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Home My WebLink AboutRouge Park Alliance 2008Rouge. Park ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES - MEETING #1 /08 - February 15, 2008 The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells, Chair, welcomed everyone and thanked Robin Hale and Sue Gunton; Toronto Zoo, for hosting the meeting. The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:15 'a.m. PRESENT Members: Alan Wells, Chair Gord Weeden, Co -Chair Hon. Pauline Browes, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp Councillor David Cohen, Town of Richmond Hill Robin Hale, Toronto Zoo Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath,. Region of York • Derek Lee, MP, Government of Canada Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of.Pickering Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville ABSENT Members: Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Gerri Lynn O'Connor, TRCA Councillor Erin Shapero, Town of Markham Staff: Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration Barb Davies, Manager, Natural Heritage Michelle Holmes, Communications Specialist Doreen McCarty, Administrative Coordinator Observers: John Connolly, Transport Canada Jim Dillane, TRCA Lilli Duoba, Town of Markham Andy McKinnon, Public Participant Sheila Lathe, Public Participant Alternates:. Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Ron Dewell, TRCA • Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Tracy Smith, Province of Ontario Carolyn Woodland, TRCA Alternates: • Ian Buchanan, Region of York . Councillor Raymond. Cho, City of Toronto Nestor Chornobay,.Region of Durham Mayor Wayne Emmerson, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville. Tom Farrell, Province of Ontario Adele Freeman, TRCA Audrey Hollasch, Town of Richmond Hill. . Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Town of Markham Keith Laushway, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Hon. Dan McTeague, Government of Canada Tom Melymuk, City of Pickering Vicki MacDonald, Biologist' Maryam Nassar, Manager, Interpretation & Culture Lewis Yeager, General Manager Observers: (Continued...) Robb Ogilvie, Ogilvie, Ogilvie & Company Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Nicole Richards, Student Rocco Sgambelluri, TRCA ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 2 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1108, February 15, 2008 CHAIR'S REMARKS Gord Weeden, Co- Chaired the Rouge Park Alliance meeting. He announced his retirement; thanked and expressed his appreciation to staff and members of the Alliance for all their help over the past three years; and welcomed Barb Davies back from maternity leave. He asked Tracy Smith to introduce the new Chair, Alan Wells, and describe his background. Tracy Smith introduced Alan Wells, a resident of the Town of Uxbridge for the past 32 years; former Chief Administration Officer of York Region; former public facilitator of the Ontario government; volunteer on the Uxbridge Watershed Advisory Committee and a task force studying Duffins and Carruthers Creeks. Alan is also a Board Member of the Oak Ridges Trail Association and the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust. His hobbies include fly fishing and running his home maple syrup operation. Mr. Wells assumed the role of Chair for the remainder of the meeting. MINUTES OF MEETING #1/08, February 15, 2008 MOTION: Res. #1108 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Jennifer O'Connell THAT the Rouge Park Alliance adopt the minutes of Meeting #6/07 held on November 23, 2007. CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Jim Robb, Friends of the, Rouge Watershed, expressed a conflict with agenda item #4 - Rouge Park Funding Program - 2008 Recommended Allocations. This was duly noted by the Chair. PRESENTATION /DELEGATIONS None 1. Draft 2008 Rouge Park Work Plan and Staffing Model KEY ISSUE The Rouge Park Policy and Administration Committee met on January 28, 2008 to review and approve the proposed 2008 Rouge Park Work Plan and Staffing Model. MOTION: Moved by: Tracy Smith .Res. #2108 Seconded by:, $ "rian Denney THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the proposed 2008 Work Plan and Staffing Model. • CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 3 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1/08, February 15, 2008 2. Rouge Park Proposed 2008 Budget KEY ISSUE The Rouge Park Finance Committee met on August 14, 2007, and January 29, 2008 to review and endorse the proposed 2008 Rouge Park Budget. MOTION: Res. #3108 Moved by: Sue Gunton Seconded by: Pauline Browes THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the proposed 2008 budget. CARRIED In the discussion, Councillor Moeser asked if the Alliance has considered taking over the trust fund from the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation (WRTC), given that he viewed the future of the WRTC is unknown. The Chair, Alan Wells, suggested that the Rouge Park Alliance may wish to look at such an arrangement in the future. Brian Denney suggested that the Alliance should try and maintain the flow of Provincial funding. Tracy Smith - also suggested that is something the Alliance - should do. Councillor Clyde Smith suggested that the Rouge Park Alliance should work on a 5 -year strategic. work plan and take it to other partner organizations (Federal, Provincial, Municipal) and try to get more funding. Lewis Yeager, General Manager, said this would be done this year, with the HAVE Plan and other planning initiatives coming into effect. - 3. Rouge Park Heritage Appreciation Visitor Experience (HAVE) Plan Update .KEY ISSUE An update to the Alliance of our progress in the Heritage Appreciation Visitor Experience planning process. MOTION: Res. #4108 Moved by: Jennifer O'Connell Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the progress report on the Heritage Appreciation Visitor Experience Plan; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the notes from the Heritage Appreciation Visitor Experience Plan Technical Advisory Group meeting of 17 January 2008. 4. Rouge Park Funding Program - 2008 Recommended Allocations CARRIED Note: Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, (Alternate for Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.), left the room and was not a part of this agenda item discussion. In the discussion, Ms Browes asked.what would be done with the $50,000 that was included in the budget but for which there were no projects recommended. Mr. Clay responded that those funds would be used for a second round of projects in summer 2008, as has been the past practice. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 4 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1/08, February 15, 2008 KEY ISSUE The Park Improvement and Heritage Committee (PIHC) has reviewed the 2008 project submissions and made recommendations. MOTION: Res. #5108 Moved by: Jennifer O'Connell Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the allocation of project funding as recommended by the Park. Improvement and Heritage Committee in Table 1; AND THAT Rouge Park Alliance staff be directed to release the letters of confirmation of funding to the organizations whose projects have been approved for the 2008 Natural and Cultural Heritage Funds; AND THAT projects approved for funding at the February 15, 2008 Rouge Park Alliance meeting be eligible for release of the initial funding; AND THAT Rouge Park Alliance staff be directed to maintain contact with organizations which are not recommended for funding to assist with improving their proposals so that they may resubmit for funding; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance funding for each project be subject to the Natural and Cultural Heritage Funding Policies and Reporting Requirements; the submission of proof of liability insurance; and any conditions as required by the Park Improvement and Heritage Committee CARRIED BACKGROUND Table 1. Recommended Funding Allocations for 2008 Rouge Park Alliance Projects TOTAL SCORE • RANK PROJECT NAME RECOMMENDED ALLOCATIONS 2008 REQUEST :277.78;. • - _, 1 . Reesor Wetland .... ation:(2008) • ' , „ , ' 20,000 , -:$2.0,000;. 266.67 2 19th Annual Wildlife Habitat Restoration 25,000 $25,000 225 :00 ' 3, :■anagement of.Turtle,Populations` • •, 15;640 ' " .• '$15 ;640' 222.22 4 .Restoration of Priority Sites • 40,000 $70,000 '211.11 5 2008 Donald Couseris,Parkway North •Berm•and East HaIf,;Flatland Restoration , . , ' . • 28,400. $28,400' 200.00 6 Little Rouge Creek Aquatic Enhancement , . ' 10,000' •• $1'0,000.- 188.89 7 Invasive Plant Inventory and Control, Phase IV None $13,020 177.78 8 • Rouge Stream and Habitat Monitoring 6,268 $6,268 .166:67. , 9 Native,Seed Collection..: "„ :'.. 5,000 . '$12,600 ; 1.55.56 10 Richmond Hill Headwaters Rehabilitation .None $12,500 155.56 11 - Anndale Property Restoration - - None ' $12 ;918 133.33 12 Upper Little Rouge Creek Online Pond Mitigation None $10,000 TOTAL $150,308 $238,354 ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 5 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1/08, February 15, 2008 During discussion, Pauline Browes noted that the Anndale property is an important part of the Park that was acquired with significant effort and expense. The restoration of this area should be a priority. Lewis Yeager said that staff agrees and intends to develop a management plan for the property and its surroundings this year. ACTION - .Staff to.take appropriate action. 5. Park Improvement & Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - November 7, 2007 KEY ISSUE Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Park Iriiprovement & Heritage Committee meeting held on November 7, 2007. MOTION: Moved by: Tracy Smith Res. #6108: Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the November 7, 2007 Park Improvement and Heritage Committee meeting. CARRIED . 6. Progress Report on Agriculture Policy for Rouge Park KEY ISSUE To provide a summary of agriculture -based issues and activities in Rouge Park looking forward to establishing potential agricultural policies for Rouge Park. MOTION: Res. #7108: Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance continue to review its own agricultural needs and opportunities and liaise with other organizations and individuals. who can help in the development cola coherent and forward - thinking set of policies and initiatives. CARRIED 7. Rouge Park Alliance Meeting Schedule For 2008/09 KEY ISSUE Rouge Park Alliance Meeting Schedule for 2008/09. - ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 6 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1/08, February 15, 2008 MOTION: Res. #8108 Moved by: David Cohen Seconded by: Robin Hale THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the following meeting dates for 2008/09: Friday, February 15, 2008 Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, 361A OId Finch Ave., Scarborough *Friday, April 4, 2008 Rouge River Community Centre, 120 Rouge Bank Drive, Markham Friday, June 6, 2008 Canada Room, Town of Markham, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham * *Friday, September 12, 2008 .. Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough' Friday, October 17, 2008 Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, 361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough Friday, December 5, 2008 Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, 361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough Friday, February 6, 2009 Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, 361 A OId Finch Ave., Scarborough MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED * *NOTE: Please note the change in the location of the September 12, 2008 Rouge Park Alliance meeting - to the Main Boardroom, Toronto Zoo, (instead of the Canada Room, Town of Markham). DETAILS Rouge Park Alliance meetings will commence at 9:00 a.m., at the locations indicated beside each date,,except for the April 4, 2008 Annual General Meeting, which will start at 10:00 a.m. *The Rouge Park Alliance Annual General Meeting will start at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Rouge River Community Centre, 120 Rouge Bank Drive, Markham. 