HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumber Watershed Alliance 2009
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 Page G1
January 20, 2009
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, January 20,
2009. Iain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT
Arshad Ali ..............................................................Member
John Almond ...........................................................Member
Jim Bradley ............................................................Member
Sharon Bradley .........................................................Member
Bill Buchan .............................................................Member
Iain Craig ..............................................................Member
Vicky Dhillon ...........................................................Member
Bert Duclos ............................................................Member
Tony Flynn .............................................................Member
Larry Giles .............................................................Member
Robert Glover ...........................................................Member
Suzan Hall .............................................................Member
Mark Head ............................................................Alternate
Ron Hingston ...........................................................Member
David Hutcheon .........................................................Member
Lisette Mallet ...........................................................Member
Mike Mattos ............................................................Member
Jennifer McKim .........................................................Member
Joan Miles ............................................................Alternate
Hugh Mitchell ...........................................................Member
Peter Mitchell ...........................................................Member
Miriam Mittermaier .......................................................Member
Joanne Nonnekes .......................................................Member
Brendan O’Hara .........................................................Member
Randall Reid ............................................................Member
Lynda Rogers ..........................................................Member
Deb Schulte ............................................................Member
Lynn Short .............................................................Member
Lisa Turnbull ...........................................................Member
Bill Wilson..............................................................Member
G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
GUESTS
Mark Chambers ..............................................Environment Canada
Paul Izdebski .....................................................York University
STAFF
Deanna Cheriton .................................Project Manager, Land Management
Sonia Dhir ...................................Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Margie Kenedy .............................................Assistant Archaeologist
Lia Lappano .......................................Administrative Assistant, Humber
Susan Robertson .........................................Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins ..........................................Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G1/09 - MINUTES
Moved by:Sharon Bradley
Seconded by:Lynda Rogers
THAT the minutes of meeting #4/08, held on October 21, 2008, be approved ......CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Being an employee of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Lisa Turnbull declared a conflict of
interest in New Business item re: Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, page G21, and did not vote
on this item.
PRESENTATIONS
(a)Ontario Archaeology
Bert Duclos of the Ministry of Culture and member of the Humber Alliance, together with
Margie Kenedy, TRCA’s Assistant Archaeologist made a presentation titled, “Conservation of
Archaeological Resources in Land Use Planning”. The presentation focussed on the following:
•overview
•tools, environment, lifestyle
•data sharing
•potential criteria
•features
•registered sites
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G3
RES. #G2/09- CLAIREVILLE CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
Report on the update to the Claireville Conservation Area Management
Plan.
Moved by:Lynn Short
Seconded by:Miriam Mittermaier
THAT the staff report on the progress of Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan
Update be received;
THAT the draft Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan Update be referred to the
Claireville Stewardship Committee for discussion;
AND FURTHER THAT the final version of the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan
Update be brought to the Humber Watershed Alliance for endorsement .........CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan was prepared in 1997 and called for
review approximately every five years. In 2006, TRCA staff initiated a technical review and
update of the Claireville Conservation Area (CCA) Management Plan. The review was delayed
in order to incorporate the latest terrestrial natural heritage modeling techniques that were
identified through the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy.
Once the review and update process was initiated, many projects at the CCA and throughout
the TRCA continued to shape the future management of the CCA. These include, but are not
limited to the Humber River Fisheries Management Plan (draft 2005), Claireville Conservation
Area Terrestrial Natural Heritage Assessment (2007) the Listen to Your River: A Report Card on
the Health of the Humber River Watershed (2007) and an update to the watershed plan for the
Humber River Watershed, entitled Pathways to a Healthy Humber (2008). In addition to TRCA
projects and reports, the Region of Peel dedicated funds to conservation lands ecosystem
management for the CCA in 2007 and 2008. Initiatives of this project included reforestation and
habitat restoration, site securement, investigation and establishment of a dog off-leash area,
and vegetation management.
Many of the recommendations presented in the 1997 Management Plan have been initiated or
completed for the CCA. These include the following:
•Development of the Claireville Natural Area Enhancement Plan (2000) and Claireville
Reservoir and Surrounding Area Natural Area Enhancement Plan (2006).
•Increased natural cover because of terrestrial restoration, guided by natural area
enhancement plans and the Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy.
•Designation of the McVean farm site and the farm’s laneway as heritage sites pursuant
to the Ontario Heritage Act.
•Listing of the Wiley bowstring arch bridge by the City of Brampton’s Historical Board.
•Establishment of the Claireville Stewardship Committee and the Friends of Claireville.
•Sale of a 48 acre parcel of surplus land.
G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
Some projects that were proposed for the CCA after 1997 were denied or revised in
accordance with the Management Plan. Major decisions have included the rejection of a
proposed golf course in the Ebenezer Resource Management Tract and an environmentally
focused housing development at McVean Drive, removal of the planned extension of the
Williams Parkway through the CCA, and the proposal of a leadership adventure conservation
centre.
Over the last number of years, the land use context around the CCA has changed in nature. It
is undergoing rapid urban development. Residential development has replaced agricultural
and open fields along the northern boundary of the CCA. The areas adjacent to the CCA are
now all developed or in the planning process. In addition, several of the roads surrounding the
CCA have been or are scheduled to be widened. Finally, the PathWays Master Plan and the
Parks, Culture & Recreation Master Plan, of which the CCA is an integral feature, have been
approved by the City of Brampton.
Upon technical review of the existing management plan, the management zones were updated
to incorporate completed projects and new strategies (see attached map). The types of
management zones used are expected to be slightly modified to reflect the current
classification system. Many of the management zone designations remained relatively
unchanged. New management zones may include Agricultural Reserve, Heritage Preserve,
Operations, Secondary Restoration and Residential Lease zones. Areas dedicated to the
natural environment (Nature Reserve, Natural Environment, Primary Restoration and
Secondary Restoration management zones) experienced a slight decrease (from 88% of the
CCA in 1997 to 85% in 2009) as some of these lands were dedicated to near-urban agriculture
and heritage preservation at the McVean farm site. Meanwhile, lands dedicated to public use
(Public Use, Public Use Lease and Operations management zones) increased from 3% of the
land base to 14% to accommodate the space for public facilities and programming associated
with increasing public use and access at the CCA. These are focused in the area around the
Paul Flood Memorial building and the former rugby fields. There are no lands within the CCA
that are zoned as surplus.
In addition to the revised management zones, numerous recommendations are proposed to
maintain the vision of the CCA established in the 1997 management plan. These directives
have been incorporated into the draft updated management plan. Some of the major
management recommendations include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Maintain residential leases at Indian Line Campground and Claireville Ranch.
•Decommission the former Robison House and associated structures.
•Introduce a near-urban agriculture community farm at the McVean farm site
•Increase terrestrial habitat restoration and improvement areas.
•Implement property line identification, securement and protection plans.
•Improve public use and access via trails and recreational and educational programming
and facilities.
•Increase recognition of cultural heritage features and history.
•Maintain effective community stewardship and partnerships.
•Further investigate the viability of a dog off-leash area, subject to community interest.
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G5
In summary, the overall management direction for the CCA remains unchanged. Protection
and enhancement of the natural environment, with nature-based outdoor recreational and
educational opportunities, in cooperation with the local community and partners continues to
be the vision for the property. Implementation of the management zones and management
actions put forth in the updated management plan for the CCA should ensure that this vision is
actualized.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA staff will take the following steps to complete the management plan update process:
•Incorporate final staff and Humber Watershed Alliance member comments;
•Prepare a final draft update document, including text, maps and other supporting
figures;
•Present the final draft management plan update to the TRCA Board and the Humber
Watershed Alliance for endorsement;
•Circulate the final management plan update to TRCA staff, members of the Humber
Watershed Alliance and the Friends of Claireville, local and regional councilors, and
other stakeholders as identified; and
•TRCA and the stewardship committee will utilize the updated management plan to
assist with private land stewardship, and to respond to land use planning documents.
It is anticipated that the final Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan Update will be
ready for endorsement in Spring 2009.
RES. #G3/09- BLACK CREEK FLOOD REMEDIATION ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
To inform the Humber Watershed Alliance about the Black Creek Flood
Remediation Environmental Assessment and to provide notification of the
upcoming Public Information Centre.
