HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumber Watershed Alliance 2008c.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 Page G1
January 15, 2008
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, January 15,
2008. Richard Whitehead called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
PRESENT
John Almond Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne Member
Greg Beros Member
Jim Bradley Member
Sharon Bradley Member
Bill Buchan Member
lain Craig Member
Nick deBoer Member
Bert Duclos Member
Tony Flynn Member
Larry Giles Member
Robert Glover Member
Mark Head Alternate
David Hutcheon Member
Mike Logan Member
Anan Lololi Member
John Marsden Member
Mike Mattos Member
Madeleine McDowell Member
Jennifer McKim Member
Tunde Miko Member
Joan Miles Alternate
Hugh Mitchell Member
Peter Mitchell Member
Miriam Mittermaier Member
Joanne Nonnekes Member
Brendan O'Hara Member
Carmen Schlamb Member
Deb Schulte Member
Lynn Short Member
Sean Stuart Member
Anyika Tafari Member
M. Tahir Alternate
Peter Telford Member
G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
Lisa Turnbull Member
Richard Whitehead Member
Bill Wilson Member
Iffat Zehra Member
GUESTS
Elbert van Donkersgoed Executive Director, GTA Agricultural Action Committee
Lisette Mallet Societe d'histoire de Toronto
STAFF
Yves Francis Danteu Coordinator, Environmental Volunteer Network
Vince D'Elia Project Ecologist, Centreville Creek Environmental Stewardship Program
Sonia Dhir • Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Khamla Khamphenmueng Administrative Assistant, Volunteerism and Diversity
Lia Lappano Administrative Assistant, Humber
David Love Executive Director, Conservation Foundation
Susan Robertson Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins Watershed Specialist, Humber
ELECTION OF CHAIR
lain Craig was nominated by Sharon Bradley.
RES. #G1/08 - MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Sharon Bradley
Joanne Nonnekes
THAT nominations for the office of the Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance be
closed CARRIED
lain Craig was declared elected by acclamation as Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance.
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G3
ELECTION OF VICE -CHAIR
Robert Glover was nominated by Larry Giles.
Mary Louise Ashbourne was nominated by Larry Giles.
Madeleine McDowell was nominated by Mary Louise Ashbourne.
All members nominated declined to accept the position of Vice -Chair of the Humber Watershed
Alliance.
RES. #G2/08 -
Moved by:
Seconded by:
MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS AND MOTION OF DEFERRAL
Deb Schulte
Madeleine McDowell
THAT elections for the position of Vice -Chair be deferred to the next meeting of the Humber
Watershed Alliance scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2008 CARRIED
RES. #G3/08 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Deb Schulte
Madeleine McDowell
THAT the minutes of meeting #2/07, held on October 16, 2007, be approved ... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
In accordance with Resolution #G13/07, staff was requested to arrange a meeting with
Humber Alliance members to discuss their outstanding concerns about the Kortright at the
Living City Campus. J. Nonnekes reported that four Alliance members, TRCA Chair, TRCA
CAO, Mike Bender and Gary Wilkins attended a meeting wherein it was agreed that a public
meeting would be held in February, 2008 and further that a stewardship committee would be
established to assist with implementation of the management plan.
RES. #G4/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Deb Schulte
Joanne Nonnekes
G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
THAT TRCA be requested to consider establishing a stewardship committee to assist with
implementation, as set out in the Kortright at the Living City Campus Management
Plan CARRIED
In accordance with Resolution #G16/07, staff was requested to bring to this meeting, a revised
staff report based on Humber Alliance members' comments. The updated report is provided
as item 7.3 in the agenda package.
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Joint letter from Don, Humber and Etobicoke - Mimico watershed groups, dated October
30, 2007, re: Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program
RES. #G5/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Madeleine McDowell
Deb Schulte
THAT the above correspondence be received CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) TRCA Environmental Volunteer Network (EVN)
Yves Francis Danteu and Khamla Khamphenmueng of TRCA's EVN, made a presentation on
the EVN. The following points were highlighted:
•
•
what is the EVN?
volunteers opportunities include monitoring (fish and water quality); conservation
education; restoration (wetland planting etc);
benefits of volunteering
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G5
(b) A Fundraising Opportunity for the Humber
David Love, Executive Director of the Conservation Foundation, held an open forum to obtain
ideas on what audiences to target in order to fundraise for projects in the Humber watershed.
The following Alliance members volunteered to take part in a brainstorming session to be held
at a future date:
Sharon Bradley
lain Craig
Tony Flynn
David Hutcheon
Mike Logan
Lisette Mallet
Madeleine McDowell
Jennifer McKim
Peter Mitchell
Susan Robertson
Carmen Schlamb
Deb Schulte
Anyika Tafari
Dr. Tahir
The Chair thanked the presenters for their very informative presentations.
RES. #G6/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
FORMATION OF A JOINT WATERSHED WORKING COMMITTEE
Establishment of a joint Watershed Working Committee including
members of the Humber Watershed Alliance, Etobicoke - Mimico
Watersheds Coalition, and Don Watershed Regeneration Council to
address policy and other strategic issues of common interest occurring
within the TRCA jurisdiction.
David Hutcheon
Sharon Bradley
THAT the report on the structure and governance of a joint Watershed Committee be
approved;
AND FURTHER THAT the following members of the Humber Watershed Alliance's Planning
and Policy Subcommittee be appointed to participate on the joint Watershed Committee:
G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
John Abbott, Caledon Resident
John Almond, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Larry Giles, Brampton Heritage
David Hutcheon, Toronto Resident
Mark Head, Region of Peel
John Marsden, Environment Canada
Mike Mattos, Toronto Resident
Madeleine McDowell, Toronto Resident
Jennifer McKim, Toronto Resident
Joanne Nonnekes, Vaughan Resident
John Parker, Toronto Councillor
Gord Perks, Toronto Councillor
Deb Schulte, Vaughan Resident
Peter Telford, Toronto Resident CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Terms of Reference of the Etobicoke - Mimico Watersheds Coalition, Humber Watershed
Alliance and Don Watershed Regeneration Council dated March 30, 2007 and adopted by the
Authority at Meeting #2/07, held on March 30, 2007 by Resolution #A32/07, includes the
provision for the formation of a jurisdiction -wide watershed committee under Section 10.0 -
Structure, and states the following:
10.2 Jurisdiction -wide Watershed Committee(s)
Members of the (Etobicoke - Mimico Creeks Coalition, Humber Watershed Alliance, Don
Watershed Regeneration Council) will be encouraged to work with other watershed
advisory committee members to collaborate on issues of common interest.
Committee Structure
The Committee will meet on an `as- needed' basis when issues of common interest arise and
require review and /or comment by TRCA watershed committees. Members are encouraged to
bring forward issues that may be of interest to the greater group by advising their appropriate
subcommittee Chair. For the Etobicoke Mimico, this would be the Chairs Committee, for the
Don Watershed Regeneration Council, the Policy and Watershed Plan Committee and for the
Humber Watershed Alliance, the Planning and Policy Subcommittee.
Mandate
This joint working committee will address issues or projects that impact the TRCA's jurisdiction
and fall under the mandate of the watershed committees as outlined in their Terms of
Reference. This may include federal, provincial and municipal policies or initiatives. The joint
committee will not be a formal commenting body regarding review and approval of planning
applications or permits. Staff may also advise the Committee of major projects or issues within
the jurisdiction and ask for comment.
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G7
Support and Other Resources
TRCA staff will provide support to the subcommittee by coordinating meetings and notifying
interested members from all three watershed groups. TRCA may also provide technical
support as available. While at this time, this structure primarily speaks to establishing a
working relationship with Etobicoke - Mimico, Humber and Don advisory committees,
opportunities to involve the chairs or members of other TRCA supported citizen advisory
groups within the other watersheds and on the waterfront also exist and will be identified by
TRCA Watershed /Waterfront Specialists. Other experts may also be invited, as needed, to
assist members in understanding issues being addressed.
Meetings
Joint meetings will be chaired by the Chair of the watershed group or committee where the
issue or project originated. Members of the joint working committee will report back to their
respective watershed committees on projects and progress. As necessary, a joint meeting or
email discussion will take place.
WORK TO BE DONE
It is anticipated that the first meeting of the joint working committee will be held in 2008. The
focus of this meeting may include current City of Toronto policy issues such as the City of
Toronto's Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program and their Draft Design Guidelines for
'Greening' Surface Parking Lots. Appropriate TRCA and City of Toronto staff will be invited to
attend the meeting. Members will be notified of meeting logistics including date, time and
location once they have been finalized.
Future issues that are of common interest and which the joint subcommittee may wish to
provide comment include:
• Canada - Ontario Agreement
• Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan
. • Source Water Protection
• Projects and issues related to the implementation of the City of Toronto's Wet.
Weather Flow Management Master Plan and the Region of York's sustainability
initiatives.
• Living City Policies including sustainability initiatives
• Urban Agriculture Discussion Paper
G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
RES. #G7/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE) IN SWIMMING POOLS
Concern for aquatic health due to discharge of swimming pool water
containing salt (sodium chloride) into watercourses via storm water
systems.
Joanne Nonnekes
Madeleine McDowell
THAT the updated Salt (Sodium Chloride) in Swimming Pools report be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the following report addressed to the Executive Committee be
forwarded to the Authority for endorsement.
AMENDMENT
RES. #G8/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Joanne Nonnekes
Madeleine McDowell
THAT best management practices for the discharge of swimming pool water containing salt
into watercourses via storm water systems be requested through the TRCA permit approval
process.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Humber Watershed Alliance (HWA) identified salt pool technology as a concern to
watershed health at meeting #1/07 held on June 19, 2007, and thus adopted the following
resolution:
"WHEREAS the Humber Watershed Alliance is concerned about the Canadian Tire
Corporation television advertisements endorsing the placement of salt to clean
domestic swimming pools;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance's concern
be referred to the Authority to determine whether any action can be taken to withdraw
the advertisements."
January 15, 2008
HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G9
TO: Chair and Members of the Executive Committee, TRCA,
FROM: Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division
RE: SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE) IN SWIMMING POOLS
KEY ISSUE
Concern for aquatic health due to discharge of swimming pool water containing salt (sodium
chloride) into watercourses via storm water systems.
RECOMMENDATIONS
WHEREAS scientific study shows that sodium chloride in concentrations greater then 800-
1000 parts per million (ppm) have acute toxic effects on aquatic organisms;
WHEREAS sodium chloride is used in both domestic salt pools and road deicing
applications in concentrations greater than 3500 ppm;
WHEREAS Health Canada and Environment Canada recommend to list salt as a toxic
substance under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, in relation to
road deicing applications, based on a 5 -year scientific assessment;
WHEREAS although TRCA has no data on the impacts of salt loading from domestic salt
pools specifically, TRCA staff is concerned about rising chloride levels in watersheds and
associated impacts on aquatic habitat;
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT staff send a letter
to swimming pool service providers to advise them that Health Canada and Environment
Canada recommend to list salt as a toxic substance under Schedule 1 of the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, and to enquire as to how they are managing impacts of
sodium chloride on watercourses and aquatic life in relation to their product marketing and
sales of salt pools;
THAT the Regions of Peel, York and Durham adopt a Sewer Use By -Law which helps to
protect watercourses from the impacts of salt concentrations originating from swimming pool
discharge into municipal storm water systems or directly to watercourses;
AND FURTHER THAT staff send a letter to the pool and spa industry encouraging them to
develop a "Green Plan" taking into'account the issues of energy conservation, pollution and
water conservation.
