HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumber Watershed Alliance 2011 4L%k
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 Page G1
March 8, 2011
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Black Creek Pioneer Village Tuesday, March 8, 2011.
In the absence of the Chair, Co-Chair Madeleine McDowell called the meeting to order at 6:50
P.m.
PRESENT
Mary Louise Ashbourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jim Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sharon Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jerry Gorman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Alyson Hazlett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
RonHingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Michael Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
BarbImrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sam Keenan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lisette Mallet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
MikeMattos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Madeleine McDowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Joanne Nonnekes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lynda Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Debbie Schaefer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mary Serniak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
LynnShort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Rolande Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Telford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barry Westhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Richard Whitehead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Bill Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
GUESTS
Janet Wong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Region of Peel
G2 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 March 8, 2011
STAFF
Sonia Dhir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Lia Lappano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant, Humber
Kasey Livington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator, Humber Stewardship
Susan Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Gary Wilkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G1/11 - MINUTES
Moved by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Jim Bradley
THAT the minutes of meeting #4/10, held on December 7, 2010, be approved . . . . CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association, dated February 16, 2011, re:
Proposed New Humber Valley Heritage Trail Guide
MOTION TO DEFER
Moved by: Sharon Bradley
Seconded by: Mary Louise Ashbourne
THAT consideration of the above correspondence be deferred to Humber Watershed Alliance
meeting #2/11, scheduled to be held on June 14, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Toronto Historical Park
Lisette Mallet of La Societe d'histoire de Toronto made a presentation on the Toronto Historical
Park. The presentation focussed on the following:
• background
• First Nations involvement
• infrastructure
• Official launch on June 11, 2011
• challenges and opportunities
March 8, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
(b) /Ubk}D Hills CODlDluDitv Farm
Barb |0h8 08d8 8 pr8S8Dt8tiOD OD the Albion Hills Community Farm. The pr8S8Dt8tiOD
focussed OD the following:
° vision and fundraising
° strategic plan
° learning centre and community garden
° education and conservation
° CODlDluDitv partnerships
° Grand {lp8DiDg OD September 10. 2011.
AE - THE SHARED PATH/LE GENT|EA PAATAGE: T{]A{]NT{] HISTORICAL
PARK
TO update Humber VV8t8rSh8d A||i8DC8 080b8rS OD the pn}gr8SS of the
Shared P8th/L8S8[ti8r P8rt8g8 - Toronto Historical Park and invite
members to attend the 0ffiCi8| |8uDCh set to t8h8 p|8C8 OD June 11, 2011.
Moved by: LiSett8K88||Et
S8CODd8d by: AOD HiDgstOD
THAT the progress and |8uDCh of the Shared Path/The S8Dti8r P8rt8g6 - Toronto Historical
Park be received;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed AUi8DC8 080b8rS be encouraged to attend the
C8|8br8tiODS of the |8uDCh of the Shared Path/The S8Dti8r P8rt8g6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its Dl88tiDg +¥2/08. held OD K88n:h 28, 2008. adopted the following r8SO|utiODS:
WHEREAS the Humber River was designated 8C8D8di8D Heritage River in 1999 based
OD its outstanding human heritage and r8Cr88tiOD8| values;
WHEREAS TOn}DtO and A8giOD CODS8rv8tiOD Authority (TACA) has 8 mandate to
|d8Dtifv, dOCu08Dt. protect and celebrate the diverse heritage r8SOurC8S of the Humber
River watershed;
.
WHEREAS L8 SOCi6t6 d'HistOir8 d8 Toronto (SHT) has CO0p|Et8d 8f88Sibi|ih/ study and
|0p|808Dt8tiOD p|8D for the historical interpretation of the LOvv8r Humber River titled
Toronto Historical Park: 'The S8Dti8rP8rt8g6/Sh8r8d Path' (K88rCh. 2008);
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT TACA endorse the concept of historical
park 8|ODg the Humber River from St. Clair Avenue tO L8h8 {lDt8riO as described in the
G4 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
study titled Toronto Historical Park: 'The S8Dti8vP8rta]6/Sh8r8d Path' (March 2006);
THAT staff continue tO work with L8SOC6t6 d'HiStOr8d8Toronto and other
stakeholders to achieve the Obi8Ctiv8S set forth in the TOn}DtO Historical Park: 'The
S8Dti8rP8rt8g6/Sh8r8d Path' (K88rCh. 2OOG) feasibility study;
AND FURTHER THAT 8 copy of this r8SO|utiOD be S8Dt to the City of Toronto with 8 copy
of the Toronto Historical Park: 'The S8Dti8r P8rt8g6/Sh8r8d Path' (K88rCh. 2008) feasibility
study for their consideration.
Project Update
Since the above-referenced r8CO008Dd8tiODS were set forth in 2008. the Humber Team, in
partnership with L8SOCi6t6d'hiStOir8 de Toronto (SHT). the City of Toronto, Heritage Toronto
and First Nations have been vvOrhiDg tOvv8rdS the CO0p|EtiOD of the Shared Path/Le S8Dti8r
P8rt8g6, City of Toronto's first historical park. Building upon the SHT'S vision for the Cr88tiOD Of
an outdoor museum that told the early history of Canada within its original setting (the Humber
Aiv8h. the Shared Path/Le S8Dti8r P8rt8g6 is 8 heritage tourism trail and utilizes the existing trail
network and enhances it, through the incorporation of interpretative nodes that tell the stories of
the settlement Of Canada from 8 First N8tiODS, French and British perspective.
AS8 Canadian Heritage River, due tO its outstanding human heritage and recreational values
and the contribution it has made tO the development Of Canada, this initiative benefits heritage
awareness for the Humber River, the C8D8di8D Heritage River's program and the history Of
Canada. |tiS8 legacy project for the Humber watershed.
Set tOb8 formally launched OD June 11m. 2O11. construction Of the nodes will take place iD
April/May 2O11.
Interpretative NOd8StOry|iD8S
AS part Of the newly launched Discovery Walks program, the Shared Path/Le S8Dti8rP8rt8g6
has 13StOry|iD8S which weave their way up the Humber valley from the mouth Of the Humber
River tODuDd8S Street West, following both the east and west banks Of the valley.
° Discover the Humber
° Toronto Carrying Place Trail
° A8i|vv8yS
° AO8dvv8yS
° Boating
° AOuSS88u hO08St88d and the beginnings Of French Toronto
° The Humber River K88rSh8S and B|8Ch {l8h S8v8DD8h
° Huron S8tt|8Dl8Dt
° Hurricane Hazel
° The {l|d K8i||
° Seneca settlement -T8i8igiOD
° L8DlbtODK8iUS
° Mississauga settlement
At each designated interpretative DOd8. 8 S8ri8S Of interpretative p8D8|S. S88tiDg. |8DdSC8piDg
and in some iDst8DC8S provincial plaques will be installed this SpriDg, with text tr8DS|8t8d into
March 8, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
Fr8DCh, EDg|iSh, S8D8C8 Hun}D-VV8Dd8t8Od Ojibw/ev languages. There will also b88series Of
t:8||h88d signs at designated |OC8tiODS as well 8S way finding signs that will help delineate the
extent Of the trail.
AS part of the Ov8r8|| project, the City of Toronto has invested in large historical bronze p|8qu8S,
tOb8 installed 8t various the locations along the Lower Humber 8S well 8S naturalization efforts
and trail i0pn}v808DtS. all of which contribute tOthe Ov8r8U public 8xp8ri8DC8 of the Shared
Path/Le S8Dti8rP8rt8g6iD the Lower Humber Valley.
Project Objectives
While several objectives for the S8[ti8rP8rta]6/Sh8r8d Path have been completed iD2O11.
there are still other objectives that r808iD outstanding and will be worked towards in
subsequent phases Of the project:
Cultural Heritage Ob'ectives
1. Develop 8 research and consultation strategy for First Nations iD the development Ofthe
interpretive program
2. Create 8 cultural heritage interpretive program that tells the stories (history) of the
founding Nations- First N8tiODS, French and English 8|ODg the Humber River -th8
Shared Path - L8 G8nti8r P8d8g6
3. Create 8destination park
4. Promote the Humber River's C8D8di8D Heritage River System designation
5. Protect and promote archaeological r8SOurC8S
8. Undertake 8 Study of the |OC8tiOD of the historic Carrying P|8C8 Trail and identify 8
conceptual route for the proposed contemporary Carrying Place Trail
Natural Environment Ob'ectives
1. Increase and improve natural cover iD valley and stream corridor
2. Ensure the protection, maintenance and enhancement Ofaquatic r8SOurC8S
3. Create 8duC8tiOD8| and interpretive opportunities to promote the diverse natural heritage
of the Humber vv8t8rSh8d
Park Infrastructure Ob'ectives
1. Provide active and passive r8Cr88tiOD opportunities within park SySt80
2. Improve pedestrian routes and linkages tO the Toronto Historical Park
3. Develop and i0p|808Dt 8 way-finding SySt80 for the Toronto Historical Park
CONCLUSION
In CODC|uSiOD. th8S8Dti8r P8rt8g6/Sh8r8d Path iS8 one Of8kind initiative in Toronto but r8f|8{tS
an iDt8rD8tiOD8| trend Of blending art and the 8DvirOD08Dt. SuSt8iD8bi|ity is an emerging
philosophy for 8 new generation Of artists who are invested in the 8DvirOD08Dt and their
CODlDluDiti8S. With 8DvirODDl8Dt at the fOr8frODt, fO||OvviDg the b8DhS of the Humber River, this
artistic initiative builds upon the concept Of United Nations World Heritage Sites and expands it
to include outdoor recreation, experiential |88rDiDg, heritage awareness and public art. With the
process well underway, the committee looks forward tOsharing this vision through the launch
and opening ceremony for the 'S8Dti8r P8rt8g6/Sh8r8d Path' Humber Discovery VV8|h
G6 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
scheduled for Spring/Summer 2O11.
- URBAN AGRICULTURE PROJECTS {]NTACALANDS
Launch Of the Albion Hills Community Farm and Learning Centre, and
updates OD Oth8rTACA urban agriculture projects.
Moved by: B8rb |0ri8
Seconded by: Sharon Bradley
THAT the staff report OD the Albion Hills Community Farm and Learning Centre b8received
for information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Since its iDC8[tiOD in 1957. TACAh8S been involved iD agriculture, from reducing rural water
pollution tO conserving agricultural land. Today, TACA continues tO play 8D active role iD
building 8stn}Dg local food system through the implementation Of its Sustainable Near-Urban
Agriculture Policy (2OO8) and efforts 8t the Toronto Urban Farm, K8CV88D Farm iD the City Of
Brampton and very recently, the Albion Hills Community Farm iD the Town OfC8|8dOD. Looking
forward, TACA'S gO8| is to purchase 40 per cent Of its food requirements from |OC8| SOurC8S by
2O12. TACA now requires local food procurement for its education centres and other facilities.
Launch of Albion Hills Community Farm and Learning Centre, Town of Caledon
In 2010. the Albion Hills Community F8r0, 8 community group with the intent Of b8CO0iDg 8
registered charity, entered into 8 |88S8 8gr8808Dt with TACAfOr 78.5 8Cr8S at Albion Hills
Conservation Area for the development Of the Albion Hills Farm and Learning Centre The
Albion Hill Community Farm and Learning Centre is an innovative project |OC8t8d 8t the site Of
the former dairy farm. This new farm will encompass food production (vegetable and fruit
crops, grains, lentils and much 0Or8). education, community gardens, 8 food and farming hub
and 8 centre for sustainable near-urban agriculture. The farm will also work with the two
adjacent outdoor education C8Dtr8S (TACA8Dd Toronto District SChOO| Board) OD education
and local food procurement.
|D its first season (2O1O). the farm produced wheat, barley, straw and hay. An outdoor
classroom was formed out Of straw and hay bales and garlic was planted. |D2O11. three
teaching gardens will b8 developed and 1O acres Of vegetables and other market garden crops
will b8planted. A corn maze will b8 planted and used for 8gri-tOuriS0opportunities. In
addition, approximately 33 acres Of grain will b8 planted 8t three off-farm sites located OD
Highway 50 and Duffv'S Lane to help improve SOi| conditions.
The farm will work with partners from the 8gri-fOOd sector including the P8|gr8v8Community
Kitchen, C8|8dOD Countryside Alliance, Eat LOC8| C8|8dOD, TACA8Dd 08Dy others.
{lD September 1O. 2O11. the grand opening Of the farm will b8held. |t will b8 open tO the public
with events to celebrate the h8n/8St.
March 8, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
Updates OD other TACA Urban-Agriculture Projects
Toronto Urban Farm, City of Toronto
Entering its seventh S88SOD. The Toronto UdJ8D FarDl, which is under management agr88Dl8[t
with the City Of Toronto, iS located 8t the southeast corner Of Jane S8 and St88|8S Ave ODeight
8Cr8S. Each y88r, the farm project SuCC8SSfu||y 80p|OyS many youth from the Jane and Finch
CO00uDity, providing them with v8|u8b|8 leadership, 80p|Oy08Dt and Shi||S training. In 2010.
the Toronto Urban Farm supplied fresh produce tO Black Creek Pioneer Village Food Services.
The City and TRCA continue to explore opportunities to supply fresh, local food to more TRCA
facilities.
McVean Incubator Farm, CitV of Brampton
The McVean Incubator Farm, entering its fourth season, continues to be a success providing
new farmers with support in their initial y88nG of farming (i.8.. equipment, infrastructure and
business planning). This year, 2O farmers have established operations 8tK8CV88DOD37acres
OfTACA-OwD8d land iDC|8ir8vi||8 Conservation Area. These farmers, from all over the world, are
growing a diversity of crops from honey to mushrooms, to a hundred kinds of vegetables. Their
produce iS freshly picked and often sold directly tO their consumers through farmers markets,
restaurants, on-farm U-piChS and 8t the K8CV88D Farmers' Market. |D2O1O. the farm attracted
approximately 5OO people tO its outdoor public events.
The Living CitV Farm at Kortright, CitV of Vaughan
|D2O1O. TACA entered into lease negotiations with Matchbox Seed and CO (K8GS). 8 small, for
profit enterprise producing seed, seedlings and vegetables for retail and wholesale tO develop 8
farm operation OD9. 4 acres Of land 8t The Living City Campus 8tKortright. Graduates Ofthe
K8CV88D incubator Farm Program, K8GS intends ODmaking the farm 8t the Living City Campus
at KOrtright 8 leading 8x80p|8 of environmental stewardship, profitable farming and innovative
educational programing. K8GS will b8 expanding its current CSA (Community Supported
Agriculture) program 8t the farm and is also exploring the opportunity to supply the OD site
cafeteria with fresh produce during the growing season.
Plan,Black Creek Pioneer Village North Lands Master City of Vaughan
|D2O1O. TACA initiated 8 master planning process aimed 8t establishing 8 new vision for the
development and programming Of the Black Creek Pioneer Village North parcel Ofland. The
vision will embrace the core values OfTACA related to Sust8iD8bi|itv. public 8duC8tiOD.
f|OOdp|8iD management and natural and cultural heritage stewardship (TACA. 2011).
The Black Creek Pioneer Village North Lands Master Plan (in draft, January, 2O11). makes
provisions for urban agriculture, siting opportunities for the development of food production
areas including: 8D organic farm, community garden, iD addition tO8DODSit8 food market and
agricultural d80ODStr8tiOD 8r88S.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
°
Finalize lease agreement with Matchbox Food and Co;
°
Install infrastructure (i.8.. greenhouse) and develop educational programing 8t the Albion
Hills Community Farm and The Living City Farm;
°
Organize launch and other public events for 2O11/12 for the Albion Hills Community
G8 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Farm and The Living City Farm;
° Coordinate 8 visioning session for the K8CV88DFarm;
° Develop 8 local food procurement strategy tO supply fresh produce from TACA farms tO
TACAt8Ci|iti8S�
.
° Develop 8 CODlDluDiC8tiODS strategy for all TACAf8rDl projects; and
° Upd8t8TACA'S urban 8griCu|tur8w8bSit8.
AE THE LIVING CITY REPORT CARD
Release Of The Living City Report Card, Scorecard and interactive
w8bSit8.
Moved by: Mary Louise AShbOurD8
Seconded by: AO|8Dd8S0ith
THAT the staff report regarding The Living City Report Card b8 received for
iDfOrDl8tiOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAAA|ED
BACKGROUND
At meeting #1/1OOf the Humber Watershed Alliance, held OD March 9, 2010. Resolution #G6/10
was adopted 8Sfollows:
"THAT the following Humber Watershed A||i8DC8 080b8rS participate in the
development OfThe Living City Report Card: K88rh Chambers; Bill Humber; David
HutCh8OD; Victoria Kr8DlhOvvShi-EpD8r; Peter Mitchell; J8SOD Stabler; Lisa Turnbull and
Bill VVi|SOD;
THAT 8 member Of the Don Regeneration Council and the EtObiCOh8-K8i0iCO
Watersheds Coalition be requested to participate in the Living City Report Card
Subcommittee;"
|D accordance with above resolution, members from the Humber Watershed Alliance, the Don
Watershed Regeneration Council and the EtObiCOh8K8i0iCO Watershed Coalition have
participated iD The Living City Report Card Subcommittee.