Moved by:Mike Mattos
Seconded by:Hugh Mitchell
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance participate in the public consultation process;
AND FURTHER THAT the results of the environmental assessment be brought back to the
Humber Watershed Alliance when available ...............................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In 1980, Toronto and Region Conservation recognized the need for a Flood Control Program
which integrated the components of protective works, flood plain and valley acquisition, and
the application of land use regulation in order to effectively manage the valley lands within its
jurisdiction. The Flood Control Program was designed to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the risk
of hazard to life and property while recognizing the natural attributes of the valley system.
G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
A comprehensive study of the flood conditions within the jurisdiction was undertaken as part of
the Flood Control Program. Rivers with a minimum drainage area of 1,300 hectares were
deemed to be suitable for analysis. Two hundred and ten (210) flood susceptible areas (Flood
Vulnerable Areas, or FVA’s) were identified on the selected rivers. FVA’s were defined as areas
that were affected, to a marginal degree, under the regional flood event. Of these 210 sites, 31
sites were identified as Flood Damage Centres (FDC’s) or areas with substantial development
that were at significant risk during a regional storm event. These sites were then ranked and
prioritized for remedial works (flood control works) based on social, economic and
environmental factors.
Since then, a number of developments have occurred, including:
•development of TRCA’s Living City Strategy;
•implementation of remedial works to reduce flooding at many FDC’s and FVA’s;
•implementation of TRCA’s Valley and Stream Corridor Management Policy (1994);
•changes in legislation which affect flood plain policies (Generic Regulation, 2006 and
Provincial Policy Update, 2005);
•implementation of the Conservation Ontario Class Environmental Assessment for
Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects process;
•numerous development applications which affect the hydrology (or response of the
land to rain and snowmelt events) of the nine watersheds within TRCA jurisdiction;
•advances in technology allowing for more accurate modelling and greater extents of
mapping;
•updates to the hydrologic and hydraulic models for the Duffins, Carruthers, Rouge,
Don, Humber and Etobicoke Creek watershed, with updates scheduled for Petticoat,
Highland and Mimico Creek watersheds;
•updates to TRCA FVA database in Microsoft ACCESS based on new floodline mapping
(note: FDC’s are no longer included in the database).
Based on these recent developments and in keeping with the original objectives of the 1980
strategy, an update to the Flood Control Program was initiated. The program update was
designed to be carried out in four phases as outlined below.
Phase I:
The scope of Phase I included the development of a Query Process Tool to identify priority
FVA’s within the FVA database (this may include grouping of FVA’s). Prior to automating the
process, the criteria for setting priorities was determined based on existing policies and
legislation. The final criteria was developed in consultation with TRCA staff. The priority
assessment was based on, but not limited to: risk assessment, remedial works options, land
acquisition options and a cost-benefit analysis.
The final product comprises an adaptive Query Process Tool that will perform on multiple
scales including:
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G7
•Watershed/Waterfront based query;
•TRCA jurisdiction wide query;
•Query by Municipality; and
•Query by Region.
For the purpose of Phase 1, the Humber River Watershed was utilized as a test case for the
development and refinement of the tool with the intent that the tool would be expanded for the
remaining watersheds as part of subsequent work in Phase III.
Phase II:
Based on the prioritization for the Humber River watershed, one demonstration site for
remediation works was selected to undergo an Environmental Assessment (EA)under the
Conservation Ontario Class EA for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects. The EA will
be initiated in 2009.
Phase III:
Phase III will consist of the incorporation of FVA data from the remaining watersheds into the
query process in order to determine priorities at multiple scales (four scales listed in Phase I).
The query process should be dynamic so that priorities may be reassessed as remedial works
and acquisitions are implemented.
Phase IV:
Based on the final prioritization, a Remedial Works and Acquisition Strategy will be developed
in Phase IV. The Strategy will speak to future funding requirements and possible funding
mechanisms.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA has recently received a draft report outlining the findings of Phase 1. Based on the
findings of this work, a case site has been identified to undergo an EA. The site chosen is
located within the Black Creek Subwatershed. The study area for the EA extends from Weston
Road in the east, westerly along the Black Creek over to Scarlett Road.
On January 27, 2009, the first of two Public Information Centres (PIC) will be held at the Royal
Canadian Legion. The PIC will run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and members of the public and
interested community groups will be invited to attend. Those attending the PIC will have the
opportunity to meet with the Project Team, review the study scope and discuss issues related
to the project, including background information, local deficiencies, environmental
considerations and alternative solutions.
It is anticipated that the EA (Phase II) will be completed in 2009. In addition, Phases III and IV
will also be initiated and completed in 2009.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Capital funding was provided for this study collectively by the Regions of Toronto, Peel,
Durham York and Mono Adjala.
G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
RES. #G4/09- POTENTIAL COMMUNITY ACTION SITES IN THE HUMBER RIVER
WATERSHED
To implement recommendations within Pathways to a Healthy Humber:
The Humber River Watershed Plan (2008) through the Community Action
Site planning model, in partnership with vested stakeholders.
Moved by:Deb Schulte
Seconded by:Suzan Hall
WHEREAS implementation of Pathways to a Healthy Humber: The Humber River Watershed
Plan (2008) is central to the mandate of the Humber Watershed Alliance;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members assist
TRCA staff with the identification of possible Community Action Sites across the Humber
River Watershed;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members assist TRCA staff with
implementation of targeted activities within the Humber Watershed, as set out in the
Community Action Site planning process
AMENDMENT
RES. #G5/09
Moved by:Miriam Mittermaier
Seconded by:Lisette Mallet
WHEREAS implementation of Pathways to a Healthy Humber: The Humber River Watershed
Plan (2008) is central to the mandate of the Humber Watershed Alliance;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members assist
TRCA staff with the investigation of possible Community Action Sites including those
identified in this report being Downsview Dells, Mount Dennis-Weston, Emery Creek, South
Bolton and Toronto Historical Park Community Action Sites;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members assist TRCA staff with implementation of
targeted activities within the Humber Watershed, as set out in the Community Action Site
planning process;
AND FURTHER THAT work plans be brought back to the Humber Watershed Alliance for the
selected community action sites which demonstrate sufficient needs, opportunities and
interest by the partners to make the projects viable.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ..............................................CARRIED
THE MOTION, AS AMENDED, WAS .....................................CARRIED
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G9
BACKGROUND
The concept of Community Action Sites was recommended in Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy
Humber (1997) to help achieve its objectives. Community Action Sites have been implemented
with a variety of partners, to date, through a collaborative planning approval process, building
upon the strategies of the watershed plan depending on the interest of stakeholders. The
activities that have taken place within the existing Community Action Sites are varied,
depending on the unique context of the area. For example: fish-way construction;
reforestation; wetland creation; riparian planting; boardwalk construction; trail and
interpretative signage; watercourse realignment, trails and heritage interpretation.
Over the course of ten years, the original Community Action Sites, identified within Legacy
have largely been completed. Some of these sites include: Sun Row Park (Toronto), Palgrave
Pond (Caledon), Bolton (Caledon), Caledon East Wetland (Caledon East) and Claireville
(Brampton). Throughout the execution of the targeted Community Action Sites, TRCA staff and
Humber Watershed Alliance members have learned many lessons applicable to new
Community Action Site activities.
Given that Pathways to the Humber: The Humber River Watershed Plan (2008) is now
complete, more opportunities have been identified to create new Community Action Sites,
based on the updated science contained within the plan. TRCA staff has identified the
following new candidate sites, based on stakeholder interest and watershed plan
recommendations. Opportunities at each site need to be explored further.
Please note the following Community Action Site Planning Process Flowchart (as used for an
existing Community Action Site, set out in the City of Toronto) for your reference.
G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G11
Potential Community Action Sites in the Humber River Watershed
Downsview Dells Community Action Site
The Downsview Dells Community Action Site is bounded by Highway 401 to the south, Finch
Avenue to the north, Highway 400 to the west and Downsview Park to the east. It is entirely
located within the City of Toronto. Identified partners for this site include: The Black Creek
Conservation Project, Downsview Park and various community groups. Focusing on
naturalization, stormwater management and community outreach and education, this project
will provide the opportunity for much needed gain in the Black Creek sub-watershed. This
project is in the initial stages.
