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MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #1111 Page F1
January 13, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday
January 11, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting
to order at 6:36 pm.
PRESENT
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Wessel Lammers............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
SusanSigrist................................................................................................................. Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman .......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
GUEST
David Trieu ........... Acting Supervisor, Environmental Monitoring and Protection, City of Toronto
Marianne Yake.................................................................... President, Richmond Hill Naturalists
F2 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 January 13, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the first Don Watershed Regeneration Council meeting
of 2011. The floor was turned over to D. Trieu, Acting Supervisor, Environmental Monitoring and
Protection, City of Toronto, to begin a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the City of
Toronto's Environmental Monitoring and Protection Department.
PRESENTATIONS
The Environmental Monitoring and Protection (EM&P)
D. Trieu, Acting Supervisor, Environmental Monitoring and Protection, City of Toronto, made a
presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the City of Toronto's Environmental Monitoring and
Protection Department.
The presentation focused on the following:
• Primary duties of the EM&P
• Background and follow-up on the Outfall Monitoring Program
• Other programs of the EM&P
Spills
A. Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, Toronto and Region Conservation,
encouraged the DWRC to review information item 5.1 in DWRC Agenda package#1/11 for a
comprehensive update regarding the fuel spill to a tributary of the Little Rouge River from the
Standard Auto Wreckers property on November 19, 2010.
A. Freeman clarified that although Toronto and Region Conservation is often contacted first in
cases of spills, calls are redirected to the Ministry of the Environment Spills Action Centre for
response, containment and clean-up.
A. Thurston provided an update regarding the fuel spill into the Don River that occurred on August
15, 2010 when an underground storage tank began to leak near Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue
East. It is believed the leak was due to the placement of heavy construction equipment above the
underground tank. Due to heavy rainfall, the spill made its way to the West Don River and fuel was
found as far south as the Keating Channel. Response was rapid by both agencies and the
responsible parties. The site has now been cleaned, including the removal and remediation of the
affected soil and residue along the bank of the West Don.
January 13, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 F3
RES. #F1111- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger
THAT the minutes of meeting #9110 held on December 9, 2010, be approved......... CARRIED
RES. #F2111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded by: Annie MacLeod
THAT the following correspondence be received.................................................CARRIED
INCOMING
• Notice of submission of environmental assessment report to the Ministry of the
Environment, December 17, 2010, re: Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood
Protection Project.
OUTGOING
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council to Brenda
Patterson, General Manager, Parks, Forestry, and Recreation, City of Toronto, December
20, 2010, re: Toronto Botanical Gardens Parking Lot Redesign.
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council to Municipal
Representatives within the Don watershed, December 20, 2010, re: Congratulations from
the Don Watershed Regeneration Council.
INFORMATION ITEMS
RES. #F3/11-
Moved by: Andy Wickens
Seconded by: Peter Heinz
THAT the following information items be received................................................CARRIED
• Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #10/10, January 7, 2011, re: Fuel/Oil Spill: Standard
Auto Wreckers Fuel/Oil Spill, Tributary of the Little Rouge River.
• Communication from Deborah Martin-Downs, Director, Ecology to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #10/10, January 7, 2011, re: York-Peel-Durham-Toronto
Groundwater Management Study.
F4 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 January 13, 2011
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management to Chair and
Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #1/11, January 13, 2011,
re: City of Toronto Municipal Council Representatives Appointed to the TRCA Board.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
RES. #F4/11- TRANSITION OF THE ON THE DON TO AN ONLINE NEWSLETTER
FORMAT
Transition of the On the Don newsletter from a printed document to a fully
electronic and interactive newsletter.
Moved by: Gloria Marsh
Seconded be: Moyra Haney
THAT the following communication be received for consideration by the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council;
AND THAT the attached guidelines for Online Newsletters produced by TRCA be received
and considered during the development of content for the online newsletter;
AND FURTHER THAT the content of the winter 2011 On the Don newsletter be added to the
agenda for discussion at the January 27, 2011 Outreach Working Group
meeting...............................................................................................................................CARRIED
• A. Thurston provided a review of the statistics from the Fall 2010 On the Don Edition:
■ The newsletter was sent electronically on a Tuesday and the majority of subscribers
opened the email on Wednesday;
■ There was a 34% open rate, with 1 subscriber opening the email 92 times;
■ 1 person forwarded the email;
■ 1.1% of people unsubscribed; and
■ No one marked the email as spam.
• The Outreach Working Group to discuss content for the Winter On the Don Edition at the
next Outreach Working Group meeting being held January 27, 2011. The content of the e-
newsletter will be finalized in time for distribution by the end of February 2011.
• A. Thurston to confirm the size of the file of the e-newsletter to ensure that it is suitable for
slower connections.
BACKGROUND
The On the Don newsletter has had a lengthy history starting with the release of the first edition in
June 1992. 31 hard copy issues were published between 1992 and the spring of 2003 at which
point the newsletter took a hiatus due to a strain on the resources required to produce it. In the fall
of 2008, the On the Don was re-introduced in two formats: a printed version to be mailed and a
digital replica of the print version for those individuals with email and for downloading off of the
TRCA web site. At that time, the DWRC agreed that this format would work until the TRCA web
site was redeveloped and its capabilities including online newsletter templates were available.
Since this time, a customizable template for online newsletters has been developed by TRCA staff
and a system is currently being used successfully by various other departments within the TRCA to
send out bulk emails.
January 13, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 F5
Starting with the winter 2011 edition, the newsletter will transition to a completely online web-based
format. The newsletter will include articles with more interactive content including larger photos,
readable text and links to other web sites and information. As part of the format change, an
updated banner will be created for the top of the newsletter. The newsletter will remain a quarterly
publication and the online template will allow for a maximum of five articles with supporting images
per mailing.
Articles will be posted on a web page on the TRCAs web site. An archive page of all of the articles
would be produced. In addition to the new web based articles, all of the past hard copy
newsletters will be made available on TRCAs website. TRCA have produced the attached set of
guidelines for online newsletters which will help with the transition to an online format.
Although the format of the newsletter will be updated, the overall purpose of the newsletter will
remain the same:
• Forum for community/relationship building, communication and information exchange.
• Serve to create a bond between individuals and organizations with an interest in the Don
watershed, as well as providing a connection between the `416' and `905' areas of the
watershed.
• Maintain contact and keep interested individuals informed of planned activities and
functions.
• Tool to build interest and investment in the watershed.
• Tool to share tips and ideas and promote what others are doing (local groups, government,
agencies, businesses, municipalities).
• Empower people to act—what you can do to help the Don.
• Provide updates on current projects and initiatives or interesting historic context.
• Method of establishing an identity/branding for the Don using the Don identifier.
Distribution considerations
The existing On the Don contact list is up to date and will be used to distribute the online
newsletter. Currently, there are 1,249 contacts on the distribution list. 88% of these contacts have
provided email addressed, leaving only 152 or 12% of subscribers with only a mailing address on
record. Contact will be made with these individuals by way of a phone campaign in early 2011.
TRCA staff will recruit one or two volunteers to call these particular individuals explain the
upcoming changes to the newsletter format, request an email address if they have one, and if not,
advise them of alternate ways to receive the newsletter content. Options include viewing the
content on the TRCA web site by borrowing a personal computer from a friend/relative, visiting the
local library to use a public computer, or as required, receiving a printed copy. Details of the latter
are outlined further below.
The new distribution system will now allow for automatic management of subscriptions. It will
ensure that anyone receiving emails can easily remove themselves from the distribution list. This
will be done through a one-click unsubscribe button included in every email sent. The system will
keep a record of subscriptions and removals and those who unsubscribe will be automatically
added to a suppression list preventing emails from being sent to that address unless they were to
subscribe again. In addition, the system provides the ability to keep statistics on the most popular
F6 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 January 13, 2011
links which will help determine the future content of the newsletter. A report on these statistics will
be provided to the DWRC when sufficient information has been collected. These changes will now
facilitate compliance with current and upcoming federal legislation regarding bulk emails as well as
TRCAs Electronic Communications Policy.
Printability
As noted above, there will be some individuals who still require a printed copy. Additionally, there
is a desire to have a current printed information piece over and above the general Don brochure.
For that reason, a printed version of the newsletter will not be totally abandoned but will become a
more simplistic document that can be designed and printed quickly in-house.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• A new `branding banner' will be created for the top of the newsletter.
• Content of the winter 2011 edition will be determined at the January Outreach Working
Group meeting.
• TRCA staff will create a dedicated web page on the TRCA web site for the archived
newsletters and articles.
• A phone campaign to subscribers without a documented email address will be undertaken
as soon as possible.
Attachment: TRCAs Guidelines for Online Newsletters
For information contact: Amy Thurston (x5283)
Date: January 5, 2011
Guidelines for Online Newsletters
Design
E-newsletters are best used for information alerts, upcoming event postings, and general
quick updates.
To be effective, e-newsletter articles are short, to-the-point, and easy to follow. The articles
are teasers, with the purpose of creating an action.
We are developing a TRCA e-newsletter template, that will allow up to five articles and
supporting images to be included in each mailing.
• The top of the newsletter will have it's own branding banner, specific to a
particular newsletter group/and or department.
• There is a pre-determined maximum length to each article, that must be
adhered to
January 13, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 F7
Website E-newsletter Subscription Page—TRCA website visitors will be able to sign-up for
all e-newsletters that they are interested in receiving from us. As well, each E-newsletter
will also have a link to this sign-up page
Unsubscribe Links —all of our e-newsletters will have a clear link to unsubscribe
What you need to think about, before getting started:
WHO is your target audience, and WHY do they want to read your email.
WHAT is your call to action - WHAT is it that you want your readers to do?
• Volunteer;
• Register for an event; or
• Visit a website for more information.
Develop a Contact List - Build your list of emails from people who have clearly indicated
they want to be mailed to, make sure this is up-to-date. If someone receives and email that
has not requested it, we may be listed SPAM by various email hosts, and this may result in
no one receiving any of our newsletters.
Create content that is useful and friendly:
• Articles are to be short, pleasing and easy to follow
• Use a personal friendly tone — use "we" and "you"
• Avoid technical and unfamiliar words — use simple language, and get to the
point quickly!
• Spell out full names and avoid using acronyms
RES. #F5/11- DRAFT COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR THE DON WATERSHED
To provide a draft Communications Plan for the Don watershed to members
of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council.
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded be: Tom Hopkins
THAT the draft Communications Plan be deferred back to the Outreach Working Group for
furtherdiscussion............................................................................................................CARRIED
• J. Palmer noted that it is important to identify the target audience for each medium, as it will
vary between them.
• M. Yake suggested including a link to Twitter on the e-newsletter to encourage people to
follow issues within the Don watershed through that medium.
• A. Thurston to post latest version of the draft communications plan to Yammer so Outreach
Working Group members may review and comment on the document online prior to the
next Outreach Working Group meeting being held January 27, 2011. Comments are
requested by January 25, 2011 at the latest. A. Thurston to compile comments and bring to
the Outreach Working Group meeting.
• A revised Communications Plan will be circulated to DWRC members once finalized.
F8 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 January 13, 2011
DON MOUTH NATURALIZATION AND PORT LANDS FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT
• C. Longhurst advised the DWRC that a letter of support for the Don Mouth Naturalization
and Port Lands Flood Protection Project is being drafted and will be discussed further at the
January 26, 2011 Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting. The letter will be finalized
and submitted by the February 11, 2011 deadline.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND TIMELINE: MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATIVES WITHIN
THE DON RIVER WATERSHED
• T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with an update on the communications strategy to contact
municipal representatives within the Don River watershed:
• A short list of approximately 10 municipal councillors has been identified who have a
direct relationship to the Don River watershed (6 re-elected representatives and 4
new representatives). The list may be refined further.
• The Ad Hoc Elections Working Group will be rolled into the Outreach Working
Group. T. Hopkins to attend the Outreach Working Group meeting being held
January 27, 2011 to provide a full update on the strategy and discuss the next
steps. Items to be discussed include:
• Finalize/approve initial list of first Councillors to contact.
• Determine top three key issues.
• Finalize `visit' teams.
• Discuss top three `leave-behind' pieces.
• Determine project coordinator.
• G. Marsh advised that she and S. Sigrist will initiate contact and meet with
interested 905 municipal councillors.
• P. Goodwin suggested that a 1-page strategic plan be developed and circulated to the
DWRC.
• J. Hough suggested that it is important to confirm what media the municipal councillors
would prefer to use to stay updated on issues within the Don River watershed (i.e., e-mail).
• M. Buchinger suggested that the dialogue reflect the committees the municipal councillors
sit on.
• A. Wood to prepare a list of Don Watershed councillors and their committees for the
Outreach Working Group meeting being held January 27, 2011.
January 13, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 F9
UPDATES FROM OTHER WATERSHED GROUPS
Update from the East Don Parkland Partners
P. Goodwin advised the DWRC that"The Quest for Chowder#12" is being held Saturday,
February 26, 2011 from 2:30—5:30 p.m. at Rodney's Oyster House (469 King Street West,
Toronto). The cost of the event is $75.00 per person and includes fresh oysters, steamed mussels,
salad and Phil's favourite Rhode Island Chowder. All proceeds support the East Don Parkland
Partners Natural Habitat Program. RSVP by February 21 to pcgoodwin @bell.net.
P. Goodwin advised that the watershed group Friends of Little German Mills Creek may be
resurrected and will be discussed further at the Outreach Working Group meeting being held
January 27, 2011. A. Thurston to include as an Agenda item.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
Schedule of 2011 Don Watershed Regeneration Council and Working Group meetings.
• A. Wood noted that the DWRC meetings have been moved to Committee Room #3 as per
an action item from DWRC meeting #9/10 held December 9, 2010.
NEW BUSINESS
Stewardship Forum
A. Freeman advised that the 2011 Stewardship Forum at the Kortright Centre for Conservation will
be held in February. A. Wood to confirm event details and circulate to the DWRC.
Update from the Vaughan Council meeting held January 11, 2011
G. Marsh provided an update on Councillor Deb Schulte's motion for Removal of Urban Boundary
Expansion from the City of Vaughan's Official Plan at the city council meeting held January 11,
2011. Vaughan city council turned down the motion for Removal of Urban Boundary Expansion.
Following this vote, Councillor Marilyn lafrate submitted a motion to have secondary plans for the 6
intensification areas completed prior to any expansion into the secondary areas. There are
currently zero units assigned to these secondary areas in the Official Plan. Following a
recommendation from Councillor Schulte to have John Zipay, Commissioner of Planning, provide
information regarding recommendations from the region on this issue, the City of Vaughan
Planning Department will put together several options for the City Council to consider. The issue
will be brought back to City Council in approximately 3 weeks time.
David Dunlap Observatory
M. Yake, President, Richmond Hill Naturalists, advised the DWRC that a public meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. to notify the public and receive
comments on the request from Corsica Development Inc. to amend the Official Plan and Zoning
By-law and for approval of a draft Plan of Subdivision for the lands known as the David Dunlap
Observatory.
A. Thurston to confirm if TRCA staff are reviewing the Plan of Subdivision and if comments are
being submitting on behalf of TRCA to the Town of Richmond Hill.
F10 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 January 13, 2011
A. Thurston will investigate the possibility of obtaining and circulating a copy of the Plan of
Subdivision submitted to the Town of Richmond Hill.
A. Thurston to set up a meeting with M. Buchinger and TRCA planning staff to discuss the issue.
P. Goodwin suggested that this item be sent to the Policy and Advocacy Working Group for further
discussion and action as required.
A. Thurston to include as an Agenda item.
Oil/Grit Separator Letter
T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with an update on the Oil/Grit Separator letter. T. Hopkins
continues to meet with staff from the Ministry of the Environment to:
a) Get input into the letter before it is forwarded to the Minister of the Environment so
that it is properly laid out in order to get action on the issue; and
b) Create internal champions within the Ministry of the Environment who will help move
these issues forward at the Provincial level.
P. Goodwin noted that it is initiatives such as these that make a big difference for the Don River
watershed.
P. Goodwin suggested that funds from Paddle the Don or the East Don Parkland Partners may be
able to help this initiative by providing the funds needed to help finish mapping the current
locations of Oil/Grit Separators within the Don watershed and to create a short educational piece.
407 Transitway Environmental Project Report
B. Bertie suggested that the DWRC submit comments in response to the 407 Transitway
Environmental Project Report. Specifically, the DWRC should encourage the net environmental
gain principle be used in order to mitigate the loss of existing greenspace (irrespective of the
quality of existing cover).
B. Bertie to draft the letter and circulate to the Policy and Advocacy Working Group and TRCA for
review and comment.
