HomeMy WebLinkAboutRouge Park Alliance 2011 R77-10
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
I MINUTES - MEETING #5/10 - September 24, 2010
Rouge lark.
The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells,Chair,welcomed everyone and
called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair Ian Buchanan, Region of York
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Brian Denney,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Hon. Michael Chong, MP,Government of Canada Paul Harpley,Toronto Zoo
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Councillor Chin Lee, City of Toronto
Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, Region of Durham Debbie Pella Keen, Province of Ontario
Gerri Lynn O'Connor,Toronto & Region C.A. Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Councillor Erin Shapero,Town of Markham Carolyn Woodland,Toronto & Region C.A.
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Wayne Arthurs, MPP, Province of Ontario
Councillor David Cohen,Town of Richmond Hill Councillor Raymond Cho,City of Toronto
Glenn De Baeremaeker,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Nestor Chornobay, Region of Durham
Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Mayor Wayne Emmerson,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Councillor Ron Moeser, City of Toronto Adele Freeman,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Councillor Jennifer O'Connell,City of Pickering Mark Graham,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville Sue Gunton,Toronto Zoo
John Tracogna,Toronto Zoo Councillor Logan Kanapathi,Town of Markham
Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp.
Tom Melymuk,City of Pickering
Tracey Steele,Town of Richmond Hill
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Barb Davies, Manager, Policy&Administration Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Doreen McCarty,Administrative Coordinator Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Observers: Observers (Continued...)
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Parks Nancy Lowes,City of Toronto Parks
Tamara Cherry,Toronto Sun Marvin Macaraig, U of T Dept.Of Geography
Bob Clay,TRCA Gord MacPherson,TRCA
David Harvey,Consultant Andy McKinnon,"Rouge Watch"
Lois James,Green Door Alliance Danielle Milley,Scarborough Mirror
Isa Lee &Camera Man, Fairchild Television Kevin O'Connor, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Sheila Lathe, Resident Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
Rocco Sgambelluri,TRCA
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
CHAIR'S REMARKS
Alan Wells, Chair, showed photos of the Bob Hunter Memorial Park trail and talked about the realignment of
14'h Avenue and Reesor Road,and that the trail would eventually connect with the Seaton trail.
He launched the News Release regarding the results of a Nanos Research poll that showed an 88% public
support for the creation of Rouge National Park. He said he will take this positive news to the Federal
Government when he meets in October with the Minister of the Environment in Ottawa.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #36/10 Seconded by: Pauline Browes
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #4/10 held on June 11,2010.
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BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed,alternate Alliance member for SRVS,declared conflict of interest
under agenda item #6,"Rouge Park Project Funding -2011 Recommended Allocation". He also left the
meeting after his presentation.
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW)
Jim Robb presented an overview of Friends of the Rouge Watershed past plantings and wetland projects. He
compared the before and after photos of various projects and showed the resulting changes in the landscape.
He talked about the success of FRW's seed collection program.
At this time,Alan Wells,Chair, requested that agenda item #10 be brought forward.
Diana Smyth, Rouge Park Trail Coordinator,gave an overview of the Rouge Park New Trail Planning and
Guided Walks. She updated the Alliance on various ongoing programs and events,such as: the recruitment of
volunteer trail leaders; expansion of the guided walks program;the hiring of Schollen and Company to
develop the Trails Master Plan;the official launch (October 16, 2010) of the Biodiversity Walks series, in
partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), as part of OPG Biodiversity 2010;etc.
10. Rouge Park New Trail Planning and Guided Walks Report
KEY ISSUE
Receipt and Circulation of the Rouge Park New Trail Planning and Guided Walks Report.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #37/10 Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the Rouge Park New Trail Planning and Guided Walks update
report.
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BACKGROUND
Since October 2009, Rouge Park's Trail Coordinator has been working to build a profile for Rouge Park as a
prime destination for near-urban wilderness walking/hiking in Toronto,to create a program of guided walks
led by volunteers,and to help coordinate the development of a comprehensive Trail Master Plan
encompassing the entire Park,working with our Trails Advisory Committee, and a consultant. The Trails
Advisory Committee began work in October 2009, and guided walks commenced in December 2009.