Mount Dennis-Weston Community Action Site
The Mount Dennis-Weston Community Action Site is bounded by Trethewey Drive to the north,
St. Clair Ave to the south, the Humber River to the west and Rockcliffe Boulevard to the east.
This site is entirely located within the City of Toronto. Working with the community group
Mount-Dennis Weston Network, Ryerson University and the City of Toronto, this Community
Action Site seeks to promote the development of green manufacturing and technologies
through industry development as well as naturalization, stormwater management and
community outreach and education. There are many opportunities taking place within this
Community Action Site that will take place over the next few years. This project is still in its
initial stages.
Emery Creek
Emery Creek subwatershed is one of the most polluted catchments in the Humber watershed.
It is bounded by Steeles south to Sheppard Avenue and from Norfinch to Islington Avenue. It
is largely an industrial area with over 3,000 companies. The challenge will be to focus efforts to
provide energy, water and waste conservation, habitat enhancement and increased community
awareness through public information events and programs.
South Bolton Community Action Site
The South Bolton Community Action Site is bounded by King Street to the north, Mayfield
Road to the south, Coleraine Drive to the west and Albion-Vaughan Road to the east. This is
entirely located within the Town of Caledon. As an area currently under pressure from
industrial development, there are many opportunities to partner with existing and new industry
to promote sustainable design, stormwater management, renewable energy and naturalization.
Partnerships for this proposed area are still being explored. This project is in its initial stages.
Toronto Historical Park Community Action Site
The Historical Park Community Action Site is bounded by St. Clair to the north, the mouth of
the Humber River to the south, Jane Street to the east and Kingsway Crescent to the west. It is
entirely located within the City of Toronto. The objective of this Community Action Site is to
create The Shared Path - Toronto Historical Park within the Lower Humber Valley, which tells
the early history of Toronto within the context that it is most relevant - the Humber Valley.
Building upon the concept of an outdoor museum, La Société d’Histoire de Toronto, the City of
Toronto, Heritage Toronto, and the TRCA are working collaboratively with a variety of other
stakeholders and are identifying opportunities for implementation through an inter-
governmental steering committee. These opportunities are now being mapped and some will
G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
be implemented in 2009 in time for the 10 Anniversary Celebration of the Canadian Heritageth
Rivers Designation of the Humber River, in the Fall 2009.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
•Determine a list of vested stakeholders and convene discussions through steering
committees and partner meetings;
•Identify needs and opportunities and confirm suitability as a Community Action Site;
•Identify a list of targeted priorities;
•Seek approval where required;
•Obtain funding for implementation;
•Implement action plan as designed.
RES. #G6/09- 2009 STEWARDSHIP AND HABITAT RESTORATION CAPITAL
PROJECTS
TRCA 2009 capital budgets for regeneration projects in the Humber
watershed.
Moved by:Sharon Bradley
Seconded by:Hugh Mitchell
THAT the report on the 2009 Projects in the Humber River Watershed be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members continue to have an active role
in finalizing design details and implementation of the 2009 Humber projects .....CARRIED
BACKGROUND
TRCA has submitted budget requests to the Regions of York and Peel, and the City of Toronto
have allocated funding to support the implementation of Pathways to a Healthy Humber and
the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The following is a list of proposed
projects in the Humber watershed for 2009.
Municipal budget approvals are expected between January and April. All or portions of these
projects will not proceed if municipal budgets are not approved.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY
York Region
2009
REQUEST
Eaton Hall/Seneca
College
Restore 5 of 9 targeted wetland
projects; reforest 2.5 ha; increase
riparian cover; critical habitat features.
York Region
(King)
$5,000
Lake Wilcox Habitat
Improvement
Implement shoreline restoration
project; Community planting.
York Region
(Richmond Hill)
$80,000
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G13
PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY
Peel Region
2009
REQUEST
Woodbridge
Expansion Area
Community Action
Site (Elder Mills)
Reforestation and riparian planting with
three school groups.
York Region
(Vaughan)
$25,000
York Region
Community
Environmental
Enhancement Project
Reforestation; Riparian planting; In-
stream works; Wetland creation;
Community stewardship initiatives.
York Region
(To Be
Determined)
$25,000
York Natural Planting
Partnership
Provide technical and site advisory
services to assist private landowners in
planning for and implementing
reforestation and riparian plantings;
Prepare and distribute program
promotional materials to ellicit
landowner contacts and
participation.
York Region
(Private
Property)
--To Be
Determined
$50,000
Audubon Certification
for Parks
Assess environmental resources,
potential liabilities, and develop a site
specific environmental plan for each
nature based recreation park.
Peel Region
(Albion Hills,
Glen Haffy,
Caledon)
$250,000
Caledon East
Community Action
Site
Tree and shrub planting; In-stream
habitat improvement; Community
outreach; Enhance 5 hectare wetland
feature adjacent to Centreville Creek in
Caledon East.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$50,000
Centreville Creek
Implementation
Naturalization; Habitat improvements;
Private land resource management;
and Outreach/education programs.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$100,000
Claireville Community
Greenspace
Washroom and parking lot
improvements; Establish community
partnerships; Construct and maintain
multi-use trails that are linked to
municipal and regional trail systems;
Develop recreational and educational
programming.
Peel Region
(Brampton)
$240,000
G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY
Toronto
2009
REQUEST
Claireville Natural
Enhancement Plan
Create 1 ha wetland cover; 1 ha forest
cover; 500 m riparian cover; critical
habitat features.
Peel Region
(Brampton)
$44,000
Claireville Eco-system
Restoration
Create 1.5ha wetlands; Plant 1000
metres riparian plants; Invasive
Species Management; Implement 1 ha
reforestation, and habitat structures.
Peel
(Brampton)
$175,000
Oak Ridges Moraine
CPA 2 and CPA11
Reforestation; Riparian habitat;
Wetland creation; Landowner contact
program.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$35,000
Peel Community
Environmental
Enhancement Project
Reforestation; Riparian plantings; In-
stream works; Wetland creation;
Community stewardship initiatives.
Peel Region
(To Be
Determined)
$35,000
Peel Region Private
Land Tree Planting
Programs - Tree &
Shrub
To supply and plant 800 trees and
1500 shrubs.
Peel Region
(Caledon &
Brampton)
$44,000
Reforestation on
Private Lands
Increase private planting levels in Peel
Region by 11% over 2008 numbers
Coordinate planting services.
Peel Region
(Caledon &
Brampton)
$100,000
Riparian Planting in
Peel Region
5000 metres of riparian restoration.Peel Region
(Caledon &
Brampton)
$100,000
TRCA Peel Forest
Management Projects
Analyze, prioritize and coordinate
enhanced Managed Forest
implementation on Authority lands;
Identify staff/equipment resources and
schedule for operational
implementation; Provide/coordinate
implementation services.
Peel Region
(Caledon)
$150,000
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G15
PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY
All
2009
REQUEST
Urban Agriculture -
Growing Local Food
Establish partnerships with local
agricultural organizations; Develop
detailed site plans that contribute an
environmental management message;
Promote partnerships and products
through various media and meetings to
help change consumer attitudes and
behaviours on the need to buy locally
grown goods; Provide education and
stewardship programs as a
contribution to agriculture partnership
projects; Assist with infrastructure
requirements such as fencing and
water supplies.
Peel Region
(Caledon &
Brampton)
$50,000
Humber Community
Environmental
Projects
Downsview Earth Day planting;
Humber savannah rehabilitation; Black
Creek riparian planting and restoration.
City of Toronto $21,000
Lower Humber Barrier
Mitigation
Notch one fish barrier.City of Toronto $25,000
Canada Goose
Management
Program
Banding, egg oiling and roundup as
necessary.
City of Toronto
York Region
Peel Region
$30,000
$7,000
$32,000
Claireville: Indian Line
Campground/
Claireville Reservoir
Naturalization
Forest cover; Riparian cover; Wetland
cover; Shoreline enhancement; Aquatic
habitat; Community stewardship.