{lD January 31. 2O11. Toronto and Region Conservation (TACA) and Civic Action's Greening
Greater Toronto released The Living City Report Card, 8 comprehensive assessment Ofthe
8Dvin}D08Dt8| health of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) (City of Toronto and r8giOD8|
0uD|Cip8|iti8S Of Durh80, H8|tOD, P88| and York) that assesses C8rbOD 80iSSiODS. air and vv8t8r.
waste management, land use and biOdiv8rSity. and reflects collaboration and insights from
|88d8rS 8CrOSS the region. It is the next in 8 S8ri8S Of periodic 8SS8SS08DtS of the GTA'S
environmental performance that provides 8 yardstick tO check against and deliver 8Dongoing
call for action tO ensure the region flourishes. |t identifies opportunities for action and highlights
the need for accountability, informed policy development and coordinated planning, investment
and support tO leverage these opportunities.
March 8, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
ACCOnjiDg to the report card, the GTA is breathing cleaner air, using |8SS w8t8r, and diverting
more residential waste since Greening Greater Toronto's 2008 report and TACA'S most r8C8[t
watershed report cards. However, the struggle continues tO manage stOr0w8t8rand
CO008rCi8| vv8st8. to OODtrO| sprawl and traffic OODg8stiOD. and to protect the region's forests
and wetlands. Conditions are also worsening for the number Of plants and animal species and
their distribution across the region.
The Living City Report Card is 8v8i|8b|8 in three different formats:
1. |ODgfOr0 report, 8.5 x 11 vertical format and 74 pages in length;
2. ShOrtfOr0/SCOr8C8nj: 8D abbreviated six panel fold out which highlights key messages
and findings; and
3. interactive on-line vv8bSit8 which will be extensively diSS8DliD8t8d
tO8 broader audience. The on-line version will result in 8 significant reduction in printing
Of paper products.
SummarV of Indicators, Progress and Grades
The following table summarizes the key findings for each Of the 2O indicators presented iDthe
report card. The progress Of each indicator summarizes recent trends iD the condition Ofthe
indicator and the letter grade indicates current conditions based OD long-term regional targets.
INDICATOR PROGRESS GRADE
Carbon Better-10%decrease largely due to D: Major action is required. Further energy
coal phase out conservation and investment in transportation
required to reach long-term target.
Sulphur Dioxide Much Better-44%decrease due to coal C: Moderate action is required. Completion of
(S02) phase out coal phase out required to reach long-term
Volatile Organic Better-19%decrease mainly due to D: Major action is required. Investment in
Compounds (VOCs) declining industrial emissions transportation required to reach long-term
Particulate Matter Better-1 4%decrease due to coal phase D: Moderate action is required. Completion of
(PM) out and declining diesel consumption coal phase out required to reach long-term
Nitrogen Oxides Better-1 3%decrease due to coal phase D: Major action is required. Investment in
(NOx) out and declining diesel consumption transportation required to reach long-term
Water Quality No change in overall quality C: Moderate to significant action is required.
Investment in water and waste infrastructure
required to reach long-term target.
Water Quantity- Better4lood risk in TRCA's nine C: Moderate action is required. Risks have
Flood Management watersheds is minimized been significantly reduced but ongoing
investment is needed to reach long-term
G10 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 March 8, 2011
Water Quantity- Better—but still slow progress F: Significant action is required. Large
Stormwater investment is needed to reach long-term
Management target, particularly for retrofits in the City of
Toronto.
Water Consumption Better—in just three years, per capita C: Moderate action is required. Continued
water consumption in the GTA has rollout of current regional programs to reach
dropped 9%. long-term targets.
Residential Waste Better-11 percentage points increase in C: Moderate action is required. Large
diversion driven mainly by single-family increase in multi-unit residential building
households. diversion to reach long-term target.
Industrial, No change—lack of data makes D: Major action is required. Reporting
Commercial and measurement and improvement difficult. standards required as first step to reach long-
Institutional Waste term target.
Urban Forest Not previously reported C: Moderate to significant action is required.
Investment needed particularity in new
suburban development and commercial and
industrial areas to reach long-term target.
Greenspace Better-7.5%increase in TRCA-owned C: Moderate to significant action is required.
greenspace Investment needed to secure public
greenspace to reach long-term target.
Agriculture Worse-8,749 hectare or 3.5%decrease C: Moderate action is required to safeguard
in farmland from 2001 to 2006. farmland inventory in order to reach long-term
target.
Food Security Not previously reported B: Minor to moderate action is required.
Investment needed to make healthy and
affordable food more accessible to low-
income residents.
Green Buildings Not previously reported Grade tbd: Moderate to significant action is
required. Investment needed for all new
buildings, developments and major
renovations to reach long-term target.
Intensification Better—many promising developments in B: Minor to major action is required. Inclusion
recent years, designed to focus growth of growth management policies that support
in higher density areas but it's too early intensification in the revised Provincial Policy
to quantify the impact Statement required to reach long-term target.
Fish No change since the last report C: Moderate to significant action is required.
Condition varies from A to D across
watersheds. Hydrology, water quality and
physical habitat needs to be improved to
reach long-term target.
Terrestrial Plants Worse—particularly in highly urbanized C: Moderate to significant action is required.
and Animals parts of the watersheds Reforest, restore wetlands and manage non-
native species to reach long-term target.
March 8, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Natural Cover Small to no change for habitat quantity; B: Minor to significant action is required.
Quantity and Quality worse for habitat quality Forest, wetland, and meadow cover must
increase to sustain the existing distribution
and populations of Species of Regional
Conservation Concern. An investment of over
$565 million is required to reach long-term
The Living City Report Card Launch
The Living City Report Card was launched OD January 31. 2O11 8t the Boston Consulting Group
OffiC8S in dOvvDtOvvD TOn}DtO. The launch took the form of Dl8di8 briefing. Contributors and
stakeholders were invited tO attend iD person, via t8|8Or web conference. The briefing provided
8D overview Of the methodology taken tO create the report card, the key successes, challenges
and priority opportunities that need attention. Approximately 85 people were iDattendance.
SummarV of Media Coverage to Date:
The Living City Report Card attracted 8 fair amount Of media coverage. It was featured iDfour
major dailies (Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Globe and Mail and National Post), 13 local and on-
line media outlets (Yorh A8giOD N8vvS, Now Magazine, K8uDiCip8| |DfOr08tiOD NEtvvOrh and
Novae Res UrbiStO name 8f8vv}. The report card also received attention OD various social
media networks (i.8.. F8C8bOOh. Twitter and LiDh8diD).
DETAILS {]F WORK T{] BEDONE
° TRCA staff, watershed committees and partners to promote the report card through
various networks.
° TRCA staff, watershed committees and partners to encourage ongoing discussions and
exchanges about elements Of the report card through pertinent social media networks;
° TACA Staff to revisit data gaps identified in developing the report card and devise 8 p|8D
tO address these gaps iD time for the release Of the next Living City Report Card
(expected 2016);
° TACA staff to distribute report cards as p|8DD8d;
° TACA staff tO identify speaking opportunities iD the months following the release Ofthe
report card to promote the report card (Board of Trade 08EtiDgS. municipal p|8DDiDg
conferences, Etd; and
° TACA staff to initiate iDt8rD8| diSCuSSiODS regarding the production of the next round Of
watershed report cards.
G12 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
AE 2O11 STEWARDSHIP AND HABITAT RESTORATION CAPITAL
PROJECTS BENEFITING THE HUMBER RIVER WATERSHED
TACA 2011 capital budgets for stewardship and habitat regeneration
projects benefiting the Humber watershed.
Moved by: B8rb |0ri8
Seconded by: Richard Whitehead
THAT the report OD the 2O11 Projects benefiting the Humber River Watershed b8received;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members b8 encouraged tO have 8D
active rO|8 in finalizing design details and i0p|808Dt8tiOD of the 2011 Humber
projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
TRCA has submitted budget requests to the Regions of York and Peel, and the City of Toronto.
Funding iStOsupport the implementation Of Pathways tO8 Healthy Humber and the Toronto
and A8giOD A808di8| Action P|8D (RAP). The fO||OvviDg is 8 list Of proposed projects for 2011.
Some projects benefit other watersheds in addition tOthe Humber watershed. Final budget
approval iS expected by April, 2O11.
PROJECT PEEL YORK TORONTO
BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET
Private Land Tree Planting - Reforestation 21,000 32,000
Private Land Tree Planting - Tree and Shrub 28,000 35,000
Authority Land Planting - Reforestation for 13,000 35,000
Biodiversity
Habitat for Wildlife 12,000 10,000 10,000
Managing TRCA Hazard Trees 10,000
Humber River Watershed Habitat 83,000 50,000 45,000
Implementation Plan
Oak Ridges Moraine CPA 2 160,000
Canada Goose Management 33,000 10,000 30,000
Family Nature Events 23,000 4,000 11,000
Multicultural Environmental Stewardship 40,000 20,000 30,000
Healthy Yards Program 39,000 30,000 24,000
Rural Clean Water Program 1 70,000 1 31,000 1 15,000 1
March 8, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 G13
PROJECT PEEL YORK TORONTO
BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET
Watershed on Wheels 65,000 46,000 43,000
Yellow Fish Road 26,000 6,000 23,000
Aquatic Plants Program 24,000 9,000 22,000
Community Transformation Partnership 55,000 70,000
Humber Community Environmental Projects 42,000 53,000
Urban Agriculture 159,000
Living City Report Card 80,000 60,000
West Humber Valley &Stream Regeneration 100,000
Audobon Certification for CA's 300,000
Claireville Ecosystem Restoration 100,000
Forest Management (TRCA) 100,000
Forest Management (Private) 100,000
Wetland Management 125,000
Riparian Planting 100,000
Enhanced Existing Habitat Improvement Plans 375,000
Enhanced Existing Oak Ridges Moraine 100,000
West Humber Stewardship 90,000
Roads and Wildlife 50,000
Albion Hills Field Centre Retrofit and 525,000
Renovation
Lake Wilcox Habitat Improvement 10,000
William Granger Greenway 10,000
East Humber Community Environmental 32,000
Enhancement Projects
SUBTOTALS 2,993,000 535,000 376,000
TOTAL FUNDING $3,904,000
G14 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Ao8DCi8S such as the {l8h FUdg8S K8OGaiD8 FOuDd8dOD, Great L8h8S SuSt8D8bi|itv FuDd, Trout
UD|iDlit8d, TD Fh8DdS of the EDvinJDDl8[t, EDvinJDDl8Dt C8D8d8, Ministry Of Natural A8SOurC8S,
Ministry of the EDvin}DDl8Dt and others have contributed significant funding and r8SOurC8S to
many Of the above listed projects iDth8p8st. Other sources Of funding are being sought to
CO0p|808Dt the municipal contribution. Budgets presented in this report consist Of municipal
funds only. Typically projects r8C8iv8Dl8tChiDgCODtributiODSfrODlCth8rSOurC8S.
DETAILS {]F WORK T{] BEDONE
° Finalize project designs;
° Obtain appropriate approvals;
° Confirm matching funds;
° Engage |OC8| stakeholders to assist with the i0p|808Dt8tiOD of appropriate 8|808DtS Of
the project.
° Recognize projects and partners via media and Sp8Ci8| events.
AE HUMBER WATERSHED POLITICAL OUTREACH
TO familiarize councillors with HuDlb8pr8|8t8d projects within th8ir
constituencies and tO identify opportunities where Humber Watershed
Alliance members may b8 able tO assist iD addressing local needs.
Moved by: AO|8Dd8S0ith
Seconded by: K88ryS8rDi8h
THAT Humber Watershed A||i8DC8 080b8rS volunteer to meet with COuDCi||OrS to familiarize
them with Humber related projects within their CODStitu8DCi8S as fO||OvvS . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE COUNCILLOR/MUNICIPALITY
MEMBER
Lynda Rogers Debbie Shaefer, Township of King
Jim and Sharon Bradley Greg Beros, Town of Richmond Hill
Barb Imrie Caledon Council
Peter Telford Gerard Kennedy, City of Toronto
Mary Serniak Mark Grimes and the Fords, City of Toronto
Lynn Short and Peter Mitchell Vincent Crisante, City of Toronto
Mike Mattos Frances Nunziata, City of Toronto
Lisette Mallet Peter Milczyn and Sarah Doucette, City of
Alyson Hazlett Doug Ford, City of Toronto
March 8, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
In addition to briefing COuDCi||OnG OD existing initiatives within their wards, this outreach vvOu|d
provide 8good opportunity to have 8diSCuSSiOD with 0ffiCi8|S OD priorities, partnerships and
future direction OD new opportunities.
Suggested topics for discussion include:
° Big initiatives (8.g.Hu0b8rK88nGh8S Environmental Assessment completion and Wet
VV88th8r F|Om), including their timelines, benefits, etc;
° Improving the health of the watershed is good for the health of their municipality;How the
Humber Watershed AUi8DC8 mandate fits in with the Councillor's interests and |OC8|
D88dS�
.
° Community / local st8vv8njShip projects are Dl88DiDOfu| contributors tDward DlO:8|8;
° ADDu8| |OC8| events and C8|8bratiODS benefit community education and 8w8r8D8SS.
|DfOr08tiOD to assist with the preparation of these 08EtiDgS will be 08d8 8v8i|8b|8 from the
Humber Watershed Team.
AE 2011 COMMUNITY EVENTS
Schedule Of2O11 community events iD the Humber River watershed.
K8Ov8d by: Richard Whitehead
Seconded by: Peter Telford
THAT the following schedule Of2O11 community events b8 received for information;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members b8 encouraged tO participate iD
p|8DDiDg and iDlp|8Dl8DtiDg the 2011 community events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Throughout the year, TRCA co-hosts a variety of public events with community leaders in the
Humber River watershed tO engage residents iD educational and h8DdS-OD. CODS8nxatiOD-th808d
activities. These events connect people with their local natural environment, generate awareness
Of the biOdiv8nGih/ and cultural history Of the watershed, and build community capacity.
The following community events have been scheduled for 2O11:
DATE EVENT LOCATION ACTIVITIES
March 5 HVHT Hike Terra Cotta Loop For further details and locations, please
contact Mark vanSternpvoort
G16 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 March 8, 2011
March 12 Maple Syrup Harvesting Humber A demonstration of tree tapping, tour of
Arboretum the sugar bush and demonstration of
evaporating sap to syrup. For
additional information, please visit
www.humberarboretum.on.ca
March 19 Jefferson Forest Hike Meet at Sunset Hike through Jefferson Forest along the
Beach Parking Lot proposed route of the new trail in the
Oak Ridges Corridor Park East Lands
in conjunction with the Oak Ridges Trail
Association. For additional information,
please contact jsbradley @rogers.com
March 20 Heritage King Township Edith George will talk about
Trees...Preserving our Museum designating heritage trees and why it is
Natural Roots so important to protect them. For
additional information, please contact
Irogers @ganz.com
April 16 Spring Birdwatching Humber A guided nature walk to discover some
Event Arboretum of the returning and resident birds of
the Arboretum. For additional
information, please visit
www.humberarboretum.on.ca
April 16 HVHT Hike Palgrave to Bolton For further details and locations, please
contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
April 21 Earth Day Tree Planting Richmond Green Volunteer tree planting with Town of
Richmond Hill. For additional
information, please contact
jsbradley @rogers.com
April 30 Oak Ridges Community Parks & Rec. Bldg. Volunteer litter pick up from parks and
Clean up Day 39, King Road greenspaces in Oak Ridges. For
additional information, please contact
.is brad ley@rogers.com
April tbd Container Gardening for Mt. Dennis For additional information, please
Residents contact mmattos @rogers.com
May 5 Tree Planting Oak Ridges School and volunteer tree planting in
Corridor Park the east end of the Oak Ridges
Corridor Park organized by Michael
White sponsored by Rotary Club and
TD Friends of Environment. For
additional information, please contact
jsbradley @rogers.com
May 7 and Jane's Walk Mt. Dennis and For additional information, please
8 Eglinton Flats contact mmattos @rogers.com
March 8, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 G17
May 13 Richmond Hill Healthy Richmond Green Garden information with native plants,
Yards Event games, free mulch and pick up of pre-
ordered native plant kits and rain
barrels sponsored by the Town of
Richmond Hill. For additional
information, please contact
jsbradley @rogers.com
May 14 Celebration of Humber Guided forest walk highlighting trees
International Biodiversity Arboretum and wildflowers, birdwatching in the
Day; Focus on Forest forest and meadow and workshops on
Biodiversity. proper removal of garlic mustard with
some stewardship opportunities. For
additional information, please visit
www.humberarboretum.on.ca
May 14 Taylorwood Community Bolton A community tree planting
Tree Planting
May 28 Tree and Shrub Planting Russell Tilt Park Volunteer tree and shrub planting in
conjunction with Evergreen. For
additional information, please contact
jsbradley @rogers.com
May 29 Bird Walk Boyd For further details and locations, please
Conservation Area contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
May tbd Topham Pond Cleanup Topham Pond For additional information, please
contact mmattos @rogers.com
May tbd Palgrave Forest and Palgrave A guided hike of the new trail with BBQ
Wildlife Area Opening and ribbon cutting
May tbd Spring Tree Planting King Township Volunteer tree planting. For additional
information, contact Lynda Rogers.