BACKGROUND
During the summer of 2007, a television advertisement for Canadian Tire promoted a new pool
product referred to as a `salt pool'. Salt pools are based on a technology that uses salt as a
substance in the water purification process to sanitize domestic swimming pools.
Chlorine is typically used in all swimming pools as a cleaning agent and is derived from
sodium chloride (salt). In the case of the salt pool, salt (as opposed to liquid chlorine which is
G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
used in a regular pool) is directly added to the pool, which dissolves in the water. The salt
water is then passed through a system that electrolyzes the salt water forming chlorine. Free
chlorine (in a gaseous state) is released back into the pool water, circulating through the pool
and eradicating micro - organisms, like bacteria, viruses and algae. The free chlorine circulates
in the water, eventually dissipating into the air in the form of gas. Some chlorine gaseous
particles converts back to salt after eradicating micro - organisms. Salt pools contain a constant
salt level of approximately 3200 -4000 parts per million (ppm).
Salt pools have been identified as a concern by the Humber Watershed Alliance, as salt
(applied in road deicing processes) has been recommended by Environment Canada and
Health Canada to be listed as toxic, under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act, based on a five -year science assessment of road deicing. However, the
chemical nature of the substance is not the only problem; it is also the manner in which it is
used - concentration, location, timing - as concentrations of salt between 800 and 1000 ppm, in
short duration, have been shown to create acute toxic effects in aquatic organisms. As
referenced above, concentrations of salt in salt pools are well over this threshold, at 3200 -4000
ppm. Discharge of water with concentrations of sodium chloride in this range would pose a
threat to sensitive aquatic organisms in many of our small headwater streams, and possibly
even in the lower reaches of the West Humber, as baseflows in this subwatershed are very low.
Sodium chloride levels are increasing in the Humber as they are elsewhere in the jurisdiction,
largely due to winter salt loading. Black Creek has the highest levels of sodium chloride (NaCI)
in the Humber Watershed. Pool water may contribute to this problem. It is suspected that
sodium chloride levels may increase in watersheds at the end of the swimming season, when
pools are drained, sometimes directly into streams or into street sewer openings, which most
often outlet into watercourses.
Presently, there is no information available on the cumulative concentrations and impacts due
to salt loading from pools into TRCA watersheds. Yet, inclusion of pool discharges as an issue
in the Ministry of the Environments Pollution Prevention Manual and in Toronto's Sewer Use By-
law (By -law 457 -2000) suggests that we are not alone in our concern about potential receiving
water impacts associated with pool products and end -of- season pool discharges.
Toronto's Sewer Use By -law (By -law 457 -2000) received council approval on July 6, 2000. It
aims to protect aquatic environments, public health and safety, sewage works, wastewater
treatment processes and to control bio- solids quality. It is one of the first Sewer -Use By -laws in
Canada to incorporate Pollution Prevention (P2) Planning requirements: to improve water
quality, control toxic metals and organics and improve the quality of bio- solids.
In association with the requirements of the Sewer -Use By -law, the City recently sent notice to
swimming pool companies servicing the greater Toronto area to advise them that the by -law
will be enforced. In relation to swimming pools, the by -law stipulates that pool water can
neither be backwashed or drained into the street and must be disposed of in one of three
ways: (i) via a collection service that pumps the water out of the pool and then sends it to a
treatment plant; (ii) slowly discharged onto lawns where it is absorbed back into the ground; or
(iii) fed into the sanitary sewer line for treatment at the plant. The fine for violating the by -law is
$5,000 per occurrence.
Discussions with the pool and spa industry on the environmental impacts associated with pool
and spa practices is necessary in order to ensure best management practices associated with
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G11
their product delivery. Recent publications in industry papers call for the development of a
'Green Plan' taking into account the issues of energy consumption, pollution and water
conservation.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Advise swimming pool and service delivery companies that sodium chloride has been
recommended by Environment Canada and Health Canada to be listed as toxic (in relation to
deicing of roads) under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and ask
them how they are managing this issue in relation to their product delivery.
Request the Region of Peel, York and Durham adopt a Sewer -Use By -law similar to that of the
City of Toronto in order to protect watercourses from the impacts of salt concentrations.
Recommend to the pool and spa industry to encourage them to develop a "Green Plan" taking
into account the issues of energy conservation, pollution and water conservation.
Report prepared by: Susan Robertson, extension 5325
For information contact: Gary Wilkins, extension 5211
Date: January 14, 2008
RES. #G9/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
HABITAT REGENERATION PROJECTS IN THE HUMBER
TRCA 2008 capital budgets for regeneration projects in the Humber
watershed.
Deb Schulte
Miriam Mittermaier
THAT the report on the 2008 Habitat Regeneration Projects in the Humber River Watershed
be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members continue to have an active role
in finalizing design details and implementation of the 2008 habitat regeneration projects.
AMENDMENT
RES. #G10/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Madeleine McDowell
Sharon Bradley
THAT the Chair, on behalf of the Humber Watershed Alliance, send a letter to Councillor
Peter Meffe requesting a meeting to discuss the safety issues of the Rutherford Road
crossing;
AND FURTHER THAT staff ensure that funding is available in 2009 for school yard
naturalization through TRCA's Watershed on Wheels Program.
G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Regions of York and Peel, and the City of Toronto have allocated funding to support the
implementation of Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber and the Toronto and Region
Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The following is a list of approved projects in the Humber
watershed for 2008.
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
MUNICIPALITY
York Region
2008
ALLOCATION
Eaton Hall /Seneca
College
Restore 4 of 9 targeted wetland
projects; Reforest 2.5 hectares;
Increase riparian cover; Provide
critical habitat features; and Construct
a trailhead sign.
York Region
(King Township)
$25,000 •
Lake Wilcox Habitat
Improvement
Implement shoreline restoration
project; Community planting.
York Region
(Richmond Hill)
$50,000
William Granger
Greenway
Reforestation; Natural environment
Interpretive signs; Community
outreach; and Post - project monitoring.
York Region
(Vaughan)
$10,000
Elder's Mills Nature
Reserve (formerly
known as the
Woodbridge
Expansion Area
Community Action Site
Reforestation and riparian planting.
York Region
(Vaughan)
$25,000
York Region
Community
Environmental
Enhancement Project
Reforestation; Riparian planting; In-
stream works; Wetland creation;
Community stewardship initiatives.
York Region
(To Be
Determined)
$25,000
York Natural Planting
Partnership
Provide technical and site advisory
services to assist private landowners
in planning for and implementing
,reforestation and riparian plantings.
Prepare and distribute program
promotional materials to elicit
landowner contact and participation.
York Region
(King Township,
Richmond Hill
and Vaughan)
$50,000
January 15, 2008
HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08
G13
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION .
MUNICIPALITY
Peel Region
2008
ALLOCATION
Audubon Certification '
for Parks
Assess environmental resources,
potential liabilities, and develop a site
specific environmental plan for each
nature based recreation park.
Peel Region
$150,000
Caledon East
Community Action Site
Tree and shrub planting; In- stream
habitat improvement; Community
outreach; 30 metre extension of the
pedestrian boardwalk across the
Caledon East Wetland; Enhance 5
hectare wetland feature adjacent to
Centreville Creek in Caledon East.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$50,000
Centreville Creek
Stewardship
Naturalization; Habitat improvements;
Private land resource management;
and Outreach /education programs.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$35,000
Claireville Community
Greenspace
.
Washroom and parking lot
improvements; Establish community
partnerships; Construct and maintain
multi -use trails that are linked to
municipal and regional trail systems;
Develop recreational and educational
programming.
Peel Region
(Brampton)
$250,000
Claireville Community
Stewardship
Continue to support and assist
Friends of Claireville to build capacity
and implement the Ontario Trillium
Foundation workplan, which includes:
outreach and communications
strategy, maintaining the volunteer
database, and implementing a
Stewards in the Field monitoring
program.
Peel Region
(Brampton)
$27,500
Claireville Natural
Enhancement Plan
Create 2 hectare wetland cover; 1
hectare forest cover; 500 metres
riparian cover; critical habitat features.
Peel Region
(Brampton)
$42,000
Claireville: Indian Line
Campground/
Claireville Reservoir
Naturalization
Forest cover; Riparian cover; Wetland
cover; Shoreline enhancement;
Aquatic habitat; Community
stewardship.
Peel Region and
City of Toronto
.
$10,000
$20,000
G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08
January 15, 2008
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
MUNICIPALITY
All
2008
ALLOCATION
Oak Ridges Moraine
Reforestation; Riparian habitat;
Peel Region
$145,000
CPA 2 and CPA11
Wetland creation; Landowner contact
program.
Peel Community
Reforestation; Riparian plantings; In-
Peel Region
$25,000
Environmental
stream works; Wetland creation;
(To Be
Enhancement Project
Community stewardship initiatives.
Determined)
Peel Region Private
To supply and plant 800 trees and
Peel Region
$42,500
Land Tree Planting
1500 shrubs.
Programs - Tree &
Shrub
Taylor Pond
Restore and protect 1 kilometre of
Peel Region
$10,000
Decommissioning .
riparian habitat; Total removal of 1 in-
(Brampton and
Project
stream barrier; Implement an erosion
containment strategy; Conserve and
protect 0.5 kilometres of coldwater
Caledon)
•
stream habitat.
TRCA Peel Forest
Management Projects
Stand tending; Tree marking; Forest
inventory and access improvements.
Peel Region
$22,000
Bioregional Seed Crop
TRCA staff will undertake field surveys
City of Toronto
$15,000
Monitoring and
to locate, inventory and document
York Region
$23,500
Collection
potential sources, monitor seed crops,
evaluate seed crop quality and collect
seeds of bioregionally appropriate
sources for the TRCA Nursery's
Peel Region
$19,000
Indigenous Plant Propagation
Program.
Eglinton Flats
Restoration Project
Site monitoring; Repairs and upgrades
of past works such as: Completion
and revegetation of the 2.1 hectare
wetland complex and shoreline; Install
essential habitat features, and
monitor.
City of Toronto
$10,000
Canada Goose •
Banding, egg oiling and roundup as
City of Toronto
$30,000
Management Program
necessary.
York Region
$31,500
Peel Region
$6,500
January 15, 2008
HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08
G15
Habitat for Wildlife
Critical habitat features; Nesting
structures; Management strategies;
Community involvement.
City of Toronto .