Since the report to the Alliance on April 23,2010,the following is an update of work done:
Trail Master Plan:
The Rouge Park Alliance,through the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), engaged Schollen
and Company in May 2010 to create the Rouge Park Trail Master Plan. Together with the consultant,the
committee is undertaking a preliminary examination of existing trails, prospective trails,trail damage,
extensions and linkages. Over the coming months,the Committee will further examine these trails and
throughout the rest of the Park, including the Bob Hunter Memorial Park area. This will define the priority
north-south trail corridor that would connect the Park from Lake Ontario to the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Connecting to neighbouring communities and trail systems will be priority.
Emphasis in this phase of the Trail Master Plan process is being placed on:
• Consideration of sensitive plant species and invasive species when thinking of an optimal trail alignment
• Consideration of cultural heritage sites for interpretation opportunities
• Safe linkages across roadways,waterways, railways
• Safe linkages into the Park from east and west neighbourhoods
• Connecting trailheads and/or visitor parking areas with public transit
• Development of accessibility guidelines;
• Consideration of tenanted or private properties when looking at new trail alignment
Public consultation will be held mid-October, in both Markham and Toronto. Date and location to be
confirmed in Markham,Toronto's will be held at the Toronto Zoo,October 20,2010. Rouge Park Alliance
members are encouraged to come,and will receive a formal invitation.
Guided Walks:
As of August 31,2010,the guided walks have welcomed almost 600 visitors and covered approximately 525
kilometres on the Toronto section trails. We are still meeting walkers on their first outing in the Park,
welcoming more families and greeting many returning walkers who join us on a regular basis. This indicates
that the Park is still being discovered,so we not only expect to continue to see new visitors but also that we
are becoming a staple outing in people's calendars in a very competitive market for recreational activity
choices.
We set a goal to see 20 volunteers on the trail by the end of 2010, leading a variety of walks and giving a 1-year
commitment. We have surpassed that goal with 23 leaders joining us, under the supervision of the Trail
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Coordinator. Our newest leaders will begin on September 25,2010. The active leaders are excelling in their
roles,demonstrating with each outing their dedication to Rouge Park and their enthusiasm in welcoming
walkers to the trails.
All the leaders are identified by a Rouge Park branded t-shirt, name badge and hat. This uniform is visible,
professional and assuring when visitors join a walk. Along the trail,we find the branding also gives our leaders
a presence and authority that self-guided visitors call on and recognize immediately,for example,to help with
on-trail navigation, and also to assist in encouraging dog on-leash compliance.
Starting September 25, 20110, Rouge Park in partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), will present a
2-month long series of walks in celebration of the Year of Biodiversity. Our aim is to provide our visitors,with
an enhanced outing via interpretation of a specific theme during this time. Many of our leaders are well
versed to deliver on these themes, and we will welcome a number of'guest experts'to join us in interpreting
the Park.
Walk themes range from an introduction to Rouge Park and its very special role in the GTA and Greenbelt,to
more specific themes on protection of the Park and better understanding of its unique habitats, including
natural and human history, seasonal changes in the Park, and more.
With the OPG partnership,we are able to expand our walks to include Sundays, increasing our monthly
outings from 16 to 28. The walks are offered Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.,and weekends at 9:30 a.m.,, noon,and
2:00 p.m.,on our Toronto trails. Details and schedules can be found at www.rougepark.com/hike. Please join
us!
Report prepared by: Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator,Rouge Park
For information contact: Diana Smyth,905 713 3184,email:diana_smyth @rougepark.com
Date: 2010,September 14
1. Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of September 1,2010
KEY ISSUE
Present the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held on September 1,2010.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #38/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receives the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held
on September 1,2010.