May tbd Berton Trail Workday Boyd Trail improvement works. For additional
Conservation Area information, please contact Steve
Joudrey, TRCA.
May tbd Berton Trail Opening Boyd A guided hike of the new trail with
Conservation Area ribbon cutting
June 4 Connecting People with Humber A joint venture between the Humber
Plants Arboretum Arboretum and Etobicoke Master
Gardeners. Day-long event includes
guided walks, children's activities,
planting displays, information talks and
advice clinics. For additional
information, please visit
www.humberarboretum.on.ca
June 5 Claireville Conservation Claireville For further details and locations, please
Area Paddle and Hike Conservation Area contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
G18 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 March 8, 2011
June 11 The Shared Path: Toronto At the mouth of A guided hike and canoe trip to the
Historical Path Launch the Humber new interpretive nodes with ribbon
cutting
June 18 Walk of Fame Event Caledon East Induction of new member to the Walk
of Fame with Birds of Prey, Snake
Demonstrations and BBQ
June 18 Invasive Species Removal Boyd Removal of garlic mustard and
Day Conservation Area buckthorn. For additional information,
contact Steve Joudrey, TRCA.
June 25 King Twp. Heritage Nobleton Arena Join the King Township Museum Board
Cemetery Bus Tour and Community to explore how cemeteries memorialize
Centre the people who built our communities.
Monuments express past artistry and
craftsmanship and provide useful
information about early settlement,
birth and death patterns and family
histories. To register or for additional
information, call 905-833-2331 or visit
kingmuseum @king.ca
June tbd Tree Planting and Westlake Park For additional information, please
Monitoring contact mmattos @rogers.com
July 2 First Nations Day on the Cold Creek First Nations survival skills, Birds of
Humber Conservation Area Prey, Snake Demonstrations and BBQ
July 7 First Nations Art and Cold Creek Meet and greet First Nations members
Culture: Conservation Conservation Area and discuss one-on-one about culture
with Adults and heritage
July 9 HVHT Walk North of Nashville For further details and locations, please
contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
July 24 Baby Point: 10,000 years Toronto La Societe d'histoire de Toronto and
of history Guided Tour Heritage Toronto present a guided tour
highlighting the importance of the
Humber in Toronto's history, First
Nations' villages, the Toronto Portage,
the French Forts and English Mills. For
additional information, please visit
info @sht.ca.
July/Aug. McVean Farm Open Claireville Farm tours, tractor rides, TRCA
tbd House Conservation Area stewardship activities and food
sampling.
July-Oct. McVean Farmers Market Claireville Fresh produce from the farm for sale.
Conservation Area
August 6 Walk the Humber Trails Jackman Farm For further details and locations, please
contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
March 8, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #1/11 G19
September Grand Opening of Albion Albion Hills Grand opening ceremony, great
10 Hills Community Farm Conservation Area harvest food, a"maiz"ing activities,
harvest party fun
September Trails Open Boyd Celebrate the human and cultural
17 Conservation Area heritage of Boyd Park from trees to
artifacts to bridges
September HVHT Hike King West on Oak For further details and locations, please
18 Ridges Trail contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
September Lt. Gov. John Graves At the mouth of Experience Canadian culture with a
24 Simcoe Walk the Humber guided hike led by historians decked
out in heritage attire to the spots of
unique interest along the Lower
Humber Valley
September McVean Farm Food Claireville Experience a local organic farm-to-
tbd Festival Conservation Area table dining experience, tour the farms,
meet the farmers, hear live music and
take part in various other family
activities.
September Launch of the Living City Kortright Centre The grant opening marks the official
tbd Farm at Kortright for Conservation ground breaking and opening of the
farm to the public.
September Mt. Dennis BBQ and Mt. Dennis For additional information, please
tbd Festival contact mmattos @rogers.com
October 15 HVHT Fall Hike Bindertwine to For further details and locations, please
Boyd contact Mark vanStempvoort
Conservation Area (mvanstem @yahoo.com)
October 15 Celebrate Claireville Claireville A guided nature walk, heritage walk, a
Conservation Area canoe paddle in the West Humber and
a BBQ
October Boyd Open Boyd Celebrate the completion of the inter-
tbd Conservation Area regional trail from Kleinburg to Boyd
Conservation Area, with the addition of
two new pedestrian bridges and an
underpass under Rutherford Road
November HVHT Hike Bolton to Palgrave For further details and locations, please
12 contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
December HVHT Walk Happy Valley For further details and locations, please
10 Forest contact Mark vanStempvoort
(mvanstem @yahoo.com)
December Topham Pond and Lower Topham Pon For additional information, please
tbd Humber Bird Walk contact mmattos @rogers.com
G20 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
To find Out more about Oth8rTACA 8v8DtS taking place this fd|. p|88S8 visit
Or "The Humber River, Ontario" page ODF8C8bOOh.
AE SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following SubCO00itt88S are
provided for information.
K8Ov8d by: Mary LOuiS8AShbOurD8
S8CODd8d by: JO8DD8 NODD8h8S
THAT the fO||OvviDg minutes be received:
B|8Ch Creek SubCO00itt88#1/1 1 (February 24)
Boyd/East Humber Subcommittee #1/1 1 and #2/11 (January 28 and February 23)
C|8ir8vi||8 Subcommittee #1/1 1 and #2/11 (January 18 and February 8)
Heritage Subcommittee #1/11 and #2/11 (January 19 and February 9) . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
City Of Toronto Budget 2012
Staff was requested to enquire about potential budget cuts in the City Of Toronto 2012 budget as
it relates to Urban Forestry and Parks programs. |DfOr08tiOD to be brought back tOthe Humber
VV8t8rSh8d A||i8DC8 ODC8 it is obtained.
D{]{]A PRIZE
AS 8tOh8D Of the Authority's appreciation for the 080b8rS' participation OD the Humber
VV8t8rSh8d A||i8DC8. 8 draw was held for Heather AOb8rtSOD'S bOOh titled, "VV8|hiDg into
VVi|d8rD8SS: The Toronto Carrying P|8C8 and Nine K8i|8 Portage" as well as 8 b8ShEt Of |OC8||y-
grOvvD garlic. The vviDDiDg tickets b8|ODg8d to Bill VVi|SOD and A|ySOD Hazlett, respectively.
TERMINATION
ON K8{lT|{lN. the meeting terminated at 9:00 p.0.. K88rCh 8, 2011
Adele Freeman Brian E. D
Dir8{tOr, VV8t8rSh8d K88D8g808Dt Secretary-Treasurer
/L.
4L%k
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/11 Page G21
June 14, 2011
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at Earth Rangers on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Chair lain
Craig called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
PRESENT
Arshad Ali.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mary Louise Ashbourne.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jim Bradley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sharon Bradley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Heather Broadbent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
lainCraig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair
Dianne Douglas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
BertDuclos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jerry Gorman.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Alyson Hazlett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
RonHingston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Gaspar Horvath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Michael Hoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Bill Humber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barblmrie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sam Keenan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lisette Mallet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Madeleine McDowell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Brian Pittman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sid Preece. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lynda Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Debbie Schaefer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mary Serniak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
LynnShort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Chris Svirklys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lisa Turnbull. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Richard Whitehead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Bill Wilson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jessica Wright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
G22 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/11 June 14, 2011
GUESTS
Janet Wong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Region of Peel
Mandy Karch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toronto Zoo - Ontario Road Ecology Group
STAFF
Sonia Dhir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Lia Lappano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant, Humber
Susan Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Randi Shulman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator, Humber Stewardship
Gary Wilkins.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G9/11 - MINUTES
Moved by: Dianne Douglas
Seconded by: Sharon Bradley
THAT the minutes of meeting #1/11, held on March 8, 2011, be approved. . . . . CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Lisa Turnbull declared a conflict of interest in agenda item #6.1, Oak Ridges Moraine
Foundation's "Measuring Success" Project.
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Ontario Road Ecology Group
Mandy Karch made a presentation on the Ontario Road Ecology program. This program aims
to protect biodiversity from the threats of roads and focus on species that are diminishing
because of roads.The presentation focussed on the following:
• goals
• objectives
• partnerships
b) Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation's "Measuring Success" Project
Lisa Turnbull made a presentation on the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation's "Measuring
Success" Project. The presentation focussed on the following:
• purpose of the project
• landscape health assessment - key findings and results
June 14, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/11 G23
• watershed health assessment - key findings and results
• the indicators
• stakeholder survey - key findings
• compliance - key findings
• Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation program areas.
RES. #G10/11 - THE OAK RIDGES MORAINE FOUNDATION'S "MEASURING
SUCCESS" PROJECT
The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation (ORMF) has recently undertaken
the Measuring Success Project. This Project comprehensively looks at
the effectiveness of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the
work that has been undertaken by the ORMF with the $15 million
investment received from the Province of Ontario in 2002. Based on the
outcomes and conclusions of the Measuring Success Project, the ORMF
submitted a proposal to the province requesting them to consider
reinvesting in the health of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The proposal
detailed work that still needs to be undertaken in the areas of policy
development, monitoring, land stewardship, land securement, education
and outreach if the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan's full potential
will be realized.
Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
WHEREAS the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation has been identified by stakeholders as
key in helping the Province meet its objectives in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation
Plan;
WHEREAS the work undertaken by the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation through their
Measuring Success Project indicates that there is still considerable work to be done on
the Oak Ridges Moraine to ensure its protection;
WHEREAS there is a strong need to address and/or examine many of the issues that
have been revealed through the Measuring Success Project prior to the review of the Oak
Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan in 2015;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members be
encouraged to review the eight reports of the Measuring Success Project;
THAT the key messages of the Measuring Success Project be utilized by Humber
Watershed Alliance members when communicating the importance of headwater
protection;
G24 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/11 June 14, 2011
AND FURTHER THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance write a letter to the Ministers of:
Community Safety and Correctional Services; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Natural
Resources, and Environment, along with the Premier of Ontario in support of a continued
investment in the Oak Ridges Moraine by the Province of Ontario, through the
recapitalization of the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
A series of eight reports prepared under the Measuring Success Project banner by the Oak
Ridges Moraine Foundation were released in pre-publication form in March 2011. Started in
2010, the ORMF's Measuring Success research and monitoring project was launched to assess
how effective the provincial government, the ORMF and all other Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM or
the Moraine) partners have been in meeting the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plans'
(ORMCP) original expectations and targets. Comments received by the public and
stakeholders are being used to strengthen each of the eight reports prior to their finalization
and publication in June 2011. This is being done in preparation for the ORMCP scheduled
legislative review in 2015.
The ORMF was created to provide support and encouragement for activities that preserve,
protect and enhance the environmental integrity of the ORM as well as to support the
maintenance of a trail along it. The Foundation has been in place now for over eight years and
felt that a comprehensive evaluation of its achievements as well as those of its numerous
partners was appropriate.
In carrying out this assessment, the Foundation adopted a comprehensive approach that
looked at overall effectiveness of the ORMCP and not just those elements that related to the
responsibilities of the Foundation. In this way the final product would be useful for both the
Foundation and the full range of agencies and individuals engaged in various aspects of the
implementation of the ORMCP. Accordingly, the Foundation asked that a wide range of matters
be identified and discussed. The results of this investigation are captured in the following
reports:
• An Assessment of Stakeholder Awareness, Support and Concerns for the
Implementation of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
• Assessing the Health of the Oak Ridges Moraine within a Watershed Context
• Assessing the Health of the Oak Ridges Moraine in a Landscape and Municipal Context
• Improvements to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail since the Adoption of the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan
• Achievements in Land Securement since the Adoption of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan
• Achievements in Land Stewardship since the Adoption of the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan
• Achievements in Education and Research since the Adoption of the Oak Ridges
Moraine Conservation Plan
• Assessing Compliance of Policy and Regulatory Agencies to the Requirements of the
Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
June 14, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
TO review copies Of the pre-published reports visit
http://0Or8iD8fOdif8.Org/neSOurC8S/088SuriDgSuCC8SS.php
DETAILS OF WORK T0BEDONE
The Measuring Success Project reports identified 8 number Of areas where further work needs
tOU8 undertaken OD the Moraine iD order for its ecological and hydrological values tOhave
continued protection. These recommendations include but are not limited to:
°
Lasting success for the {lAK8CP hinges OD data collection, auditing Of results, and the
addition Of new and amended policies that will make the Plan stronger. There are still
DO agreed upon performance indicators, 8 lack Of sufficient monitoring stations and
standardized methodologies being used OD the Moraine. Committed funding iSneeded
tO address these deficiencies.
°
Stakeholders feel that the {lAK8CPiS8 good Plan but that some changes need tOb8
explored 8t the 2O15 Plan Review SO that it can b8 effectively implemented. These
include but are not limited to: investigating harmonization opportunities between other
provincial plans and policies; ensuring effective monitoring is put in p|8C8; and the
simplification of small-scale d8v8|Op08Dt under the Plan.
°
The Foundation commissioned 8 rigorous assessment Of the Moraine's ecological and
hydrological health. The results Of that concluded the Moraine possesses 8healthy
base Of natural terrestrial cover. N8v8rth8|8SS. most health indicators revealed that
continued i0prOv808DtS are D8C8SS8ry. For example: Most naturally vegetated Str880
COnidOrS are well below the 8CO|OgiC8| targets Of 75% coverage; Stream CODditiODS are
well below target standards OD the basis Of fish community health, b8DthiCcommunity
health, phosphorous loading and E. CO|i |8v8|S; Forest interior h8bit8t. critical to forest
dependent species, iS inadequate iD Natural Linkage areas, and Prairie, Savannah and
Sand Barren habitats are rare OD the Moraine, and bird species dependent ODthese
habitats are iDdecline.
° AD Oak Ridges Moraine Land S8Cur808Dt strategy iS needed and funding made
available for additional land tOb8 secured tO ensure that sensitive areas are protected
iD the long term.
° A comprehensive, partnership oriented program like the {lAK8FS' Caring for the Moraine
Project needs to continue to outreach to private landowner (90% of the Moraine) to
communicate tOthem the important role they play in protecting th8 {lAK8 and
encourage them to help restoration target to be met.
°
Research and education programs OD the Moraine need 8 longer-term dedication Of
resources and further promotion Of the Moraine's values, especially tOgroundwater,
needs to be communicated to ensure that the ORMCP remains strong in its provisions
and continues tO have public support.
°
Although the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail iS now connected from east tO west financial
means and human resources are still needed to: move on-road portions Of the main trail
tO off-road alternatives; increase the number Of side trails tO connect local communities;
and increase the number Of parking opportunities along the trail.
Based OD the recommendations Of the Measuring Success Project, the Oak Ridges Moraine
Foundation submitted 8 proposal tO the Province Of Ontario requesting $11 million tOaddress
G26 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
key issues and deficiencies leading uptO the review Of the Plan iD2O15. Despite this proposal
not being recognized by the Province in the 8DDOuDC8Dl8Dt Of its 2011 budget. the [)AK8F
remains committed tOvoicing Oak Ridges Moraine issues and bringing forward the
recommendations from its Measuring Success Project into the public eye with hopes that it will
prompt 8 call tOaction.
- LIVING CITY CAMPUS
TO update the Humber Watershed Alliance members OD the Living City
Campus initiatives.
Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
THAT the staff report on the Living City Campus initiatives be endorsed. . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Kortright is preparing to submit an application to install 8 1OOhvv SO|8r iDst8||8tiOD with the
{lDt8riO FIT (Feed in Tariff) program. This program 8||OwS p8Op|8 and companies to install
solar systems and S8|| the electricity tOthe |OC8| utility at 8 premium of 80.2 C8DtS per kilowatt.
Combined with our new ground source heat pump system for the visitors centre, this
opportunity 0Ov8S Kortright closer to energy self sufficiency and will g8D8r8t8 enough revenue
to 0ffSEt its 8DDu8| energy bill for the next 20 years.