York Region
Peel Region
$5,300
$5,300
$5,300
Humber Community
Downsview Earth Day planting;
City of Toronto
$20,000
Environmental Projects
Humber savannah rehabilitation; Black
Creek riparian planting and
restoration.
Humber Habitat
Creation of wetland cover; Forest
City of Toronto
$44,000
Implementation Plan
cover; Riparian cover; Critical habitat
York Region
$36,000
features.
Peel Region
$72,000
Lower Humber Barrier
Notch two fish barriers.
City of Toronto
$10,000
Mitigation
Managing TRCA
Create database for monitoring of
York Region
$15,000
Hazard Trees
Hazard Tree activities.
Peel Region
$20,000
Private Land
Market TRCA Tree Planting Program
Peel Region
$20,000
Stewardship - Tree &
Shrub
and promote private land stewardship
and implementation across TRCA
jurisdiction.
York Region
$23,000
Propagation of Aquatic
Propagate approximately 9,000
City of Toronto •
$11,000
Plants
aquatic /herbaceous plants for
York Region
$7,200
regeneration project use.
Peel Region
$5,800
Reforestation for
8 hectare reforestation or 1.5 hectare
York Region
$32,000
Biodiversity
riparian cover established on public
land.
Peel Region
$10,900
TOTAL MUNICIPAL FUNDING $1, 492, 300
Agencies such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Great Lakes
Sustainability Fund, Trout Unlimited, TD Friends of the Environment, Environment Canada,
Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of the Environment and others have contributed significant
funding and resources to many of the above listed projects. Budgets presented in this report
consist of municipal funds only. Typically projects receive matching contributions from other
sources. The total amount of funds to be contributed by external agencies will be confirmed in
the New Year.
G16 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Finalize project designs;
• Obtain appropriate approvals;
• Confirm matching funds;
• Engage local stakeholders to assist with the implementation of appropriate elements of
the project.
• Recognize projects and partners via media and special events.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ON TRCA LANDS: PAPER AND POLICY
This item was withdrawn from the agenda at this time.
RES. #G11/08- CLAIREVILLE CONSERVATION AREA
Concern for sale of lands within the Claireville Conservation Area.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Madeleine McDowell
Larry Giles
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support the Claireville Subcommittee motion passed at
its meeting held on November 13, 2007 which states that the Claireville Subcommittee is not in
support of the sale of the McVean lands (15 acre parcel - sale request from private investor) or
any other parcel of land in Claireville;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support the Claireville Subcommittee
request that the updated Claireville Management Plan re- designate the McVean lands as
Natural Environment from its previous Commercial Node /Public Use designation ... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Claireville Conservation Area (CCA) is an 848 hectare (2,100 acre) parcel of land owned by
Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). It totals almost 15 percent of the lands owned by
TRCA in the Humber River watershed and is one of the largest greenspaces in the City of
Brampton and the West Humber generally, and is a rapidly urbanizing area in the TRCA's
jurisdiction.
Toronto and Region Conservation is in receipt of a request to purchase a parcel of the CCA and
TRCA is undertaking the necessary review of this request in accordance with its policies. This
parcel is six hectares (15 acres) in size and located at McVean Drive and Ebenezer Road in the
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G17
City of Brampton, Region of Peel. The parcel is located in an urbanizing area. Adjacent land uses
include the employment lands, greenspace, and low and high density residential development.
The current management plan (which is under review and update - completion date Spring 2008)
for the CCA designates this parcel as a Commercial /Office Node zone (an area with the potential
for commercial or office development). Based on a natural heritage review and assessment of the
site, the majority of the parcel does not currently support existing habitat, nor is it identified as
part of the TRCA Terrestrial Natural Heritage System. Conversely, it does provide a buffer to the
natural features in the CCA from the impacts and stressors of the surrounding urban land uses.
Declaring lands surplus to the needs of TRCA follows the steps below:
• Receive direction to review the disposal request from the TRCA Executive Committee.
Toronto and Region Conservation staff to conduct a detailed technical review that
establishes appropriate terms and conditions that address any concerns, including
potential impacts or mitigation requirements relating to remaining TRCA holdings.
• Circulate the proposed disposition to the local and regional municipalities for comment.
• Duly publicize TRCA's intention to consider disposal of the lands, including adequate
newspaper publication in at least one local and one major Toronto region newspaper.
• Host at least one public open house information session.
Invite the general public and any other interested parties to make submissions to the
TRCA Executive Committee prior to a final recommendation being made with respect to
disposal.
Toronto and Region Conservation staff to make a final recommendation to the TRCA
Board as to whether all, a portion or none of the parcel is surplus to TRCA's requirements.
Should a sale ensue, TRCA staff is to provide TRCA Board members with details of the
recommended disposition.
Upon receipt of notice of this sale request from a private investor at the Claireville Subcommittee
meeting ( #02/07) on November 13th, 2007, subcommittee members stated that they were not in
support of the sale of this parcel of land or any other parcel of land in Claireville. Further, a
unanimous motion was passed formally recognizing that the Claireville Subcommittee is not in
support of the sale of these lands and that they would like to be further involved in future
proceedings on this issue.
Additionally, in the updated management plan, to be completed in 2008, the subcommittee
recommends this parcel be redesignated as natural environment from the previous commercial
node designation /public use. The Claireville Subcommittee puts forth this position due to the
rapid urbanization occurring in Brampton and the ever - increasing need to maintain and secure
existing greenspace.
G18 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 January 15, 2008
RES. #G12/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided
for information.
David Hutcheon
Lynn Short
THAT the following minutes be received:
• Agriculture Subcommittee #2107 (November 20th)
• Claireville Subcommittee #2/07 (November 13th) CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Poaching Activities at the Claireville Conservation Area
In order to curb poaching activities at the Claireville Conservation Area, J. Almond of MNR agreed
to investigate the possibility of providing TRCA with signage which can be installed at strategic
locations in Claireville. The signs indicate the hotline (1- 800 -MNR -TIPS) to call if poaching is
observed.
Canadian Rivers Day
M. McDowell reported that, as part of Canadian Rivers Day in June 2008, the Humber Heritage
Committee, in partnership with the Humber Watershed Alliance and Heritage Toronto, would like
to undertake a heritage canoe trip on the Lower Humber beginning at Sunnyside all the way to
Bloor Street and back. For those interested in partaking of this activity, there would be a $20 per
person charge and the money collected would go toward installing a designation plaque for an
oak tree.
Heritage York Fundraising Dinner and Dance
M. McDowell extended an invitation to members for the 14th Annual Heritage York Fundraising
Dinner/ Dance and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Lambton
House. The cost is $35 per person.
January 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/08 G19
Oak Ridges Community Clean Up Day
S. Bradley presented G. Wilkins with a certificate of appreciation from the Oak Ridges Friends of
the Environment to TRCA for their support of the 7' annual Oak Ridges Community Clean Up
Day.
Oak Ridges Moraine Homeowners Tool Kits
L. Turnbull reported that a number of Alliance•members assisted the Oak Ridges Moraine
Foundation with the delivery of approximately 1,700 kits to homeowners. The kits were designed
to inform the community about the Humber and the Oak Ridges Moraine and they included the
Humber brochure and map. A favourable response was received by the homeowners. Post -
polling will be undertaken to determine if the information was valuable and if people would be
willing to participate in future initiatives.
Wayfinding Signage in Toronto Parks along the Humber River
D. Hutcheon reported that the City of Toronto has now installed wayfinding signage to
complement the trails in the Toronto Parks along the Humber River.
RES. #G13/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
David Hutcheon
Mike Mattos
THAT the Chair, on behalf of the Humber Watershed Alliance, write a letter to the City of
Toronto thanking them for the wayfinding signage in the Toronto Parks along the
Humber River CARRIED
Letter of Appreciation to Richard Whitehead
T. Flynn suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Richard Whitehead thanking him for his
leadership as Interim Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance. The members unanimously
agreed.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 8:50 p.m., January 15, 2008.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.
c.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 Page G20
April 15, 2008
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, April 15,
2008. lain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
PRESENT
Arshad Ali Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne Member
Jim Bradley Member
Sharon Bradley Member
Heather Broadbent Member
Bill Buchan Member
lain Craig Member
Ann Marie Farrugia Alternate
Tony Flynn Member
Larry Giles Member
Robert Glover Member
Mark Head Alternate
Ron Hingston Member
Robert Hulley Member
Mike Logan Member
John Marsden Member
Mike Mattos Member
Madeleine McDowell Member
Jennifer McKim Member
Tunde Miko Member
Hugh Mitchell Member
Miriam Mittermaier Member
Joanne Nonnekes Member
Brendan O'Hara Member
Randall Reid Member
Lynda Rogers Member
Carmen Schlamb Member
Lynn Short Member
Peter Swain Member
Peter Telford Member
Lisa Turnbull Member
Joy Webster Member
John Willetts Member
Bill Wilson Member
G21 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2108 April 15, 2008
GUESTS
Lisette Mallet Societe d'histoire de Toronto
Chris Robinson Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
STAFF
Vince D'Elia Project Ecologist, Centreville Creek Environmental Stewardship Program
Sonia Dhir Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Lia Lappano Administrative Assistant, Humber
David Love Executive Director, Conservation Foundation
Susan Robertson Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins Watershed Specialist, Humber
Dean Young Coordinator, Watershed Planning
RES. #G14/08 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Larry Giles
Madeleine McDowell
In the Background section of the Claireville Conservation Area item on page G16, the last
sentence of the first paragraph should be amended to read: "....and in a rapidly urbanizing
area in the TRCA's jurisdiction."
THAT the minutes of meeting #1/08, as amended per above, held on January 15, 2008,
be approved CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
With respect to the activity on the sale of lands at Claireville Conservation Area, Authority staff
was directed to investigate the matter further. Internal meetings with the City of Brampton and
the Authority Board members will be required before any action is pursued.
April 15, 2008 • HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G22
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter to the Environmental Protection Office, dated February 13, 2008
re: Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Consultation
RES. #G15/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Tony Flynn
Mike Mattos
THAT a letter be sent clarifying or omitting altogether the last sentence in 03 wherein "City
must also ensure that this information is presented in a manner that does not negatively
impact business interest" CARRIED
(b) Deb Schulte's deputation to the Authority meeting on March 28, 2008
re: The Living City Campus
RES. #G16/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Madeleine McDowell
Hugh Mitchell
THAT the above correspondence be received CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Atlantic Salmon Reintroduction Program
Chris Robinson of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters made a presentation on the
reintroduction of Atlantic Salmon. The following points were highlighted:
• history of Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario;
• moving forward and next steps;
• partnerships;
• restoration goals;
• recovery strategy and action plans;
• stream selection process;
• 2006, 2007 and 2008 activities;
• Humber River projects.
G23 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
(b) Update on the Humber River Legacy Foundation - Action Plan
David Love, the Conservation Foundation Executive Director, provided an update on his
conversations with several Humber Watershed Alliance members regarding fundraising.