8. Facilitated Discussion - Rouge Park Alliance Res. #55/07 - December 19, 2007 Cancelled Rouge Park Alliance Meeting KEY ISSUE The cancellation of the Rouge Park Alliance meeting scheduled for December 19, 2007 - facilitated discussion regarding Rouge Park Alliance Resolution #55/07. MOTION: Moved by: David Cohen Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance have a facilitated discussion around Alliance Res. #55/07: "That the Rouge Park Alliance direct Rouge Park and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff bring forward a detailed report, including information from Hunter & Associates, Jim Robb, and York Region, with.regards to the direct and indirect impacts of the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer 9th Line and 16th Avenue dewatering, outlining the areas of agreement /disagreement at the next Rouge Park Alliance meeting." After discussion, the Alliance concluded that it did not wish to have a facilitated discussion around Alliance Res. #55/07, but that an updated report from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority was still required. The following resolution was recommended. MOTION: Res. #9/08: Moved by: David Cohen Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to bring back to the Alliance an updated detailed report, as requested in Resolution #55/07. CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 7 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #1/08, February 15, 2008 9. Correspondence MOTION: Res. #10/08: Moved by: Jack Heath ' Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence: 1. Letter dated December -4, 2007 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from Hon. Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources. 2. Letter dated January 15, 2008.to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment, re: Response to Rouge Park Alliance Letter of November 15, 2007 - Rouge Park and Watershed Ground Water Protection and Permits To Take Water(attached). 3. Letter dated January 22, 2008 to Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Labour, from Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Response to Letter dated December 18, 2007 from Hon. Brad Duguid -.Resignation from the Alliance per Advice of the Integrity Commissioner (attached). . 4. Letter dated January 23, 2008 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from Sheila Birrell, Town of Markham, re: Final Draft Rouge River Watershed Plan. 5. Letter dated January 24, 2008 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from Sheila Birrell, Town of Markham, re: Updated Cornell Secondary Plan - OP 06- 114028 (10.4). 6. Letter dated January 25, 2008 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from Raymond Cho, Chair, Board of Management, Toronto Zoo, re: Representatives on the Rouge Park Alliance. 7. Letter dated January25, 2008 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from David Lynch, Chief Administrative Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources, re: agency Accountability Requirements. CARRIED 10. New Business MOTION: Res. #11/08: Moved by: Brian Denney Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance extend our thanks to Gord Weeden for his services as Chair and wish him all the best on his retirement. CARRIED ACTION . - Staff to write letter. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:15 p.m. on February 15, 2008. Alan Wells Lewis Yeager • Chair, Rouge Park Alliance General Manager, Rouge Park ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES - MEETING #2108 - April 4, 2008 Rouge Park The Rouge Park Alliance met at the Rouge River Community Centre in Markham. Alan Wells, Chair, welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He announced that the Annual General Meeting would be divided into two parts: Part One: Rouge Park Alliance Meeting #2/08; Part Two: Presentations and Rouge Park Award. PRESENT Members: Alan Wells, Chair Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Hon. Pauline Browes,.Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Robin Hale, Toronto Zoo Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Helena Jaczek; Province of Ontario Derek Lee, MP, Government of Canada Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Gerri Lynn O'Connor, TRCA Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville ABSENT Members: Councillor David Cohen, Town of Richmond Hill Glenn De Baeremaeker, Save the Rouge Valley. System Inc.. Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering Councillor Erin Shapero, Town of Markham Staff: Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration Barb Davies, Manager, Natural Heritage Michelle Holmes, Communications Specialist Doreen McCarty, Administrative Coordinator Observers: Gisela Bach, TD Shoreline C. Bettie, Public Participant Tom Boudreault, City of Toronto Parks Rae Bowie, Office of Lui Temelkowski, MP Marshall Buchanan, 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley Bob Burgar, Sr. Susan Bury, Legacy Ratepayers Assoc. Mark Carroll, Community Resource Centre Alternates: Ian Buchanan, Region of York Nestor Chornobay, Region of Durham' Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mayor Wayne Emmerson; Town cif Whitchurch-Stouffville, Audrey Hollasch, Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Town of Markham Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto • Tom Melymuk, City of Pickering Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Tracy Smith, Province of Ontario Carolyn Woodland,•TRCA Alternates: Councillor Raymond Cho, City of Toronto Ron Dewell, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Tom Farrell, Province of Ontario Adele Freeman, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mark Graham, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo Keith Laushway, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Hon. Dan McTeague, Government of Canada Vicki MacDonald, Biologist Maryam Nassar, Manager, Interpretation & Culture Lewis Yeager, General Manager Observers: Cont'd... Andy McKinnon, Public Participant. Bernadette Manning, Cedar Grove Craig Mather Gord MacPherson, TRCA Burkhard Mausberg, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation Edith Montgomery Larry Noonan, Altona Forest Stewardship Committee Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 2 of 4 - MINUTES of Meeting #2/08, April 4, 2008 Observers: Cont'd... Ron Christie and Family Jim Dillane, TRCA Tom Farrar, Box Grove Community Assoc. Karin Fawthrop, West Hill Resident David Francis, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust Willa Harris, 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation Feliks & Rita Kivikink Regional Councillor Gordon Landon, Markham Colin Lathe, Public Participant Lys Lawrence, Rouge Valley Church Marvin Macaraig, Dept. Of Geography, U of T Observers: Cont'd... S. Poulton, Kirkhams Road Resident Don Prince, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust Lionel Purcell, Rouge Valley Foundation Anna Rose, Markham Museum, Town of Markham Linda Sarang, Rouge Valley Conservation Centre Harold Sellers, Oak Ridges Trail Association Patricia Short-Gallo Donald Smith, Scarborough Preservation Panel Lorne Smith, Heritage Committee & Carol Smith Keith Thirgood, Capstone Communications Helen Walter, Capstone Communications Gord Weeden Anne Wells Anil Wijesooriya, Ontario Realty Corporation ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 3 of 4 MINUTES of Meeting #2/08, April 4, 2008 CHAIR'S REMARKS Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, welcomed the Alliance members and alternates and advised that the meeting would be held in two parts: Part One, the Rouge Park Alliance Meeting #2/08, and Part Two: Presentations and Rouge Park Award. MINUTES OF MEETING #1/08, February 15, 2008 MOTION: Res. #12/08 Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #1108 held on February 15, 2008 CARRIED BUSINESS-ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None • DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None 1. Rouge Park 2007 Annual Report KEY ISSUE • Rouge Park 2007 Annual Report including abridged version of the unaudited financial statements. MOTION: Res. #13/08 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the 2007 Annual Report. Note: Mr. Derek Lee would like to see Rouge Park Assets (capital, lands, etc.) listed in future Financial Statements. 2. Park Improvement & Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - January 30 and February 20, 2008 CARRIED KEY ISSUE Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Park Improvement and Heritage Committee meetings held on January 30 and February 20, 2008. MOTION: Res. #14/08 Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the January 30 and February 20, 2008 Park Improvement and Heritage Committee meetings. CARRIED Note: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath would like Highway 407 included in discussions regarding hydro corridors. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 4 of 4 MINUTES of Meeting #2108, April 4, 2008 3. Correspondence MOTION: Res. #15/08: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence: 1. Copy of Letter dated March 3, 2008 to Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, from Hon. Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources, re: Appointment of Provincial Representative to the Rouge Park Alliance. 2. Letter dated March 5, 2008 to Gord Weeden, from Sheila Birrell, Town of Markham, re: Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan. 3. Letter dated March 5, 2008 to Gord Weeden, from Sheila Birrell, Town of Markham, re: Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan. 4. Copy of Letter dated March 11, 2008 to Dawn Seetaram, Region of York, from Phil Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re: York Region Sustainability Strategy. 5. Letter dated March 11, 2008 to Gord Weeden, from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Thank you and best wishes from Rouge Park Alliance. CARRIED Note: Re: Correspondence 3.4.1 - Councillor Ron Moeser would like to know if there are any tools (planning, etc.) in place for the municipalities /Province to use to achieve the goals and implementation of issues, as specifically identified in the York Region Sustainability Strategy. ACTION 10. New Business Lewis Yeager, General Manager, Rouge Park, will'inquire with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Maryam Nassar, Manager, Interpretation and Culture, Rouge Park, announced that there would be a Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience (HAVE) Orientation Day and Tour of Rouge Park on May 2, 2008 and that all Rouge Park Alliance members /alternates are invited. ACTION - Invitations will be sent out by email. TERMINATION ' ON MOTION, Part One: Rouge Park Alliance Meeting #2/08 terminated at 10:40 a.m. on April 4, 2008. Part Two: Presentations. and Rouge Park Award ceremony continued until 1:00 p.m. Ron Christie received the 2008 Rouge Park Award. Alan Wells Lewis Yeager Chair, Rouge Park Alliance General Manager, Rouge Park ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES - MEETING #3/08 - June 6, 2008 Rouge Park K12 The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Canada Room, Town of Markham. Alan Wells, Chair, welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. PRESENT Members: Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Hon. Pauline Browes, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Hon. Michael Chong, Government of Canada Glenn De Baeremaeker, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Robin Hale, Toronto Zoo Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Helena Jaczek, Province of Ontario Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Gerri Lynn O'Connor, TRCA 'Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville ABSENT Members: Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Councillor David