Kortrightvvi|| be entering into 8CO||8bOr8tiDg r8S88rCh K8{lU with George BrOvvD College to
allow the CO||8g8 to build an 8xp8ri08Dt8| building hut which will allow them to test various
building iDSu|8tiOD products for the retrofit market. The building will be |OC8t8d close tOthe off
grid cottage OD the POvv8r Trip Trail. This CO||8bOr8tiv8 r8S88rCh opportunity fits with the
TACA'S Sustainable T8ChDO|Ogi8S Evaluation Program (STEP) to accelerate technologies that
can reduce energy or water resources in the community. Currently, STEP is monitoring and
testing the performance Of the Archetype House and the solar and wind energy systems
around the Power Trip Trail.
RES. #G12/11 - BLACK CREEK FLOOD REKNE0|AT|ON CLASS
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TO provide an update ODthe B|8Ch Creek Flood A808di8tiOD project..
Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
THAT the staff report on the update of the Class Environmental Assessment Black Creek
Flood Remediation project be received for information.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
June 14, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
The intent of this study is to 8SS8SS *8hOuS Dl88DS and opportunities to manage flood risk
8|ODg the B|8Ch Creek from SC8dett AO8d to just beyond VV8stOD AO8d for the existing flood
prone development within the regulatory f|OOdp|8iD. The limited flow capacity Of the creek
channel results iD flooding Of adjacent lands during less frequent storm events.
Currently, this environmental assessment iSOD hold due tO8 lack Of staff resources tOadvance
the work, the need tO coordinate with the City Of Toronto OD the basement flooding study,
being initiated this summer, and 8 pending cost estimate tO clean out the channel, which iS
linked tO channel maintenance.
Upon resolution Of the above-referenced issues, the study will b8r8-iDiti8t8d.
HUMBER VALLEY HERITAGE TRAIL GUIDE
TO provide 8D update OD the production Of8 Humber Valley Heritage
Trail Guide.
Moved by: Mary Louise AShbOunl8
Seconded by: LiSett8K88||Et
THAT the staff report on the update of the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Guide be
neceivedforimformmatiom- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At their meeting held OD March 8. 2O11. the Humber Watershed Alliance considered 8letter
from the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association (HVHTA) regarding 8 proposal tO create 8
trail guide and 08p for their pedestrian trail SySt80 8|ODg the Humber River.
Due tO some unresolved issues regarding the proposed trail use and trail alignment options,
diSCuSSiODS were still ongoing; therefore, the A||i8DC8 decided to defer CODSid8r8tiOD of this
correspondence tO the June 14mmeeting.
TRCA staff has since conducted ground-truthing of alignment options for the proposed multi-
use trail through the Bolton Resource Management Tract. This work was done iD addition tO
alignment investigations undertaken by Leigh Booth Of the Bolton Resource Management Tract
Trail Subcommittee. |D early April, TACA staff consolidated its alignment options with Mr.
Booth's options tO produce 8 map Of alignments throughout the property.
{lD April 2{Y^. TACA staff met with the Bolton Resource Management Tract Subcommittee to
discuss the feasibility Of8 multi-use trail to 8||8vi8t8 potential user conflicts OD the Humber
V8||8y Heritage Trail. TACA r8CO008Dd8d that 8separate multi-use trail could be
accommodated through the majority Ofth8prOp8rtyvvithth88xC8ptiODOfth8S8{tiODOfHVHT
from roughly the side trail to the C8|8dOD Works Yard south to Ed8|vv8iSS Park, due to |8DdfOr0
CODStr8iDtS.
G28 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
ADup-tO-d8t8 map Of the proposed trail iS nearing completion, along with 'zoomed in' close up
maps Of the entire site.
The TACA and members Of the Trails Subcommittee agreed tO schedule 8 site visit iD the near
future to discuss targeted improvements tOthe existing HVHT in the segment described above
tO accommodate higher user volume and multiple uses. Consequently, TACAcannot
advocate the entire HVHTvviU be walking only at this time.
CLA|REV|LLECONSERVAT|ON AREA
CONSTRUCTION OF INTER-REGIONAL TRAIL AL|GKUKNEKUT
TO update the members OD the construction Of the inter-regional trail
8|igD08Dt tOb8 undertaken 8t the C|8ir8vi||8 Conservation Area.
Moved by: Heather Broadbent
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
THAT the staff report on the construction of the inter-regional trail alignment at the
CUaireviUUe Conservation Area be received for information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
On K88rCh 25, 2011. TACA staff provided 8 report and pr8S8Dt8tiOD tO the Authority regarding
the updates tOthe Q8ir8vi||8 CODS8n/8tiOD Area K88D8g808Dt Plan. The new 08D8g808Dt p|8D
includes the alignment for the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail which |iDhS the City Of Toronto trail system to
the City Of Brampton and u|ti08t8|y, to the TOvvD Of C8|8dOD. The proposed trail 8|igD08Dt is
also included in the City Of Brampton Trail K88St8r P|8D which fO||Ovv8d 8thOrOugh public
CODSu|t8tiOD prOC8SS.
The proposed iDt8pr8giOD8| trail is three 0Etr8S wide with 8 crushed |i08StOD8 tread. This
construction detail is CODSid8r8d an appropriate di08DSiOD that permits quiet 8DjOy08Dt by the
public, minimizes user CODf|i{tS. provides 808rg8DCy S8n/iC8S 8CC8SS. if D88d8d. reduces
liability and reduces COSUy upgrades and 08iDt8D8DC8 as more p8Op|8 discover and vv8Dt to
8CC8SS public land.
TACA staff has dOD8 8thOrOugh 8SS8SS08Dt of the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail 8|igD08Dt alternatives.
Primary considerations are as follows:
° t8n8Stri8| and aquatic Sp8Ci8S and habitats;
° human heritage r8SOurC8S;
° f|OOd|iD8S�
'
° topography;
° user experience;
° 8d�8C8D� |8Dd uS8S�
' .
° safety;
° UBdiStudJ8OC8;
° COStS;
0 restoration opportunities.
June 14, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
TRCA and City of Brampton staff support the inter-regional trail alignment which is included in
the updated 08D8g808[t p|8D for the Q8ir8v||8 CODS8rv8tiOD Area dated K88rCh. 2011.
Neither agency note any environmental concerns.
Two d8|8g8tiODS were heard by the Authority OD K88rCh 25. 2011 questioning the D88d. route
and width of the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail.
At Authority K88EtiDg #3/11. held OD K88rCh 25, 2011. A8SO|utiOD #A47/11 was 8ppn}v8d, in
part, 8Sfollows:
THAT the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan, dated March 20//, including
updates described herein, be 8ppODvert...
...AND FURTHER THAT D9CA staff continue to work with local community groups Ontrail
options for the alignment/nthe vicinity Of Queen Street and staff invite Authority
members tD attend 8 site visit.
{lD April 3O. 2O11. TACA and the City Of Brampton hosted 8 site visit tO discuss concerns and
alternate trail 8|igD08DtS. All TACA board members were invited. Attendees included:
° 11 local residents;
.
° John VViUettS. Friends OfQ8ir8viU8;
° P8t8r [)qJh8DOS. Sierra Club Of P88| Region;
° |8iD Craig, Humber Watershed AUi8DC8
° three TACA �����
.
° three City OfBrampton staff;
° John Spn}vi8ri. Regional Councillor and TACA board member
° Lois Griffin, TACA board member.
There were opinions expressed both iD favour and opposing the proposed inter-regional trail
alignment. The main environmental concerns expressed by the group were the removal Of
trees and the bridge crossing over the West Humber River. The number Of trees tOb8removed
are small iD number and are mostly hawthorn, apple, common buckthorn, shrub willow and
Manitoba maple. These species are not Of conservation concern. Buckthorn iS8Dinvasive
non-native species and Manitoba maple iS considered 8D undesirable invasive species, and 8S
such the best management practice iStO remove both species. The trail plan also proposes
additional planting of trees and shrubs indigenous to the site, as part of the restoration work
fOUOvviDg the trail iDlp|8Dl8Dt8tiOD. Pn}DlCtiDg public trails at C|8ir8vi||8 requires serious
consideration b8 given tO personal safety. The location Of the bridge crossing was pointed out.
The site was chosen because it involved very little impact OD vegetation and aquatic habitat.
AD engineering study will b8 completed tOselect the exact river crossing based ODflow,
erosion potential, access, slopes, soil conditions, and flood depths, and width Off|OOdp|8iD.
John VVi||ettS proposed three trail 8|t8rD8tiv8S north of Queen Street as follows:
1. NO iDt8pr8giOD8| trail north Of [)u88D Street. Visitors can use 8 primitive foot path in
the valley (0.5m wide, earth tread).
G30 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
2. Extend the inter-regional trail north of Queen Street using the StOD light to CrOSS eight
|8D8S of traffic, then use the Sid8vv8|h next tD the four-lane K8CV88D Drive for S8v8n8|
hi|O0Etr8S before entering the C|8ir8vi||8property again.
3. Route the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail from the C)u88D Street bridge, 8CrOSS Op8D fields and
TACA-owned |8Dd rented for farm uS8. north 8|ODg TACA |8Dd 8dj8C8Dt to K8nV88D
Drive, 8dj8C8Dt to 8 residential subdivision and through the K8CV88D farm 8g8iD, b8Ch to
the valley tO jOiD the trail 8|igD08Dt.
Option 1 dO8S not 08Et the TACAand City Of Brampton objective for 8D uninterrupted inter-
regional trail linking the City Of Toronto tOthe City Of Brampton 8Dd. 8v8Dtu8||y. the Town Of
C8|8dOD.
Option 2 introduces unnecessary safety risks and 8Dunpleasant trail experience byhaving to
follow the sidewalk adjacent tOK8CV88DDrive.
Option 3 encroaches OD sensitive habitats; requires 8 bridge crossing where the f|OOdp|8iD
width and height Of banks make it impractical for 8 bridge; encroaches OD8D existing farm
operation; increases the risk of vandalism and theft at the farm; increases the COSt of the
project due to 8 longer trail length; and introduces CODf|i{tS with the 8dj8C8Dt residential 8r88.
Some residents OD Valley Creek Drive have expressed safety concern due tO the pedestrian
trail being in the valley. A S8CODd site visit was held OD June 3. 2011 to investigate options to
divert the trail away from the Valley Creek subdivision to an 8CC8SS point OD GOr8vv8y Drive. A
gravel lane and parking lot already exists ODGOr8vv8y Drive which could serve 8S8tr8i|h88dtO
the inter-regional trail.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
°
Host 8 public meeting OD June 18. 2O11tO invite comments OD the trail route.
°
Report to the TACA Board OD July 29. 2011 with the preferred trail 8|igD08Dt.
° TACA and City Of Brampton staff finalize CODStru{tiOD dEt8i|S. obtain all D8C8SS8ry
permits and initiate CODStruCtiOD of the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail fO||OvviDg the CODfirDl8tiOD Of
the preferred alignment 8t the north end Of the C|8ir8vi||8 Conservation Area (exiting 8t
GOr8vv8y Drive Orexiting 8t Valley Creek Drive).
RE - HUMBER WATERSHED POLITICAL OUTREACH RESULTS
Results Of political outreach by Humber Watershed Alliance members.
Moved by: Sharon Bradley
Seconded by: Jim Bradley
THAT the staff report on the results of the political outreach by Humber Watershed
Alliance members be received for information.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
June 14, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
At Humber Alliance meeting #1/11. held OD March 8. 2O11. several members Of the Alliance
volunteered to meet with |OC8| councillors tD familiarize them with Humber-related projects
within their constituencies and to identify opportunities where the Humber Watershed Alliance
could assist iDaddressing |OC8| D88dS.
The following table lists those members who have agreed tO meet Or have met already with
local councillors:
HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE MEMBER COUNCILLOR/MUNICIPALITY
Lynda Rogers Debbie Schaefer, Township of King
Jim and Sharon Bradley Greg Beros, Town of Richmond Hill
Barb Imrie Patti Foley, Town of Caledon
Peter Telford Gerard Kennedy, City of Toronto
Mary Serniak Mark Grimes, City of Toronto
Lynn Short and Peter Mitchell Vincent Crisante, City of Toronto
Mike Mattos Frances Nunziata, City of Toronto
Lisette Mallet Peter Milczyn and Sarah Doucette,
City of Toronto
Individualized packages of information were prepared for each councillor which highlighted
HuDlb8pr8|8t8d initiatives occurring within their constituencies.
{lD May 3. 2O11. the above-noted Alliance members were invited tO8 meeting with Humber
Team staff to pick up the information kits and to discuss the outreach strategy amongst
th80S8|v8S. K880b8rS will fOmv8nj the results of the 08EtiDgS by the end of June. Further
actions will b8 discussed 8t that time based OD the outcome Of each meeting.
G32 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
R SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes Of the meetings for the following subcommittees are
provided for information.
Moved by: Dianne Douglas
Seconded by: Brian Pittman
THAT the following minutes be received:
Black Creek Smbcommmmi1tee#2/11 (April 28)
Boyd/East Humber Subcommittee #3/11 (April 27)
CUaireviUUe Subcommittee #3/11 (April 12)
Heritage Subcommittee #3/11 and #4/11 (April 13 and May 11)- - - - - - - - - - - - - CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Thames 21
In K88y. M. K8CDOvv8|| hosted an aft8rDOOD tea for representatives of Thames 21 from LODdOD.
England tO exchange ideas and opportunities. Thames 21 iS8D environmental charity working
with communities tO bring London's waterways tO life. Thames 21 mobilizes thousands Of
volunteers every year tO clean up waterways, remove graffiti and create new habitats for
wildlife. Heritage Toronto, TACA. and the Humber Watershed Alliance were invited to attend as
well 8S Chief Councillor Carolyn King Of the K8iSSiSS8ug8SOf the New Credit.
Pierre and Janet Berton Trail
{lD May 29. 2O11. vv8 celebrated the official opening Of the Pierre and Janet Berton Trail iDthe
Boyd Conservation Area. The event was well-attended by the Mayor Of Vaughan, Councillors
8S well 8S Janet Berton and her family.
RBC Blue Water Project Event
{lD June 9. 2O11. TACA partnered with the Royal Bank tO hold 8D event for ABC employees iD
support of their Blue VV8t8r Project. The ABC Blue VV8t8r Project is 8 wide-ranging, multi-year
program to help foster 8culture Of water stewardship so that p8Op|8 have C|88D, fresh vv8t8r
today and tomorrow. Approximately 5OABC staff canoed from KiDgS0i|| Park tO the mouth Of
the Humber.
June 14, 2011 HUMBER S ALLIANCE
Stocking of Atlantic Salmon imthe Humber Event
OD May 3O. 2O11. the Ontario Federation Of Anglers and Hunters, the Ontario Ministry Of
Natural Resources and TACA marked the expansion Of stocking Of Atlantic Salmon tOthe
Humber. Approximately 100.000 Atlantic S8|0OD were r8|88S8d in the upper Humber. They will
move tO Lake Ontario and iD the fall Of2O13. w8 should see some adults coming back
confirming that the water quality iSCODduSiv8tO salmon reproduction.
Albion Hills Community Farm Launch
The 0ffiCi8| |8uDCh Of the Albion Hills Community Farm was held OD May 7. 2011 to help extend
our sustainable communities message. The larger public launch will take place iDSeptember,
2011.
Toronto Historical Park Launch and Walking Fair
The Shared Path/Le S8Dti8rP8rt8g8 (TOrODtO'S new and first bilingual discovery walk and first
historical park) |8uDCh and vv8|hiDg tour was held OD June 11, 2011. The event was well-
attended and many thanks are extended to TRCA staff, the Humber Watershed Alliance and
Dl8Dlb8rS of the Historic Society.
Vaughan Bowstring Arch Bridges (Humber Bridge Trail and KNcEVxemBridge)
A Public |DfOr08tiOD S8SSiOD for the municipal C|8SS EA (Schedule B) has been tentatively
scheduled for July 21. 2O11. The Humber Alliance members will b8 advised Ofadditional
details OD the public information session 8S soon 8S they're confirmed.
HogVxeedPUam1
There have been hOgvv88d plant sightings in the Humber. K880b8rS have requested that staff
send them information on how to identify it and what to do if you come across it.
G34 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #2/11 June 14, 2011
DOOR PRIZE
As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber
Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for a Humber t-shirts The winning ticket belonged to Bill
Humber.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:30 p.m., June 14, 2011
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary-Treasurer
/L.
