the management objective of clean drinking water, in his final report he did emphasize that a comprehensive water management strategy on a watershed basis was needed and should be adopted by-the Province. Conservation Ontario respectfully submits that this continues to be a very real need for Ontario that would preclude the need for further, region or watershed - specific legislative initiatives and position Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in integrated watershed management. if you require any clarification, please contact either Bonnie Fox .(Policy & Planning Specialist) at (905) 895 -0716 ext 223 or myself at ext 231. Sincerely, Don Pearson General Manager c.c All-Conservation Authorities General Managers/ CAOs Dan Marinigh, Lands and Waters, Ministry of Natural Resources RES. #A264/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: 2015 PAN AMERICAN GAMES BID AND THE CALEDON EQUESTRIAN PARK CFN 24276. Recommends that staff be directed to negotiate with the Town of Caledon to extend the term of the existing lease between Equestrian Management Group (EMG),, the Town of Caledon and TRCA for the use of the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave by EMG; and that TRCA support the Town of Caledon proposal to the 2015 Pam Am Games Bid Committee for an equestrian venue. Richard Whitehead • Linda Pabst THAT staff be directed to enter into negotiations with the Town of Caledon and Equestrian Management Group Inc. (EMG) regarding the extension of the existing lease of the Caledon Equestrian Park lands; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) offer its full and complete support to the Town of Caledon in the Town's bid for the equestrian venue for the 2015 Pam American Games; AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Caledon, the Regional Municipality of Peel and the Pan American Games Bid Committee be so advised. CARRIED BACKGROUND Pan American Games In early June 2008 the Province of Ontario approved a business case to bid for the 2015 Pan American Games to be held in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Greater Golden Horseshoe area. Subsequently, the Province submitted the business case to the Government of Canada which has now received Federal endorsement. It is estimated that the overall cost of hosting the 2015 Pan American Games will be $1.7 billion. Following the endorsement of both senior levels•of government the Province formed a 2015 Pan American Games Bid Committee, which will be lead by former Ontario Premier, David Peterson. The Pan Am Games are a multi -sport event, held every four years between competitors from all nations of the Americas. Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe area municipalities have formally announced their intention to bid for the 2015 Pan American Games. This announcement was recently followed by a preliminary bid presentation by the Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty. Other bids to host these games have been launched by Lima, Peru and Bogota, and Colombia. A final decision as to who will host these games is expected to be announced in the fall of 2009. • It.is estimated that hosting the Pan Am Games would stimulate an estimated $2 billion in economic activity in Ontario, create 17,000 jobs and draw about 250,000 tourists to see more than 5,000 athletes compete. 667. J As the bid for these games progresses the 2015 Pan American Games Bid Committee will begin to engage area municipalities in discussions regarding hosting opportunities. One opportunity for.venue hosting exists in the Town of Caledon through the "Equestrian Management Group" who operates the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave which is located on TRCA land. The Caledon Equestrian Park annually hosts up to 16 of the most prestigious equestrian events in Canada. It can provide accommodation for nearly 1,000'horses and has 5 international competition rings. The park also provides facilities for the many competitors from all over the world as well as those living within Canada's largest horse community, i.e. the Caledon /King area. This world class equestrian venue was selected as the proposed equestrian competition site for. Toronto's 2008 Olympic Bid and it recently played host to the 2007 Pan American Games Selection Trials for both dressage and show jumping. This facility could host the equestrian event for the Pan Am Games as well as all of the related equestrian disciplines within the Pan American Games technical package. Existing Agreement TRCA entered into a management agreement with the Town of Caledon for the subject lands in 1978. In 1981, TRCA permitted the lands to be licenced to Bolton Horse Shows Inc., for horse shows•and-related activities, subject to the provisions of the original management agreement with the Town of Caledon. In 1989, the Town was advised that due to the decrease in the number of volunteers in recent years, Bolton Horse Shows Inc. were no longer able to operate the shows and assigned the operation to the Equestrian Management Group Inc.. The assignment was in breach of the licence agreement and the Town terminated the agreement. In late 1989, the. Town received a request from the EMG to enter into a licence agreement for use of the property. TRCA was involved in negotiations with the Town and EMG with regard to the use of the subject parcel of land for equestrian activities over a period of years. Both the Town and'the EMG addressed and complied with all of TRCA's concerns during the course of this negotiation process, and agreement was'reached as to the form of a licence agreement for the property. ;RCA entered into a licence agreement with the Town and EMG on October 31, 1997 which will terminate on August 31,2014. Under this licence agreement, all provisions of the original management agreement between the Town and TRCA remained in force. RATIONALE The Town and EMG will be making a presentation to the 2015 Pam Am Games Bid Committee. It is important that the Town and EMG be able to assure the Committee that issues related to the land owned, by TRCA will be resolved. Whether or not the•2015 Pam Am Games bid is successful, EMG has indicated that there is a . need to increase the investment in the park to maintain its long term viability. Before making the financial commitment, EMG is requesting an extension to the lease term. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will continue to work with the Town.and EMG to complete the lease negotiations. Staff expect to bring to the Authority as required recommendations for the lease extension in 2009. Such extension will be done in consultation with the Town of Caledon and only on terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA and its solicitors. 668 TRCA staff will work with Town of Caledon officials to provide any assistance they may require in support of the 2015 Pan Am Games bid. Report prepared by: Mike Fenning, extension 5223 Emails: mfenning @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Mike Fenning, extension 5223; Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: mfenning @trca.on.ca; rdewell @trca.on.ca Date: November 10, 2008 Attachments: 1 669 Attachment 1 2015 PAN AMERICAN GAMES BID AND THE CALEDON EQUESTRIAN PARK CFN 24276 k_ onservation j for The living City / / /i RCA IAP_D; / r ; < i�t ? PRCJM 670 RES. #A265/08 - AJAX COMMUNITY GREENING PROJECT FINAL REPORT The accomplishments of the Ajax Community Greening Project. Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Ron Moeser THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thank and acknowledge the project partners who contributed to the success of the Ajax Community Greening Project (ACGP) from 2006 to 2008. CARRIED BACKGROUND At the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Meeting #4/06, held on September 13, 2006, Resolution #JK33/06 was approved as follows: THAT the Ajax Community Greening Project Update report be received; THAT the Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) receives a final report at the conclusion of the project in June 2008 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 ACGP. The Ajax Community Greening Project began in 2006 as a two year community initiative through a successful EcoAction Community Funding Program grant in the amount of $30,000. The ACGP was designed to provide hands -on environmental stewardship opportunities to Ajax residents. The ACGP has engaged elementary and secondary schools, local youth groups, residents and businesses through tree plantings, workshops, litter clean -ups and other environmental initiatives. The expected results for the ACGP project were set based on the amount of funding provided through EcoAction. We saw a significant increase between the expected results and the project accomplishments over the course of the two years. This is due in part to the matching funds provided from the Regional Municipality of Durham, and leveraged funds through the Shell • Environmental Fund and Ontario Power Generation. Additional funds allowed us to dedicate a full time staff person to increase our presence in the Ajax community. This in turn, resulted in • increased project accomplishments and community participation in our project events and activities. 671 Over the two years the ACGP engaged 5,949 people including 4,056 students. In 2008, the ACGP completed its second and final year of the EcoAction funding. The expected targets and actual achievements are summarized below:. Expected Results (July 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008) Project Accomplishments (July 1, 2006 - May 31, 2008) 2 Public events • 19 Public workshops held including: organic lawn care workshops, native plant gardening workshops, small business energy efficiency workshop, environmental /nature interpretation events and public planting events 500 Members of the public engaged through events 5949 Members of the public engaged through events 100 Flyers produced and distributed . . . 1913 Flyers produced and distributed including: Organic lawn care fact sheets, Landscaping for energy conservation fact sheets, Naturescaping fact sheets, Bird and /or Butterfly garden fact sheets, TRCA Environmental Volunteer Network brochures and workshop and event promotional flyers 2 Partnerships developed 7 Partnerships developed including: Ajax optimists club, Girl Guides and Boy Scout troops, Ajax Trails Association, Ontario Center for Environmental Technology Advancement, Sir Sanford Fleming - Ecosystems Management program staff and students 2007 - '08 and Durham Sustain Ability 2 Media interviews and reports on project activities 21 Media interviews and reports on project activities including: 9 articles in SNAP Ajax, 8 articles in the Pickering /Ajax News Advertiser and three events covered by the local Rogers Cable news affiliate 3 kms Stream bank protected /stabilized 3.02 kms of Stream bank protected /stabilized 1500 Native plants planted (trees, shrubs, other plants) 9972 Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers planted DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE For the past two years, the Regional Municipality of Durham funds supported the Ajax . Community Greening Project and additional stewardship activities in Pickering. These funds were allocated through the Duffins and Carruthers Creek watershed plan implementation budget. 672 In 2009, TRCA not have EcoAction funds supporting our work in Ajax. Once the 2009 revenues are confirmed, the funding allocation from Durham will be reassigned to match funding in two other stewardship programs. This will include matching support for the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation funds Caring for the Moraine project in Uxbridge and matching support for the Rural Clean Water program to launch an Equestrian Stewardship Project for horse farmers. .A smaller portion of the Durham funding will continue to support seasonal Healthy Yards .workshops and tree plantings in the Town of Ajax. FINANCIAL DETAILS Two years of funding for this project totaled $113,561. Funding was provided from EcoAction in the amount of $30,000 and the Regional Municipality of Durham in the amount of $73,561. Additional funding for this project was provided as follows: . • $5,000 from the Shell Environmental Fund; •• $5,000 from Ontario Power Generation. Report prepared by: Joseph Leo, extension 5639, Email: jleo @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Joseph Leo, extension 5639 Email: jleo @trca.on.ca Date: November 3, 2008 RES. #A266/08 - Moved by: • Seconded by: HIGHLAND CREEK COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP PROJECT Final Report. The accomplishments of the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Project. Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thank and acknowledge the project partners who contributed to the success of the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Project from 2005 to 2008.. • CARRIED • BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #4/05, held on September 23, 2005, Resolution #D63/05 was approved as follows: THAT staff continue implementing the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Program in collaboration with the City of Toronto, the Friends of Highland Creek, Centennial Community and Recreation Association and the Scarborough Arts Council, with support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). 673 The Highland Creek Community Stewardship Program began in 2005 as a three year community initiative through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $142,000. The project was • designed to provide hands -on environmental stewardship opportunities to Scarborough residents living within the Highland Creek watershed. It has engaged local schools, arts groups, •youth and culturally diverse communities through tree plantings, litter clean -ups, workshops, art and environment initiatives. Over three years the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Project reached over 19,000 people and actively engaged over 3,900 volunteers who contributed over 13,210 hours of their time. In 2008, the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Project completed its third and final year of the Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The expected results and accomplishments are as follows: Expected Results (July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2008) Project Accomplishments (July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2008) 21 HCCSP hosted community events, " festivals, conservation seminars • 33 community events were hosted . including: guided hikes, bike tours and hawk watches 117 workshops and presentations Delivered 123 workshops and presentations, topics included: organic lawn care, wood carving, nature photography and bird box building 18 clean up events 19 community cleanups hosted in local parks and school yards 6,000 kilos of garbage and debris collected . 6,231 kilos of garbage and recycling collected from community parks, schools and creek edges 18 community planting events. Organized and implemented 22 community planting events 4,725 native trees and shrubs planted Planted 9,980 native trees and shrubs 51 wildlife habitat boxes installed - • 122 song bird nesting boxes were built and installed by volunteers in local parks and school grounds 3 naturalization projects completed 4 native wildflower gardens were designed and installed by local youth DETAILS OF.WORK TO BE DONE Building on the success of the community partnerships created over the past three years, TRCA would like to continue to facilitate stewardship activities that build capacity in the Highland Creek watershed. To accomplish this, a 2009 funding application is being prepared for the Ontario Trillium Foundation. If successful, the 2009 work plan will focus on working with new Canadians to create two community gardens. Through this garden project we will broaden our existing outreach into the headwaters of the Highland Creek into the Town of Markham and utilize this outdoor classroom setting as a new outdoor meeting place for the community. In addition, we will continue to support our existing and new downstream Highland Creek community partners by providing plantings, clean ups and educational workshops in 2009 within the City of Toronto. 674 FINANCIAL DETAILS Funding for this three year project totaled $286,202. Core funding was provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation in the amount of $142,000, the City of Toronto in the amount of $90,000 and $37,577 was received from the Remedial Action Plan. This allowed us to leverage additional funding as follows: • $1,500 Home Depot - Evergreen Rebuilding Nature; • $6,000 MNR's Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program; • $3,000 Toronto Parks and Tree Foundation; • $1,625 Human Resources Development Canada; • $1,500 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; • $2,500 CIBC; • $500 Rouge Valley Optimists Club. Report prepared by: Michelle Pongracz, extension 5676 Emails: mpongracz @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Michelle Pongracz, extension 5676 Emails: mpongracz @trca.on.ca Date: November 6th, 2008 RES. #A267/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE NATURALIZATION AND FLOOD PROTECTION OF THE LOWER DON RIVER Delivery Agreement and Gartner Lee Limited Contract Amendments. Authorization to proceed with amendments to the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Delivery Agreement and Gartner Lee Limited contract for the Environmental Assessment for the Naturalization and Flood Protection of the Lower Don River. Ron Moeser Linda Pabst WHEREAS in January 4, 2008, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was authorized to enter into an amendment of the existing Delivery Agreement with Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) to an upset limit of $4,300,000, including TWRC project management costs; WHEREAS staff was authorized to amend the contract with the Gartner Lee Limited (GLL, now doing business as AECOM) consultant team to an upset limit of $1,699,548 plus an additional $50,449 to compensate GLL for their participation in TWRC's International Design Competition, upon execution of the amended Delivery Agreement between TRCA and TWRC; WHEREAS it was acknowledged that a final amendment to the Delivery Agreement between TRCA and TWRC would be required to cover additional TRCA and GLL consultant team expenses resulting from TWRC's International Design Competition; 675 WHEREAS the City of Toronto and TWRC announced on May 30, 2008, the start of an Environmental Assessment for the Gardiner Expressway through the Don Mouth Naturalization Project Environmental Assessment (DMNP EA) study area, which will require additional study and coordination with the DMNP EA; WHEREAS the TWRC Board of Directors approved all investments in the amount of $2.119 billion as part of the overall Long Term Plan and as identified in the Long Term Plan Update presented to the TWRC board on September 3, 2008, which included an upset limit of $7:0 million being approved to complete the DMNP EA, including TWRC project management costs and TRCA's past expenses for the Lower Don River West Remedial Flood Protection Project Class EA (LDRW Class EA); THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enter into a second amendment . of the existing Delivery Agreement or equivalent instrument with TWRC to complete the DMNP Project, increasing the upset limit by $2,147,198, to a total of $5,981,645, which includes all TRCA past expenses including work on the LDRW Class EA, but excluding any TWRC project management costs; THAT upon execution of the amendment of the Delivery Agreement between TWRC and TRCA for the DMNP EA, TRCA staff be authorized to increase the existing contract with the consultant team led by GLL by $1,512,962.51 to an upset limit of $3,212,510.51, plus the $50,449 previously authorized to cover expenses incurred by the consultant team during TWRC's International Design Competition; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take all necessary actions to implement the foregoing, including the signing and execution of any documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND' At Authority Meeting #10/07, held on January 4, 2008, Resolution #A282/07 was approved, in part, as follows: . ...WHEREAS in 2006, TRCA and TWRC sought approval from the three levels of government to further increase the Delivery Agreement by $1,300,000 to $4,300,000 including an increase of $1,018,460 for TRCA and Gartner Lee expenses, in recognition of an expanded scope of work and study area, further added complexity related to new waterfront issues and an increased contingency to address uncertainty related to other possible issues; WHEREAS in February, 2007, TWRC postponed approval of the $1,300,000 until the resolution.of TWRC's International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands, due to a further anticipated increase in study area and scope of work; WHEREAS in September, 2007, TWRC submitted to the.levels of government a budget request to increase the Delivery Agreement by $3,259,538 (including the postponed budget request of $1,300,000) to $6,259,538 to address additional data collection needs and the further expansion of the study area, scope of work and level of assessment required to incorporate the results of the International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands; 676 WHEREAS in October, 2007, TWRC subsequently amended this request to the original $4,300,000 sum to expedite the level of governments' ability to flow resources within approved budgets with the understanding that a subsequent request would be made to enable completion of the work; WHEREAS in November, 2007, TWRC received approval from the levels of government to increase the existing Delivery Agreement (December, 2002) by $1,300,000 to $4,300,000; WHEREAS in 2008, TWRC and TRCA will be required to enter into a second Delivery Agreement with an anticipated upset limit of $1,959,538, subject to the execution of a new Contribution Agreement between TWRC and the levels of government, to meet the remainder of TRCA's budget request submitted in September, 2007; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA enter into an amendment of the existing Delivery Agreement with TWRC for the DMNP Project increasing the upset limit to $4,300,000; THAT TRCA staff be authorized to amend the existing contract with the consultant team led by Gartner Lee Limited (GLL) to an upset limit of $1,699,548 plus an additional $50,449 to cover expenses incurred by the consultant team during TWRC's International Design Competition for the Lower Don Lands, subject to the execution of the amendment for the .existing Delivery Agreement between TWRC and TRCA for the DMNP Project; THAT staff be authorized and directed to take all necessary actions to enter into a second Delivery Agreement with TWRC and such other legal agreements as may be necessary, to an upset limit of $1,959,538, subject to the execution of a second Contribution Agreement between TWRC and the levels of government, in order to complete the EA for the DMNP Project; AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized and directed to take all necessary actions to implement the foregoing, including the signing and execution of any documents. • On January 18, 2008, the Delivery Agreement between TRCA and TWRC was amended to $3,834,447 including past costs incurred for the Class EA for the Lower Don River West • Remedial Flood Protection Project and the Bala Pedestrian Underpass Functional Design. TWRC project management costs brought the overall budget to the $4,300,000 identified in the January 4, 2008 resolution. On February 28, 2008, the contract between TRCA and GLL was amended to $1,699,548 plus an additional $50,449 to cover expenses incurred by the consultant team during TWRC's International Design Competition. Staff has submitted a final change notice request to TWRC in order to complete the DMNP EA. Additional funds were deemed necessary to: • merge the design competition results seamlessly into the DMNP EA, which has been innovative and has been of great interest to the Ministry of Environment as a case study; • substantially increase the size of the study area to incorporate the entire Port Lands area north of the Ship Channel, west of the Don Roadway; 677 • participate at a much higher level of involvement in the urban planning adjacent to the natural areas given the much higher degree of interconnections between the natural form and-built form as compared to previous considerations; • increaseconsultation with agencies, politicians, stakeholders and the public given that •the new Preferred Alternative does not coincide with the study area boundaries identified in the Toronto Waterfront Secondary Plan; and • increase :the level of design during the Step 4 Screening of Alternatives to provide a fair and even evaluation of alternatives between the original DMNP EA alternatives and the new alternative arising from the Design Competition. Since receiving Authority approval in January 4, 2008, additional expenses have been identified which has caused a further revision from $1,959,538 to $2,147,198.05. These additional costs • include: • a Navigation Hazard Risk Assessment (required by the Toronto Port Authority); • increased involvement in assessing the dockwall conditions for the DMNP EA and the • International Design Team led by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MWA); • increased involvement in costing the soil and dockwall remediation on behalf of TWRC as part of their implementation costing exercise; • increased coordination and analysis between the hydraulic modeling teams for the DMNP EA and the MWA team, including Delft 3D•training costs for TRCA and LimnoTech staff (LimnoTech is part of the MWA team); • increased staff participation in the DMNP EA given the much higher level of integration between the urban and natural environment, including 2 weeks of field work in support of the MWA design activities; • an additional $10,000 has been authorized by TWRC to allow the GLL,team to conduct grain size analysis core samples of the bed to ensure that the anticipated levels of scour will occur during a large flood event, which has become a critical issue as the study. team has come up against significant constraints on our ability to resolve the flooding issue to the east of the river; - . • increased budget for GLL in order to allow GLL to increase their rates from 2005 to 2008 levels; and • delays in getting the subsurface investigations underway in 2008 will also result in an increase in budget for the technical oversight by approximately $12,535. A breakdown of the Change Notice Request is attached in Attachment 1. For this request, costs were not broken down between TRCA Project Management and TRCA Public Consultation, as was done in past requests, therefore accounting for the large increase in Project Management costs. TRCA will continue to work with both TWRC and GLL to expedite the execution of the new Delivery Agreement and GLL Contract Change Notices. 678 FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA expenses will be billed through the 191 - series of accounts assigned to the EA for the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project and will be funded by TWRC. Report prepared by: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Emails: kdion @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Ken Dion, extension 5230 Emails: kdion @trca.on.ca Date: September 11, 2008 Attachments: 1 679 . Expense Items • Approved Budget (January 4, 2008 Authority Meeting) Requested Budget Difference Between Approved and Requested Budget (New Funding) TRCA Project Management $396,307.00 $808,641.54. $412,334.54 TRCA Consultation $227,830.00 $227,830.00 $0.00 TRCA Design Competition $33,167.45 $33,167.45 $0.00 Gartner Lee Limited Design Competition $50,449.00 $50,449.00 $0.00 External Consultation Costs $48,063.00 $71,650.00 $23,587.00 Facilitator $34,700.00 $62,595.00 $27,895.00 Gartner Lee Limited Consultant Team $1,699,548.00 $3,212,510.51 $1,512,962.51 Legal $22,116.00 $30,000.00 $7,884.00 DCS — Soils Technical Oversight $31,495.00 $44,030.00 $12,535.00 Contingency $0.55 $150,000.00 $150,000.00 TOTAL $2,543,676.00 $4,690,873.50 $2,147,198.05 Past LDRW Class EA Expenses $1,290,771.00 TOTAL FOR DELIVERY AGREEMENT $3,834,447.00 $5,981,644.50 680 RES. #A268/08 - Moved by: Seconded by:. CLAIREVILLE CONSERVATION AREA Paul Flood Building Revitalization Project. Award of Tender for the Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood Building Revitalization Project. John Sprovieri Suzan Hall THAT the Tender for the Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood Building Revitalization Project be awarded to BLT Construction Services, at an upset cost not to exceed $198,933.75, including $7,500.00 contingencies, plus applicable taxes, it being the lowest bid meeting Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) specifications. CARRIED BACKGROUND Claireville Conservation Area is an 848 hectare parcel of land owned and operated by TRCA. Claireville Conservation Area is located in the City of Toronto and the City of Brampton in the Regional Municipality of Peel. The City of Mississauga abuts the property to the Southwest and the City of Vaughan, in the Regional Municipality of York, abuts the property to the northeast. In 1957, Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority acquired the Claireville lands to construct a dam and reservoir to control flooding that was occurring in the lower Humber River valleylands. Claireville Conservation Area is one of the most accessible TRCA properties for use by the Greater Toronto Area population. In 1990, TRCA closed Claireville Conservation Area to vehicle access by the public for financial reasons. Sections of the property that are leased to private interests or operated by TRCA as a specialized business remained open. It is the intent of TRCA to promote the effects of climate change through using Claireville Conservation Area as a Living City classroom. TRCA aims to demonstrate and promote a greater understanding of the natural and cultural values of the land and water, their protection and management requirements, as well as their significance, sensitivities and interrelationships with building a healthy community. This will be accomplished through providing educational and nature -based recreational opportunities, developing public and private partnerships among environmental, cultural heritage, recreation and education organizations. It is TRCA's objective to promote knowledge and understanding of climate change utilizing the natural setting of Claireville as a Living City Classroom. By increasing the offerings of nature based recreational programs, educational programs and demonstration of best practices TRCA aims to promote healthy living, economic viability and a sustainable natural environment to the diverse community of Peel Region. The Paul Flood building. is intended to be the hub of public and private. user group activities.The Paul Flood building located in the centre of Claireville Conservation Area was constructed in 1984 and houses Claireville Conservation Area's main washroom amenities, storage space and an open air picnic pavilion. However, over the last number of years the building has fallen into a degraded state of repair. 681 In June, 2008, a Building Condition Assessment was completed by Accent Building Sciences in order to outline the physical adequacy of construction material and equipment, summarize the Iifecycle of all building components and provide detailed costs estimates to determine the suitability of building revitalization. As part of the condition study completed by Accent Building Sciences a detailed independent cost estimate was completed, based on the current state of 'the Paul Flood Building and current construction material unit prices and market. The independent cost estimate did not consider 5% contingencies, construction overhead costs and profit. A detailed cost estimate of $156,000.00 for labour and materials required to revitalize the Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood Building was included as part of the condition study. Using the results of the building condition assessment as a guide, TRCA has made provision of adequate capital funds required to address capital upgrades required for both design services and the eventual revitalization of the Paul Flood building, in order meet the needs of targeted user groups. RATIONALE Staff invited a group of qualified architectural firms to submit quotations for professional architectural design services (including mechanical /electrical and structural) for the Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood. Building Revitalization Project. Staff, through a competitive Request for Tender process retained the professional architectural services of Markham High Tech Architects for the project. Over the last few months staff worked closely with Markham High Tech Architects to prepare and refine detailed' design and construction drawings required to move forward with the ,tendering and building permit process. The Paul Flood Building Revitalization project is to include the following design highlights: • ; replace inefficient furniture and fixtures with new energy and water efficient models, including: toilets, faucets, lighting and hot water heater; • energy efficient ventilation system; • structural improvements; • new aluminum roofing, soffit and facia; • interior finishing; . • exterior landscaping, including planting boxes and patio; • conformity with Ontario Disabilities Act. In conjunction with Markham High Tech Architects staff prepared a Request for Tender for the Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood Building Revitalization project; The following firms were invited to submit tenders for the project: • BLT Construction Services; • Dardan Contracting; • Surrey Construction; • Precision Contracting; • Rafat General Contracting: 682 Tender documents and drawings were distributed to the aforementioned general contractors on November 3, 2008. The tender closed on November 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.. The public • opening was held on November 14, 2008. Tenders were received as follows: • COMPANY BID (plus GST) . BLT Construction Services $198,933.75 Dardan Contracting No Bid Received Surrey Construction No Bid Received Precision Construction. No Bid Received Rafat General Contracting • • No Bid Received Three contractors attended a site meeting. After the tender opening meeting, one of the three contractors indicated they were unable to bid due to a scheduling conflict, and the other was unable to get the required information from subcontractors in time to submit a bid, resulting in only one bid being received. Staff evaluated the proposal based on criteria that included: • completeness; • compliance with tender requirements; • relevant project experience; • references; and • fee proposals. Staff evaluated the quotation and based on recommendations from Markham High Tech Architects, staff concluded that the quotation submitted by BLT Construction Services Inc. meets all requirements set out in the Request for Tender documents, is within acceptable range of previous independent cost estimates, represents good value and is in keeping with industry expectations for the contract given the scope of work and current the construction market. FINANCIAL DETAILS The project cost is not to exceed $198,933.75 plus GST, which includes 5% in contingencies. Funds required to support and complete this project are available from the Regional Municipality of Peel within the Capital Budget account #129 -68. Report prepared by:Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Brad Clubine, extension 5252 Email: bclubine @trca.on.ca Date: November 17, 2008 RES. #A269/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: MEETING SCHEDULE 2009 -2010 To provide a schedule of meetings for the forthcoming Authority year, beginning February 27, 2009 and ending February 26, 2010. Maria Augimeri Linda Pabst 683 THAT the Schedule of Meetings 2009 -2010, dated November 12, 2008, be approved; THAT the Executive Committee be designated the powers of the Authority during the month of August, 2009, as defined in Section 2.10 of the Rules of Conduct; AND FURTHER THAT this schedule be distributed at the earliest opportunity.to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) watershed municipalities and the Ministry, of Natural Resources. CARRIED RATIONALE Since almost all members of TRCA sit on councils, boards or committees which usually meet on days other than Friday, the schedule has been arranged to accommodate all TRCA board meetings on Fridays. Staff has made every effort to avoid conflicts with municipal council meetings as much as possible in selecting the proposed meeting days. An Authority meeting is not scheduled in the month of August due to the summer vacation season. To accommodate the large number of permit requests at this time, an Executive Committee meeting is scheduled. This meeting will be to primarily handle permits. Should an item requiring Authority approval need to be dealt with at this time, this is allowed for under Section 2.10 of the Authority's Rules of Conduct, should the Authority designate these powers: 2.10 to exercise such additional powers, excluding those powers set out in Clause (d) of Subsection (1) of Section 30 of the Act, as may be assigned to it by the Authority during the months of July and August provided that a report be given to the Authority at the first meeting of the Authority thereafter; Staff is recommending powers be so designated to the Executive Committee for August, 2009, with the'required report being brought to the Authority at its meeting to be held on September 25, 2009. Staff is also recommending that the August Executive Committee meeting be conducted with the option of teleconferencing due to the lighter agenda, unless otherwise advised as a result of items scheduled. At Authority Annual Meeting #1/02, held on January 25, 2002, Resolution #A6/02 was approved in part as follows: THAT the dates of future Annual Meetings be changed to accommodate the budget meeting schedule for our member municipalities, such that the Annual Meeting held following a municipal election be in January while the Annual Meetings in the interim two years between elections be moved to February; In accordance with Resolution #A6/02, the 2010 annual Authority meeting is to be held on Friday, February 26, 2010. 