City of Toronto
Peel Region
$10,000
$20,000
Humber Habitat
Implementation Plan
Create 3 ha Wetland cover; 2 ha forest
cover; 1 km riparian cover; and
Implement critical habitat features.
Proposed Projects:
- Toronto: Raymore Park, Alicewood
- Peel: Caledon Tract
- York: Nashville Tract
City of Toronto
York Region
Peel Region
$46,000
$38,000
$76,000
Indigenous Plant
Propagation
Cultivation of indigenous plant material
for naturalization.
City of Toronto
Peel Region
$30,000
$27,000
G16 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUNICIPALITY
All
2009
REQUEST
Managing TRCA
Hazard Trees
Create Database for the monitoring of
hazard tree activities; Mapping and
some tree removals; Establishment of
fire breaks in Resource Management
Tracts.
Peel Region
York Region
$20,000
$15,000
Private Land
Stewardship - Tree &
Shrub
Market TRCA Tree Planting Program
and promote private land stewardship
and implementation across TRCA
jurisdiction.
Peel Region
York Region
$20,000
$23,000
Private Land Tree
Planting Program
Supply and plant 30,000 seedlings.Peel Region
York Region
$19,000
$23,000
Propagation of
Aquatic Plants
Propagate approximately 9,000
aquatic/herbaceous plants for
regeneration project use.
City of Toronto
Peel Region
York Region
$12,000
$7,300
$6,000
Reforestation for
Biodiversity on TRCA
Land
Create 8 hectare reforestation or 1.5
hectare riparian cover established on
public land.
Peel Region
York Region
$21,000
$33,000
Sustainable
Neighbourhood
Retrofit Action Plan
Steering Committee formation;
Detailed project terms of reference and
request for proposals; Study area
selection, delineation and base
mapping; Initial issues, needs and
opportunities scoping summary;
Demonstration quick-start opportunities
will be identified and implementation
pursued under separate project
budgets (e.g. innovative stormwater
management retrofits, naturalization of
private lands, social marketing
campaigns, etc.).
City of Toronto
Peel Region
York Region
$70,000
$100,000
$150,000
TOTAL MUNICIPAL FUNDING $2,439,300
Agencies such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, Trout
Unlimited, TD Friends of the Environment, Environment Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources,
Ministry of the Environment and others have contributed significant funding and resources to many
of the above listed projects in the past. Other sources of funding are being sought to complement
the municipal contribution. Budgets presented in this report consist of municipal funds only.
Typically projects receive matching contributions from other sources. The total amount of funds to
be contributed by municipalities and external agencies will be confirmed in the New Year upon final
approval of budget requests.
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G17
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
•Finalize project designs;
•Obtain appropriate approvals;
•Confirm matching funds;
•Engage local stakeholders to assist with the implementation of appropriate elements of the
project.
•Recognize projects and partners via media and special events.
RES. #G7/09- COMMUNITY FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
(CFWIP) PROJECT APPROVALS FOR 2008, TRCA JURISDICTION
Summary of 2008 approved CFWIP projects in the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) jurisdiction.
Moved by:Sharon Bradley
Seconded by:Hugh Mitchell
THAT the following summary of the CFWIP program and approved projects for 2008 within
TRCA’s jurisdiction be received for information ................................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Natural Resources provides funding on a yearly basis to community groups and
individuals for improving fish and wildlife resources through the Community Fisheries and Wildlife
Involvement Program (CFWIP).
In order to be funded, projects must meet the program objectives of improving fish and wildlife
resources, providing benefits to the public and involving volunteers from the community.
Examples of typical projects include: habitat rehabilitation, monitoring and assessment of
populations, culture and stocking of fish and environmental education. Any individual or group can
apply for funding. CFWIP funds proposals from: landowners, sportsmen's groups, naturalists'
groups, cottagers' associations, school groups, farm organizations, trail clubs, trappers' councils,
seniors and youth groups as well as others.
The projects funded within the Humber Watershed are as follows:
Project Title Project Type Partner Name
Invasive Species/Phragmites Eradication Invasive Species
Management
Woodbridge Expansion
Open Space Action Site
Palgrave Fishway Study Monitoring Trout Unlimited Canada
Caledon Headwaters Rehabilitation
Initiative: Walton Farm Riparian
Improvement
Stream Rehabilitation Ontario Streams
G18 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
Project Title Project Type Partner Name
Caledon Headwaters Rehabilitation
Initiative: Atlantic Salmon Reintroduction
Program Component
Stream Rehabilitation Ontario Streams
SAR Caledon Headwaters Rehabilitation
Initiative: Upper Humber Instream
Restoration Component
Stream Rehabilitation Ontario Streams
Riparian Planting & Instream Work at
Claireville Conservation Area
Stream Rehabilitation Toronto Region
Conservation
York Region Community Stewardship
Initiative: Humber Flats EcoPark
Tree Planting Evergreen Foundation
Elder’s Mills Schoolyard Naturalization Tree Planting Elders Mills School Council
Downsview Park Canada Forest Habitat
Restoration
Tree Planting Evergreen Foundation
For 2009, project applications are due by February 1 and can be faxed or mailed to the Aurora
District Office. The fax number is 905-713-7361 and mailing address is 50 Bloomington Road West,
Aurora, L4G 3G8. An application is attached.
For more information on the CFWIP program, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website at:
http://www.m nr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/2 Colum nSubPage/STEL02_166030.htm l
BREAK OUT SESSION - MODEL/STRUCTURE OF FUTURE WATERSHED GROUPS
G. Wilkins, S. Robertson, and S. Dhir facilitated three break out sessions to discuss strengths,
weaknesses and future opportunities for the Humber Watershed Alliance.
Some comments received regarding strengths include:
•broad representation of watershed community interests and the opportunity for additional
representation;
•networking;
•good resources and information sharing;
•has core group with institutional knowledge and history and has ‘new blood’ for ideas;
•members communicate TRCA through their own networks - capacity building.
Some comments received regarding weaknesses include:
•lack of public knowledge;
•lack of legal authority;
•lack of sufficient resources;
•agencies not contributing regularly.
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G19
Some comments received regarding future opportunities include:
•perhaps have a subcommittee to look at connections between the watershed and the lake;
•pursue private funding and grants;
•market achievements
•target sustainability and champions;
•host multi-watershed networking.
The members were also asked to consider the following statement:
The Humber Watershed Alliance should continue to be offered by TRCA as a means of engaging
the community in watershed management.
The majority of the membership strongly agreed with the above statement.
RES. #G8/09- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are provided
for information.
Moved by:Jim Bradley
Seconded by:Suzan Hall
THAT the following minutes be received:
•Bolton Resource Management Tract #5/08 (November 25 )rd
•Bolton CAS (November 20 ) th
•Claireville Subcommittee #5/08 (November 11 )th
•Heritage Subcommittee #6/08 (November 13 )th
•Oak Ridges Corridor Park Subcommittee #2/08 (December 4 ).............th CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Navigable Waters Protection Act
I. Craig brought an article titled, Old Law a Hurdle to New Roads, to the attention of the members.
The article, written by James Cowan, appeared in the January 12, 2009 issue of the National Post.
The issue of the Navigable Waters Protection Act, and its proposed revisions, was discussed at
the Humber Watershed Alliance meeting #3/08 held on July 8, 2008. At that time, the Humber
Watershed Alliance expressed concern over the proposed amendments and agreed to send a
letter to Maxime Ricard, Clerk of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities. Our letter, dated September 24, 2008, was acknowledged by Mr. Ricard who
assured us that our concerns would be brought to the attention of the House of Commons once it
reconvened.
G20 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
To date, we have not received any further notification from the government on this issue.