4L%k
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/11 Page G35
September 20, 2011
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at the Boyd Field Centre on Tuesday, September 20,
2011. Chair lain Craig called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
PRESENT
Mary Louise Ashbourne.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Heather Broadbent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
lainCraig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair
BertDuclos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
PattiFoley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jerry Gorman.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
RonHingston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Michael Hoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
BobHulley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Bill Humber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
David Hutcheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barblmrie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lisette Mallet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
MikeMattos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Madeleine McDowell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Brian Pittman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lynda Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Deb Schulte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mary Serniak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
LynnShort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Chris Svirklys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Telford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barry Westhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Richard Whitehead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
GUESTS
Eva Makrigiorgos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Councillor Beros' Office
Janet Wong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Region of Peel
G36 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/11 September 20, 2011
STAFF
Mark Burkholder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator, Conservation Lands
Sonia Dhir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Janet Ivey.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Watershed Planning Coordinator
Matt Kenel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acting Project Manager, Conservation Lands
Lia Lappano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant, Humber
Sonya Meek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager, Watershed Planning
Susan Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Randi Shulman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator, Humber Stewardship
Gary Wilkins.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Watershed Specialist, Humber
RES. #G17/11 - MINUTES
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: Mary Louise Ashbourne
THAT the minutes of meeting #2/11, held on June 14, 2011, be approved. . . . . CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario to Heritage Canada Foundation,
dated July 5, 2011, re: National Achievement Award
(b) Letter from Heritage Canada Foundation to TRCA, dated August 15, 2011,
re: National Achievement Award
(c) Letter of thanks to Heritage Canada Foundation, dated September 12, 2011,
re: National Achievement Award
RES. #G18/11
Moved by: Deb Schulte
Seconded by: Lynn Short
THAT the above-noted correspondence be received.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Transforming Neighbourhoods: AD update OD SNAP projects iDUl8HuDlb8v
Janet Ivey made 8 presentation tO update the members OD the SNAP projects iDth8Hu0b8r.
The presentation focussed OD the following:
° demonstration projects;
° Green HO08 Makeover in Brampton;
° Front Yard K88h8Ov8r in AiChDlODd Hill;
° Centre for Green Change iDToronto;
° Pi|Ot8NAPS in K88rhh80 and K8iSSiSS8ug8
( b) Humber Watershed Bridge Inventory
Heather Broadbent made 8 pr8S8Dt8tiOD on the Humber River Bridge Inventory. The
presentation focussed OD the following:
°
inventory priorities
°
assessment criteria
°
next steps
G38 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #3/11 September 20, 2011
RES. #G19/11 - LAKE WILCOX AND BLACK CREEK SUSTAINABLE
NEIGHBOURHOOD RETROFIT ACTION PLANS (SNAPs)
To update the Humber Watershed Alliance on the status of the Lake
Wilcox and Black Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action
Plans (SNAPs)
Moved by: Lisette Mallet
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the report on the Lake Wilcox and Black Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit
Action Plans (SNAPs) be received for information
AND FURTHER THAT Jim and Sharon Bradley, Barb Imrie, and Councillor Greg Beros,
represent the Humber Watershed Alliance in the Partner Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP) projects develop an
environmental improvement plan for existing urban neighbourhoods. The projects aim to
accelerate implementation of sustainable practices through: (1) An integrated approach to
urban retrofits that addresses a broad range of objectives (e.g., stormwater management,
water efficiency, biodiversity, energy conservation and renewables, along with other social and
economic considerations); and (2) Innovative stakeholder engagement and social marketing to
increase the rate of private landowner uptake and secure local partnerships for
implementation. Three pilot SNAPs are underway in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Toronto.
The focus of work since the last update to the Humber Alliance on June 15, 2010 has been on
developing an emerging retrofit plan for each neighbourhood; continuing engagement of
project partners, sponsors, and local residents and businesses; and developing and
implementing demonstration projects to profile key sustainable practices and technologies.
The following sections present an overview of SNAP planning activities and findings, who's
involved, the emerging SNAP and key demonstration projects for each of the two pilot SNAPs
within the Humber watershed -the Lake Wilcox SNAP (Richmond Hill) and the Black Creek
SNAP (Toronto).
Lake Wilcox SNAP, Richmond Hill
Focus:
This SNAP project is complementing the Town of Richmond Hill's Lake Wilcox remediation
strategy initiatives, by investigating additional community-based measures that could further
reduce phosphorus loads to the lake. A related objective is to foster stewardship of the unique
natural heritage features by the significant number of new residents who have moved into this
area. Partnerships with well established local environmental groups are an important avenue of
community engagement in this project.
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
involved:
Lead Partners Major Landowners -ocalGroups
Town of Richmond Hill Town of Richmond Hill -lealthy Yards
�egion of York Dak Ridges Friends of the
Dak Ridges Trail Association
York Region Environmental Alliance
Transition York
How we're listening:
Research Tools
° DOOptO-dOOr surveys (14Q)
°
Key informant interviews (15)
Fun Informative Events
°
Homeowner's Learning Centre (2Ofamilies)
°
Family hike
° SNAP booth at community 8v8DtS & Dl8etiDgS
Feedback Se33/Dn3
°
Meetings with community |88d8rS
°
Connections with |OC8| initiatives (8.g. Transition York)
°
Municipal workshop
finding:What we're
° The neighbourhood has had 8 large influx Of new residents and commuters
° Longtime residents are concerned that new residents lack 8 shared community identity
Of Oak Ridges
° Biggest opportunities in outdoor practices (vv8t8r. natural heritage)
° B8Ch|8Sh against shoreline naturalization
° A8Sid8[tS want what's best for the 8DvirOD08Dt, but want "the Du0b8nG" (i8. what to
dO, how much, vvh8r8. why) and convenient implementation
° Local considerations tOconsider: older areas lack 8VVK8. shallow water table, flood
vulnerability, newer urban areas are serviced yet lack plantings.
Emerging :
Embracing nature in the COn7n7unit/-This p|8D builds OD the shared interest in the L8h8 and
|OC8| nature by both new and |ODgti08 residents. It encourages residents tOtake 8{tiOD at
hO08 as 8firSt step toward protecting |OC8| nature. Key 8|808DtS of this p|8D include:
G40 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
° {l|d8v residential 8r88S with DO SVVK8 -8CO-8OdSC8piDg with 8fOCuS OD |[t |8v8| SVVK8 to
protect lake water quality
° Newer residential 8r88S with 8VVK8 -8CO-|8DdSC8piDg with 8fOCuS OD naturalization to
buffer and 8Dh8DC8 |OC8| natural heritage
° Shoreline and natural area stewardship - restoration actions and invasive species
CODtrO|
° Commercial properties, schools & community centres -focus ODshort-term
d8DlODstr8tiODS ("DO regrets" in CODlDl8rCi8| 8r88S likely to redevelop in CODliDg y88rS)
tO profile key practices and technologies (8.g. permeable pavers OrbiOSvv8|8S in
parking |OtS. solar power installations) and serve as "CODv8rS8tiOD starters" tObring
newcomers together with long-time Oak Ridges residents to foster their shared sense of
CO[D[DuDity.
Preliminary analysis indicates that phosphorus reduction targets can b8 met byimplementing
the recommended LID stOr0vv8t8r management options OD residential lots currently lacking
SVVK8. These measures will also result iD water conservation savings through re-use of
StOr0vv8t8rfOr outdoor garden irrigation. There appear to be opportunities to 8xC88d the
natural cover target and bolster the urban forest tO achieve 8D increase iDassociated
8COS8n/iC8S. Refined analysis Of these numbers iS underway, based OD the final SNAP design.
Front Yard Makeover Demonstration :
This project vviUShOwC8S88CO-|8DdSC8piDgODr8Sid8Dti8| fn}Dt-y8njS. vvith8p8rtiCu|8rfOCuS
OD water efficient p|8[tS and reduction in stOr0w8t8rruDOff. The project will 8|SO incorporate
monitoring of outdoor water use and stormwater infiltration. The Makeover focuses on new
Lake Wilcox area homes, iD8D effort tO demonstrate 8COfri8Dd|y landscaping concepts tOthe
new homeowner audience who iS presently considering major |8DdSC8piDgChOiC8S. Th8
project is |8d by TACA in partnership with York A8giOD'S Water for Tomorrow Program and the
TOvvD Of AiChDlODd Hill's Healthy Yards Pn}g:8Dl. Key sponsors iDC|ud8SChO||8D and
CO0p8Dy, LEAF and UDi|OCh Ltd. Additional SpODSOrS are Cun8DUy being sought.
A public prOC8SS was |8uDCh8d in June 2011 to solicit hO08OvvD8r 8pp|iC8tiODS to this OD8-ti08
grant program, via newspaper and web notices, direct mailings and 8 local evening information
session and gardening seminar. Twenty-two applications were received by the deadline OfJuly
18. 2O11. A selection jury made upOf lead partners iS currently selecting two winning
households. Winners will receive $5,000-10,000 iD free landscaping and h8rdSC8piDg (8.g.,
p8r088b|8 paving for driveway, vv8|hvv8yS). The selection prOC8SS involved 8S8ri8S of stages:
short-listing of applications based on homeowner interest and potential of the yard to
showcase sustainable landscape elements and result iD reduced outdoor water use, and 8
hO08viSit/iDt8n/i8vv process for the short-listed candidates. |DSt8||8tiOD of the demonstration
gardens iSanticipated iD Spring 2O12.
Black Creek SNAP, Toronto
This SNAP aims to prODl[t8 StOrDlvv8t8rSOurC8 controls to CODlp|8Dl8Dt the City of Toronto's
basement flood r808di8tiOD initiatives in the public right-of-way and regenerate the health Of
B|8Ch Creek. Community 8Dg8g808Dt is being facilitated through the Green Change Agents Of
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
the Jane Finch Community and Family Centre's Green Change program, and also iD
partnership with the DuDl8n}uS other |OC8| CODlDluDitv delivery organizations that exist in this
neighbourhood.
Who's involved:
listening:Lead Partners Major Landowners -ocalGroups
TRCA Foronto Community Housing JFCFC - Green Change
Jane Finch Community Jane Finch Mall Foronto Hydro
:'amily Centre orkgate Mall
31ack Creek Conservation 3horeham Plaza 8,frican Food Basket
:1roject 3ingle detached homeowners-ive Green Animators
\Aulti-unit residential owners 8,CORN
-.ity of Toronto (parks, roads) Driftwood Community Centre
-iydro �eaching Up Homework Club
3igns of Science
How we're
Research Tools
°
Single detached homeowner survey by local green change agents (13[)
°
Key informant interviews (15)
Fun Informative Events
°
Homeowner learning C8Dt8r
°
Participating in |OC8| 8v8DtS (>8)
Feedback Sessions
° City department meetings -one OD OD8S; jOiDt meeting
°
Community leaders workshop (35fpeople)
°
Meetings with local stakeholders (>12)
What we're finding:
° 43% impervious cover
° Only 17% Of homes have disconnected downspouts
° 28% urban forest, but sparse ODtablelands
° Lots OfNG{lSsupport tenants; homeowners less engaged
° Job training, income and food security are top of mind issues for local residents
° Strong sense of pride in neighbourhood and desire to see it celebrated instead of
stigmatized.
G42 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Emerging Black Creek SNAP:
Growing food and green opportunities - This p|8D aims to satisfy local d808Od for vegetable
gardens, while addressing water management and urban forest objectives through creative
rain harvesting designs and planting ChOiC8S. Opportunities for jOb skills training and |OC8|
employment will be pn}0Ot8d through i0p|808Dt8tiOD of regeneration initiatives.
Key 8|8Dl8DtS in this SNAP include:
° Private and community garden designs that incorporate rain h8n/8StiDg SySt80S
° Solar power installations - partnerships for cost and revenue sharing for neighbourhood
° Urban canopy-consider edible fruit trees, planting locations tO optimize building
shading
° Bundle Of L|D/SVVK8for private and public properties -8.g.. p8r088b|8 p8v808Dt.
parking lot biOSvv8|8Sand planted 08di8DS. Str8EtSC8p8 plantings etc.
° Naturalized buffer plantings OD private and public lands directly abutting the Black
Creek ravine
Preliminary 8D8|ySiS indicates there is the potential to produce 8 significant proportion of the
community's total annual vegetable supply needs using only 8 portion Of the suitable lands
available on private and public property. |0p|808Dt8tiOD Of LID SVVK8 retrofit measures OD |OtS
and road right Of ways can achieve the City's lot level target and contribute tOreduced
basement flooding. There are opportunities tO increase urban forest and the associated
8COS8n/iC8Sit provides. A local revenue stream may b8 generated through renewable solar
iDSt8||8tiODS. Refined analysis and review Of the numbers iSunderway.
Centre for Green Change Demonstration :
This project will Cr88t88local jObtr8iDiDg and SOCi8| enterprise development centre 8t8D
apartment tower site located 8t2999 Jane Street. The centre will serve 8S8D operating base for
Green Change Agents, and the site will demonstrate 8 number Of green practices including
rainwater harvesting, local food production, and energy and water use efficiency. This project
is led by the Jane Finch Community and Family Centre in partnership with Toronto Community
Housing and TRCA with support from other local groups. The overall goal of this Centre to
build local capacity tO undertake green action, and this aligns well with the SNAP plan.
A major grOuDdbr88hiDg8v8DtOCCun8dODApri| 18. 2O11vvithth8h8|pOfOv8r75OvO|uDt88rS.
organized by Starbucks Corporation and Volunteer Canada. TRCA led the design, solicitation
Of donations and oversight Of implementation Of several naturalized landscaping g8rd8DS,
which included edible p|8DtS. permeable walkways, and rain gardens tO treat driveway runoff.
Significant private S8{tOr partners donated time, expertise and 08t8ri8|S in support of this vvOrh.
including: K88rhSChO||8D (SChOU8D & CO0p8Dy). AOD BiS8iUOD (Fi|tr8xxC8D8d8). Dave Wood
and Randy K8i|8S [Tri-Land EDvin}D08Dt8|). Percy Ford-Smith (Duff8riDAggr8g8t8S) and Dave
Laurie (UDi|OChL1d]
SNAP Program - Next Steps
Stakeholder input iS being sought tO confirm the emerging SNAPSiD the three pilot
neighbourhoods. Then more detailed implementation plans will b8 developed, including:
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
refined technical analysis (as D88ded). marketing strategy and business case development,
delivery plan, monitoring plan and financing strategy for key components.
TRCA staff is in discussion with staff from the City of Mississauga and Town of Markham to
select sites for two new SNAP projects. The focus of work on these new areas in the coming
months will involve vvOrhp|8D development iD cooperation with local partners and pursuing
potential funding opportunities.
Learning from the 8xp8ri8DC8S iD the three pilot sites will be key tO further developing and
refining the SNAP p|8DDiDg prOC8SS. A partnership 80ODgTACA. York UDiv8rSity, Di||OD
Consulting and K8|TACS Accelerate Ontario iS being pursued tO undertake 8 SNAP Program
Evaluation.
Summary and Observations
The SNAP project approach appears tOb88 positive model for renewing older urban
neighbourhoods. It is particularly effective in 8r88S having multiple watershed r8g8D8r8tiOD and
infrastructure r8D8vv8| D88dS. TACAh8S 8SSiSt8d in bringing together diverse private and public
sector partners, who have enabled more innovative design solutions and the realization Of
greater net benefits than may otherwise have been explored by individual groups. VV8believe
this approach iS necessary iDdetermining the most efficient use Of limited land iDalready
urbanized areas and in sharing our limited dollars. The opportunity to showcase innovative
practices has attracted non-traditional partners and created 8 positive, creative setting for these
projects.
RE - BOLTON CAMP
TO provide an update ODthe BO|tOD Camp property iD the Town Of
C8|8dOD.
Moved by: LiSett8K88||Et
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
THAT the staff report omthe Bolton Camp in the Town ofCaUedom be received for
information;
THAT members of the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association /HVHTA\ be consulted on
opportunities for extending a pedestrian trail through the
property;
AND FURTHER THAT a hike or tour be planned whereby a verbal history of this
G44 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
The Toronto and A8OiOD Conservation Authority (TACA) recently acquired 103 h8{t8r8S (254
8Cr8S) of land hDOvvD as BO|tOD Camp from Hi-Lands OfBolton Corp. The property is |OC8t8d
between King Street East and Columbia VVev OD the west side of the C8|8dOD-King TOvvD|iD8 in
Bolton.
The subject property iS the site Of the former Bolton Camp run by the Family Service
Association of Metropolitan Toronto. The camp was founded as a Fresh Air Camp for mothers
with S08|| children from low income families in 1922. Additional properties were acquired in
1933. 1937, 1938 and 1947. The C80p was SO|d in 2000 to K8ODt8SSOri SChOO|S and
K8ODt8SSOri SChOO|S SO|d the site to Hi-Lands Of BO|tOD Corp. (Hi-Lands) in 2008. Hi-Lands
Bolton has maintained ownership of a small portion of the Bolton Camp property for
development purposes.
TRCA is considering opportunities for future use of the property. Options for extending a public
pedestrian trail through the property iS one option tOconsider.