684 All meetings will be held at Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV), except for the December Executive Committee meeting which will be held in the Humber Room, Head Office, to accommodate the busy school booking season at BCPV. The Authority and Executive Committee meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m.. The Budget /Audit Advisory Board (BARB) meetings will be held immediately following Executive Committee meetings on April 16, 2009, June 12, 2009 and October 9, 2009. The initial intention was to schedule BAAB meetings as required, but due to difficulties with scheduling members, staff believe it prudent to schedule meeting dates for BAAB during the months that TRCA regular deals with budget and audit reports. At Authority Meeting #9/07, held on November 30, 2007, Resolution #A259/07 was approved, in part, as follows: AND FURTHER THAT a review be'conducted one year after implementation of the new governance structure. The new governance structure has been in effect since the 2008 Annual Authority meeting held on February 29, 2008. Under this structure, quorum has been reached at all meetings, in part due to fewer conflicts with other meetings due to a streamlined TRCA meeting schedule, and an expanded Executive Committee membership. While length of meetings was initially a concern at the first few meetings under the new structure, members have made a commitment to remain as much as possible to the end of meetings, and staff.has made every effort to ensure that TRCA business is dealt with in a timely manner, while ensuring that the agenda length is appropriate for the allotted time. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: November 12, 2008 Attachments: 1 685 Attachment 1 TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING SCHEDULE 2009 -2010 FEBRUARY 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT . Feb. 27 10:30 a.m. ANNUAL Authority . #1/09 Toronto Budget Committee meets the day before MARCH 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Mar. 6 9:30 a.m. , Executive #1/09 FCM Board of Directors* 'Mar. 27 9:30 a.m. Authority #2/09 Toronto Government Management * Schedule does not conflict with FCM Annual Conference in June APRIL 2009 : TIME DESCRIPTION . POTENTIAL CONFLICT Apr. 17 9:30 a.m. Executive #2/09 • Apr. 17 10:30 a.m. BAAB #1/09 Toronto Government Management Apr. 24 9:30 a.m. • Authority #3/09 • MAY 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION . . POTENTIAL CONFLICT May 8 9:30 a.m. Executive #3/09 Toronto Community Development & Recreation Committee May 22 . 9:30 a.m. Authority #4/09 ' Toronto Government Management JUNE 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT . ': June 12 . . 9:30 a.m. Executive #4109 Toronto Government Management June 12 . 10:30 a.m. BAAB #2/09 Toronto Government Management June 26 9:30 a.m. Authority #5/09 • JULY 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Jul. 10 9:30 a.m. Executive #5/09 • Toronto City Council on Mon. & Tues. Jul. 24 9:30 a.m. Authority #6/09 . AUGUST 2009. TIME • DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Aug. 7 • 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. • Executive #6/09 FCM Board of Directors SEPTEMBER 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION . POTENTIAL CONFLICT • • Sept. 11 9:30 a.m. Executive #7/09 FCM Board of Directors BARB #3/09 Toronto Community Development & Recreation Committee • Sept. 25 9:30 a.m. Authority #7/09 • OCTOBER 2009 TIME - DESCRIPTION . POTENTIAL CONFLICT Oct. 9 9:30 a.m. Executive #8/09 Toronto Community Development & Recreation Committee Oct. 9 10:30 a.m. BARB #3/09 Toronto Community Development & Recreation Committee Oct. 23 9:30 a.m. Authority #8/09 686 NOVEMBER 2009 TIME • DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Nov. 6 9:30 a.m. : Executive #9/09 Toronto Community Development & Recreation Committee Nov. 27 '9:30 a.m. Authority #9/09 Jan. 29 DECEMBER 2009 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Dec. 11 9:30 a.m. Humber Room Executive #10/09 _ Special Toronto Council on Monday for Capital Budget JANUARY 2010 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Jan. 8 9:30 a.m. Authority #10/09 Toronto Schedule not Available for 2010 • . Jan. 15 9:30 a.m. Executive #11/09 Jan. 29 9:30 a.m. Authority #11/09 FEBRUARY 2010 TIME DESCRIPTION POTENTIAL CONFLICT Feb. 12 9:30 a.m. Executive #12/09 Toronto Schedule not Available for 2010 Feb. 26 • 10:30 a.m. ANNUAL Authority . #1/10 1. All AUTHORITY meetings will be held in the South Theatre, Visitor's Centre, Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV), 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Downsview, Ontario, unless otherwise noted on the agenda. 2. All EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meetings will be held in the Victoria Room, Visitor's Centre, • BCPV, unless otherwise noted on the agenda. 3.. Authority and Executive Committee meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted on the agenda. 4. ALL BUDGET /AUDIT ADVISORY BOARD (BARB) meetings will be held immediately following Executive Committee meetings in the Victoria Room, Visitor's Centre, BCPV, unless otherwise noted on the agenda. Approximate meeting start time is 10:30 a.m., but members will be given a better indication of start time when the agenda becomes available. For further information, please contact Kathy Stranks at 416- 661 -6600, extension 5264 or Andrea Fennell at extension 5254. 687 RES. #A270 /08 - REQUEST FOR DISPOSAL OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY -OWNED LAND, East side.of Duffy's Lane, north of King Street, Regional Municipality of Peel, CFN 40518. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is in receipt of a request from Pat and Linda Paniccia to explore the possibility of a sale of a fragment of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority -owned and located on the east side of Duffy's Lane, north of " King Street, Town of Caledon, Regional Municipality of Peel, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 124/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Colleen Jordan Bonnie Littley THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)- owned.Iand located on the east side of Duffy's Lane, north of King Street, Town of Caledon, Regional Municipality of Peel, be retained for conservation purposes. RES. #A271 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: . CARRIED TM MOBILE INC. (TELUS MOBILITY) PROPOSAL FOR LEASE OF LAND Vicinity of Restoration Services Centre, Region of York, CFN 41476. Proposal to lease Toronto and Region Conservation Authority -owned land located south of Major Mackenzie Drive, east of Islington Avenue, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, to construct and operate a cell phone antenna and associated equipment. (Executive Res. #B 125/08) , Colleen Jordan Bonnie Littley WHEREAS. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has been requested by TM Mobile Inc. (Telus Mobility) to enter into a lease arrangement for lands located south of Major Mackenzie Drive, east of Islington Avenue, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality York; WHEREAS it is,in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interests of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act, to cooperate with Telus Mobility in this instance; THAT TRCA enter into a lease with Telus Mobility of approximately 0.013 hectares, more or Tess, (0.032 acres) together with use of 0.385 hectares (0.951 acres) parcel of land for access and utilities for the construction and operation of a cell phone antenna and associated equipment, said land being, Part of Lot 18, Concession 7, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York; THAT the lease with Telus Mobility be premised on the following: 688 (i) the initial term of the lease will be for five years, with three renewal options for •successive five year periods subject to the concurrence of TRCA to the renewals; (ii) the lease rate is to be $15,203.20 per annum; (iii) Telus Mobility is to be responsible for all approvals required for construction of a cell phone antenna and associated equipment; (iv) Telus Mobility shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with the construction of a cell phone antenna and associated equipment; (v) any other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the TRCA's solicitor; THAT an archaeological review is to be completed at the expense of Telus Mobility with • any mitigative measures being carried out to the satisfaction of the TRCA; AND FURTHER THAT the authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the lease, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents. RES. #A272/08 - Moved by: . Seconded by: CARRIED THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK Request for a Permanent Easement for the extension of the Bathurst Street Sanitary Trunk Sewer to Langstaff Road, Don River Watershed, CFN 41542. Receipt of a request from The Regional Municipality of York to provide a permanent easement for the extension of the Bathurst Street Sanitary Trunk Sewer to Langstaff Road across the southeast corner of the Baker Sugar Bush (which is jointly owned by the City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority), north of Regional Road 7, west of Bathurst Street, in the City of Vaughan. (Executive Res. #B 126/08) Colleen Jordan Bonnie Littley • WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from The Regional Municipality of York to provide a permanent easement for the extension of the Bathurst Street Sanitary Trunk Sewer to Langstaff Road, north of Regional Road 7, west of Bathurst Street, in the City of Vaughan; WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interest of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conversation Authorities Act, to cooperate with The Regional Municipality of York in this instance; 689 THEREFORE: LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT a permanent easement containing a total of 0.01 hectares (0.24-acres), more or Tess, be granted to The Regional Municipality of York for the extension of the Bathurst Street Sanitary Trunk Sewer to Langstaff Road, said land being Part of Lot 11, Concession 2, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, designated as Parts 9, 10 and 11 on Plan 65R- 30171; THAT consideration is to be the nominal sum of $2.00, plus all legal, survey and other' costs to be paid by The Regional Municipality of York; THAT The Regional Municipality of York is to fully indemnify and save harmless TRCA from any and all claims for injuries, damages or Toss of any nature resulting in any way either directly or indirectly from this easement or the carrying out of construction; THAT the granting of this easement is subject to the approval of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.27 as amended; THAT the granting of this easement be subject to the approval of the City of Vaughan; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A273 /08 - SECTION•II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Linda Pabst CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 9.4.1 - 9.4.86, with the exception of 9.4.42 - City of Toronto and Evergreen Brick Works, contained in Section I1 of Executive Committee Minutes #9/08, held on November 7, 2008, be received. CARRIED RES. #A274 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Bryan Bertie Seconded by: Maja Prentice THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 item 9.4.42 - City of Toronto and Evergreen Brick Works, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #9/08, held on November 7, 2008, be. received. CARRIED 690 RES. #A275 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Maja Prentice Linda Pabst THAT Section II items 9.5 - 9.10, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #9/08, held on November 7, 2008, be received. • CARRIED Section II Items 9.5 - 9.10, Inclusive APPOINTMENT OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (Executive Res. #B 136/08) REQUEST FOR DISPOSAL OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY -OWNED LAND (Executive Res. #B 137/08) MORNINGSIDE STORM SEWER OUTFALL SHORELINE PROTECTION PROJECT (Executive Res. #B 138/08) PORT UNION WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PHASE 2) (Executive Res. #B 139/08) GREENING RETAIL PROGRAM (Executive Res. #B 140/08) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #8141 /08) SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A276 /08 - Moved by: Seconded.by: REFORESTATION PLANTING • Metrics, Methods and Management. To provide a status report on reforestation activities including an overview of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's historical reforestation effort and current reforestation targets, planting methods and assessment results. Bryan Bertie • Lois Griffin IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the staff report on Reforestation Planting be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND For more than 50 years Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has been actively involved in the planting of trees across the watersheds to address issues of tree Toss, soil erosion control and riparian cover through a variety of programs on both public and private lands including: • Reforestation for Biodiversity; • Farm Tree and Shrub Planting; • Valley and Stream Regeneration. 691 During this period, TRCA has recorded the planting of more than 5,100,000 reforestation seedlings, the legacy of which can be seen at the landscape level across the watersheds. Including conservative estimates for other TRCA tree and shrub plantings during the same period would bring the total estimated planting effort of TRCA programming to more than 8,000,000 units - roughly equating to an area of more than 3,500 hectares. Since 2001, reforestation seedling planting alone has accounted for more than 900,000 trees being planted. In 2008 reforestation plantings more than doubled to 219,215 seedlings, up 119% from the 2007 level of 99,850 seedlings. This significant increase in TRCA's reforestation effort is attributable to projects at Oak Ridges Corridor Park and Claireville Conservation Area and funding associated with these initiatives. PROGRAM YEAR REFORESTATION SEEDLINGS OTHER TREES AND SHRUBS TOTAL PLANTING TREES /SHRUBS 2001 203,585 64,433 268,018 2002 122,610 53,133 175,743 2003 66,805 53,418 120,223 2004 65,335 69,461 134,796 2005 61,315 71,321 132,636 2006 65,050 91,287 156,337 2007 99,850 92,956 192,806 2008 219,215 118,330 337,545 Each planting site is evaluated to ensure that the appropriate species are selected to achieve the desired outcome. It is important to note that even earlier in the design process, sites are screened to evaluate all potential habitat types suitable for the project site(s) so as not to exclude other restoration opportunities. This review includes a geospatial analysis of topography, surficial and internal drainage characteristics of soil type(s), existing vegetative cover (type /species) and target species. In many instances, project sites have multiple opportunities identified and the regeneration plans are developed and refined to reflect these. Biodiversity issues are addressed through the combination of species and planting treatments. Upland, lowland and riparian areas are designed and planted using different strategies to address the site specific constraints and objectives for the planting. Reforestation seedlings are generally planted at a density of 1,700 stems per hectare, however, other types and sizes of plant materials may also be used to achieve the desired cover and habitat type. Natural mortality and losses due.to predation /browse create random gaps in the planting and opportunity for other plant species to establish and grow. Sites adjacent to desirable natural cover (ie. woodlots, hedgerows, etc.) will benefit from natural seeding and this advantage is utilized wherever possible. 692 Current Planting Programs In 2008, a total of 24 species of reforestation seedlings were utilized including 9 coniferous and 15 deciduous species. Conifers comprise the majority of the seedlings (75 -85 %) planted as they are the most dependable and resilient species in dealing with planting stresses, adapting to site Conditions and limiting /tolerating damage due to herbivory .(browse by wildlife). Deciduous species (hardwood /softwood trees and shrubs) are included to provide for future seed sources for natural regeneration and to provide wildlife with food sources (seeds, nuts; fruit, etc). These species are generally planting in "nodes" throughout the site. The days of "monoculture" plantations is long since past. Given that the appropriate planting periods are limited by_weather and local climate to a few short weeks in the spring and again in the fall, staff must employ a combination of planting methodologies to achieve these reforestation levels, including: • mechanical planting; and, • hand planting (staff and community volunteers). In 2008, 70% of TRCA's reforestation seedlings were planted mechanically. Four staff, two tractor /planters and one vehicle were involved in the planting of 155,000 seedlings during the planting window of April 25th through May 28th. Reforestation seedlings are only available in the spring of the year. Mechanical planting is a cost effective, efficient and consistent way of planting seedlings over a large area. TRCA's experience shows that our mechanized planting costs are on the order of one -half that of staff hand planting. Reforestation planters (tractor- mounted implements) are widely use by many conservation authorities and other private planting contractors in Southern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) utilized mechanical planting as a primary reforestation planting method, however, since restructuring in the early 1990's MNR no longer is directly involved in planting. Mechanical planters offer the ability to plant on the order of 8,000+ seedlings per day which is an efficient allocation of TRCA staff and budget, resources. Depending on site conditions and requirements, machine planting can accommodate site preparation and planting in one pass. Consistent planting quality and spacing can be achieved which allows for follow -up tending and /or assessments. While some feel that linear plantings are not as aesthetically pleasing as nonlinear plantings, linear plantings provide equal environmental benefits in terms of carbon sequestration, habitat, biodiversity, etc. as nonlinear plantings. Mechanical planting is very useful tool toward achieving Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy goals in a timely and cost effective manner. - Hand planting is also a valuable method for the establishment of reforestation seedlings (and larger tree and shrub stock) or infill plantings in areas that are either not suitable to mechanical planting such as those that are smaller in scale, of limited accessibility or having other existing desirable cover. Hand planting is the preferred option for all sites with fewer than 2,000 seedlings proposed. On sites with existing trees and shrubs, mechanical planting may not be feasible, so hand planting is employed. Sensitive sites (too wet, fragile soils, topography too . _steep or complex) are also hand planted. In 2008, 65,000 reforestation seedlings and 118,330 other larger trees and shrubs were hand planted. _ 693 In order to meet the schedule within the limited weather windows, staff do rely on community volunteers and other nongovernmental organizations (NGO) as invaluable assets in helping us to achieve these overall planting levels. In 2008 community volunteers assisted in planting 14,800 seedlings and approximately 19,000 larger trees and shrubs, roughly 10% of TRCA's total tree and shrub planting effort. A few examples include an ongoing multi -year relationship with the Toronto District Separate School Board, and various NGO's such as the Friends of Claireville, Highland Creek /Centennial College, Scouts /Guides, local faith -based groups among others. In 2007 and-again in 2008, TRCA worked cooperatively with other community organizations including 10,00.0 Trees for the Rouge Valley, Ontario Streams and Friends of the Rouge Watershed to provide sites on TRCA -owned lands and access agreements to facilitate even more planting effort. TRCA has an approval process for these access agreements to TRCA lands for planting. Outside groups are made aware of the process and are requested to follow it. While planting is a major expenditure of time, materials and effort, it is only the beginning of the job. TRCA staff provide follow -up inspections and assessments of all plantings and make recommendations for tending and protection to maximize survival and initial establishment. Assessments are generally completed following years 1, 2 and 5. Analysis of plantings allows for refinements in design, species selection and planting techniques to avoid future failures. Periodic inspections also provide an early warning of potential problems and allows staff to address such issues in a timely manner. While annual survival rates vary based a number of factors, an overall seedling survival rate for trees planted from 2001 -2007 is estimated in the range of 70 -80 %, meeting MNR planting success criteria. Assessments conducted at 2008 reforestation sites indicate high levels of successful initial transplant - two assessment have been completed. In early summer, the assessment is qualitative, looking at planting quality, spacing, effectiveness of competition controls and species specific condition. A second assessment completed at the end of the 2008 growing season is more quantitative, indicating an overall year 1 successful establishment rate of more than 92 %. The year 2 assessment will be undertaken at the end of the second growing season, and similarly for year 5. At that point it is expected the trees have reached "Free to Grow" (FTG) status, having outpaced the competing vegetation (grasses and forbes). While significant, having reached FTG is still not the end of the job. Reforestation plantings are . part of a long term silviculturalsystem that obligates the "manager(s)" to continue to assess and prescribe treatments at specific points in the lifecycle of the trees. Ongoing management is timed to coincide with reductions in growth rates due to crown closure - when the crowns of trees begin to touch and trees begin to compete for growing space, light and nutrients. TRCA's 2008 forest management costs are $16 per hectare (based on 5,503 hectares at a budget cost of $88,100). Proper spacing and tending can maintain optimal growth rates over time and thereby maximize carbon sequestration potential. Thinning and selective harvesting can also generate a flow of forest products that can stimulate the local economy and provide a revenue stream to the landowner to facilitate ongoing management of a renewable and sustainable resource. The sale.of TRCA forest products returns approximately $40,000 per year that is utilized to offset a portion of management expenses. 694 DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Looking forward to 2009, it is anticipated that the reforestation planting level will be 128,000 units, above TRCA's long term average annual rate of approximately 100,000 seedlings. This projection is in keeping with known project requirements, identified funding sources and current reforestation seedling availability. Currently, reforestation seedling availability is limited by seedling grower's crops. TRCA staff is working with Somerville Seedlings to meet a forecasted demand of approximately 200,000 trees. Subject to seed availability and germination, the increase in seedling stock availability will come on line for the 2012 -2013 period. TRCA staff is continuing to work with Trees Ontario and their planting subsidy programs in an effort to increase reforestation plantings in the Toronto region watersheds on both private and public lands. Report prepared by: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Emails: drogalsky @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Dave Rogalsky, extension 5378 Emails: drogalsky @trca.on.ca Date: November 10, 2008 RES. #A277/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GOOD NEWS STORIES Highlights of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Work. Receipt . of Good News Stories for September and October, 2008, from all sections of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Ron Moeser John Sprovieri IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for September and October, 2008, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND Management Team, a committee made up of senior staff at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), meets monthly to discuss strategic initiatives and organizational development. RATIONALE Key accomplishments of each TRCA section are highlighted at each Management Team • meeting. In keeping with TRCA's objective of Business Excellence, these accomplishments will be brought to the Authority for the information of the members. The following are the ' accomplishments cited from September and October, 2008, and a brief description of each. • Source Water Protection - Completed public consultation on the Terms of Reference. • Planned Giving - The Conservation Foundation received notification that they are in an estate, the second such notification in the past 12 months. 695 • Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Guide - Completed the guide and have sold over 300 copies so far across the Greater Toronto Area. • Aquatic Habitat Toronto - Won an "Award of Excellence" recognizing outstanding achievements in public service at the Public Sector Quality Fair (PSQF). The PSQF is a province -wide showcase for service excellence in government, health care and education. Its objectives are to promote awareness and the use of quality principles and practices, to share ideas and to celebrate successes. All applications to the PSQF are evaluated against the same quality criteria that the National Quality Institute uses for the Canada Awards for Excellence. Submissions are assessed on a range of criteria, including leadership, citizen /client focus, people focus, process management, supplier /partner focus, and organizational performance. • Head of the Spadina Quay boardwalk put in place, along with substantial shoal. • Rouge Watershed Plan - Held workshop with York municipal staff in Rouge watershed to discuss implementation of key recommendation of the plan. Many projects identified as being quite collaborative, with role for TRCA in initiating cross - municipal dialogue. • Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area - The Oak Ridges Trail Association has adopted 5 km of trail in the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area as part of the implementation of the recently completed Trail Master Plan for the property. The partnership will help ensure the area is managed properly. • Northern Map Turtle - The presence of the Northern Map Turtle in the Humber River has been confirmed. This is a species at risk that is designated federally and provincially as a Species of Concern. • Partners in Project Green: a Pearson Eco- Business Zone Strategy - Final strategy was well received at Mississauga, Brampton and Peel Region Councils. Each Council appointed representatives tothe Project Steering Committee. Strategy was launched on October 9th at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Over 250 guests including business leaders and government representatives attended the event. • Planning Brochure - Published as follow -up to planning and development manual, the brochure outlines what TRCA regulates and how the planning process versus permit process works. It will be distributed to all Planning, Building, etc. departments across TRCA's jurisdiction. . • Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) - TRCA and Markham are moving forward with an updated MESP (Master Environmental Servicing Plan) for the new Cornell Secondary Plan lands, inclusive of the Markham Hospital site expansion, and the communities of Cornell Rouge and Cornell Centre. Green Print - Had formal invitation from Markham to participate in their "Green Print" process. They want to expand on many of the things TRCA is doing ie. green buildings, ecoparks, etc.. • Urban Forest Project - Studying the urban forest in Peel. Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, Peel and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) came forward with more funds so we are able to advance fieldwork in 2008. Similar studies are being undertaken in Ajax and York Region. Staff collaborated with regions /municipalities /CVC on adopting standard methodology. • Communities In Blooms - Brampton won the international competition and Mississauga was recognized for their community involvement efforts. • Mimico Waterfront Park - Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) agreed to move forward with Phase II. Community feedback has been very positive. • Lake Wilcox - Began the shoreline restoration project - largest inland lake shoreline restoration project TRCA has undertaken. 696 • Port. Union Waterfront Improvement Project - Have settlement on last property for Phase II of the project. • Archaeology - Excavated site in Duffins watershed with field school for first time. Property near Claremont was quite a community in the early 19th century. Found thousands of artifacts. Already registering students for the 2009 program due to exposure in Toronto Star. • Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV) - Environmentally - friendly white roof membrane. installed. • BCPV, York University and York University day care centres successfully staged the . . first joint emergency evacuation exercise, testing plans for safely evacuating children age 3 months - 10 years, from two•York University daycare centres to BCPV. • Brampton Horticultural Society - Presented TRCA with an award for our work in the City of Brampton. • Near Urban Agriculture - 300 people attended a fund - raiser to support the FarmStart/TRCA urban agriculture partnership at Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton. • Heritage - Toronto Parks and Transportation Departments are generously supporting TRCA's community action site model for promoting a heritage park in the lower Humber south of St. Clair Ave.. Habitat enhancement, trails, interpretive kiosks and stormwater management are being investigated in addition to City road and bridge improvements. • Regional Biodiversity. - Swamp dewberry and little snapdragon have not been seen in TRCA's jurisdiction in 100 years. Creeping juniper was spotted for the first time in TRCA's jurisdiction. • Water Management - 260 people attended the Low Impact Development workshop in • partnership with Credit Vailey Conservation. These workshops have been successful in educating municipalities, developers and consultants in sustainable water management and have led to a number of pilot projects in our jurisdiction. • Archaeology - TRCA Archaeology and Toronto Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society co- hosted the 2008 OAS Symposium with well- received milestones: Aboriginal Elders' Circle discussion plus academic papers in a Bob Burgar tribute session about Seed - Barker site and the field school. • • Reesor Road Wetland - Completed the almost four hectare wetland, one of almost 30 that will be put into place in the Rouge Park in next few years. Native Planting Program - TRCA's 2008 planting target of 350,000 units has been • surpassed and, pending weather and the completion of the fall 2008 planting season, it is anticipated that we will achieve a level of more tharE420,000 units. TRCA's total 2007 • planting effort was 275,117 units. This significant increase in 2008 plantings is attributable to three significant projects and /or funding initiatives, including: Peel Climate Change Initiative; Claireville Restoration Project; and Oak Ridges CorridorPark. • Environmental Education - Ontario Ministry of Education held consultation sessions on its draft Environmental Education Policy. TRCA is working with them to ensure that students are given appropriate outdoor education opportunities in the natural environment. • Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE) Program Launch - On October 29, 2008 the PAIE Program hosted an event to celebrate the success of 31 Geoscientists and Planners from PAIE 1 and to launch PAIE 2 with 44 Environmental Engineers. The event was attended by representatives of provincial and federal governments, TRCA staff, participating.companies, supporting agencies and PAIE participants. • Land Acquisition - The acquisition of the 83 acre Perryman property in the headwaters of the Rouge was completed. - 697 • Outreach Education and Stewardship - Evergreen and Unilever granted TRCA $10,000 toward the Malton Riparian Enhancement and Education Project for plantings, litter - clean-up events, bird box installations, interpretive nature walks and student/community engagement. Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Emails: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: November 17, 2008 RES. #A278 /08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Ron Moeser . Seconded by: John Sprovieri THAT Section IV items 8.3.1 - 8.3.2, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Items 8.3.1 - 8.3.2 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #8/08, held on September 25, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #3/08, held on July 15, 2008. RES. #A279 /08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD • Moved by: Seconded by: David Barrow Suzan Hall THAT Section IV item 9.11 - Out of Country Travel, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #9/08, held on November 7, 2008, be received. NEW BUSINESS RES. #A280 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Jack Heath 698 CARRIED THAT the letter dated November 26, 2008 from Kim McLean, Chief Administrative Officer, University of Toronto Scarborough, in regard to F.J. Horgan Treament Plant expansion and associated trunk watermain, be referred to staff. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:21 p.m., on Friday, November 28, 2008. CARRIED Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney • Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 699 erTHE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #10/08 January 9, 2009 • The Authority Meeting #10/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, January 9, 2009. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:38 a.m.. PRESENT Paul Ainslie Member David Barrow Member Bryan Bertie Member Laurie Bruce Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Mike Del Grande Member Bill Fisch Member Grant Gibson Member Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Bonnie Littley Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn Member Ron Moeser Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member ABSENT Eve Adams , Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair Jack Heath Member Colleen Jordan Member Glenn Mason Member Linda Pabst - Member John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member Maja Prentice Member Gino Rosati Member 700 APPOINTMENTS TO TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FOR • 2008 -2009 The Secretary- Treasurer can advise that all Mike Del Grande has been duly appointed and is entitled to sit as a Member of this Authority for the remainder of the 2008 -2009 year, or until his successor is appointed. RES. #A281 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Bonnie Litt ley THAT the Minutes of Meeting #9/08, held on November 28, 2008, be approved. SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A282 /08 - CARRIED TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE GOLF COURSE POLICY Receipt of presentation by the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee on the Township of Uxbridge Golf Course Policy. Moved by: Gay Cowbourne Seconded by: • Suzan Hall THAT the presentation by Jake Riekstins, Chair, Golf Course Subcommittee, Township of Uxbridge, in regard to Township of Uxbridge Golf Course Policy be received; AND FURTHER THAT the Township of Uxbridge, Uxbridge Naturally and the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee be recognized for their successful efforts in the development of this policy. AMENDMENT RES. #A283 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Bryan Bertie THAT the following be inserted after the first paragraph of the main motion: THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) work to expand the implementation of similar management policies to other golf courses throughout TRCA's jurisdiction; THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED 701: THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT the presentation by Jake Riekstins, Chair, Golf Course Subcommittee, Township of Uxbridge, in regard to Township of Uxbridge Golf Course Policy be received; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) work to expand the implementation of similar management policies to other golf courses throughout TRCA's jurisdiction. AND FURTHER THAT the Township of Uxbridge, Uxbridge Naturally and the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee be recognized for their successful efforts in the development of this policy. BACKGROUND In 2000/2001, a significant number of new golf courses were proposed for the Township of Uxbridge. Many of these golf courses operated on, or were proposed for, sensitive lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine. At this time, there were already four golf courses that were operating in the Township. Concerns were raised in the community about a number of associated environmental issues such as: extraction of groundwater, effects of pesticides on surface waters and damage to natural heritage features. Uxbridge Naturally, a local citizen group consulted widely to identify the issues of concern and ideas from all stakeholders including, government agencies, local citizen groups, golf clubs and not -for- profit organizations. In addition, a day long stakeholder workshop was held during which various concerns and . solutions were openly discussed. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff participated in this workshop and provided assistance to the Township and golf course working group as required. In February 2004, the findings of this working group were submitted to Uxbridge Council in a report, which contained fourteen recommendations. This report was then used as the basis for the development of a.golf course policy, which was a collaborative endeavour by the working group and golf courses operators. The culmination of this endeavour was the policy which was adopted by the Township and all of the golf courses in June 2006. This policy document is now publicly displayed in the offices of the Township and each of the seven golf courses. It will ensure all golf course owners in the Township of Uxbridge will not only comply with current permit laws, but also earn Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certification by 2010, as well as obtaining a Certified Audubon Co- operative Sanctuary designation by 2015. A subcommittee of the Township Watershed Advisory Committee monitors the progress of each course, receiving annual reports from each.. Progress with the implementation of this policy is described in the accompanying presentation. At the present time, there are currently seven operating golf courses in the,Township: Wyndance, Goodwood, Coppinwood, Wooden Sticks, Mill Run, Foxridge and Granite Club. Township of Uxbridge Golf Course Policy The Township,of Uxbridge and the golf course owners will promote and foster the principles of . sustainability, stewardship and the best environment practices with the objective of creating, maintaining, and restoring amenities that are assets to the community. 702 The golf course owners of the Township of Uxbridge are committed to: 1. Complying with established laws, regulations, agreements and permit construction conditions. 2. Obtaining Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) Certification by December 31, 2010 (or 5 years following the opening of a new golf course) and keeping such in good standing. 3. Obtaining Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation by December 31, 2015 (or 10 years following the opening of a new golf course) and keeping such in good standing. 4. Provide a brief annual update to the Township of Uxbridge Clerk on the progress of the I.P.M. and Audubon certification. 5. Provide a member of the owners group who will actively participate as a member of the Township of Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee. 6. The Township of Uxbridge agrees to publicly announce to the community, the achievements of those golf courses as they obtain certification. In June 2006, a signing ceremony was held with Township Council and each of the Township's seven golf courses. Each golf course owner signed the certificate and was presented with a copy of the certificate for display within their clubhouses. The Township of Uxbridge, the eight golf course owners, the Watershed Advisory Committee and Uxbridge Natural should be recognized for their success in the development of this policy. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE TRCA staff continue to provide technical and stewardship support as required, to golf course operations within the Duffins Creek portion of the Township of Uxbridge, subject to available funding. FINANCIAL DETAILS Implementation of this golf policy is .funded by the golf course owners /operators in the Township of Uxbridge. TRCA staff involved with TRCA's watershed, restoration and stewardship programs participate as required. Report prepared by: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Email: gbowen @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Email: gbowen @trca.on.ca Date: December 17, 2008 703 RES. #A284/08 - CTC SOURCE WATER PROTECTION FUNDING AGREEMENTS WITH PARTNER CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES TO UNDERTAKE TRIBUTARY SAMPLING Approval for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, as lead conservation authority within the CTC Source Protection Region,.to enter into agreements to transfer funds to partner conservation authorities in the Lake Ontario Collaborative study to assess threats by undertaking sampling of water quality in key tributaries from January to July 2009. Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Laurie Bruce THAT approval be granted to enter into agreements with the partner conservation authorities to fund tributary sampling as part of the Lake Ontario study to assess threats to municipal drinking water supplies as part of the CTC source protection programs; THAT the agreements be subject to provincial funding being available for the full cost of the project and on other terms and conditions satisfactory to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreements including the signing and execution of documents. CARRIED BACKGROUND As part of the technical work required under the Clean Water Act, 2006 the Province of Ontario has funded work on the Lake Ontario Collaborative to assess the location and nature of activities that could, pose potential risks to drinking water intakes in Lake Ontario. The collaborative is`comprised of the municipalities and source protection areas /regions from Niagara easterly to,Prince Edward County, along with participation from the Ministry of the Environment end Environment Canada. The CTC Source Protection Region led by TRCA has been assigned the role as the overall lead source protection region by agreement of the chairs of the five affected source protection committees. With the release by the Province in late November of the final Technical Rules and regulation specifying the requirements of the technical work to complete Assessment Reports, the Lake Ontario Collaborative has been reviewing the work already completed, what is left to be done and assessing the budget requirements. The CTC recommended in its in -year financial report back to the Province at the end of November that funding of the tributary sampling component of the work for the period January to July 2009 should be made available through the current CTC operating and administrative funds provided by the Province-so that this important element could be completed. 704 Sampling of these tributaries was started in 2008, but after the spring freshet. Continuing the sampling in 2009 through July will provide one full year of data which is required to properly assess how the contaminant loadings in the tributaries vary with the seasons, which is important in assessing under what conditions discharges from these tributaries might pose a threat to a specific intake. The sample analysis work is being done by the Ministry of the Environment and Environment Canada laboratories and the data will be included in the modelling and scenario analysis of risks. NEXT STEPS Pending provincial budget approval expected mid - January 2009, TRCA staff will prepare memoranda of agreement with each partner conservation authority setting out the deliverables, schedules and financial arrangements to be entered into with each partner. The Lake Ontario Collaborative Steering Committee will be asked to review and approve the contents of the work schedule and timing before the agreements are executed. The partner conservation authorities are the Niagara, Halton, Credit Valley, Ganaraska as well as work to be done by TRCA. FINANCIAL DETAILS It is anticipated that the value of the work will be in the order of $100,000. Provincial funding for the full amount of the work will be a condition of the agreements. If the provincial funding is not forthcoming, there will be no agreements. Report prepared by: Beverley Thorpe, extension 5577 Email: bthorpe @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Beverley Thorpe, extension 5577 Email: bthorpe @trca.on.ca Date: December 19, 2008 RES. #A285 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: URBAN FORESTRY UPDATE Status report on current pests that threaten Southern Ontario forest resources. Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Litt ley THAT staff continue to work cooperatively with all levels of government to monitor trends and conditions of current forest insect and invasive pest populations and to formulate and implement appropriate strategies and methodologies directed at the control and eradication of these pests; AND FURTHER THAT staff report back annually on any significant changes in the status of forest pests in Ontario. AMENDMENT RES. #A286 /08 705 ti Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Bonnie Littley THAT the following be inserted after the main motion: AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report to the Authority by June 2009 on a _comprehensive strategy for long term forest health in Toronto 'and Region Conservation Authority's jurisdiction, including appropriate actions that could be undertaken by all orders of government. THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT staff continue to work cooperatively with all levels of government to monitor trends and conditions' of current forest insect and invasive pest populations and to formulate and implement appropriate strategies and methodologies directed at the control and eradication of these pests; THAT staff report back annually on any significant changes in the status of forest pests in Ontario; CARRIED ' AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to report to the Authority by June 2009 on a comprehensive strategy for long term forest health in Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's jurisdiction, including appropriate actions that could be undertaken by all orders of government. BACKGROUND. At Authority Meeting #10/07, held on January 4, 2008, Resolution #A278/07 was approved, in part, as follows: ...AND.FURTHER THAT staff report back annually on any significant changes in the status of forest pests in Ontario. This report is provided as'an update on the status of forest pests and their impacts for the 2008 period. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Canadian Forest Service (CFS), with the help of many local agencies, continue to monitor the status and levels of potentially harmful forest pests in Ontario. Our forest ecosystems are being threatened by new and introduced pests at alarming rates partially due to the new "Global Economy ", and partly from changes to climate patterns-and temperatures making conditions favourable to these new infestations. It is widely recognized that the potentially hazardous pests are very opportunistic and can become established in a relatively short period of time. It will take much longer for these threatened ecosystems to adapt to the changes, or for natural control measures to become established. 706 The above - mentioned changes to our weather also affect our forest health directly. Many areas are experiencing higher peak temperatures, flashier.rain events and more frequent and violent storms. Droughts are becoming more common along with precipitation patterns that are becoming more irregular and less predictable. All of these changes seem to be adding levels of stress to forest communities that otherwise would be more resilient and able to withstand other health threats. It is the combination of all of the new stresses that may be responsible for ' much of the health problems seen in our forests in recent years. At the 32nd annual Forest Health Review held in Orillia on October 30, 2008, MNR, CFS and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) staff reported on the current status of the major forest pests in Ontario and what trends might be expected over the coming year. Species and topics discussed included: • Asian Long- horned Beetle (ALHB); • emerald ash borer (EAB); • gypsy moth; • European woodwasp; • eastern tent caterpillar and fall webworm; • butternut canker and Endangered Species Act (ESA); • red pine pocket decline (RPPD);, • invasive exotic plant species: Forest Health Highlights • The identified geographical distribution of Emerald Ash borer in Ontario increased significantly in 2008 including several infested sites within Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) watersheds. TRCA staff has implemented an accelerated inventory and inspection program in portions of our forests where significant numbers of ash trees are found. Harvesting of certain trees has begun at the Glen Major (Fiss) tract, with expected operations in additional areas. • Naturally- caused mortality and active spray programs are believed to have significantly reduced gypsy moth populations in 2008 and should result in decreased caterpillar numbers and defoliation in 2009. • In the face of threats to our conifer plantations such as Red Pine Pocket Decline and European Woodwasp, it is believed that ongoing monitoring and management to maintain vigour and growth of the planted conifers and to initiate establishment of a variety of tree species in the forest understory is the most effective means of realizing the ultimate goal of re- establishment of mixed species forests in these stands. • Large numbers of caterpillar tents (Eastern tent caterpillar, Fall webworm) observed in trees this year are primarily an aesthetic and nuisance concern and not a serious forest health concern. ALHB The ALHB was first discovered on September 4, 2003 in the City of Vaughan by a local citizen who found an insect they did not recognize on their car. Since that time, CFIA has maintained an insect population monitoring and eradication program with the help and support of many other partner agencies including the City of Toronto, City of Vaughan, York Region, MNR, CFS and TRCA. 707 In late 2007 the eradication protocol was implemented to remove host trees from a location in the vicinity ofJarie_Street and Sheppard Avenue. During the removal program further infested trees were identified in the immediate vicinity and dealt with in accordance with the protocol. In the past year CFIA has implemented two changes to the prescribed ALHB treatment protocol based on an analysis of survey data collected over the past 5 years. The infestation can be categorized as one of two distinct types: i) Core Infestation and ii) Residual Infestation - based on the quantity of trees involved and the number of infestation signs exhibited. Differentiating the type of infestation has allowed a refinement in the treatment applied. For Core Infestations, trees of "high risk" genera are removed within a 400m radius of the infested trees, while for Residual Infestations the removals are within 200m of the infested tree. The definition of "high risk" genera has been refined from 10 to 4 genera - Acer, Salix, Populus and Betula. Data collected revealed that more than 90% of trees attacked are within these 4 genera. The other 6 genera are left standing but become the subject of intensive ongoing surveys. To date, approximately 28,000 trees have been removed in an effort to eradicate this destructive pest. Detection and delimitation surveys continue, however, no new finds have been made since October 2007. Host tree removals in these two infestation areas have been implemented. At the same time, CFIA has been administering a federally funded compensation program to provide for the replanting of trees on properties where removals were made. CFIA estimates that $1,000,000,in compensation had been paid out to date to qualified claimants and has resulted' in over 4,000'trees beingreplaced. Compensation funding, presently available until December 31,2009; allows for a fixed amount per tree removed to allow landowners to replace lost host species'with non -host tree(s). The current ALHB Introduced Forest Pest Compensation Regulations are under review and consideration is being given to a possible extension of the regulation beyond December 2009. CFIA program officials and scientific researchers with CFS continue to be confident that this pest infestation can be controlled and ultimately eradicated. Emerald Ash Borer EAB has become an insect of significant concern in eastern North America since its presence was first confirmed in Michigan and in the Windsor area in 2002. To date, over 50 million Ash trees have been .killed in the eastern United States (US) and southern Ontario. The larvae of this introduced Asian beetle kill otherwise healthy ash trees by disturbing nutrient flow in affected trees. 708 Early detection of EAB is difficult and the beetle is often present in a tree, or area, for several years before visible signs are detected. Confirmation of EAB presence in several new areas in late 2007 and 2008 has significantly changed its known geographical distribution in Ontario. New infested sites detected since October 2007 include (in reverse chronological order): in Huron County near Bayfield, Sault Ste Marie, Pickering near Finch Avenue and Liverpool Road, Vaughan near Highway 7 and Weston Road, Mississauga in the area of Airport Road and Highway 409, Oakville, Brampton in the Dixie Road and Steeles Avenue area, near Montreal, Toronto - Highway 404 and Sheppard area and in Scarborough, and Norfolk County. Prior to October 2007 EAB presence had only been confirmed in southwestern Ontario, with the City of London as the most easterly known point. To date (12/08/08), within TRCA watersheds EAB presence has only been confirmed within urban areas (Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Pickering . TRCA staff continue to look for signs of EAB throughout our jurisdiction. It is believed that it is only a matter of time before EAB is detected on TRCA -owned land and in private woodlands in more rural areas of the watershed. TRCA staff has implemented an accelerated inventory and inspection program on portions of our property where significant numbers of Ash trees are found. Harvesting of certain Ash trees has begun at the Glen Major (Fiss) tract, with operations tendered for the Caledon tract. It is anticipated that these projects will continue to the Kelly Tract and Palgrave fish and wildlife area, in an attempt to both slow the potential spread of an infestation, and to realize some revenue before the trees become a liability. The geographical spread of EAB is believed to occur primarily through the movement of infested ash material, especially firewood. Movement of ash material from The City,of Toronto is currently regulated through a Ministerial Order. With the new findings in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville it is expected that a newly regulated area will be established in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) likely in the spring of 2009, following completion of additional Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) surveys. Canadian and US research continues to focus on early detection of EAB and potential biological control. Chemical injections into individual trees shows some promise in protecting street and landscape trees but will be of limited use in landscape -level control. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has completed an environmental assessment and a small -scale release of 3 species of Asian parasitic wasps in Michigan in the hope of establishing a biological control for EAB. Gypsy Moth An outbreak of gypsy moth in southern Ontario has been growing since 2005 when population increases were first noted in Toronto, the Niagara Region and near Woodstock. In 2006 the total area of defoliation grew to just over 10,000 ha including areas in Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk and Oxford counties, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and Toronto. In 2007 the defoliated area had grown to over 30,000 ha in southern Ontario with new infestations reported in Vaughan and • near London. Gypsy moth caterpillars prefer to consume the leaves of deciduous trees especially oaks, maples, poplars and willows. Sequential defoliations and defoliation levels above 50% are most likely to lead to tree mortality, especially in oaks. Defoliation is also more damaging to trees already exposed to other stress factors and makes defoliated trees more susceptible to other insects and diseases. 709 Over the past several years, the cities of Mississauga (2006 -'08) and Toronto (2007 -'08) have conducted aerial spray programs for gypsy moth using the bacterial insecticide BTK. Several other southern Ontario municipalities also had spray programs in 2008. This year's control efforts were assisted by very heavy mortality of caterpillars from fungal and viral diseases. A fungal disease that attacks gypsy Moth caterpillars was introduced to North America in the early 1900's in an effort to control outbreaks. The fungus has become a significant regulator of gypsy moth and warm and wet conditions like this summer's assist in the development and spread of the fungus. To predict the following year's gypsy moth populations and defoliation levels, egg mass counts occur late in the fall. It is expected that the spray programs as well as disease mortality will result in significantly reduced gypsy moth populations in 2009. However, pockets of infestation may still be of significant local concern. TRCA forest inventory crews have only found isolated egg masses through their routine forest inventory and mapping programs. These numbers would not dictate further sampling at this time. Early indications from the City of Mississauga Forestry staff also confirm much lower numbers this year than in 2008.. Generally only isolated egg masses have been found, along with indications of much higher mortality and parasitism. European Woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) Like the emerald ash borer and Asian Long- horned Beetle, the European woodwasp is thought to have been introduced to North America through wood packaging materials used for transporting goods from other parts of the globe. It is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa where it is not considered a significant pest However, in areas where it has been introduced such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and South American, widespread damage to pine plantations has occurred. Tree damage is caused both from a symbiotic fungus and toxic mucus that are injected into the tree when the wasp lays its eggs and from larvae that feed under the tree bark. In Ontario, jack pine, red pine and scots pine are considered the most susceptible species to European woodwasp. The presence of European woodwasp was confirmed in Ontario in the fall of 2005. It was initially found at several locations along the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River. This area was surveyed because the wasp had been detected across the lake in upper New York State. In 2006 and 2007, an increased detection program was launched across southern and central Ontario. These surveys confirmed that this insect is present throughout much of southern Ontario from Kingston to southwestern Ontario and as far north as Manitoulin Island and Bracebridge..The results of these surveys made it clear that this insect has been in Ontario for some time. 710 One of concerns in Ontario is that this woodwasp will spread northward and cause problems in northern Ontario's pine- dominated forests. It is expected that CFIA will establish a quarantine area throughout southern Ontario with a northern border established at the northwest corner of Georgian Bay northeastward to the Quebec border. The regulations will not affect the movement of pine material within the quarantine area. The quarantine could affect potential markets for materials harvested from TRCA pine plantations however this will likely be minimal since most of these materials are remaining in mills in southern Ontario. Presently, pulp material is the only product being shipped north of the proposed zone, but current market values make this uneconomical. The greatest concern that the European woodwasp represents for TRCA is its potential affects on our pine plantations. Active plantation management through thinning is important to maintain vigour and growth in the planted pines and to initiate establishment of a variety of tree species in the forest understory. This will both lower the risk of insect infestation and in cases where this woodwasp or other biotic or abiotic conditions result in the loss of the pine overstory, ensure the primary objective of eventual conversion of the plantation to a mixed species forest. Eastern Tent Caterpillar & Fall Webworm Large numbers of eastern tent caterpillar tents were evident this year in TRCA's and surrounding watersheds. Their nests are commonly found on cherry and apple trees in the late spring and early summer. They can also attack other fruit trees and maples. In general this species is primarily a nuisance and aesthetic concern, however large populations can damage individual trees and make them more susceptible to other decline agents. In contrast to the tents present in early summer, the large numbers of tents observed this year in late summer and early fall were due to the fall webworm. Even more so than the eastern tent caterpillar,, because the defoliation occurs late in the growing season outbreaks of fall webworm are primarily a nuisance and aesthetic issue. The fall webworm will attack most deciduous trees, especially walnut, ash, cherry and birch species. Butternut Canker Two years ago the Butternut tree was added to the Ontario endangered species list. The tree is considered endangered due to the threat of an aggressive fungal disease called butternut canker. Specific regulations related to Butternut have been passed under the new Endangered Species Act (June, 2008). Identification and mapping of healthy butternut trees as well as management around individual healthy trees will assist in recovery efforts and the search for canker - resistant trees. TRCA is working with MNR by providing mapped locations of retainable trees when they are encountered, and adhering to standardized evaluation criteria as designed by the Ontario Butternut Recovery Team. Red Pine Pocket Decline TRCA staff continue to monitor our red pine plantations for signs of decline. Significant mortality in some older red pine plantations over the past several years has been noted in several regions of southern Ontario. Declines are especially significant in older plantations in some areas of Simcoe County and York Region. 711 The declines appear to be associated with specific site soil characteristics and attack by fungal root diseases. As in the case of European woodwasp, it is felt that the most effective means of realizing the ultimate goal of re- establishment of a mixed species forest in these stands is active monitoring and management to ensure both that growth of the overstory pines remains vigorous and that a mixture of trees species establishes in the plantation understory. Invasive Exotic Plant Species Invasive exotic plant species such as dog strangling vine (DSV), garlic mustard, and both glossy and European buckthorn continue to be a significant concern in the forests of our watersheds. These species have the ability to'establish and quickly dominate forest understories displacing native understory plants and shrubs and affecting native tree regeneration. Forestry staff is continuing to monitor for new infestations, and monitor any problems already encountered. Inventory and mapping efforts have been increased to better understand the potential threats, of some of these pests.. Management techniques are being modified to help combat emerald ash borer anticipated outbreaks. TRCA continues to work in our plantations to improve biodiversity, and increase the hardwood and understory components of these stands. With increased levels of biodiversity, we will help to achieve TRCA's broader watershed goals, while minimizing the damaging potential of the above mentioned forest pests. Report prepared by: Ron Wu- Winter extension 6416, Tom Hildebrand extension 5379 Emails: rwuwinter @trca.on.ca, thildebrand @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Tom Hildebrand extension 5379 Emails: thildebrand @trca.on.ca Date: December,18, 2008 RES. #A287/08 - PARC DOWNSVIEW PARK SECONDARY PLAN REVIEW AND WATERSHED. MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES The Authority has requested an update of the on -going construction -and management of a stormwater management pond on the Parc Downsview Park lands. This report also addresses on -going Downsview Secondary Plan Review to include the Parc Downsview Park lands and surrounding area. (Executive Res. #8145/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT Parc Downsview Park (PDP) be commended for its initiatives to improve the water quality and quantity controls in the Black Creek subwatershed; THAT PDP be requested to contribute toward funding to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) West Nile virus monitoring program for the purposes of monitoring the proposed stormwater management ponds and proposed lake; 712 AND FURTHER THAT PDP and the City of Toronto be requested to include the following objective in the Downsview Secondary Plan Update: "Protect, restore, enhance and expand the form, features and functions of the natural heritage system as well as advance environmental stewardship and sustainable site and building design in the Secondary Plan study area. ". RES. #A288 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PONDS Environmental Protection During Clean Out. To clarify the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority role in the clean out of stormwater management ponds to ensure the environment is protected. (Executive Res. #B 146/08) Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff continue to review the environmental protection measures applied for the management of environmental impacts that may arise during clean out of stormwater management ponds in regulated areas or that discharge to regulated areas. RES. #A289 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD HEARING R & D Investments Incorporated and City of Toronto. Authorization for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff to obtain Party Status before the Ontario Municipal Board on referrals related to a draft plan of subdivision and zoning by -law amendment applications under the Planning Act, to permit a residential development at 0 Sheppard Avenue East (lands adjacent to 33 Boydwood Lane). (Executive Res. #B 147/08) Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT authorization be given for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff to obtain Party Status before the Ontario Municipal Board regarding proposed plan of subdivision and zoning by -law amendment applications and any other associated applications under the Planning Act, to permit a residential development at 0 Sheppard Avenue East (lands adjacent to 33 Boydwood Lane), that is not in conformity with policies of the Rouge Park Management Plan (1994); THAT staff continue to work cooperatively with the City of Toronto and the appellants to ensure that the requirements of the Rouge Park Management Plan are met; THAT staff be authorized to retain legal counsel to pursue this appeal before the OMB; 713 AND FURTHER THAT the OMB and all parties and participants to the hearing be so advised. CARRIED RES. #A290/08 - GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Rouge River Watershed Heather Ann Beare and Margaret Christina Beare, CFN 40462. Purchase of property, fronting on the east side of Beare Road north of Finch Avenue East, City of Toronto in the Rouge River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 148/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT 1.62 hectares (4.00 acres), more or less, consisting of a rectangular shaped parcel of vacant land,,said land being Part of Lot 2, Concession 4 (formerly City of Scarborough), City of Toronto, be purchased from Heather Ann Beare and Margaret Christina Beare; THAT the purchase price be $493,000; THAT acquisition by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is conditional on all necessaryfunding being available from the City of Toronto and terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and °solicitors; THAT TRCA receive conveyance of the land required free from encumbrance subject to existing service easements; THAT. Gardiner, Roberts, Barristers and Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest . possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax; legal costs and disbursements are to be paid; THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required; AND FURTHER THAT the 'Rouge Park Alliance be so advised. CARRIED 714 RES. #A291 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed 2041320 Ontario Inc., CFN 41671. Purchase of property located south of Major Mackenzie Drive and east of Pine Valley Drive, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 149/08) Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT 0.85 hectares (2.10 acres), more or less, of vacant land being Part of Lot 19, Concession 6 and designated as Part 3 on Plan 65R- 29670, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located south of Major Mackenzie Drive and east of Pine Valley Drive, be purchased from 2041320 Ontario Inc.; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. RES. #A292 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED GREENLANDS ACQUISITION PROJECT FOR 2006 -2010 Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River Watershed Kleinburg Residential Estates Ltd., CFN 41672. Purchase of property located north of Nashville Road, east of Huntington Road, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, under the "Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2006 - 2010 ", Flood Plain and Conservation Component, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res. #B 150/08) Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan 715 1 , THAT,6.85 hectares (16.93 acres), more or less, of vacant land being ,Part of Lots 26 and 27, Concession 9 and designated as Blocks 23 and •25 on a Draft Plan of Subdivision prepared,by Ted Van Lankveld, Ontario Land Surveyors, under their Job No. 05 -1692, dated December 3, 2007, City of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York, located north of Nashville Road, east of Huntington Road, be purchased from Kleinburg Residential Estates Ltd.; THAT the purchase price be $2.00; THAT Toronto'and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) receive conveyance of the land free from encumbrance, subject to existing service easements; THAT the firm of Gardiner Roberts LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, be instructed to complete the transaction at the earliest possible date. All reasonable expenses incurred incidental to the closing for land transfer tax, legal costs, and disbursements are to be paid; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to execute all necessary documentation required. CARRIED RES. #A293/08 - TORONTO DON VALLEY BRICK WORKS Lease Amendment Agreement. Recommends approval of amendments to the lease of the Toronto Don Valley Brick Works to Evergreen. (Executive Res. #B 151 /08) •Moved. by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT a lease amending agreement, and other agreements, with Evergreen, the City of Toronto, the Weston Foundation and the Ontario Heritage Trust as may be reasonably required, be approved subject to the following: 1. extend the dates in the Brick Works With Evergreen and the City by which the conditions and work at the Leased Premises is to be completed and satisfied, but in no event are such dates to go beyond December 31, 2010; 2. amend the aforesaid lease to include in the Leased Premises certain subsurface areas, or to grant subsurface easements•and rights, from time to time as required for the construction of the improvements as contemplated by the aforesaid lease on the Leased Premises; 3. amend the aforesaid lease to reduce the maximum price of construction contracts between Evergreen and its contractors from $42,000,000 to $30,750,000, plus applicable taxes; 4. amend the requirement for Evergreen to produce evidence of its receipt of $42,000,000 or that $42,000,000.00, inclusive of contingencies, has been allocated by Evergreen to the completiion•of the improvements on the Leased Premises by changing $42,000,000.00 to $30,750,000 plus contingencies of $6,200,000; 716 5. amend other agreements involving the Leased Premises as may be required, including those with the Ontario Heritage Trust, to be consistent with and in compliance with the amendments in items noted above; 6. amend any prior authorizations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to permit staff to negotiate or settle terms of financing arrangements, including leasehold mortgages and guarantees as provided in the aforesaid lease to reflect the provisions of this resolution; 7. make such other amendments to the lease agreement as may be reasonably necessary in connection to the lease, satisfactory to staff and its solicitor; THAT the lease amendment with regard to the Leased Premises be subject to approval of the City of Toronto; THAT the lease amendment be subject to obtaining approval of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act and section 42 of the Expropriations Act; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the lease amendment agreement and other agreements including the signing and execution of documents. RES. #A294 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED OAK RIDGES CORRIDOR PARK Traffic Control Signal Installation. Reimbursing the Region of York for the cost to install a traffic signal, signs, line markings and controller cabinet on Yonge Street to facilitate a safe pedestrian crossing for users of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park. (Executive Res. #B 152/08) Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) reimburse the Regional Municipality of York in the amount of $115,355.53 plus applicable taxes, for the installation of a traffic signal and associated signs, line markings and controller cabinet for users of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park. RES. #A295 /08 - CARRIED LONG TERM OFFICE ACCOMMODATION PROJECT Business Plan, Preliminary Site Planning and Design. Recommends direction to staff to begin preliminary site planning and design phase for new office space located in the vicinity of the Black Creek Pioneer Village, finalize business plan and complete other activities. (Executive Res. #B 153/08) 717 Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT staff be directed to: 1. begin the preliminary site planning and design phase for the location of new office space, meeting City of Toronto's Green Development Standard, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard or equivalent, to be located in the parking lot vicinity of Black Creek Pioneer Village (BCPV); - 2. finalize a detailed business and financial plan to secure funding for the project; 3. work with Toronto, and, Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) funding partners to determine funding opportunities and requirements; AND. FURTHER THAT the working group and staff report to the Executive Committee at regular intervals on the status of the project. CARRIED RES. #A296 /08 - RECOGNITION POLICY Amendment. Amendment to the eligible gifts awarded under the Recognition Policy. (Executive Res. #B 1 54/08 & Res. #B 155/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT the Recognition Policy, dated November 19, 2008, as amended and set out in Attachment 1, with the exception that the years of service remain as 3, 6 and 10 years in Section B.1., be approved. CARRIED RES. #A297 /08 - YORK - PEEL - DURHAM - TORONTO /CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES MORAINE COALITION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the York =Peel- Durham - Toronto /Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition for the collection, maintenance, and distribution of data obtained for the groundwater management study. (Executive Res. #B 156/08) .Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Reenga Mathivanan THAT a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with York -Peel- Durham- Toronto /Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition for the collection, maintenance and ,distribution of data obtained for the groundwater management study be approved; 718 THAT the MOU be subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to TRCA staff and, as necessary, solicitor; AND FURTHER THAT authorized officials be directed to take the necessary action to implement the MOU including the signing and execution of documents. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A298 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Suzan Hall Gay Cowbourne CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items 8.12.1 - 8.12.58, inclusive, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #10/08, held on December 12, 2008, be received. CARRIED RES. #A299 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Richard Whitehead Suzan Hall THAT Section II items 8.13 - 8.1.18, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #10/08, held on December 12, 2008, be received. CARRIED Section II Items 8.13 - 8.18, Inclusive REQUEST FOR DISPOSAL OF TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY -OWNED LAND (Executive Res. #8162) 16TH AVENUE ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENTS PROJECTS (Executive Res. #B 163) ARCHETYPE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE (Executive Res. #B 164) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #B 165) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #B 166) BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE (Executive Res. #B 167 & Res. #B 168) 719 SECTION IV- ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A300/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: GOLF COURSE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES Bathurst Glen Golf Course. To provide a status report on the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and Integrated Pest Management Certification programs at Bathurst Glen Golf Course. Ron Moeser Laurie Bruce IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the staff report regarding the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and the Integrated Pest Management Certification Programs at Bathurst Glen Golf Course be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND On September 23, 2004, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that the Province of Ontario and certain owners of Oak Ridges-Moraine lands in the Town of Richmond Hill had reached an agreement to exchange these owners' lands for provincially -owned lands in the City of Pickering. The purpose of the land exchange is to protect the last remaining natural corridor link between the eastern and western parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine in the Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York. Under the agreement, 1,057 acres (428 hectares) of land in the Town of Richmond Hill has come into.public ownership. These lands are currently known as Oak Ridges Corridor Park The park lands are generally located between Bathurst Street and Bayview Avenue, north of Jefferson Sideroad and south of the community of Oak Ridges. Approximately 100 acres (40 hectares) of the lands make up the Bathurst Glen Golf Course abutting the westernmost boundary of the property. TRCA operates the golf course and maintains the park lands on behalf of the Province of Ontario. At Authority Meeting #8/06, held on October 27, 2006, Resolution #A235/06 was approved, as follows: THAT the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan, prepared by AMEC Earth and Environmental dated August 2006, be approved; THAT copies of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan be sent to the members of the Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan Advisory Committee with a request that the document be endorsed and they consider opportunities for providing multi -year funding to support the implementation of the plan, and operation of the park; THAT staff assist with the establishment of an Oak Ridges Corridor Park Advisory Committee made up ofinterested citizens, interest groups and organizations, to help with the implementation of the management plan; THAT the province be requested to approve the official name of the park as "Kettle Lakes Nature Reserve at Richmond Hill "; 720 THAT approval be granted to enter into agreements with the Province of Ontario and the current Oak Ridges Corridor Park land owners to maintain and protect the completed trail on an interim basis and until the lands are conveyed to the Province of Ontario; AND FURTHER THAT appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to take such action as is necessary to implement the agreements including obtaining any necessary approvals and execution of documents. The Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management Plan includes management criteria for the operation of Bathurst Glen Golf Course, which include the implementation of both the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and Integrated Pest Management programs. Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses (ACSGC) helps golf courses enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources for the benefit of people, wildlife and the game of golf. The program is designed to give golf course managers the information and guidance they need to implement stewardship projects. The ACSGC program is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, an international wide network of conservation partnerships that includes backyards, schools, corporate and business properties, and golf courses. It is administered by Audubon International, a nonprofit environmental organization that spearheads education and conservation assistance programs that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through research, education and conservation assistance. In 2006 Bathurst Glen Golf Course became a proud member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Under this program TRCA is striving to implement best management practices in six areas; 1. environmental planning; 2. wildlife and habitat management; 3. chemical use reduction and safety; 4. water conservation; 5. water quality management; 6. outreach and education. TRCA staff at Bathurst Glen Golf Course completed the first step towards certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2006. This step included the completion of a detailed site assessment and the development of an environmental plan. This step is designed to establish baseline data by taking stock of the property and its significant natural resources, as well as documenting current conservation practices and developing an action plan to guide future environmental and stewardship efforts. In the fall of 2006 staff submitted the completed environmental plan to Audubon International for review. Upon review by Audubon International, the Site Assessment and Environmental Plan was subsequently approved and Bathurst Glen Golf Course received accreditation for the Environmental Planning component of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. 721 In the spring of 2007, using the approved environmental plan, staff began the implementation phase of the environmental plan for the remaining five components of•the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Highlights of 2007 and 2008 projects for the remaining five components of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program are as follows: Wildlife and Habitat Management: • Approximately 12 acres of previously manicured turf have been naturalized. The naturalization'of these areas allows the development of natural corridors for wildlife protection. • Identification of the dominant native plant community and ecological region in which the golf course is located. • Identification of core habitats 'such as woodlands, wetlands and special habitat concerns. • Various native planting projects including: • 560 native trees and shrubs planted in 2007 with 25 volunteers; and • 405 native trees and shrubs planted in 2008 with 14 volunteers. • Installation of various nesting boxes, including: • installation of 34 eastern bluebird and 15 tree swallow nesting boxes; • installation of 2 American kestrel nesting boxes; and • • installation of 12 tree swallow nesting boxes. • Establishment •of a bird monitoring and checklist program that has identified 134 different bird species. Chemical Use, Reduction and Safety: • Identification and establishment of no spray and low intensity management zones to protect sensitive environments and water bodies. • Increased buffer areas around water features and other environmentally sensitive areas. • Establishment of pest threshold tolerance limits. • Implementation of various sound cultural turf care practices including; regular aerification, top dressing, verticutting and de- thatching. • Bi- annual soil testing of greens to allow for fertilizer program adjustments that eliminate excess fertilizer use. • Wind and rain monitoring program to ensure chemical products are applied in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts through spray drift and run off. • Implementation of an organic fertilizer program at the driving range facility in which close to 90% of fertilizer used was nature organic. • Construction Of an impermeable and contained chemical mix and load station. • Construction of a code compliant chemical storage facility where chemicals are stored in a restricted, ventilated room with spill containment. Water Conservation: • Incorporation and monitoring of, daily evapotranspiration rates to establish irrigation cycles. By incorporating evapotranspiration rates into irrigation practices, water consumption has been reduced by 20 %. • Establishment of regular aerification and irrigation programs. The introduction of these programs has maximized water absorption and minimized water loss through evaporation and run off, which promotes pest resistant turf and minimizes chemical and water applications. . • Eliminated none target watering through installation of part circle irrigation heads. • Identified golf course water sources. 722 Water Quality Management: • Introduced a water quality monitoring program. Water quality testing of all water bodies three times annually to monitor the health of water features. Monitoring includes the following details: • pH levels; • temperature; • dissolved oxygen; ■ alkalinity; • conductivity; • turbidity; • macro nutrients; • nitrogen; • nitrate; and • phosphorous. • Minimized potential for chemical contamination to water bodies through best management practices and various structural controls. • Establishment of a no spray zone with 30 feet of all water bodies. • Increased manicured turf height around water bodies to minimum of 3.5 inches to create a natural buffer zone and vegetated filtration strip. Outreach Education: • Engaged local community at Bathurst Glen Golf Course through three separate community planting and monitoring events where a total of 50+ volunteers participated. • Hosted two interpretive hikes and one focus group discussion on the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, where a total of 75+ local community members and interest groups participated. • Installation of an Audubon focused information kiosk that provides Bathurst Glen Golf Course users with additional information on Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. • Fliers and other messaging /educational pieces established. The 2009 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Work plan at Bathurst Glen Golf Course includes submitting all required documentation to Audubon International for review and certification in the remaining five components of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Upon certification in the remaining five components, Bathurst Glen Golf Course will join approximately 30 other golf course in Ontario and be designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Highlights of 2009 project implementation include: • continued habitat creation through natural corridor establishment, habitat structures and continued naturalization plans; • construct and install various bird boxes and continue monitoring efforts; • native species plantings including wildflower plants and native trees and shrubbery; • construction of a one acre butterfly garden; • continued implementation of organic based fertilizer programs for driving range and golf course facilities; • continued reduction in non - target watering through installation of part circle heads; • on -going monitoring of evaportranspiration rates and continued reduction in irrigation; • purchase and installation of a self contained equipment washing system; • various shoreline restoration; • continued water quality monitoring program; 723 • implementation of an education component to our junior camps that will consist of education based around the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program; • community engagement through various plantings and nature walks; , • hosting an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary workshop for local golf course mangers and community members; • development and installation of interpretive signage that focuses on program initiatives; • establishment of a resource advisory committee for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program at Bathurst Glen Golf Course made up of TRCA staff, community members and local interest groups; • establishment of an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary webpage; and • development of a five'year work plan guiding the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program at Bathurst Glen Golf Course. , Achieving certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary demonstrates leadership, commitment and high standards of environmental management. When certification has been achieved, Bathurst•Glen Golf. Course will be required to, on an annual basis, demonstrate continued best practice management efforts. These efforts are a requirement to maintaining certification as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Integrated Pest Management Program The Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach t� pest management that relies on comprehensive information of the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. IPM is used to manage pest damages by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people property and the environment. This is accomplished through: 1) Setting Action Threshold: a point at which pest population or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. 2) Monitor and Identify Pest: appropriate control decisions must be made in conjunction with • action thresholds to ensure that pesticides will not be used when they are not required. 3) Prevention: Maintain turf grass in a vigorous and healthy state through sound cultural practices. 4) Control: IPM programs evaluate the proper control methods for both effectiveness and risk once control is proven necessary. IPM Accreditation Program (IPMAP) recognizes companies, park systems, golf clubs and their superintendents, and other interested institutions who demonstrate their knowledge of and commitment to the principles of IPM, through a process of.certification, audit and professional development. This program .has been developed by the Integrated Pest Management - Plant Health Care Council of Ontario (IPM -PHC). The Council consists of industry associations, and community environmental groups committed to installing IPM as the new standard in turf and landscape care. In October 2008 Bathurst Glen Golf Course achieved accredited level 11 with the IPM -PHC council of Ontario. Accreditation at Bathurst Glen Golf Course was achieved through: • daily monitoring of turf conditions; • increased disease and insect damage thresholds; • increased emphasis of plant health through sound fertilization programs, aerification, irrigation scheduling, as well as other turf management cultural practices; • daily monitoring of weather conditions; 724 • continuing education of IPM management practices. Upon initiation of the IPM program at Bathurst Glen Golf Course in late 2006, a reduction in pest control product usage has resulted. In 2007 staff reduced typical pest control product usage by 50 %. An additional reduction of close to 30% in 2008 was obtained, for a total reduction of 80% in two operating seasons. IMP program work plans for the 2009 season include: • continuing daily monitoring of turf and water conditions; • obtaining a minimum of eight continuing education credits through attending various industry conferences, meeting and seminars; • submitting monitoring records for review by the IPM -PHC council of Ontario. FINANCIAL DETAILS From 2006 to date, approximately $75,000 has been allocated to the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and Integrated Pest Management programs at Bathurst Glen Golf Course. As staff prepare for the 2009 season, additional funding to finalize and maintain our accreditation in both the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and Integrated Pest Management Programs has been allocated within the Golf Course operations budget. Staff is presently working on a five year plan to assess maintenance costs associated with these programs. Report prepared by: Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: dedwards @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Derek Edwards, extension 5672 Emails: dedwards @trca.on.ca Date: December 08, 2008 RES. #A301/08 - WATERSHED COMMITTEE MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Laurie Bruce THAT Section IV items 7.5.1 - 7.5.3, inclusive, in regard to watershed committee minutes, be received. CARRIED Section IV Items 7.5.1 - 7.5.3, Inclusive DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting #9/08, held on October 23, 2008 ETOBICOKE MIMICO WATERSHEDS COALITION Minutes of Meeting #3/08, held on September 18, 2008 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Minutes of Meeting #4/08, held on September 12, 2008. 725 'RES. #A302/08.- SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Seconded by: Bryan Bertie Bonnie Littley THAT Section IV item 8.19 - Information Technology Disaster Prevention and Recovery Plan, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #10/08, held on December 12, 2008, be received. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:32 a.m., on Friday, January 9, 2009. CARRIED Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary- Treasurer /ks 726 THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY #11/08 January 30, 2009 The Authority Meeting #11/08, was held in the South Theatre, Black Creek Pioneer Village, on Friday, January 30, 2009. The Chair Gerri Lynn O'Connor, called the meeting to order at 9:43 a.m.. PRESENT Eve Adams Member Maria Augimeri Vice Chair Bryan Bertie Member Laurie Bruce Member Gay Cowbourne Member Glenn De Baeremaeker Member Mike Del Grande Member Grant Gibson Member Lois Griffin Member Suzan Hall Member Jack Heath Member Reenga Mathivanan Member Peter Milczyn Member Ron Moeser Member Gerri Lynn O'Connor Chair Linda Pabst Member John Parker Member Anthony Perruzza Member Gino Rosati Member John Sprovieri Member Richard Whitehead Member ABSENT Paul Ainslie Member David Barrow Member Bill Fisch Member Colleen Jordan Member Bonnie Litt ley Member Glenn Mason Member Maja Prentice Member 727 RES. #A303 /08 - MINUTES Moved by: Seconded by: . Richard Whitehead Suzan Hall THAT the Minutes of Meeting #10/08, held on January 9, 2009, be approved. DELEGATIONS CARRIED (a) A delegation by of Wassermuhl, President, Page + Steele Architects, in regard to item 7.1 - The Old Mill. RES. #A304 /08 - DELEGATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Peter Milczyn THAT above -noted delegation (a) be heard and received. CARRIED PRESENTATIONS (a) A presentation by Steve Heuchert, Manager, Development, Planning and Regulation, TRCA, and Ron Dewell, Senior Manager, Conservation Lands and Property Services, TRCA, in regard to item 7.1 - The Old Mill. RES. #A305 /08 - PRESENTATIONS Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Peter Milczyn THAT above -noted presentation (a) be heard and received. SECTION I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY ACTION RES. #A306 /08 - CARRIED THE OLD MILL 21 Old Mill Road, City of Toronto Site Plan Application. Detailed summary of the land exchange and planning issues related to the site plan application for a ten storey residential building on the upper parking lot portion of 21 Old Mill Road. 728 Moved by: Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Peter Milczyn THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff be directed to provide the comments included in Attachment 3 as amended on the site plan application for the ten (10) storey residential building at 21 Old Mill Road to the City of Toronto. AMENDMENT Moved by: Seconded by: Lois Griffin Anthony Perruzza THAT the main motion be replaced with the following: THAT City of Toronto be requested to reconsider approval of the development in the current form. THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION WAS CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #9/08, held on November 28, 2008, Resolution #A256/06 was approved, in part, as follows: ...AND FURTHER THAT staff report back with a full history of the Old Mill site, including all of the property issues, and with final staff comments on the site plan application, prior to comments being submitted to the City of Toronto and any community meetings being held. This report is in response to this resolution and includes: 1. description of the subject property; 2. summary of TRCA's role; 3. history of the land exchange; 4. history of the planning issues; and 5. draft Planning and Development staff comments on the site plan application for the Authority's consideration. 1. Description of the Property The 21 Old Mill Road subject property includes what is known as the "upper parking lot" and "lower parking lot" located just north of the Old Mill, in the general area of Bloor Street West and Old Mill Road in the City of Toronto (Etobicoke York Community Council Area). The lower parking lot and a portion of the slope leading up to the upper parking lot are for the most part located- within the floodplain. -The upper - parking lot-is-not located- within the floodplain and is approximately five metres higher in elevation than the lower parking lot. The slope is disturbed and includes mostly non - native tree species. The City of Toronto has approved in principal an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment for a ten storey condominium building on the upper parking lot. The City is now considering a Site Plan application for same (Attachment 1 for details of the property and the applications). 729 2. Summary of TRCA's Role TRCA's role with respect to the Old Mill property has been twofold: the first is TRCA's involvement in the land exchange in the 1980's; and the second is TRCA's more recent review of the technical merits of the development proposal as it relates to floodplain management and impacts to the natural heritage system. With respect to the historic land exchange, TRCA's intention at the time was to purchase floodplain lands and to ensure no further development of floodplain lands remaining in private ownership. With respect to the review of recent planning applications, TRCA's intent was to prevent any impacts to the storage and conveyance of flood flows and prevent impacts to the natural heritage system. There are numerous other issues related to land use, urban design and other planning concerns that are addressed under the municipality's comprehensive planning mandate. This report focuses only on TRCA's role. 3. History of the Land Exchange In 1981, TRCA began negotiations with the City of York to acquire 4.7 acres, more or Tess, of vacant floodplain land located north of the lower parking lot (illustrated as PART A on Attachment 2). At this time the City of York and TRCA were requested by 437832 Ontario Limited (the Old Mill) to consider an expansion to what was a smaller Old Mill parking lot. At Executive Committee Meeting #22/81, held on January 1, 1982, Resolution . #568 was approved, as follows: THAT the Authority accept a conveyance from the Borough of York of 4.7 acres, more or less, of vacant land in the Humber River Watershed, being Part of Lots 1 & 2 Concession 11, F.T.B. Humber Range from the Borough of York; said land being designated as Part 1,, Plan 64R -8865; THAT upon completion of the acquisition from the Borough of York, the Authority convey 0.45 acres, more or less of vacant land, being Part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession 11, F.T.B. Humber Range, Borough of York. and Etobicoke; to Old Mill Investments Limited 437832 Ontario Limited in exchange for a piece of vacant land containing 0.8 acres, more or less, being Parts of Block C Plan M -385, and Part of Lot 2, Concession II, F.T.B. Humber Range, Boroughs of York and Etobicoke; THAT the staff arrange for preparation of a suitable agreement between the Authority and Old Mill Investments to satisfy the. requirements of the York Planning Board, including all terms and conditions deemed necessary by the Authority's solicitor to protect the Authority's interest in the matter; AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate Authority official be authorized and directed to take whatever action may be required to give effect thereto, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the execution of any documents. 730 In April 1982, TRCA and the Old Mill entered into an agreement to effect the exchange of lands (Attachment 2). The completion of the transaction was subject to various municipal and other approvals. On August 26, 1982 the City of York Planning Board adopted a recommendation of the Commissioner of Planning to effect the conveyance of lands owned by the municipality and added that as a condition of sale the Old Mill give a restrictive covenant to the City of York, prohibiting the construction of any buildings on any of the lands owned by the Old Mill in the Regional Storm Floodplain as defined by TRCA in 1982. This included the bulk of the lower parking lot and a portion of the slope between the lower and upper parking lots, but not the upper parking lot. In September, 1984 the City of York, the Old Mill and TRCA entered into an agreement for the Old Mill to give a restrictive covenant to TRCA and the City of York prohibiting the construction of any buildings on certain of their lands withih the Regional Storm Floodplain. In October 1984, a three party land exchange was completed as follows: 1. OId Mill conveyed to TRCA a parcel of vacant land containing 0.60 acres, more or less, being Part of Block C, Plan M -385, City of Etobicoke, designated as Parts 1 and 4 on Plan 66R -1333, for a nominal sum (PARCEL X on Attachment 2). 2. TRCA conveyed to Old Mill a small parcel of land containing 0.03 acres, more or Tess being Part of Block C, Plan M -385, City of Etobicoke, designated as Part 3 on Plan • 66R- 13337, for a nominal sum (PARCEL Y). 3. The City of York conveyed to OId Mill a parcel containing 0.27 acres, more or less, being Part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession II, Humber Range, City of York, designated as Part 1, on Plan 64R -9600, for a nominal sum (PARCEL Z). 4. The City of York conveyed to TRCA a parcel containing 4.4 acres, more or less, being Part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession II, Humber Range, City of York, designated as Part 1, on Plan 64R -8865 (PARCEL A). 5. A covenant on title with the Old Mill in favour of TRCA and the City of York stating that no buildings, garages or multi- tiered parking facilities other than a paved surface parking lot shall be erected on Part 2 and 3, Plan 66R -13337 and Part 1, Plan 64R -9600. The restrictive covenant contains 2.24 acres, more or less has been applied to all of the parking within the flood plain and includes the lands TRCA and the City conveyed to the OId Mill (the existing lower parking lot plus PARCELS Z AND Y). 4. History of the TRCA Planning Issues At its meeting of March 3, 4 and 5, 2008, City Council approved the City Planning staff recommendation to approve the Official Plan Amendment to redesignate the upper parking lot from Parks and Open Space Areas to Apartment Neighbourhood, and to rezone the lands from Private Open Space (with permission for parking) to R6, subject to various requirements including: i) contribution of $500,000 for park improvements; ii) contribution of $100,000 for cultural heritage improvements; iii) City Council assuming the jurisdiction for site plan approval; iv) the site plan be approved before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment; 731 v) a community consultation process be conducted to seek public input on matters of site landscaping, urban design issues, streetscaping improvements, sidewalks and other on -site improvements, as well as disposition of Section 37 off -site improvements; and vi) TRCA be asked to conduct a community consultation process to discuss and review the measures it will require to mitigate or improve environmental /ecological features that may be affected as a result of this proposed development; among others (see Attachment 1 for City of Toronto minutes and staff reports). The approvals will permit the redevelopment of the upper parking lot and 271 square metres of adjacent lands with a ten (10) storey residential condominium building with four levels of underground parking. City Planning staff addressed concerns related to land use, cultural heritage, built form, massing, parking, intensification and other issues under the municipality's planning jurisdiction. TRCA planning staff provided input to City staff with respect to floodplain management and the natural heritage system. This resulted in significant changes to the footprint of the building from the original proposal as well as securing the off -site planting plan. TRCA Planning and Ecology staff has reviewed the applicant's Natural Heritage Impact Study, Functional Servicing Report, Erosion Analysis and Floodplain Cut and Fill Balance Report, among others. Recognizing that a paved surface parking lot could continue to exist on the upper parking lot in perpetuity under existing permissions, TRCA Planning and Development staff is of the opinion that the proposal does not impact the natural heritage system nor the control of flooding and will provide,a positive contribution to water quantity and quality control. While staff recognize that the proposal is somewhat unconventional in that it is located closer than 10 metres away from the top of bank and requires slope removal and reconstruction to facilitate the construction of the building, staff is of the opinion that the extensive mitigation planting plans and the building's location well above the slightly reconfigured floodplain mitigates any concerns with respect to TRCA's interests in the natural heritage system and natural hazards. As such, TRCA staff had no objection to the approval of the Official Plan Amendment and.the Zoning Amendment. Subsequent to the City Council approval in principal of the Official Plan and Zoning Amendments, the Old Mill, City staff and TRCA staff were made aware of the restrictive covenant on the lower parking lot floodplain lands. The limit of the restrictive covenant was the limit of the floodplain as identified in the 1980's. After further investigation, it was determined that the proposed building encroached by a few metres into the lands subject to the restrictive covenant. The applicant then adjusted the building footprint to ensure that the current proposal does not encroach under, on or over the lands subject to the restrictive covenant. The proposed grading does, however, encroach slightly into the updated floodplain boundary and this is being addressed through the cut and fill balance, as noted above. TRCA planning staffs opinion with respect to the review of impacts to the natural heritage system or natural hazards has therefore not changed as a result of being aware of the restrictive covenant. 