Navigable Waters Protection Act
RES #9/09
Moved by:Deb Schulte
Seconded by:Tony Flynn
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance send a subsequent letter to Maxime Ricard, Clerk of the
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, strongly reiterating the
concerns raised in our September 24, 2008 letter;
THAT members of the Humber Watershed Alliance be encouraged to send individual letters of
concern to their respective Members of Parliament;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance urge the Standing Committee on Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, to refrain from proceeding with the revisions to the Navigable
Waters Protection Act legislation until such time as the concerns raised in our September 24,
2008 letter have been adequately addressed;
AND FURTHER THAT copies of the letter be sent to James Cowan at the National Post, MP
Michael Ignatieff, Jack Layton, Leader of the Federal New Democrat Party and Gilles Duceppe,
Leader of the Bloc Quebecois in addition to those copied on the September 24, 2008 letter
which include Members of Parliament within the Humber watershed and Conservation
Ontario ..............................................................CARRIED
Oak Ridges Corridor Park
G. Wilkins advised the members that a generous financial contribution has been received, as the
second installment, from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation in the amount of $94,000. The first
installment amounted to $125,000. These funds will continue to be used to carry out work in the
Oak Ridges Corridor Park including habitat restoration, environmental restoration, and
monitoring.
January 20, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 G21
Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
RES #10/09
Moved by:Sharon Bradley
Seconded by:Tony Flynn
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario created the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) in
2002 and provided $15 million to support land acquisition, habitat restoration, stewardship and
research projects;
WHEREAS, over the last six years, the ORMF has contributed an estimated $3 million to
projects which have benefited the Humber River Watershed and which have translated into
green infrastructure investments in various communities across the Oak Ridges Moraine;
WHEREAS for every dollar provided by the ORMF, an additional two dollars is usually
contributed by other partners for projects on the Oak Ridges Moraine;
WHEREAS the original $15 million has been allocated and additional work on the Oak Ridges
Moraine will be delayed or, in fact, will not occur without additional provincial financial support;
WHEREAS in accordance with the provincial government’s Public Performance Measurement
and Reporting Network, continued funding from the ORMF to project sponsors would result in
job creation, as well as purchases and sales, to generate economic stimulus;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance send a letter to the
Province of Ontario requesting that they renew their financial investment in the Oak Ridges
Moraine;
THAT copies of the letter be sent to all Members of Provincial Parliament within the Humber
River watershed;
AND FURTHER THAT the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, the Etobicoke-Mimico
Coalition, the Rouge Park Alliance and the Duffins/Carruthers Watershed Resource Group be
sent a copy of this resolution asking them to support the request to the Province of Ontario for
additional funding for the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation .....................CARRIED
Humber Heritage Bridges
I. Craig advised members that B. Hulley recently wrote an article on Humber Heritage Bridges
with H. Broadbent’s assistance. The article appeared in the Fall Edition of Caledon Living.
G22 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/09 January 20, 2009
DOOR PRIZE
As a token of the Authority’s appreciation for the members’ participation on the Humber
Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a Humber fleece jacket. The winning ticket belonged to
Larry Giles.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:35 p.m., January 20, 2009.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary-Treasurer
/L.
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 Page G23
April 21, 2009
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village on Tuesday, April 21,
2009. Iain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m.
PRESENT
Arshad Ali ..............................................................Member
John Almond ...........................................................Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne...................................................Member
Jim Bradley ............................................................Member
Sharon Bradley .........................................................Member
Heather Broadbent ......................................................Member
Bill Buchan .............................................................Member
Iain Craig ..............................................................Member
Dianne Douglas .........................................................Member
Bert Duclos ............................................................Member
Tony Flynn .............................................................Member
Larry Giles .............................................................Member
Robert Glover ...........................................................Member
Ron Hingston ...........................................................Member
Gaspar Horvath .........................................................Member
David Hutcheon .........................................................Member
Lisette Mallet ...........................................................Member
Mike Mattos ............................................................Member
Madeleine McDowell .....................................................Member
Jennifer McKim .........................................................Member
Tunde Miko ............................................................Member
Joan Miles ............................................................Alternate
Hugh Mitchell ...........................................................Member
Miriam Mittermaier .......................................................Member
Joanne Nonnekes .......................................................Member
Brendan O’Hara .........................................................Member
Lynda Rogers ..........................................................Member
Carmen Schlamb ........................................................Member
Deb Schulte ............................................................Member
Lynn Short .............................................................Member
Rolande Smith .........................................................Alternate
Anyika Tafari ...........................................................Member
Peter Telford ...........................................................Member
Lisa Turnbull ...........................................................Member
G24 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
Joy Webster ............................................................Member
John Willetts ............................................................Member
Bill Wilson..............................................................Member
GUESTS
Carlton Allen ................................................Afri-Can Food Basket
Kelly Fraser .................................................Afri-Can Food Basket
Richard Piekutowski ...........................................Friends of Claireville
STAFF
Sonia Dhir ...................................Watershed Resources Planner, Humber
Lia Lappano .......................................Administrative Assistant, Humber
Susan Robertson .........................................Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins ..........................................Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #11/09 -MINUTES
Moved by:Sharon Bradley
Seconded by:Deb Schulte
THAT the minutes of meeting #1/09, held on January 20, 2009, be approved ....CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
(a)Letter to the Hon. James Bradley, Minister of Transport from the Humber Watershed
Alliance, dated January 30, 2009, re: Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
(b)Letter to the Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, from the
Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment, dated February 16, 2009, re: Oak Ridges
Corridor Park.
(c)Letter to the Oak Ridges Friends of the Environment from the Hon. George Smitherman,
dated March 9, 2009, re: Oak Ridges Corridor Park.
(d)Letter to Senator Day from Iain Craig, dated March 25, 2009, re: Bill C-10, Navigable
Waters Protection Act.
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G25
(e)Letter from Iain Craig, Chair of the Humber Watershed Alliance, dated April 5, 2009 re: A
Proposal for the Establishment of a Community Action Site.
(f)Letter to the Humber Watershed Alliance from The Hiking with Dogs at Claireville
Executive (Robert Glover, Alyson Hazlett, Mike Mattos, Miriam Mittermaier), dated April
21, 2009, re: Off Leash Trail at Claireville Conservation Area (attached).
RES. #12/09
Moved by:Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by:Jennifer McKim
THAT the above correspondence be received .............................CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a)Lower Humber Fish Barrier Project
Mark Heaton of the Ministry of Natural Resources made a presentation on the Lower Humber
Fish Barrier Project. The presentation focussed on the following:
•purpose of the project
•supporting watershed objectives of the Humber Fisheries Management Plan
•list of alternatives
•factors for evaluating alternatives
•public input
•preferred alternatives
•progress and future
(b)Deer Management
John Almond of the Ministry of Natural Resources and member of the Humber Watershed
Alliance made a presentation titled, “White Tailed Deer Management”. The presentation
focussed on the following:
•managing the deer population
•deer harvest in Ontario
•wildlife motor vehicle collisions
•population dynamics
•urban and rural habitat
•winter adaptation
•deer management and deer management objectives
•population management
•challenges and issues
G26 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
The members thanked both presenters for their very informative presentations.
RES. #G13/09- CHRS 10 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONSth
The celebration of the 10 Anniversary of the Humber River’s Canadianth
Heritage River designation and the review of the draft Calendar of Events
for the summer of 2009 as well as a draft plenary for September 19 ,th
2009, the new celebration event day at Etienne Brûlé Park, in the City of
Toronto.
Moved by:David Hutcheon
Seconded by:Larry Giles
WHEREAS the TRCA and the Humber Watershed Alliance recognize the significance of
celebrating the 10 Anniversary of the Humber River Watershed’s Canadian Heritage Riverth
System (CHRS)designation across the watershed throughout the summer months of 2009;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance assist TRCA staff with organization and
implementation of a 10 anniversary celebration planning by providing time, resources andth
event information (relevant to the proposed celebration) for the scheduled summer events
and for the planning of the primary celebration of September 19 , 2009 in the City ofth
Toronto;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members help TRCA staff by organizing
an activity and branding other events taking place in the watershed throughout the summer
as a Canadian Heritage Rivers activity....................................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada's national river conservation program
that promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and ensures that Canada's
leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner. The CHRS is a public trust with local
citizens as the champions the program - actions taken at grass roots that drive the program
forward. The CHRS designation is a prestigious one that is unique to the Humber River
Watershed out of all nine watersheds within the Greater Toronto Area. Therefore, it is very
important that this anniversary be promoted and celebrated across the watershed in the
summer of 2009.