RES. #F6/11-
Moved by: Tom Hopkins
Seconded be: Mandy Karch
THAT the DWRC support, in principle, a letter to be drafted by the Policy and Advocacy
Group in response to the 407 Transitway and submitted by January 21, 2011..........CARRIED
January 13, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#1/11 F11
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:03 p.m., January 13, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
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MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #2111 Page F12
February 10, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday
February 10, 2011. Peter Heinz, Vice-Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the
meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
Regional and Local Councillor Brenda Hogg................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Wessel Lammers............................................................................................................. Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
SusanSigrist................................................................................................................. Resident
STAFF
Colleen Cirillo.................................... Project Coordinator, Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition
David Love............................................................. Executive Director, Conservation Foundation
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
February 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#2/11 F13
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Heinz, Vice-Chair, welcomed everyone to the second Don Watershed Regeneration Council
meeting of 2011. The floor was turned over to D. Love, Executive Director, The Conservation
Foundation of Greater Toronto, to begin a presentation on Manulife Paddle the Don sponsorship.
PRESENTATIONS
Paddle the Don Sponsorship
D. Love, Executive Director, The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, spoke to the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council about Manulife Paddle the Don sponsorship.
The presentation focused on the following:
• What sponsorship opportunities are available
• What is the process for becoming a sponsor
• Who is the contact person
D. Love directed DWRC members to notify either himself or A. Thurston of any teams for the
corporate challenge that are recruited. D. Love suggested that DWRC members confirm with A.
Thurston companies that have previously been contacted in regards to the corporate team
challenge prior to scheduling sponsorship meetings to avoid duplicating efforts.
A. Thurston noted that the Manulife Paddle the Don presentation made to the DWRC will be
available online at: hedon.ca for DWRC members to download and use at
sponsorship meetings.
A. Thurston to bring Paddle the Don postcards to the March 10, 2011 DWRC meeting for members
to take and distribute.
The Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition
C. Cirillo, Project Coordinator, Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition, spoke to the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council about green infrastructure and the purpose of the Green Infrastructure
Ontario Coalition.
The presentation focused on the following:
• What is green infrastructure
• Why we need green infrastructure
• Vision and purpose of the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition
C. Cirillo encouraged DWRC members to visit ttpe//greeninfrastructureontariovor / to register for
one of six Green Infrastructure Training Workshops being held across Ontario between March 2
and April 14, 2011. The workshops will share information on how living green infrastructure can
address a wide range of environmental issues and demonstrate how policy and program
development by municipal and provincial governments can help to ensure that our quality of life is
protected, maintained, and enhanced.
C. Cirillo encouraged DWRC members to complete the online survey developed by the Green
Infrastructure Ontario Coalition to help gauge the challenges and opportunities for green
infrastructure across Ontario. The online survey can be completed at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7M HG2M
F14 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#2/11 February 10,2011
A. Thurston noted that the link to the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition online survey was
circulated to DWRC members on January 27, 2011 and has been posted to the internal Yammer
group.
RES. #F7/11- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the minutes of meeting #1111 held on January 13, 2011, be approved with the
following amendment to the update regarding the fuel spill into the Don River that occurred
on August 15, 2010 near Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East:
References to the East Don River be changed to the West Don River ................. CARRIED
RES. #F8111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Joe Agg
Seconded by: Tom Hopkins
THAT the following correspondence be received................................................... CARRIED
INCOMING
• Notice of the Town of Richmond Hill council public meeting scheduled for Wednesday,
February 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the proposed zoning and by-law amendments for
123 Hillsview Drive (also known as the David Dunlap Observatory) , January 13, 2011.
• J. Agg attended the meeting and noted that the majority of those in attendance were
in support of keeping the DDO Lands as green space.
• Letter from Brenda Patterson, General Manager, Parks, Forestry & Recreation, City of
Toronto, to Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, January 13, 2011,
re: Toronto Botanical Gardens Parking Redesign.
• Notice of the 12th Annual Stewardship Forum: Reflections of the Year of Biodiversity, to be
held Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kortright Centre for
Conservation, January 25, 2011.
• P. Heinz reminded members that registration for the 12th Annual Stewardship Forum
is open and available online at: https://events.trca.on.ca/toronto-stew ardship®forum®
c26e h
February 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#2/11 F15
OUTGOING
• Letter to Khaled EI-Dalati, Consultant Project Manager, Delcan Corporation, from Phil
Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, January 24, 2011, re: Highway
407 Transitway from Highway 400 to Kennedy Road Draft Environmental Project Report.
• Letter to Ms. Solange Desautels, Ministry of the Environment, Environmental Assessment
and Approvals Branch, from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council,
February 7, 2011, re: Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project
Environmental Assessment.
• Letter to Mayor David Barrow, Town of Richmond Hill, from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don
Watershed Regeneration Council, February 9, 2011, re: David Dunlap Observatory (DDO)
Lands Proposed Official Plan and Zoning Amendments and Draft Plan of Subdivision
(Town File #D01-10002/D02-10006/D03-10001).
RES. #F9111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded by: Robert Emerson
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Communication from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, Watershed Management, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #2/11, February 10,
2011, re: The Walter& Duncan Gordon Foundation.
• Communication from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, Watershed Management, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #2/11, February 10,
2011, re: Conservation Ontario's New Interactive Wetland Activity.
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND TIMELINE: MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
WITHIN THE DON WATERSHED
• T. Hopkins provided a verbal update and spoke to the following key points:
• Five meetings have been scheduled with municipal councillors within Toronto:
Councillor Fragedakis, Councillor Shiner, Councillor McMahon, Councillor Matlow,
and Councillor Wong-Tam.
• A "leave-behind" kit will be prepared for each Councillor and may include any of the
following: Introductory letter to the DWRC, Councillor's ward map with the Don
River highlighted, The Living City Report Card Scorecard, and illustrations of the
revitalized Don Mouth after implementation of the DMNP plus any additional
information deemed appropriate for that particular Councillor.
• T. Hopkins will coordinate the formation of teams that will meet with individual
municipal councillors. T. Hopkins noted that it is preferable if a DWRC member
from the Councillor's constituency was present.
F16 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#2/11 February 10,2011
• A key message to be delivered during the meetings with municipal councillors is the
distinction between DWRC and other active watershed groups.
• A. Thurston noted that the Humber Watershed Alliance is interested in this project. T.
Hopkins agreed to speak with the Humber Watershed Alliance regarding the project
further.
RES. #F10111- DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
The minutes of the meetings for the following Working Groups are provided
for information.
Moved by: Mandy Karch
Seconded be: Dianne Ness
THAT the following minutes be received............................................................ CARRIED
• Policy and Advocacy Working Group#1/11 - Wednesday, January 26, 2011
• T. Hopkins extended a thank you on behalf of the Policy and Advocacy Working
Group to DWRC members for having volunteered their time in recent months to
write letters on behalf of the DWRC.
• A. Thurston seconded the appreciation, and extended a thank you on behalf of
TRCA.
• Community Outreach Working Group# 1/11 —Thursday, January 27, 2011
NEW BUSINESS
CLEAN-UP OF LITTLE GERMAN MILLS CREEK
J. Agg noted that a grant was received from Evergreen to undertake a clean-up of Little German
Mills Creek and he has invited DWRC members to join the first clean-up event which will be held in
spring 2011. J. Agg to circulate the clean-up date to DWRC members once finalized.
M. Karch suggested Duncan Creek Park, located west of Leslie Street and south of Steeles
Avenue, as a potential site for future clean-ups as it is in close proximity to Little German Mills
Creek.
WATER AT MEETINGS
A. Thurston reminded DWRC members bring reusable water bottles to DWRC and Working Group
meetings. Coffee, juice, and pop will continue to be available at DWRC meetings.
DON WATERSHED IDENTIFIER
A. Thurston provided an update on the Don identifier that will accompany all of the Don
watercourse identification signs. A. Thurston noted that in addition to the word `watershed' being
added, the colour of green in the word `the' has been made richer. This decision was made in
response to concerns that the original shade of green was not visible to passing cars. The
updated shade of green is the same colour being used in other TRCA watershed identifiers like the
February 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#2/11 F17
Etobicoke-Mimico Creek. The original Don watershed identifier will continue to be used on all
other printed material.
J. Agg enquired as to when the old watercourse identification signs in Richmond Hill will be
replaced with the new sign design. P. Heinz noted that the focus is on first having the remaining
watercourse identification signs installed and second on the replacement of signs as required. A.
Thurston noted that Richmond Hill was the first municipality to undertake signing of the
watercourses back in 2003 and should be commended for their initiative.
A. Thurston noted that Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority has indicated an interest in having
similar watercourse identification signs in one of their watersheds and are interested in borrowing
the design.
LIVING CITY REPORT CARD
G. Marsh noted that only half of York Region is graded in the Living City Report Card since part of
York Region falls under the jurisdiction of Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority. G. Marsh
discussed the idea that it would be great if Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority took an interest in
undertaking a similar study to the Living City Report Card.
A. Thurston noted that the full Living City Report Card 2011 report is available for download online
at: www.thelivingcity.org and that a presentation is planned for the April DWRC meeting.
OIL-GRIT SEPARATORS (OGS)
T. Hopkins discussed an interest in submitting funding applications to help fund research to
quantify the problem by developing a database of numbers, locations, and effectiveness of
currently installed OGS's. G. Marsh suggested applying for a grant from the Honda Canada
Foundation since the foundation's interest's focus on education, environment, and engineering.
The application and more information on the Honda Canada Foundation is available online at
www.hondacanadafoundation.ca Additional seed money would be required.
T. Hopkins noted that although there is discussion of phasing out the use of OGS's, there are
currently over 15,000 units in use in the TRCA jurisdiction that require regular maintenance.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 8:32 p.m., February 10, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
/t seVc1 i
for The Livitig City tbeDun
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #3111 Page F18
March 10, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday March
10, 2011. Tom Hopkins, Co-Chair, Policy and Advocacy Working Group, Don Watershed
Regeneration Council, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F19
GUESTS
Raffi Bedrosyan.............................................. Vice-President, Infrastructure, Waterfront Toronto
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Stephanie Hawkins......................... Project Manager, Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
F20 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
T. Hopkins, Vice-Chair, Policy and Advocacy Working Group, welcomed Councillor Shore and
Councillor Burke to the third Don Watershed Regeneration Council meeting of 2011. The floor was
turned over to R. Bedrosyan, Vice-President, Infrastructure, Waterfront Toronto, to begin a
presentation entitled "Revitalizing Toronto's Waterfront, Redefining our Future."
PRESENTATIONS
Revitalizing Toronto's Waterfront, Redefining our Future
R. Bedrosyan, Vice-President, Infrastructure, Waterfront Toronto, provided the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council with an overview of stormwater management initiatives and Waterfront
Toronto's pilot soil recycling facility.
The presentation focused on the following:
• Creating a dynamic new waterfront for Toronto
• Raising the bar for sustainable management
• Leading revitalization with great parks and public spaces
• Stormwater management initiatives
• Pilot soil recycling facility
A. Freeman clarified that TRCA regularly dredges the Keating channel to prevent flooding due to
the build up of sediment. Under the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection
Project, dredging efforts for the Keating Channel would utilize a hydrocyclone to separate the water
and soil. The collected soil would then be remediate and used as fill.
Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan
S. Hawkins, Project Manager, Remedial Action Plan, spoke to the Don Watershed Regeneration
Council about the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP).
The presentation focused on the following:
• RAP Background information
• RAP Technical Review and Update
• Upcoming Events
S. Hawkins announced the release of two draft reports concerning the status of two Beneficial Use
Impairments (BUIs) that are currently classified as "Requiring Further Assessment." These reports
provide information on the research conducted and provides a recommendation to change the
status of the Fish Tumours and Other Deformities and Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive
Problems BUIs. The reports are available for download at LhtqE://www.torontorap.ca. Written
comments on the reports will be accepted between March 23 and April 19, 2011.
S. Hawkins invited members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council to participate in the
consultation process for the RAP Technical Review and Update and noted that the first
consultation session will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at the University of Toronto's Hart House.
S. Hawkins will forward additional information and material once it is finalized.
Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council were invited to the Landscape Edition of
Lake Ontario evenings, being held Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the Gladstone Hotel (1214
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F21
Gladstone Hotel). Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the evening's presentations will begin at 6:30
p.m. The event will feature:
• Nick Eyles, University of Toronto, "Toronto Rocks: A billion years of environmental change"
• Wayne Reeves, City of Toronto, "Settling by, on, and with water: Early experiences in
Toronto."
RES. #F11111- MINUTES
Moved by: John Hough
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the minutes of meeting #2111 held on February 10, 2011 be approved....... CARRIED
RES. #F12111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Joe Agg
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the following correspondence be received................................................... CARRIED
INCOMING
• Letter from Moranne McDonnell, Senior Manager, Environmental Engineering
Projects, Restoration Services Division, TRCA, to Chair and Members of the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council, February 15, 2011 re: Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment —Valley Wall Stabilization between St. Volodymyr's
Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto, Town of Markham.
• A. Thurston noted that although the comment period has ended, project staff
have confirmed that comments submitted on behalf of the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council will be accepted.
• The DWRC requested they be informed of similar projects earlier in the
process to allow sufficient time to prepare comments.
• V. Burke advised that she is working with Moranne McDonnell to encourage
St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church to incorporate trees to help
reduce surface runoff into the parking lot design.
• J. Routh commented that it would be preferable to establish a set-back from
the valley wall.
• A. Thurston to confirm the preferred alternative for the project and circulate
to DWRC members.
• A. Thurston to request that DWRC be included on the project distribution list
to continue to be kept informed as the project progresses.
F22 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
INFORMATION ITEMS
• Verbal update from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #3/11 - March 10,
2011, re: Update regarding the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection
Project.
• A. Freeman noted that four dissenting comments were received in response to the
Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Environmental
Assessment which was submitted to the Ministry of the Environment in December
2010. TRCA and Waterfront Toronto, have been meeting with the companies to
discuss their concerns and comments in more detail and work towards a solution.
• Verbal update from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, Watershed Management Division, to
Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #3/11 - March
10, 2011, re: Municipal representatives appointed to the Don Watershed Regeneration
Council.
• Councillors Valerie Burke and Howard Shore are present and were welcomed to the
DWRC by T. Hopkins, Co-Chair, Policy and Advocacy Group, Don Watershed
Regeneration Council.
• Regional and Local Municipalities and Community Council are representated on the
DWRC by:
• Town of Richmond Hill and the Regional Municipality of York: Local and
Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg
• City of Toronto — East: Councillor Chin Lee
• City of Toronto - North: Councillor John Parker
• City of Toronto —South: Councillor Janet Davis
• City of Vaughan - Councillor Alan Shefman
• Communication from Chandra Sharma, Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Specialist,
Watershed Management Division, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council, Meeting #3/11 — March 10, 2011, re: Living City Carbon Footprint
Calculator.
• DWRC members were encouraged to calculate their carbon footprint using TRCAs
Carbon Calculator which is available online at: trca.zerofootprint.net
• A follow-up discussion of results will take place at a future DWRC meeting.
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND TIMELINE: MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
WITHIN THE DON WATERSHED
• T. Hopkins provided a verbal update of progress, including an overview of discussions held
with Councillors.
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F23
UPDATE REGARDING PROPOSED MUD CREEK TRAIL WORK
• A. Freeman noted that recent interest in Mud Creek suggests that the improvements for
Mud Creek outlined in Beyond Forty Steps may be realized. Local interest in Mud Creek
includes:
• Identification of significant problems in the area where Mud Creek splits at the Brick
Works and where Mud Creek flows towards the Mouth of the Don. The City of
Toronto have undertaken a Geomorphic Systems Master Plan of this area.
• Interest from a local community group to improve the trail conditions along this
section, including the installation of way-finding signs along the trail.
• DWRC members will be kept informed of opportunities for community engagement and
participation.
PROGRESS UPDATE REGARDING PADDLE THE DON
• A. Thurston provided a verbal update and spoke to the following points:
• Registration was opened March 1, 2011 and the public paddle (250 canoes) filled in
6.5 hours. Participants can still register for the Manulife Corporate Canoe
Challenge.
• Councillors and Members of Provincial Parliament will be formally invited in April
2011. Follow-up note: Due to the timing of the federal election on May 2,
Members of Parliament will not be formally invited but are welcome to participate.
• The event raised $66,000 in 2010 and the target for 2011 is $80,000 to $85,000.
• As TRCA was unable to obtain a raffle licence, the canoe raffle will not go forward
in 2011, but will be held over until 2012.
• M. Karch suggested presenting options to corporations to sponsor a team of high
school students.
• J. Hough suggested sending an early reminder to corporations (1 st of the year) so
they budget accordingly if they want to get involved.
EVENT PLANNING FOR 2012
• The Outreach Working Group have been discussing the possibility of a celebratory event in
2012.
• DWRC members are requested to brainstorm event ideas through Yammer and by email.
• Event planning for 2012 to be included as an Agenda item for discussion by the DWRC
meeting #4/11.
• M. Karch advised that the event needs to be feasible and that a small committed team is
required to undertake planning for such an event.
F24 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR THE DON
RES. #F13111- To recommend approval by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council of a
Communications Plan for the Don watershed.
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded be: Mandy Karch
THAT the following Communications Plan for the Don watershed be approved by the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council...................................................................... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
To support the implementation of its mandate, the Don Watershed Regeneration Council requires
a strategic communications plan that will provide a foundation and focused framework to help
guide communications decisions for the watershed.