Overall, the consensus reached was to have a major Humber fundraising event on an annual
basis rather than several smaller ones. A workplan and additional details will be presented at
the next Humber Watershed Alliance meeting.
(c) Humber Watershed Plan Implementation Guide
Dean Young, TRCA's Watershed Planning Coordinator, gave a brief presentation on the status
of the Humber Watershed Plan. Highlights included:
• background
• strategic directions
• implementation guide
• priority initiatives
• next steps
The Chair thanked the presenters for their very interesting presentations.
RES. #G17/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
Receipt of the draft Humber River'Watershed Plan Implementation Guide
as a guidance document to be used to assist the Humber Watershed
Alliance in identifying and initiating strategic new initiatives over the next
five to ten years, and to inform of ongoing initiatives.
Madeleine McDowell
Randall Reid
THAT the draft Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide be received;
THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members use the Humber River Watershed Plan
Implementation Guide as a guidance document to assist in identifying and initiating strategic
new initiatives over the next five to ten years that demonstrate implementation of the
recommendations of the Humber River Watershed Plan, and to inform on -going initiatives;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members continue to assist with tracking
progress at implementing the recommendations of the Humber River Watershed Plan,
setting priorities for implementation initiatives through involvement in an annual multi -
stakeholder forum, and reporting on progress through publication of progress reports, report
cards and other appropriate media CARRIED
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G24
BACKGROUND
In June 2004, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the
Humber Watershed Alliance, Peel Region, York Region, City of Toronto, City of Brampton,.
Town of Caledon, Town of Vaughan, Township of King, Township of Adjala - Tosorontio,
Township of Mono, and other watershed stakeholders, initiated a watershed planning study to
develop an updated, integrated watershed plan for the Humber River. This watershed planning
study was initiated to fulfill the watershed planning requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine •
Conservation Act, 2001 and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and to update the Humber
River watershed strategy, Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber (1997) based on new and
improved technical information.
An overview of the draft Humber River Watershed Plan was presented at the Humber
Watershed Alliance meeting #1/07 on June 19, 2007, and Humber Watershed Alliance
members were invited to review and comment on the draft Watershed Plan. At the meeting the
following resolution was passed:
THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members assist with the review of the first draft of
the Humber River Watershed Plan;
THAT the proposed schedule for consultation on the first draft of the updated Humber
River Watershed Plan and priorities for its implementation be endorsed;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members assist with identifying new
concept sites that demonstrate implementation of Watershed Plan recommendations.
At the following Humber Watershed Alliance meeting, #2/07 held on October 16, 2007,
Humber Alliance members were asked to assist staff in identifying Watershed Plan
recommendations that should be the highest priorities for implementation initiatives. In
addition to the input received at this meeting, staff was directed to use the 2007 watershed
report card, Listen To Your River, to assist in identifying high priority implementation initiatives.
At the October 16, 2007 Humber Alliance meeting the following resolution was passed:
THAT the draft Humber Watershed Planning Study recommendations be adopted by
the Humber Watershed Alliance subject to the priorities and comments provided by the
workshop groups at the Alliance meeting being factored in, as appropriate;
AND FURTHER THAT an invitation be extended to all members of the Alliance to attend
a meeting in November dealing specifically with the focus of the Humber River
Watershed Planning Study and a brief presentation of the recommendations.
Based on the recommendations of the draft Humber River Watershed Plan, direction provided
in the 2007 watershed report card, Listen To Your River, input received from Humber Alliance
members at the October 16, 2007 meeting, and consideration of high priority initiatives
recommended for the adjacent Rouge River watershed, a draft Humber River Watershed Plan
Implementation Guide was prepared. The Implementation Guide organizes the Watershed
Plan recommendations according to the following implementation tools and identifies strategic,
G25 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
high priority projects or initiatives associated with each implementation tool:
Policy;
Regeneration;
Land Securement;
Stewardship and Education;
Operation and Maintenance;
Enforcement; and,
Monitoring.
The Implementation Guide outlines a 10 year work plan of proposed implementation initiatives,
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 the
Implementation 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.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
The draft Implementation Guide is under review by municipal, provincial and federal
government agencies. Comments have been requested by May 9, 2008:
Following the review period and subject to any necessary revisions, Humber Alliance members
are asked to use the Humber River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide as a guidance
document to assist in identifying and initiating strategic new initiatives over the next five to ten
years that demonstrate implementation of the recommendations of the Humber River
Watershed Plan, and to inform on -going initiatives. The initiatives proposed in the
Implementation Guide will help in identifying new Community Action Sites and associated
initiatives and will provide strong rationale and support for funding applications.
Humber Alliance members are also asked to assist with tracking progress at implementing the
recommendations of the Humber River Watershed Plan, setting priorities for implementation
initiatives through involvement in an annual multi - stakeholder forum, and reporting on progress
through publication of progress reports, report cards and other appropriate media.
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G26
RES. #G18/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUSTAINABLE NEAR URBAN AGRICULTURE ON TRCA LANDS
Preparation of a draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines
regarding sustainable near urban agriculture on TRCA lands.
Madeleine McDowell
Hugh Mitchell
THAT the draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines, as appended, regarding
sustainable near -urban agriculture on TRCA lands, dated April 2008, be adopted in principle,
by the Humber Watershed Alliance;
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff consult with other TRCA watershed committees, the York,
Peel and Durham federations of agriculture and other external stakeholders to review and
finalize the draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines CARRIED
Humber Watershed Alliance comments
• Meadowlands should be considered as part of agricultural land;
• The issue of biodiversity (new agricultural crops) should be addressed;
• Seek farm shop advice;
• Seek grape vineyard advice;
• Place a stronger emphasis on pioneeering environmental response methods of
farming;
• Address the issue of the decline in meadow species;
• Address other types of harvesting practices;
• Develop a consultation process where new subdivision homeowners can have a vested
interest in using nearby agricultural land;
• Identify ecological good and services in the agricultural context and emphasis it in the
area of evaluation as an educated partner;
• CEAC is working on evaluating and emphasizing ecological goods and services.
BACKGROUND
Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) began acquiring land in the1950's for flood and
erosion control purposes which resulted in an inventory of productive agricultural lands.
Toronto and Region Conservation 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 being 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.
Toronto and Region Conservation'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
G27 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15; 2008
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:
• 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.
Over the past few years, TRCA has played active 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.
The following are some of TRCA's recent near -urban agriculture initiatives:
•
•
In 2002 to 2003, TRCA drafted two polices: The Living Countryside, Draft Urban
Agriculture Policy, (2003) and TRCA's Policies and Procedures for Farm Operations on
TRCA Lands Environmental Management System, (2004). However, these polices are
yet to be finalized.
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.
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).
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
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G28
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 for 37 acres at the historic McVean
farm property located at Claireville Conservation Area for the establishment of a
research and training farm facility for new and immigrant farmers.
SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE POLICY AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
AND GUIDELINES
The above initiatives represent a need for TRCA to formalize a policy and operational
procedures and guidelines on sustainable near -urban agriculture that will guide future work in
this area by recognizing TRCA's agricultural land as a vital resource, which must be conserved,
and progressive environmental stewardship on TRCA lands as requirement for TRCA to
collectively realize The Living City vision.
TRCA which worked on definitions and objectives for sustainable agriculture, and consultations
with a wide range of partners to develop a position on sustainable near -urban agriculture for
TRCA lands.
In 2007, writing of a sustainable near -urban agriculture policy and operational procedures and
guidelines began which cover the appropriate use of any TRCA lands for new sustainable near -
urban agriculture initiatives and the process for selecting, guiding, facilitating and reviewing the
establishment of sustainable near -urban agriculture practices on TRCA lands. Comments from
the Humber Watershed Alliance Agriculture Subcommittee (which include representatives from
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the York Soil and Crop Improvement
Association, educational institutions, individual farmers, community groups and residents) have
been incorporated into this version of the policy, and comments from the Town of Caledon
have been incorporated in both the policy and operational procedures and guidelines.
NEXT STEPS
• Consult with TRCA's internal working group, other TRCA watershed committees (Don
Watershed Regeneration Council and the Etobicoke Mimico Watersheds Coalition), the
York, Peel and Durham federations of agriculture and other external stakeholders to
review and finalize the draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines.
• Present sustainable near -urban agriculture policy and operational procedures and
guidelines to TRCA for approval.
• Integrate sustainable near- urban agriculture policy and procedures into TRCA's The
Living City policies.
•
Organize meetings and focus group sessions with farmer associations and potential
partners wishing to work with TRCA to explore and initiate sustainable urban agriculture
projects on TRCA land.
G29 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
• Implement policy and operational procedures and guidelines.
• Review policy and operational procedures and guidelines within a two to three year
time frame.
RES. #G19/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
LIVING CITY CAMPUS VISION PLAN
Approval of The Living City Campus Vision Plan for the Kortright Centre
for Conservation.
Sharon Bradley
Larry Giles
THAT the staff report on The Living City Campus Vision Plan for the Kortright Centre for
Conservation be received for information CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting #2/08 held on March 28, 2008, adopted the following resolution:
THAT the plan dated March, 2008 for The Living City Campus at the Kortright Centre for
Conservation, 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 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
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G30
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 the following 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;
G31 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
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 Centre 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
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.
1
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
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,
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G32
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.
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.
G33 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
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 to all of the different program areas.
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
VisitorInformation 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
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G34
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.
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 loss 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.
G35 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
• 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.
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.
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2108 G36
RES. #G20/08-
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.
Sharon Bradley
Larry Giles
THAT the staff report on the Toronto Historical Path be received for information ... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting #2108 held on March 28, 2008, adopted the following resolution:
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.
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
G37 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
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).
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 histofy 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.
The following highlights the structure and content of the proposed Toronto 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 Brule Park, Kings Mill Park, Lambton
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G38
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.
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
• Seek endorsement of the concept by the City of Toronto.
•
•
Identification of project champions:
- search for sponsors;
- confirm funding.
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:
G39 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
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.
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
La Societe d'Histoire de Toronto has yet to secure the funding needed to complete the
estimated components of the Toronto Historical Park.
RES. #G21/08-
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.
Sharon Bradley
Larry Giles
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2108 G40
THAT the staff report on the Near Urban Farm at Kortright Centre for Conservation (Everdale
Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre) be received for information ... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting #2/08, held on March 28, 2008, adopted the following resolution:
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.
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:
•
managing possible environmental risks of agricultural practices through the
implementation of environmental and agricultural stewardship initiatives that reflect the
Canada - Ontario Environmental Farm Plan;
G41 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
•
•
•
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
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G42
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
• Execute a MOU between TRCA and Everdale.
• Hire a Farm Manager.
• Secure agreement for necessary funding.
ELECTION OF VICE -CHAIR
Deb Schulte was nominated by Joanne Nonnekes.
Heather Broadbent was nominated by Madeleine McDowell.
Both Deb Schulte and Heather Broadbent agreed to stand for the position of Co -Vice Chairs.