In order to achieve this goal, the TRCA is celebrating the 10 Anniversary of the Humber’sth
CHRS designation with the watershed communities. The final date and location of the primary
celebration event will be on September 19 , 2009, in the City of Toronto at Etienne Brûlé Park. th
However, other activities and events occurring in the watershed throughout the summer
months will incorporate the CHRS theme.
A summary of the events are as follows:
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G27
EVENT
COLD CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - May 9th, 2009 - KING
Tree planting in the Cold Creek Conservation Area, a sensitive subwatershed of the Humber
River, will be the main focus of this community based event. Hosted by Cold Creek Stewardship
Group, drinks and refreshments will be provided, as well educational material on the Celebration
of the Humber River as Canadian Heritage River.
KIDS FEST - King Township Museum - June 23rd, 2009 - KING
KidsFest will celebrate the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River through outdoor
education and entertainment to three different elementary school groups in King Township. With
story telling and various workshops, kids will learn about the importance of the watershed to the
development of Canada and to their everyday lives.
CALEDON EAST by the TransCanada Trail Pavilion - June 14th, 2009 - CALEDON
This community-based event will celebrate the donors to the TransCanada Trail as well as the
newly constructed boardwalk, signage and trail over the Caledon East Wetland, by the TRCA
and the Region of Peel. The event will conclude with Reptile Demonstrations, Birds of Prey
demonstration, butterfly release, and BBQ, all highlighting the significance of the Humber River
as a Canadian Heritage River.
ASK SOIREE - King Township Museum - July 5th, 2009 - KING
The 3rd Annual ASK Festival will be kicked off on July 5th at the opening soiree, where
community members and organizers will be entertained by First Nations songs, story telling and
dance, cooking demonstrations and wine tasting from local culinary experts. Additionally, the
significance of the Humber River will be highlighted by locally elected officials and TRCA
members and complemented by a performance from Kara Chisolm, as well as a cake cutting
ceremony on behalf of ASK and the 10th Anniversary Celebration.
Celebrate the Humber - Cold Creek Conservation Area - July 19th, 2009 - KING
As part of the ASK Festival, the Cold Creek Conservation Area will host a Celebrate the Humber
Day where community groups will be entertained with live demonstrations of Reptiles, Birds of
Prey and live theatre, a Click and Hike with the Oak Ridges Trail Association and presented with
fun watershed facts. Snack and refreshments to be provided.
Opening Claireville - August (TBD with community) - BRAMPTON
To celebrate the opening of Claireville Conservation Area, a community event will be hosted by
the TRCA highlighting the up and coming activities to be offered to the community in this
wondrous natural area. The celebration will conclude with a Heritage Hike, to be hosted by
TRCA staff Archaeology staff, demonstrating the unique ancient heritage of this area.
Local Food First Festival: Farm Start - September (TBD with Farm Start) CLAIREVILLE
A community event will be hosted by FarmStart at Claireville Conservation Area, celebrating local
food and local food awareness, celebrating the sustainability of urban agriculture and the historic
McVean Barn.
G28 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
Celebrate the Humber - OAK RIDGES CORRIDOR PARK - August 22 , 2009 - RICHMONDnd
HILL
A community event will be held in the Oak Ridges Corridor Park to celebrate the Humber River
as a Canadian Heritage River through community based activities and events which will include a
photography demonstration, kid-friendly wetland games and exploring wetland wonders by
habitat creation activities. A light lunch will be provided at the end of the day.
A summary of the draft plenary for the 10 Anniversary primary celebration in Toronto is asth
follows:
10th Anniversary Celebration - Etienne Brule Park - September 19th, 2009 - TORONTO
The main celebration of the Humber River as Canadian Heritage River to be held in Toronto, with
First Nations groups, the City of Toronto, the TRCA and community organizations through
activities for the community to enjoy. The draft agenda is as follows:
Activities
•First Nations Water ceremony
•First Nations Sunrise ceremony
•Run the Humber
•Historic Bike Tour, starting at Fort York
•Historic Walking tours
•Humber River Shakespeare Theatre Group
•River Artist to be displayed
•Mock Archaeology Dig
•Remark by local elected officials
•Voyager canoe paddle
•Birds of Prey Demonstration
•Sciensational Snakes Demonstration
•Introduction of the Toronto Historical Park
Celebrate the Humber - Bolton Fall Fair - September 26th, 2009 - BOLTON
The community of Bolton will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Humber as a Canadian
Heritage River through community activities, music and events. Come learn about the history of
the Humber River and celebrate your watershed.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
•TRCA staff request that Humber Watershed Alliance members assist with the planning
and implementation of the planned 10 anniversary events for the Humber Riverth
Watershed.
•Humber Watershed Alliance members plan or brand additional events throughout the
summer, to celebrate the 10 Anniversary.th
•Humber staff to coordinate the team meeting with the stakeholders for the City of
Toronto celebration in Toronto in the month of April to review and plan the event
program.
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G29
RES. #G14/09- MAYFIELD WEST PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
The sustainable planning and development of new communities in the
Humber River Watershed is essential to the long-term sustainability of the
health of the Humber and should be promoted and advocated for as the
future direction for urban growth in the watershed, as recommended
within the recently approved Humber River Watershed Plan: Pathways to
the Healthy Humber, 2008 and the associated Implementation Guide,
2008.
Moved by:David Hutcheon
Seconded by:Larry Giles
WHEREAS the TRCA and the Humber Watershed Alliance recognize the significance of
sustainable urban design to the long-term health of the watershed, moving into the 21st
century;
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance promote all initiatives to pursue a new approach to
sustainable urban development, above and beyond the traditional business-as-usual
approach to urban development patterns;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members formally support the Town of
Caledon in relation to sustainable planning approach being pursued within the new urban
community of Mayfield West ...........................................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
In September 2003, the Town of Caledon Council endorsed a set of planning and design
principles that guided the preparation of the new community of Mayfield West - Phase One.
On January 7, 2009, a workshop was conducted to review the principles set in place by
Caledon Council in 2003 and to provide an opportunity to generate new ideas and approaches
for planning and designing a distinctive and sustainable community. It was a success -
attended by 48 participants representing a variety of government agencies, stakeholders and
interested groups, including: Town of Caledon, zdvisory committees to Caledon Council,
agencies / other groups, property owners and technical consultants for Caledon.
A presentation by Caledon staff, outlining the workshop purpose and background history on
Mayfield West, was provided as well as a presentation by Caledon’s planning consultant who
introduced key elements to sustainable community design and provided an overview of the
study area. From there, a plenary discussion was held to draw out a vision for Mayfield West -
Phase 2 – asking questions such as: What should the community look like? What should the
distinguishing features be? How could it become a sustainable community?
Additionally, Caledon staff reviewed the successes and challenges implementing some of the
2003 principles. A break out session followed where the workshop participants critically
reviewed the 2003 principles and developed core directions/themes for new planning and
design principles for Mayfield West - Phase 2. These principles include:
G30 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
•Achieve net gain.
•Adopt progressive approaches to community planning and design.
•Foster a local identity rooted in the spirit of Caledon.
•Establish the structure for a close-knit small town that fosters local sustainability.
•Accommodate a full spectrum of ages, cultures and incomes.
•Prioritize transit, walking and cycling opportunities
•Maximize conservation and innovation (water, waste, energy).
•Ensure design coherence at all scales.
•Support adaptive change.
Based on this review, the following next steps were identified: conduct a review and comment
period for Council; Senior Management Team; and workshop participants. From there,
present to Caledon Council for review and consideration.
Further to the workshop, the following Guiding Principles for Mayfield West Phase 2 (MW2)
have been provided and will be reviewed by Caledon Council.
The MW2 community should be planned and designed to:
1.Achieve Net Gain.
The impact for each of the social, environmental, cultural and economic functions in MW2 will
result in a net gain. In particular, MW2 will strive to restore and enhance local and regional
ecological and environmental functions. The merit of proposed initiatives in Mayfield West will
be measured by the resulting overall net impact (social, environmental, cultural, and
economic), and not their individual impact.
Implications and Illustrations:
Should proposed urban development result in a loss of ecological function, an amount of
ecological function greater than the amount lost will be provided elsewhere within, or in the
vicinity of, MW2. Every effort will be made to create appropriate linkages between key
ecological functions such as the Etobicoke Creek and isolated woodlots.