In October 2010, the ad hoc Communications Team began formulating this Plan. In
November/December 2010, it was revised based on TRCA input and feedback from other
members of the Communications Team and Outreach Working Group. All members of the DWRC
were asked to provide feedback on the draft document at the January 2011 DWRC meeting and
again at the January 2011 Outreach Team meeting. The Plan was revised based on feedback
received and a fourth and final draft of the Plan was circulated to members of the ad-hoc
Communications Team plus those DWRC members who provided previous feedback on the draft
for one last review prior to the Plan being finalized.
The final Communications Plan includes the following components:
• Background & context;
• Communication goals and objectives;
• High level strategic themes and specific key messages;
• Audience identification (further defined as priority audience and aspiring audience);
• Communication plan by medium or activity; and
• Suggested measures for monitoring results.
• DWRC communications protocol
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
This Plan should be consulted as projects and programs in the Don watershed move forward.
Evaluation of the Plan should take place as required to ensure that the key messages, audience
and activities remain up to date.
Attachment: Communications Plan for the Don Watershed, March 2011, FINAL
For information contact: Amy Thurston (x5283)
Date: March 7, 2011
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F25
Communications Plan
for the
Don Watershed
March 2011
FINAL
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F26 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
Table of Contents
Background ...................................................................................................................27
Context..........................................................................................................................27
Communications Goal ...................................................................................................28
Communications Objectives..........................................................................................28
StrategicThemes ..........................................................................................................29
KeyMessages...............................................................................................................29
Audience Identification .................................................................................................. 30
Communications Plan by Medium or Activity................................................................. 30
Don Watershed Regeneration Council Communications Protocol ................................ 38
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F27
Background
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC) is a formal community-based committee
established by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in 1994 to help restore the
Don watershed to a healthy, sustainable natural environment. The DWRC reports to the TRCA on
a regular basis and is composed of community members, elected officials and representatives from
businesses, agencies, environmental groups and academic institutions located within, or
concerned about the future of the Don watershed.
The purpose of developing a Communications Plan for the Don is to:
1. Identify key messages.
2. Identify audiences.
3. Implement initiatives to convey the key messages to the appropriate audiences.
4. Motivate people to take action regarding the key messages.
This Communications Plan is an initiative of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council and is
supported by the TRCA.
Context
Don Watershed Plan
A new, updated watershed plan, Beyond Forty Steps to a New Don was prepared in 2009 by the
TRCA in consultation with its municipal partners and the DWRC to provide an updated direction for
the regeneration of the Don watershed. The Plan relies on the working partnerships forged over
the last number of years and maintains momentum for many of the important initiatives launched
under the first watershed strategy, Forty Steps to a New Don (1994). It marks the next stage in the
revitalization of the Don into a healthy urban river that will enhance and support The Living City of
the future.
To achieve success, the plan requires commitment and cooperation from all who visit, live and
work in the watershed: cost-sharing and task-sharing among governments, enthusiastic
participation by businesses, residents, and community groups and individual and societal lifestyle
changes that will benefit the natural processes and habitats that form the basis of human
communities.
One of the primary responsibilities of the 2010-2012 DWRC is to assist with the implementation of
the projects and components outlined in the new watershed plan, Beyond Forty Steps and the
accompanying Implementation Guide
Vision for the Don watershed
The quality of life on Earth is being determined in the rapidly expanding city regions. The DWRC
envisions the future Don as a revitalized urban river, flowing with life-sustaining water through
regenerated natural habitats and sustainable human communities, from its headwater tributaries to
the mouth of the Don River and into the receiving waters of Lake Ontario. We envision the
F28 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
watershed as an integral contributor to The Living City, where human settlement can flourish
forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.
DWRC Mandate
1. Adhere to the basic principles of sound ecosystem management that recognize the
interrelationship between cultural heritage, physical characteristics, biological conditions
and social and economic needs and the integration of conservation, restoration and
economic activities necessary for the health of the watershed.
2. Assist with the implementation of the Don River Watershed Plan, with a focus on
addressing habitat regeneration, stewardship and outreach education and monitoring
projects as outlined in the Don River Watershed Plan Implementation Guide.
3. Act as the Don watershed advocate in large projects that cross municipal boundaries and
support major projects advocated for by others which will protect, regenerate and celebrate
the Don watershed.
4. Provide advice and comments to staff on issues affecting the Don River watershed.
5. Provide a forum for watershed communication by maintaining and enhancing contacts
within the community.
6. Build capacity within the general community and support local community groups.
7. Work with TRCA, The Conservation Foundation and others to seek new partners and
sources of funding for identified priority projects.
8. Participate in efforts of Waterfront Toronto with respect to the naturalization and flood
protection at the mouth of the Don and related activities.
9. Work collaboratively with TRCA staff and other watershed/waterfront advisory committees
to develop The Living City Report Card which will address jurisdiction-wide issues as well
as watershed specific indicators and targets.
10. Work collaboratively with TRCA staff and other watershed/waterfront advisory committees
to address issues of common concern such as providing input to the Toronto Area
Remedial Action Plan, source protection planning and other regional policy or planning
issues.
11. Assist TRCA in identifying potential public greenspace and work with owners to develop
conservation easements, donations and bequests in accordance with TRCA's Greenlands
Acquisition Project.
Communications Goal
To increase awareness and understanding of key messages relative to the Don watershed leading
to action, social engagement and behaviour change.
Communications Objectives
1. Increase public and political awareness about issues facing the Don watershed.
2. Build support for projects and programs that will help to improve the watershed.
3. Increase funding.
4. Forge partnerships.
5. Communicate needed messages to various audiences.
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F29
Strategic Themes
Beyond Forty Steps to a New Don, the Don Watershed Plan, identifies three strategic themes for
regeneration of the watershed:
1. Build, re-build and retrofit our communities to restore water balance and improve
sustainability.
2. Regenerate the aquatic and terrestrial landscapes.
3. Engage the people of the Don.
Key Messages*
1. Value and protect the Don River and valley as a vital part of the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve regeneration.
4. Recognize that individuals can make a difference. Everyone has something to contribute to
the health of the Don (stewardship/ personal responsibility/volunteerism) and understand
that contributing to the health of the Don is good for your own health.
5. Support green infrastructure as it provides a multitude of economic, social, environmental
and health benefits.
6. Support the Don Mouth Naturalization and Portlands Flood Protection Project (DMNP).
7. Support the revitalization of the Toronto Waterfront.
8. Support initiatives that manage stormwater and sewage.
9. Support keeping the Great Lakes great. Attend a Great Lakes Forum.
10. Help increase people's awareness of the Don River through watercourse identification
signs.
11. Connect with the Don watershed by becoming active in the community through events
(such as Paddle the Don and the Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash EcoFestival), plantings
and litter clean-ups.
12. Get active in the Don watershed (walk, bike etc).
13. Explore special venues in the Don such as the Don Valley Brick Works or Maple Nature
Reserve.
14. Encourage responsible use and enjoyment of the valley lands. Follow the `take nothing but
pictures, leave nothing but footprints' principle and view wildlife from a respectable
distance.
15. Help stem the spread of invasive terrestrial and aquatic species —do not introduce species
(flora or fauna) into the watershed.
16. Turn your garden into a haven for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
*Key messages will be tailored based on the audience at whom they are directed.
F30 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
Audience Identification
Primary Audience
1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed (general information)
2. Property owners — residential, business, commercial, institutional (call to action)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff (engaging support)
Secondary Audience
4. Ratepayers groups
5. Service clubs
6. Contractors, retail and service industry (call to action)
7. Policy makers (engaging support)
8. Opinion leaders including academics (engaging support)
9. Organizations with interest in the Don (engaging support)
10. Students
11. Teachers/Educators
12. Youth groups
13. Newcomers to Toronto
14. Marginalized groups
15. Minority groups
16. Communications representatives (newspaper editors, radio directors, reporters etc)
Communications Plan by Medium or Activity
Online Media:
These media will be leveraged in conjunction with other watershed groups to create an online
community resource.
1. Facebook:
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness
Content: ■ Brief description of the council links to website, TRCA website,
twitter and blog site
■ Updates to include upcoming events (create event page), new
tweets (set auto updates), new blog posts, event page for
Paddle/Pedal the Don
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F31
(general information)
2. Property owners — residential, business, commercial,
institutional (call to action)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TBD —one central person
Frequency: As needed — based on content from other sources
Metric: Number of friends
2. Blog (wordpress):
Goal/Objective: Provide a location for articles and opinion/editorial pieces
Content: From all DWRC Teams and full DWRC
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
2. Property owners — residential, business, commercial,
institutional (call to action)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: ■ TBD — Posts to be funnelled through one central person
■ A schedule of writers to be determined
Frequency: Minimum once a month with more posts as needed
Metric: Number of hits, followers
3. Twitter:
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness
Content: Updates on blog posts, events, policies affecting the watershed,
newsletter release dates
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
2. Property owners — residential, business, commercial,
institutional (call to action)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TBD - One central person
Frequency: Once every other week or more often if needed
Metric: Number of followers
F32 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
Resources:
4. `On the Don'Online newsletter:
Goal/Objective: Communicate issues relating to the watershed to set subscribers
Content: Variable. Determined 6 weeks prior to release
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
2. Property owners — residential, business, commercial,
institutional (call to action)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TRCA to organize and publish; Outreach Team, TRCA staff and
others to write articles as needed.
Frequency: Quarterly
Metric: Number of subscribers. Other statistics including: number of
emails opened/not opened (click-through rate), number that are
deleted without reading, most popular links
5. Don brochure— hard copy
Goal/Objective: Provide high level awareness of the watershed
Content: Map, about the Don, conservation efforts, highlights etc.
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve
regeneration.
4. Recognize that individuals can make a difference. Everyone
has something to contribute to the health of the Don
(stewardship / personal responsibility/volunteerism) and
understand that contributing to the health of the Don is good
for your own health.
13. Explore special venues in the Don such as the Don Valley
Brick Works or Maple Nature Reserve.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TRCA with advice from DWRC
Frequency: One time, updates as required.
Metric: Number of brochures distributed, hits on website, phone calls,
social media
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F33
6. WOW fact sheet— Internal document
Goal/Objective: Provide facts about the Don in a single page for quick reference.
Content: List of interesting facts about various components of the
watershed.
Key Message: There are many interesting facts about the Don watershed to be
shared with others.
Audience: DWRC members and other leaders of walks, hikes and tours.
Responsibility: Outreach Team
Frequency: One time. Revisions will be undertaken as facts are updated and
new information is discovered.
Metric: TBD
7. Walk the Don trail guides
Goal/Objective: Provide a family-friendly conservation focussed activity to
increase awareness of the watershed.
Content: Walks occur at various locations throughout the watershed.
Key Message: 12. Get active in the Don watershed (walk, bike etc).
13. Explore special venues in the Don such as the Don Valley
Brick Works or Maple Nature Reserve.
14. Encourage responsible use and enjoyment of the valley lands.
Follow the `take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but
footprints' principle and view wildlife from a respectable
distance.
15. Help stem the spread of invasive terrestrial and aquatic
species —do not introduce species (flora or fauna) into the
watershed.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
Responsibility: Outreach Team, TRCA to facilitate.
Frequency: Each guide will be monitored and updated as required.
Metric: Number of hits on webpage.
8. PowerPoint presentation
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness of issues and support for projects and
programs.
Content: TBD - Generic presentation on the Don watershed
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve
regeneration.
4. Recognize that individuals can make a difference. Everyone
has something to contribute to the health of the Don
F34 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
(stewardship / personal responsibility/volunteerism) and
understand that contributing to the health of the Don is good
for your own health.
Audience: May include any of the 17 groups identified on pg. 6-7 of this Plan.
Responsibility: Outreach Team and TRCA staff.
Frequency: One time with updates as required
Metric: Number of times presentation is used.
Special Events:
9. Manulife Paddle the Don
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness of, and funds for, projects in the Don.
Content: Paddling event from E.T. Seton Park to Keating Channel.
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve
regeneration.
4. Recognize that individuals can make a difference. Everyone
has something to contribute to the health of the Don
(stewardship / personal responsibility/volunteerism) and
understand that contributing to the health of the Don is good
for your own health.
11. Connect with the Don watershed by becoming active in the
community through events (such as Paddle the Don and the
Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash EcoFestival), plantings and
litter clean-ups.
12. Get active in the Don watershed (walk, bike etc).
14. Encourage responsible use and enjoyment of the valley lands.
Follow the `take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but
footprints' principle and view wildlife from a respectable
distance.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information) — INCLUDES CORPORATIONS
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TRCA staff and PTD Planning Committee (includes a member of
the DWRC)
Frequency: Annually, first Sunday in May
Metric: Number of participants, amount raised and other statistics.
10. Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash Eco Festival
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F35
Goal/Objective: ■ Increase awareness of, and motivate behavioural changes
regarding, key issues in the watershed.
■ Regenerate the aquatic and terrestrial landscapes.
Content: Free family-focused celebration of the Don and its headwaters.
Includes exhibitors, entertainment, activities and a planting.
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve
regeneration.
4. Recognize that individuals can make a difference. Everyone
has something to contribute to the health of the Don
(stewardship / personal responsibility/volunteerism) and
understand that contributing to the health of the Don is good
for your own health.
11. Connect with the Don watershed by becoming active in the
community through events (such as Paddle the Don and the
Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash EcoFestival), plantings and
litter clean-ups.
12. Get active in the Don watershed (walk, bike etc).
14. Encourage responsible use and enjoyment of the valley lands.
Follow the `take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but
footprints' principle and view wildlife from a respectable
distance.
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
Responsibility: TRCA and MPS planning committee (includes a member of the
DWRC)
Frequency: Annually, end of May or beginning of June
Metric: Number of participants
11. `Big event'
Goal/Objective: TBD
Content: TBD
Key Message: TBD
Audience: TBD
Responsibility: DWRC
Frequency: One time, 2012
Metric: TBD
F36 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
12. TRCA Stewardship events
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness of, and motivate behavioural changes
regarding, key issues in the watershed.
Content: Variable
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: May include any of the 17 groups identified on pg. 6-7 of this Plan.
Responsibility: Led by TRCA staff
Frequency: Variable
Metric: Variable
Other Activities and Tactics:
13. Letters, comments and response documents and deputations
Goal/Objective: To Increase awareness of key issues impacting the watershed,
influence positive change, increase funding
Content: Variable depending on issue
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
3. Encourage partnerships and grassroots efforts to achieve
regeneration.
5. Support green infrastructure as it provides a multitude of
economic, social, environmental and health benefits.
6. Support the Don Mouth Naturalization and Portlands Flood
Protection Project (DMNP).
7. Support the revitalization of the Toronto Waterfront.
8. Support initiatives that manage stormwater and sewage.
9. Support keeping the Great Lakes great. Attend a Great Lakes
Forum.
10. Help increase people's awareness of the Don River through
watercourse identification signs.
Audience: 3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
6. Contractors, retail and service industry (call to action)
7. Policy makers (engaging support)
8. Opinion leaders including academics (engaging support)
9. Organizations with interest in the Don (engaging support)
Responsibility: DWRC
Frequency: As required
Metric: Number of submissions and/or presentations
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F37
14. Watercourse identification signage (along main roadways)
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness of watershed
Content: Watercourse name, municipal logo(s) and watershed identifier
Key Message: 10. Help increase people's awareness of the Don River through
watercourse identification signs
Audience: 1. People living, working and interested in the Don watershed
(general information)
Responsibility: TRCA staff
Frequency: NA
Metric: Number of signs installed
15. Press releases
Goal/Objective: Communicate watershed issues in mass media
Content: TBD
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan
Audience: 16. Communications representatives (newspaper editors, radio
directors, reporters etc
Responsibility: Outreach Team with support from TRCA staff
Frequency: As required
Metric: Number of pick-ups by media
17. Articles for community newspapers
Goal/Objective: Communicate watershed issues in mass media
Content: TBD
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 16. Communications representatives (newspaper editors, radio
directors, reporters etc)
Responsibility: Subject matter expert
Frequency: As required
Metric: Number of articles published
17. Influencing politicians & opinion leaders
Goal/Objective: Increase awareness of issues, increase funding and support
Content: TBD
Key Message: May include any of the 16 key messages identified on pg. 5-6 of
this Plan.
Audience: 3. Municipal, Provincial, Federal elected officials and senior staff
(engaging support)
7. Policy makers (engaging support)
F38 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 March 10, 2011
8. Opinion leaders including academics (engaging support)
Responsibility: DWRC, TRCA staff
Frequency: As required
Metric: Number of meetings and/or discussions with politicians
18. TRCA Website (Don watershed pages)
Goal/Objective: Provide information and increase awareness and support
Content: Variable
Key Message: 1. Value and protect the Don River and Valley as a vital part of
the community.
2. Take bold steps and begin large-scale actions to address
issues and make progress.