Cohen, Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering Councillor Erin Shapero, Town of Markham Staff: Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration Barb Davies, Manager, Natural Heritage Michelle Holmes, Communications Specialist Doreen McCarty, Administrative Coordinator Observers: Tom Boudreault, City of Toronto Parks Bryan Buttigieg, Chair, Rouge Watershed Task Force Lilli Duoba, Town of Markham Mike Fenning, TRCA Don Ford, TRCA Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation Colin Lathe, Public Participant Sheila Lathe, Public Participant Alternates: Ian Buchanan, Region of York Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Ron Dewell, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Alternates: Councillor Raymond Cho, City of Toronto Nestor Chornobay, Region of Durham Mayor Wayne Emmerson, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Tom Farrell, Province of Ontario Adele Freeman, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mark Graham, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo Audrey Hollasch, Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Town of Markham Keith Laushway, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Tom Melymuk, City of Pickering Tracy Smith, Province of Ontario Carolyn Woodland, TRCA Vicki MacDonald, Biologist Maryam Nassar, Manager, Interpretation & Culture Sheryl Santos, Natural Heritage Field Assistant Lewis Yeager, General Manager Observers: Continued... Andy McKinnon, Public Participant Deborah Martin - Downs, TRCA Sonya Meek, TRCA Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Lionel Purcell, Rouge Valley Foundation Gord Weeden, Former Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Tupper Wheatley, Milne Park Conservation Association ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 2 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 CHAIR'S REMARKS Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, welcomed everyone and introduced the Hon. Michael Chong to the Board, the new representative for the Government of Canada. Mr. Chong introduced himself as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Wellington - Halton Hills and expressed his great interest in Rouge Park. Mr. Wells acknowledged the death ofJoyce Trimmer, former mayor for the City of Scarborough, and talked about her receipt of the 2000 Rouge Park Award for outstanding contributions to Rouge Park. Other members of the Alliance, the Hon. Pauline Browes, Councillor Ron Moeser and Mr. Glenn De Baeremaeker described the impact Joyce Trimmer has left on the community over the last 20 years. They elaborated on the leadership, dedicated and political roles Ms Trimmer played during the early stages in getting Rouge Park established. She is greatly missed. The Chair talked about tree planting events in Rouge Park. He thanked and acknowledged various corporations, volunteer groups, and Alliance members who participated, for their hard work and dedication at these events. Alan Wells recommended that the Rouge Park Alliance send a letter to Derek Lee, on his retirement as the representative on the Alliance for the Government of Canada. MOTION: Res. #16/08 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Jack Heath THAT the Rouge Park Alliance send a letter to Derek Lee, MP, Scarborough -Rouge River, acknowledging his retirement from the Board as the representative for the Government of Canada. CARRIED ACTION - RPA to-send a letter to Mr. Lee. - Chair requested staff to prepare a summary of trees planted in Rouge Park by all groups for 2008. MINUTES FROM MEETING #2/08, April 4, 2008 MOTION: Res. #17/08 Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #2/08 held on April 4, 2008, with the following change to "Note" under Correspondence on page 4 (bold italics): "Note: Re: Correspondence 3.4.1 - Councillor Ron Moeser would Tike to know if there are any tools (planning, etc.) in place for the municipalities /Province to use to achieve the goals and implementation of issues, as specifically identified in the York Region Sustainability Strategy, and related to Smart Growth, and retention of trees under the Planning Act as a tool for Councils to retain tree coverage." MOTION CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 3 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, an alternate on the Alliance for Save the Rouge Valley System Inc., noted he would abstain from voting on any issues related to Friends of the Rouge Watershed. PRESENTATION /DELEGATION Colin Lathe - Re: Kirkhams Road Bridge, City of Toronto Colin Lathe made a presentation to the Rouge Park Alliance and asked for its support for the reconstruction and maintenance of the Kirkhams Road bridge. He thinks the bridge should be kept in operation because of its history, use as a public access area for pedestrian and cycling routes, use by the film industry and others. During discussions following the presentation, Alan Wells advised the Alliance that the City of Toronto had initiated an Environmental Assessment on the Kirkhams Road bridge. MOTION: Res. #18/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance endorse the methodology and findings of the City of Toronto initiated Environmental Assessment on the Kirkhams Road bridge and encourage the provincial Minister of the Environment to approve the Environmental Assessment. CARRIED 1. Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future Bryan Buttigieg, Chair, Rouge Watershed Task Force Bryan Buttigieg acknowledged the hard work of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Rouge Park staff and mentioned the broad participation of the Alliance partners and the community in creating the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. He said that the Plan presents an excellent tool for decision - making which could be used by all levels of government and agencies. He observed that we have the ability to protect the watershed now and plan for its health so people may enjoy it in the future. As an avid canoeist who cares for the river, he encouraged everyone to think about the Tong -term benefits of a healthy system, including our recreational enjoyment. He asked members to help move forward by starting to implement the recommendations in this Plan and reminded them that the time is now to make changes. KEY ISSUE Approval of the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future. MOTION: Res. #19/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future; ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 4 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 AND THAT the Rouge Park Alliance recognize the Rouge River Watershed Plan: Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Future as a conservation authority plan which builds upon and supports the Rouge Park Management Plan and the Rouge North Management Plan as articulated in Section 3.2.6, "The Rouge Watershed and Park ", of the Greenbelt Plan, 2005; AMENDMENT: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Bonnie Littley AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to present the Rouge River Watershed Plan and the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan to appropriate Councils and Rouge Park Alliance partners, including a request to fund the restoration of all priority areas within five years, and progress reports every two years to the Alliance. MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED ACTION - Staff to take appropriate action. 2. Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience (HAVE) Plan KEY ISSUE An update on the completion of the Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience planning process. MOTION: Res. #20/08 Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Helena Jaczek THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the comment summaries from the Technical Advisory Group meetings of 17 April and 22 May 2008; AND THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report regarding the completion of the Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience Plan; AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to begin implementation of the plan, in coordination with Rouge Park business plans, other park planning and annual budgets, commencing in 2009. ACTION -: CARRIED - RPA members would like to: see more signage, branding, focus on public awareness; set up a group to work on an Interpretation Centre; develop Beare Hill site. - Markham Deputy MayorJack Heath suggested Alliance partners help to survey visitors. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 Page 5 of 7 3. Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan KEY ISSUE Presentation of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan for endorsement. . MOTION: Res. #21/08 Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor THAT the Rouge Park Alliance endorse the final draft of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance support and direct the Park Improvement and Heritage Committee and staff to initiate implementation of this Plan immediately. MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED Note: During discussion, Councillor Moeser asked whether endorsement of the Action Plan included approval of the budget contained in the Plan. Alan Wells, Chair, said "No ", and that the Rouge Park Finance Committee would come forward with a budget and business plan at a later date. 4. Park Improvement & Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - March 27, 2008 KEY ISSUE Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Park Improvement and Heritage Committee meeting held on March 27, 2008. MOTION: Res. #22/08 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the March 27, 2008 Park Improvement and Heritage Committee meeting. 5. Rouge Park Financial Planning CARRIED KEY ISSUE Rouge Park needs a long -term financial plan and new sources of regular funding to meet its mandate and objectives. MOTION: Res. #23/08 Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Pauline Browes THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting on May 20, 2008; AND FURTHER THAT the Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance assemble a team to investigate funding sources and structural issues and assist in the preparation of a Tong -range financial plan for Rouge Park. CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 6 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 The Hon. Pauline Browes requested that the retirement tribute to Gord Weeden, Past Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance, be moved forward. The Hon. Pauline Browes, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and General Manager Lewis Yeager, gave speeches, and acknowledged Gord's leadership, friendship, corporate history, long association with the Park, stewardship, and vision for Rouge Park. Gord Weeden was presented with a framed artwork of pictures depicting the four seasons in Rouge Park. 6. York - Durham Sanitary Sewer (YDSS) - 9th Line and 16th Avenue Dewaterinq Influences Due to time constraints, it was moved that this item be deferred. MOTION: Res. #24/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Bonnie Littley THAT the Rouge Park Alliance defer this issue to the September 12, 2008 meeting, and that this item be the first on the agenda. 7. Correspondence CARRIED The Chair informed the Alliance that the handout, correspondence 7.8.1: Letter dated June 4, 2008 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park, from Bruce Macgregor, York Region, re: Commitment to Implement Enhancements in Bob Hunter Memorial Park as it Relates to Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer Project, is to be added to the following list of Correspondence for receipt. MOTION: Res. #25/08: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Jack Heath THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence: 1. E -mails to Rouge Park Alliance from Garry Hunter, dated March 17, 2008, re: Stouffville Production Wells /Partial Response to TRCA December 14, 2007 Comments to Rouge Park Alliance; and April 3, 2008 re: Region's YDSS Dewatering vs Well Production Aquifer Withdrawals . 