2.Adopt progressive approaches to community planning and design.
MW2 will be planned and designed using an integrated design process. The integrated design
process is a multi-disciplinary team approach that aims to achieve greater sustainability and a
more balanced and holistic setting and quality of life. All disciplines will be brought together at
the start of the planning and design process to enable collective decision making, thus
ensuring innovation and opportunity are not precluded by individual decision making.
Implications and Illustrations:
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is in the process of developing a LEED Canada
Neighbourhood Development (LEED Canada-ND) rating system. This rating system is being
informed by the US Green Building Council LEED ND pilot. In the context of MW2, Caledon will
explore the applicability of the LEED Canada-ND rating system when it becomes available.
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G31
3.Foster a local identity rooted in the spirit of the Town of Caledon.
The design of MW2 will leverage the area’s heritage, environmental assets, and rural character
to promote an identity that is distinctly local. The community identity will reflect and celebrate
Caledon’s unique natural, historic, cultural, economic, and social qualities. The community will
also be designed to fit within and around the surrounding landscape.
Implications and Illustrations:
The preservation of existing buildings and landscapes may figure prominently. Existing
buildings may be adapted for new uses. Street design may preserve the existing “country
road” character in some places. New development will be supportive of, and integrated with,
established buildings and places. You should be able to recognize the place that is there
today in the place that will be there tomorrow.
4.Establish the structure for a close knit small town that fosters local sustainability.
The MW2 community design will support interaction and an integrated mix of uses, and
cultivate a sense of place common to rural small towns. MW2 will be self sustaining, serving the
daily needs of its residents with places to meet and recreate and with a vibrant local economy
that supports the production of local food and local employment opportunities.
Implications and Illustrations:
This implies a small, fine-grained scale development that is highly connected both internally
and to other places. It also implies a place which is closely integrated into its surrounding
natural setting. A sense of completeness, that you can find most everything you need for daily
life in one place, is also suggested. This place will “feel” like a community.
5.Accommodate a full spectrum of ages, cultures, and incomes.
MW2 will provide a mix of housing types, support aging in place, and accommodate the
cultural needs of its residents. MW2 will also support a range of employment uses that
enhance the opportunity for people to live and work within the community.
Implications and Illustrations:
The creation of a variety of housing forms and tenures will be possible, which would enable
people to live in the community through all stages of life.
6.Prioritize walking, cycling and transit opportunities.
MW2 will be a transit supportive community, prioritize pedestrian and cycling movement, and
minimize the need for automobile use. The public realm will be shaped to ensure pedestrians
and cyclists have a safe and desirable environment. MW2 will be a place where walking is a
viable option and enjoyable experience for attending to daily needs.
Implications and Illustrations:
Public spaces will be planned and designed so as to create a safe, friendly and desirable
environment for pedestrians and cyclists, and to promote the interaction of people of all ages
and abilities. Walking distances to community facilities will be an important planning
parameter. Traffic calming strategies (which may include initiatives such as the creation of
narrower street right-of-ways) will be promoted.
G32 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
7.Maximize conservation and innovation (water, waste, energy).
The Town will require development patterns that mitigate impacts and enable more sustainable
lifestyles. The Town will encourage the use of low impact development (LID) and the adoption
of LEED standards. The Town may also set custom performance benchmarks that require new
development to achieve zero waste, minimize energy use (and explore the potential for district
energy), maximize use of alternative sustainable energy solutions, minimize consumption of
water, and seek by-product synergies where the waste from one system is used as the input
for another.
Implications and Illustrations:
Low impact development techniques include such things as green roofs, permeable paving
material and the enhancement of traditional curbs and gutters with bioswales (a shallow
depression that slows, transports and treats storm water runoff). Energy Star qualified homes
may be the minimum requirement for all applicable residential development. Applicable LEED
certification (e.g. LEED for new construction, etc) will be encouraged for all residential
development.
8.Ensure design coherence at all scales.
The design for MW2 will take into account its interdependence and linkages among the site,
street, block, study area, Town, watershed, landscape and global scales. MW2 will include
direct street and natural heritage connections to surrounding neighbourhoods. Further, MW2
will be cognisant of its location adjacent to the greenbelt.
Implications and Illustrations:
Some local streets may also have to accommodate through traffic. There will be local storm
water ponds that are part of larger environmental networks. The design and planning of MW2
will have to respond to, balance, and ultimate integrate multiple, and sometimes conflicting,
objectives.
9.Support adaptive change.
MW2 will adopt block patterns, streetscapes, built form, infrastructure, community facilities and
an open space network that are adaptable and able to respond to the evolving character, form
and needs of the community.
Implications and Illustrations:
Key characteristics such as road network, infrastructure, streetscapes, open spaces network
building form and community facilities will be planned so as to enable MW2 to adapt over time
to an evolving character, form, and community needs. Often all of the networks and elements
will need to evolve together in a holistic manner.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE:
•Humber Watershed Alliance members continue to support this sustainable initiative at
the Town of Caledon through advocacy and support
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G33
RES. #G15/09- CLAIREVILLE CONSERVATION AREA
Opening Claireville Conservation Area for public use.
Moved by:David Hutcheon
Seconded by:Larry Giles
THAT the staff report briefly outlining current initiatives to facilitate improved public access in
the Claireville Conservation Area be received for information ..................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Claireville Conservation Area is located in the Cities of Brampton and Etobicoke and the
Regional Municipalites of Toronto and Peel. The City of Mississauga abuts the property to the
southwest and Vaughan, in the Regional Municipality of York, abuts the property to the
northeast. Claireville is one of the most accessible TRCA properties for use by the GTA
population.
Claireville is bounded by Finch Avenue to the south, Goreway Drive to the west and Hwy. 427
to the east. Steeles Avenue and Hwy. 7 transect the property near the middle and Hwy. 50 is
located just east of the area. In total, Claireville is about 7 kilometres long and between 0.8 and
2.0 kilometres wide.
The Claireville Conservation Area includes not only the former Conservation Area lands but
also the Ebenezer Resource Management Tract north of Hwy.7. The Ebenezer Resource
Management Tract is a 98 hectare (243 acre) parcel of land located north of Hwy. 7. The land
was purchased in the 1950s by the TRCA to construct a second major dam and reservoir. The
proposed dam and reservoir were to be about the same size as the Claireville facilities. The
Ebenezer flood control facility was never built and today, much of the land remains in
agricultural use or natural environment.
In 1990, the TRCA closed Claireville to vehicle access by the public for financial reasons.
Sections of the property that are leased to private interests or run by the TRCA as a specialized
business, remain open. These uses include Indian Line Campground, Wild Water Kingdom,
and the Claireville Ranch.
There has been a resurgence of interest by TRCA in facilitating improved access and public
use at the Conservation Area.
Current initiatives include:
•building a 40-vehicle parking lot at the Hwy. 50 entrance;
•renovating and opening the Paul Flood Memorial Building which includes public
washrooms and meeting space;
•finalizing the inter-regional trail alignment through the property to link the Toronto trail
system to the City of Brampton. Sources of funding will be needed to construct the trail
and bridges;
•installing trailhead signs, wayfinding signs and interpretive signs;
G34 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
•making provision for a dogs off leash area at the Hwy. 50 entrance. Construction will be
governed by public interest and available funding;
•discussions with the City of Brampton regarding more recreational programming at the
Conservation Area.
Staff is considering an event in early fall to announce the “Opening of Claireville” provided the
parking lot and Paul Flood Memorial Building are finished. TRCA does not intend to permit
vehicle access into the interior of the property. An increased staff presence on the property is
anticipated to management future use.
RES. #G16/09- BOLTON MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
To provide members with an update on progress made in the
preparation of the Bolton Management Plan.
Moved by:David Hutcheon
Seconded by:Larry Giles
THAT the staff report on the progress made in the preparation of the Bolton Management
Plan be received for information ........................................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The preparation of the Bolton Management Plan commenced in 2006. TRCA staff- related
committees and the general public were notified about the initiation of the management plan.
To date, both a TRCA working group and an external Advisory Committee has been
established.