732 5. Site Plan Application On December 12, 2008, TRCA staff received the second circulation of the site plan application from the City of Toronto. The development requires a small floodplain cut and fill balance, resulting in 5.7 cubic metres of fill and 17 cubic metres of cut, for a net gain of 11.3 cubic metres of floodplain storage. The existing slope between the lower and upper parking lots will be removed during construction and reconstructed with a stable slope and planted with native trees, shrubs and seed mix. Stormwater quantity and quality control will be provided via a storage tank and an oil -grit separator, respectively. The development requires the removal of 63 trees of greater than 10 cm diameter and 293 stems of less than 10 cm diameter. Almost all of the trees and stems to be removed are non - native and /or invasive species. In addition, the amount of impervious surface will be increased by 271 square metres over existing conditions. The proposal is to mitigate the removals and the increase in impervious surface by providing: i) replacement of 1,200 square metres of turf grass with native meadow marsh; ii) creating a native upland meadow community in an area currently dominated by non - native species; iii) ravine stewardship and planting of native trees and shrubs in approximately 5,000 square metres of floodplain lands; iv) native planting along.the edge. of the Humber River; and v) planting of an additional 1,068 native trees off -site in a location in the Humber River watershed to be determined by TRCA and City of Toronto. All of the mitigation works will be on public land. The documents submitted include a revised stormwater management report, revised natural heritage impact study, a slope stability assessment for the reconstructed slope, landscape plans, restoration plans, .a sediment and erosion control plan, agrading plan, and building - plans, elevations and cross - sections. TRCA Planning and Ecology staff has reviewed the technical merits of the documents with respect to the control of flooding and impacts to the natural heritage system and have some comments and conditions that staff recommend must be satisfied prior to accepting the site plan application. These recommendations are appended as Attachment 3 for Authority approval. Conditions we recommend include: 1. owner indemnify TRCA against any losses due to flooding during construction; 2. owner prepare and implement a construction mitigation plan to address, among others, procedures for mitigating the Toss of life and property during a flood event; 3. owner not stockpile soils in the floodplain during construction; 4. owner implement the geotechnical recommendations and employ a licenced geotechnical engineer to oversee the reconstruction of the slope; 5. owner fund the habitat improvement plans; .6. owner implement habitat improvements and convey to TRCA a block of land in the lower parking lot floodplain equivalent to the area of 11 standard parking spots; and 7. the owner is advised that a permit from the TRCA is required prior to proceeding with any development. Report prepared by: Steven Heuchert, extension 5311 and Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: sheuchert@trca.on.ca and rdewell @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Steven Heuchert, extension 5311 or Ron Dewell, extension 5245 Emails: sheuchert@trca.on.ca or rdewell @trca.on.ca Date: December 17, 2008 Attachments: 3 733 Attachment 1 21 Old Mill Road - Official Plan and Zoning Amendment Applications - Final Report City Council Decision City Council on March 3, 4 and 5, 2008, adopted the following motions: 1. City Council amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment No. 10 to the Final Report (January 25, 2008) and which is now replaced with Attachment No. 1 to the Supplementary Report . (February 11, 2008) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District. 2. City Council amend the former City of Etobicoke Zoning Code substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By -law Amendment attached as Attachment No. 9 to the Final Report (January 25, 2008) and which is now replaced with•Attachment No. 2 to the Supplementary Report (February 11, 2008) from the Director,. Community Planning, Etobicoke York District. 3. In accordance with Section 27 -60, Removal of a Matter from Committee, Council assume the jurisdiction for site plan approval, and the approval be bumped up to City Council. 4. The following requirements be added: a. the future building must be built in compliance with the City of Toronto's Green Development Standard; and b. the replacement of trees to be at least a 3 to 1 ratio for the 58 trees 10cm and greater (DBH) with comparable trees, and at least a 3 to 1 ratio for the 264 trees less than 10cm (DBH) with comparable trees, to the satisfaction of the Urban Forestry Department in consultation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. These additional plantings would be considered on and off site, including the large areas under consideration for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority remediation. 5. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By -law Amendment, as may be required. • 6. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, City Council require the owner to enter into a Section 37 Agreement to secure community benefits outlined in the Final Report (January 25, 2008) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District, and report and summarized in Attachment No. 12. 734 7. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, the Notice of Approval Conditions for the site plan be issued. 8. City Council deem that no further notice of Public Meeting be given. Background Information January 25, 2008 report ( http : / /www.toronto.ca /Iegdocs /mmis/ 2008 /ey /bgrd /backgroundfile- 10349.pdf) Notice ( http : / /www.toronto.ca /legdocs /mmis /2008 /ey /bgrd /backgroundfile- 10350.pdf) February 11, 2008 report ( http : / /www.toronto.ca /Iegdocs /nimis /2008 /ey /bgrd /backgroundfile - 10869. pdf) 735 21 Old Mill Road - Official Plan and Zoning Amendment Applications - Final Report Statutory - Planning Act, RSO 1990 (January 25, 2008) Report from Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District Committee Recommendations The Etobicoke York Community Council recommends that City Council: 1. Amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment No. 10 to the Final Report (January 25, 2008) and which is now replaced with Attachment No. 1 to the Supplementary Report (February 11, 2008) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District. 2. Amend the former City of Etobicoke Zoning Code substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By -law Amendment attached as Attachment No. 9 to the Final Report (January 25, 2008) and which is now replaced with Attachment No. 2 to the Supplementary Report (February 11, 2008) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District. .3. Authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By -law Amendment, as may be required. 4. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, require the owner to enter into a Section 37 Agreement to secure community benefits outlined in the Final Report (January 25, 2008) from the Director, Community Planning, Etobicoke York District, and report and summarized in Attachment No. 12. 5. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, the Notice of Approval Conditions for the site plan be issued. 6. Deem.that no further notice of Public Meeting be given. Decision Advice and Other Information The Etobicoke York Community Council directed that: 1. The site plan be bumped up to the Etobicoke York Community Council. 2. A community consultation process be conducted by Community Planning to seek public input on natters of site landscaping, urban design issues, streetscaping improvements, sidewalks and other on -site improvements, as well as disposition of Section 37 off -site improvements. 736 3. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority be asked to conduct a community consultation process to discuss and review the measures it will require to mitigate or improve environmental /ecological features that may be affected as a result of this proposed development. Recorded vote: Yes: Councillors DiGiorgio, Grimes, Hall, Lindsay Luby, Milczyn and Nunziata (6) No: Councillors Ford, Holyday and Saundercook (3) Absent: Councillors Mammoliti and Palacio (2) Carried. The Etobicoke York Community Council held a statutory public meeting on February 12, 2008; and notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act . Financial Impact The recommendations in this report have no fmancial impact. Summary This application was filed on December 11, 2006 and is not subject to the new provisions of the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Act, 2006. The application proposes a 10- storey residential condominium building at the site across from 21 Old Mill Road, currently being used as a surface parking lot for the Old Mill Inn and restaurant/banquet hall. The development provides an opportunity to incorporate underutilized lands into the residential fabric of the adjacent Apartment Neighbourhood and will have minimum impact on the natural area to the north. The proposed built form and relationship to the public street complements the Old Mill and existing residential developments to the south and west of the proposal and represents an appropriate level of residential intensification for the area. Consideration has also been given to the unusual lot situation, the variety of issues affecting the site and to a detailed assessment of the development fit into the neighbourhood. This report reviews and recommends approval of the applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By -law. Background Information January 25, 2008 report ( http : / /www.toronto.ca /legdocs /mmis /2008 /ey /bgrd /backgroundfile- 10349.pdf) Notice (http: / /www.toronto.ca /legdocs /mmis /2008 /ey /bgrd / backgroundfile-10350.pdf) 737 thonoNTo STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED 21 Old Mill Road - Official Plan and Zoning Amendment Applications - Final Report Date: January _25. 2008 To: Etobicoke York Conununity Council From: Director, Community Planning. Etobicoke York District Wards: Ward 5 Etobicoke- Lakeshore Reference Number: File No.: 06 19 220 \VET 05 OZ SUMMARY This application was filed on December 11, 2006 and is not subject to the new provisions of the Ph:minia Act and the City of Toronto Act. 2006. The application proposes a 10- storey residential condominium building at the site across from 21 Old Mill Road, currently being used as a surface parking lot for the Old Mill liui and restaurant/banquet hall. The development provides an opportunity to incorporate underutilized lands into the residential fabric of the adjacent Apartment Neighbourhood and will have minimum impact on the natural area to the north. The proposed built form and relationship to the public street complements the Old Mill and existing residential developments to the south and west of the proposal and represents an appropriate level of residential intensification for the area. Consideration has also been given to the unusual lot situation. the variety of issues affecting the site and to a detailed assessment of the development fit into the neighbourhood. PO .'* 21 OLD MILL ROAD T Staff report for action - Final Report - 21 Old mill Road 738 This report reviews and recommends approval of the applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By -law. RECOMMENDATIONS The City Planning Division recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Official Plan substantially in accordance with the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Attachment No. 10. 2. City Council amend the former City of Etobicoke Zoning Code substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By -law Amendment attached as Attachment No. 9. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By -law Amendment as may be required. 4. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, require the owner to enter into a Section 37 Agreement to secure community benefits outlined in this report and summarized in Attachment No. 12. 5. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, the Notice of Approval Conditions for the site plan be issued. Financial Impact The recommendations in this report have no financial impact. ISSUE BACKGROUND The applicant initiated discussion with City staff regarding to the development of the subject site in 2005. The initial discussions were based on a proposal for a 14- storey condominium building with approximately 90 units. At that time, staff suggested thatit would be prudent to seek an early pre- application meeting with appropriate City and Agency staff, the local councillor and the community in order to determine what the development opportunities and constraints would be for the site. Staff also provided the applicant with a general overview of the applicable Official Plan policies, as well as zoning requirements of the lands. No commitments were made by staff to support the proposal at the time. Staff did inform the applicant of the issues that had been identified at the early staff meetings so that those comments could be addressed and integrated in a revised proposal. Following further pre- application discussions, the applicant revised the proposal to a 12- storey condominium building. Following three pre - application open house meetings organized by the 739 applicant in the community and further consultation with City staff, the applicant further revised the proposal to a 10- storey condominium building. Further revisions to the proposal were made during the application review. The changes are discussed below. Proposal The development proposal is for a 10- storey condominium apartment building with approximately 84 units. The site is currently being used as a parking lot for the Old Mill Inn and restaurant/banquet hall (Old Mill). The proposed residential gross floor area is approximately 16 000 square metres. The applicant is proposing to retain some units on the ground floor of the proposed building to be used as an adjunct to the existing Old Mill Inn on the south side of Old Mill Road. The applicant also requests the flexibility to modify the unit arrangement to produce larger units, by combining some of the currently proposed units, depending on market demands. •The proposal also includes a four - storey underground parking garage. The proposed garage will include 119 parking spaces for the new residents and visitors and an additional 99 spaces to be used in conjunction with the existing Old Mill. Vehicular and servicing access to the development will be from Old Mill Road, at the east end of the building. The existing surface parking lot is laid out over two areas of different natural elevations: "the upper parking lot" (the proposed location for the proposed building) and "the lower parking lot ". The lower parking lot is to remain under the ownership of the Old Mill. The applicant proposes to undertake some improvements to it, such as increased landscaping and repaving. The applicant states that this development application is in part to provide additional parking for the Old Mill to address a shortage of parking, particularly on the weekends and holiday seasons. To maintain the viability of the Old Mill business, the applicant has submitted that the parking supply must be increased. The condominium site is proposed to be severed from the remainder of the parking lot in the near future. For a summary of the application, please refer to Attachment No. 11, Application Data Sheet. Site and Surrounding Area The subject property is a slightly irregular 3 500 square metres rectangular parcel of land located within a larger geographical triangle bounded by the Humber River Valley to the north and east, Bloor Street West to the south and the Kingsway to the west. There are a number of mid to high density residential developments within this pocket, to the south and west of the proposal, including a 23- storey residential building to the south of the Old Mill. The entire property slopes downward from west to east. 740 The property is currently occupied by an existing parking lot, with approximately 53 parking spaces on the upper portion and approximately 332 parking spaces on the lower portion all used by the Old Mill. The exact number of parking spaces that exist on the site cannot be determined, as spaces are unmarked, however the proposal will result in a net increase in available parking for the Old Mill. The surrounding uses are as follows: North and East: Humber River Valley. South: Old Mill Inn, Conference Centre, Restaurant/Banquet Hall, high rise residential development and Old Mill Subway Station. West: Five storey residential condominium building, single family dwellings. Provincial Policy Statement and Provincial Plans The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The PPS sets the policy foundation for regulating the development and use of land. The key objectives include: building strong communities; wise use and management of resources; and, protecting public health and safety. City Council's planning decisions are required to be consistent with the PPS. The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe provides a framework for managing growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe including: directions for where and how to grow; the provision of infrastructure to support growth; and protecting natural systems and cultivating a culture of conservation. City Council's planning decisions are required by the Planning Act, to conform, or not conflict, with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Consistency and conformity with these policies are discussed below. Official Plan The subject lands are located within the "Green Space System" identified on the Urban Structure Map (Map 2). Land located within the Green Space System are comprised of lands with a Parks and Open Space Areas designation which are large, have significant natural heritage or recreational value and which are connected. They should be protected, improved and added to whenever feasible. The lands are designated on Map 14 Land Use Plan as "Parks and Open Space Areas — Natural Areas ". This designation does not permit residential uses. Lands designated Parks and Open Space Areas — Natural Areas are to be maintained primarily in a natural state while allowing for a range of recreational, cultural, educational uses and conservation projects, among others. 741 The lands are also located within the "Natural Heritage System" as shown on the Natural Heritage Map (Map 9) of the Official Plan. Development is generally not permitted in the natural heritage system. Policies in the Official Plan require that the development be set back by at least 10 metres adjacent to a top -of -bank of the valley, although the Plan contains policies dealing with opportunities, to restore, enhance and extend the Natural Heritage System through new developments in these areas. The Plan also states that Parks and Open Space Areas that are privately owned are not necessarily open to the general public nor intended to be purchased by the City. If an application is made to develop such lands and the City, or any other public agency does not wish to purchase them to extend the public open space system, the application will be considered on the basis of its consistency with the policies of this Plan. The application was circulated to a number of city divisions and agencies, including the TRCA, and the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division and there is no interest to purchase the site. Further, the Natural Environment policies state that consents to sever land will not be permitted for any parcels of land that are entirely within or part of the natural heritage system unless an assessment of the impact to the natural heritage system has been satisfactorily completed. All proposed development in or near the natural heritage system will be evaluated to assess the development's impacts, and identify measures to mitigate negative impacts on and /or improve the natural heritage system, taking into account consequences for features, form and function (Policy 3.4.12). The lands are also subject to Site and Area Specific Policy No. 10 which permits a surface parking lot within the subject lands to be used in conjunction with the restaurant use at 21 Old Mill Road. Notwithstanding the Plan's general Natural Area designation, the Plan recognizes the long standing use of the site as a parking lot. Zoning By -law No. 14,160 passed in 1963 amended the zoning category applying to the subject lands from Second Density Residential classification to a Limited Commercial Classification, provided that the subject land's use was limited to automobile parking only in conjunction with the Old Mill. Under By -law No. 1981 -117, the Old Mill Inn and restaurant was exempted from zoning with respect to standards for restaurants, because of the unique and distinct land use and significant historical, architectural and scenic interest of the Old Mill. In 1985, all lands being used as parking lots on the north side of the Old Mill Road, including the subject site were again rezoned from Limited Commercial to Private Open Space by By -law Nos. 1985 -53 and 1985 -54. These further clarified that the new Private Open Space zoning category would allow continued parking use on the subject lands for the Old Mill. This permission still applies to the lands today. 742 Ravine Control The subject area is protected under the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 658 — Ravine Protection. Specifically, the purpose of the by -law is to promote the management, protection and conservation of ravines and associated natural and woodland areas and to prohibit and regulate the injury and destruction of trees, filling and dumping in areas defined in Schedule A of the by -law. A permit is required to conduct any of the above activities on the ravine protected areas. Under the provisions of Section 658, the General Manager of Parks, Forestry & Recreation is authorized to issue permits to injure or destroy trees 'or alter the grade where applicable. The issuance of permits may be subject to conditions. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority The entire subject property is regulated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Under the Conservation Authorities Act, the TRCA has the power to regulate development in certain designated areas. The areas under the TRCA's control are identified in Ontario Regulation 166/06 (Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation) established under the authority of the Act. A permit is required from the TRCA prior to any of the following works: straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse, or for changing or interfering in any way with a wetland or development, if in the opinion of the authority, the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or pollution or the conservation of land may be affected by the development. Development is defined by the TRCA as: a) the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind; b) any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure; c) site grading; and d) the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere. The TRCA's Valley and Stream Corridor Management Program (VSCMP) sets out development guidelines for properties affected by valleys and streams. The limits of a valley corridor are determined to be a minimum of 10 metres inland from the stable top of valley bank, while the limits of a stream corridor are a minimum of 10 metres inland from the Regulatory Floodplain. Any new development should be consistent with the policies of the VSCMP. 743 Reasons for Application An Official Plan Amendment is required as the subject lands are located within the Green Space System, are designated Parks and Open Space Areas — Natural Areas and are located partly within (below) the top -of -bank of the valley. The policies of the Official Plan do not permit residential development in this location. The site specific permission in the Plan limits the land use to a parking lot. An amendment to the former City of Etobicoke Zoning Code and site specific by -laws is also required to permit the proposed residential development. The amendment will accommodate appropriate development standards for parking, loading, building envelope build -to requirements and the provision of community benefits under Section 37 of the Planning Act, all as discussed in this report. A copy of the proposed Zoning amendment will be available at the public hearing. Community Consultation A Community Consultation Meeting was held at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute on April 17, 2007 in order to provide residents and property owners with an opportunity to review and comment on the original application. Approximately 70 area residents were in attendance at the meeting. A number of letters and phone calls were also received after the meeting, for the most part, in objection to the development. The concerns identified by the area residents included: Density and height (the proposal is too bulky and too high); Additional traffic congestion; Loss of privacy for the existing residents of the building to the west of the proposal; - Preference of an alternative development such as a smaller building or an aboveground parking garage; - The loss of a heritage landscape; Negative impacts on the natural environment; Construction will negatively affect neighbouring communities with increased traffic and construction traffic blockages; and Impact on the archaeology of the site. These issues will be addressed in the body of the report, including how the revisions made to • the application responds to these concerns. Agency Circulation The application was circulated to all appropriate agencies and City divisions. Responses received have been used to assist in evaluating the application and to formulate • appropriate by -law standards. COMMENTS The subject application has been reviewed in context of the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan and Official Plan, including among other policies, the 744 protection of the natural environment, natural heritage system, land use designation and • built form. Provincial Policy Statement and Provincial Plans The proposal is consistent with the PPS. The development promotes intensification through a compact building form utilizing existing infrastructure. The site is located in close proximity to a main street (Bloor Street West) and within walking distance of a subway station and as such, the development will also promote ridership for the transit system. The proposal also does not negatively affect the natural environment, as discussed in detail below. The proposal conforms and does not conflict with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The proposal helps to optimize the utilization of existing services and public infrastructure and reduce the need to convert rural land to urban uses. The site is located in an area that has been designated for higher densities and with good access to public transit: Natural Environment The site is located within the Natural Heritage System as identified on Map 9 of the Official Plan. The natural heritage system is made up of areas where protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural features and functions should have high priority in citybuilding decisions. Care must be taken to assess the impacts of new development in areas near and within the natural heritage system. To this end, proposals for new development require an accompanying study to assess their impact on the natural environment. The Official Plan requires that a study be undertaken and submitted to the City and TRCA staff to assess the proposed development's impact on the natural environment and. propose measures to reduce negative impacts on and where possible, improve the natural environment. In order to assess the appropriateness of the proposed residential use for the subject site, it is important to first determine if the proposed development would have a significant negative impact on the "Natural Heritage System ". The applicant submitted a draft Scoped Natural Heritage Impact Study (SNHIS) and a Humber River Valleyland Compensation Plan (HRVCP): The purpose of the SNHIS was to: provide an evaluation of the environmental constraints and opportunities; identify opportunities for enhancement and restoration; and provide conclusions and recommendations with respect to the environmental feasibility of the proposed development. The detailed objectives of the SNHIS were to: a) review applicable planning policies and existing documentation and studies regarding the subject property and proposed development; 745 b) characterize the existing natural heritage features and functions of the subject property; and c) provide recommendations to ensure the provision of an environmental net gain resulting from the development. The study determined that the proposed development plan presents the opportunity to proceed with the proposed development with only a slight impact to the environmental features and functions of the study property. The study anticipates that a total of 58 trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) values greater than 10 centimetres and 264 trees with dbh values less than 10 centimetres will be removed. The trees to be removed are predominantly non - native (53 of the 58 trees). The identified loss of trees and associated growing space can be mitigated as discussed further below. Landscape connectivity is considered a critical component to the health of the natural system allowing for the movement of flora and fauna. Connectivity can contribute to increased local species richness, opportunities for movement between core areas, and .shelter from disturbance and predation. The Humber River Valley acts as a significant corridor to provide opportunities for wildlife to move through the urban landscape. The tree communities adjacent to the subject property are isolated from the forest communities in the valley and provide a poor quality habitat for wildlife species in the area. Therefore, the removal of any trees within the site will not affect the connectivity of the Humber River Valley. The Humber River Valleyland Compensation Plan (HRVCP) identified appropriate remedial actions such as compensation plantings. The objective of the plan is to identify and provide a net benefit environmental gain to the Humber River valleylands as a result of the proposed development. A net environmental gain according to TRCA may be' defined as "the result of an activity or series of activities that involve a loss of existing natural features or functions that is, compensated for and enhanced in terms of the replacement of the same feature and functions or the establishment of different features and functions considered to add quality and enhancement of the overall natural system ". In this case, a net environmental gain can be accomplished by the: improvement of connectivity in this section of the valley system by reducing invasive species and managing edge habitat; .long -term enhancement of habitat potential and native species biodiversity through the creation of self - sustaining native plant assemblages and management of nonnative invasive species; improvement of flood attenuation functions via increased plant cover; and 746 improvement of the aesthetic and education values of the Humber valleylands site. The proposed restoration plan could benefit over 10 000 square metres of terrestrial habitat, potentially including the: replacement of 1 200 square metres of turf grass with native meadow marsh; creation of an native upland meadow community in a field currently dominated by non - native legume species (400 square metres); management of invasive species and edge management in approximately 5 000 square metres of floodplain woodlands, including plantings of native trees and shrubs; and enhancement of a riparian forest community (4 000 square metres) dominated by non- native species with 28 native trees and shrubs. Staff from TRCA and Urban Forestry Ravine Protection Group (of Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division) have reviewed both studies and are in agreement with the findings and recommendations, in principle. The details of the recommendations will be dealt with at Site Plan Review stage including the securing of financial securities for the proposed compensation work. Land Use The Official Plan states that boundaries of land use designations on the Plan's land use maps are general except where delimited by a defined Secondary Plan or area specific . policy, or where they coincide with fixed distinguishable features such as roads, public laneways, utility corridors, railroads, watercourses or other clearly defined physical features. In all other instances, the boundaries of land use designations will be determined by a review of: existing zoning by -laws, prevailing lot depths, orientation of lots frontages, lot patterns and land use patterns. Where the intent of the Plan is maintained, minor adjustments to boundaries may require an amendment to the Plan, should Council determine that greater certainty is desirable when amending the land use designation and area specific mapping will be adopted through an amendment to the Plan. Planning staff have reviewed the prevailing lot depths, orientation of the lot frontages and lot patterns and determined that the location and orientation of the upper portion of the parking lot is consistent with existing residential lots immediately to the west of the subject site. The applicant is still required to apply for an Official Plan Amendment given: the complexity of issues surrounding the location of the site; its current Official Plan designation; and heritage and environmental concerns. 747 The lands surrounding the subject site directly to the south and west (except for the Old Mill lands which are designated Mixed Use) are designated Apartment Neighbourhoods for the most part. Given the larger area context and Official Plan designations staff concur that the redesignation of the site as an Apartment Neighbourhood is appropriate. Apartment Neighbourhoods consist of apartment buildings and parks, local institutions, cultural and recreational facilities and small -scale retail, service and office uses that serve the area residents. Apartment Neighbourhoods are generally considered to be stable areas where major growth is not anticipated. Apartment Neighbourhoods are distinguished from low -rise Neighbourhoods because a greater scale of buildings is permitted and different scale- related criteria are needed to guide development. Section 4.2 of the Official Plan sets out policies which are intended to contribute to the quality of life of local residents such as: providing appropriate transition between areas of different development intensity and scale; • minimizing shadow impacts on existing development; locating and massing new buildings to frame the edge of streets and to maintain sunlight and comfortable wind conditions at street level; providing adequate off - street parking; locating and screening service areas, ramps and garbage storage to minimize the impact on adjacent streets and residences; providing ground floor uses that enhance the safety, amenity and animation of the streets; providing indoor and outdoor recreation space for.the residents; and providing buildings that are accessible or adaptable for persons with disabilities. The proposal for the construction of a'10-storey condominium building at this location is consistent with the existing established Apartment Neighbourhood located to the south and west. An adequate transition exists to the low -rise residential communities to the north and west of the proposal. Virtually all of the lands within the larger area context of the Old Mill have been developed for higher density residential uses.with the exception of the Old Mill conference centre and a number of detached dwellings backing on the valley along the north side of Old Mill Road between Humber Boulevard and the triple intersection of The Kingsway, Bloor Street West and Old Mill Road. There are a number of similar developments in the vicinity of the Old Mill including an 1 1- storey condominium building at the northeast corner of Bloor Street West and Old Mill Trail, a 748 9- storey condominium building at the intersection of Bloor Street West and The Kingsway and a 23- storey slab building immediately south of the Old Mill that was built in the 1960's. Height, Built Form, Massing The Official Plan contains policies relating to height and massing, particularly in the Apartment Neighbourhoods and Built Form Section of the Plan. Specifically, new buildings are to be located and massed to provide, a transition between areas of different development heights and scale, such as providing appropriate setbacks and /or stepping down of heights, particularly towards lower scale Neighbourhoods. The policy seeks to limit the impact of new development on adjacent streets, parks, and existing neighbourhoods and maintain acceptable levels of sunlight, privacy, and sky views for both new and existing residents. In addition,'the Official Plan includes a policy that new buildings must frame the edges of streets with good proportion to maintain adequate sunlight, sky view and comfortable wind conditions for pedestrians. As illustrated in Attachment 7, from a broader area context, the site is located adjacent to an existing high -rise apartment neighbourhood. That neighbourhood contains existing buildings with similar or greater height in storeys than the proposed 10- storey condominium building. Furthermore, the proposed development site is at a significantly lower elevation than the existing buildings to the west which has the effect of reducing the relative height of the proposal in relation to the existing buildings to the west, when seen from Old Mill Road. The massing of the proposed building has also been revised to address the existing building to the west. The applicant has provided for an increased side yard setback of approximately 7 metres from the abutting property to the west. The building is further stepped back at the 5th, 6th, and 8th storey to minimize impacts on the building to the west and create a meaningful gap to preserve light, view and privacy. The applicant has also revised the proposal to increase the front yard setback along Old Mill Road. The increased front yard setbacks along are consistent with the front yard setbacks of the buildings to the west, and ensure that a consistent edge condition is created along the public street. The City's "Design Criteria for Review of Tall Building Proposals" (TBDC) have been drafted to assist in the evaluation of tall building applications. Approved by City Council on July 25, 26 and 27, 2006, they provide guidance for the design, evaluation and approval of tall buildings and are intended to implement the built form policies of Section 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the Official Plan. The Official Plan policies on tall buildings are general, relating to the form of the building itself and considerations of neighbourhood context and fit. Tall buildings are characterized as those whose height is greater than the width of adjacent road allowance. The project has been reviewed against the TBDC and generally complies., appreciating the special character of the area. It is important to note that the same built form may not be considered "tall" in another context, where the adjacent public road is wider. In this instance, Old Mill Road is very narrow. The building has been appropriately designed to reinforce the street -edge in a form that includes a base building, shaft and roof and a scale 749 that is consistent with the policies of the Plan. The design of the building also provides for appropriate transitioning in height and mass from the neighbouring building to the west and respects the open space features in the area including the valley and the public street. The increased front yard setback also ensures that the proposed building will respect the prominence of the Old Mill. Lastly, the applicant has redesigned the rear of the building (north wall) to be more sympathetic to the Humber River and residential communities to the north of it, ensuring that the building does not "turn its back" on the river, parks and valley setting. Sun, Shadow, Wind As the development site is located to the north, the Shadow Study submitted by the • applicant demonstrates that there will be no shadowing on the Old Mill and Old Mill Road to the south. The shadow analysis also demonstrates that the shadow impacts of the proposal on the building to the west, surface parking lot and valley lands to the north and east have been improved through revisions to the proposal such as an increased setback from the building to the west, and increased setback from Old Mill Road and further stepbacks at the 5th, 6th and 8th floor. The shadow study and the shadow impacts of the , proposed development have been reviewed by staff and are acceptable. Traffic Impact, Access, Parking The Official Plan includes policies for new development in Apartment Neighbourhoods that deal with the provision of off - street vehicle parking for residents and visitors and minimize the impact of service areas, ramps and garbage storage areas on adjacent streets and residences. As mentioned earlier in the report, the.development will include a 4- storey underground parking garage containing a total of 218 parking spaces. The use of the parking garage will be shared between the residents and visitors of the residential building (119 spaces) and the patrons of the Old Mill (99 additional parking spaces). The remainder of the site, or the existing lower parking lot will continue to exist and service the Old Mill. The proposed parking for the residential condominium meets the requirements of the Etobicoke Zoning Code and thus staff from Transportation Services are satisfied. It is important to note that the Old Mill was exempt from the Etobicoke Zoning Code parking provisions, by By -law No. 14,160. In order to understand the impact of the additional condominium building and the current parking shortage for the Old Mill, the applicant was required to submit a "Parking Supply and Operation Study" and a further "Parking Study Addendum" at the request of staff from Transportation Services. The studies indicate that the Old Mill currently has approximately 385 parking spaces, consisting of approximately 332 spaces within the lower parking lot and approximately 53 spaces in the upper parking lot. Most of the existing spaces do not meet the current by -law requirements with respect to stall dimensions and access aisle widths. 