RES. #G21/11 - BOLTON PEACE PARK
TO design and construct 8 Peace Park iD downtown Bolton, adjacent to
the K88iD Humber Aiv8r, on the north side of K8i|| Str8Et, east OfQueen
Street, Or Regional Road no. 5O.
Moved by: LiSett8K88||Et
Seconded by: Madeleine McDowell
THAT the Humber Watershed Alliance members support the Bolton Peace Park imthe
U-oVxm of CaUedom and explore opportunities to install other examples of Peace Parks
across the Humber River watershed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The G|Ob8| P88C8 Parks Project is an initiative from the |Dt8rD8tiOD8| Institute for P88C8
Through Tourism U|PTl. The ||PT is 8 not-for-profit Oq]8Diz8tiOD dedicated to fostering and
facilitating tourism initiatives which contribute to iDt8rD8tiOD8| understanding and COOp8GtiOD.
an improved quality Of 8DvirOD08Dt, the preservation Of heritage, and through these iDiti8tiv8S,
helping to bring about 8 p88C8fu| and sustainable world. The ||PT is based OD 8 vision of the
vvOdd'S largest industry, travel and tourism - b8CO0iDg the world's first g|Ob8| p88C8 industry;
and the belief that every traveler is potentially an "Ambassador for Peace."
S88MBd in 1992. the G|Ob8| P88C8 Parks Project builds OD the SuCC8SS Of ||PT'S P88C8 Parks
ACrOSS C8D8d8 Project CO0080OratiDg C8D8d8'S 125t^ birthday as 8 nation. 11pTG/Db8/
Peace Parks are formed throughout the world to dedicate 8 piece Of |8Dd to Our CO00it08Dt to
"Building 8 Culture Of Peace." A key CO0pOD8Dt in the design is the addition Of 8 p88C8 pO|8
with the 08SS8g8 "May P88C8 Prevail OD Earth" in 08Dy |8Dgu8g8S.
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
The objectives Of the&pT Global Peace Parks are:
° TO nurture the growth Of peace and understanding 8t home and throughout the world.
° TO enhance awareness Of8 community's commitment tO peace and 8healthy
8Dvin}DDl8DL
° TO create 8 common ground for members Of the community tO come together iD
C8|8br8tiOD of their D8tiOD'S p8Op|8. |8Dd. and heritage, and the CO00OD future Of all
humankind.
° TO reflect OD our connectedness tO one another 8S8 Global Family and tO the earth Of
which w8 are all 8p8rt.
The Bolton Peace Park will be situated in downtown Bolton, off of Mill Street, on the south bank
Of the Main Humber River. The draft design includes 8 resting area, 13 conifer trees
representing the 13 provinces and territories in the country as well as the extension of the
Humber Valley Heritage Trail, along the flood control berm.
It is anticipated that vvOrh for the construction of the project will begin in 88dy Spring 2012 in
partnership with the TACA and the Town OfC8|8dOD with 8 launch expected afterwards iDlate
Spring/early Summer 2O12.
AS the only Canadian Heritage River iD the Greater Toronto Area, this project contributes to the
promotion and celebration of watershed heritage and will be a significant addition to the
Humber River watershed.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
It is estimated the project will cost approximately $35.000. {lDC8 the budget has been finalized,
Town Of C8|8dOD staff will 08h8 8 request in their 2012 capital budget. A contribution may be
8v8i|8b|8 from TACA via their P88| A8giOD capital budget request subject to approval.
RE WATERSHED REPORT CARDS
CODS8rv8tiOD {lDt8riO guidelines for producing VV8t8rSh8d Report Cards.
K8Ov8d by: LiSett8 K88||Et
S8CODd8d by: K88d8|8iD8 K8CDOw8U
THAT the Conservation Ontario guidelines for watershed report cards be used for
producing the next Humber Watershed Report Card;
AND FURTHER THAT U-RCAwatershed teams be requested 10 appoint one staff to assist
in the research" writing and production of the watershed report cards- - - - - - - - CARRIED
G46 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
At Authority meeting #8/10. held OD July 23. 2010. r8SO|utiOD #A121/1O was approved and
states 8Sfollows.
THAT D9CA staff be authorized tO partner with Greening Greater Toronto, 8n initiative Of
the Toronto City Summit Alliance, tDproduce the first edition Of The Living City Report
Card/n conjunction with the Greening Greater Toronto Score Card;
THAT D9CA staff continue tO produce brief report cards On the health Ofindividual
watersheds in D9CA'3 jurisdiction On 8 five year cycle /o8DvNng the production of The
Living City Report Card subject to data availability, funding and staff resources;
AND FURTHER THAT D9CA staff make provision in the 2012-2021 capital budget
forecast for producing report cards.
Watershed Report Cards have been produced for many of the watersheds in the TRCA
jurisdiction over the years. These documents communicated the condition of various aspects
of watersheds such as vv8t8r quality, natural COv8r. heritage, and stewardship. In January 2011.
TACA in COOp8r8tiOD with Greater Toronto CiviCACtiODA||i8DC8 (former Toronto City Summit
Alliance), produced the first edition of The Living City Report Card (LCRC) which discussed
p8r80Et8rS r8|8v8Dt to the entire Greater Toronto Area jurisdiction with less focus on the
condition and variability of individual watersheds. The main topics of the LCRC were carbon
80iSSiODS. air quality, vv8t8r. vv8St8. |8Dd use and biOdiv8rSity.
ASOf November 2O1O. 28Of the 38 Conservation Authorities iD Ontario were producing
vv8t8rSh8d report cards. Unfortunately, there are 08Dy iDCODSiSt8DCi8S in the various
jurisdictions in terms of methodology, content, format and frequency of publication. As a result,
the utility of the documents is diminished at a provincial scale. To help bring consistency in the
way Conservation Authorities produce watershed report cards, Conservation Ontario has
produced 8 guideline. An Ov8n/i8vv of this guideline is as fO||OvvS.
INDICATORS
CODS8n/8tiOD Authorities are 8Sh8d to report OD 8 set number Of indicators as listed b8|Ovv. This
r8COgDiz8S that different jurisdictions have more Or |8SS ability to produce report cards due to
8v8i|8b|8 r8SOurC8S. Space permitting, one or two other indicators may be added that reflect an
important issue in the subject watershed.
°
surface vv8t8r quality - E. CO|i, total phosphorus and b8DthiC invertebrates
°
forest CODditiODS -fOr8St COv8r, forest interior and per C8Dt riparian forest
°
groundwater quality - nitrate and nitrites
OPTIONAL FEATURES
VV8t8rSh8d report cards can include 8 summary Of other vv8t8rSh8d features that help to
describe Subvv8t8rSh8dS and give an indication Of 8DvirOD08Dt8| Str8SS8S. These features
vvOu|d vary |OC8||y and could include: Str880 f|Ovv, fisheries r8SOurC8S. SOi| 8rOSiOD. d80S and
barriers, watercourse characteristics, pOpu|8tiOD. Spi||S. tiling and drainage, vvEt|8Dd COv8r.
significant natural 8r88S, heritage r8SOurC8S and buSiD8SS outreach. VV8t8rSh8dS are different
SO 8 key theme Or issue could be highlighted.
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
GRADING
Regardless Of whether the audience Of the watershed report card iS other agency staff Orthe
general public, 8 definition Of the grades iS important. Grades are tOb8 defined 8S follows. The
guideline provides 8 system for defining what constitutes each grade.
A - Excellent
B - GOOd
C - Fair
D - POOr
F - Very Poor
FORMAT
There are three formats for delivering vv8t8nGh8d information to r8|8v8Dt 8udi8DC8S and it is
recommended that Conservation Authorities utilize each Ofthese:
°
Technical Report outlining methodology, individual subwatersheds , and supporting
resource information;
°
Public outreach summarized report card that profiles Subvv8t8rSh8d grades for entire
Conservation Authority watershed as well as Conservation Authority programs, and
stewardship actions that residents can i0p|808Dt;
° VV8bSit8 page that provides easy access tO all products.
|tiS recommended that the three products all share consistent, standardized branding and
layout iD order tO present 8 visibly, consistent grouping Of 'watershed-b8S8d' products. This will
help to identify all the report cards 8S Conservation Authority report cards. |tiS also suggested
that the report cards provide standard topics Of information r8|8v8Dt to all CODS8n/8tiOD
Authorities and their residents. This vvOu|d include an 8xp|8D8tiOD Of8watershed, and |OC8tiOD
map, 8S well 8S text describing programs and services provided by the Conservation Authority
and actions that other agencies Or individuals can dOtO protect Or restore their local
vv8t8rSh8dS.
Conservation Ontario has developed 8 template which uses 8 number Of common features, yet
still provides enough flexibility in writing and design to ensure local issues and flavour are
reflected iD each Watershed Report Card. This approach will increase their recognition 8S8
group Of Watershed Report Cards produced by Conservation Authorities.
The common characteristics include:
8} Format - SixtO eight page folded full CO|Our product. Folds to 8 D8nOvv layout
b} Colours - blue, green and white Conservation Ontario colours
C} Name Of watershed report card and date iD upper left hand corner
d} Overall watershed grades ODcover
8} C8||Out K88p - 8C8||Out map which identifies the |OC8| vv8t8rSh8d within the provincial
context
f) Logos - on front at bottom: Conservation Authority logo and Conservation Ontario
member logo Ortext
g} Set Of coloured maps with Subvv8t8rSh8dSidentified
G48 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
h} Labelled photos depicting local areas, programs, biOdiv8rSit« and Conservation
Authority staff working
i} Sections that provide information on what is a watershed; suggestions for local actions;
and sidebars OD key issues such 8S climate change
D Section that features Conservation Authority partnerships and programs
h} Contact information and data source acknowledgement
Example style format:
�wuo�c�u*�um �~
W�
per ���-��-
Wa*er5hed Reporl Cayrd |
Inside
IndkAws
Rear
whers
Showcases what the
CA is doing
"111191MIN,"Is `71
mewwdsKlp
CA Contact Info
-P�]- —-----—----------
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
FREQUENCY
VV8t8nGh8d Report C8njS will be CO0p|8t8d ODC8 every five y88nG starting in 2012. Using five
year blocks Of data minimizes seasonal variation and sampling error, and provides sufficient
data for r8|i8b|8 summary statistics for surface water and gn}uDdvv8t8r S80p|8S. This five-year
step also coincides with census information which can be incorporated into the report cards.
The next set of Conservation Authority report cards should be completed in 2012, using data
from 2OO7 - 2O11. With Conservation Ontario's help, they could b8 launched 8S8 group 8tthe
end Of2O12Or the beginning Of2O13tO coincide with World Water Day.
WATERSHED UPDATES
Given the long time frame between actual report cards, itiS also being recommended that
Conservation Authorities consider producing and publishing Watershed Updates.
More narrative in nature, these Watershed Updates would provide more detail or different
information around watershed management efforts and progress Or cover other program areas
not covered in the report cards. They provide an opportunity for the Conservation Authorities to
address larger, more specific iSSu8S in 8 |OC8| context. The important CODSid8r8tiOD is that
these valuable Watershed Updates being produced iD between the five year Watershed Report
Cards need tOb88 different format iD order tO avoid confusion. They can b88S many pages 8S
the Conservation Authority desires and can b8 stapled Or folded; however, itiSrecommended
that they not b8 the same narrow format 8S the Watershed Report Card.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
° Humber Watershed Team tO coordinate the production Of the 2O12 edition Ofreport
cards for watersheds and the waterfront in TACA'S jurisdiction.
° Each watershed team b8 requested tO nominate one staff tO assist iD the research,
writing and production Of the report cards.
° ASt8rt up meeting be held in October with representatives OfTACAwatershed staff.
° Watershed groups be invited to participate at appropriate stages in the production of
the report cards. Since the CODS8rv8tiOD {lDt8riO guidelines being fO||Ovv8d are
prescriptive in nature to ensure consistency between Conservation Authorities, input
may be limited to reviewing draft documents and providing comments to staff.
RE - CLA|REV|LLE CONSERVATION AREA INTER-REGIONAL TRAIL
AL|GKUKNEKUT
Report OD the site visit held OD S8turd8y, April 30. 2011 and the public
meeting held OD ThurSd8y, June 9, 2011.
K8Ov8d by: LiSett8 K88||Et
S8CODd8d by: K88d8|8iD8 K8CDOvv8||
THAT the staff report on the CUaireviUUe Inter-Regional Trail Alignment at the CUaireviUUe
Conservation Area be received for information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
G50 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
BACKGROUND
The Authority, 8t its meeting +¥7/11 held OD July 29. 2O11. adopted Resolution #A151/11. 8S
fOUOvvS:
THAT Toronto and Region COn3erv8tiOn/4uthority /D9( AU3taffbe8uthOnzedtOpODCeed
with the construction Of the inter-regional tr8il/n8CCOR2anCevNfhthe8ppODved
Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan and identified as TRCA's preferred
alignment in the drawing included as Attachment /, dated July 10, 2011;
THAT the construction Ofthe trail besubject tO the availability Offunding from the City Of
Brampton;
THAT D9CA staff maximize environmental enhancements such 83forest establishment,
meadow protection, 3tre8nnb8nkpA]nting, we�andCOB8�On and/nteq}OB�vesigns /n
833OC/a�Onv�� the �a�COn3�uC�OntOi ODvepublic8w8rene338ndtheOvera0he8lth
and diversity Of the property;
AND FURTHER THAT authorized D9CA officials be directed tOtake whatever action /s
necessary tDimplement the trail construction including obtaining necessary approvals
and the signing 8nd8xeCutiOnOfdOCunnent3.
On K88rCh 25, 2011. TACA staff provided 8 report and pr8S8Dt8tiOD tO the Authority regarding
the updates tO the C|8ir8vi||8 Conservation Area Management Plan. The new management plan
included 8 preferred alignment for the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail which |iDhS the City Of Toronto trail
system tO the City Of Brampton and ultimately, tO the Town OfC8|8dOD. The proposed inter-
regional tr8i| alignment was also included iD the City Of Brampton Trail K88St8r P|8D which
followed 8 thorough public consultation process.
The proposed inter-regional trail iS three metres wide with 8 crushed limestone tread. This
construction detail is considered an appropriate dimension that permits quiet enjoyment by the
public, minimizes user conflicts, provides access for emergency services, if needed, reduces
personal liability and avoids costly upgrades and maintenance byhaving tO increase the size Of
the trail 8S more people discover and want tO access public land. |tiS generally agreed that 8
properly sized and sited trail will lead users iD8D orderly and respectful fashion through 8
property; h8DC8 contributing to the protection Of its natural features and functions.
TACA staff has done 8 thorough assessment Of the inter-regional trail alignment alternatives.
Primary considerations are as follows:
° terrestrial and aquatic species and habitats;
° human heritage resources;
° f|OOd|iD8S�
'
° topography;
° user experience;
° adjacent land uses;
° safety;
0 site disturbance;
0 costs;
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
°
restoration opportunities.
TACA and City Of Brampton staff support the inter-regional trail alignment. Neither agency
note any concerns that would compromise the existing or potential quality of the property.
Two delegations were heard by the Authority OD March 25. 2O11 questioning the need, route
and width of the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail north Of [)u88D Street.
At Authority K88EtiDg #3/11. held OD K88rCh 25, 2011. A8SO|utiOD #A47/11 was 8pprOv8d, in
part, as follows:
THAT the Claireville Conservation Area Management Plan, dated March 20//, including
updates described herein, be 8ppODvert...
...AND FURTHER THAT D9CA staff continue to work with local community groups Ontrail
options for the alignment/nthe vicinity Of Queen Street and staff invite Authority
members tD attend 8 site visit.
{lD April 3O. 2O11. TACA and the City Of Brampton hosted 8 site visit tO discuss concerns and
alternate trail 8|igD08DtS. All TACA board members were invited. Attendees included:
° 11 local residents;
.
° John VViUettS. Friends OfQ8ir8viU8;
° P8t8r [)qJh8DOS. Sierra Club Of P88| Region;
° |8iD Craig, Humber Watershed AUi8DC8;
° three TACA �����
.
° three City OfBrampton staff;
° John SprOvi8ri, A8giOD8| Councillor and TACAbO8nj member;
° Lois Griffin, TACA board member.
There were opinions expressed both iD favour and opposing the proposed inter-regional trail
alignment. The main environmental concerns expressed by individuals opposed tO the trail
alignment were the removal Of trees and the bridge crossing over the West Humber River. The
trail can avoid most trees because they are scattered and few iD number. The number Oftrees
tOb8 removed iS small and are mostly hawthorn, apple, common buckthorn, shrub willow and
Manitoba maple. These species are not Of conservation concern. Buckthorn iS8Dinvasive
non-native species and Manitoba maple iS considered 8D undesirable invasive species, and 8S
such, the best management practice iStO remove both species. The trail plan also proposes
additional planting of trees and shrubs indigenous to the site, as part of the restoration work
fOUOvviDg the trail iDlp|8Dl8Dt8tiOD. Pn}DlCtiDg public trails at C|8ir8vi||8 requires serious
consideration b8 given tO personal safety 8Swell. The location Of the bridge crossing was
pointed out OD the site visit. The bridge location was chosen because it involved very little
impact OD vegetation and aquatic habitat. An engineering study will b8 completed tOselect the
exact river crossing based OD flow, erosion potential, access, slopes, soil conditions, flood
depths and width Off|OOdp|8iD. A technical consulting team will b8 hired tO look 8t the site
conditions and confirm the exact location Of the bridge crossing.