As part of the process, a draft background report has been created which include the following
sections:
a. Purpose
b. Site Context
c. Land Acquisition & Sales
d. Current Land Uses & Ownership
e. TRCA Planning Studies, Strategies, Policies & Legislation
f. Site Planning Studies, Projects & Proposals
g. Municipal Land Use Policies & Plans
h. The Bolton Lands - Inventory of Environment, Society & Economy
The draft is in its final stages and should be completed later this year. In addition, GIS
constraint mapping as well as draft mapping for the management zones has been completed.
The Advisory Committee has completed the planning process and scoping, the planning area,
vision, Cedar Mains decommissioning and site tour, and drafted management zone criteria.
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G35
A photo monitoring exercise at Cedar Mains was initiated in the summer of 2008 prior to the
decommissioning of the built structures (shed and house). A second series of photos were
taken in the fall after the destruction of the built structures and additional photos will be taken
to track the site conditions over time.
Other achievements to date include:
•project approval received by the TRCA’s Business Excellence Advisory Board;
•updates to any required inventories made;
•public information session advertised in local papers, TRCA locations, at public
meetings and in existing newsletters.
•public meeting was held in June 2007 and public comments were received at that time.
project newsletter was prepared and circulated;
•site assessment and mapping was executed for the site securement and protection
plan;
•all property boundaries were confirmed and data was collected on fencing,
encroachments, and access points. The draft site securement and protection plan is
complete as well as the associated mapping. These items will be finalized in the
following weeks.
The following are details of work to be done:
Phase Two
C Develop draft management recommendations
C Integrate watershed management recommendations
C Develop public use and site restoration concept
C Develop an overall draft trail plan for the property
C Host one advisory committee meeting
C Circulate a study newsletter update
C Host one public meeting to review draft material
Phase Three
C Finalize draft public use, property management and restoration plan
C Develop plan implementation strategy and costs
C Host one advisory committee meeting
C Host one public meeting to review final draft plan
C Obtain partners and TRCA Board endorsement of plan
C Circulate a study newsletter update
G36 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
RES. #G17/09- LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
MANUAL
Draft low impact development stormwater management manual and next
steps to facilitate its implementation.
Moved by:David Hutcheon
Seconded by:Larry Giles
THAT the staff report on Draft Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Manual
(November 2008) prepared for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Credit
Valley Conservation Authority be received for information ....................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting on April 24 , 2009 will consider the following report:th
THAT the Draft Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Manual (November
2008) prepared for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Credit
Valley Conservation Authority (CVC) be received;
THAT staff be directed to disseminate the Draft Manual to municipal staff, the development
industry and other agencies through a workshop and a posting on the Sustainable
Technologies Evaluation Program website;
THAT staff be directed to finalize the manual with input from municipal staff, the
development industry, and other agencies with experience in Low Impact Development;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to develop a Stormwater Management Criteria
Document that presents an integrated set of stormwater management criteria (flood
protection, water quality control, erosion control, water balance) which may be used to
select and size stormwater management practices presented in the Low Impact
Development Manual.
Control of peak flows and attention to water quality, integral parts of the current practice of
stormwater management, are achieving significant benefits in some areas towards protection
of property and public safety, and minimizing the contaminant levels reaching rivers and
streams. However, Future scenario modelling reported in Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority’s (TRCA) recently completed watershed plans (Rouge, Don and Humber rivers), the
City of Toronto's Wet Weather Flow Master Plan (WWFMP) and recent research have
concluded that traditional end-of-pipe stormwater management is not achieving the level of
control we now realize is necessary to protect the health of our streams, rivers, lakes, fisheries
and terrestrial habitat.
Low Impact Development, which promotes implementation of “green” development practices,
such as permeable pavement, rainwater re-use and green roofs, must be integrated into
watershed and stormwater management in order to better manage baseflow characteristics,
prevent stream erosion and improve water quality.
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G37
RATIONALE
The Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Manual (LID SWM Manual) has been
developed by the TRCA and CVC as a tool to help developers, consultants, municipalities and
landowners understand and implement sustainable stormwater planning and practices in the
TRCA and CVC watersheds. The LID SWM Manual provides information and direction to assist
engineers, ecologists and planners in landscape-based stormwater management planning and
in the selection, design, construction and monitoring of sustainable stormwater management
practices.
The practice of managing stormwater is continuing to evolve as the science of watershed
management and understanding of our watersheds grow. Effective management of stormwater
is absolutely critical to the continued heath of our streams, rivers, lakes, fisheries and terrestrial
habitats.
The LID SWM Manual is intended to augment the Ministry of the Environment’s (MOE’s)
Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual (2003). The MOE’s Design Manual
provides design criteria for “conventional” end-of-pipe stormwater management practices such
as wet ponds and constructed wetlands but provides only limited information about lot level
and conveyance controls. The MOE’s Design Manual does, however, emphasize the use of a
“treatment train” approach to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff. A treatment train
approach – a combination of at-source, conveyance, and end-of-pipe stormwater management
practices – is usually required to meet the multiple objectives of stormwater management,
which include maintaining the hydrologic cycle, protecting water quality, and preventing
increased erosion and flooding.
This LID SWM Manual focuses on a number of at source and conveyance stormwater
management practices that have been used extensively in Europe, the United States, Western
Canada and at demonstration sites in Ontario. These practices, however, have only recently
been widely considered in Ontario as part of the treatment train process. These Low Impact
Development practices include green roofs, bioretention, permeable pavement, soakaway pits,
grass channels, dry swales, tree clustering and rainwater harvesting. The LID SWM Manual
recommends the use of and supports the use of the treatment train approach for stormwater
management. Accordingly, the manual refers to the 2003 MOE Stormwater Management
Planning and Design Manual, as needed, as a guide to incorporate more traditional practices
such as wet ponds and wetlands into the overall planning and design process of stormwater
management.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA staff will take the following steps to finalize the LID SWM Manual:
•Disseminate the Draft Manual to municipal staff, the development industry and other
agencies through a workshop in June and a posting on the Sustainable Technologies
Evaluation Program website;
•Finalize the Manual with input from municipal staff, the development industry, and other
agencies with experience in Low Impact Development;
G38 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 April 21, 2009
•Provide training sessions for municipal staff, consultants and the development industry;
•Develop a Stormwater Management Criteria Document that presents an integrated set of
stormwater management criteria (flood protection, water quality control, erosion control,
water balance) which may be used to select and size stormwater management practices
outlined in the Low Impact Development Manual.
RES. #G18/09- SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are
provided for information.
Moved by:Dianne Douglas
Seconded by:Hugh Mitchell
THAT the following minutes be received:
Claireville Subcommittee #1/09 and #2/09 (February 10 and March 10 )th th
Heritage Subcommittee #1/09 and #2/09 (February 12 and March 12 ).........th th CARRIED
SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION
The members viewed a slide show which focussed on their accomplishments over the last two-
year term.
NEW BUSINESS
Stormwater Management Pond Facilities
RES #19/09
Moved by:Deb Schulte
Seconded by:John Willetts
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance support staff in discouraging the use of TRCA
conservation lands available for stormwater management facilities to relieve developers of
their responsibilities for incorporating stormwater management ponds onto privately-owned
lands subject to urbanization ...........................................CARRIED
April 21, 2009 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/09 G39
Cold Creek Tree Planting Event
B. Wilson invited the members to the upcoming Cold Creek Tree Planting Event on Saturday,
May 9 at 10:00 a.m.th
Holland Marsh Canoe Race
Located one kilometre west of Hwy. 400 on Canal Road, I. Craig invited the members to the
annual Holland Marsh Canoe Race to be held on Saturday, May 16 .th
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association Spring Event
J. Nonnekes invited members to attend the HVHTA annual spring birding hike on Saturday,
May 9, 2009 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Boyd Conservation Area. No dogs please.
Appreciation
As a token of our appreciation, each Alliance member was presented with a book titled,
“Toronto: An Illustrated History of its first 12,000 Years”, to recognize their dedication and
commitment to watershed management. Members will be given TRCA recognition pins at a
later date for those who have three years and six years of Humber Watershed Alliance service
since 2004.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:55 p.m., April 21, 2009.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary-Treasurer
/L.