750 The upper parking lot is the proposed location of the condominium building and as such, the 53 spaces currently existing will be replaced with the proposed 99 parking spaces in the underground garage. This will generate approximately 46 new additional parking spaces for the Old Mill. The parking survey data presented in the parking studies clearly indicates that the Old Mill generates a high demand for parking and that based on the counts conducted by the consultant, the Old Mill should be providing a total of 420 parking spaces to accommodate their patrons. The existing 332 parking spaces currently existing in the lower parking lot (for which the size of stalls does not meet the by -law requirement) plus the additional 46 new parking spaces that will be provided in the underground garage (a total of 431 parking spaces) satisfy and surpass the suggested number by Transportation Services staff. The additional 46 parking will reduce the parking shortage for Old Mill patrons, particularly on weekends and holiday seasons. At the community consultation meeting a number of residents • voiced their concern regarding these shortages. On weekends, the existing parking lot fills up quite quickly and there is an overspill of cars parking on the public street. This causes disruptions on the traffic flow along Old Mill Road, and affects the enjoyment of the surrounding parks and trail system for residents and visitors to the area. The proposed development will strategically assist in the long term preservation and success of the Old Mill as a unique heritage designated community feature. Specifically, important new parking resources will be provided through this development to the Old Mill in a proximate and sheltered location. No other opportunities exist either on or off the site of the Old Mill conference centre/banquet hall property to provide additional parking. The applicant proposes to sever the condominium building site from the lower surface parking lot in the near future. Prior to the severance, staff will ensure that the entire site is reviewed • under a Site Plan Control application and reviewed to be consistent with the recently approved guidelines for greening surface parking lots, especially given its location within the Humber Valley. The Official Plan also encourages development at locations well serviced by a full range of transportation options so as to reduce reliance on the private automobile. The site is in close proximity to the Old Mill subway station, which has the lowest ridership numbers in Toronto's subway system. The proposal will help increase the low ridership numbers of the Old Mill Subway Station and make better use of existing public infrastructure. The proposal includes 53 bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle parking spaces will be secured in the Zoning By -law amendment. They will be provided for both residents and visitors in convenient locations including at grade. Flood Plain Considerations A small portion of the proposed building encroaches into the Regulatory Floodplain Area. The applicant submitted a Floodplain Considerations Report that describes and 751 recommends a strategy to deal with the encroachment. The area of encroachment is associated with the proposed parking structure and occurs in the northeast corner of the proposed building. The area involved is approximately 60 square metres and would result in a loss of floodplain storage of 15 cubic metres. The report recommends a balanced cut and fill strategy, whereby excavation in the vicinity of the northwest corner of the building could be carried out to offset the proposed fill. The study contends that implementing the cut and fill strategy will ensure the development proposal will not have any upstream or downstream impacts. TRCA staff have reviewed the recommendations of the report and agree with them in principle: Details of the implementation of the cut and fill strategy will be dealt with at the Site Plan Control stage. Slope Stability The applicant submitted a Slope Stability Investigation Report prepared' by McClymont & Rak Engineers, Inc. The Report concludes that the existing slopes are safe in the longterm and there is no potential for an adverse impact of the proposed development on the existing slopes. TRCA staff have reviewed the recommendations of the report and agree with it in principle. Heritage and Preservation Services Archaeology Heritage and Preservation Services (HPS) have reviewed the archaeological assessment report completed by Archaeological Services Inc., entitled "Stage 1 Archaeological Resource Assessment of the Old Mill Residential Development, 21 Old Mill Road, City of Toronto, Ontario" dated August 2006. The report concludes that although no previously- registered archaeological sites are located within the limits of the current subject property, the area has had a long and complex history of occupation and use. Due to extensive development of the property during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries there is little potential for any precontact archaeological deposits. Further, any nineteenth century archaeological resources that may have survived within the subject property are likely to take the form of subsurface structural features such as foundations, privies, cisterns, etc. associated with the development of the community of Milton Mills. While there is almost no infonnation as to the distribution of the various structures that made up the community, the remains of any such features would represent important sources of insight into the life of a small nineteenth- century industrial settlement centre. Heritage and Preservation Services staff concur with the finding of the consultant's report that there is potential for the presence of nineteenth century archaeological resources. A 752 Stage 2-archaeological assessment must be undertaken prior to the release of any building permits. Should the Stage 2 archaeological assessment result in the identification of significant archaeological resources, appropriate mitigative measures must be undertaken such as protection and avoidance, test or mitigative excavation, archaeological monitoring of construction activities or a combination of such approaches. The applicant will be required to submit a Stage 2 archaeological assessment at the Site Plan approval Stage of this application. Depending on the results of the Stage 2 assessment, Heritage and Preservation Services staff will work with the applicant to determine the best alternatives to deal with any significant archaeological resources that may be found on site. Cultural Heritage The site of the Old Mill is an important heritage landmark within the City and is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, As a historic mill site, the Old Mill's primary relationship is with the Humber River. The development proposal will create a physical barrier between the designated Old Mill and the Humber River to the north. The Provincial Policy Statements (PPS, 2005) contains a policy (2.6.3) for development and site alteration on adjacent lands to protected heritage property. It states that mitigative measures or alternative development approaches may be required to conserve Heritage attributes of a protected heritage property. The heritage issues related to this application have been addressed in a number of ways. First, an evaluation of the proposed height, massing and built form of the original proposal condominium building resulted in changes to the revised proposal which were more compatible with the existing neighbourhood and the Old Mill. The setbacks from the Old Mill Road ensure that the proposed building does not overpower the Old Mill and, in fact, makes the Old Mill more of a focal point. The additional stepbacks provided on the west end of the building also alleviate some of the building's impacts on the neighbouring building to the west and allow the greatest heights of the building to be pushed towards the east end of the site, which is at a relatively lower slope. Second, staff worked with the applicant to initiate building material selection to be used for the construction of the proposed building. Given the sensitivity of the site, staff will continue to work with the applicant to ensure that-the building materials that are used are representative and respectful of the character of the area with special regard for the Old Mill. In addition, the building has been designed to provide for "through units" and a central foyer that will be a full two - storeys in height. It will provide a clear (through glass) view of the river valley from the street and the outer pedestrian areas of the Old Mill. This allows for a more transparent building that improves the relationship of the 753 Old Mill structure and the public street with the Humber River its valley compared to the original proposal. The applicant has also agreed to provide a financial contribution in the amount of $100,000.00 to be put towards Heritage Improvements /Initiatives for the area in and around the Old Mill in close proximity to the development. For example, The Societe d'histoire de Toronto (SHT) in consultation with the TRCA is working on a proposal for the development of a historical park along the Humber River, South of Dundas Street West to Lake Ontario. The park would showcase historical sites important to the three founding peoples of Canada (The First Nations, French and English), would include interpretive signage for educational and recreational purposes and would help protect the rich ecological system along the Humber River, in the long -term. SHT with Ontario Trillium Foundation funding is undertaking this project to inform the community about the park, create a strategic plan to implement this project and enter in collaboration with various partners to develop the park. The $100,000.00 will be directed towards heritage improvements arising from this project or other initiatives in proximity to the development that.celebrate the rich heritage of the area and will be secured in the Section 37 Agreement. Finally, given that this development was in part developed in order to provide additional parking for the Old Mill, staff believes that it is appropriate to ensure that the Old Mill continues to exist and thrive. The draft zoning by -law will include the Old Mill property and will cap the zoning permission for the Old Mill for the uses currently existing. This ensures that if the Old Mill property is ever considered for redevelopment in the future, staff and the community understand the rationale behind this proposal and the appropriate evaluation for any future development is undertaken. Servicing Technical Services staff advise that the existing municipal services and public infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate this development. No further upgrades are required. Parkland The Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division has recommended that this development be subject to a 5 percent cash -in -lieu of parkland dedication payment which will be payable at the time of building permit issuance. The applicant is also proposing a number of restoration strategies on both their private property and public lands along the Humber River, all as outlined above in the Natural Environment section of this report. Streetscape The proposed development will result in an improvement to the existing streetscape on Old Mill Road. The applicant proposes to landscape the frontage of the site along Old 754 Mill Road,and build a new sidewalk along the frontage of the site. The details of the landscaping and sidewalk work will be dealt with at the site plan review stage. The revisions to the facade of the building along Old Mill Road also address the downward slope of the street (Attachment 3). Staff will continue to work with the applicant through the Site Plan Approval application to resolve any other issues related to streetscape. Toronto Green Development Standard Staff will be encouraging the applicant to review sustainable development opportunities by utilizing the City's Green Development Standards (GDS) adopted by Council in July 2006, including the measures referenced above to achieve a net environmental gain. Site Plan Control The proposed development is subject to site plan control. There are a number of issues that must be addressed and finalized at Site Plan review stage, including: Stage 2 Archaeological Resource Assessment and mitigation measures to deal with any significant heritage resources that may be found onsite; Building materials and overall design of the proposed condominium building such that the finished building will be considerate and respectful of the Heritage character of the area; Landscaping of the condominium lands and associated existing surface parking lot to the north of the proposal including utilizing the green parking lot guidelines; Review of the proposed development in light of the Council adopted Green Development Standards; Finalization of the details of the Compensation Plan; Finalization of the details regarding the proposed cut and fill strategy within the floodplain area; and Full consideration of all other standard site plan control requirements of the City: Section 37 Section 37 of the Planning Act authorizes a municipality with appropriate approved Official Plan provisions to pass by -laws involving increases in the height or density otherwise permitted by the Zoning'By -law in return for the provision of community benefits by the applicant. The Official Plan provides for the use of Section 37 of the Planning Act to secure the provision of community benefits in return for an increase in height and /or density of 755 • development if the increases are first determined to represent good planning. Community Planning staff have discussed matters regarding a Section 37 Agreement with the owner and local councillor. The community benefits recommended to be secured in the Section 37 agreement are as follows: 1. Contribution of $500,000.00 to the City for park improvements within the vicinity of the subject site including Kings Mill Park, Etienne Brule Park and Park Lawn Park such as .play areas, water play, running track and amenities such as pathways, seating, trash bins, etc., at the discretion of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, to be paid prior to the issuance of the first above -grade building permit; and 2. Contribution of $100.000.00 to the City for heritage improvements along the Humber River Valley in the vicinity of the site, at the discretion of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Ward Councillor, to be paid prior to the release of the first above -grade building permit; and 3. All such payments shall be made, together with any increases to reflect increases in the Construction Price Statistics.between January 1, 2008 and the delivery of each such. payment. The following matters are also recommended to be secured in the Section 37 agreement as a legal convenience to support development: 1. the securing of building materials for the proposed building, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; 2. the fulfillment through the site plan approval process and agreement of all ravine and valley lands remediation work and environmental matters to the satisfaction of the • General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and 3. streetscape improvements to Old Mill Road to the satisfaction of the Executive Director of Technical Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. Development Charges • It is estimated that the development charges for this project will be approximately $452,800.00. This is an estimate. The actual charge is assessed and collected upon issuance of the building permit. 756 CONTACT Pedro Lopes, Planner Tel. No. (416) 394 -2608 Fax No. (416) 394 -6063 E -mail: plopes2 @toronto.ca SIGNATURE Gregg Lintern, MCIP, RPP Director, Community Planning Etobicoke York District ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Attachment 2: Attachment 3: Attachment 4: Attachment 5: Attachment 6: Attachment 7: Attachment 8: Attachment 9: Attachment 10: Attachment 11: Attachment 12: Context Plan Site Plan South Elevation North Elevation East Elevation West Elevation Zoning Map Official Plan Draft Zoning By -law Amendment Draft Official Plan Amendment Application Data Sheet Section 37 — Community Benefits 757 Attachment 1: (onext Plan " ,.. , - 7.>" \ ' ..... 758 Attachment 2: Site Plan 759 -6; Attachment 3: South Elevation g -433 7 „ 4'1 V7U, :031,411t1417*. - 11 Ih flU L LL 7.11; f 7 T---1 ,------ IL1L 1"7"'"'" --TIL.11+1- t 760 Attachment 4: North Elevation ut: • 4.3 kiat, :433 Itsttev , T1 WP ]1; ; ItI i5 ttI It' 3 it It t■ it ,:„L 11774 t 3,3 i •I', '*' ',.,3 t t, 333 it' 331: AI 10,31Z NI:1„t , ' , ; . + , ::',..!. !. .„ ,*•,i fi'lliT -; ; .-1 •', ', ,.?-1-. ' • il'iql4d1....7t11,A1,7t:...;•,'; ,H1[1..1,711;:•;11';',11i1 ;-1;ii ill ' , ' 761 Attachment 5: East Elevation A Elevations - East Su:imittA Tivinci 21 Old Mill Road )6 1971,20 762 Attachment 6: West Elevation 3fr. r'• .41 ' • L LL 2 WEST ELEVATION 1,5c Elevations • West Applicairs SinuitINIUra7on(1, 21 Old Mill Road Fo 06 197220 763 kichincitt 7: / u uiII 2 - _ S A BY P1 ; R.1 tL C - 4 1.'53 ■ 7'1 '47P ,r4 POS KINGS PARK IfilITORONTO"' Pawl Zoning • „5■Loie B Law 11,13/ 1-4,.,iel,■>1 &lord i)PrA ty 114 Br.,,,lr:`,1■11 Ii4.1t,; y Prviw 1r r Sca7,tz loriv..:,t Yuri: Zorgig 3y law 1,E3 1;1 F:iirpottal Nsidpi tt,4' C;tel t5: 764 21 Old Mill Road FiIp L J 197Zit) Not to ,S,atp ?or fty 1,r.'s I ;,ii I NHeryit,f1 tr,,c`.;,1 111 LL ii[ • = I , t.„• Ate-J Net ; et r'./ 01 D MILL ' inIOS UTORONTOL Official Plan /71 ra is 1 ) AISAS 21 Old Mill Road ' # 06_197220 765 m TORONTO STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED 21 Old Mill Road — Official Plan and Zoning Amendment Applications — Supplementary Report Date: Febn;,,r -, 11. 1(10` To: Eto ic:1: , .niurnt , l_ "otitis. it From: Director. Community Planning. Etobicoke York District Wards: Ward 1 toi icoke -Lake bore Reference Number: File No . Ci(, 1 r WET 05 OZ SUMMARY This report J, I;ii , sscs a nuulb r of teJ iiic,ll cl.a:, s required to the Dra tt Ofticial Plan Amendment : F l f ♦ ? C l l fi to the Final Report. dated January 27, 'I'( .!S. die t,' 11,1 -I of the dr,itt (_):tidal Plan Ai n ndlu -nt anti Zowil. By-law _111 Ililllllll[, a anaclicd t11 all, 1 l ),) rt RECOMMENDATIONS The C "its• Planning Division recommends tliat: City Cotiti t111 replactlt_ :Altai m nt Qom. m l 1Cl of the 1 in;il (_)1:1 11 Road. ,c'h :I,,,;, n itl r.:t'.1 l 1 report. City Council :authorize the (jit4` Solicitor to make such stvlkt and technical changes to the draft Zoninu by-law and Official Plan .Amendments. i CFRMR I11UIE f+xx f+NF WLU WIX 21 OLD MILL ROAD T Staff report for action - Supplementary Report - 21 OH Mil Road 3. City Council deem that no further notice of Public Meeting be given. COMMENTS. Community Planning forwarded a Final Report to the February 12th, Etobicoke York Community Council meeting regarding the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Amendment for the subject property. There are a number of technical changes required to the amendments. The Official Plan amendment explicitly describes the policies to be amended. The Zoning By -law amendment changes clarify wording respecting the size of the mechanical penthouse for the proposed development and permission for the location of a future temporary sales office. The attached draft Official Plan and Zoning By -law Amendments contain those changes and will replace Attachment Nos. 9 and 10 of the original report dated January 25th, 2008. CONTACT Pedro Lopes, Planner Tel. No. 416 - 394 -2608 • Fax No. 416- 394 -6063 E -mail: plopes2 @toronto.ca . SIGNATURE Gregg Lintern, MCIP, RPP Director, Community Planning Etobicoke York District ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Draft Official Plan Amendment Attachment 2: Draft Zoning By -law Amendment 767 Attachment 1: Draft Official Plan Amendment Authority: Etobicoke York Community Council Item — [or Report No. —. Clause No. —] as adopted by City Council on —; 20— Enacted by Council: —, 20— CITY OF TORONTO BY -LAW No. ?; To adopt Amendment No. 44 to the Official Plan for the City of Toronto respecting a portion of the lands immediately north of the Old Mill located on Old Mill Road. WHEREAS authority is given to Council under the Planning Act , R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13, as amended, to pass this By -law; and WHEREAS Council of the City of Toronto has provided adequate information to the public and has held at least one public meeting in accordance with the Planning Act ; The Council of the City of Toronto HEREBY ENACTS as follows: 1. The attached Amendment No. 44 to the Official Plan is hereby adopted pursuant to the Planning Act , R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13, as amended. ENACTED AND PASSED this ? ?th day of? ?, A.D. 2008. SANDRA BUSSIN, ULLI WATKISS Speaker City Clerk 768 The following text and schedule constitute Amendment No.44 to the Official Plan for the City of Toronto. OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT The Official Plan of the City of Toronto is amended as follows: 1. Map 2, Urban Structure, is amended by deleting the lands directly across (north) from the Old Mill on Old Mill Road from the Green Space System, as shown on the attached Map. 2. Map 14, Land Use Plan, is amended by redesignating a portion of the lands directly across (north) from the Old Mill on Old Mill Road from Parks and Open Space Areas - Natural Area to Apartment Neighbourhood , as shown on the attached Map. • 3. Chapter. 7, Site and Area Specific Policies, Site and Area Specific Policy No. 10 is deleted and replaced as follows: 10. North of Old Mill Road, West and South of Humber River A surface parking lot is permitted in conjunction with the restaurant use at 21 Old Mill Road. 769 4. Chapter 7, Site and Area Specific Policies, is amended by adding Site and Area Specific Policy No. 309 for the lands located north of Old Mill Road, West and South of Humber River, as follows: 309. North of Old Mill Road, West and South of Humber River (a) Development is permitted within 10 metres of the top -of -bank of the valley and ravine. (b) Lands below the top -of -bank, may be used to calculated permissible density in the zoning by -law. 5. Map 25, Site and Area Specific Policies, is amended by amending the arca affected by Site and Area Specific Policy No.10 as shown on the map above as Site and Area Specific Policy No. 10. 770 1p .41 3 1 • v 60, TORONTO Officidi P fi "Cr '1, 11:'111(41V.IF Mtn %IT (1 1 VI I Roari ■,; nt, L'er Nu! t, 1 rimol MAI4Ylizt,cd : rwrdad Ii'V*1.4, 4 ,][.. t Irt .< CI,/ Score SrtRry He 4'06197220 = Ske Iscsion r I,JLr 11601thakracds P1*-ktf howls Attachment 2: Draft Zoning By -law Amendment Authority: Etobicoke York Community Council Item X, as adopted by City of Toronto Council on X and X, 2008 Enacted by Council: xx, 2008 CITY OF TORONTO BY -LAW No. xxx -2008 To amend the Zoning Code of the former City of Etobicoke, as amended, with respect to lands municipally known in the year 2008 as 21 Old Mill Road. Bill No. 1. By -law No. 1985 -53 of the former City of Etobicoke is hereby repealed. 2. For clarity, the provisions of this By -law shall apply where any conflict exists between the provisions of this By -law and any provisions of By -law No. 14,160 of the former Township of Etobicoke, By -law No. 1981 -117 of the former Borough of Etobicoke, and By -law Nos. 1985 -54 and 1994 -180 of the former City of Etobicoke. 3. The zoning map referred to in Section 320 -5, Article II of the Zoning Code, is hereby amended by changing the classification of the portion of the Site from Private Open Space (POS) to Sixth Density Residential (R6), as shown on Schedule `A' annexed hereto and forming part of this By -law. 4. Notwithstanding Sections 320 -18A, 320 -18B, 320C, 320 -76 and 320 -77 of the Zoning Code of the former City of Etobicoke, the following development standards, as set out in Sections 5 through 12 of this By -law, shall apply to the Site: 5. Permitted Uses No building or structure shall be erected or used on the Site except for the following uses: (a) Area II shall be used for, and only for, surface parking for the Old Mill Complex provided that ancillary landscaped features may also be provided in conjunction with the said parking; (b)' Area III shall be used for, and only for, the currently existing uses at the Old Mill Complex; (c) Area I may be used for, and only for, an apartment building containing an underground parking garage that provides: 772 i) the required parking for the residents and visitors of the apartment building; ii) a minimum of 99 parking spaces designated and used solely for the Old Mill Complex; and iii) each parking space shall have a width of 2.6 metres and a depth of 5.6 metres and be serviced by an access drive isle having a width of at least 6 metres at all points. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (c), i) the following, and only the following additional uses shall be permitted within Area I as accessory uses to the apartment building and underground parking garage permitted within Area I by subsection (c): a covered ramp for the underground parking garage; television antennae; podiums; exterior stairs; garbage enclosures; stair enclosures; and ventilation shafts; ii) a temporary sales office shall be permitted within Area I and Area II for the purpose of marketing and sales related to the apartment building permitted within Area I by subsection (c); iii) the surface parking, existing as of January 1, 2008 for the Old Mill Complex, shall continue to be permitted on Area I until such time as the apartment building and underground parking garage permitted within Area I by subsection (c) is constructed. 6. Maximum Number of Residential Units A maximum of 84 dwelling units shall be permitted within the apartment building permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c). 7. Gross Floor Area A maximum Gross Floor Area of 16,000 square metres shall be permitted within the apartment building and underground parking garage permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c). 8. Maximum Height 773 The maximum height of the apartment building and underground parking garage permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c) shall be as shown on Schedule "B ", annexed hereto and forming part of this By -law. 9. Setbacks / Building Envelope No part of the apartment building and underground parking garage permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c) shall be located other than within the Building Envelope shown on Schedule "B ", with the exception of: (a) below grade structures and ramps erected or provided within Area I; and (b) Minor Projections. 10. Parking and Loading Requirements for the apartment building and the Old Mill Complex: . (a) Bicycle Parking — a minimum 53 bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for the apartment building permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c); (b) Residential — a minimum ratio of 1.2 parking spaces per dwelling unit for 2- bedroom units and 1.35 parking spaces per dwelling unit for units with three or more bedrooms. An additional 0.2 parking spaces shall be provided and reserved for the exclusive use of visitors; (c) No part of Area I shall be used for surface parking; and (d) In addition to parking required by subsection (a), a minimum of 99 parking spaces shall also be provided and maintained by and for the Old Mill Complex as follows: (i) at least 99 parking spaces shall be provided and maintained in the underground parking garage to be constructed and provided within the apartment building permitted within Area I by subsection 5 (c); and (j) any additional parking beyond the required 99 parking spaces may be provided within the surface parking lot permitted within Area II by subsection 5(a). 11. Landscape Open Space A minimum of 30% of Area 1 shall be reserved for Landscape Open Space. 12. Indoor Amenity Space A minimum of 2.5 square metres of Indoor Amenity Space shall be provided for each dwelling unit, within the apartment building permitted within Area I by subsection 5(c). 774 13. Despite any existing or future severance, partition, or division of the site, the provisions of this by -law shall apply to the whole site as if not severance, partition or division occurred; 14. For the purposes of this by -law, the provisions of Section 304 -3 Definitions of the Zoning Code of the former City to Etobicoke shall apply with the following changes: "Area I ", "Area II" and "Area III" shall each mean respectively those portions of the Site as delineated and identified as "Area I ", "Area II" and "Area III" on Schedule "C" annexed hereto. "Building Envelope" — means a Building Envelope as delineated on Schedule "B" annexed hereto. "Old Mill Complex" — means the restaurant, banquet hall, chapel, hotel and spa facilities located within Area III on January 1, 2008. "Grade" — shall be geodetic elevation of 88.85 metres. "Gross Floor Area" — shall be the total area of all floors in a building between the outside faces of the exterior walls, except for parking areas for motor vehicles, mechanical floor area, indoor amenity areas, unenclosed balconies and storage rooms where the floor level is at least 0.6 metres below grade. "Height" — means the vertical distance between the geodetic Grade of the building and the highest point of the roof surface of the building, but shall exclude mechanical equipment, mechanical penthouses, parapets, architectural elements, stairs and stair enclosures located on the roof of such building provided the maximum height of the top of such elements, excluding decorative features, is no higher than 3 metres above the height limit otherwise applicable to the said building. "Site" — shall mean the lands described in Schedule "A" annexed hereto "Mechanical Floor. Area" — means a room or enclosed area, including its enclosing walls within a building or structure above or below grade that is used exclusively for the accommodation of heating, cooling, ventilating, electrical, mechanical (other than escalators), elevator shafts or telecommunications equipment that serves only such building. "Minor Projection" — means minor building elements which may project from the main wall of the building into the required yards and Building Envelope setbacks, including roof eaves, window sills, railings, cornices, guard rails, balustrades and bay windows, doors, including revolving doors, canopies, exterior stairs, wheelchair and covered ramps, parapets and vents to a maximum projection of 1.5 metres. 775 "Indoor Amenity Area" — means a common area or areas which are provided for the exclusive use of residents of a building for recreational or social purposes. 14. Pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act, the heights and density of development permitted by this exception are permitted subject to compliance with the conditions set out in this exception and in return for the provision by the owner of the Site of the facilities, services and matters set out in this Section, the provisions of which shall be secured by an agreement or agreements pursuant to Section 37(3) of the Planning Act and in a form satisfactory to the City with conditions providing for indexed escalation of financial contributions, no credit for development charges, indemnity, insurance, GST, termination and unwinding, and registration and priority of agreement. Upon execution and registration of an agreement or agreements with the owner of the Site, pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act, securing the provision of the facilities, services and matters set out herein, the Site is subject to the provisions of this exception, provided that in the event the said agreement(s) requires the provision of a facility, service or matter as a precondition to the issuance of a building permit, the owner may not erect or use such building until the owner has satisfied the said requirements. The owner of the Site, at the owner's expense and in accordance with, and subject to the agreements referred to above, shall provide or fund the following facilities, services and /or matters on terms satisfactory to the City of Toronto, in order to permit the increase in gross floor area and height authorized under this exception regulation: (a) Contribution of $500,000.00 to the City for park improvements within the vicinity of the subject site including Kings Mill Park, Etienne Brule Park and Park Lawn Park such as play areas, water play, running track and amenities such as pathways, seating, trash bins, etc., at the discretion of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, to be paid prior to the issuance of the first above -grade building permit; and (b) Contribution of $100,000.00 to the City of Toronto to be applied, as determined by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Ward Councillor, for Heritage improvements along the Humber River from Dundas Street to Lake Ontario, at the discretion of the, to be paid prior to an occupancy permit (c) costs of new municipal infrastructure and improvements and upgrades to existing municipal infrastructure to support the development as required by and satisfactory to the Executive Director, Technical Services; (d) any other condition to ensure the orderly development of the lands as required by the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; 776 (f) the securing of building materials for the proposed building, to the satisfaction of the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; • (g) the fulfilment of all environmental matters to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning; and (h) streetscape improvements to Old Mill Road to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Technical Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. ENACTED AND PASSED this day of , A.D. 2008 DAVID R. MILLER, ULLI WATKISS Mayor City Clerk 777 TORONTO Schedule 'A' BY -LAW M85.