G52 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Mr. John VWU8ttS. pnJpOS8d three trail 8|t8rD8tiv8S north of Queen Street as follows:
° NO iDt8pr8giOD8| trail north Of Queen Street. ViShDnG can use 8 primitive foot path in the
valley (0.5m wide, earth tread).
°
Extend the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail north Of [)u88D Street using the stop light to CrOSS eight
|8D8S of traffic, then use the Sid8w8|h next tO the four-lane K8CV88D Drive for S8v8r8|
hi|O0Etr8S before entering th8C|8ir8vi||8 property 8dj8C8Dt to 8 new subdivision.
°
Route the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail from the C)u88D Street bridge, 8CrOSS Op8D fields and
TACA-owned |8Dd rented for farm uS8. north 8|ODg TACA |8Dd 8dj8C8Dt to K8nV88D
Drive, 8dj8C8Dt to 8 residential subdivision and through the K8CV88D farm 8g8iD, b8Ch to
the valley tO jOiD the trail 8|igD08Dt in the valley.
Option 1 dO8S not 08Et the TACAand City Of Brampton objective for 8D uninterrupted inter-
regional trail linking the City Of Toronto tOthe City Of Brampton 8Dd. 8v8Dtu8||y. the Town Of
C8|8dOD.
Option 2 introduces unnecessary safety risks and 8Dunpleasant trail experience byhaving to
follow the Sid8vv8|h 8dj8C8Dt to K8CV88D Drive. Experience ShOvvS that p8Op|8 resist walking
8dj8C8Dt tO busy highways.
Option 3 encroaches on sensitive habitats; requires a bridge crossing where the West Humber
River's f|OOdp|8iD width and height Of banks make it impractical for 8 bridge; requires 8second
bridge introducing more cost; encroaches on an existing farm operation; increases the risk of
vandalism and theft 8t the farm; increases the cost Of the project due tO8 longer trail length;
and introduces conflicts with the adjacent residential area.
On May 27. 2011 the Authority deferred the d8CiSiOD OD the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail 8|igD08Dt at the
request of the K88yOr Of Brampton and COuDCi||Or John SprOvi8ri. More time was being sought
tO address concerns that the trail might introduce more theft and safety problems tOthe
nearby neighbourhood. Some residents also felt that exiting the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail in the
V8||8yCr88h subdivision may attract more traffic and unauthorized parking OD local streets.
{lD June 18. 2O118 public meeting was hosted byTACA and the City OfBrampton.
Approximately 100 residents attended in addition to the Mayor of Brampton, Councillor
SprOvi8ri and Councillor Dhi||OD. The trail alignment and design specifications were described
to those in 8tt8Dd8DC8. Crime statistics were not available from P88| A8giOD8| Police. HOvv8v8r.
in 8t8|8phOD8 CODv8rS8tiOD. it was the opinion Of crime prevention pO|iC8 0ffiC8rS that the trail
being proposed vvOu|d not directly contribute to iDCr88S8d crime rates in the surrounding
residential areas. Crime statistic maps provided by Toronto Police Services for the Jane/Finch
community were illustrated. They also did not show any COn8|8tiOD between public trails in
v8||8y|8Dd and the incidence Of crime close tOv8||8y|8Ddtr8i|S.Th8 strongest opposition tOthe
inter-regional trail was from approximately ten homeowners whose properties back onto TACA
land.
After listening tO the comments provided by those who attended the public meeting, several
Ch8Dg8S to the original iDt8pr8giOD8| trail 8|igD08Dt are r8CO008Dd8d. First|y, the width of the
trail for 630 0 before exiting 8tVa||8yCr88h Drive be D8rn}vv8d from 3 0 wide to 1.8 0 wide.
Granular |i08StOD8 or wood chips will be used OD the tread surface. Reducing the trail width at
this location will help facilitate 8D access point that caters tO the local community. S8CODd|y. 8
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
new 54O0 segment Of trail will cross the river and end 8t8trai|h88d and parking area along
GOr8w8y Drive. This access point will favour regional users and help prevent people from out
of the area from parking OD |OC8| streets to 8CC8SS the trail.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The City Of Brampton has approved 8 capital budget to fund the construction of the inter-
regional trail north Of Queen Street. The estimated cost for three hi|ODletr8S of trail and two
bridges iS $1.5million.
DETAILS OF WORK T0 BE DONE
° |DC|ud8 the iDt8pr8giOD8| trail 8|igD08Dt in the approved C|8ir8vi||8 CODS8nxatiOD Area
K88D8g808Dt P|8D dated K88rCh 2011.
° TACA and City Of Brampton staff to finalize construction details and obtain all D8C8SS8ry
permits.
° TACA and City Of Brampton enter 8 080Or8Ddu0 Of understanding whereby Brampton
will pay for the trail construction and its |ODg term 08iDt8D8DC8. and TACAvvi|| 08D8g8
the day-to-day construction of the vvOrh.
° Staff will investigate with St8h8hO|d8rS other appropriate secondary walking trails that
will |iDh to neighbouring residential 8r88S (i.8. DuD8gr8SS Gate and K8CV88D Drive) and
points Of interest within the C|8ir8vi||8 Conservation Area.
RE SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following SubCO00itt88S are
provided for information.
K8Ov8d by: Deb Schulte
S8CODd8d by: K88d8|8iD8 K8CDOvv8||
THAT the following minutes be received:
Black Creek Smbcommmmi1tee#3/11 (July 27\
Boyd/East Humber Subcommittee #4/11 (July 27\- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Hustle Up the Humber
This triathlon event (running, C8DO8iDg and CyC|iDg) will t8h8 p|8C8 OD Sunday, {lCtOb8r 18.
2O118t Etienne Bru|8 Park from 1O:OO80tO4:OOpm.
G54 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Celebrate CUaireviUUe
This event will take place OD Saturday, October 15. 2O11 from 11:OO8DltD2:OOpDl starting 8t
the Paul Flood K880Ori8| Building. Activities will include canoeing, 8 na ture hike and 8 heritage
vv8|h.
Hike the Humber
TO commemorate the 57*^ 8DDiv8nG8ry Of HuniC8D8 H8z8|, TACA and the Humber Valley
Heritage Trail ASSOCi8tiOD will be hosting an eight kilometre walk from BiDd8rtwiD8tO Boyd
Conservation Area from 9:OO80tO12noon.
Humber Heritage LEAF Walk
K8. McDowell announced that this event will take place OD Sunday, October 18,^. 2O11.
Gov- J.G. Simmcoe Re-Enactment
This event is scheduled for S8turd8y. September 24. 2011 from 9:30 80 to 2:00 p0 at the
AOuSS88u Site. The Toronto Historical Park DOd8S will be ShOvvC8S8d.
Lower Humber Weirs
D. HutCh8OD reported that at the LOvv8r DuDd8S Bridge Sit8, the stone walls are CO||8pSiDg and
OD the fourth vv8ir, the stOD8S have fallen dOvvD. G. VVi|hiDS advised that TACA'S Erosion Control
Staff has been notified and 8 structural 8SS8SS08Dt Of all the vv8irS will be undertaken.
September 20, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE
DOOR PRIZE
AS 8tOh8D Of the Authority's 8ppr8C8dOD for the 080b8rS' participation OD the Humber
Watershed Alliance, 8draw was held for two baskets Of locally grown food directly from our
Living City Farm complements Of Matchbox Gardens The winning tickets belonged tOHeather
Broadbent and Brian Pittman.
TERKN|KUAT|OKU
ON K8{lT|{lN. the meeting terminated at 9:20 p.0.. September 20. 2011
Adele Freeman Brian E. DenneV
Dir8{tOr, VV8t8rSh8d K88D8g808Dt Secretary-Treasurer
/L.
k+%k
THE TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF THE HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 Page G56
December 6, 2011
The Humber Watershed Alliance met at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection on Tuesday,
December 6, 2011. Chair lain Craig called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
PRESENT
Mary Louise Ashbourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jim Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sharon Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Heather Broadbent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
lainCraig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair
Dianne Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Tom Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jerry Gorman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Alyson Hazlett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Ron Hingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Gaspar Horvath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Michael Hoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
David Hutcheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barb Imrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mike Mattos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Madeleine McDowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Brian Pittman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Sid Preece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Debbie Schaefer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Mary Serniak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Lynn Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Rolande Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Chris Svirklys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Peter Telford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Barry Westhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
Jessica Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member
GUESTS
Edith George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ontario Urban Forest Council
Janet Wong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Region of Peel
G57 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
STAFF
Lia Lappano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant, Humber
Susan Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Manager, Humber
Randi Shulman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator, Humber Stewardship
Gary Wilkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Watershed Specialist, Humber
R ES. #G25/11 - MINUTES
Moved by: David Hutcheon
Seconded by: Heather Broadbent
THAT the minutes of meeting #3/11, held on September 20, 2011,
be approved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Bolton Camp
J. Gorman will take the lead to organize a tour of the Bolton Camp in the spring of 2012. J.
Gorman to contact Cindy Glassford as a resource for the camp property tour.
SNAP
G. Wilkins to contact the TRCA SNAP Program staff and ask them to consider the Etobicoke-
Lakeshore area as a future SNAP site.
Bolton Peace Park
J. Gorman advised that the Bolton Peace Park will be relocated to a larger venue in downtown
Bolton due to the support of the Bolton Rotary. Additionally, the site will be renamed Founder's
Park.
CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Letter from the Don Watershed Regeneration Council to the City of Toronto dated
November 4, 2011, re: Official Plan Review
RES. #G26/11
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: Debbie Schaefer
THAT the above-noted correspondence be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the new amended Toronto Official Plan contain blanket protection
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G58
of views and vistas of and from ravines and valleys with special regard to the top of bank
associated with them. It is not simply a matter of visible intrusion into these public
realms. It is also an issue of deepening the ravine by adding built structures along the
top of bank. This alters sound quality within the valley/ravine caused by the presence of
hard, man-made sound reflecting surfaces. This introduces or raises urban noise levels
within the valley/ravine and destroys the quiet and tranquility within natural spaces. The
'quiet' is an essential aspect of the valley/ravine. This natural sound oasis caused by a
combination of geological structure and vegetation is of documented value to humans for
mental regeneration from modern stress; essential to song birds for communication; and
affects almost all animal behavior. Raising the height of ravine walls also affects the wind
and air currents within the valley thus impacting the natural environment . . . . . . CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
(a) Heritage Trees in the City of Toronto
Edith George of the Ontario Urban Forest Council made a presentation on the importance of
heritage trees and particularly one white oak tree in the Village of Weston. The presentation
also described the tree designation process.
(b) Urban Agriculture Video
TRCA staff recently completed a video highlighting our urban agriculture initiatives. This video
was showcased at the Charles Sauriol Conservation Dinner.
(c ) Subcommittee Accomplishments and 2012 Activities
S. Robertson, in conjunction with several members, reported on the accomplishments of the
various subcommittees of the Humber Watershed Alliance as well as some of the initiatives
planned for 2012.
G59 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
ES. #G27/11 - ROADS AND WILDLIFE PROJECT
To strike a working committee to gather data and explore habitat
enhancement opportunities in the Lower Humber.
Moved by: Dianne Douglas
Seconded by: Sharon Bradley
THAT the staff report on the Roads and Wildlife Project be received;
THAT a working committee be struck to gather data to explore habitat enhancement
projects that provide nesting, foraging, basking, and over-wintering opportunities in the
Lower Humber;
AND FURTHER THAT Humber Watershed Alliance members be encouraged to participate
in the working group.
AMENDMENT
RES. #G28/11
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the staff report on the Roads and Wildlife Project be received;
THAT a working committee be struck to gather data to explore habitat enhancement
projects that provide nesting, foraging, basking, and over-wintering opportunities in the
Lower Humber;
AND FURTHER THAT David Hutcheon, Gaspar Horvath and Madeleine McDowell be
appointed to the working group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Ontario Road Ecology Group (GREG) was established in 1999 with the goal of protecting
biodiversity from the threats of roads. Given that Ontario has the greatest density of people and
roads in Canada, as well as very high levels of biodiversity and Species At Risk (SAR), wildlife
/road collisions are on the rise. However, most of the collisions involving small wildlife (e.g.
snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, small mammals) are never documented. For many
of these species, road mortality is a key threat to survival and the persistence of their
population.
Based out of the Toronto Zoo, the OREG is a partnership organization made up of government
and non-government agencies, scientists, other groups dedicated to resolving road ecology
issues. However, this group recognizes that public involvement is critical to the success of this
program and that province-wide mitigation and conservation is dependent on community
engagement through reports of opportunistic wildlife/road interaction sightings
(www.wildIifeonroads.org) as well as organized citizen monitoring programs.
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G60
To promote community engagement, the OREG created a Community Wildlife/Road Interaction
Monitoring Protocol, which has since been successfully applied in the Etobicoke-Mimico and
Rouge Rivers through the creation of wildlife stewardship monitoring groups. The goal of the
group is to walk sensitive natural areas that have open roadways to monitor for wildlife and to
document injuries or fatalities. Regularly collected through a routine monitoring program, this
data is then entered by a member of the group into a dataset provided by the Toronto Zoo.
Species identification, and number of injuries or fatalities are measured from specific `hot spots'
and then strategies for protection can be developed.
Due to local concerns over the protection of nesting turtle habitat and the fatalities of migrating
snakes in the Lower Humber, residents came together in partnership with Toronto and Region
Conservation and the City of Toronto, to form a committee that will work to protect the wildlife of
the Lower Humber. The TRCA had already identified this area as a zone of concern for reptiles
and had recently installed 'brake for snake' signage as well as snake basking habitat in an
attempt to reduce snake mortalities. However, in partnership with a committed group of
citizens, a lot more can be achieved to benefit the Humber's wildlife.
Newly formed, this group will start in the spring of 2012 and their data will help levels of
government to identify opportunities for habitat enhancement projects that provide nesting,
foraging, basking and over-wintering opportunities in urban settings. Watch for us walking the
Lower Humber valley and if you're interested in participating, please contact Susan Robertson,
Humber River Project Manager to discuss further.
Together this initiative will help us to understand the issues and threats that wildlife face in the
Lower Humber from which we can develop appropriate and effective solutions for them.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Formalize a group name;
• Identify additional members of core team and respective roles;
• Initiate monitoring protocol with TRCA staff;
• Hold a `dry-run' site visit with group members and TRCA staff.
RES. #G29/11 - GREEN STREAM CHALLENGE: ADOPT THE HUMBER
To support the Green Stream Challenge: Adopt the Humber project.
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the staff report on the Green Stream Challenge: Adopt the Humber Project be
received;
THAT the Claireville Subcommittee adopt the Green Stream Challenge as a major
initiative in 2012;
G61 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Claireville Subcommittee be encouraged to join the
community leadership forum in 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Green Stream Challenge aims to become one of the largest environmental stewardship
programs in the West Humber subwatershed. In partnership with the City of Brampton and city
programs, the TRCA will focus on utilizing community capacity to encourage residents to
connect to each other over their shared natural spaces through community-led tree plantings,
clean-ups, wildlife habitat construction and a myriad of other environmental initiatives.
This program is aimed primarily at community groups, schools and local businesses and will
encourage local residents to come together to learn about the West Humber River watershed
and organize to make a difference for the health of the river. The goal is to build local
stewardship capacity, as levels are currently very low in this newly urbanized area.
The project areas are identified within new communities where restoration within the valley is
greatly needed in a post-development scenario. Together, the City and the TRCA have
identified preliminary restoration opportunities that are key to the meeting the watershed plan
regeneration action items for the West Humber River and will work together with the community
to meet these objectives.
As part of the challenge, there will be an interactive website where various teams that have
adopted a site (4 sites targeted in total selected for starters) will list their achievements and
challenge each other to work towards the sites goals. Winning challenge teams will be
recognized for their accomplishments at a Humber Watershed Alliance meeting and will be
featured in the community newsletter!
Set to be officially launched through a community leadership forum in spring 2012, the program
will be ongoing and will move from site to site as priorities are achieved across the watershed.