6. Support the Don Mouth Naturalization and Portlands Flood
Protection Project (DMNP).
8. Support initiatives that manage stormwater and sewage.
11. Connect with the Don watershed by becoming active in the
community through events (such as Paddle the Don and the
Richmond Hill Mill Pond Splash EcoFestival), plantings and
litter clean-ups.
12. Get active in the Don watershed (walk, bike etc).
13. Explore special venues in the Don such as the Don Valley
Brick Works or Maple Nature Reserve.
Audience: May include any of the 17 groups identified on pg. 6-7 of this Plan.
Responsibility: TRCA staff
Frequency: Update on a regular basis
Metric: Number of hits on Don web pages
Don Watershed Regeneration Council Communications Protocol
1. Asper DWRC RES. #F13/04- Approval Process for Outgoing Correspondence, the
following protocol must be followed:
THAT any letter written on behalf of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council is
vetted through the full Council and/or one of the standing working teams prior to
transmission.
AND FURTHER THAT in the event of a time sensitive issue, at least two of:
the Chair of the Council;
the Vice Chair of the Council;
or the Chair of any of the standing working teams,
be empowered to approve letters on behalf of the Don watershed Regeneration
Council.
2. Communications must also be reviewed by TRCA senior staff prior to finalization.
March 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#3/11 F39
RES. #F14111- DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
The minutes of the meetings for the following Working Groups are provided
for information.
Moved by: John Hough
Seconded be: Moyra Haney
THAT the following minutes be received............................................................ CARRIED
• Policy and Advocacy Working Group
• T. Hopkins advised that the Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting #2/11
scheduled for Wednesday February 23, 2011 was cancelled.
• Community Outreach Working Group# 2/11 —Thursday, February 24, 2011
NEW BUSINESS
POMONA MILLS PARK
V. Burke invited DWRC members to participate in the Pomona Mills Park Spring Clean Up event,
scheduled for Saturday April 30 from 10 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Please meet at the corner of Forest
Park Crescent and Henderson Avenue. Gloves and bags are provided and refreshments will be
served. Visit www.thornhillwardone.com for more information.
MILL POND SPLASH 2011
DWRC members to forward suggestions for local organic food vendors to A. Wood to invite to
participate in Mill Pond Splash 2011.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 8:45 p.m., March 10, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
Lonserv'ation
for 'The Living it
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #4111 Page F40
April 14, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday April
14, 2011. Peter Heinz, Vice-Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting to
order at 6:38 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer ................................................................................................................. Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
April 14, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#4/11 F41
GUESTS
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Moranne McDonnell ......................................................... Senior Manager, Restoration Services
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
F42 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#4/11 April 14, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Heinz, Vice-Chair, welcomed Jessica Piskowrowski, the new LEAF representative to the fourth
Don Watershed Regeneration Council meeting of 2011. The floor was turned over to M.
McDonnell, Senior Manager, Restoration Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, to begin a
presentation about Geomorphology and TRCA's current restoration projects.
PRESENTATION
M. McDonnell, Senior Manager, Restoration Services, Toronto and Region Conservation, provided
the Don Watershed Regeneration Council with an introduction to geomorphology, an overview of
TRCA's "priority system" and discussed current TRCA restoration projects within the Don
watershed.
RES. #F15111- MINUTES
Moved by: Tom Hopkins
Seconded by: Moyra Haney
THAT the minutes of meeting #3111 held on March 10, 2011 be approved ........... CARRIED
RES. #F16111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Gloria Marsh
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the following correspondence be received................................................... CARRIED
INCOMING
• Letter from Shu He, Senior Project Manager, Regional Municipality of York, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, March 1, 2011 re: West
Vaughan Sewage Servicing Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA)
Notice of Study Commencement (File No. E01, 75300).
• M. Buchinger noted that the study boundaries extend within the Greenbelt.
• A. Thurston advised that the DWRC have been included on the study's
distribution list and will be notified of public consultation opportunities as the
study progresses.
• All correspondence related to the above mentioned study will be directed to
M. Buchinger for review.
• Letter from Solange Desautels, Special Project Officer, Environmental Assessment
and Approvals Branch, Ministry of the Environment, to Chair and Members of the
Don Watershed Regeneration Council, March 23, 2011 re: Don Mouth
Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protections Project EA.
• Notice of the Pomona Mills Park Community Planting event to be held Saturday May
7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pomona Mills Meadow.
April 14, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#4/11 F43
• Notice of the Pomona Mills Parks Community Clean Up event to be held Saturday
April 30, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pomona Mills Meadow.
• Notice of Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan's Technical Review and Update
Information Session and Workshop to be held Wednesday April 20, 2011 at Hart
House, University of Toronto (Music Room, 7 Hart House Circle) from 4:30 p.m. to
8:30 p.m.
• Notice of City of Toronto Community Environment Days to be held between April
and October 2011 at various sites throughout the Toronto region.
• Notice of Gardening with Native Plants workshop to be held April 18, 2011 from 7:00
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre (313
Pharmacy Avenue).
RES. #F17111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Gloria Marsh
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #3/11, March 25, 2011 re: Double-crested
cormorants: Management strategy for 2011.
• Communication from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, Watershed Management
Division, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council,
Meeting #4/11, April 14, 2011 re: WOW fact sheet.
• Notice of ROM Nature Month Lecture: Toronto's Don River: Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow, presented by Toronto Botanical Gardens, to be held Friday April 15,
2011 at the Schad Gallery, Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND TIMELINE: MUNICIPAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
WITHIN THE DON WATERSHED
• T. Hopkins provided a verbal update of progress, including an overview of discussions held
with Councillors.
• G. Marsh will coordinate with T. Hopkins regarding a strategy to approach municipal
council representatives within the 905 region.
PROGRESS UPDATE REGARDING PADDLE THE DON
• A. Thurston provided the following verbal update to the DWRC:
• The number of corporate teams has surpassed the 2010 total. There are 20 teams
currently registered for the Corporate Canoe Challenge.
• Tremco has sponsored the first segment of the race.
F44 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#4/11 April 14, 2011
• A volunteer session is planned for Wednesday April 20 at 6:00 p.m. Any DWRC
members interested in volunteering who have not yet registered should contact
Joanna Parsons to be included on the list.
• M. Haney noted that the volunteer session conflicts with the RAP Technical
Review and Update.
• UPDATE: The volunteer session has been cancelled. Joanna Parsons will
be in contact with individual volunteers to review their roles and
responsibilities the day of the event.
EVENT PLANNING FOR 2012
• A. Freeman noted that depending on the completion of in-field work, the Baker Sugar Bush
Heritage Park in Vaughan is scheduled to re-open in September 2011.
• A. Freeman suggested focusing event planning on the re-opening of the Baker Sugar Bush
and to time the event to coincide with National Forest Week (September 18 to 24).
• A. Freeman suggested a portion of Paddle the Don funds may be directed towards the
Baker Sugar Bush Heritage Park restoration efforts.
• An Ad Hoc Baker Sugar Bush Working Group was formed to develop funding applications,
prepare newsletter articles and assist with restoration efforts as required.
• The Ad Hoc Working Group is composed of the following DWRC members and
guests: M. Buchinger, A. Wickens, J. Agg, G. Marsh, J. Hough, B. Bertie and S.
Sigrist.
On the Don e-Newsletter, Winter Edition Statistics
• A. Thurston noted that the open rate was 38% and Test your Knowledge was the article
with the most views.
Toronto Park's Summit
• J. Hough will be attending the Toronto Park Summit as a DWRC representative and will
prepare a communication for inclusion in the May DWRC Agenda.
RES. #F18111- DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
The minutes of the meetings for the following Working Groups are provided
for information.
Moved by: Margaret Bream
Seconded be: Joe Agg
THAT the following minutes be received............................................................ CARRIED
• Policy and Advocacy Working Group#2/11 —Wednesday, March 30, 2011
• C. Longhurst advised the DWRC that she attended the Global Greenbelts
Conference held March 23 and 24, 2011 in Toronto and will prepare a
communication for inclusion in the May DWRC agenda.
• The Toronto Declaration for Global Greenbelts is available online at:
http://www.greenbelt.ca/news/gree beit-stories/toronto-declaration-globalI
greenbelts
April 14, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#4/11 F45
• UPDATE: Meeting #3/11 has been cancelled and members are encouraged to
circulate updates through email and yammer.
• Community Outreach Working Group# 3/11 —Thursday, March 31, 2011
• A. Thurston advised that meeting #4/11 will be held via teleconference on Thursday
April 28, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A. Wood to circulate call-in information.
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
TASK FORCE TO BRING BACK THE DON
J. Palmer advised the DWRC that the Task Force to Bring Back the Don may not be re-established
for the 2010 —2014 municipal council term.
MEETING REFRESHMENTS
A. Freeman advised the DWRC that meeting refreshments will be limited to beverages as of the
May 2011 meeting.
WARD 1, TOWN OF MARKHAM NEWSLETTER
Councillor V. Burke circulated a copy of the Ward 1, Town of Markham Spring 2011 Newsletter and
noted that DWRC members are welcome to forward events and other content of interest for
inclusion in the Fall Edition.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 8:44 p.m., April 14, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
/t seVc1 i
for The Livitig City tbeDun
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #5111 Page F46
May 12, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday May
12, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting to order
at 7:10 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
May 12, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#5/11 F47
GUESTS
AliceHall ..................................................................................................................... Thames21
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
Marianne Yake..................................................................... President, Richmond Hill Naturalists
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Gary Wilkins............................ Humber Watershed Specialist, Watershed Management Division
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
F48 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#5/11 May 12, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed Alice Hall from Thames21 to the fifth Don Watershed Regeneration
Council meeting of 2011. A. Freeman introduced Gary Wilkins, Humber Watershed Specialist,
Watershed Management Division, Toronto and Region Conservation, and thanked him for offering
to speak to the DWRC about the Living City Report Card.
PRESENTATIONS
The floor was turned over to G. Wilkins, Humber Watershed Specialist, Watershed Management
Division, Toronto and Region Conservation, to begin a presentation on the Living City Report Card.
The presentation focused on the following:
• The need for Environmental Report Cards;
• The indicators and reporting used in the development of the Living City Report Card; and
• Opportunities for improvement.
G. Wilkins invited DWRC members to download the full report which is available online at:
www.thelivingcity.org
A. Freeman noted that The Boston Consulting Group contributed research for the Living City
Report Card as an in-kind donation.
A. Freeman advised the DWRC that an outcome from the recent Greater Toronto Summit 2011
hosted by The Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance on February 10th and 11th, is that key action
items for the next 4 years will be drawn from the Living City Report Card.
A. Freeman noted that TRCA has committed to utilizing the information contained within the Living
City Report Card to develop a template forwatershed specific report cards and action plans.
M. Karch suggested approaching municipalities with good overall ratings and using the Living City
Report Card to demonstrate how small changes can lead to improvement in the health of the
watershed.
G. Wilkins noted that the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) has endorsed the Living
City Report Card and further noted that a `Call to Action' was recently published in the OPPI
newsletter.
A. Hall, Thames21, advised the DWRC that Thames21 is an environmental charity working to bring
London's waterways to life through community clean-up events and habitat restoration efforts.
Recent funding has enabled staff from Thames21 to explore issues and organizations across the
globe in order to expand and improve the work of Thames21.
M. Karch, Program Coordinator, Ontario Road Ecology Group (OREG), and Member, Don
Watershed Regeneration Council, provided the DWRC with background information on OREG and
spoke about the importance and application of road ecology research.
May 12, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#5/11 F49
M. Karch encouraged DWRC to contribute to the knowledge base regarding animal-road
interactions by reporting wildlife sightings near roads. Wildlife sighting reports can be submitted
online at: www.torontozoo.com/conservation/Road EcologyGroup.asp?pg=sighting
RES. #F19111- MINUTES
Moved by: Andy Wickens
Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger
THAT the minutes of meeting #4111 held on April 14, 2011 be approved.............. CARRIED
RES. #F20111 - CORRESPONDENCE & INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Whelena Sainsbury
Seconded by: Jonathan Veale
THAT the following correspondence and information item be received............... CARRIED
INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Notice from Patrick Hennessy, Secretary, Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario, Ontario
Municipal Board, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, April
30, 2011 re: Notice of Prehearing Conference: David Dunlap Observatory Lands.
INFORMATION ITEMS
• Notice from Jessica Piskorowski, Member, Don Watershed Regeneration Council,
regarding upcoming LEAF events in the Don watershed.
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: Toronto and Region Remedial
Action Plan.
• Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, to Chair and Members
of the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: Future Forests.
• Communication from Deborah Martin-Down, Director, Ecology, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: Regional Watershed Monitoring Program.
• Communication from Deborah Martin-Down, Director, Ecology, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: Ontario Nature's 20/20 Vision.
• The item was referred to the Policy and Advocacy Working Group for review and
further action if required.
• Communication from Deborah Martin-Down, Director, Ecology, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: Flood Management Service.
• Communication from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, Ecology, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: In the News.
F50 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#5/11 May 12, 2011
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #4/11, April 29, 2011 re: West Nike Virus Program
Annual Report.
• Notice from TRCA regarding Wilket Creek Park Sanitary Sewer Encasement Emergency
Works to be undertaken beginning April 26, 2011.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
TORONTO PARKS SUMMIT
• The item was referred to the Policy and Advocacy Working Group for review and further
action if required.
MANULIFE PADDLE THE DON: EVENT REVIEW
• A. Thurston extended a thank-you on behalf of the TRCA to all DWRC members for their
assistance and contribution to Paddle the Don 2011. A. Thurston noted that close to 200
volunteers came out to help make the event a success.
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
EAST DON PARKLAND PARTNERS
P. Goodwin noted that the East Don Parkland Partners will be hosting a wildflower walk on
Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. at the East Don Parkland.
RICHMOND HILL NATURALISTS
M. Yake, Richmond Hill Naturalists, provided the DWRC with an update on the David Dunlap
Observatory Lands. M. Yake discussed the following points:
• The issue will be brought before the Committee of the Whole on Monday, May 16, 2011.
• At the Special Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, the Town of
Richmond Hill Council will vote on the staff report and recommendation to take this
application to the Ontario Municipal Board.
• The Ontario Municipal Board will be conducting a prehearing conference with respect to the
David Dunlap Observatory Lands on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Town of
Richmond Hill Offices.
RES. #F20111 -
Moved by: Joe Agg
Seconded by: Mandy Karch
THAT members of the Policy and Advocacy Working Group review the Town of Richmond
Hill staff report dated May 16, 2011 and titled "A Request for Comments —Official Plan
Amendement, Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision Applications —
May 12, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#5/11 F51
Corsica Development Inc. —Town File Nos. D01-10002, D02-10006 and D03-10001 —
(SRPRS.11.028);
THAT DWRC member M. Buchinger prepare a submission to Town of Richmond Hill Council
regarding the DWRC position and recommendations regarding the David Dunlap
Observatory Lands;
AND FURTHER THAT if possible, a DWRC member attend the Special Council Meeting to be
held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 to provide a deputation ........................................ CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
TORONTO'S BIODIVERSITY SERIES
A. Freeman noted that there is no longer funding to continue publishing Toronto's Biodiversity
Series and suggested that $10,000 of funds raised through Manulife Paddle the Don be directed
towards this publication.
M. McRae noted that the Toronto Field Naturalists have committed $12,000 to the publication of
the Biodiversity Series and the Toronto District School Board is funding the efforts to incorporate
the Biodiversity Series into the school curriculum.
A. Freeman suggested that funds be directed to the development of electronic access to the
Biodiversity Series to encourage distribution to a wider audience.
MILL POND SPLASH
J. Agg reminded DWRC members that Mill Pond Splash is being held on Sunday May 291h and
encouraged members interested in volunteering to contact A. Wood with their availability.
GARDEN CENTRE AT EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS
A. MacLeod advised the DWRC that the Garden Centre at Evergreen Brick Works is now open 7
days a week in its new permanent location.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:08 p.m., May 12, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
/t seVc1 i
for The Livitig City tbeDun
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #6111 Page F52
June 9, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at The North York Civic Center on Thursday June
9, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting to order at
7:05 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
June 9, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 F53
GUESTS
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
Kelly Snow ........................................................... Planner, Policy and Research, City of Toronto
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
F54 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 June 9, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed Councillor Lee, Ward 41, to the sixth Don Watershed Regeneration
Council meeting of 2011. A. Freeman introduced Kelly Snow, Planner, Policy and Research, City
of Toronto, and thanked him for taking the time to speak to the DWRC about the City of Toronto's
Biodiversity Series.
PRESENTATIONS
The floor was turned over to K. Snow, Planner, Policy and Research, City of Toronto, for his
presentation on the City of Toronto's Biodiversity Series.
• The goal of the Biodiversity Series is to cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship in
Toronto residents by presenting opportunities for readers to appreciate the natural
environment found within their neighbourhood.
• Copies of Birds of Toronto are available free of charge at all Toronto Public Libraries.
• In addition to Birds of Toronto, books currently in development include: Reptiles and
Amphibians, Spiders, Butterflies, Fish and Mammals.