G43 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 April 15, 2008
RES. #G22/08- MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Miriam Mittermaier
Larry Giles
THAT Deb Schulte and Heather Broadbent be appointed as Co -Vice Chairs of the Humber
Watershed Alliance CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #1/08, held on January 15, 2008, the members
adopted a resolution to defer the election of a Vice -Chair to the April 15'h, 2008 meeting of the
Humber Watershed Alliance.
The Terms of Reference for the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated March 21, 2007 and
adopted by the Authority at its meeting #2/07 held on March 30, 2007 by Resolution #A32/07
includes the following provision:
Selection of Chair and Vice -Chair
The Chair and Vice -Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance will be elected from
amongst its members. The Authority may appoint an interim Chair until such
time as an election can take place. The Chair and Vice -Chair will also be
ex- officio members of all working committees, community action site and stewardship
groups.
Election Process
Nominations for Chair and Vice -Chair will be accepted followed by a show of hands. A formal
election by ballot for Chair and Vice -Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance will be held only if
necessary.
RES. #G23/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are
provided for information.
Robert Hulley
Robert Glover
THAT the following minutes be received:
• Agriculture Subcommittee #1108 (Feb. 19'h) and #2/08 (Mar. 18th)
• Bolton Resource Mgt. Tract Advisory Committee #1/08 (Jan. 24th and
#2/08 (Mar. 27th)
• Claireville Subcommittee #1/08 (Mar. 11th)
• Heritage Subcommittee #1/08 (Feb. 13'h) and #2/08 (Mar. 13'h)
• Oak Ridges Corridor Park Mgt. Committee #1/08 (Feb. 20'h) CARRIED
April 15, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/08 G44
NEW BUSINESS
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association Annual Meeting
Members were invited to attend the HVHTA Annual Meeting on April 16th at 7:30 p.m., at the
Kleinburg Golf & Country Club. The keynote speaker is Beth Kummling, Executive Director of
The Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Holland Marsh Race
Members were invited to take part in the 30th annual Holland Marsh Race in Bradford on May
17th. Those interested in attending should contact lain Craig directly.
International Hike Day
International Hike Day will take place at the Claireville Conservation Area on Saturday, June 7,
2008. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Spring Cleaning at Claireville Conservation Area
Members were invited to the Spring Cleaning Event at the Claireville Conservation Area on
Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:10 p.m., April 15, 2008.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OP THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 Page G45
July 8, 2008
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection on Tuesday,
July 8, 2008. lain Craig called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
PRESENT
Frank Alaimo Member
Arshad Ali Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne Member
Jim Bradley Member
Sharon Bradley Member
Heather Broadbent Member
lain Craig Member
Dianne Douglas Member
Tony Flynn Member
Larry Giles Member
Robert Glover Member
Mark Head Alternate
Ron Hingston Member
Gaspar Horvath Member
Robert Hulley Member
Emil Kolb Member
Anan Lololi Member
Mike Mattos Member
Madeleine McDowell Member
Jennifer McKim Member
Joan Miles Alternate
John Milligan Member
Hugh Mitchell Member
Peter Mitchell Member
Miriam Mittermaier Member
Joanne Nonnekes Member
Randall Reid Member
Lynda Rogers Member
Wally Seccombe Member
Lynn Short Member
Rolande Smith Member
Peter Swain Member
Anyika Tafari Member
Lisa Turnbull Member
G46 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
GUESTS
Gavin Dandy Everdale
Alyson Hazlett Toronto Resident
Nancy Stewart Caledon Resident
Valerie Swain Caledon Resident
Elbert van Donkersgoed GTA Agricultural Action. Committee
STAFF
Sonia Dhir Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Lia Lappano Administrative Assistant, Humber
David Love Executive Director, Conservation Foundation
Susan Robertson Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G24/08 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Heather Broadbent
Madeleine McDowell
THAT the minutes of meeting #2/08, held on April 15, 2008, be approved CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from TRCA Chair to the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated May 20, 2008
re: Honour Roll Award
(b) Letter from TRCA Chair to the Black Creek Project, dated May 20, 2008
re: Honour Roll Award
RES. #G25/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Lynn Short
Madeleine McDowell
THAT the above correspondence be received CARRIED
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G47
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Alliance Subcommittees Workplan
Staff, together with the Chairs of each of the subcommittees, gave a brief power point
presentation outlining the work of each of the Humber Watershed Alliance Subcommittees and
active Community Action Sites.
RES. #G26/08-
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.
Heather Broadbent
Larry Giles
THAT the Humber River Watershed Plan: Pathways to a Healthy Humber, 2008, be approved
by the Humber Watershed Alliance CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting held on June 27, 2008, approved the following resolution:
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;
G48 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3108 July 8, 2008
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;
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.
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
JuI r8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G49
of Toronto to prepare a watershed plan for the Humber River. This initiative was to assist York
and Peel 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 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.
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.
G50 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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.
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 arid adoption of
sustainable practices, with a focus on lot level stormwater management and naturalization.
These key strategies were included in the watershed plan.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G51
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.
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;
G52 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3108 July 8, 2008
•
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.
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 peer reviewed 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 have been 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 modelling throughout the plan and supporting documents, and are
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G53
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. 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.
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
G54 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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
7) Form community partnerships for implementation
Economy
Urban Land Use
1) Protect significant landforms
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
JuII ri8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G55
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.
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 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 #7107, 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;
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;
G56 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
• 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 supports
the development of these plans.
Implementation funding for TRCA activities will be subject to capital allocations for 2009 and
beyond.
MOTION-
NAVIGABLE WATERS PROTECTION ACT: Proposed Amendments
Proposed amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act remove
navigation rights for small water craft (with a draft of less than one metre,
i.e. canoe and kayak) thereby potentially inhibiting water -based
recreational opportunities throughout the majority of the Humber
watershed in association with potential construction activities such as
dams, bridges, causeways and booms.
WHEREAS the navigation rights of small water craft with drafts of less than one metre is
important to maintain for water -based recreational opportunities;
WHEREAS the proposed amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act may impede
the ability to maintain unobstructed minor waterways therein compromising heritage and
water -based recreational opportunities;
THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance send a letter the
Canadian Heritage Rivers System alerting them to the potential amendments to the
Navigable Waters Protection Act and resulting impacts on Canadian rivers and streams.
THE MOTION WAS NOT CARRIED
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G57
• RES. #G27/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Sharon Bradley
Dianne Douglas
THAT the staff report on the proposed amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act
be received CARRIED
RES. #G28/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Sharon Bradley
Larry Giles
THAT the Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance consult with staff and interested
volunteers to further define the issue;
THAT a letter be sent by the Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance to the Canadian
Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) and other appropriate government agencies expressing our
concerns over the proposed amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act;
AND FURTHER THAT the letter be circulated to the Humber Watershed Alliance for their •
information CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In the spring of 2008, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
submitted a policy and analysis study to the House of Commons proposing several
amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA), a historic piece of Canadian
legislation dating back to 1882. The Committee asserted that these proposed amendments
are based on requested changes to the NWPA to reflect current economic needs and respond
to the increased volume and variety of uses of Canada's waterways as well as to relieve the
backlog of projects waiting for approval.
These proposed changes to the NWPA include:
• Amending the definition of "navigable waters" to exclude "minor waters ";
• Amending the definition of "work" to explicitly exclude "minor works ";
• Deleting the reference to the four "named" works in the Act;
• Adjusting the amount of the current fines in the Act;
• The removal of wrecks and derelict vessels;
• The definition of inspection powers; and
• A five year review of the amended Navigable Waters Protection Act.
In addition, the committee has also set forth a recommendation dealing with inter - departmental
environmental assessments and fisheries habitat assessments.
While several of the proposed amendments are deemed to be beneficial, three amendments
may negatively impact recreational opportunities within the Humber watershed including: the
redefinition of "navigable waters" to exclude 'minor waters', redefinition of "works" to exclude
- 'minor works' and deleting the reference to the four named works in the Act. Further detail on
the proposed amendments are as follows.
G58 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
A. Definition of Navigable Waters
The Committee has stated that stakeholders have informed them that they want "minor waters"
excluded from the NWPA and replaced with a clear definition of what constitutes a "navigable
water "as navigable waters could be defined by reference to the purpose of the navigation, type
of vessel, physical characteristics of the channel, actual use for navigation or a combination of
these. Currently, the extent to which such factors are included in the definition would be up to
the government to decide. However, the Committee states that they believe that the new
definition should leave no ambiguity as to what is defined as a navigable water.
Therefore, the Committee recommends that:
The government amend the definition of navigable waters to exclude minor waters and that the
new definition should clearly state what constitutes a "navigable water."
Navigable water is to be defined as:
a) must be, for at least three consecutive months of the year, capable of supporting typical
transportation, commercial, or recreational type floating vessels that draw a draft of at
least one metre;
b) must be at least two kilometres in length and contain no fixed and permanent
restrictions for floating vessels referred to earlier, and may include a single body of
water, or only a specific section of a water body - for example, a continuous two -
kilometre stretch of stream - which is in total five kilometres long, or a two - kilometre
stretch of connected water bodies - for example, a lake plus a river plus another lake;
c) may be a man -made or naturally occurring water body - in Saskatchewan, Alberta in
particular, because of irrigation, we have a number of man -made reservoirs that are
fairly extensive in length and width and require bridges across them.
In addition, a water body meeting all these criteria may be nominated for designation as a
navigable water by one level of government only, either municipal, provincial or federal.
A nominated water body must be designated as a navigable water body through a process of
public review and provincial approval. A joint federal - provincial approval process would only
apply for nominations in which there are inter - provincial or international navigational issues
associated with a designation or a non - designation of a nomination. Once a water body is
designated as navigable, it may be de- designated by following a process similar to that which
lead to the designation in the first place.
B. Definition of Work
The Committee has stated that stakeholders have informed them that they would like to see the
definition of "work" amended to explicitly exclude "minor works" and works that have little or
no impact on navigation as stakeholders believe that many works that currently require
applications for approval do not affect navigation. The Committee believes that amending the
NWPA to exclude "minor works" would aid those constructing projects that have no impact on
navigation and allow Transport Canada to deploy their resources in assessing projects that do
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G59
fall under the ambit of what constitutes a "work."
Therefore, the Committee recommends that:
The government amend the definition of "work" under the NWPA to exclude "minor works."
C. Remove Reference to Four "Named" Works
Under Section 5(2) of the Act, there are four "named" works - bridge, boom, dam and
causeway. These were originally "named" in the Act because they completely blocked a
waterway and thus were traditionally considered significant obstacles to navigation. The
Committee has stated that stakeholders have informed them that this is not the case today and
that by naming these works require them to go through an extensive approval process whether
the impact on navigation is significant or not.
Therefore, the Committee recommends that:
The government consider deleting specific reference to each of the four "named" works under
Section 5(2) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act without compromising the review of works
which impede or obstruct navigation.