2. Copy of Letter dated March 18, 2008 to Jennifer Kowalski, City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Strategic Services, from Phil Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re: Mountain Biking and Trail Strategy. 3. Letter dated March 28, 2008 to Gord Weeden, Rouge Park Alliance, from P.M. Madill, Clerk, Durham Region, re: Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan and Bob Hunter Memorial Park Area Master Plan. 4. Letter dated April 25, 2008 to Lewis Yeager and Rouge Park Alliance, from Denis Kelly, Clerk, York Region, re: Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Draft Final Report and Notice of Study Completion. 5. Letter dated May 5, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from the Hon. John Baird, Minister of the Environment, re: Appointment of the Hon. Michael Chong, Rouge Park Alliance Representative. 6. Letter dated May 15, 2008 to the Hon. John Baird, Minister of the Environment, from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Response to Letter dated May 5, 2008 from the Hon. John Baird. 7. E -mail dated May 26, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Tupper Wheatley, Milne Park Conservation Association, re: Bicycle Trails in Milne Dam Conservation Park. MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED ACTION - Re: Correspondence 7.7.1, staff to liaise with the Town of Markham on this issue. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 7 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #3/08, June 6, 2008 10. New Business Councillor Ron Moeser would like to discuss the issues of dogs off leash and runners at the next Alliance meeting. IN- CAMERA SESSION MOTION: Res. #26/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance enter into "In- Camera" session. MOTION: Res. #31 /08 Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the Rouge Park Alliance rise from "In- Camera" session and report. END OF IN- CAMERA SESSION Resolutions #27/08, #28/08; #29/08 and #30/08, as a result of the In- Camera session, will be kept confidential and remain on file at the Rouge Park office. CARRIED CARRIED Alan Wells, Chair, reported that the Rouge Park Alliance discussed the addition of two properties to the pool of priority and acquisition list, and that the Alliance was advised of the impending acquisition of a piece of land in the Rouge River watershed, subject to the availability of funding. The Chair also reported that the Rouge Park Alliance discussed the potential use of some Rouge Park lands for the purposes of dealing with topsoil, and that staff has been asked to investigate the matter. • TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:45 p.m. on June 6, 2008. Alan Wells Lewis Yeager Chair, Rouge Park Alliance General Manager, Rouge Park Rouge Park . ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES - MEETING #4108 - September 12, 2008 The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells, Chair, welcomed everyone and thanked Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo, for hosting the meeting. The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. PRESENT Members: Alan Wells, Chair Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Councillor David Cohen, Town of Richmond Hill Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering Gerri Lynn O'Connor, TRCA Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville ABSENT Members: Hon. Pauline Browes, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Hon. Michael Chong, MP, Government of Canada Glenn De Baeremaeker, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Councillor Erin Shapero, Town of Markham Calvin White, Toronto Zoo Staff:' Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration Barb Davies, Manager, Natural Heritage Michelle Holmes, Communications Specialist Observers: Tom Boudreault, City of Toronto Parks Jim Dillane,.TRCA Don Ford, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Lois James, Rouge Valley Foundation Sheila Lathe, Public Participant Alternates: Nestor Chornobay, Region of Durham Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Ron Dewell, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Tracy Smith, Province of Ontario Carolyn Woodland, TRCA Alternates: Ian Buchanan, Region of York Councillor Raymond Cho, City of Toronto Mayor Wayne Emmerson, Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville Tom Farrell, Province of Ontario Adele Freeman, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mark Graham, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Audrey Hollasch, Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Town of Markham Keith Laushway, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto Tom Melymuk, City of Pickering Doreen McCarty, Administrative Coordinator Vicki MacDonald, Biologist Sheryl Santos, Natural Heritage Field Assistant Lewis Yeager, General Manager Observers: (Continued...) Marvin Macaraig, U. of T. Geography Andy McKinnon, Public Participant Deborah Martin- Downs, TRCA Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Rocco Sgambelluri, TRCA ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 2 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #4108, September 12, 2008 CHAIR'S REMARKS Alan Wells informed the Alliance members that the new Rouge Park Visitor Guides were now available and were being distributed to various community centres, libraries, information centres, etc. A few Alliance members requested that copies be sent to their constituency offices. MINUTES OF MEETING #3/08, June 6, 2008 MOTION: Res. #32/08 Moved by: Clyde Smith Seconded by: Jack Heath THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #3/08 held on June 6, 2008. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None PRESENTATION /DELEGATIONS None 1. York - Durham Sanitary Sewer Project Report - 9,h Line and 16th Avenue Dewatering Influences And Presentation by Don Ford, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority CARRIED Don Ford, Manager, Geoenvironmental, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), gave a detailed report on ground water and surface water considerations in the Rouge River watershed, to provide an objective assessment of information provided and issues raised by Jim Robb, Hunter and Associates, and the Region of York. In his presentation, Mr. Ford outlined the areas of agreement and disagreement with regard to the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer 9`h Line and 16`h Avenue dewatering influences, and the connection between the Thorncliffe and Oak Ridges Aquifers in the Lemonville /Stouffville area, and summarized in each case the rationale behind the opinions of TRCA's technical staff. MOTION: Res. #33/08 Moved by: David Cohen Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation by Don Ford, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, on ground water and surface water considerations in the Rouge River watershed. CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 3 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #4/08; September 12, 2008 KEY ISSUE Response to information presented to the Rouge Park Alliance by Hunter and Associates on July 12, 2007. suggesting ground water and surface water level declines in the Lemonville /Stouffville area. MOTION: Res. #34/08 Moved by: Brian Denney Seconded by: Clyde Smith WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Rouge Park Alliance received ground water and surface water level data and analysis from Hunter and Associates suggesting impacts from the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer construction project; AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority technical staff reviewed available ground water data in the area around the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer project with hydrologists and hydrogeologists from the Ministry of the Environment and Region of York, as well as external experts; AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority technical staff has found no evidence that the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer 16th Avenue or 9th Line projects are currently affecting surface water flows and that ground water levels are recovering in the area; AND WHEREAS analysis of ground water levels are being assessed as part of water budget work as part of Source Water Protection studies; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff report on the findings of the water budget analysis, once approved by the CTC Watershed Region Source Protection Committee. AMENDMENT #1 Moved by: Ron Moeser Res. #35/08 Seconded by: Jim Robb THAT the words "to date" be inserted in the 3'd paragraph of the main motion to.read as follows: AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority technical staff has found no evidence to date that the Y.ork- Durham Sanitary Sewer 16th Avenue or 9th Line projects are currently affecting surface water flows, and that ground water levels are recovering in the area AMENDMENT #1 CARRIED AMENDMENT #2 • Moved by: Jack Heath Res. #36/08 Seconded by: Helena Jaczek THAT the 5`h paragraph of the main motion be amended to read as follows: THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Rouge Park Alliance accept the findings on this matter of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and request Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff report on the findings of the water budget analysis, once approved by the CTC Watershed Region Source Protection Committee. AMENDMENT #2 CARRIED ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 4 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #4/08, September 12, 2008 Jim Robb requested a recorded vote for Amendment #2. YEA NAY Dr. Helena Jaczek, Province of Ontario X Nestor Chornobay, Durham Region X Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York X Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering X Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. X Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto X Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto X Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo X Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority X Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville X —4- 6 4 6 YEAs and 4 NAYs - Amendment #2 was Carried. MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED READS AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Rouge Park Alliance received ground water and surface water level data and analysis from Hunter and Associates suggesting impacts from the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer construction project; AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority technical staff reviewed available ground water data in the area around the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer project with hydrologists and hydrogeologists from the Ministry of the Environment and Region of York, as well as external experts; AND WHEREAS Toronto and Region Conservation Authority technical staff has found no evidence to date that the York-Durham Sanitary Sewer 16th Avenue or 9th Line projects are currently affecting surface water flows and that ground water levels are recovering in the area; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT Rouge Park Alliance accept the findings on this matter of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and request Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff report on the findings of the water budget analysis, once approved by the CTC Watershed Region Source Protection Committee. ACTION - TRCA staff to report to the Alliance on the findings of the water budget analysis, once approved by the CTC Watershed Region Source Protection Committee. BACKGROUND Staff from Hunter and Associates presented ground water data analysis in the Lemonville/ Stouffville area to the Rouge Park Alliance at a meeting on July 12, 2007. In their analysis, Hunter and Associates concluded that the extent of ground water level impacts from the YDSS construction dewatering at 16"' Avenue and 9th Line extended as far north as Stouffville and Lemonville, and that these water level declines were affecting both surface water flows and private water wells in these areas. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was asked by the Rouge Park Alliance to meet with Hunter and Associates, and to review their data and analysis. • ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 5 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #4/08, September 12, 2008 TRCA staff subsequently met with staff from Hunter and Associates on September 6 and 24, 2007 and requested electronic data files (ground water level and flow rate data for private wells in the Lemonville /Stouffville area) to facilitate review of the information. Several data submissions were received by TRCA from Hunter and Associates between June, 2007 and April, 2008. The initial data submission included Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files that could not be easily read, but later submissions included the actual data in spreadsheet format as well as additional monitoring events. The analysis included interpretation of water levels and York Region pumping data. TRCA staff prepared a report for the October 5, 2007 Rouge Park Alliance meeting documenting the outcome of the technical review of the Hunter data. In addition, staff attended meetings with representatives of York Region, Hunter and Associates, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and external experts to review the Hunter's data and interpretation together with available data and documentation on the surface water flows, ground water levels, and known ground water extractions in the area of interest. At the October, 2007 Alliance meeting, the following resolution was passed: THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct Rouge Park and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff to bring forward a detailed report, including information from Hunter & Associates, Jim Robb, and York Region, with regards to the direct and indirect impacts of the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer 9th Line and 16th Avenue dewatering, outlining the areas of agreem,ent/ disagreement at the next Rouge Park Alliance meeting. (Res. #55/07). At the February, 2008 Alliance meeting, the following resolution (Res. #9/08) was passed: THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to bring back to the Alliance an updated detailed report, as requested in Resolution #55/07. This report satisfies the requests made of TRCA staff with respect to this issue, and will be supplemented with a formal presentation by TRCA's Manager, Geoenvironmental on September 12, 2008. 2. Designation of the Rouge River as a Canadian Heritage River Dr. Helena Jaczek gave a verbal report on this issue and requested staff to investigate further into the process for designation and possible nomination of the Rouge River as a Canadian Heritage River. KEY ISSUE Dr. Helena Jaczek, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Promotion and Ontario's representative on the Rouge Park Alliance, will address the Alliance on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System and its relevance to the Rouge River. MOTION: Res. #37/08 Moved by: Helena Jaczek Seconded by: Paul Ainslie THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to investigate the current process for designation as a Canadian Heritage River and report back to the Alliance on the issues related to possible nomination of the Rouge River; ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #4/08, September 12, 2008 Page6of7 AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request that Gary Wilkins, Humber River Watershed Specialist at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority be invited to address the Alliance on his experiences with the designation of the Humber River, and to answer questions from Alliance representatives. CARRIED ACTION - Staff to take appropriate action. 3. Draft Audited 2007 Financial Statements KEY ISSUE Present the draft audited 2007 Financial Statements. MOTION: Res. #38/08 Moved by: Jennifer O'Connell Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the Rouge Park Alliance adopt the audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. CARRIED ACTION 4. Correspondence - Some Alliance members requested updated quarterly, mid -year budget, and financial reports and staff indicated the issue would be taken to the Finance Committee, and will report back to Alliance. KEY ISSUE Rouge Park Alliance correspondence. MOTION: Res. #39/08 Moved by: Paul Ainslie Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence: 1. Copy of letter dated April 30, 2008 to Growing the Greenbelt, from Margaret Buchinger, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re: Draft Expansion Criteria. 2. Letter dated June 5, 2008 to Rouge Park Alliance, from Lois James, re: Recommendation that Joyce Trimmer's Name be Added to the Memorial Plaque, Celebration Forest, at Twyn Rivers Drive. 3. Letter dated June 6, 2008 to Alan Wells and Rouge Park Alliance Members, from Gord Weeden, re: Thank You Letter. 4. E -mail dated June 9, 2008 to MOE, TRCA, and Rouge Park Alliance, from Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, re: Big Pipe - Bad Science Leads to Bad Decisions and Costly Consequences. 5. E -mail dated June 11, 2008 to MOE, TRCA, DFO, and Rouge Park Alliance, from Jim Robb, re: YDSS Monitoring. 6. Letter dated June 10, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Town of Markham, re: 2007 Annual Report for the Town of Markham. 7. Letter dated June 16, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance and Brian Denney, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, from Don Given, Malone Given Parsons Ltd., re: Rouge River Watershed Plan Implementation Committee, Request for Membership. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 7 of 7 MINUTES of Meeting #4/08, September 12, 2008 8. Copy of Letter dated June 20, 2008 to Allison Reid, City of Toronto, from Phil Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re: Design Guidelines for "Greening" Surface Parking Lots. 9. Letter dated June 25, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Deputy Clerk, Town of Markham, re: Report on Spending of 2007 Markham Council - Grants for Rouge Park. 10. Letter dated June 26, 2008 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park, from Kathy Stranks, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, re: Little Rouge Corridor Management Plan. 11. Letter dated June 26, 2008 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park, from Kathy Stranks, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, re: Bob Hunter Memorial Park Master Plan. 12. Letter dated July 2, 2008 to Derek Lee, MP, from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Thank You Letter. 13. Letter dated September 4, 2008 to Ms Catherine M. Conrad, Town of Markham, from Alan P. Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Town of Markham OPA 140 -July 2008 Version. 14. Letter dated September 4, 2008 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park, from Kathy Stranks, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, re: Land Acquisition - Perryman's Property. CARRIED Alan Wells, Chair, thanked Lois James for her letter, correspondence 4.2, which recommends that Joyce Trimmer's name be added to the memorial plaque in Rouge Park Celebration Forest at Twyn.Rivers Drive. Ron Dewell gave a verbal report on the acquisition of two properties in Richmond Hill, Perryman's property (correspondence 4.14), and Swan Lake property. 5. New Business MOTION: Moved by: Jim Robb Seconded by: Jennifer O'Connell THAT the Rouge Park Alliance invite Garry Hunter to the next Rouge Park Alliance meeting to summarize his findings on the York - Durham Sanitary Sewer project. MOTION WAS DEFEATED (Show of hand's - 3 In Favour and 7 Opposed) Brian Denney advised the Alliance that Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will bring forward its report on the Little Rouge Creek Restoration Action Plan at the Authority meeting on September 19, 2008. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 11:25 a.m. on September 12, 2008. Alan Wells Lewis Yeager Chair, Rouge Park Alliance General Manager, Rouge Park Rouge Park ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES - MEETING #5/08 - December 5, 2008 821,0 The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom bf the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells, Chair, welcomed everyone and thanked Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo, for hosting the meeting. The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. PRESENT Members: Alan Wells, Chair Hon. Pauline Browes, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Hon. Michael Chong, MP, Government of Canada Councillor David Cohen, Town of Richmond Hill Glenn De Baeremaeker, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Markham Deputy Mayor. Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario . Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, City of Pickering Gerri•Lynn O'Connor,TRCA .Councillor Clyde Smith, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville ABSENT Members: Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Councillor Erin Shapero, Town of Markham Calvin White, Toronto Zoo Staff: Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration Michelle Holmes, Communications Specialist Doreen McCarty, Administrative Coordinator Observers: Bryan Armstrong, Markham Tom Boudreault, City of Toronto Parks • Howard Burkholder, York Soil & Crop Gail Crossman, Transport Canada Jim Dillane,TRCA Lilli Duoba, Town of Markham Alternates: Ian Buchanan, Region of York Ron Dewell, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority. Sue Gunton, Toronto Zoo Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Tracy Smith, Province of Ontario Alternates: Councillor Raymond Cho, City of Toronto Nestor Chornobay, Region of Durham Brian Denney, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mayor Wayne Emmerson, Town of Whitchurch- Stouffville• Tom Farrell, Province of Ontario Adele Freeman, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Mark Graham, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Audrey Hollasch, Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Town of Markham Keith Laushway, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. • Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto Toir= Melymiik; C�y=of=Pickeririg" Carolyn Woodland, TRCA Vicki MacDonald, Biologist Lewis Yeager, General Manager Observers (Continued...) Kim Empringham, York Reg. Fed. Of Agriculture Anne Holmes, Greater Uxbridge Citizens Group Sheila Lathe, Public Participant Marvin Macaraig, U. of T. Geography Tara McCullough, Markham Andy McKinnon, Public Participant ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 2 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5,,2008 Observers (Continued...) Gord MacPherson, TRCA Brent Mersey, Markham EAC Terry O'Connor, York Reg. Fed. Of Agriculture Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Fred Pike, Markham Farmer Ashmore Reesor, Markham Farmer Brian Reynolds, York Reg. Fed. Of Agriculture Observers (Continued ...) Dave Rogalsky, TRCA Rocco Sgambelluri, TRCA Kathy Sim, Markham Frank Whittamore, Whittamore's Farm Market Mike Whittamore, Whittamore's Farm Market Jane Wadden, Hillside School Brett Wilcox, Hillside School ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 3 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 CHAIR'S REMARKS Alan Wells introduced Sheryl Santos, new Rouge Park contract staff. He advised that Michelle Holmes, Manager, Interpretation and Culture, replaced Maryam Nassar, and that Barb Davies was on maternity leave. MINUTES OF MEETING #4/08, September 12, 2008 MOTION: Res. #40/08 Moved by: Clyde Smith Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #4108 held on September 12, 2008. CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES None DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None PRESENTATION /DELEGATIONS Jane Wadden, Site