Targets
• Rehabilitate stream channels through naturalization - riparian, tree and shrub planting;
• Host an annual EXPO where local leaders and the community can learn about and
participate in environmental awareness and programming ;
• Promote environmental awareness, watershed education and stewardship;
• Promote water conservation and stormwater management practices through rainbarrels,
etc;
• Provide semi-annual newsletters to community members providing updates on the
status of the projects and highlighting accomplishments as well as upcoming initiatives,
activities and events;
• Promote cultural heritage awareness through signage and archaeology workshops;
• Host monitoring activities for amphibians and wildlife;
• Partner with other agencies to promote environmental programs- i.e. Turtle Tally.
Goals & Outcomes
• To protect, restore and celebrate 25 targeted sites within the West Humber River, over a
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G62
period of nine years through community capacity building and local leadership
initiatives;
• To develop a well-connected community network that works towards benefitting the
natural environment in the City of Brampton and the Humber River watershed;
• To achieve targets set out within the watershed plan for the rehabilitation of the West
Humber River;
• To promote outdoor education through hands-on workshops and activities that support
watershed awareness.
RES. #G30/11 - TORONTO URBAN FARM
To provide a status update on the Toronto Urban Farm located in the City
of Toronto.
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the staff report on the status update on the Toronto Urban Farm in the City of
Toronto be received for information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The concept of the Toronto Urban Farm at Black Creek Pioneer Village was developed in 2002.
Shortly thereafter, TRCA requested support from the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and
Recreation Department to realize the concept and in 2003, an advisory committee was
established to support project implementation. TRCA and the City of Toronto entered into a
management agreement in 2004 for eight acres of land located at the southeast corner of Jane
Street and Steeles Avenue, in the City of Toronto whereby the City was to manage this parcel of
TRCA-owned land for the establishment of an organic urban farm. Prior to this, the City
demonstrated its expertise in managing a successful Community Gardens Program (CGP).
Since 2004, the Toronto Urban Farm at Black Creek Pioneer Village has played an important
role in revitalizing the local food system in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Toronto Urban
Farm has also been successful in promoting social equity and food security in one of Toronto's
most vulnerable communities by:
• engaging over 100 youth and community members in urban organic farming;
• providing skills and leadership development opportunities;
• fostering greater interaction among community members;
• providing jobs and meaningful work for the local community;
• providing increased opportunities for access to fresh and healthy foods.
In 2010 and 2011, to help TRCA meet its 40 percent local food procurement target for its
facilities, the Toronto Urban Farm supplied fresh produce to Black Creek Pioneer Village Food
Services which was used in the meals served to visitors.
G63 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
Recently, a Harvest Festival was held at the farm for the very first time which attracted
approximately 500 community members to come together to celebrate the harvest season and
take part in various activities. The festival was organized by staff from TRCA and the Jane and
Finch Community/Family Centre, as well as residents from the Jane and Finch area.
Current Status of the Toronto Urban Farm and Request for Proposals
As part of the City of Toronto's 2012 operating budget process, it was recommended that the
Toronto Urban Farm no longer be funded by the City of Toronto, and that the eight acre site
including the Braeburn House, a heritage house located on-site, formally be turned back to
TRCA for future management.
In light of this decision, TRCA is seeking out a new agricultural partnership and will be issuing a
Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease the eight acres and Braeburn House to farm/community
organizations and individuals. TRCA is seeking a suitable partner to help advance TRCA's
Sustainable Communities mandate, and to help engage the broader community in the Jane
and Finch neighbourhood by working with partners to help to build capacity and address food
security concerns through harvest sharing, education and training. The new partner will also be
expected to work with TRCA Food Services to help TRCA achieve its local food procurement
targets. The RFP is expected to be issued in December, 2011. The RFP will be sent out to
various individuals and organizations, including current TRCA farm tenants, and will also be
advertised in the North York Mirror and Vaughan Citizen.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
• Send out RFP in December, 2011.
• Select new farm partner February-March 2012.
• Initiate lease negotiations March 2012 onwards.
RES. #G31/11- HERITAGE BRIDGE CONSORTIUM
Hosting the Heritage Bridge Consortium in January, 2012.
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the staff report on the Heritage Bridge Consortium be received . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G64
BACKGROUND
Further to the recommendations and suggested next steps in Crossing the Humber- The
Humber River Heritage Bridge Inventory (July 2011), TRCA staff is leading the initiative to host a
Heritage Bridge Consortium, with particular emphasis on the remaining bowstring bridges on
the Humber River, located in Brampton and Vaughan.
The consortium, set to be held in January 2012, will serve to bring together a variety of
stakeholders to discuss the preservation and rehabilitation of these cultural heritage assets
from industry, municipal, regional and provincial government and the heritage community.
Opportunities for partnership will be explored.
It is expected that this consortium will lead to a solution for enhancement of these bridges so
that they may more fully become functional parts of the community pedestrian transit network
that highlight community history from a Canadian Heritage Rivers perspective.
RES. #G32/11- URBAN FOREST STUDIES AND EMERALD ASH BORER
Update of Peel, York, Toronto, Ajax and Pickering urban forest studies
and emerald ash borer.
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the staff report on urban forest studies managed by TRCA and the emerald ash
borer issue be received for information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Authority, at its meeting held on November 25, 2011, adopted the following resolution:
THE AUTHORITY RECOMMENDS THAT staff continue their involvement in the Peel
Region urban forest work, in particular in the role outlined in the Peel Region Urban
Forest Strategy goals, recognizing the urban forest as a mitigation and adaptation
measure identified in the Peel Climate Change Strategy;
THAT staff pursue support from urban forest study partners for the development of a
compilation report of urban forest studies conducted to date in the Toronto Region
(specifically the York, Peel, Toronto, Ajax and Pickering studies);
AND THAT, in order to address the current emerald ash borer (EAB) issue, TRCA staff
involved in urban forestry work continue to provide support to municipalities that are
developing EAB management strategies.
The urban forest by definition is a dynamic system that includes all trees, shrubs and
understory plants, as well as the soils that sustain them, ranging from individual street trees to
wooded areas, on public and private lands.
G65 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
One of the recommendations in the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Terrestrial Natural Heritage System Strategy in 2007, was to undertake urban forest studies and
strategies across the TRCA jurisdiction. At that time, TRCA staff canvassed municipalities and
others to identify urban forest initiatives within our watersheds. Through this exercise we found
that a number of municipalities were either planning, or already had funding, to conduct studies
within their own jurisdictions.
TRCA staff took advantage of the coinciding studies by initiating an informal collaborative
between the various Municipal and Conservation Authority project managers, as well as
academic and community stakeholders. The primary objective of this collaborative was to
ensure that the result of the studies could be standardized across the GTA in order to facilitate
comparisons between municipalities; the development of complementary strategies; and
ultimately the creation of a comprehensive regional report (see Recommendation for
compilation report).
The objectives of the urban forest studies are:
1) To quantify the existing distribution, structure (composition, condition, etc.) and function
(carbon sequestration, air pollution removal, etc.) of the urban forest.
The collaborative selected the USDA Forest Service methodology for data collection and its
suite of analytical tools, known as i-Tree Eco (including the Urban Forest Effects or UFORE
model). Using data collected on the ground combined with local weather, pollution and
hydrological data, i-Tree provides information on the forest's health and its capacity to
contribute to better air quality, water management, reductions in energy costs, amongst other
calculations. Air photograph and satellite imagery are used to determine the forest cover and
distribution.
2) To provide a baseline for future monitoring.
Recommendations are made in the studies for planning and monitoring cycles. All sample plots
are set up in a manner that allows revisiting their exact location and thus permits long-term
monitoring. It is foreseen that the technologies for data analysis and remote sensing will also be
replicable and compatible in the long-term.
3) To outline the preliminary actions needed to enhance the capacity of the urban forest to
provide essential ecosystem services.
The study findings are used as the basis for urban forest management plans and policies
related to designing healthy and sustainable communities. TRCA staff has undertaken a
stakeholder consultation process to build a constituency around the recommendations that
would be put forward in the reports and to increase the momentum and potential for their
successful implementation. The objective includes managing crisis situations such as the
current threat of emerald ash borer on ashes in all of TRCA's watersheds (see
Recommendation regarding EAB) but also recognizes the need for long-term, ongoing
management for resilience and sustainability.
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G66
Since 2008, TRCA has managed urban forest studies for the Region of Peel (including
Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Town of Ajax, Region of York (including Vaughan,
Markham and Richmond Hill) and City of Pickering, as well as sitting on the City of Toronto's
steering committee for their urban forest study in 2009. Technical Working Groups were set up
for each study that included staff from TRCA and from each municipality. Credit Valley
Conservation staff participated on the Technical Working Group for the Peel studies. Central
Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authorities joined in the consultation for
the Ajax, Pickering and York Region studies respectively.
2011 Updates
Town of Ajax Study
• The Town of Ajax Urban Forest Study Report was completed in 2010.
• That report was used in the development of the Town of Ajax Urban Forest Management
Plan, which was fully endorsed by Council in Spring 2011. Ajax is currently moving
forward on implementing its first 5-year increment, including operating and capital
works.
Peel Region Studies
• The Region of Peel study was completed this year. The Urban Forest Study Technical
Reports for each of the municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon as well as
the Peel Region Urban Forest Strategy (attached) were submitted in June.
• A Peel staff report was given to Peel Council in October seeking endorsement of the
Strategy. It highlighted the next steps, which include setting up an Urban Forest
Working Group and initiating the development of urban forest targets. Meaghan
Eastwood, TRCA, delivered a presentation on the Strategy to Council. The Strategy was
endorsed along with two amendments to the recommendations related to addressing
the threat of emerald ash borer.
City of Pickering Study
• The Pickering Urban Forest Study Report was circulated to stakeholders in September
and a Stakeholders Workshop was held in October of this year to engage stakeholders
for input.
• The Report is projected to be finalized by year end and to be presented to Pickering
Council in early 2012.
York Region Studies
• In May of this year, an information session was held for senior management from York
Region, the City of Vaughan and the Towns of Markham, Richmond Hill and Aurora. The
purpose was to ensure that senior municipal staff is informed of the purpose of the
urban forest studies and of implications for inter-departmental and inter-agency
collaboration and funding. Much interest was expressed in being involved as the project
develops.
• The Technical Reports for Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill and a Summary
Report for York Region have been drafted. A Stakeholders Workshop will be held prior
to submission of all Reports in early 2012.
G67 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
RATIONALE
Rationale for the recommendation that staff continue involvement in Peel Urban Forest Strategy
implementation
The urban forest studies conducted in this partnership prepare the way for informed, detailed
planning and management of the urban forest in the region. TRCA staff is intimate with the
subject, having managed through the Technical Working Group all aspects of the project: from
work planning to study design, data collection, analysis, technical writing, developing
recommendations, technical review, and stakeholder consultation. Staff also recognizes the
importance of the urban forest to achieving the Living City Region vision for"a new kind of
community where human settlement can flourish as part of nature's beauty and diversity",
including healthy watersheds and sustainable communities.
In addition, TRCA is also developing a climate change risk assessment framework for natural
systems and applying it to the urban forest. The results will help to guide best practices for
adapting urban forest management to climate change, including appropriate species selection
and placement, and will help in the implementation of the Peel Climate Change Strategy.
Staff expertise in urban forestry, the experience gained through the development of the urban
forest strategies, and the climate change assessment tools position TRCA to be an important
contributor to the effective implementation of the Peel Strategy.
Rationale for the recommendation that staff pursue support for the development of a compilation
report of urban forest studies
The urban forest studies are very progressive and the partners involved in this collaborative
effort are responsible for the largest study of its kind worldwide, bringing together nine area
municipalities, three regional municipalities and two Conservation Authorities. Together, these
studies have the potential to increase the profile of the urban forest in broader circles than the
current partnerships to leverage the human and financial resources that are needed for this
Living City Region's urban forest.
A compilation report would be a tool to approach the federal and provincial governments as
well as corporations seeking to increase their sustainability profile and philanthropist
organizations. The purpose is to urge upper tier governments to take responsibility for filling
some important gaps in urban forest research (targets, pests), governance (policies) and
funding (plan implementation). The purpose is also to provide ideas for corporations and
organizations on how to best contribute to environmental and community sustainability in the
greater Toronto area.
Rationale for the recommendation that staff assist municipalities in developing their strategies for
addressing the current issue of emerald ash borer(EAB).
The Ajax, Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon Urban Forest Technical Reports prepared by
TRCA each proposed the development of invasive species strategies. The draft study reports
undertaken in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Pickering contain the same direction.
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G68
The presence of EAB in particular has rapidly become a high priority issue requiring specific
action. TRCA staff is discussing with municipal staff how to address the issue in different parts
of our watersheds. It is important to have a comprehensive plan that addresses all ash trees,
from those in larger rural woodlands to urban street trees. All ash trees provide benefits to our
shared watersheds and communities; their location in the landscape (in headwaters, on streets,
in schoolyards, etc.) simply determines the kind of benefits they provide for people. CAs and
municipalities provide a complementary role in ash and EAB management. TRCA has a role to
play in managing the problem on TRCA lands, in promoting stewardship on private lands, and
in contributing supporting expertise and advice to municipalities as they develop and
implement their own EAB strategies.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Peel Strategy Implementation
• Peel staff has set up a meeting to form the Peel Urban Forest Working Group that will be
responsible for coordinating, developing work plans and promoting the implementation
of the Peel Urban Forest Strategy. TRCA has been asked to participate on that Working
Group.
• The second task of developing urban forest targets for Peel lands was initiated at a
meeting led by TRCA on data transfer to study partners. TRCA staff can continue to
provide technical expertise and strategic advice as the targets are developed in 2012.
• The Peel Strategy states other work areas where TRCA staff is expected to contribute,
including the development of:
• detailed management plans
• sustainable development policies and standards
• approach senior governments
• monitoring programs and applied research
• funding securement
• outreach and education programs
Urban Forest Studies Compilation
Two levels of detail are proposed for the compilation report, as follow:
1. Compilation: a summary of the state and function of the urban forest and
recommendations made in studies from across municipalities; and,
2. Outreach: a consultation process for approaching governments and organizations for
ongoing and strategic support for the urban forest.
The initial steps in pursuing support for the compilation report include developing a preliminary
business case for the report and, based on that, contacting stakeholders for their support.
Emerald Ash Borer
A communication will be brought to the Authority in December or January by the TRCA Forest
Working Group regarding an EAB strategy for TRCA in the management of our own lands and
any complementary contributions beyond our own lands. Regarding our own lands we are
G69 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
continuing to manage for diversity and resilience to all threats to our forests, including that of
EAB on ash trees. TRCA has also inquired before Regional and Area Municipalities (and Credit
Valley Conservation) about their current and proposed activities. TRCA staff will inform
municipalities of the results and will maintain an ongoing dialogue with partner municipalities
on EAB management. We hope to be part of the discussions on addressing ash decline in the
urban forest on municipal and private lands. The intent is to align our activities with our partners
and to provide assistance where we can until the issue has been resolved.
RES. #G33/11 - SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings for the following subcommittees are
provided for information.
Moved by: Madeleine McDowell
Seconded by: David Hutcheon
THAT the following minutes be received:
Boyd/East Humber Subcommittee #5/11 (November 2)
Claireville Subcommittee #4/11 and #5/11 (October 19 and November 8)
Heritage Subcommittee #5/11 and #6/11 (October 21 and November 9) . . . . . . . CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Annual Halloween Walk
S. Bradley reported that 62 people attended the Halloween Walk starting at Lake St. George
Field Centre and led by Peter Attfield.
Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
S. Bradley advised that postcards are available to those who are interested in supporting the
refunding of the ORMF. All postcards will be sent to Premier Dalton McGuinty in support of this
effort.
December 6, 2011 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 G70
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association (Kleinburg Branch) Walk
David and Anne Love will be leading a walk of their property in King Township on Saturday,
December 10th at 9:30 a.m.
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association Walk
A hike will take place on January 7th, 2012 in Tecumseth, north of Hwy. 9 and Tottenham Road.
Additional details are available on the HVHTA website.
Pan Am Games
B. Imrie advised that the Town of Caledon will be hosting public consultation sessions very
soon regarding equestrian management at the upcoming Pan Am Games.
City of Toronto Parks Review
Public meetings are being held and comments are being sought. Members are encouraged to
go to the Toronto Parks and Forestry website to review the policies and provide input.
Lower Humber Run
M. McDowell advised that a public run in the Lower Humber is being planned for June 4, 2012.
Further details to follow.
G71 HUMBER WATERSHED ALLIANCE #4/11 December 6, 2011
DOOR PRIZE
As a token of the Authority's appreciation for the members' participation on the Humber
Watershed Alliance, a draw was held for two baskets of Black Creek Pioneer Village products.
The winning tickets belonged to David Hutcheon and Tom Fuller.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION, the meeting terminated at 9:20 p.m., December 6, 2011
Adele Freeman Brian E. Denney
Director, Watershed Management Secretary-Treasurer
/L.