CONCLUSION
Effectively, these amendments exclude waterways navigable by small water craft only (with a
draft of less than one metre, i.e. canoe and kayak) from compliance to the Navigable Waters
Protection Act in association with construction activities, such as dams, bridges, causeways
and booms. Therefore, these proposed amendments will impede navigation rights for water -
based recreational opportunities throughout the majority of the Humber River.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
In accordance with parliamentary process, the Government of Canada provides a
comprehensive response to the Committee's study within 120 days (from June 12`h, 2008) to
the House of Commons. After the comprehensive response has been provided, the House of
Commons will vote to concur or not with the proposed study. If concurrence is granted, it is
left with the Government of Canada to introduce a bill for first reading into the House of
Commons, based on the study recommendations.
During this parliamentary process, there is opportunity for public comment and debate. In
order to ensure that concerns reference above are raised, the Humber Watershed Alliance is to
prepare a letter to the .Canadian Heritage Rivers System to alert them to these concerns and to
collectively determine next steps.
G60 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
RES. #G29/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
"CAPTURE THE HUMBER" PHOTO CONTEST
Invitation to the Humber Watershed Alliance to submit images for an
upcoming photo book on the Humber River watershed.
Larry Giles
Lynn Short
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance be invited to submit images to the "Capture the
Humber" photo contest by October 2008 for consideration in the Humber
photo book CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In celebration of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage
River, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) launched a "Capture the Humber" photo
contest in December 2006 to invite the public to share their memories and experiences of this
historical Canadian landscape. Selected photographs will be compiled into a book that will
honour the Humber River.
The text for this book will be between 7,500 and 10,000 words long. It will consist of short
stories and quotes from people and personalities familiar with the river, anecdotal information
and facts and figures. It will have several more substantive chapters as outlined below. Each
chapter will be relatively short. The text Will be interspersed with text boxes, pull quotes and
interesting statistics.
The chapters outlined below are only suggestions and are yet to be finalized.
Foreword - Written by TRCA or by an ambassador for the river.
Introduction
History of the Humber River
Heritage Designation
Flora & Fauna
Recreation
Hydrology
Challenges
The Humber' Future
History of the TRCA - Recognize 50`h Anniversary
Afterword
Index of Place Names
Contest organizers are looking for images from all seasons that represent the beauty of the
Humber River and its watershed. The themes include: plants and animals, culture and heritage,
recreation, people, places, events, landscapes and communities. Awards will be given for best
overall photograph and for best photograph in each of the theme categories.
Since the contest was launched, TRCA received approximately 500 submissions. However, the
categories of culture and heritage, recreation, people, places, and events are still under-
represented.. Alliance members are encouraged to submit images that would qualify for these
specific categories.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G61
• Technical requirements for photo submissions include:
Colour /black- and -white 35 mm slides that are mounted, or colour /black- and -white
prints, unmounted and no larger than 8" x 10" (original slides or negatives must be
available upon request).
Digital files should be at least 3000 pixels wide for horizontal images or 3000 pixels high
for vertical images, and no smaller than six megabytes (photo needs to have been
taken using at least a six - mega - pixels camera).
• Facsimileswill not be accepted.
• Content alteration of images not permitted.
For more information on the photo contest and online submission, please visit
www.trca.on.ca /capture the humber.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
•
Select photos for the photo book and announce winners by October 2008.
Design and print of the photo book scheduled for December 2008.
Launch of book to take place at an event to commemorate 1.0'h anniversary of the
Humber's Canadian Heritage River's designation.
RES. #G30/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUSTAINABLE NEAR URBAN AGRICULTURE ON TRCA LANDS
Final policy and operational procedures and guidelines regarding
sustainable near urban agriculture on TRCA lands.
Madeleine McDowell
Tony Flynn
THAT the final policy and operational procedures and guidelines regarding sustainable near
urban agriculture on TRCA lands, dated July 2008, be adopted by the Humber Watershed
Alliance CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #2/08 of the Humber Watershed Alliance, the policy and operational procedures
and guidelines regarding sustainable near -urban agriculture were adopted in principle:
THAT the draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines, regarding sustainable
near -urban agriculture on TRCA lands, dated April 2008, be adopted in principle, by the
Humber Watershed Alliance;
G62 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
AND FURTHER THAT TRCA staff consult with other TRCA watershed committees, the
York, Peel and Durham federations of agriculture and other stakeholders to review and
finalize the draft policy and operational procedures and guidelines.
Since then, TRCA has consulted with the following agencies to review and finalize the draft
policy and operational procedures and guidelines:
Don Watershed Regeneration Council
GTA Agricultural Action Plan Committee
York Federation of Agriculture
Peel Federation of Agriculture
Durham Federation of Agriculture
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 and Rural Affairs
Comments received from the members of the Humber Watershed Alliance and the above
agencies have been incorporated into the final version of the policy and operational
procedures and guidelines.
NEXT STEPS
• Present sustainable near -urban agriculture policy and operational procedures and
guidelines to TRCA for approval in July, 2008.
• Integrate sustainable near- urban agriculture policy and procedures into TRCA's The
Living City policies.
•
Organize meetings and focus group sessions with farming associations and potential
partners wishing to work with TRCA to explore and initiate sustainable urban agriculture
projects on TRCA land.
• Implement policy and operational procedures and guidelines.
• Review policy and operational procedures and guidelines within a three year time
frame.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G63
RES. #G31/08- TERRESTRIAL VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM RESULTS
Receipt of staff report on Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Joanne Nonnekes
Tony Flynn
THAT the staff report on the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program results be received for
information. CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority at its meeting held on June 27, 2008, adopted the following resolution:
THAT the Authority report entitled, "Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring Program:
Monitoring Results 2002 -2007 be received;
THAT the Authority recognize the contribution of TRCA volunteers and private
landowners who participate in the TVN 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.
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
G64 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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 dafe.
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.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G65
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.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The Terrestrial Volunteer 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.
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.
RES. #G32/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
REGIONAL WATERSHED MONITORING PROGRAM
Update on the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program and 2007
progress report.
Joanne Nonnekes
Tony Flynn
THAT the staff report on the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program outlining the annual
report of activity, be received for information CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting held on June 27, 2008, approved the following: •
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;
G66 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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.
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.
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.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G67
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.
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.
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
G68 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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:
2007 Monitoring Activities and Highlights
The following highlights some of the monitoring activities carried out during 2007:
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.
July 8, 2008 • HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G69
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.
G70 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3108 July 8, 2008
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, staff will 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:
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
RES. #G33/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
GOOD NEWS STORIES
Good news stories for April and May 2008 from all sectors of Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority.
Joanne Nonnekes
Tony Flynn
THAT the staff report on Good News Stories for April and May 2008, be received for
information CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting held on June 27, 2008, adopted the following:
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT the report on "Good News Stories" for April and May
2008, be received.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 _ G71
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 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.
G72 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 July 8, 2008
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.
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.
Tommy 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.
Stormwater 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 Salmon Program - 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 the Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton.
July 8, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/08 G73
RES. #G34/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided
. for information.
Madeleine McDowell
Dianne Douglas
THAT the following minutes be received:
Bolton Resource Management Tract #3108 (June 121
Claireville Subcommittee #2108 and #3108 (May 13th and June 10th )
Heritage Subcommittee #3108 and #4108 (May 15th and June 12th) CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
RES. #G35/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Bolton Arterial Route (aka Bolton By -Pass)
Concerns by staff and the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association for
safe passage by people and wildlife has been registered with the
proponents and their consultants.
Madeleine McDowell
Dianne Douglas
WHEREAS the Humber Watershed Alliance has expressed concern regarding impacts the
Bolton By -Pass project may have on wildlife and pedestrian movement;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance;
particularly, members of the Bolton Resource Management Tract Management Plan
Advisory Committee, provide input during the detailed design process for the Bolton By-
Pass CARRIED
DOOR PRIZE
As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber
Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a paddle embossed with the Humber logo on it. The
winning ticket belonged to Tony Flynn.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:10 p.m., July 8, 2008.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
'MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 Page G74
October 21, 2008
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, October 21,
2008. lain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
PRESENT
Arshad Ali Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne Member
Jim Bradley Member
Sharon Bradley Member
Heather Broadbent Member
lain Craig Member
Nick deBoer Member
Dianne Douglas Member
Bert Duclos Member
Tony Flynn Member
Larry Giles Member
Robert Glover Member
Suzan Hall Member
Mark Head Alternate
Ron Hingston Member
Gaspar Horvath Member
Emil Kolb Member
Anan Lololi Member
Lisette Mallet Member
Mike Mattos Member
Madeleine McDowell Member
Tunde Miko Member
Hugh Mitchell Member
Peter Mitchell Member
Miriam Mittermaier Member
Joanne Nonnekes Member
Randall Reid Member
Lynda Rogers Member
Carmen Schlamb Member
Lynn Short Member
Peter Swain Member
G75 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
Anyika Tafari Member
Peter Telford Member
Lisa Turnbull Member
Bill Wilson Member
GUESTS
Mark Chambers Environment Canada
Kelly Fraser Umoja Learning Circle
Alyson Hazlett Toronto Resident
STAFF
Sonia Dhir Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Lia Lappano Administrative Assistant, Humber
Susan Robertson Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G36/08 - MINUTES
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Madeleine McDowell
Hugh Mitchell
THAT the minutes of meeting #3/08, held on July 8, 2008, be approved CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter to Maxime Ricard, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure
and Communities, dated September 24, 2008 re: Proposed Amendments to the
Navigable Waters Protection Act
RES. #G37/08
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Heather Broadbent
Madeleine McDowell
THAT the above correspondence be received CARRIED
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G76
PRESENTATIONS
(a) The Peregrine Falcon
Tracy Simpson and Kyle Holloway of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation made a presentation
on the plight of the Peregrine Falcon and the American Kestrel and brought live birds to the
meeting. The presentation included information about the birds' habitat, challenges,
successes and future direction.
(b) Peel - Caledon Significant Woodlands and Significant Wildlife Habitat Study
Mark Head of the Region of Peel made a presentation on the above study. Highlights included
study team, rationale, approach and deliverables; consultation; preliminary criteria; forest
cover; key challenges and next steps.
Humber Watershed Alliance members will be invited to attend the environmental workshop on
Monday, November 24, 2008. Public comments are due on December 12, 2008 and the
finalization of the report is expected in January, 2009.
RES. #G38/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
OAK RIDGES CORRIDOR PARK EAST
Update on the Oak Ridges Corridor Park lands in the Town of Richmond
Hill.
Bill Wilson
Heather Broadbent
THAT the staff report on the Oak Ridges Corridor Park East update be received for
information CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is leading the preparation of a
management plan for the Oak Ridges Corridor Park East (ORCP -East) in partnership with the
Town of Richmond Hill and York Region. Humber Alliance members are part of the advisory
committee.