°03' 20"W 15.17m N82' 35' C•0 "= 14.30in\ j \ ! N5 °:79'40 "W 14.21m N88 °59'40 "w 73.20m 1119° 29' iti ":v; 44.40x. N85.43'30 "?' 4.57m ;0;10° 25 50 "C 20x1 n73 °33'00'w 9.36m N23'47'30 'd I.I1r. ' cn.53 1.9u1.-) 6.96m r:m N71 .50' 30 'w i z9.12m POs 15.2!m r4.'Fm 6 1 sOm- n85•'43'3U"w 6. !Cm I.2•_m -5.15m NG9' 57' 2C• "0 f 22. 53rn 1164 4 41'!rW ' 4 0.10x, ;• Kto6" 94' 00'W I— 40.23m 133.71m •\ N73•46'5O "E R= 132.28 A=31.65 C =31.57 N6G'S3' iG`': 7.946m OLD MILL ROAD NOTE: BEAPING5 .1N0 CIt4ENS[O;.S rAKEN FRO ".1 A PLAN OF SURVEY Oct) r;c.2U,71 SUEIMJTED BY J. VIN <LERS SUR•:CYING L-D. P,187' 17' 50 "E R= 132.20 A=31.54 C =31.46 PART OF LOTS 21 & 22 AND PART OF BLOCK 'C' REGISTERED PLAN M -385 AND PART OF LOT 1 REGISTERED PLAN M-416 AND PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2 CONCESSION 2 FROM THE BAY, HUMBER RANGE CITY OF TORONTO •1ppliC al'a N'_ -e I SANTEK INVESTMENTS (2000) INC. ksscssmor1 VCD Zpr ng Cado klovis 6d, Nn,;16_197220 Or pang Np, 06_1972'23_;x1 tlr p•' 0 <p a a-. 911 LCsf= �m 20 60 778 Id..TOROMII Schedule 'B' BY -LAW OLD MILL ROAD AP.FA OF MErNAMCAt PfNTM01451: NOT 1l) k'k( I ) SO% OF THE 13th FLOOR ROOF AREA NOR EXTEND MORE T-MN 3.6m ABOVE 8th FLOOR ELEVATION /I/ 9.215m OLD MILL ROAD MCE - MAXIMUM OkO,A I IC FLWA I10.N+ PART OF LOTS 21 8 22 AND PART OF BLOCK 'C' REGISTERED PLAN M -385 AND PART OF LOT 1 REGISTERED PLAN M-416 AND PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2 CONCESSION 2 FROM THE BAY, HUMBER RANGE CITY OF TORONTO Aji'IICG'I'5 Nine I SANTEK INVESTMENTS (2000) INC. Assesamtrt M:p CIO 7cri-q Cnde ■ap /r IVO F).1 too. C6 1977;0 OruAing `.o. CG '9:77. d,e I Cnc+^ Py= K.P. G O 1P U A OC' ♦5 779 TORONTO Schedule 'C' BY —LAW 780 , . — � -,. • .,>o.f . AREA 2 �`� � ..te �i '; • >` ... ∎ mr� r AREA 3 sl ill i ( 11; _ 1 \ 1 fiJ• r• g I PART OF LOTS 21 & 22 AND PART OF BLOCK 'C' REGISTERED PLAN M -385 AND PART OF LOT 1 REGISTERED PLAN M -416 AND PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2 CONCESSION 2 FROM THE BAY, HUMBER RANGE CITY OF TORONTO Apn11:c -I's 1.,rr =' 1 SANTEK INVESTMENTS (2000) INC. Acgr,S?ngn) Vcp D•:) i:;11-:n9 coo 11cp /y 010 7 40 .50 • p, `de 'ro. 36_197220 Drnring K: 06_197220_123 Ororr 9y F.F 20 60 780 Attachment 2 781 Attachment 3 DRAFT TRCA COMMENTS Overview of the Proposal We understand that the proposal is to develop as per the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment approved in principal by City Council at its meeting of March 3, 4 and 5, 2008. Council approval in principal will result in the redesignation of the subject property from Private • Open Space (Site Specific) to different designations. to allow for a 10 storey, residential building over a four storey underground parking structure designed to accommodate parking for residential owners and visitors, as well as visitors to the Old Mill facility. The proposal is situated over the existing upper paved surface parking lot located across from the Old Mill facility. Floodplain Management 1. The proposal has been modified to reflect a reduced building footprint in order to avoid the location of a restrictive covenant over the lower parking lot. The revised proposal results in a reduced amount of fill within the floodplain while retaining the proposed cut. This has been confirmed through a review of the Letter from Page + Steele dated July 10, 2008 and Drawing No. A -1.2, Site Plan, prepared by Page + Steele, Revision No. 2, revised July 7, 2008. As such, we are satisfied that there will be no impacts to the floodplain as a result of the proposal. 2. As the lands may be subject to flooding during construction, the owner shall make arrangements satisfactory to TRCA indemnifying TRCA from any liability and costs due to property damage, injury or loss of life due to flooding during construction, until the reconstructed slope is complete and functional from a flood plain management perspective. 3. As the lands may be subject to flooding during construction, the owner shall prepare and implement a Construction Mitigation Plan to address, among others, procedures for mitigating the loss of life and property during construction in the event of a flood event, and implementing all requirements under TRCA permitting authority including erosion and sediment control and protection of fisheries. 4. To avoid impacts to flood conveyance and storage, soils must not be stockpiled in the floodplain during construction. Stormwater Management 5. Section 5.0, Allowable Release Rate, of the SWM Report indicates that in Section 2.2.3.8 (third paragraph of General Guidelines) of the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Guideline (WWFMG) identifies flows from properties buffering watercourses can be controlled from the 5 year storm to the 2 year storm. We could not locate this criterion within Section 2.2.3.8 of the WWFMG. Please confirm the location of this criterion within the WWFMG. 782 6. A water storage tank along with a 125mm diameter orifice at the tank outlet is proposed on the P4 level to provide water quantity control. The invert of the tank outlet pipe is proposed at 77.1 m, however the 2 year water level at this reach of Humber River is approximately 77.2m. Therefore, the tank outlet will be submerged during most storm events. Please provide supporting calculations to ensure that the water quantity criteria will be achieved. 7. In addition, should the proposed tank overtop for reasons such as blockage of the 125mm diameter orifice, what contingency plan is in place to ensure that the quantity control criteria is achieved and flooding of the P4 level will not occur? 8. The drainage through the proposed 250mm diameter pipe from the storage tank to the proposed outlet will cross through the existing lower parking lot between the subject site and the Humber River. In addition, drainage under the 100 year event will also pass over the existing lower parking lot. The City is advised that the appropriate easements or agreements should be in place between the future owner(s) of the residential development and the owner of the lower parking lot. 9. A Stormceptor is proposed to provide the appropriate water quality control for the site. An STC 750 is proposed to achieve the water quality criteria based on drainage area of approximately 0.28 ha and an imperviousness of 79 %. Based on a post development runoff coefficient of 0.86, the percent impervious equates to approximately 94 %. Please confirm if the STC 750 is capable of achieving the water quality criteria with the higher imperviousness. Please provide supporting calculations. 10. A supplementary mitigation measure is required with the proposed oil grit separator to provide the appropriate water quality control. We suggest that the channel outfall should be designed as a vegetated swale to further treat the site discharge. Please provide supporting calculations to ensure the material for the vegetated swale can withstand discharge velocities from the site. 11. We assume that there is no water quality treatment for the existing parking lot between the subject site and the Humber River. We suggest that the proposed Stormceptor be sized to also treat runoff from the existing parking lot if there is potential for parking lot runoff to be conveyed to the Stormceptor. 12. Section 11.0 of the SWM Report discussed the water balance objective of the City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Management Guideline (WWFMG). Section 2.2.1.1 of the WWFMG identifies the water balance targets. The water balance target for this site is to ensure the allowable annual runoff from the site under pre - development (existing) conditions is achieved. The target allowable annual runoff calculated in the SWM Report determined the allowable annual runoff under post - development conditions. Please confirm the pre - development (existing conditions) allowable annual runoff from the site and provide supporting calculations. 13. Please note that the estimated allowable annual runoff listed in Table 3 of the WWFMG are taken from the graph (estimated annual runoff vs. imperviousness) found in Figure 2 of the WWFMG. 783 14. The rainfall table in Appendix 2 lists an annual rainfall amount of 709.8mm. Please include the snowfall volume for this location to determine the total precipitation amount. The total precipitation is the sum of evapotranspiration, runoff and infiltration. Also, the allowable annual runoff (Table 3 and Figure 2 of the WWFMG) is a percentage of the total annual precipitation. 15. The irrigation consumption rate of 16,229 L (rate of 1 inch /week over the landscaped area) as noted in a letter from Ferris + Associates dated June 27, 2008 cannot be directly converted to an evapotranspiration value. Other factors such as infiltration must be taken into account when watering the landscape areas. Please provide an evapotranspiration value for the subject area and provide supporting documentations. Please note that the evapotranspiration value from Table 3.1 of the MOE SWM Planning and Design Manual, March 2003, is approximately 515mm, which is approximately 50% of the total precipitation. 16. TRCA staff cannot support the method in which the infiltration volume was calculated on Page 11 of the SWM Report. The sum of runoff and infiltration is equivalent to surplus and not total precipitation. Please confirm the infiltration /on -site retention volume required to achieve the allowable annual runoff under pre - development (existing) conditions. 17. The proposed storage tank located at level P4 is sized to include the required volume to provide on -site retention of 5mm for the entire site. An additional 16 m3 of storage for the on -site retention will be provided at the bottom portion of the proposed storage tank. Please confirm if and what additional mitigation measure(s) will be provided (infiltration /retain on -site as required in Comment No. 16, above) to achieve the allowable annual runoff under pre - development (existing) conditions. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan 18. Please refer to the Erosion and Sediment Control Guideline, prepared for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Conservation Authorities, December 2006. The Guideline can be downloaded from TRCA's Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program at www.sustainabletechnologies.ca. Please include the location, details and supporting calculations (if necessary) for all ESC measures proposed. 19. Drawing No. 1, Sediment and Erosion Control Plan, illustrates a silt fence along the north edge of the existing lower parking lot. Given that no soils should be stockpiled in the floodplain, and we assume that much of the lower parking lot will remain functional, the location of the silt fence should be revised so that only the minimum required construction staging area is isolated. • 20. A silt fence does not filter runoff but rather it acts as a linear barrier creating ponding to allow particles to settle out. Also, the geotextile should be buried a minimum of 200mm. Please edit the text in the Notes accordingly. 784 21. The Notes section of the Sediment and Erosion Control Plan illustrates and discusses measures for the two phases of construction. In comment No. 9 above, we recommend that the outlet channel be designed as a vegetated swale to provide additional water quality control. Also, the filter bag must be located a minimum of 10m from a warmwater stream and the filter bag should be placed upstream of a vegetated filter strip. Please update the Notes accordingly. 22. Although wheel washing is proposed, a mud mat may be more appropriate to ensure sediment is not tracked off the construction area onto adjacent roads. Please illustrate the location and details of the mud mat. 23. A Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is dynamic. Please add a note with wording similar to "The erosion and sediment control strategies outlined on this plan are not static and may need to be upgraded /amended as site conditions change to prevent sediment releases to the natural environment." Slope Stability 24. The recommendations in the Slope Stability Investigation are acceptable. The slope will be reconstructed as a "stable" slope and planted with native species. However, we recommend that the following be secured in the Site Plan Agreement: a. The reconstructed slope shall be constructed according to the recommendations of the Slope Stability Assessment, prepared by MCR, dated September 2008, received by City of Toronto on December 2, 2008; b. A geotechnical consultant shall be retained during slope reconstruction to verify the adequacy of the grades and compaction parameters based on approved soil type; and c. Slope construction works shall not take place during wet or frost conditions. Natural Heritage Impact Study /Habitat Improvement Plan 25. We note that the Scoped NHIS and Drawing Nos. 1 and 2, prepared by Gartner Lee, dated August 2008 is the same submission reviewed by Urban Forestry Services in their letters of November 2, 2008. In addition, Drawing Nos. SPLO, SPL1 and SPL3 have not substantially changed. The comments in that letter have not been addressed, per the second letter from Urban Forestry dated January 19, 2009. As such, TRCA staff will not review the details of the planting plans until an adequate resubmission is provided. We offer the following comments that should be addressed in a resubmission: 785 a. The proposal to improve habitat on the reconstructed slope and the adjacent public lands combined with the three to one tree replacement ratio for all removals is acceptable in principal, subject to meeting the requirements of the City of Toronto Urban Forestry staff. Given Community Council direction to hold a community meeting to receive input on the proposed habitat improvements, we request that the proponent continue to discuss and solidify the proposed location(s) for the off -site plantings in the Humber Watershed with TRCA Restoration Services staff. This will also involve consultation with City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff. b. The entire habitat improvement program should be costed, confirmed by both TRCA Restoration Services staff and City of Toronto Urban Forestry staff, and the appropriate value secured per City standards. c. We understand that the City has reviewed a Parking Supply and Operation Study and the recommended number of parking spaces for the Old Mill operation is 420. Recognizing that overflow parking at the Old Mill is problematic, the proposed underground parking plus the existing (re- striped) lower parking lot will ultimately provide 431 parking spaces. Given that the lower parking lot is located in a floodplain, we recommend that consideration be made to minimizing the amount of hard surface and parking at risk of flooding in the lower parking lot through the Site Plan approval process. Therefore, we recommend that any excess hard surfaces not suitable for parking be subject to the approved habitat improvement plan and conveyed to the TRCA. Recommendation In Tight of the above, we request that the applicant address the above comments with revised documents, as necessary. The resubmission should include a cover letter outlining how each comment has been addressed, using the numbering scheme above. Upon satisfactory review of the revised materials, TRCA staff will be in a position to provide conditions of approval and /or requirements to be included in the Site Plan Agreement. These conditions and /or requirements will include, but may not be limited to, the following: 1. The owner shall make arrangements satisfactory to TRCA indemnifying TRCA from any liability and costs due to property damage, injury or loss of life due to flooding during and after construction, until the reconstructed slope is complete and functional from a • flood plain management perspective. 2. The owner shall prepare and implement a Construction Mitigation Plan to address, among others, procedures for mitigating the loss of life and property during construction in the event of a flood event, and implementing all requirements under TRCA permitting authority including erosion and sediment control and protection of fisheries. 3. The owner shall not stockpile soils in the floodplain during construction. 4. The owner shall ensure the following: 786 a. The reconstructed slope shall be constructed according to the recommendations of the Slope Stability Assessment, prepared by MCR, dated September 2008, received by City of Toronto on December 2, 2008; b. A geotechnical consultant shall be retained during slope reconstruction to verify the adequacy of the grades and compaction parameters based on approved soil type; and c. Slope construction works shall not take place during wet or frost conditions. 5. The owner agrees to fund the habitat improvement plans as outlined in the Scoped Natural Heritage Impact Study, and Drawing Nos. , prepared by Gartner Lee, dated _, revised on _, and received by City of Toronto on 6. Subject to the agreement of City Planning and City Transportation Services staff, the owner shall enter into an agreement to convey to the TRCA and implement a portion of the approved habitat improvement plan on a block of-land in the lower parking lot floodplain equivalent to the area of hard surface identified as being not suitable for parking in the approved Site Plan Drawings /Agreement, if any, prior to the release of any permits under the Conservation Authorities Act, to TRCA satisfaction. 7. The owner is advised that a TRCA permit under Ontario Regulation 166/06 or its successors is required prior to proceeding with any development within the Regulated Area. We request the opportunity to finalize the habitat improvement plan prior to attending the community meeting. 787 RES. #A307/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: 2008 MEDIA SUMMARY Summary of 2008 media coverage for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Suzan Hall Gay Cowbourne THAT staff report in early 2010 on 2009 marketing and communications activities. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Business Excellence Advisory Board Meeting #1/06, held on March 3, 2006, the members requested an overview of media coverage for Toronto and'Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Staff provided a summary of the media coverage in community newspapers, major daily newspapers and electronic media (TV /radio) from 2003 -2005 in April 2006. At that time, staff agreed to provide an annual three -year comparison summary. As noted in the 2007 media summary, even though the quantity of TRCA's tracked media coverage has declined, there is an increase in high -value articles, as well as increased demand for expert interviews of staff, indicating that TRCA is viewed as a dependable source of information on the environment and climate change. This trend has continued to escalate. Therefore, we are refocusing our media tracking efforts on qualitative versus quantitative coverage, recognizing the value is realized in the quality, not necessarily the quantity. This effort will be reinforced by the preparation and submission of bylined articles and opposite the editorial page (op ed) to major dailies and community newspapers. TRCA's new website will also offer the opportunity for a more diverse and informative Media Room; TRCA `expert' lists and story ideas will populate.this section, in addition to our standard content (e.g., media release archive, etc.). As TRCA continues to expand our partnerships with such high - profile organizations such as BILD (Building, Industry and Land Development), the Archetype Sustainable House project partner, we reap the benefit of their media efforts, with name and logo inclusion on their external communications materials. Throughout 2008, TRCA continued to use a web -based media - tracking service, FPinfomart.ca, owned by Infomart, a CanWest Mediaworks venture. The cost savings realized with the termination of our service agreement with Cision (former media - tracking service provider) in 2007, allowed us to improve the circulation reach of TRCA media advisories and releases through our media distribution service provider, CNW Group (formerly Canada NewsWire). 788 Unpaid Print Media Coverage (2006 -2008) Month 2006 • 2007 2008 January 46 33 23 February 63 20 30 .. March 119 47 78 April 72 47 29 May 103 82 57 June 97 35 39 July 87 77 36 August 81 51 44 September 74 25 25 October 85 . 31 36 November 62 39 21 December 35 10 18 TOTAL 924 497 436 Variances The consistent decrease in media coverage month -to -month is attributable to the combination of four factors: 1. The migration to online coverage in response to the public's increasing use of the web -based information sources like Toronto.com and Toronto4kids.com. This coverage is not reflected in the media summary. (FPinfomart tracks Internet articles on websites run by conventional media outlets. It does not track informational sites such as the above.) 2. The concentration of media relations on higher impact media activities, like in -depth articles in 'tier -one' media outlets (e.g., Toronto Star, CBC Radio, etc.). 3. TRCA does not monitor broadcast coverage as it is cost prohibitive. However, there is evidence of increased broadcast coverage of events like the Maple Syrup Festival and flood warnings. 4. The 2008 numbers are not an accurate comparison to prior years' data as we no longer report mentions in events listings. With reference to qualitative versus the quantitative, the following are examples of 'excellence beyond the numbers': • 2008 yielded front -page coverage in major dailies on three occasions. The spring salmon release at Claremont Field Centre, for example, was attended by three major dailies— Toronto Star, Toronto Sun and the National Post —and the event was not only featured on the front -page of two dailies but also on the online versions for all three. There was also community newspaper, local television (Rogers) and radio (CBC's Here and Now) coverage. • TRCA invited a Toronto Star reporter (Peter Gorie) and photographer to accompany a TRCA guide down the Don River during the Paddle the Don event in May, 2008. This invitation netted TRCA front -page coverage of the event, as well as an additional full -page of coverage within section A. With awareness of the state of our environment on the rise, TRCA is also reaching celebrity paddlers —John Moore of CFRB paddled the Don this year and promoted the event on his radio talk show. 789 • The Boyd Archaeological Field School had not been made a focus of media efforts in the past and when approached by TRCA's Archaeologist to assist with raising awareness of the program to garner additional enrollment for the 2008 program, TRCA 'rode on the coattails' of the Indiana Jones movie release, with resounding success, resulting in obtaining bookings for both the 2008 and 2009 programs. TRCA realized print (community newspapers, the Toronto Star and Metro), online and live television coverage (City TV's Breakfast Television and Rogers Daytime). • TRCA's work at Tommy Thompson Park is also gaining media and public awareness, as is the park itself. TRCA staff are now recognized bird and wildlife experts in the media. In addition to multiple interviews in 2008 with major dailies, staff appeared on Breakfast Television, as well as YTV, a national television station with a reach of over eight million tweens and teens. • Restoration-Services division staff had the opportunity to take a Toronto Star reporter and two production companies (producing national documentaries) electrofishing in the summer of 2008. The interest from the production companies was garnered from the Toronto Star article. Website Increasingly, people are receiving information about TRCA directly from TRCA websites. In recognition of this, TRCA has invested in a new website, to be launched in 2009. In the 2007 media summary report, it was also recommended that staff provide a detailed tracking of TRCA's website as a means of gaining additional information about how members of the public are finding out about TRCA's events, education and watershed activities. With the utilization of Google Analytics, TRCA retrieved the following data, which will serve as a baseline for tracking website traffic and navigation moving forward. With the launch of our new website in early 2009, TRCA will be afforded the ability to monitor website traffic in greater detail. www.trca.on.ca: Key Visitor Statistics January 1, 2008 — December 31, 2008 Total visits to site 615,420 Number of unique visitors 356,644 Total number of pageviews 2,029,558 Average number of pageviews per visit 3.30 Average time on site 2 minutes 26 seconds Summary This concerted effort to raise awareness of TRCA's areas of expertise has realized substantial results, with an estimated monetary value in excess of $500,000, and TRCA will be taking a substantive proactive approach in 2009 in an effort to build on this momentum. 790 Over the past decade, TRCA has relied on the services and support of external public relations /affairs firms. However, TRCA's needs as an organization have changed such that we . must become more intimately engaged with the public, our partners (current and future), and the media. Therefore, TRCA is changing the approach for 2009, with a concerted focus on sourcing, writing and promoting TRCA's 'stories'. Upon review of our media/public relations service, staff has determined that TRCA will be well -served to internalize the role previously provided by external agencies. The recruitment of a full -time employee in lieu of an external agency to support TRCA's public and media relations efforts is a wise investment. Unlike external support, an internal individual would garner intimate knowledge of the organization, its staff and objectives, enabling more timely, accurate and consistent messaging: Also recognizing the value of the followings of such online social networks'as Facebook and Youtube, TRCA.has branched our promotional efforts into this realm as well, including the creation of a page in Facebook for Paddle the Don and posting of the Charles Sauriol Annual Dinner invitational video on Youtube. FINANCIAL DETAILS TRCA will continue with the now expanded media coverage tracking service of FPinfomart, at an annual fee of approximately $1,500. Cost savings for the yearly membership fee with FPinfomart have been realized by the multiple license agreement obtained by Conservation Ontario and the participation of over a dozen conservation authorities in this valuable service. Funds have been reallocated for the external public relations agency from the Corporate Communications Contract Services budget to cover the costs for the new internal staff complement. The funds for the annual fee for FPinfomart, as well as the support of CNW Group are budgeted for in TRCA's 2009 Preliminary Operating and Capital Estimates for Corporate Communications. Report prepared by: Adrienne Langston, extension 5201 Emails: alangston@trca.on.ca For Information contact: Lisa Hastings -Beck, extension 5632 Emails: lhastingsbeck@trca.on.ca Date: January 19, 2009 RES. #A308/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: • PERMEABLE PAVEMENT AND BIORETENTION SWALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT Final report on the. permeable pavement and bioretention swale demonstration project at Seneca College's King Campus. Jack Heath Glenn De Baeremaeker 791 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the staff report on the permeable pavement /bioretention swale project be received. AMENDMENT RES. #A309/08 Moved by Seconded by: Jack Heath Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the following replace the main motion: THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's member municipalities be requested to consider adopting permeable pavement and bioretention swale standards as part of their development standards. THE AMENDMENT WAS THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: CARRIED CARRIED THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's member municipalities be requested to consider adopting permeable pavement and bioretention swale standards as part of their development standards. BACKGROUND Many of the adverse impacts of urban development on watercourses stem from the Toss of natural infiltration and evapotranspiration functions as pervious vegetated areas are replaced . with buildings and paved surfaces. When less rainwater infiltrates and evapotranspires, more runs off over the surface, leading to increased flood risk, channel erosion, poor water quality and ultimately degradation of aquatic habitat. Permeable pavement and bioretention swales help to prevent these undesired consequences by preserving or re- instating natural hydrologic functions that existed prior to development. While these stormwater infiltration practices have been implemented on some lands in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), broader uptake has been limited due to concerns about their long term effectiveness in cold climates, maintenance requirements, the potential for infiltrated .stormwater to contaminate soil and groundwater resources, higher costs relative to conventional stormwater practices and other factors. Constructed in 2004 and monitored for a 30 month period from 2005 to 2008, this demonstration project helps to address these concerns by evaluating the benefits and limitations of the technologies under climate and soil conditions representative of watersheds in the GTA. Permeable pavement refers to a group of technologies that reduces surface runoff by allowing rainwater to seep through the road surface. This group includes porous asphalt, pervious concrete, plastic grid systems and interlocking concrete blocks. This project evaluates a specific concrete block paver design (manufactured by Unilock) as a representative example of a type of permeable pavement that has shown promise under cold weather conditions. 792 Bioretention swales consist of small excavated depressions at the curbside that allow runoff from paved surfaces to pond and infiltrate along the conveyance path. The vegetation, mulch and soils in the swale are specially selected to enhance infiltration and retain and filter contaminants in the upper soil layers before water passes through the system into the groundwater or underground drainage system. Bioretention swales provide a useful complement to permeable pavement where tight soils limit infiltration rates under the pavement itself. The study was conducted on a parking lot at Seneca College's campus'in King City, Ontario on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The area lies within the Humber River watershed, and drains to a tributary of the East Humber River. The Clay loam glacial till soils at this site are representative of soil texture in many urban and urbanizing areas within Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) jurisdiction. Several older permeable pavement and bioretention swale sites with ages ranging between 2 and over 18 years were also surveyed to assess the effect that age may have on the performance of the two infiltration technologies. The-main study site was specially designed and constructed in the summer and fall of 2004 to facilitate evaluation of the various benefits and limitations of the two technologies. The parking lot was divided into three equal sized sections for the permeable pavement, bioswale and a conventional asphalt control area (Figure 1). Parking lot runoff was collected both at the road surface level and as infiltrate from the native soil approximately 1.5 metres beneath the permeable pavement and bioswale. The permeable pavement and bioswale areas were lined with an impermeable plastic membrane overlaid with weeping tile to allow monitoring of water passing through the granular base course and native soils. All monitoring equipment was located underground in a large sampling vault and was powered by a combination of a wind turbine and three solar panels (installed in the summer of 2005). Tests of pavement structural integrity were conducted in 2007/08 by staff from the University of Waterloo Centre of Pavement and Transportation Technology. Three interim reports and a final report have been prepared as part of this study. The final report for the project was completed in November 2008 and is available on TRCA's Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) website ( ww.sustainabletechnologies.ca). The report includes a review of literature on permeable pavement and bioretention swales, describes the overall study design and•presents results for the period between September 2005 and June 2008. Study results show that permeable pavement and bioretention swales offer significant advantages over conventional impervious pavement drainage systems. The main study findings include the following: • Permeable pavement infiltrated virtually all rainfall for events up to approximately 50 mm. Surface runoff was observed during only one event, during which 72 mm of rain fell over a five hour period. • The bioretention swale operated within its design capacity, infiltrating all runoff during events with rainfall depths of less than 15 to 20 mm. The swale experienced overflows during larger events because of limited storage on top of the swale. • Bioretention swale runoff volumes from the underdrain were less than the permeable pavement site even when the swale did not overflow because some runoff is held in the root zone and released to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. 793 • The permeable pavement and bioretention swale reduced peak flow rates by over 95% relative to the control pavement area. Runoff was stored and released over a period of several days after each rain event. • Tests of surface infiltration on permeable pavements showed that older sites tended to have lower rates (36 mm /h) than newer installations (1200 mm /h). The difference can be largely attributed to the use of sand instead of gravel in the construction of the older permeable pavements. Since sand clogs much more quickly than gravel, most permeable pavement guidelines developed over the last five years recommend that bases be constructed with clear stone free of sand or fine particles. • Both infiltration technologies provide good `removal' of typical parking lot contaminants, such as zinc, lead and hydrocarbons. Concentrations of TSS, nutrients, hydrocarbons and most metals in the permeable pavement infiltrate were generally comparable to or better than effluent concentrations from more traditional stormwater practices such as ponds. • Phosphorus and undegraded oils from the organic rich bioswale soils resulted in elevated levels of these constituents in the bioswale infiltrate. • As expected, chloride and sodium from road salts moved readily through the soils into the underdrains of both infiltration practices. The road salts were also suspected to have increased the mobility of trace metals, although further investigation is required to determine the conditions and mechanisms by which this may occur. • Surveys of subsoils from seven older permeable pavement parking lots (4 to 17 years) and five older bioswales or ditches (2 to over 18 years) indicated soil contaminant levels well below the levels that would trigger the need for remediation or landfilling. • Tests of pavement structural integrity using a portable falling weight deflectometer at the Seneca and Earth Rangers sites indicated that the asphalt and permeable pavements were comparable in strength. The seven ,older permeable pavement sites were determined from visual observation to be in good structural condition with few signs of slumping or heaving caused by freeze /thaw cycles within the base course layer. Based on study results, the report offers a series of recommendations on the design and maintenance of permeable pavements and bioswales, and identifies topics requiring further investigation. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Since initiation of monitoring in 2005, TRCA staff has conducted over 40 tours of the study site, prepared reports and conference papers, presented study results at forums across Canada and in the United States, and have established a strong presence on the internet,'both through our own website and those of other organizations. In tandem with these activities, and the growing regional focus on green infrastructure technologies, has come a ballooning interest in permeable pavements among developers, consultants and municipalities, and a rising number of proposals for these infiltration technologies in development site plans. TRCA staff will continue to conduct group tours of the site and present final results at conferences and workshops. Study results will also be used to develop water management guidelines for application of these technologies on new and reconstructed parking lots. It is anticipated that the guidelines and the more detailed study results will serve as an essential resource for developers and consultants that are considering the implementation of these technologies for stormwater management. 