• P. Goodwin, Chair, presented K. Snow with a donation in the amount of$10,000 on behalf
of the The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto and DWRC to offset the expenses
associated with the printing of the books and/or the development of electronic access to the
series to facilitate circulation to a wider audience. P. Goodwin congratulated K. Snow on the
series, and noted that both The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto and DWRC
are pleased to support this initiative with funds raised by this year's Manulife Paddle the
Don.
K. Snow will keep the DWRC informed as new books are released and will forward copies of all
final publications.
A. Wood, Coordinator, Public Programs, TRCA, made a brief presentation entitled `Climate Change
and Biodiversity.' The presentation focused on the following:
• A primer on Climate Change
• The current and projected climate scenarios
• Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
• Case Study: Point Pelee National Park
RES. #F21111- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Jonathan Veale
THAT the minutes of meeting #5111 held on May 12, 2011 be approved............... CARRIED
June 9, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 F55
RES. #F22111 - CORRESPONDENCE & INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Jonathan Veale
THAT the following correspondence and information item be received............... CARRIED
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter to Mayor David Barrow, Town of Richmond Hill, from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don
Watershed Regeneration Council — May 16, 2011, re: David Dunlop Observatory Lands —
Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-Law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision
Applications — Corsica Development Inc. Town File Nos. D01 — 10002, D02 — 1001
(SRPRS. 11.028).
INFORMATION ITEMS
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, to Chair
and Members of the Authority, Meeting #5/11 — May 27, 2011 re: Watershed Committees
2010-2012: Revised Membership of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, the Humber
Watershed Alliance, and the Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition.
• Notice from Paula Stein, Board Member, The Taylor Massey Project, re: Notice of
upcoming events.
• Notice from Tracy Ehl, Principal, Ehl Harrison Consulting Inc., re: Cleaning up our
Waterways: The Don River and Central Waterfront Project Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment Study Public Open House.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MILL POND SPLASH: EVENT REVIEW
• A. Wood and A. Thurston extended a thank-you on behalf of the TRCA to J. Agg and all
DWRC members for their assistance and contribution to Mill Pond Splash 2011.
• A. Freeman suggested incorporating an educational element regarding the Don watershed
as a component of volunteer training.
• T. Hayward noted the popularity of the eco-scavenger hunt passport game with the
children. A. Freeman recommended including the TRCA Don watershed display as part of
the passport.
RES. #F23111 - ONTARIO NATURE'S 20/20 VISION
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Celeste Longhurst
F56 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 June 9, 2011
THAT members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council be encouraged to personally
sign the charter titled Ontario Nature's 20120 Vision in order to see the federal, provincial
and municipal governments take specified actions to stop the further loss of Ontario's
biological diversity by 2020;
THAT members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council advocate to other persons and
associations to support Ontario Nature's 20120 Vision by personally and/or collectively
signing the charter;
THAT a formal letter of support from the Don Watershed Regeneration Council be sent to
the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources at an appropriate time;
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance and Etobicoke-Mimico Creeks
Coalition be advised of this Report..................................................................CARRIED
• A. Wood to circulate the link to the charter to all DWRC members and post to Yammer.
• A. Wood to forward the DWRC resolution to the Humber Watershed Alliance and
Etobicoke-Mimico Creeks Coalition.
BACKGROUND
At the May DWRC meeting, held on May 12, 2011 the DWRC received a TRCA staff
communication regarding Ontario Nature's 20/20 Vision. The DWRC referred this item back to the
Policy and Advocacy Group for further review and action as required. The Policy and Advocacy
Group met on May 25, 2011 to discuss this item and provided the recommendation above.
Ontario Nature is a charitable organization, established in 1931 as the Federation of Ontario
Naturalists, which represents more than 30,000 members from diverse backgrounds and has been
protecting biodiversity for close to 80 years. The core mission of Ontario Nature is to protect wild
species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement.
The close of 2010 marked the end of the International Year of Biodiversity but to maintain the
momentum and attention generated for this important topic, Ontario Nature created its 20/20 Vision
for Biodiversity in Ontario and is moving it forward with this charter-signing campaign. Ontario
Nature is seeking a minimum of 5,000 signatures with the intention of urging the provincial, federal
and municipal governments to take the following ten actions:
1. complete a system of protected areas that fully represent the biological diversity of
Ontario's land and water ecosystems;
2. support the establishment of a network of natural areas on both public and private land
across southern and eastern Ontario, by creating incentives for farmers and landowners to
conserve and restore important wildlife habitats;
3. develop and fully implement effective, science-based plans to recover endangered species
and ecosystems, and adopt a proactive approach to conserving plants and animals in
decline so that common species remain common;
4. prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species by controlling high-risk entry
points such as ship ballast water and plant nurseries;
5. drastically reduce the release of contaminants harmful to biodiversity through meaningful
implementation of the Toxics Reduction Act and Toxics Reduction Strategy;
6. address habitat fragmentation and other negative impacts on the landscape caused by
roads and highways by implementing the principles of smart growth and investing in public
transit;
June 9, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 F57
7. allocate adequate funding, on an ongoing basis, for research, monitoring, and reporting on
the state of biodiversity in Ontario;
8. support sustainable industrial development through policies, funding, and other incentives,
and ensure that government-purchased products and services come from sustainable,
independently-certified producers;
9. integrate biodiversity conservation policies into the mandates of all Government of Ontario
ministries involved in land and water use and in environmental protection;
10. Develop a proactive plan for Ontario so that our landscapes can be more resilient to the
anticipated impacts of climate change.
NEXT STEPS
The on-line signature form is still active and members are encouraged to personally sign the
charter by completing the form at
http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/campaigns/biodiversity_2020_vision.php
Tim Hayward will draft a letter of support to the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of
Natural Resources on behalf of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council for approval by the Chair
and one of the following: Vice-chair, or one of the Co-chairs of the Policy and Advocacy Group.
The letter will be submitted following Ontario Nature's submission of the signed charter to the
Province which is expected in the early fall 2011.
Staff will request that the Don Watershed Regeneration Council be added to Ontario Nature's
distribution list to be kept informed of proceedings with respect to the Ontario Biodiversity Charter.
For information contact: Amy Thurston (x5283)
Date: May 31, 2011
DAVID DUNLAP OBSERVATORY LANDS
• A. Freeman advised the DWRC that TRCA will continue within the role of technical advisor
on this issue.
• J. Agg noted that the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing has been adjourned until
September 14, 2011.
RES. #F24/11- INPUT INTO THE TECHNICAL REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE Toronto
AND REGION REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
Moved by: Margaret Bream
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the document Public Guide to the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan
Beneficial Use Impairment Criteria Review and Update be received for information;
THAT the members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council participate, as deemed
appropriate, in the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan Technical Review and Update;
F58 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 June 9, 2011
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council promote
participation in the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan Technical Review and Update
within their networks........................................................................................CARRIED
• A. Freeman advised that as more information becomes available it will be circulated to the
DWRC.
BACKGROUND
The Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan was instituted in response to the 1987 designation
of Toronto and Region as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC). The AOC designation was one
of 42 (later 43) made by the International Joint Commission. The Toronto and Region AOC
consists of six watersheds stretching from the Rouge River in the east to Etobicoke Creek in the
west.
The status of an Area of Concern (AOC) is determined by assessing the state of local
environmental conditions against fourteen different Beneficial Use Impairments (BUls), as
identified in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement(Annex 2, 1987). Each Beneficial Use
Impairment describes a human or ecological use of the ecosystem that has been lost or impaired
as the result of environmental degradation; an AOC is therefore considered impaired when local
conditions meet the descriptions of one or more Beneficial Use Impairments. Two examples of
Beneficial Use Impairments are the closing of beaches and the loss of fish and wildlife habitat. The
Toronto and Region Area of Concern is currently deemed to have eight Beneficial Use
Impairments.
Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the
Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, Environment Canada (EC) and the Ontario Ministry of the
Environment (MOE) share responsibility for ensuring progress on the Great Lakes AOCs. Since
2002, TRCA has led the administration of the Toronto and Region RAP under agreements with EC
and the MOE. Management of the Toronto and Region RAP is undertaken by the Toronto and
Region RAP Team, which is comprised of representatives from EC, MOE, the Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources (MNR) and TRCA.
In March 2011, the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Team initiated a Technical
Review and Update of the RAP Goals, Specific Targets, and Recommended Actions as articulated
in the1994 RAP Stage 2 report Clean Waters, Clear Choices. Through this process the Specific
Targets and Recommended Actions used to evaluate and remediate the Beneficial Use
Impairments in the Toronto and Region Area of Concern will be brought into alignment with current
conditions, knowledge, and practice. The Technical Review and Update has three main
objectives:
1. Reconcile Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan Targets and Actions on a
Beneficial Use Impairment basis
2. Undertake a technical review and update of the Targets and Actions for Beneficial Use
Impairment restoration
3. Implement a transparent, science-based framework for changing the status of Beneficial
Uses from "Impaired" to "Not Impaired"
To ensure that the objectives of Clean Waters, Clear Choices are carried forward, the first phase of
the review and update process deals exclusively with reconciling the Clean Waters, Clear Choices
Targets and Recommended Actions on a Beneficial Use Impairment basis. This process was
initiated at a public information session and workshop held on April 20, 2011. The next round of
consultation in the first Phase, into which feedback received from the April 20 workshop will be
June 9, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 F59
incorporated, is expected to begin in early June. This will be an opportunity for stakeholders and
the public to provide comments on a second draft reconciliation of Clean Waters, Clear Choices
Targets and Recommended Actions with the Beneficial Use Impairment categories through the
submission of comments in writing or through online forums.
Participation from the membership of watershed councils, coalitions, and alliances within the Area
of Concern is encouraged throughout all phases of the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan
Technical Review and Update.
Report prepared by: Stephanie Hawkins
For more information: Stephanie Hawkins, shawkins @trca.on.ca
416-661-6600, ext. 5576
Date: May 12, 2011
ON THE DON E-NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION LIST
• A. Freeman presented a challenge to the DWRC to increase the subscriber base for On the
Don from 1,111 to 2,111 people within a year.
• Councillor Lee suggested approaching municipal councillors within the Don watershed and
encouraging their support.
• J. Hough suggested approaching active environmental organizations to promote On the
Don within their networks.
• S. Sigrist noted that it is currently not easy to find the subscription function for On the Don
on the website.
• A. Wood to review the website layout and make amendments as necessary to the
layout and subscription option for On the Don.
RES. #F25111 - DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
The minutes of the meetings for the following Working Groups are provided
for information.
Moved by: Mandy Karch
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the following minutes be received............................................................ CARRIED
• Policy and Advocacy Working Group#3/11 —Wednesday, May 25, 2011
• Community Outreach Working Group# 4/11 —Thursday, May 26, 2011
F60 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 June 9, 2011
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
EAST DON PARKLAND PARTNERS
P. Goodwin noted that the East Don Parkland Partners have received a grant in the amount of
$4,000 to offset the costs of tree planting in the East Don.
P. Goodwin invited DWRC members to attend a joint event hosted by East Don Parkland Partners
and LEAF entitled `The Under Storey: The Forgotten Forest Layer' on Wednesday, July 6 from
7:00 —8:30 p.m. at the North York Civic Centre (Council Chambers). Paul Heydon will lead a
discussion on the forest understory and provide practical ideas for native garden plants.
• A. Wood to circulate event information to DWRC members and post to the Don watershed
events webpage.
TASK FORCE TO BRING BACK THE DON
J. Palmer provided an update and noted that the re-establishment the committee has been referred
back to the mayor's office for further consideration.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
A. Freeman advised that the next DWRC meeting will be held on Monday, July 11th from 6:00—
9:00 p.m. M. Buchinger volunteered to host the meeting.
• A. Wood to circulate meeting information to DWRC members and post on Yammer.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY OF TORONTO SERVICE REVIEW
• T. Hopkins encouraged DWRC members to complete the City of Toronto Service Review,
available online at: www.torontoservicereview.ca
• Councillor Lee noted that 6,000 surveys had been completed as of June 6, 2011 and
further encouraged DWRC members to circulate the link to their networks.
MILLIKEN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATER WALK
• Councillor Lee encouraged DWRC members to attend and promote the Highland Creek
Milliken Neighbourhood Water Walk being held on Thursday, June 16 from 6:30 -8:00 p.m.
DUNCAN CREEK EROSION CONTROL AND CREEK RESTORATION MASTER PLAN
• A. Freeman advised that the Duncan Creek erosion control and creek restoration master
plan has been temporarily held to provide Councillor Shiner with an opportunity to speak
with city staff regarding the project.
UPDATE: A notice of commencement and Public Information Centre (to be held July 11,
2011) for the Duncan Creek erosion control and creek restoration master plan Municipal
Class Environmental Assessment study was published on June 24, 2011 and circulated to
DWRC members.
June 9, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#6/11 F61
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:13 p.m., June 9, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
/t seVc1 i
for The Livitig City tbeDun
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #7111 Page F62
July 11, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at the residence of Margaret Buchinger, Member,
on Monday, July 11, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the
meeting to order at 6:41 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
John Stille .......................................................... Project Manager, Restoration Services Section
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
July 11, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#7/11 F63
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the Summer 2011 meeting of the Don Watershed
Regeneration Council.
RES. #F26/11- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Peter Heinz
THAT the minutes of meeting #6111 held on June 9, 2011 be approved................ CARRIED
RES. #F27111 - CORRESPONDENCE & INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded by: Joe Agg
THAT the following correspondence and information item be received............... CARRIED
INCOMMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Notice of commencement and Public Information Centre (held July 11, 2011) for the
Duncan Creek erosion control and creek restoration master plan Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment study - June 24, 2011.
• Letter from Mr. Costas Menegakis, M.P., Richmond Hill, to Chair and Members of the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council, re: Notice of M.P. Constituency Office —July 7, 2011.
INFORMATION ITEMS
• Communication from Alexis Wood, Coordinator, Public Programs, Watershed Management
Division, TRCA, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re:
Mill Pond Splash — Meeting #7/11.
• Notice from Jessica Piskorowski, Member, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re:
upcoming LEAF events in the Don watershed.
• Notice from Erin Bullis, Outreach Education Instructor, TRCA, re: upcoming TRCA Family
Nature Events.
F64 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#7/11 July 11, 2011
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
YAMMER
• A. Thurston noted that all information circulated to DWRC members is also available on
Yammer. In an effort to reduce the number of emails DWRC members receive, general
notification emails will continue to be sent until September, after which time Yammer will
be used as the primary method of communication.
• Agenda packages and time-sensitive information will continue to be sent via email, in
addition to being posted on Yammer.
• Any DWRC members not yet registered on Yammer are encouraged to login and become
familiar with the tools and options available. A. Wood and A. Thurston are available to
assist with any questions.
• Small group, one-on-one, or private conversations should continue to be done over email.
DUNCAN CREEK — EROSION CONTROL AND CREEK RESTORATION MASTER PLAN
• J. Hough attended the Public Information Centre, held July 11, and provided the DWRC
with the following update:
• The Class EA study was initiated to identify solutions to reduce erosion, restore and
rehabilitate, and protect City sewer infrastructure in Duncan Creek.
• Councillor Shiner proposed connecting the trail along Duncan Creek, which
currently ends just east of Leslie Street (prior to the confluence of Duncan Creek
with German Mills Creek), with the trail along German Mills Creek, which is
accessed to the west of Leslie Street, south of Steeles Avenue East.
• Suggestions to connect the trail include:
• The construction of a pedestrian bridge, south of the Steeles Avenue East
traffic bridge; or
• The extension of the current trail along Duncan Creek up to Steeles Avenue
East. Trail users would then be able to use the current municipal
infrastructure (i.e., sidewalks and intersection cross-walks) to connect with
the trail along German Mills Creek, accessed off of Leslie Street, south of
Steeles Avenue East.
• J. Routh noted that the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Leslie Street is not
pedestrian-friendly, and may need to be redesigned.
• DWRC members interested in submitting comments are encouraged to use Yammer, or
contact A. Thurston, to coordinate a response.
• A. Freeman noted that M. Karch has submitted information regarding nesting turtle sites
within the study area to the City of Toronto project staff.
• The Public Information Centre presentation material and comment form are available
online at: http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/duncan—creek/index.htm
PROPOSED WETLAND PROJECT IN TAYLOR-MASSEY CREEK
• J. Stille, Project Manager, Restoration Services Section, TRCA, provided the DWRC with
the following information regarding a proposed wetland project in Taylor-Massey Creek:
• The proposed wetland is part of the ongoing Don Habitat Implementation Plan
(HIP) work.
• Taylor Creek Park was identified as a Priority 3 Terrestrial Natural Heritage
Regeneration Site in Beyond Forty Steps (2009).
• The proposed work includes the creation of a wetland by mid-September, and a
corporate planting event in the Fall of 2011.
• A diversity of open water, emergent, and wet meadow features will be created.