Supervisor, Hillside Outdoor Education School Jane Wadden gave a presentation about Hillside Outdoor Education School, its history, role within the Toronto District School Board, and its current programs offered in Rouge Park. MOTION: Res. #41/08 Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation about Hillside Outdoor Education School by Jane Wadden. CARRIED Mike= Whittamore, Whittamore_-s- Farm— __- :_----- _ –__._ Brian Reynolds, York Region Federation of Agriculture, introduced Mike Whittamore, who gave the presentation on behalf of the Park's tenant farmers. Mike Whittamore talked about local agricultural concerns and requested actions on various issues, such as, longer term leases for agricultural tenants in Rouge Park; protection of agricultural lands; increase in designated agricultural lands (in Bob Hunter Memorial Park); representation on the Little Rouge East Steering Committee and the Rouge Park Alliance; the ability for more input into strategy planning on agricultural industry in the Rouge River watershed. He indicated the tenants were mostly concerned about the Bob Hunter Memorial Park area and the new East Markham lands. MOTION: Res. #42/08 Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation on agriculture in Rouge Park by Mike Whittamore, on behalf of the York Region Federation of Agriculture and the local agricultural community; ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 Page 4 of 16 AND FURTHER THAT Rouge Park staff report back to the Alliance on issues raised in the discussions following the presentation. CARRIED ACTION - Staff to take appropriate action and report back to the Alliance: - to provide facts and figures detailing who is leasing what, crops, etc. - to consult with tenants regarding agriculture and transition to restoration. The farmers group agreed to provide a map of who leases lands, location, and areas farmed. For continuity regarding discussions on agriculture, Glenn De Baeremaeker moved, and seconded by Gerri Lynn O'Connor, that agenda item #5 be moved forward at this point. 5. Draft Agricultural Guiding Principles for Rouge Park KEY ISSUE The Rouge Park Policy and Administration Committee reviewed a draft staff discussion paper relating to guiding principles for agriculture in Rouge Park, and recommended it to the Rouge Park Alliance for further review and discussion. MOTION: Res. #43/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Ron Moeser THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the staff Discussion Paper on Draft Rouge Park Agricultural Guiding Principles; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the ten draft guiding principles and forward them to the Steering Committee for the Rouge Park East Management Plan and other groups discussing potential agricultural policies and practices in the Greater Toronto Area. MOTION AS AMENDED WAS DEFERRED ACTION - Staff to report back to the Alliance on issues raised. BACKGROUND The attached Discussion Paper outlines the issues and provides the rationale for ten draft guiding principles the Alliance may wish to adopt to manage and encourage effective agriculture in Rouge Park's Agricultural Heritage Zones, both existing and future. The draft principles are: 1. Promote land management techniques that conserve soil, water and ecological functions over the long term (i.e., adequate setbacks /buffers from streams, wetlands and significant natural areas and reduction in the use of chemicals), (From 4.2.3 of the 1994 Rouge Park Management Plan); ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 5 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 2. Encourage forms of agriculture that incorporate or provide habitats and support birds, animals, fish and invertebrates, both in the Park and on adjacent habitats; 3. Encourage innovation in agriculture. In some cases, this may include the Park providing land and financial, infrastructure and policy support; 4. Encourage development of diverse agricultural landscape that will provide pleasant views and a diverse economic base; 5. Encourage economically and environmentally sustainable forms of agriculture. Implementation of this principle may include such things as long term leases, cooperative cropping, assistance with provision of infrastructure, etc.; 6. Encourage maintenance of heritage farms; - 7. Directly contribute to local food supply for people; 8. Provides recreational or social benefits for Park visitors. Examples of such would be agri- tourism, farm markets, etc.; 0 9. Contribute to knowledge of farming and provide opportunities for farmers to share new learning or knowledge. This could include opportunities for the farm community to experiment and test new approaches, techniques, crops or cropping systems; and • 10. Contribute to local economies through local value added, cooperative synergy or engagement of local labour in addition to traditional equipment, seed and marketing mechanisms. The Policy and Administration Committee felt that Rouge Park may best be served by a set of principles that meets its needs rather than be establishing a detailed comprehensive "policy" that likely would require constant revisions as circumstances evolve. Several Alliance member agencies have prepared or are developing agricultural policies. We can continue to learn from these, but, in the meantime, it will be helpful to have some easily- understood core principles that can be utilized by the Park, its members and agriculturists to move forward together on the public lands in Rouge Park Agricultural Heritage Zones. Report prepared by Lewis Yeager, General Manager, Rouge Park For information contact: Lewis Yeager, 905 - 713 -7374 - email: klyeager @rougepark.com Date: November 24, 2008 Attachment (Attachment): Discussion Paper for Rouge Park's Policy and Administration Committee Meeting, November 4, 2008 -- Draft Rouge _Par -k:Agricultur-al Guiding:Pr-inciples Prepared by Bob Clay, Manager, Ecological Restoration, Rouge Park Introduction Agricultural' activities and land uses provide .a myriad of benefits to the people and wildlife that are near and use Rouge Parklands. These include the direct provision of habitats as well as sources of food and recreation. To provide these benefits, agriculture must occur in a context that supports the Park's other objectives and must be practiced in a manner that supports ecological and environmental functions. The face of GTA agriculture is changing in response to significant land use alterations as well as international agricultural market pressures and it is clear that the GTA agricultural industry is increasing in complexity. Because of this, it would be impossible for the Rouge Park Alliance to establish a set of policies that would ' The term agriculture is taken to include such activities as apiculture, horticulture, silviculture, etc. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 6 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 effectively prescribe agricultural activities. Instead, it may be more effective to establish a set of guiding principles that contain the values of the Rouge Park Alliance in managing the agricultural component of Rouge Park. A significant advantage of the approach is that it would provide a framework in which the agricultural community could largely manage its own affairs. In essence, it would provide a framework in which farmers could do what they do best —. manage their farms — in a context that serves Rouge Park as well. The following draft guiding principles could provide the philosophical basis for decisions that would be used to manage and encourage agriculture in Rouge Park. For such implementation, priority would be given to activities that demonstrably: 1. Promote land management techniques that conserve soil, water and ecological functions over the long term (ie. adequate setbacks /buffers from streams, wetlands and significant natural areas and reduction in the use of chemicals), (From 4.2.3 of the 1994 Rouge Park Management Plan); 2. Encourage forms of agriculture that incorporate or provide habitats and support birds, animals, fish and invertebrates, both in the Park and on adjacent habitats; 3. Encourage innovation in agriculture. In some cases, this may include the Park providing land and financial, infrastructure and policy support; 4. Encourage development of diverse agricultural landscape that will provide pleasant views and a diverse economic base; 5. Encourage economically and environmentally sustainable forms of agriculture. Implementation of this principle may include such things as long term leases, cooperative cropping, assistance with provision of infrastructure, etc.; 6. Encourage maintenance of heritage farms; 7. Directly contribute to local food supply for people; 8. Provides recreational or social benefits for Park visitors. Examples of such would be agri- tourism, farm markets, etc.; 9. Contribute to knowledge of farming and provide opportunities for farmers to share new learning or knowledge. This could include opportunities for the farm community to experiment and test new approaches, techniques, crops or cropping systems; and 10. Contribute to local economies through local value added, cooperative synergy or engagement of local labour in addition to traditional equipment, seed and marketing mechanisms. Transition of Agriculture Activities As Rouge Park moves to build the Park through restoring natural habitats and implementing visitor facilities over the next 10 years, it must also provide for transition of agriculture from the existing row crop production agriculture for export basis to agriculture more in keeping with the guiding principles. Such a transition must occur in a systematic manner thatis sensitive to the needs of both present tenants and the values of the Park. It seems that the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) process may provide a useful mechanism to achieve the shift. Rouge Park, working with the farm tenants to develop, implement and re- assess EFPs for each farm at 3 -year intervals over the next decade would provide an approach that would allow farmers to control the rate of transformation yet provide the Park with steady progress to agriculture that fits the Park's needs. In this case, the EFPs would simply become increasingly, predictably consistent with the Rouge Park agriculture guiding principles. Consistency With Other Agencies There are at least three policy documents that directly inform the Rouge Park approach to agriculture: Provincial Greenbelt Plan; the Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Plan (GTAAAP); and Toronto and ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5,.2008 Region Conservation Authority's Draft Agriculture Policy. While Rouge Park's needs are narrower and perhaps more specialized than the agencies for whom these documents were prepared, Rouge Park should still have . regard for them as the Park develops agriculture on its lands. The Provincial Greenbelt Plan establishes policies that protect agriculture in the Greenbelt, of which Rouge Park is a part. The intent of the guiding principles is to maintain, support and guide agriculture on the areas of the Park designated for agriculture so that it supports the Park objectives. Both the'Greenbelt Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement protect the land use but leave the specific crop and cropping practices to the landowner or farmer. Influencing these are primarily the concern of the Rouge Park agricultural guiding principles. All of these draft principles are consistent with the Greenbelt Plan as well as the Provincial Policy Statement and various Beneficial Management Practices publications. Page 7 of 16 The GTAAAP includes the need for: o diversification of GTA agriculture through access to local markets, specialty crops o preservation of agricultural lands o promotion of local agricultural products including recreation, entertainment, education and value added initiatives o support for agricultural research and design o implementation of Best Management practices and Environmental Farm Plans These are all consistent with the guiding principles for use on Rouge Park agriculturally designated areas. The GTAAAP deals with considerably more issues, but in general, the principles are consistent with that Plan. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has also developed a draft agricultural policy aimed at providing management guidance for TRCA-owned lands that are leased to farmers. The intent of that policy is very similar to those of Rouge Park, and the above guiding principles are consistent with the draft agricultural policy of TRCA. Rouge Park needs to investigate agricultural policies of other members of the Alliance,•including Markham and York and Durham Regions during the development of its Agricultural Heritage Zones: During discussion regarding the above report, some Alliance members had concerns regarding the recommendations and felt staff needed to prepare a more detailed report and bring it back-to the Alliance. Some -of- the - points: Alliance members = would- like_to_see_addressed_are• -more consultation with..the_agricultural community; how the history, and process on agricultural issues it in with present planning strategy on agriculture; request by the group regarding agriculture in Bob Hunter Memorial Park; environmental impact of pesticides and herbicides uses in agriculture, and how it affects revenue, etc.; term of leases and comparative rental costs. Alan Wells informed the Alliance that the agricultural community would be invited to have representatives on the.Little Rouge East Steering Committee when it is formally established. He also advised that there is a scheduled meeting on December 15, 2008.with the tenant - farmers in Rouge Park. Jim•Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) Jim Robb gave a presentation on tree planting - manual vs. mechanical, random vs. row planting. As outlined in his letter of September 20, 2008 to the Alliance, he talked about: improving site preparation to address hydrological restoration and biodiversity; planting a greater diversity of species to address Ontario Biodiversity ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 8 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 Strategy; avoiding over - crowding to reduce thinning costs, mortality, disease, pests and fire; collecting and sowing native seeds to conserve local genetic and biological diversity; supporting community based ecological restoration work; controlling persistent invasive species vs. temporary weed control; favouring hand planting and selectively using innovative mechanical seeding. MOTION: Res. #44/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Jennifer O'Connell THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation on tree planting by Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed. CARRIED Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, handed out a page with the following two proposed motions: (1) Planting Methods; and (2) Utilizing and Building NGO Capacity. The motions were deferred to the next Alliance meeting as they were circulated with insufficient time for the Alliance members to review them. MOTION: Res. #45/08 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker WHEREAS, mechanical plantings tend to create linear, uniformly spaced plantations which: • Limit natural diversity and attractiveness for people, wildlife, recreation and tourism; • Increase vulnerability to insect, disease and fire outbreaks; • Slow natural regeneration of native hardwoods, shrubs and wildflowers; WHEREAS, mechanical plantings tend to create "un- naturally" low diversity, high density, conifer plantations which require costly and noisy thinning by chainsaw after a few decades, contrary to the Rouge Park's vision of creating a "sanctuary for nature and the human spirit" and contrary to Rouge Park Management Plan objective of "ensuring the health and diversity of native species, habitats, landscapes'; WHEREAS, NGO hand plantings with trained volunteers and crews (paid for performance, per tree, like northern Ontario reforestation) can restore large areas at reasonable cost without the linearity, uniformity and low diversity of mechanical plantings; WHEREAS, hand plantings can imitate the non - linear and variably spaced clumps of diverse native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, which occur "naturally" in response to frequently changing soil, slope and moisture conditions within Rouge restoration sites; WHEREAS, hand plantings can reduce transplant shock and improve survival by planting earlier in spring and later in fall when it is too wet and muddy for mechanical plantings; WHEREAS, hand plantings can accelerate forest growth by planting larger trees which are free -to -grow before problematic grass and weed competition develops; AND WHEREAS, hand plantings can occur on sites which are too sensitive (e.g. archaeology, existing flora and fauna, wetlands, ponds), too wet, too small, too stony or too difficult to access for mechanical plantings; ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 9 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 THEREFORE, be it resolved that: (A) Rouge Park Alliance strongly supports hand planting by experienced community tree planting groups (NGOs) and well trained volunteers and planting crews; (B) Mechanical plantings should only be considered if the capacity for hand planting by NGOs and Park partners has been fully utilized and the mechanical plantings: utilize site preparation to restore ponds, wetlands and natural hydrology; avoid linear and uniform spacing to support the Park's "natural" beauty; involve wide (e.g. 3 to 4 m) tree spacings to avoid future mechanical thinning; utilize a variety of hardy native trees and shrubs to support habitat diversity; utilize native tree, shrub, wildflower and grass seeding to support biodiversity. MOTION WAS DEFERRED MOTION: Res. #46/08 Moved by: Ron Moeser Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker WHEREAS, school, community and corporate plantings help to forge emotional bonds between the Public and Rouge Park and create a sense of ownership . and empowerment which will encourage good park and environmental stewardship, today and in the future; WHEREAS, over the last decade, NGOs such as FRW and 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Valley have helped Rouge Park build community awareness, involvement and support by coordinating more than 50,000 youth and community volunteers to plant more than 400,000 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to restore 160+ hectares of Rouge Park; WHEREAS, NGOs such as FRW and 10,000 Trees have staff and volunteers with education and experience in forestry and restoration ecology and under- utilized restoration capacity; WHEREAS, FRW and 10,000 Trees multiply the value of each dollar of Rouge Park funding by raising funding from corporate, private, federal, provincial and municipal partners; WHEREAS; the raising of additional funding enables the planting of a greater diversity of trees, witdflowers =and- shrubs;- theplanting =of- larger_- trees_to_aceelerate restoration; -the creation-of-ponds,- wetlands and wildflower meadows to increase habitat beauty and diversity; and the involvement, training and education of thousands of volunteers; WHEREAS, the success and value of FRW and 10,000 Trees restoration projects has been acknowledged by awards from Rouge Park, Wildlife Habitat Canada, York.Region, Markham and Toronto and letters of support from many Rouge Park Alliance members; WHEREAS, the approved Rouge Park Natural Heritage Action Plan has an established restoration target of 688 hectares over the next 8 years (avg. of 86 ha /year); AND WHEREAS, NGOs such as FRW and 10,000 Trees have the capacity and proven expertise to help Rouge Park achieve approximately 50% of the aforementioned restoration target, if they receive early and reliable access to priority Rouge restoration sites and funding; ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 Page 10 of 16 THEREFORE, be it resolved that: (A) Working with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and other partners, Rouge Park will strive to provide FRW with early and reliable access to approximately 35 hectares of archaeologically cleared and site - prepared priority Rouge Park restoration sites each year over the next several years; (B) Rouge Park will strive to provide proven NGOs like FRW and 10,000 Trees with reliable multi -year site access and funding of up to $5,000 per hectare to utilize their full restoration capacity to help achieve Rouge Park restoration targets. MOTION WAS DEFERRED ACTION -Staff to review resolutions and report back to the Alliance. Gary Wilkins, Humber Watershed Specialist, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority Gary Wilkins gave a presentation on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System, which was established in 1984, with its goal to establish a system of rivers that reflects the diversity of Canada's river environments and celebrates the role of rivers in Canada's history and society. He talked about the organization's administration, legislative authority and said that presently there are 40 designated heritage rivers in Canada, with 11 in Ontario. He outlined the procedure and the rigorous and lengthy process involved in getting nominated and designated into the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. For further information to proceed he gave the contact, Ramona Szyska, Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. MOTION: Res. #47/08 Moved by: Helena Jaczek Seconded by: Jack Heath THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System by Gary Wilkins, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. CARRIED ACTION - Staff to report back to the Alliance. 2: Rouge Park Organization and Finance Review KEY ISSUE At the Rouge Park Alliance meeting held on June 6, 2008, the Alliance approved a recommendation from the Finance Committee that the Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance assemble a team to investigate funding sources and structural issues and assist in the preparation of a long -range financial plan for Rouge Park. MOTION: Res. #48/08 Moved by: Michael Chong Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the outline for the review discussed in this report, and request each of the Partners included in the Steering Committee to appoint its member to the Committee. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 11 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 AMENDMENT #1 Moved by: Jack Heath Res. #49/08 Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the words "governance and financial" be inserted between the words "for the ... review" in the first line of the main motion, to read as follows: THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the outline for the governance and financial review discussed in this report, and request each of the Partners included in the Steering Committee to appoint its member to the Committee. Deputy Mayor Heath also requested that on the list of partners included in the Steering Committee that York Region /Markham be separated, to include two separate representatives, one from the Region of York and one from the Town of Markham. AMENDMENT #1 CARRIED AMENDMENT #2 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Res. #50/08 . Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation be included in the list of partners on the Steering Committee. AMENDMENT #2 CARRIED MAIN 'MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED THE MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED READS AS FOLLOWS: THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the outline for the governance and financial review discussed in this report, and request each of the Partners (Federal Government, Provincial Government, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, City of Toronto, Region of York, Town of Markham, Region of Durham, and Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation) included in the Steering Committee to appoint its member to the Committee. ACTION - Staff =to_take_appropriate.action: -- BACKGROUND The recently approved Natural Heritage Action Plan lays out an ambitious and urgently needed programme to develop the Bob.Hunter Memorial Park, Little Rouge Corridor Park, and complete the restoration work in the south of Steeles Avenue portion of Rouge Park. The Alliance has also approved its Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience (HAVE) Plan which requires significant investments for HAVE delivery staff, interpretive programming and signage and other initiatives needed throughout the Park. As well, the Province has announced the addition to Rouge Park of the lands east of the Little Rouge River Creek in York Region. These challenges require a workable structure and a realistic financial plan. In the past, the Alliance completed a study in 1997 called "Recommended Organizational and Financial Model for the.New Rouge Park Alliance. This plan recommended three options. No action has been taken. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 12 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5108, December 5, 2008 As well, the Alliance completed a Visioning Exercise during 2005 -6. Included in the recommendations approved by the Alliance are that: "Rouge Park undertake an analysis of alternative forms of legal status for the Park itself and a possible foundation which might assist in funding Rouge Park's initiatives "; and "Rouge Park's Finance Committee investigate new ways to secure sufficient, reliable funding, and that the Committee should investigate a fair share funding formula among the partners, including both in- kind and cash contributions, and report back to the Alliance with recommendations ". It is time for the Alliance to complete the tasks of clarifying its mandate, developing a workable organization and a sustainable financial plan. Next Steps I propose that a Steering Committee be formed to develop the detailed terms of reference related to Mandate, Organizational Structure and Financial Plan. The Steering Committee will select a Consultant to assist in the review. The Steering Committee will develop options /recommendations to bring back to the full Board. I propose that the Steering Committee be Chaired by the Chair of the Alliance and consist of a representative from each of the following: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (TRCA) CITY OF TORONTO REGION OF YORK/MARKHAM REGION OF DURHAM This group represents the major organizations that both own land and finance Rouge Park. We, anticipate that the study will cost about $100,000. I am pleased to say that Ontario has agreed to fund one -third of the study costs and offered the Ministry of Natural Resources District Manager, Tracy Smith, to be its representative. I have also approached our Federal Member to ask for similar funding support and a suggestion of a person to serve on the Steering Committee. I anticipate that the member municipalities will supply the remaining one -third share of the study costs. I suggest that the TRCA representative and municipal representatives be senior staff, not necessarily members of the Alliance, but able to speak for their organization. 1 also hope that each member of the Steering Committee would have policy and finance staff resources to assist throughout the review. Timing I hope that with the assistance of the Alliance members from the above organizations, appointments can be ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 made to the Steering Committee in early January 2009, and the work carried out during the first half of 2009 so that discussions with the Board can begin in the Fall of 2009. Page 13 of 16 Report prepared by: Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance -For information contact: Alan Wells, 416- 460 -6706; email: awells @rougepark.com Lewis Yeager, 905 - 713 -7374; email: klyeager @rougepark.com Date: November 18, 2008 3. Rouge Park Policy and Administration Committee Meeting Minutes - November 4, 2008 KEY ISSUE Present the minutes of the Rouge Park Policy and Administration Committee meeting held on November 4, 2008. MOTION: Res. #51/08 Moved by: Sue Gunton Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the Rouge Park Policy and Administration Committee meeting held on November 4, 2008 CARRIED 4. Cell Tower Policy in Rouge Park KEY ISSUE Rouge Park has a policy to discourage new infrastructure, including cell towers, in the Park. An opportunity has presented itself which may suggest that the Park reconsider this position. MOTION: Res. #52/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance reconsider its policy discouraging cell towers in the Park; AND THAT Rouge= P-ark:Alliance_s_ Chair- and_ Gener -al_ Manager - pursue -an opportunity -to partner_with cell_ phone providers to establish suitable cell towers in appropriate locations in Rouge Park. MOTION WAS DEFERRED Mr. De Baeremaeker requested that when the issue is brought back to the Alliance that the following be included: "THAT any funding coming from this initiative be allocated to natural habitat restoration projects." ACTION - Staff to report back to the Alliance on this issue. BACKGROUND While Rouge Park has an existing policy to discourage cell towers (see attached), the result has been that competing cell companies erect towers on private properties within or adjacent to the Park. Rouge Park has ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 14 of 16 MINUTES of Meeting #5108, December 5, 2008 no control over the location, appearance or suitability of the towers, and derives no benefit from them. Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, who sits on the Rouge Park Alliance, was a proponent of our existing cell tower policy, but now feels that the Alliance needs a new approach. He facilitated meetings between a cell phone provider and Rouge Park staff and the Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance to explore whether a change in policy would be beneficial. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) currently has successfully negotiated cell tower placements on some of its lands outside Rouge Park. There are a number of potential advantages to be gained by placing cell towers in Rouge Park itself: • We would get approximately $15,000 annually for each tower (6 to 8 towers are likely); There are a number of visitor experience programmes that can be delivered by services that cell phone companies can provide. These include interpretive messages by cell phone with numbers posted at key locations on our trails and points of interest. As well, messages, maps and information may be downloaded to i -Pods or other portable devices prior to visiting the Park; We would have control over the appearance, location and access routes for these towers, so they could be placed in inconspicuous locations; New tower designs are smaller and without external antennae. Designs are available that resemble flag poles, trees, etc.; • Many areas in the Park, particularly in Toronto, have poor mobile phone reception. This has safety Implications, so better coverage would help Park visitors contact emergency services should the need arise; and • One provider uses wild animals such as frogs in its promotional material and Rouge Park's emphasis on "connections" is an ideal fit with the firm's messages. A cell phone provider might become an ideal corporate partner for Rouge Park, and our relationship may have the potential to grow beyond a corporate planting to more exciting collaborations in the future. Rouge Park staff has visited several potential sites with one provider, and would do so with other firms that have interest in collaborating with Rouge Park. Report prepared by: For information contact: Date: November24, 2008 Lewis Yeager, General, Manager, Rouge Park Lewis Yeager, 905- 713 -7374; e-mail: klyeager @rougepark.com 6. Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2008 and 2008 Financial Progress Report- Summary KEY ISSUE Present the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held on October 7, 2008. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE • MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 MOTION: Res. #53/08 Page 15 of 16 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held on October 7, 2008; AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the 2008 Financial Progress Report - Summary for the period ending October 31, 2008. CARRIED The Hon. Michael Chong requested a Note.be put into all Rouge Park financial reports that the Waterfront • • Regeneration Trust Corp. funding is from the bequeathed $10M from the federal government. ACTION - Staff to take appropriate action. 7. Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - May 21 and October 3, 2008 KEY ISSUE Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Rouge Park Natural heritage Committee meetings held on May 21 and October 3, 2008. MOTION: Res. #54/08 Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker Seconded by: Clyde Smith THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the May 21 and October 3, 2008.Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee meetings. • CARRIED 8. Correspondence . 1. E -mail dated September 20, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Jim Robb, Friends of Rouge Watershed (FRW), re: Restoration Concerns and Recommendations - 50 Million Trees Program;_E- maiL-dated- November-1 -7, -2008; and, Support Letters_to.FRW from.MP_P. Gerr_y.Phillips_ &.. _ Bob Johnson, Toronto Zoo. 2. Letter dated October 17, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Brian Denney, TRCA, re: TRCA Representative on Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee; and, Natural Heritage Action Plan Implementation. 3. Letter dated October 22, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Valerie Shuttleworth, Town of Markham, re: Markham Representative on the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee. 4. Letter dated October 27, 2008 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, from Brian Reynolds, York Region Federation of Agriculture, re: Request for Deputation on Agriculture and Food Production in Rouge Park; and, Response -Email dated November 12, 2008 to Mr. Reynolds from Alan Wells. 5. Report dated November 10, 2008 to Rouge Park Alliance, from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority re: Reforestation Planting. 6. Letter dated November 17, 2008 to Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, from Gordon Weeden, re: Nomination for Bill Dempsey to be added to the plaque in the Celebration Forest. ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES of Meeting #5/08, December 5, 2008 Page 16 of 16 7. Letter dated November 20, 2008 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park, from Regional Clerk Denis Kelly, Region of York, re: Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer and Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant Stage 3 Expansion Project - "Enhancements and Greening Strategy to Leave a Positive Legacy ". Alan Wells, Chair, suggested that the correspondence be dealt with under three separate motions. MOTION: Res. #55/08 Moved by: Clyde Smith Seconded by: Sue Gunton THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive Correspondence 8.1 to 8.4, and 8.6, as listed above. MOTION: Res. #56/08 Moved by: Jack Heath Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor CARRIED THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request that Correspondence 8.5, as listed above, be referred to Rouge Park staff for review and report back to the Alliance. ACTION MOTION: Res. #57/08 - Staff to report back to the Alliance on this issue. Moved by: Bonnie Littley Seconded by: Jack Heath CARRIED THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request that Correspondence 8.7, as listed above, be brought back to the next Alliance meeting. ACTION 5. New Business None - Staff to report back to the Alliance on this issue. TERMINATION ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 12:50 p.m. on December 5, 2008. Alan Wells Lewis Yeager Chair, Rouge Park Alliance General Manager, Rouge Park CARRIED