The Oak Ridges Corridor Park East (ORCP -East) is approximately 195 hectares of land that
straddles the boundary between the Humber River and Rouge River watersheds. It is located
between Bethesda Sideroad and Stouffville Road to the north and south, and between Bayview
Avenue and Leslie Street to the east and west. The Lake St George Field Centre is
immediately north of the ORCP -East, and the Oak Ridges Moraine Corridor Park is to the west.
ORCP -East consists of forest and successional forest areas, wetlands and meadows. It
provides quality habitat in both the.Humber River and Rouge River watersheds, as evidenced
by the variety of flora and fauna species of regional concern.
G77 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
The property is subject to several provincial plans and policies, including the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs)
and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) also exist on the site.
The ORCP -East provides the opportunity for passive, year -round public use. Currently, the
property is heavily used by both authorized and unauthorized uses. There is evidence that
hikers, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, ATV's, snowmobiles and 4 -wheel drive vehicles are using
the property.
In connection with the funding for the purchase of the Bayview Oakridges Estates Inc property,
TRCA received funding from the Town of Richmond Hill, the Region of York, the Oak Ridges
Moraine Foundation, the City of Toronto and the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto
in the amount of $40,000 to develop a management plan for the Jefferson's Forest complex.
To develop the management plan, staff will use the TRCA model process that has been
successfully used at other TRCA properties. The four phases of work include:
Phase 1 - Estimated completion Winter 2007/2008
- Establishment of a technical committee
- Develop site protection and securement plan
Phase 2 - Estimated completion Winter 2008/2009
- Undertake natural and cultural heritage inventories of the property
- Establishment of an Advisory Committee
- Develop plan vision, goals and objectives
- Complete management plan background report for the property
- Public consultation
Phase 3 - Estimated completion Spring 2009
- Develop draft management zones for the property
-Draft management recommendations
- Public consultation
Phase 4 - Estimated completion Fall 2009
- Finalize management zones
- Finalize management recommendations
- Public Information Session
Given the importance of integrating the East lands with the main Oak Ridges Corridor Park,
TRCA is recommending that a broader master plan style of document be developed that
focuses on the East lands and the main Oak Ridges Corridor Park, but also makes
recommendations for the surrounding community, including municipal parks. This plan, which
could be titled "Oak Ridges Corridor Park Integration Strategy" should include components
that address supporting infrastructure for the lands (e.g. parking lots, entrance points),
recommendations for building tourism to the area (e.g. inclusion of bed and breakfasts, cafes,
etc... into subdivision plans), a public awareness or promotion plan, and plans for building
engagement and community stewardship. The development of this plan should be led by a
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G78
consultant or facilitator working in conjunction with designated TRCA staff, the Technical
Steering Committee and the Public Advisory Committee.
RATIONALE
This is an appropriate time to complete a management plan for the ORCP -East, as there is no
current management plan for the property. In addition, with the projected population growth in
the Town of Richmond Hill and York Region, the ORCP -East will likely become an even more
popular environmental and outdoor recreation area. As such, it requires a management plan
that can address future public use demands and enhanced environmental protection. As a
prelude to the management plan, a Site Securement & Protection Plan is needed to mitigate
and manage the unauthorized uses that are occurring on the property.
Furthermore, it is necessary to prepare a comprehensive and integrated management 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 will integrate the Oak Ridges Corridor
Park Management Plan that was completed in 2006 and will integrate with implementation
initiatives. The plan must also be reflective of TRCA's goals for The Living City - a vision of
healthy communities based on a healthy ecosystem.
The Management Plan will complement a number of TRCA initiatives, including:
• The Living City Vision;
• Implementation of Humber River Watershed Plan: Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008);
• Implementation of the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable
Future (2008);
• Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy; and Oak Ridges Corridor Park Management
Plan.
Why Prepare a Management Plan?
• To provide a current "state of the property" assessment;
• To address property management and public safety issues;
• To develop a plan which responds to future demands and growth in the region;
• To integrate with the management plan for the Oak Ridges Corridor Park;
• To integrate and implement Humber River and Rouge River watershed management
strategies;
• To establish appropriate environmental protection and regeneration techniques;
• To receive public input regarding appropriate use, development and management of lands;
and,
• To create a sense of stewardship among users and adjacent land owners.
The management plan will be developed in consultation with a Staff Steering Committee, a
Technical Steering Committee and a Public Advisory Committee. There will also be Public
Information Sessions at each major phase of the management plan.
The Technical Steering Committee will provide technical input and will be composed of
representatives from the Town of Richmond Hill, York Region, Ontario Realty Corporation,
Rouge Park and the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
G79 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
The Public Advisory Committee will be composed of agency and community representatives
and will review and advise on pertinent components of the plan. The _following agencies have
been invited to participate in the Public Advisory Committee:
Ministry of Natural Resources
STORM
Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment
Richmond Hill Naturalists
Citizens Environment Watch
Humber Watershed Alliance
User groups, including mountain bikers
Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
Oak Ridges Trail Association
Jeffersons Forest Residents Association
Local councillors from Richmond Hill and York Region
Local Public and Catholic School Boards
Major landowners
Diamond Back golf course
Area developers
Initial meetings have been held with all three committees to introduce the management plan.
Next steps will include facilitated sessions to develop vision statements as well as goals and
objectives to guide the management planning process.
TRCA staff is also involved in the review of the Richmond Hill Official Plan to explore ways of
integrating this public land into the new OP and ensuring the new OP complements and
strengthens the property within the local and regional greenspace system.
RES. #G39/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
COMMUNITY ACTION SITES
Potential additional community action sites within the Humber River
watershed.
Larry Giles
Lynn Short
THAT TRCA and Humber Watershed Alliance members concentrate on existing community
action sites to ensure their successful completion;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be.encouraged to promote to
others and adopt the community action site model in their local communities for identifying,
planning and implementing future community action sites.
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G80
AMENDMENT
RES. #G40/08
Moved by;
Seconded by:
Bill Wilson
Sharon Bradley
THAT TRCA and Humber Watershed•Alliance members concentrate on existing community
action sites to ensure their successful implementation;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to promote to
others and adopt the community action site model in their local communities for identifying,
planning and implementing future community action sites for the purpose of implementing
recommendations of the Humber Watershed Plan and the current Humber Report Card.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CARRIED
THE MAIN MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Community Action Sites (CAS) were a model recommended in Legacy: A Strategy for a
Healthy Humber (1997) for implementing the management plan. CAS's are real locations in
communities that focus resources to achieve objectives common to the project partners: A
number of CAS's have been adopted over the years producing successful partnerships and
significant accomplishments.
At the Heritage Subcommittee meeting held on September) lth, 2008, the following motion was
adopted:
That the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance recommends to the
Alliance that more of the highly successful, award - winning Community Action Site
committees be established by the Humber Watershed Alliance and TRCA staff. The
committee suggests that there are various places that would benefit from such committees.
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Palgrave
fishway, trails, heritage, pond deepening, land acquisition,
parking
Bolton
wetlands, planting, heritage
Caledon East
fish habitat, boardwalk, signage, wetland
Sun Row Park
channel naturalization
Claireville
planting, wetlands, heritage, trails, litter clean up
Elder Mills
wetlands, planting, trails
Eaton Hall
wetlands, signage, planting, monitoring
G81 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08
October 21, 2008
Lake Wilcox
shoreline naturalization
Granger Greenway /Boyd
trails, wetlands, planting
Oak Ridges Corridor Park
planting, trails, wetland
Toronto Heritage Park
signage, trails, art
The above projects represent those that are active to varying degrees and receive assistance
from staff, Humber Watershed Alliance members, municipalities and others.
The Community Action Site model works and is helpful for influencing priorities securing
resources and getting 'in ground' works done in local communities. Unfortunately, staff cannot
resource any additional community action sites as there are no available staff or budgets to do
so. However, Humber Alliance members are encouraged to take the process and
methodology and work within their communities to adopt, plan and implement projects. The
Humber Watershed Alliance is regarded as a strong extension of the watershed management
work which TRCA does in partnership within its jurisdiction which includes nine watersheds
and Lake Ontario waterfront.
RES. #G41/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
HUMBER RIVER HERITAGE BRIDGE INVENTORY
To inventory all bridges in the Humber River Watershed in order to
comprehensively assess the state of existing heritage bridges in
accordance with Ontario Ministry of Culture (Draft) bridge guidelines,
with the intent of designating those worthy of heritage protection and
conservation.
Madeleine McDowell
Heather Broadbent
WHEREAS the Humber Watershed Alliance recognizes the significance of a bridge inventory
to the Humber River Watershed Canadian Heritage River System designation;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance supports the objectives of the Heritage Subcommittee
in preparing an inventory of heritage bridges in the Humber watershed;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members assist the Heritage Subcommittee by
providing resources and information relevant to the secondary data collection process;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber River Heritage Bridge Inventory report be brought back to
the Humber Watershed Alliance when it is completed CARRIED
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G82
BACKGROUND
In the summer of 2007, the Heritage Subcommittee of the Humber Watershed Alliance put forth
a proposal to initiate an inventory of all existing bridges on the Humber with the intent of
identifying and assessing bridges worthy of heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage
Act, 2006. Building upon previous examples of bridge inventories conducted in southern
Ontario (in the Region of Waterloo and the Grand River Watershed) the Heritage Subcommittee
is working with a larger network of stakeholders to retain support and increase awareness of
this initiative.
The methodology used to date as well as the next steps identified to complete the project are
as follows:
Methodology
This project was initiated with a primary data process which was generally based on a
quantitative approach to data collection. Our primary data approach sought to identify
potential bridge locations where a tributary of the Humber River is traversed by either a rail line
or a roadway. Heritage Subcommittee members felt that this approach was a thorough and
vigorous approach to our first stage of data collection. From there, the Heritage Subcommittee
had the good fortune to discover that the fisheries data used for the completion of the Humber
Fisheries Management Plan used the exact same methodology(a barrier to fish habitat could
be at any point where a tributary of the Humber is traversed by a rail line or a road way). TRCA
staff converted fisheries data to bridge data by renumbering the identified potential fish barriers
with a numbering system relevant to the municipality and the number within each municipality.
Once the numbering system was completed, maps were prepared to facilitate on -site
assessment: As a result, a total of over 1,200 sites were identified as potential bridge locations
although Heritage Subcommittee members were cognizant that there was a high likelihood that
the majority of the sites identified on the map might be culverts.
In order to assist with the delineation of potential bridge locations, two summer students were
retained to conduct site assessments to as many of the 1,200 potential sites as possible within
their time allocated to this project. On site, the summer students were provided with a data
sheet and a camera. At the end of the summer, half of all the municipalities within the Humber
watershed had been assessed for potential bridge locations, with the exception of
Mississauga, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Toronto. The data collected is currently
available on inventory sheets but will be entered electronically as well to be used for further
analysis. It is our intention to complete the site assessments for the above - referenced
municipalities as well as all of the data entry with the assistance of a university intern, which
TRCA staff hopes to retain.