July 11, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#7/11 F65
• A. Freeman noted that the local Councillor plans to hold a community meeting in
September, J. Stille will have the plans for the site available for that forum.
• A. Freeman noted that the project will engage the teachers and students of D.A. Morrison
Middle School.
RES. #F28111 - DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
The minutes of the following Joint Working Group meeting are provided for
information.
Moved by: Janice Palmer
Seconded by: Jonathan Veale
THAT the following minutes be received............................................................ CARRIED
• Joint Working Group Meeting & Baker's Woods Site Visit—Wednesday, June 22, 2011
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
FRIENDS OF LITTLE GERMAN MILLS CREEK
J. Agg advised the DWRC that small fish, crayfish, and frogs are now present in Harding Pond,
German Mills Creek.
TORONTO FIELD NATURALISTS
M. McRae noted that three family-oriented walks have been organized with the Thorncliffe Park
Women's Committee, a group devoted to developing and implementing public space enhancement
projects in Thorncliffe Park. The walks are being led by Lost Rivers, Toronto Field Naturalists, and
Evergreen and will explore the local natural environment of the Don Valley.
• Helen Mills, Lost Rivers, led the first walk held on Sunday, June 26, 2011;
• M. McRae, Toronto Field Naturalists, led the second walk, held on Sunday, July 17, 2011;
and
• Evergreen will lead the third walk in September (date to be determined).
EAST DON PARKLAND PARTNERS
P. Goodwin advised that Giant Hogweed has been identified within the East Don and has been
reported to the City of Toronto Parks Department for safe removal.
P. Goodwin noted that frog populations have been identified within the two wetland that have been
restored by TRCA.
F66 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#7/11 July 11, 2011
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
The July 27, 2011 Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting and the July 28, 2011 Community
Outreach Working Group meeting have been cancelled in lieu of the extra DWRC Meeting and Site
Visit to Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre, to be held August 17th at 6:00 p.m.
• A. Wood to circulate updated meeting information to DWRC members and post on
Yammer.
NEW BUSINESS
CLEANING UP OUR WATERWAYS
• M. Buchinger and J. Palmer attended Cleaning up our Waterways: The Don River and
Central Waterfront Project Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study Public Open
House, held between June 20 and June 27.
• J. Palmer noted that a number of previous concerns by citizens regarding site selection
have been addressed.
MARKHAM GREENPRINT
• Councillor Shore advised the DWRC that the Greenprint, Markham's Sustainability Plan,
will be considered during the budget process.
• A. Wood to circulate the Greenprint Executive Summary to DWRC members and post to
Yammer.
• The full Greenprint document is available for download online at:
http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2011/General/gc110613/Markha
m's%20%20GreenPrint%20Sustainability%20PIan.pdf
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 7:37 p.m., July 11, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
/t seVc1 i
for The Livitig City tbeDun
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL Page F67
Extra Meeting & Site Visit, August 17, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre on
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 for an extra summer meeting and site visit. A solar powered boat
tour, led by Ian Rodhouse, Instruction Staff, Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre, was held
at 6:00 p.m. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting portion
of the evening to order at 6:37 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
F68 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL: EXTRA MEET ING August 17, 2011
GUEST
Susan Sigrist .................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston....................................................................Project Manager, Watershed Planning
Alexis Wood .......................................... Coordinator Public Programs, Don/Highland Watershed
August 17, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL: EXTRA MEETING F69
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the Don Watershed Regeneration Council site visit to
Lake St. George Conservation Field Centre. On behalf of the DWRC, P. Goodwin thanked the field
centre staff for their assistance in coordinating the site visit.
QUORUM
Due to lack of quorum, the following information items were deferred to DWRC Meeting #8/11,
which will be held Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the North York Civic Centre (Committee Room
#3).
• Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29, 2011, re: Measuring Success on the
Oak Ridges Moraine.
• Communication from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #7/11 - July 29, 2011, re: Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition.
• Information Item, DWRC Extra Meeting —August 17, 2011, re: Oak Ridges Moraine
Corridor Park.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MAPLE NATURE RESERVE
• A. Thurston provided the following updates:
• The site is well utilized by the City of Vaughan's day camp.
• The restored area is thriving, with the exception of a stand of Pagoda dogwood
(Comus altemifolia) which has not survived. This stand will be replaced in the fall,
although a different species may be planted in lieu of Pagoda dogwood.
• Access road and bridge enhancements are bring considered by the City of
Vaughan which will improve access to the site.
RUTHERFORD ROAD/CARRVILLE ROAD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
• The Regional Municipality of York is undertaking an Environmental Assessment which will
consider future transportation needs for Rutherford Road/Carrville Road. The study area
runs from Jane Street to Yonge Street
• A public meeting is expected to be held in the fall. DWRC will be advised as information
becomes available.
• A. Thurston advised this may present a good opportunity to connect the Bartley Smith
Greenway trail under Rutherford Road, west of Keele Street.
VAUGHAN AND YORK REGION COUNCILLOR MEETINGS
• Meetings were held with Councillors Racco, Shefman, lafrate, and Schulte throughout July.
• G. Marsh noted that Councillor Racco expressed an interest in preserving MacMillan Farm.
F70 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL: EXTRA MEET ING August 17, 2011
BAKER'S WOODS TRAIL OPENING EVENT
• A. Freeman provided the DWRC with the following updates:
• Councillor Racco suggested that a pancake breakfast be held on Sunday, October
2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m., with an official ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
• The event will include children's activities and guided tours through the forest.
• S. Sigrist suggested contacting the Maple Lion's Club to provide food for the event.
• G. Marsh and S. Sigrist will attend an event planning meeting with the City of Vaughan and
York Region on September 1, 2011.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
The following changes were made to the schedule of DWRC Working Group meetings:
• The August 24, 2011 Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting and the August 25,
2011 Community Outreach Working Group meeting have been cancelled.
• The September 21, 2011 Policy and Advocacy Working Group meeting has been
rescheduled to September 28, 2011.
• The September 22, 2011 Community Outreach Working Group meeting has been
rescheduled to September 29, 2011.
A. Wood to circulate updated meeting information to DWRC members and post on Yammer.
NEW BUSINESS
THE DON RIVER AND CENTRAL WATERFRONT PROJECT
• A. Freeman noted that an omnibus report will be going to the City's Works Committee for
consideration on September 7th, 2011. This report will be available on August 301h, 2011.
• DWRC will be advised once the report is available.
MARKHAM ISLANDERS TREE PLANTING EVENT
• S. Sigrist and N. Swaak, Don/Highland Stewardship Coordinator, TRCA, are coordinating a
Tree Planting Fundraising event for the Markham Islanders Atom AA 2011 hockey team.
• 100 trees will be planted in German Mills Settler's Park along German Mills Creek in the
Fall 2011.
• TRCA will provide the trees and the City of Markham will prepare the site and provide
mulch.
• The players are collecting pledges for planting trees and bird houses:
• 10% of tree pledges will be donated to the Don Watershed for future projects.
• All pledges for bird houses will be donated to TRCA Restoration Services.
• Donations will go through the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto.
• Pledge and donation information are available on Yammer.
August 17, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL: EXTRA MEETING F71
GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AGREEMENT (GLWQA)
• Public meetings are being planned for the Fall. DWRC will be kept apprised as information
becomes available.
• A. Freeman suggested a DWRC member may be interested in being involved with the
meetings.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 7:18 p.m., August 17, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
axo'C n tl)e D1 o n
for The Living, City
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #8111 Page F72
September 8, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met the North York Civic Centre on Thursday,
September 8, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
September 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 F73
GUESTS
Margaret Casey................................................................................................. Toronto Resident
Joyce Chau............................................... Program Manager, Science and Research, EcoSpark
Debbe Crandall ...............................................Executive Director, Save the Oak Ridges Moraine
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
Lisa Turnbull................................................ Program Manager, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston................................................Project Manager, Watershed Management Division
Alexis Wood ............................. Coordinator Public Programs, Watershed Management Division
F74 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 September 8, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the eighth Don Watershed Regeneration Council
meeting of 2011. The floor was turned over to a series of speakers from EcoSpark, Oak Ridges
Moraine Foundation, and Save the Oak Ridges Moraine, who provided the DWRC with information
regarding current projects and initiatives within the Oak Ridges Moraine.
PRESENTATIONS
Monitoring the Moraine
J. Chau, Program Manager, Science and Research, EcoSpark, provided the DWRC with an
introduction to the EcoSpark-STORM joint program: Monitoring the Moraine.
J. Chau noted that a series of status reports were developed between 2006 and 2011, including:
• Analysis of Environmental Assessments and Compliance;
• Case Studies;
• Municipal Progress (Upper and Lower);
• Provincial Progress; and
• Watershed Planning.
The status reports are available for download online at:
www.ecospark.ca/monitoringthemoraine/resources
Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
L. Turnbull, Program Manager, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, provided the DWRC with an
update on the status of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, and discussed the new strategic
direction, and reviewed the Measuring Success on the Oak Ridges Moraine project.
A series of eight reports were developed which measure success on the Moraine by assessing the:
• Condition of the Moraine environment;
• Rate of progress on implementation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan at
municipal and provincial levels, and among area stakeholders; and the
• Extent of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation's achievements in its five core focus areas
(land stewardship, land securement, education, research, and trail
improvement/development).
The reports are available for download online at:
www.moraineforlife.org/resources/measuringsuccess.php
The Moraine Can't Wait
Debbe Crandall, Executive Director, Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM), provided the DWRC
with an overview of issues impacting the Oak Ridges Moraine and encouraged members to get
involved in raising awareness and building public support.
Information regarding ways to take action are provided online at: www.morainecantwait.ca
September 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 F75
RES. #F29/11- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the following Minutes of DWRC Meetings be approved............................... CARRIED
• Minutes of Meeting #7/11, held Monday, July 11, 2011
• Minutes of Extra Meeting & Site Visit, held Wednesday, August 17, 2011
RES. #F30111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Tom Hopkins
THAT the following correspondence be received................................................... CARRIED
INCOMMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Notice of City of Vaughan Special Committee of the Whole Meeting to be held Monday,
September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. (Vaughan City Hall) — Received August 24, 2011, re:
modifications to the Vaughan Official Plan 2010 (Volume 1): Responses to Public,
Government, and Agency Submissions, Official Plan Review— File 25.1
• Notice from Tracey Ehl, Principal, Ehl Harrison Consulting Inc. to Chair and Members of the
Don Watershed Regeneration Council — Received August 31, 2011, re: Cleaning up our
Waterways: The Don River and Central Waterfront Project: Study Update and Report to
Public Works Committee, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study.
• Notice of construction from Moranne McDonnell, Senior Manager, Environmental
Engineering, TRCA, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council —
Received September 2, 2011, re: Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto Slope Stabilization Project.
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, to Councillor
Minnan-Wong and Members of the City of Toronto Public Works and Infrastructure
Committee — Sent September 7, 2011, re: Wet Weather Flow Master Plan Basement
Flooding Protection Program —Agenda Item PW7.6 for the Public Works and Infrastructure
Committee Meeting of September 7, 2011.
F76 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 September 8, 2011
RES. #F31111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Whelena Sainsbury
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Information from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, to Chair and Members
of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #8/11 —September 8, 2011, re: Oak
Ridges Moraine Corridor Park.
• Communication from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29, 2011, re: Conservation Authorities Moraine
Coalition.
• Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29. 2011, re: Measuring Success on the
Oak Ridges Moraine.
• Notice of the 18th Annual Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner for The Living City, to be
held Thursday, November 3, 2011.
• Communication from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, TRCA, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29. 2011, re: In the News.
• Communication from Jim Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Services, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29. 2011, re: Don Valley Brick Works
Weston Family Quarry Garden Entrance and Feature and Mid-Point Access Trail: Award of
Tender.
• Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, to Chair and Members
of the Authority, Meeting #7/11 —July 29. 2011, re: Wilket Creek Park Site 6/7 Emergency
Works Project: Award of Contract RSD11-56.
RES. #F32111 - Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Mandy Karch
THAT the DWRC support the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation in its request for additional
provincial funding to enable the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation's survival as a valuable
partner in both the provincially mandated review of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation
Plan in 2015, and as a funder of environmental improvements on the Oak Ridges Moraine;
AND FURTHER THAT a letter of support be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the
Ministers of Correctional Services and Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the leaders of the
other provincial parties, for their consideration of a funding commitment to the Oak Ridges
Moraine Foundation during the upcoming provincial election...............................CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan was enacted by the Province in April 2002. That same
year, the Province also created the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) and endowed it with
$15 million to fund environmental initiatives on the ORM. Currently the ORMF has only sufficient
funds from their original provincial grant to continue their operations until the end of 2012.
Consequently, the ORMF has changed their priorities from being a funding partner to the projects
September 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 F77
of external organizations to undertaking their own studies to help partners prepare for the
provincially mandated review of the ORM Conservation Plan in 2015. Eight reports were prepared
as part of these studies, and a summary of these reports is provided in Information Item 5.3 of
DWRC Agenda to meeting #8/11 (Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and
Development, to Chair and Members of the Authority, Meeting #7/11, re: Measuring Success on
the Oak Ridges Moraine). The full reports are available at the ORMF's website: www.ormf.com.
For information contact: Adele Freeman (x 5238)
Date: August 29, 2011
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
BAKER'S WOODS TRAIL OPENING EVENT
• A. Wood provided the following updates regarding the Official Opening of Baker's Woods,
to be held Sunday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• An Official Opening and Ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the
entrance to the woodlot.
• The Maple Lion's Club will serve a pancake breakfast.
• Ontario Forestry Association will provide a 30 minute interactive tree identification
activity for the family.
• York Region will host guided tours of the woodlot.
• TRCA branded maple syrup will be sold as a tie-in to the heritage of the woodlot.
• DWRC members interested in volunteering at the Official Opening event were encouraged
to contact A. Wood.
PORT LANDS DEVELOPMENT
• T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with a summary of the staff report regarding the Port
Lands Development which will be considered by City of Toronto Council on September 21,
2011.
PROVINCIAL ELECTION
• T. Hopkins led a discussion to develop a series of Don watershed based questions to pose
to candidates prior to the October 6, 2011 provincial election.
• Suggested question topics included:
• Recapitalization of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation;
• The development of sustainable cities;
• Restoration of degraded and threatened areas across the Great Lakes; and
• The Green Energy Act and the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program.
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
EAST DON PARKLAND PARTNERS
P. Goodwin invited DWRC members to participate in the following events:
• Fall Wildflower Walk to be held on Sunday, September 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(Meet at the north side of the Cummer Avenue bridge half way between Bayview and
Leslie)
F78 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 September 8, 2011
• Fall Tree Planting to be held on Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Enter
the park at the Cummer Ave bridge which is half way between Bayview and Leslie)
EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS
A. MacLeod noted that the Fifth Annual Picnic at the Brick Works will be held on Sunday, October
2, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $120.00 and can be purchased online at:
evergreen.ca/picnic. All proceeds from ticket sales support the Brick Works children's food gardens
and cooking workshops.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
The next DWRC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the North York Civic
Centre (Committee Room #3).
NEW BUSINESS
PROTECTING MIGRATORY BIRDS
• Councillor Burke noted that Markham Council recently approved the application of bird-
friendly window treatments to the Civic Centre.
• Councillor Burke noted that the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) is working with
Markham to implement the Greenprint Sustainability Plan to incorporate bird-friendly
development guidelines.
GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AGREEMENT PUBLIC FORUM
• J. Routh attended the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Public Forum held on
Thursday, September 8 and provided the DWRC with the following updates:
• The amendment process will retain, improve, and add a number of components to
the Agreement.
• The following items are being added to the Agreement:
• Annex on aquatic invasive species;
• Annex on Climate Change impacts;
• Annex on Habitats and Species; and a
• Notification component.
• A full list of amendments are available online at:
http://binational.net/glwqa/2011webinar/PublicForumGLWQA_082011_en.pdf
RUTHERFORD ROAD/CARRVILLE ROAD MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT STUDY
• G. Marsh noted that the second of three Public Consultation Centres regarding the
Rutherford Road/Carrville Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study is being
held in September on the following dates:
• Thursday, September 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Vellore Village Community
Centre Cafetorium (1 Villa Royale Avenue); and
• Tuesday, September 27 beginning at 6:00 p.n. at Roselawn Public School (422
Carrville Road).
• G. Marsh volunteered to attend the Public Consultation Centre on behalf of the DWRC.
September 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#8/11 F79
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:28 p.m., September 8, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
axo'C n tl)e D1 o n
for The Living, City
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #9111 Page F80
October 13, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met the North York Civic Centre on Thursday, October
13, 2011. Peter Heinz, Vice-Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting to
order at 7:02 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Jessica Piskowrowski...................................................................................................... Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
DianneNess.................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
October 13,2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 F81
GUESTS
Margaret Casey................................................................................................. Toronto Resident
Shirley Marsh .........................................................Sustainability Department, Town of Markham
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston................................................Project Manager, Watershed Management Division
Alexis Wood ............................. Coordinator Public Programs, Watershed Management Division
F82 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 October 13, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Heinz, Vice-Chair, welcomed everyone to the ninth Don Watershed Regeneration Council
meeting of 2011. The floor was turned over to Councillor Burke, who introduced the presentation
on Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan.