794 The Seneca College demonstration site remains an important centre for long term research on permeable pavements and bioretention swales. Hence, flows and water levels will continue.to be monitored at a reduced level of intensity over the next four years. The overwhelming interest in the permeable pavement research has prompted initiation of a second phase of this project on the parking lot at TRCA's Kortright Centre for Conservation. This site was selected as the preferred location for the phase II project as the•Kortright Centre is recognized as a centre of research on sustainable technologies and TRCA's ownership of the property presents a unique opportunity to tailor the design, construction and maintenance of the site to the specific needs of the study. Although still in the planning stages, the proposal for phase II of the project expands on the earlier evaluation by examining a wider range of permeable pavements, including porous asphalt and pervious concrete, and investigating additional questions about bioswale and porous pavement technologies not addressed in the previous study. FINANCIAL DETAILS Table 1 lists project partners and funding contributions for each of the past four fiscal years ending March 31st. Table 1: Partner contributions Partner 2004/05 ($000) 2005/06 ($000) 2006/07 ($000) 2007/08 ($000) The Great Lakes Sustainability Fund 20 25 25 0 Fisheries and Oceans Canada 0 0 10 10 Environment Canada 15 17.5 17.5 12.5 Ontario Ministry of the Environment 15 17.5 17.5 12.5 Toronto, York, Peel 20 30 30 30 City of Markham 0 0 0 10 Cement Association of Canada 0 0 5 0 Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute 0 0 5 0 Wall Mart- 0 10 0 0 Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation 0 25 0 0 Pat and John McCutcheon Foundation 0 20 0 0 Total 70 145 110 75 795 Construction costs for this study were approximately $88,000.00 which included labour, construction material purchases, machinery rental and landscaping. Approximately $38,000 in donated materials was supplied by Unilock, Hanson Canada, Layfield Geotextiles and EMCO Ltd.. Seneca College provided the wind turbine, one solar panel and some of the electrical supply materials (approximately $15,000). Laboratory services were supplied by the Ministry of Environment's Laboratory Services Branch (valued at roughly $75,000 over three years). Report prepared by: Tim Van Seters, extension 5337 Emails: tvanseters @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Tim Van Seters, extension 5337 Emails: tvanseters @trca.on.ca Date: January 9, 2009 Attachments: 1 796 Attachment 1 Parking Lot Design 4 • E N M 0:1E I N 26.4 m f 8.8 m Asphalt Parking Lot Parking Curbs 8.8 m Asphalt Parking Lot 8.8 m 0 V 0 Permeable Pavement Parking Lot 0 Bioretention Swale 0 0 - , j` -..- Surface Flow —> Subsurface Flow 0 Water Level Sensors Trough • Trough N 1 1 Monitoring Area 797 3.7 m 0.8 m Infiltration Basin c,,) and Overflow Io = - - . RES. #A310/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: EARTH RANGERS FOUNDATION Request for Lease Amendment, CFN 31514. The Earth Rangers Foundation has requested the leased area be amended. (Executive Res. #B 172/08) • Ron Moeser Linda Pabst WHEREAS The Earth Rangers Foundation (Earth Rangers) entered into a lease of certain lands within the Kortright Centre for Conservation, City of Vaughan, with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) for the construction and operation of a wildlife veterinary and rehabilitation centre; AND WHEREAS TRCA is in receipt of a request from Earth Rangers to amend the leased area. THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the leased area be amended as follows: (1) add 2,949 square metres to the leased area as shown on the survey sketch prepared by MMM Group dated December, 2008; (2) delete 3,907 square metres from the leased area as shown on the survey sketch prepared by MMM Group dated December, 2008; THAT Earth Rangers be responsible for all costs related to amending the lease; THAT an archaeological review is to be completed at the expense of Earth Rangers with any mitigative measures being carried out to the satisfaction of TRCA; THAT the granting of the lease be subject to any Planning Act approvals that may be required; THAT the granting of the lease be subject to the approval of the Minister of Natural Resources in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act. R.S.O. 1990, chapter C.27 as amended; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the lease amendment, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents. CARRIED 798 RES. #A311 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SOCCER FIELDS Bruce's Mill Conservation Area Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, CFN 31698. Request from the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville to extend the existing lease for soccer fields located within the Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, sauth of Stouffville Sideroad, east of Warden Avenue, Rouge River watershed, in the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville, Regional Municipality of York. (Executive Res. #B 173/08) • Ron Moeser Linda Pabst WHEREAS the Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville has requested an additional extension to the lease for soccer fields within the Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, south of Stouffville Sideroad and east of Warden Avenue; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the lease with the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville for soccer fields at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area be extended until December 31, 2010; AND FURTHER THAT authorized officials be directed to take whatever action is necessary to finalize the lease extension, including the obtaining of any approvals and signing and execution of documents. CARRIED RES. #A312 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CITY OF BRAMPTON Request for a permanent easement for a stormwater management facility located south of Queen Street East and west of The Gore Road, in the Claireville Conservation Area, City of Brampton, Region of Peel, CFN 32643. Receipt of a request from the City of Brampton and Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. to provide a permanent easement for a stormwater management facility located south of Queen Street East and west of The Gore Road, in the Claireville Conservation Area, City of Brampton, Humber River watershed. (Executive Res: #B 174/08) Ron Moeser Linda Pabst WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is in receipt of a request from the City of Brampton for a stormwater management facility which will assist Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. with their development in this vicinity; AND 'WHEREAS it is in the opinion of TRCA that it is in the best interests.of TRCA in furthering its objectives, as set out in Section 20 of the Conservation Authorities Act, to cooperate with the City of Brampton and Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. in this instance; 799 THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT a permanent easement containing 6.03 acres (2.44 hectares), more or less, be granted to the City of Brampton for a stormwater management facility to facilitate the development of adjacent lands owned by Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc., said land being part of Lot 4, Concession 9, City of Brampton, Regional Municipality of Peel, subject to the following terms and conditions: (a) The easement price is $1;203,003.18 which is to be paid by Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. to TRCA, plus all legal and survey costs incurred to complete the transaction; (b) In addition, Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. will provide the following restoration enhancements; (i) buffer planting along the west limit of the subdivision; (ii) tertiary wetland enhancement; and (iii) development and construction of an off -site wetland and restoration project; (c) All disturbed areas are to be restored to the satisfaction of TRCA as soon as possible after completion of construction; (d) Sediment control measures in a manner satisfactory to TRCA are to be practiced during construction; (e) Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. shall monitor the effectiveness of the facility for a two year period following construction; (f) (g) The City of Brampton is to be responsible for all repairs and /or maintenance of the stormwater management facility which may be required in perpetuity and for indemnifying TRCA from any and all claims arising from the construction and payment of all taxes; An archaeological investigation is to be conducted before any site disturbance with any mitigative measures required being carried out all at the expense of Orchard Ridge (Brampton) G.P. Inc. to the satisfaction of TRCA; (h) Any additional considerations as deemed appropriate by TRCA staff or its solicitor. THAT said easement be subject to an Order in Council being issued in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C.27 as amended; AND FURTHER THAT authorized TRCA officials be directed to take whatever action may be required to implement the easement agreement, including the obtaining of necessary approvals and the signing and execution of any documents. RES. #A313/08 - CARRIED ADVERTISING VENDORS Preferred Vendor List 2009. Preferred vendor list for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's 2009 roster of preferred advertising vendors. (Executive Res. #8175/08) 800 Moved by: Seconded by: Ron Moeser Linda Pabst THAT the roster of preferred advertising vendors for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) advertising requirements from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 be established; THAT the total cost of services contracted to the preferred advertising vendors not exceed $300,000, plus applicable taxes; AND FURTHER THAT staff conduct a review of the performance of the individual vendors to determine any changes to,the roster and budget allocation in 2010. RES. #A314/08 - COXWELL SANITARY TRUNK SEWER (Executive Res. #B 184/08) Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Jack Heath CARRIED WHEREAS a very large sanitary sewer, known as the Coxwell trunk, in the City of Toronto is showing signs of structural instability; AND WHEREAS the City of Toronto is looking at all possible options for repair or replacement of the damaged section of pipe, along with plans to twin the sewer in accordance with the Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan; AND WHEREAS failure of the existing pipe could result in the diversion of sanitary sewage to the Don River if alternative measures to contain the flow are not in place; AND WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) wants to ensure that every effort is made to contain the flows and avoid any diversion to the Don River, but recognizes that an emergency response plan must be in place to deal with any diversion that might occur should the pipe fail before a replacement mechanism for the damaged section of pipe can be put in place; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA requests the City of Toronto to take every possible action to protect the Don River from any possible sewage overflows; AND FURTHER.THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to approve Ontario Regulation 166/06 permits to the City of Toronto for the Coxwell Sanitary Trunk Sewer to facilitate an emergency overflow, a new section of sewer to bypass the damaged section, and any emergency repairs and other works associated with the implementation of an emergency response plan to deal with diversion, treatment and cleanup.of any sewage flows to the Don River and Harbour, should that become necessary between Executive Committee meetings. 801 AMENDMENT #1 RES. #A315 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Jack Heath THAT the following be inserted after the last paragraph of the main motion: THAT the City of Toronto be requested to proceed with the twinning of the Coxwell trunk as soon as possible as part of the City's comprehensive plan to reduce the frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows; AMENDMENT #2 RES. #A316 /08 Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Jack Heath THAT the following be inserted after amendment #1 to the main motion: THAT City of Toronto staff be requested to present the Emergency Reponse Plan to the Authority once developed; AND FURTHER THAT regular updates be provided to the Authority regarding the Emergency Response Plan and any measures undertaken. AMENDMENT #1 WAS CARRIED AMENDMENT #2 WAS CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED THE RESULTANT MOTION READS AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS a very large sanitary sewer, known as the Coxwell trunk, in the City of Toronto is showing signs of structural instability; AND WHEREAS the City of Toronto is looking at all possible options for repair or replacement of the damaged section of pipe, along with plans to twin the sewer in accordance with the Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan; AND WHEREAS failure of the existing pipe could result in the diversion of sanitary sewage to the Don River if alternative measures to contain the flow are not in place; 802 AND WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) wants to ensure that every effort is made t� contain the flows and avoid any diversion to the Don River, but recognizes that an emergency response plan must be in place to deal with any diversion that might occur should the pipe fail before a replacement mechanism for the damaged section of pipe can be put in place; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TRCA requests the City of Toronto to take every possible action to protect the Don River from any possible sewage overflows; THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to approve Ontario Regulation 166/06 permits to the City of Toronto for the Coxwell Sanitary Trunk Sewer to facilitate an emergency overflow, a new section of sewer to bypass the damaged section, and any emergency repairs and other works associated with the implementation of an emergency response plan to deal with diversion, treatment and cleanup of any sewage flows to the Don River and Harbour, should that become necessary between Executive Committee meetings; THAT the City of Toronto be requested to proceed with the twinning of the Coxwell trunk as soon as possible as part of the City's comprehensive plan to reduce the frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows; THAT City of Toronto staff be requested to present the Emergency Reponse Plan to the Authority once developed; AND FURTHER THAT regular updates be provided to the Authority regarding the Emergency Response Plan and any measures undertaken. SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION RES. #A317 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Laurie Bruce Suzan Hall THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 items (8.5.1 - 8.5.47, with the exception of 8.1.28 - Town of Markham), contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #11/08, held on January 16, 2009, be received. RES. #A318 /08 - SECTION 1I - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Bryan Bertie Suzan Hall 803 CARRIED THAT Ontario Regulation 166/06 item 8.1.28 - Town of Markham, contained in Section II of Executive Committee Minutes #11/08, held on January 16, 2009, be received. CARRIED RES. #A319 /08 - SECTION II - ITEMS FOR AUTHORITY INFORMATION Moved by: Seconded by: Gay Cowbourne Linda Pabst THAT Section II items 8.6 - 8.8, inclusive, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #11/08, held on January 16, 2009, be received. Section II Items 8.6 - 8.8, Inclusive PORT UNION WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PHASE 2) (Executive Res. #8180/08) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #8181 /08) OUT OF COUNTRY TRAVEL (Executive Res. #8182/08) SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD RES. #A320 /08 - Moved by: Seconded by: CARRIED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSET ACCOUNTING UPDATE • Status Report. Update on the implementation of the tangible capital asset accounting changes required by Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) Section PS 3150. Suzan Hall Gay Cowbourne IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the Tangible Capital Asset Accounting update dated January 19, 2009, be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND New accounting requirements recommended by.the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) and approved by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, are directed at aiding municipalities and government bodies better manage their tangible capital assets. Beginning with the 2009 financial reports, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and all municipalities are required to record and report their tangible capital assets in their financial statements. Capital expenditures are to be recognized as capital assets and amortized over their expected useful life. 804 As mentioned in the report to the Authority on September 19, 2008 titled "Tangible Capital Asset Accounting (TCAA) ", two phases were identified: the first phase for determining the opening balance of the assets as at January 1, 2009; and the second phase for the ongoing recording of asset changes and reporting. First Phase Update: A draft policy for TCAA has been developed and reviewed by the external auditors. Refinements are occurring as the asset inventory information is collected. The updated policy will again be reviewed by the external auditors,' and presented to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board for review. The asset categories, valuation approaches, amortization method and estimated useful life of assets have been determined and included within the policy. Asset inventory information is being collected and categorized. Site visits have occurred and general appraisal information for land is underway. For third party verification purposes, MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) has been requested to provide an electronic copy of TRCA land and residential building information from their database. This copy is expected to be received by early February. Second Phase Update: The asset information will be collected from the financial system and recorded into the asset register. The asset register is an Excel spreadsheet maintaining the data required for the financial reporting purpose. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Staff will report to the Budget/Audit Advisory Board in April 2009 with a further update. Report prepared by: Janice Darnley, extension 5768 Emails: jdarnley @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Janice Darnley, extension 5768 Emails: jdarnley @trca.on.ca Date: January 19, 2009 RES. #A321/08 - Moved by: Seconded by: SUMMARY OF REQUESTS FOR QUOTATIONS AND REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. Receipt of the 2008 year -end summary of procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate. Suzan Hall Gay Cowbourne 805 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the summary of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) procurements approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate for the July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 period be received. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/05, held on June 24, 2005, Resolution #A124/05 approved the Purchasing Policy, and resolved, in part, as follows: staff report to the Business Excellence Advisory Board semi - annually with a list of all • Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals approved by the Chief Administrative Officer pursuant to Schedule 'A'; Pursuant to the resolution quoted above, the summary of Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, is found in Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. The report includes approvals of $10,000 or greater, to the maximum allowable limit under the policy, approved by the Chief Administrative Officer or his designate. • The attached summary includes the criteria as to why non - competitive procurement was appropriate for the particular goods or services procured, as per Section 1.14 of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Purchasing Policy (Attachment 1). .As permitted under the approved policy, the Chief Administrative Officer has designated senior staff, generally including director and manager level positions, approval authority for purchases up to $10,000 (including PST but not GST as TRCA recoups GST). Report prepared by: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca For Information contact: Kathy Stranks, extension 5264 Email: kstranks @trca.on.ca Date: January 8, 2008 Attachments: 3 806 Attachment 1 TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY PURCHASING POLICY Section 1.14 Non - Competitive Procurement Process A non - competitive procurement process shall only be used if one or more of the following conditions apply and a process of negotiation is undertaken to obtain the best value in the circumstances for the TRCA. Authorized Buyers are authorized to enter into negotiations without formal competitive bids; under the following circumstances: 1. The goods and services are only available from one source or one supplier by reason of: • A statutory or market based monopoly • A fluctuating market prevents the TRCA from obtaining price protection or owing to market conditions, required goods or services are in short supply • Existence of exclusive rights (patent, copyright or licence) • Need for compatibility with goods and services previously acquired and there are no reasonable alternatives, substitutes or accommodations • Need to avoid violating warranties and guarantees where service is required 2. An attempt to purchase the required goods and services has been made in good faith using a competitive method and has failed to identify a successful supplier. 3. When the extension or reinstatement of an existing contract would prove most cost - effective or beneficial. The extension shall not exceed one year. 4. The goods and services are required as a result of an emergency, which would not reasonably permit the use of the other methods permitted. 5. The required goods and services are to be supplied by a particular vendor or supplier having special knowledge, skills, expertise or experience that cannot be provided by any other supplier. 6. Any other sole or single source purchase permitted under the provisions of this. policy including those noted in Schedule 'B'. 807 Attachment 2 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Sole Source (up to $50,000) July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 Project . Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Sole Source Criteria Ontario Stewardship Rangers Program Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 63,000.00 Criteria 1 City of Toronto Wet Weather Monitoring Program Flow Rating Curves Ontario Hydrometric Services Limited 25,356.30 Criteria 1 & 5 East Don Trail Network Detailed Engineering Design Component R.V. Anderson Associates Limited 47,500.00 Criteria 5 Relocate Picnic Shelter Dardan Construction Ltd. 16,728.76 Criteria 5 Crothers Woods Trail Alignment and Surface Upgrades for Mountain Biking Trails Sustainable Trails Ltd. - 44,714.00 Criteria 5 Supplementary Labourers for Trail Deconstruction and Reconstruction Urban Forest Associates Inc. 30,240.00 , Criteria 5 Canada Green Building Council Greater Toronto Chapter Event Management Innovolve Group 20,000.00 Criteria 5 Public Consultations for Terms of Reference for CTC Source Water Protection York Region News Group . 17,517.20 Criteria 5 Eco- Efficiency Program for Partners in Project Green Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Adyancement 10,000.00 Criteria 3 & 5 Archetype Sustainable House • Electrical Work - Bolton Electric Company Incorporated 24,000.00 Criteria 1 Metal Roofing Steel Tile Metal Roofing 20,000.00 Criteria 2 On -Site Safety Program The TRH Group 11,000.00 Criteria 2 Data Acquisition System for Energy Performance Monitoring National Instruments Canada _ _ 42,000.00 Criteria 1 Graduate Students for Energy Performance Monitoring Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems Inc. . 15,000.00 Criteria 3 & 5 Flood Forecasting Tools Consultant Services Computational Hydraulics Int. 40,260.00 Criteria 1 CTC Reports Printing Phoenix Print Shop 15,557.40 Criteria 5 Emergency Primary Underground Hydro Line Repair at Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Sturdy Power Lines Ltd. 16,042.69 Criteria 4 Analysis of Fluvial Geomorphic Data for Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks Watersheds Parish Geomorphic 25,000.00 Criteria 5 Custom Fabricated Boat Trailer Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company 11,495.00 Criteria 5 Manuals, Administration Services and Examination Materials to Conduct an Energy Workshop Canadian Solar Industries Association 27,000.00 Criteria 5 Aquatic Facility Technical Services at Albion Hills Conservation Area Harrington and Hoyle Landscape Architects 24,970.00 'Criteria 5 Environmental Equipment Wash Area for Bathurst Glen Golf Course , ESD Waste2Water, Inc. 15,500.00 Criteria 5 808 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid (up to $100,000) July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 Project . Awarded Bidder • Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Driving Range Netting System at Bathurst Glen Golf Course . Turf Net Sports Supplies 67,676.00 2 / 2 Carpet Removal and Installation at Claremont Conservation Field Centre Carpet Corral 25,779.29 3 / 3 Aquatic Playground Ticket Booth at Heart Lake Conservation Area Dardan Contracting 14,400.00 4 / 3 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 850 tonnes of 10" to 24" Round Stone to the Lake Wilcox Shoreline Restoratiori Project Glen Windrem Trucking • 37,136.50 5 / • 3 Rental Properties • Septic System Replacement at 1208 Sewells Road, Toronto CSR Services 23,100.00 4 / • 2 Septic System Replacement at 7831 14th Avenue, Markham CSR Services 23,900.00 4 / 2 Replacement of the Flat Roof at 11900 Heart Lake Road, Brampton B.W. Doucette Roofing 17,256.00 . 4 / 2 Exterior Repairs at 19305 Airport Road, Caledon Frontier Group of Companies Inc. 26,900.00 7 / 2 Exterior Repairs at 259 Pine Avenue, Palgrave FrontierGroup of Companies Inc. • 17,180.00 7 / 2 Exterior Painting of 611 Glasgow Road, Bolton Frontier Group of Companies Inc. 11,900.00 7 / 2 Disposal Services for Demolition of Site Buildings at 3 Cedar Mains Drive, Caledon National Waste Services Inc. 1.2,375.00 + 1,300 contingency allowance 3 / 3 Stair (Interior and /or Exterior) and Deck Repairs for 7629 and 7784 Reesor Road, and 7536 14th Avenue, Town of Markham Nova Decor Construction Ltd. 9,759.00 4 / 3 Exterior Repairs of the Roof Gables, Doors and Portion of Roof Soffit at 7629 Reesor Road, Town of Markham Frontier Group of Companies 14,400.00 4 / 2 Install Boardwalk Extension, Repairs to Existing Boardwalk Sections and Pedestrian Trail Construction at Caledon East Community Action Site Sunshine Design and Construction Inc. 52,445.00 3 / 3 topographic base mapping for the Mimico Creek, Don River, Highland Creek, Adams Creek and Rouge River watersheds First Base Solutions Inc. 49,940.00 3 / 2 Emergency Dredging of Bluffer's Park Navigation Channel Soderholm Maritime Services Inc. 56,310.00 2 / 1 809 Construction Support (Excavator and Operator) of Various Habitat Restoration Projects Valefield Contracting Inc. . 54,000.00 3 / 3 Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Project . Supply and Delivery of 1800 mm x 1200 mm x 15 metre Long Box Culvert Hanson Pipe & Products Canada, Inc. 18,498.90 3 / 3 Supply and Installation of Pathway Lighting Dilisado Enterprises Electrical Contractors 45,112.00 3 / 2 Digital Cameras for Leadership Awards Pentax Canada Inc. 11,520.00 3 / 3 Partners in Project Green , Development and Facilitation of a Stakeholder Consultation Session The Innovolve Group 10,000.00 3 / 2 Catering Services, Room Set -up and Event Rentals, for Program Launch HMS Host 13,250.00 2 / 1 Website Revisions for the Source Water Protection Website WirelessLinx 14,000.00 3 / 3 Peel Natural Wonders greeting cards • Warren's Waterless Printing Inc 11,689.00 3 / 3 • Trail Realignment and Paving for East Don Parklands and Lower Don Trail Serve Construction Limite 71,730.75 6 / 5 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 325 Tonnes of 2 to 4 Tonne Armour Stone to the 138 King Street Bank Stabilization Project, Caledon Glen Windrem Trucking 17,741.75 + 1,800 contingency allowance 4 / 4 Guildwood Parkway Shoreline Protection Project Supply and Delivery of Approximately 2,000 Tonnes of 4 to 6 Tonne Armour Stone to the Stonescape Quarry 90,000.00 7 / 6 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 500 Tonnes of 2 to 3 Tonne Armour Stone Stonescape Quarry 22,500.00 7 / 6 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 500 tonnes of 0.5 to 1.0 tonne armour stone Stonescape Quarry 22,500.00 7 / 6 Fencing • Former Wilder Property D and R Custom Fencing 16,149.60 3 / 3 Former Churchill Chimes and Ruona Properties D and R Custom Fencing 14,190.42 3 / 3 Lloyd E. and Ethel Perryman Property P.F.S. Fence Inc. 34,830.55 3 / 3 Claireville Conservation Area Paul Flood Building Revitalization Project Design Phase Markham High Tech Inc, Architects 15,000.00 4 / 4 Repair and Waterproofing of Certain Sections of the Roundation Walls of the Boyd Office RCC Waterproofing Inc. 28,500.00 2 / 2 Window Replacement at the Boyd Office FM Windows Industries 51,760.00 6 / 2 Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project Supply and Delivery of Approximately 1,200 Tonnes of 50mm to 150mm Coarse Gravel Lafarge Aggregates . 28,800.00 8 / 5 Supply and Installation of Chain Link Fence Atlas Fence Toronto Ltd. 32,900.00 5 / 3 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 1,800 Tonnes of 300mm to 600mm Rip Rap Stone J.C. Rock Limited 47,124.00 7 / 4 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 250 Tonnes of 250mm to 600mm Boulders Glenn Windrem Trucking 10,090.00 7 / 1 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 1,,000 Tonnes of 150mm to 300mm Cobbles Glenn Windrem Trucking 31,700.00 7 / 1 810 Concrete Slab Work at the Black Creek Channel Maintenance Project Pasquale Petrossi Company Limited 16,700.00 3 / 2 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 300 Tonnes of 150mm to 300mm Riverstone to the Meadowland Park Streambank Renaturalization Project Glenn Windrem Trucking . 12,864.00 3 / 2 Topographic Base Mapping for the Special Policy Areas within the Humber River Watershed Northway Photomap Inc. • 42,459.00 3 / 2 Supply and Installation of a Septic Tank System for the Archetype Sustainable House Project Michael J. Smith Excavating and Grading 17,300.00 3 / 1 Roof Replacement at Kortright Centre for Conservation Visitor Centre Solar Roofing and Sheet Metal LTD . 74,100.00 7 / 6 Bridge Replacement at Albion Hills Conservation Area Campground Shannon Steel Inc. 53,800.00 6 / 5 Replacement of Roof on Bond House (Dorm 1) and Davies Hall porch at Lake St. George Field Centre Cornell Roofing 13,985.00 4 / 3 • Construction of Gatehouse at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area PCI Contracting /Mechanical 18,950.00 3 / 3 Facilitation Services for the Frenchman's Bay Class Environmental Assessment • Cumming and Company 17,500.00 + per diem rate of 1,100 for additional services required 5 / 3 Upper Mimico Creek Restoration Project Supply and Delivery of 312 Tonnes (250 to 600mm) of Round Stone Glen Windrem 13,834.08 + 1,383.40 contingency allowance 4 / 3 Supply.and Delivery of 600 Tonnes (150 to 300mm) of Gabion Stone Nelson Aggregates 16,218.00 + 1,621.00 contingency allowance 4 / 3 , Supply and Delivery of Approximately 720 Tonnes of 250mm to 600mm Boulders to the Leslie and Steeles Erosion Control Maintenance Project Glenn Windrem Trucking . . • 30,016.80 6 / 2 Supply and Delivery of Approximately 1,000 Tonnes of 600 mm to 1,000 mm Boulders to the Pickering Shoreline Improvement Project Glenn Windrem Trucking 41,230.00 6 / 3 Replacement of Mailing Machine Pitney Bowes 11,500.00 3 / 3 Two Landscaping for Energy Conservation and Non Point Source Pollution Models Scale Models Plus Inc. 17,750.00 4 / 3 811 REQUESTS FOR QUOTATION Lowest Bid Not Accepted (up to $25,000) July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 Project Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Number of Quotations Exceed Requested /Complete ($) Bids Received Plus Applicable Taxes Region of Peel Spill Decision Support System Angus GeoSolutions 17,900.00 3 / 2 812 Attachment 3 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Competitive Bid (up to $100,000) July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 Project Awarded Bidder Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Number of Quotations Requested /Complete Bids Received Don River Watershed Plan Writer William M. Glenn Environmental 20,000.00 4 / 1 . • Consultants Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Pedestrian Trail Melrose Paving Company 69,775.00 16 / 13 Paving Limited Supply and Delivery of Approximately 1,700 Glenn Windrem Trucking .78,370.00 12 / 6 Tonnes of 0.5 to 1.0 Tonne Armour Stone to the Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project (Phase 2) Operations, Maintenance and Surveillance Hatch Energy 57,870.00 3 / 2 Manual, and Emergency Action Plan for Claireville Dam Rehabilitation of the Rowntree Mills Park Dig -Con International Limited 89,862.50 15 / 5 Pedestrian Bridge . Web Content Development Services for Canada Innovolve Group 18,000.00 3 / 1 Green Building Council Greater Toronto Chapter Rehabilitation of Burbank Drive Pedestrian McPherson - Andrews 47,030.00 15 / 5 Bridge . . Contracting Limited Front Gate at Kortright Centre Pro -Door & Lock Systems 77,300.00 2 / 2 Lease of 4 Black and White, Multifunction Ikon Office Solutions 38,676.00 2 / 2 Copiers Archetype Sustainable House Signage Bullseye Marketing 50,000.00 3 / 3 Erosion Risk Analysis and Geomorphic Geomorphic Solutions 15,771.00 4 / 3 Assessment of Bolton Pathway Design of Repairs at Two Locations of the Black AECOM 35,185.00 6 / 1 Creek Channel . Modelling Services for the • Jagger Hims Limited 40,000.00 9 / 5 York -Peel- Durham - Toronto Groundwater • Management Project • AquaResource Inc. 40,000.00 Slope Stability and Risk Assessment of a Terraprobe Ltd. 10,945.00 4 / 3 Coincident Slope at 180 Mill Street South, City of Brampton Frenchman's Bay Harbour Entrance Project Shoreplan Engineering Limited 90,000 + 10% 4 / 3 Coastal Engineering Study and Final Design , Contingency Allowance Geomorphic and Slope Stability Assessment for Jacques Whitford Environment 14,749.00 7 / 4 • a Section of West Etobicoke Creek, South of Britannia Road, City of Mississauga Limited - , Natural Heritage Climate Change Study Beacon Environmental 32,883.00 3 / 3 813 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL Sole Source (up to $50,000) July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 Project . Awarded Bidder . Cost Not to Exceed ($) Plus Applicable Taxes Sole Source Criteria Undertake Carbon Forest (Offset Feasibility) Study Summerhill Group 15,475.00 Criteria 5 Support PhD and MSc Student Research on Defining Carbon Neutral for Canadian Municipalities Dr. Chris Kennedy, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto 30,000.00 Criteria 5 Don Valley Brick Works and Surrounding Natural Heritage System Circulation Strategy The Planning Partnership Ltd 26,500.00 Criteria 5 Conceptual Design for Beechwood Entrance Improvements Plant Architect Inc. 14,950.00 Criteria 5 Mouth of Mimico Creek wetland creation Coastal Engineering Services W.F. Baird & Associates • 15,300.00 Criteria 5 Concept Design Study for an Improved Entrance Feature at the Intersection of the Lower Don Trail and Pottery Road Plant Architect Inc. 19,975.00 Criteria 5 Analysis of Historic Temperature and Precipitation Trends in the Greater Toronto Area Reach Consulting 25,000.00 Criteria 5 Feasibility Study for a Biogas Plant Seniicing the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sectors in and around .the Pearson Eco- Business Zone YIELD Energy Inc. 20,000.00 Criteria 1 Sales Tax Recovery HMT Sales Tax Consultants Inc. Fee arrangements can not be made public under the terms of the proposal Criteria 5 814 RES. #A322/08 - SECTION IV - ITEMS FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE BOARD Moved by: Gay Cowbourne Seconded by: Linda Pabst THAT Section IV item 8.9 - Lowest Bid Not Accepted, contained in Executive Committee Minutes #11/08, held on January 16, 2009, be received. CARRIED TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:10 p.m., on Friday, January 30, 2008. Gerri Lynn O'Connor Brian Denney Chair Secretary-Treasurer /ks 815