Through the site assessments completed, the summer students informed committee members
that the majority of sites assessed were not bridge locations and were in fact culverts, as
originally anticipated. Equipped with this information, TRCA staff and subcommittee members
have begun to prepare the secondary data process which will be more qualitative in nature.
The secondary data collection process aims to reduce margins of error identified in
quantitative /primary data process by relying on local knowledge of bridge locations that may
not be easily identified by locations where a watercourse is traversed by a rail line or a road
G83 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
way. This research takes more indirect routes to discovery but may in fact result in fascinating
discoveries. For example, many bridges along the Humber have been relocated from old
abandoned roadways to private properties and are now used for personal and private
recreation only. This sort of unique information cannot be fully identified without the assistance
of local Heritage Advisory Committees or heritage groups. Therefore, subcommittee members
and TRCA staff will attend Heritage Advisory meetings at each municipality in the watershed
interested in participating to request their assistance in the secondary data collection stage.
Further, Heritage Subcommittee members and TRCA staff have struck an inter - municipal and
provincial working group with heritage advisors from across the watershed. In combination, as
well as through the assistance of Humber Watershed Alliance members, the subcommittee
members hope to have completed the secondary data stage by early 2009. Once complete,
there a another series of steps required to finalize this project within the desire timeframe - in
time for the 10th Anniversary celebration of Humber's Canadian Heritage Rivers Designation on
June 13th, 2009.
CONCLUSION
In order to ensure the continued protection of heritage features /structures in the Humber River
Watershed and to celebrate and maintain the prestigious Canadian Heritage River designation,
the Heritage Subcommittee must seek out and conduct activities that identify, promote and
protect the Humber's heritage resources. This initiative achieves these goals. With the
examples provided by the Region of Waterloo and the Grand River Conservation Authority, we
are able to benefit from the experiences of others in these unique field of research. In
conclusion, we hope that this project will increase the level of awareness to the significance of
bridges to the development of our region and country, as well as to the need to protect
heritage features on the landscape.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Finalize primary data collection for the Town of 'Richmond Hill, the cities of Mississauga,
Toronto and Vaughan.
Enter primary data into excel template in order to facilitate quick data analysis.
Reach out to the Heritage Advisory Committees and local heritage groups through
meetings and presentations to gather additional data.
Compile primary and secondary data and analyze to extent necessary.
Apply to the Ontario Trillium Foundation to retain a consultant and complete report.
Assist in completion of report through stakeholder working group meetings.
Distribute report via internet and to stakeholders.
Create an on -line map of heritage bridges to be made readily available to
Environmental Assessment review and Planning and Development staff at the TRCA
and regionally.
Present report as part of the 10 year monitoring report required by the Canadian
Heritage Rivers System by March 31, 2009.
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G84
RES. #G42/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
10' ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE HUMBER RIVER
CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER DESIGNATION
The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Humber River's Canadian
Heritage River designation and the creation of a corresponding Calendar
of Events for the month of September, 2009.
Lynn Short
Heather Broadbent
WHEREAS the TRCA and the Humber Watershed Alliance recognize the significance of
celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Humber River Watershed's Canadian Heritage River
System (CHRS)designation;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance assist TRCA staff with the organization and
implementation of a 10th anniversary celebration of the CHRS designation of the Humber
River Watershed on Saturday, September 26, 2009;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members help TRCA staff consolidate a
`Calendar of Events' for the month of September, 2009, by.organizing an activity and
branding other events taking place in the month of September, 2009 as a Canadian Heritage
Rivers activity CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada's national river conservation program
that promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and ensures that Canada's
leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner. The CHRS is a public trust with local
citizens as the champions the program - actions taken at grass roots that drive the program
forward.
The CHRS designation is a prestigious one that is unique to the Humber River Watershed out
of all nine watersheds within the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, there are only 11 rivers in all of
Ontario, a province internationally renown for its lakes and rivers, that merit this national
designation. However, with this honour comes a responsibility to promote, protect and
celebrate the river.
In order to achieve this goal, the TRCA is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Humber's
CHRS designation with the watershed communities. The proposed date and location are:
Saturday, September 26th, 2009, in the City of Toronto at Etienne Brule Park. However, in order
to prolong and build upon the proposed celebration date, TRCA staff is looking to create a
Calendar of Events (with information from members of the Humber Watershed Alliance)
consisting of other activities and events occurring in the watershed in the month of September,
2009 that may incorporate the CHRS theme within them.
Activities that celebrate the inaugural designation event held on September 25'h, 1999 help to
promote awareness to the unique attributes of the watershed.
G85 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• TRCA staff request that Humber Watershed Alliance members assist with the planning
and implementation of a 10th anniversary event for the Humber River Watershed.
Humber Watershed Alliance members organize events in the month of September 2009
or help brand other activities as part of a 'Calendar of Events' around Canadian Rivers
Day and the 10th anniversary.
Proposed Schedule for the 10th Anniversary Canadian Heritage Rivers Day Celebration -
September 26th 2009
ACTIVITY
TIME
Sunrise ceremony
7 -9: 30AM
Community Activities: Birds of Prey, Reptilia,
Watershed on Wheels, Water festival activities,
Archaeological Dig, Mural Painting
10AM to
Noon
Formal Program: Rice Lake Drum Welcome,
Flag and Honour Song, Mounted Unit: Police,
Speeches, Water ceremony, Humber Book
launch
Noon -
1:30PM
,
Bike event
1:30PM
-Shakespeare Theatre Group - theatre
enactments
2PM
La Societe d'histoire - guided hikes
2:30PM
RES. #G43/08- SUSTAINABLE NEAR -URBAN AGRICULTURE ON TRCA LANDS
Final policy regarding sustainable near -urban agriculture on TRCA lands.
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Lynn Short
Heather Broadbent
THAT the final policy regarding sustainable near -urban agriculture on TRCA lands, dated
September 2008, be received CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At Authority meeting #7/08, the policy regarding sustainable near -urban agriculture was
approved by resolution #A201/08, as follows:
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G86
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, 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;
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.
TRCA URBAN AGRICULTURE FARM TOUR
TRCA staff recently organized an urban agriculture farm tour to complement the Sustainable
Near -Urban Agriculture Policy. The tour was held on September 25, 2008 and was attended by
G87 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
22 individuals from the Humber Watershed Alliance Agriculture Subcommittee, the Toronto
Urban Farm Advisory Committee and TRCA staff. It showcased various sustainable near -urban
agriculture projects and partnerships including the Toronto Urban Farm, FarmStart's McVean
Farm and Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre.
The following is a brief summary of the sites visited:
Toronto Urban Farm, Toronto
In 2003, TRCA added an eight acre property located at Black Creek Pioneer Village to the City
of Toronto management agreement for the establishment of an urban farm in response to a
community need for greater access to affordable and ethno- specific foods. The project provides
employment and leadership /learning opportunities for young people in this high density area.
This high profile site, located near the south -east corner of Steeles Avenue West and Jane
Street, lies on the west side of the Black Creek valley corridor. Reflecting the heritage of Black
Creek Pioneer Village, this site had been used as agricultural land in the first half of the 20th
century, but had been left fallow since it was acquired by the Authority in 1952. The project is
currently in the site preparation phase.
FarmStart New Farmers Initiative at Claireville Conservation Area, Brampton
In 2008, TRCA entered into a lease agreement with FarmStart, a not - for - profit organization
working toward increasing the presence of young and new farmers, operating their own farm
enterprises, within the agriculture community for 37 acres at the historic McVean farm property
located in Claireville Conservation Area. The `New Farmers to Grow; New Places to Go'
initiative is a partnership of the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, FarmStart and Toronto
and Region Conservation. The proposed project aims to support new farmers and immigrant
communities through collaborative community development projects and cultural animation
strategies.
Everdale Environmental Organic Farm and Learning Centre, Hillsburg
Everdale has a ten year track record of delivering inspiring hands -on education for new farmers,
school children and the general public. Currently at their home farm the 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. Everdale recently partnered with TRCA to develop a farm plan for the Living City Farm, at
the Kortright Centre for Conservation.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Meet with Rouge Park Alliance staff to explore progress in developing an agricultural
policy for the Rouge Park;
Complete the Operational Procedures and Guidelines for Sustainable Near -Urban
Agriculture and distribute same to TRCA staff for immediate use.
October 21, 2008 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 G88
RES. #G44/08-
Moved by:
Seconded by:
SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
_ The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are
provided for information.
Dianne Douglas
Lynn Short
THAT the following minutes be received:
• Bolton Resource Management Tract #4108 (September 23rd)
• Claireville Subcommittee #4/08 (September 9th )
• Heritage Subcommittee #5108 (September 11th) CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Bindertwine to Boyd Walk
I. Craig reported that on Sunday, October 19th a walk took place from Bindertwine to Boyd
Conservation Area which was well- attended. Many spotted salamanders were observed.
Christie Lake Conservation Area Dragonboat Races
I. Craig reported that in September, dragonboat races were held at Christie Lake Conservation
Area in Dundas Ontario. Each team had the option of racing in six races and every team raced
in three 250 m races. It was suggested that a dragonboat event be held at Claireville in the
future and members were encouraged to visit ww. christie @conservationhamilton.ca to obtain
additional information.
Claireville Tree Planting Event
Friends of Claireville will be hosting a community tree planting event at the Claireville
Conservation Area on Saturday, October 25th from 10 am,to 12 noon. Members were
encouraged to attend.
Caledon Publications
B. Duclos advised members that an article on Heather Broadbent was published in the Fall
Edition of the Sideroads of Caledon and Erin. In addition, H. Broadbent and B. Hulley recently
co -wrote an article on Bridges on the Humber for Caledon Living.
G89 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/08 October 21, 2008
Bike -a -thon /Fundraiser
T. Flynn suggested that a bike -a -thon /fundraiser could be the Humber's 'signature' event
possibly to be held in June, 2009 in conjunction with Canadian Rivers Day. It was agreed that a
preliminary meeting to review this possible event will be arranged between T. Flynn, G. Wilkins
and S. Robertson in the near future. A steering committee may be required to bring this event
to fruition.
RES. #G45/08 - EARTH RANGERS
Moved by: Larry Giles
Seconded by: Tony Flynn
• THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members support the proposal by Mr. Schaad to
expand the parking facility at Earth Rangers, in a northerly direction, by 1,500 square metres
in exchange for 4,500 square metres of TRCA land which will be removed from the existing
lease agreement;
THAT solar panels be installed in the parking lot to generate education opportunities and
energy which will be used in the Earth Rangers facility;
THAT permeable pavement be used in the parking lot as a preferred sustainable building
practice;
THAT replanting and landscaping be undertaken in all disturbed areas to the satisfaction of
TRCA;
AND FURTHER THAT the expansion of geothermal heating at the facility be endorsed to
further reduce heating and cooling costs CARRIED
DOOR PRIZE
As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber
Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a Humber fleece jacket. The winning ticket belonged
to Gaspar Horvath.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:10 p.m., October 21, 2008.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary- Treasurer
/L.