PRESENTATIONS
Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan
S. Marsh, Sustainability Department, Town of Markham, provided the DWRC with an overview of
Markham's Greenprint Sustainability Plan.
• The Greenprint is a long-term plan to address Markham's environmental health, economic
vitality, social well-being and cultural vibrancy.
• The Greenprint will support and guide future decisions to ensure that Markham remains a
great place to live, work and play for generations to come.
S. Marsh discussed the Greenprint's three pillars of sustainability and introduced the Greenprint's
12 Sustainability Priorities:
Pillars of Sustainability Sustainability Priorities
• Environmental Health • Ecosystem Integrity • Materials Management
• Social & Cultural Well • Shelter • Social Equity
Being • Water Efficiency • Education & Skills
• Economic Vitality • Access & Mobility • Identity & Culture
• Economic Vitality • Energy & Climate
• Individual Health • Food Security
S. Marsh noted that the Greenprint is currently in the implementation stage. The next steps will
involve:
• Ongoing partnership, collaboration, consultation with staff and community;
• Creation of task forces to build on leadership and ensure early adoption and success;
• Programs to build community engagement, awareness, and collaboration;
• The development of a communication strategy; and
• The development of criteria to measure and evaluate success.
The final Greenprint document is available for download online at: emarkhameca/sustainability
S. Marsh noted that a brochure for each of the three priorities will be produced and made available
online at: www.markham.ca/sustai
Burke noted that as part of Markham's commitment to environmental sustainability,
Markham's Foam Polystyrene Recycling System was officially launched at 2:00 p.m. on October
13th, 2011. The polydensifier system will facilitate the diversion of polystyrene foam from landfill
sites into new products such as picture frames, crown moulding, and file trays.
October 13,2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 F83
Svalbard 2011: The Arctic and Climate Change
C. Longhurst, Member, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, provided the DWRC with
information regarding the Arctic Climate Change Training Session, held in Svalbard throughout
August 2011.
The purpose of the training session was to:
• Raise awareness about environmental, geo-political, socio-cultural, and economic impacts
of climate change in the Arctic; and
• Engage youth to become climate change ambassadors within their communities.
Landscape Improvements at the Archetype House
A. Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, TRCA, provided the DWRC with an
update regarding landscape improvements at the Archetype House (Kortright Centre for
Conservation).
A. Freeman noted that $5,000 of the funds raised from Manulife Paddle the Don will be directed
towards the landscape improvements. Elements of the landscape plan include:
• Rock Garden • Rain Garden • Butterfly Garden
• Woodland Garden • Permeable Pavement • Native Plants
• Rain Barrel • Edible Garden • Landscaping to
• Organic Vegetable • Bird Garden Conserve Energy
Garden • Composting • Clothes Line
Photos of the landscape improvements are available to DWRC members on Yammer.
RES. #F33111- MINUTES
Moved by: Tom Hopkins
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the following Minutes of DWRC Meeting #8111, held on Monday July 11, 2011, be
approved.................................................................................................................... CARRIED
RES. #F34111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Celeste Longhurst
Seconded by: John Hough
THAT the following incoming and outgoing correspondence be received........... CARRIED
INCOMMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter from Premier Dalton McGuinty, to Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration
Council — Received September 23, 2011 re: Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.
• Notice from Allison Roberts, Monitoring the Moraine Program Officer, EcoSpark, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council — Received September 27,
F84 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 October 13, 2011
2011, re: Upcoming Monitoring the Moraine Workshops being held throughout October
around the Oak Ridges Moraine.
• Letter from Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk, City of Toronto, to Chair and Members of the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council — Received October 11, 2011, re: Public Works and
Infrastructure Committee Item 7.6 West Weather Flow Master Plan and Basement Flooding
Protection Program Update (Ward All).
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, to Premier Dalton
McGuinty; Ms. Andrea Horwath, MPP; Mr. Mike Schriner; Minister Bartolucci; Minister
Bradley; and Mr. Tim Hudak, MPP — Sent September 16, 2011, re: Funding for the Oak
Ridges Moraine Foundation.
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, to Premier Dalton
McGuinty and Minister Jeffrey — Sent September 21, 2011, re: Ontario Nature's 20/20
Vision.
RES. #F35111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Margaret McRae
Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Communication from James W. Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Services, to Chair
and Members of the Authority, Meeting #8/11 —September 30, 2011, re: Oak Ridges
Corridor Park East Management Plan.
• Communication from Carolyn Woodland, Director, Planning and Development, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #8/11 — September 30, 2011, re: Proposed
Amendments to Ontario Regulation 166/06 Legislative Conformity Exercise.
• Communication from Amy Thurston, Project Manager, TRCA, to Chair and Members of the
Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #9/11 October 13, 2011, re: City of Toronto
Official Plan and Municipal Comprehensive Reviews.
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, TRCA, to
Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #9/11 —October
13, 2011, re: Provincial Election Results.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
OFFICIAL OPENING OF BAKER'S WOODS
• A. Freeman noted that despite the cold and rainy weather, the Official Opening of Baker's
Woods, held on Sunday, October 2, 2011, was well received by those in attendance.
• Over 100 people participated, including nine members of Council:
• Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua;
• Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, who sponsored the Maple Syrup
for the pancake breakfast;
• Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca;
• Regional Councillor Gino Rosati;
• Regional Councillor Deb Schulte; and
October 13,2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 F85
■ Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase.
• Interpretive signs will be installed along the trail in the Spring 2012.
• DWRC will be kept informed regarding invasive species removal within the woodlot,
and there may be an opportunity to engage and involve the local community.
RES. #F36111 - DON MOUTH NATURALIZATION AND PORT LANDS FLOOD
PROTECTION PROJECT
Moved by: Mandy Karch
Seconded by: Margaret Bream
THAT the following update and attached City of Toronto Council decision be
received.........................................................................................................CARRIED
T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with an update of the City of Toronto Council decision from
September 21, 2011 regarding the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection
Project.
A. Freeman noted the following points:
• There will be additional opportunities for public consultation, with reports back to the City of
Toronto Executive Council in January and June.
RES. #F37111 - WET WEATHER FLOW MASTER PLAN AND BASEMENT FLOODING
PROTECTION PROGRAM
Moved by: Margaret McRae
Seconded by: Janice Palmer
THAT the following update and attached City of Toronto Council decision be
received.........................................................................................................CARRIED
A. Thurston highlighted City of Toronto Council's decision #6 regarding the Wet Weather Flow
Master Plan and Basement Flooding Protection Program, in which:
City Council request the General Manager, Toronto Water, to finalize the
Environmental Study Report for the Don River and Central Waterfront
Class EA and submit it to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the
obligatory 30 day public review period under the Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment process.
• DWRC will be kept apprised of the public review period once the Environmental Study
Report is posted to the Environmental Registry.
T. Hopkins thanked M. Buchinger on behalf of the DWRC for her efforts drafting letters regarding
the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan and Basement Flooding Protection Program.
F86 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 October 13, 2011
OIL/GRIT SEPARATORS
• T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with an update regarding Oil/Grip Separators (OGS's)
within the Don watershed:
• The problem with OGS's includes the lack of ability to enforce cleaning of privately-
owned OGS's.
• TRCA has used the experiences in Peterborough and are working with the City of
Toronto to model a pilot project to quantify the number of OGS's.
• As part of the pilot project, TRCA has found 30 OGS's on privately-owned property.
TRCA has approached Toronto Water for financial support in determining the
number of OGS's which are non-functional. The goal of the project is to encourage
the private-owners to invest in converting the OGS's to functioning units.
DWRC WORKING GROUP UPDATES
POLICY AND ADVOCACY WORKING GROUP
T. Hopkins advised the DWRC that the City of Toronto is currently undertaking a review of their
Official Plan.
• A letter based on the principles of Beyond Forty Steps will be drafted to provide
suggestions regarding the City of Toronto's Official Plan.
• A survey to provide feedback is available on the City of Toronto's website until October 171H
2011 and can be completed online at: tt! // .toronto.ca/opreview/yoursay. tm
• A. Thurston to circulate key points from the DWRC submission for DWRC members
to consider when completing the survey.
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
LOCAL ENHANCEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF FORESTS
J. Piskowrowski advised the DWRC that three planting events in partnership with the City of
Toronto have been held to date; with a final fall planting event being held on October 22, 2011 at
Milne Hollow.
SHERWOOD PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
J. Palmer noted that volunteers have been busy removing Norway maple seedlings from the park.
J. Palmer thanked TRCA's Environmental Volunteer Network for its assistance in recruiting
dedicated volunteers who continue to lend their time.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
The next Chair's Teleconference, scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2011 has been rescheduled to
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 8:15 a.m. A reminder email, including call-in details, will be circulated
closer to the date.
October 13,2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#9/11 F87
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC WASHROOMS
• J. Hough noted the issue of public washrooms in City of Toronto parks being closed after
Labour Day.
• UPDATE: Public washroom closures will be discussed as part of the DWRC submission for
the City of Toronto Parks Review.
CHARLES SAURIOL ENVIRONMENTAL DINNER FOR THE LIVING CITY
• P. Heinz reminded DWRC members that the Charles Sauriol Environmental Dinner for the
Living City will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Pearson Convention Centre.
• DWRC members interested in attending the dinner are encouraged to contact A. Wood so
that a DWRC table may be arranged.
PETITION TO BAN THE HUNT OF SNAPPING TURTLES IN ONTARIO
• M. Karch noted that the Friends of the Snapping Turtle (FROST) are circulating a petition to
ask the Government of Ontario to ban the legal hunt of Snapping turtles in Ontario.
• DWRC members are encouraged to read the full report posted to Yammer, and sign the
petition to ban the hunt of Snapping turtles in Ontario.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:08 p.m., October 13, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
axo'C n tl)e D1 o n
for The Living, City
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #10111 Page F88
November 10, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met the North York Civic Centre on Thursday,
November 10, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Jessica Piskorowski ........................................................................................................ Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
BryanBertie ................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
November 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 F89
GUESTS
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
STAFF
Laurian Farrell............................................Manager, Flood Risk Management and Infrastructure
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Craig Mitchell ................................................. Supervisor, Flood Infrastructure and Hydrometrics
Patricia Newland ...................................... Project Manager, Environmental Engineering Projects
Amy Thurston................................................Project Manager, Watershed Management Division
Alexis Wood ............................. Coordinator Public Programs, Watershed Management Division
F90 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 November 10, 2011
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the tenth Don Watershed Regeneration Council meeting
of 2011.
PRESENTATIONS
Yonge—York Mills Channel Clean-out Project (Hogg's Hollow)
Craig Mitchell, Supervisor, Flood Infrastructure and Hydrometrics, TRCA, and Laurian Farrell,
Manager, Flood Risk Management and Infrastructure, TRCA, provided the DWRC with an overview
of the Yonge—York Mills Channel Clean-out Project.
The presentation discussed the following points:
• TRCA's Flood Management Service;
• TRCA's Flood Infrastructure; and
• Overview of the Yonge—York Mills Channel Clean-out Project including, background,
existing conditions, project rationale, and proposed channel construction.
C. Mitchell explained that vegetation and sediment accumulation along the Yonge—York Mills
Channel within the Hogg's Hollow residential area (located between Donino Avenue and the
Rosedale Golf Club) has presented a significant impact on the channel's capacity to convey
floodwaters. Channel maintenance is required to:
• Prevent further capacity loss as a result of future sediment and vegetation accumulation;
• Increase flood conveyance capacity;
• Reduce floodplain area;
• Reduce flood water depths;
• Decrease the potential for property damage from flooding;
• Reduced the potential for debris jams at road crossings and narrow channel segments; and
• Increase public safety.
C. Mitchell noted that project construction is expected to begin in early December 2011, with an
expected completion date in March 2012.
L. Farrell advised the DWRC that a project webpage is currently being developed, and will be
available online at:
www.trca.on.ca/the-living-city/green-infrastructure-projects/environmental-assessment-
projects/index.dot
L. Farrell noted that an additional project within the Hogg's Hollow residential area is being
undertaken by the City of Toronto to install a proper stormsewer system.
Wilket Creek Storm Damage 2006 - 2010
P. Heinz, Vice-Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, provided the DWRC with background
information regarding the storm damage to Wilket Creek between 2006 and 2010. P. Heinz turned
the floor over to P. Newland, Project Manager, Restoration Services, TRCA, to introduce the Wilket
Creek Rehabilitation Project.
November 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 F91
Wilket Creek Rehabilitation Project
P. Newland, Project Manager, Restoration Services, TRCA, provided the DWRC with an overview
and update of the Wilket Creek Rehabilitation Project.
• Following a series of storms, TRCA identified a number of priority areas for emergency
works within Wilket Creek.
• In 2010 TRCA initiated a study under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
process on behalf of City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and Toronto Water
with the following objectives:
• To develop designs for the long-term protection of"at risk" infrastructure within
Wilket Creek Park; and
• To complete a full fluvial geomorphic assessment of the watershed to identify and
implement works to allow the creek to reach a `stable' state.
• In July 2011 TRCA commenced emergency works within Wilket Creek Park at Site 6/7
(located between Toronto Botanical Garden and Sunnybrook Park) to provide protection to
two sections of an exposed sanitary sewer line (where they crossed the watercourse).
Further information regarding the project is available online at:
www.trca.on.ca/the-living-city/green-infrastructure-projects/environmental-assessment-
projects/wilket-creek-rehabilitation-project.dot
RES. #F38/11- MINUTES
Moved by: Margaret Bream
Seconded by: Moyra Haney
THAT the following Minutes of DWRC Meeting #9111, held on Thursday, October 13, 2011, be
approved.................................................................................................................... CARRIED
RES. #F39111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Mandy Karch
THAT the following incoming and outgoing correspondence be received........... CARRIED
INCOMMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter from Gary Wright, Chief Planner and Executive Director, City of Toronto Planning
Division, to Chair and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council — Received
October 24, 2011, re: Biodiversity Series.
• Letter from Suzanne Barrett, Chair, Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds Coalition, to Gary
Wright, Chief Planner and Executive Director, City of Toronto (cc: Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don
Watershed Regeneration Council) — Received November 1, 2011, re: Toronto Official Plan
Review.
F92 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 November 10, 2011
OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
• Letter from Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, to Mr. Paul Bain,
City of Toronto Planning, Policy & Research — Sent November 4, 2011, re: City of Toronto
Official Plan Review.
RES. #F40111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: John Hough
Seconded by: Andy Wickens
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Communication from Adele Freeman, to Chair and Members of the Authority, Meeting
#9/11 —October 28, 2011, re: Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection
Project Environmental Assessment.
• Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, to Chair and Members
of the Authority, Meeting #9/11 —October 28, 2011, re: Young —York Mills Flood Control
Channel Major Maintenance.
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management, to Chair and
Members of the Authority, Meeting #9/11 - October 28, 2011, re: Ontario Regional Climate
Change Consortium.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
UPDATE RE: MARKHAM ISLANDER'S TREE PLANTING EVENT
S. Sigrist provided the DWRC with an update regarding the Makham Islander's tree planting
fundraising event held on October 29, 2011 at Settlers Park, German Mills Creek.
• Six corporate sponsors contributed a combined total of$900.00
• Of the $4,361.00 raised, $820.00 is directed to The Living City Foundation for projects
within the Don watershed. A portion of these funds is earmarked for the installation of bird
boxes in German Mills Creek.
• The following representatives from the Town of Markham were in attendance:
• Mayor Frank Scarpitti;
• Regional Councillor Joe Li; and
• Councillor Howard Shore, Ward 2.
• The fundraising event was profiled in a number of media outlets:
• York Region Online: yorkre ion ccom/sorts/sorts/article/1224932
• Paper Blog: ronmental®
fundraiser®79475/
• Uncommon Courtesy: h .uncommoncourteLy.org/category/snorts-fundraising/
• FeedAgg: .feedagg.com/feed/6917545/Fundraising®Charity®Ideas® log
S. Sigrist noted that participants indicated an interest in a similar fundraising event to support local
schools.
A. Thurston suggested the fundraising event be profiled in the Winter 2012 Edition of On the Don.
November 10, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 F93
A. Freeman noted that the Town of Markham may provide ongoing stewardship of the planted
trees (i.e., mulching).
MILNE HOUSE RESTORATION
A. Freeman advised the DWRC that Councillor Minan-Wong has directed $250,000 towards
restoration work for Milne House.
A. Freeman noted that an adaptive reuse of the Milne House will help provide leverage to raise the
additional funds required for the restoration works.
• An Ad Hoc Working Group, consisting of DWRC members Phil Goodwin and Whelena
Sainsbury, was established to develop a proposed list of ideas regarding adaptive reuse of
the Milne House and establish a preliminary list of contacts within the community that may
be interested in using the Milne House.
• A. Wood to assist P. Goodwin and W. Sainsbury with sharing ideas via Yammer.
J. Routh suggested relocating Milne House to Todmorden Mills.
■ A. Freeman noted that the value of Milne House is in-situ.
CITY OF TORONTO PARKS PLAN
A. Thurston provided background information regarding the City of Toronto Parks Plan and
introduced the consultation toolkit.
A. Freeman encouraged DWRC members to attend a public consultation session to become
familiar with the key points of the initiative and meet Jim Hart, General Manager, Parks, Forestry
and Recreation.
P. Goodwin encouraged all DWRC members to complete the online survey by the December 16,
2011 deadline.
T. Hopkins to draft a DWRC submission for the Parks Plan consultation.
• A. Wood to compile key priorities from Beyond Forty Steps for inclusion in the submission.
• DWRC members to provide A. Wood with their top three priorities regarding the Parks Plan.
A. Wood to compile and forward comments to T. Hopkins for inclusion in the submission.
OUTREACH STRATEGY: MEMBERS OF PROVICIAL PARLIAMENT
T. Hopkins advised the DWRC of a proposed outreach strategy for Members of Provincial
Parliament within the Don watershed.
■ DWRC members will begin meeting with their respective MPPs in January 2012 to
introduce the DWRC and key issues within the Don watershed.
A. Freeman suggested that a congratulatory letter to be forwarded on behalf of the DWRC in
December 2011.
The top three priorities to bring forward during the meetings were discussed and the following
suggestions were made:
• Support for the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation;
• Watercourse crossing signage on provincial highways;
• Support for the DMNP EA process; and
• Combined Sewer Overflows.
F94 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#10/11 November 10, 2011
RES. #F41111 - DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
Moved by: John Hough
Seconded by: Andy Wickens
THAT the following verbal update and minutes be received.................................. CARRIED
■ Policy and Advocacy Working Group
• T. Hopkins provided the DWRC with the following updates:
■ M. Buchinger will be attending the Official Plan Review Public Meeting on
December 1, 2011.
• Community Outreach Working Group# 5/11 —Thursday, October 27, 2011
• A. Thurston advised the DWRC that the properties deemed surplus by the TDSB
are reviewed by the TRCA based on criteria.
• A. Freeman noted that J. Dillane, Director, Finance and Business Services,
presented a map of surplus TDSB properties to TRCAs Director's Committee and
1-2 properties were identified that may be of potential interest.
• J. Hough encouraged DWRC members to pick-up a copy of the latest release in the
Biodiversity Series Butterflies of Toronto:A guide to their remarkable world, which
was provided to the DWRC by Kelly Snow at the City of Toronto.
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
SHERWOOD PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
J. Palmer advised the DWRC that volunteers have begun Grape Vine removal from the park.
J. Palmer thanked TRCA's Environmental Volunteer Network (EVN) for its assistance in recruiting
dedicated volunteers who continue to lend their time.
• M. Karch noted the success the Road Ecology Group has had in recruiting volunteers
through the EVN.
• A. Freeman suggested an article highlighting the EVN and its success stories be included in
the Winter 2012 Edition of On the Don.
• M. Karch and J. Palmer to draft an article for On the Don.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
• Community Outreach Working Group meeting #6/11 has been cancelled.
• The December 8, 2011 DWRC meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.
TERMINATION
On motion, the meeting terminated at 9:18 p.m., November 10, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.
axo'C n tl)e D1 o n
for The Living, City
MINUTES OF THE DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL #11111 Page F95
December 8, 2011
The Don Watershed Regeneration Council met at the North York Civic Centre on Thursday,
December 8, 2011. Phil Goodwin, Chair, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, called the meeting
to order at 6:20 p.m.
PRESENT
JoeAgg........................................................................................................................... Member
Margaret Bream .............................................................................................................. Member
Margaret Buchinger......................................................................................................... Member
TimHayward................................................................................................................... Member
PeterHeinz ..................................................................................................................Vice-Chair
TomHopkins................................................................................................................... Member
JohnHough..................................................................................................................... Member
PhilGoodwin .......................................................................................................................Chair
MandyKarch .................................................................................................................. Member
MoyraHaney................................................................................................................... Member
MargaretMcRae ............................................................................................................. Member
ReikoObokata ................................................................................................................ Member
JanicePalmer................................................................................................................. Member
Whelena Sainsbury ........................................................................................................ Member
JonathanVeale ............................................................................................................... Member
AndyWickens ................................................................................................................. Member
REGRETS
Councillor Valerie Burke.................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Janet Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Robert Emerson.............................................................................................................. Member
NadiaFetisova ................................................................................................................ Member
Local & Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg....................................................................... Member
JaeHong Kim.................................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Chin Lee ....................................................................................................... Member
Celeste Longhurst........................................................................................................... Member
AnnieMacLeod .............................................................................................................. Member
GloriaMarsh ................................................................................................................... Member
LaudMatos ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor John Parker.................................................................................................... Member
Jessica Piskorowski ........................................................................................................ Member
JohnRouth ..................................................................................................................... Member
Councillor Alan Shefman................................................................................................. Member
Councillor Howard Shore................................................................................................. Member
F96 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 December 8, 2011
GUESTS
Liz Menard ........................................................................................................ Artist/Printmaker
Susan Sigrist.................................................................................................. Vaughan Resident
John Wilson...................................................................................................... Toronto Resident
STAFF
Adele Freeman.......................................................... Director, Watershed Management Division
Amy Thurston................................................Project Manager, Watershed Management Division
Alexis Wood ............................. Coordinator Public Programs, Watershed Management Division
December 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 F97
WELCOMING REMARKS
P. Goodwin, Chair, welcomed everyone to the final Don Watershed Regeneration Council meeting
of 2011. A. Thurston introduced Liz Menard, Artist/Printmaker, a Toronto-based artist, printmaker,
and educator, who has recently been awarded the Open Studio's Nick Novak Fellowship for 2011-
2012.
PRESENTATION
Liz Menard, Artist/Printmaker
L. Menard provided the DWRC with an overview of her interests as they relate to her work as an
artist and printmaker:
• Landscape and how our perceptions of the landscape helps us define who we think we are;
• Water and the life these systems support; and
• Native plant species and wildlife which our water systems sustain.
As part of the Open Studio's Nick Novak Fellowship for 2011- 2012, L. Menard has chosen to
focus on the Don River. The Fellowship will culminate in an exhibition at Open Studio (104-401
Richmond Street West) in October 2012.
The following thoughts were shared by DWRC members:
• J. Agg commented that the public does not typically see the small components of nature
that make up the larger image, and noted that it is refreshing to see them being pulled
apart.
• A. Thurston suggested incorporating a flow to the layout of the exhibit, such as beginning at
the headwaters of the Don and travelling through to the mouth of the Don.
• P. Goodwin suggested depicting the East, West, and Lower Don on the three walls
of Open Space Studio, and highlighting the two tributaries which flow down to the
mouth of the Don.
• A. Freeman suggested participating in Manulife Paddle the Don to experience a different
perspective of the Don River.
• A. Thurston to coordinate.
L. Menard discussed the idea of incorporating quotes about the Don throughout the exhibit, and
encouraged DWRC members to share their ideas, thoughts, and feelings about the Don.
• A. Wood to connect L. Menard and DWRC members via Yammer to facilitate the sharing of
ideas.
RES. #F42/11- MINUTES
Moved by: Moyra Haney
Seconded by: Margaret Bream
THAT the following Minutes of DWRC Meeting #10111, held on Thursday, November 10,
2011, be approved..................................................................................................... CARRIED
F98 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 December 8, 2011
RES. #F43111 - CORRESPONDENCE
Moved by: Andy Wickens
Seconded by: Margaret McRae
THAT the following incoming correspondence be received.................................. CARRIED
INCOMMING CORRESPONDENCE
• Notice of Open House and Public Meeting #2 re: the York Ridge Road and Don River Drive
Storm Water Management and Road Improvement Study, to be held Monday, December 5,
2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church (25 Old York Mills Road,
Toronto) — Received November 21, 2011.
• Notice of the Fish in the City Edition of Lake Ontario Evenings, being held Monday,
December 5, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street
West, Toronto) — Received November 15, 2011.
• Notice of meeting re: Call to Coordinated Action on the Oak Ridges Moraine, being held
Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sheppard's Bush
Conservation Area (93A Industrial Parkway, Aurora) — Received December 1, 2011.
• Notice of public consultation meeting re: Help Shape the Future of the Portlands, being
held Monday, December 12, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Toronto Reference
Library (789 Yonge Street, Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 2nd Floor) — Received December 2,
2011.
• Notice of public consultation meeting re: CN/Allvision Comprehensive Consolidation and
Upgrade Program, being held Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 6:00—9:00 p.m. at
Toronto City Hall (Committee Room #1, 2nd Floor) — Received December 5, 2011.
RES. #F44111 - INFORMATION ITEMS
Moved by: Jonathan Veale
Seconded by: Margaret Buchinger
THAT the following information items be received................................................. CARRIED
• Communication from Nick Saccone, Director, Restoration Services, to Chair and Members
of the Authority, Meeting #10/11 — November 25, 2011, re: Wetland Restoration on Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority-Owned Lands.
• Communication from Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, to Chair and Members of
the Authority, Meeting #10/11 — November 25, 2011, re: In the News.
• Communication from Chandra Sharma, Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Specialist, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #11/11 — December 8,
2011, re: Partners in Project Green People Power Challenge.
• Communication from Adele Freeman, Director, Watershed Management Division, to Chair
and Members of the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Meeting #11/11 — December 8,
2011, re: Don Watershed Report Card.
December 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 F99
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DWRC EXTENSION OF TERM & MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
A. Freeman discussed the following points:
• In accordance with the DWRC Terms of Reference, members were appointed for a two-
year term, ending December 2011, with a possible one-year extension until December
2012.
• The current two-year term comes to a close with DWRC Meeting #11/11.
• A motion will be brought to the Authority in January 2012 to extend the DWRC term by a
period of one year, ending December 2012. At this time, a list of membership changes will
also be brought forward.
• A. Freeman requested that any members unable to continue on the DWRC contact A.
Thurston so that the DWRC membership may be updated accordingly.
• A. Freeman encouraged DWRC members to suggest members of the public who may be
interested in participating on the DWRC for the next term.
• P. Goodwin suggested that interested members of the public attend a DWRC
meeting in 2012.
RES. #F45111 - CITY OF TORONTO PARKS PLAN
Moved by: Mandy Karch
Seconded by: Moyra Haney
THAT the letter of submission regarding the City of Toronto Parks Plan be approved subject
to noted amendments............................................................................................... CARRIED
• References to the Don Watershed Revitalization Council be changed to the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council.
• Incorporate promotion of a contiguous Don Valley Trail from the Oak Ridges Moraine to
the Waterfront.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE PORTLANDS
A. Freeman encouraged DWRC members to attend the Help Shape the Future of the Port/ands
public consultation session being held Monday, December 12, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at
the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street, Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 2nd Floor).
• The consultation session will provide opportunities to ask questions and provide input
regarding future actions.
2012 CANADA WATER WEEK
A. Thurston spoke to the following points:
• Canada Water Week is a week-long celebration of water from coast-to-coast, being held
March 19 to 25, 2012.
• DWRC members have suggested hosting a DWRC walk on March 19th to coincide with
Canada Water Week.
The item was deferred to the Community Outreach Working Group for further discussion and
planning.
• C. Longhurst to be invited to attend the Community Outreach Working Group meeting.
F100 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 December 8, 2011
A CALL TO COORDINATED ACTION ON THE OAK RIDGES MORAINE
J. Agg attended the Call to Coordinated Action on the Oak Ridges Moraine meeting, held
Thursday, December 8, 2-11 from 10:00 a.m.— 1:00 p.m. and provided the DWRC with the
following update:
• The meeting brought together diverse groups with an interest in the protection of the Oak
Ridges Moraine (ORM).
• The following policy gaps were identified which continue to threaten the ORM:
• Infrastructure development, such as the development of roads, major water and
waste water systems, and electrical generation systems continue to fragment the
ORM;
• Lack of opportunities for amenities to support recreational and tourism opportunities;
• Contaminated fill has been placed on areas of high aquifer vulnerability on the
ORM;
• Applications for development which were in process prior to the implementation of
the ORM Conservation Plan (ORMCP) can proceed regardless of whether it is a
permitted use under the ORMCP or not; and
• The Permit to Take Water process is not coordinated with other water management
initiatives and the cumulative impacts of water taking are not considered.
• Next steps:
• Primary goal is the recapitalization of the ORMF; and
• Celebrations will be held at the Brick Works in 2012 to coincide with the 10th
anniversary of the ORMF.
T. Hopkins noted that the recapitalization of the ORMF will be a focus of the meet the MPP
campaign in 2012.
DWRC WORKING GROUP REPORTS
Policy and Advocacy Working Group
• A joint watershed group meeting will be held on January 5th, 2012 with City of Toronto staff
to discuss comments submitted as part of the Toronto Official Plan Review.
• T. Hopkins met with Minotaur (company which services OGSs) and Hansen Stormwater
Solutions (company which installs OGSs).
• Hansen Stormwater Solutions noted that up to 80% of installed OGSs are currently
non-functional.
• T. Hopkins noted that a survey of City of Toronto OGSs would be a start to the
process of having non-functional OGSs brought up to compliance.
• A. Freeman noted that John Nemeth, Manager, Water Resources, Town of
Richmond Hill, may receive some funding to work with OGSs and suggested
inviting J. Nemeth to a future DWRC meeting to provide an update.
Community Outreach Working Group
• The Walk the Don guides will be featured in an article in the March/April edition of On the
Danforth.
• The Walk the Don webpage is currently in the process of being updated to a more
interactive, user friendly interface.
December 8, 2011 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 F101
UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY WATERSHED GROUPS
SHERWOOD PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
J. Palmer noted that efforts to remove wild grape from mature trees have been completed and that
removal efforts continue for buckthorn, Norway maple, and Manitoba maple.
TASK FORCE TO BRING BACK THE DON
J. Palmer advised the DWRC that funds raised through the Task Force to Bring Back the Don will
be directed to projects within the Don with which the Task Force has already been involved.
EAST DON PARKLAND PARTNERS
P. Goodwin advised the DWRC that a presentation made to the East Cummer Community
Association regarding the Don was well received.
MILNE HOUSE
W. Sainsbury and P. Goodwin met with Kim Statham-Bray, Natural Environment Specialist, City of
Toronto, regarding the restoration of Milne House. The restoration project is currently on hold due
to flooding problems in the basement of Milne House. A meeting will be held in early 2012 to
discuss the project further.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY OF TORONTO WAYFINDING SYSTEM STRATEGY
J. Hough provided the DWRC with an update regarding the City of Toronto's goal to develop a
Wayfinding System to:
• Identify and connect places;
• Promote efficient travel;
• Stimulate economic growth through increased pedestrian activity; and
• Reassure and encourage exploration/wandering/discovery.
P. Goodwin suggested incorporating signage into and out of valleys and identifying crossroads to
assist pedestrians in identifying their locations.
J. Hough encouraged DWRC members to attend a Wayfinding workshop being held on Tuesday,
December 13th, from 1:00 —5:00 p.m. at Metro Hall (55 John Street, Room 309).
OMB AND LAND USE PLANNING IN ONTARIO
M. Buchinger attended a presentation entitled "Villain or Scapegoat?The Ontario Municipal Board
and Land Use Planning in Ontario" by Aaron Moore, post-doctoral student, Institute on Municipal
Finance and Government, Munk School of Business. The presentation was held on December 6,
2011, from 4:00 —6:00 p.m. at the Jackman Humanities Institute.
M. Buchinger provided the following overview of key points discussed during the presentation:
• Major approvals went through in an appeal when there was unity between city and staff
recommendations.
F102 DON WATERSHED REGENERATION COUNCIL#11/11 December 8, 2011
• If the OMB were to be removed, an appeal process would still be required. Without an
appeal process, the decision making responsibility would likely fall to the courts, at a much
greater cost.
• The OMB is currently able to overturn council decisions and make their own
recommendations, which is beyond the scope of their original powers.
• Section 37 of the Planning Act permits a municipality to pass a by-law authorizing increases
in the height and density of a development in exchange for the provision of"facilities,
services, or matters," a clause which is quite frequently used.
M. Buchinger noted that the general thought to come out of the presentation is that an appeal
process is still required as part of the OMB; however, many of the current issues with the OMB
may be dampened by limiting some of their powers and implementing changes in the planning
approval process.
M. Buchinger encouraged DWRC members to attend a free all-day conference sponsored by the
Law Faculty at the University of Toronto, being held on January 13th, 2012 entitled "Law, Politics
and Planning." Registration is available online at: www.law.utoronto.ca
TERMINATION
P. Goodwin presented John Wilson, City of Toronto resident and Chair of the former Task Force to
Bring Back the Don, with a TRCA volunteer pass to acknowledge his years of volunteer service
working to rehabilitate and restore the Don River.
On motion, the meeting terminated at 8:50 p.m., December 8, 2011.
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Chief Administrative Officer
/AW.