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BACKGROUND
See attached minutes
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: September 7,2010
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
ROUGE PARK FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Rouge Park MINUTES-SEPTEMBER 1,2010
The Rouge Park Finance Committee met in the Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Avenue,
Scarborough. Sue Gunton,Chair,welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.
PRESENT
Members:
Sue Gunton, Chair, Rouge Park Finance Committee
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Jim Dillane,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Rocco Sgambelluri,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Staff:
Ron Dewell, Rouge Park
Barb Davies, Rouge Park
ABSENT
Members:
Councillor David Cohen,Town of Richmond Hill
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
1. Welcome by Sue Gunton
2. Previous meeting minutes
Minutes approved
3. Actions from previous Meeting Minutes
a. List of Current Staff Complement Including Salary Ranges
Information was received.
4. 2009 Audited Statements
Staff presented the 2009 Audited Financial Statement.
A typing error in the Financial Statement was identified by the Committee Chair.
ACTION: Staff will request that the Auditors correct the error and provide a clean copy to be presented
at the next meeting of the Rouge Park Alliance for approval.
5. 2010 Year to Date, End of Year Projections and Adjustments
Staff presented the 2010 Year-to-Date, End-of-Year Projections and Adjustments.
The Committee received the report and recommended that the 2010 Year-to-Date, End-of-Year
Projections and Adjustments be presented at the next meeting of the Rouge Park Alliance for approval.
ACTION: Staff will forward the report to the Rouge Park Alliance for approval at its next meeting.
6. Correspondence
a. Letter dated August 11, 2010 to Gerri Lynn O'Connor,TRCA,from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re:
Support for the Rouge Park Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience Program.
b. Letter dated August 24, 2010 to Vicki Barron,Waterfront Regeneration Trust,from Alan Wells, Rouge
Park Alliance, re: Waterfront Regeneration Trust Annual Support for Rouge Park.
Correspondence were received and discussed.
7. 2011 Revenue Projections
Staff presented a preliminary estimate of expenses and projected revenues for 2011.
Committee members discussed the information as presented.
ACTION: Staff are to report to the Board and bring back in the form of a 2011 preliminary budget at the
next Finance Committee meeting.
8. Land Securement
The Hon. Pauline Browes brought to the attention of the Committee a property adjacent to Rouge Park
that is currently on the market.
ACTION: Staff are to bring an in-camera report to the next Rouge Park Alliance meeting.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
9. Next Meeting of the Finance Committee
The next meeting of the Finance Committee is November 3, 2010, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
• -Staff to take appropriate action.
2. 2010 Year-to-Date and Year-End Projections
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #39/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance adopt the 2010 year-to-date and year-end projections report;
AND FURTHER THAT the budget adjustments and updates as presented be implemented.
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• -Staff to take appropriate action.
BACKGROUND
In reviewing the year-to-date (YTD) and year-end projections,the Rouge Park Alliance Chair and staff are
recommending adjustments and updates to the budget which was approved at the April 23,2010 meeting of
the Rouge Park Alliance. Please see the attached budget summary report.
Generally,the operations are within our 2010 approved budget with the exception of the Friends of the
Greenbelt Foundation (FoGF) revenue line. In the approved budget, $100,000 in revenue were anticipated
from the FoGF. Our letter of intent was well received and a full proposal was requested by the FoGF.
However, upon final review by their review committee,the submission was not approved for any funding
support. In order to compensate for this significant shortfall in revenue,the following adjustments are
recommended:
Budget item Recommended Action Cost recovered
Trials Master Plan Defer 50% of the cost to 2011 $50,000
HAVE/Action plan Projects:
Small Grants Program Cancelled to resume in 2011 $10,000
Interpretation Defer to 2011 $25,000
Use of 2009 Surplus Increase budgeted amount $ 8,700
Total $93,700
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager Policy&Administration
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: 2010.09.08
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2010 FINANCIAL PROGRESS REPORT
as at July 31, 2010
As presented to the Rouge Park Finance Committee
September 1, 2010
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Page 1
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2010, FINANCIAL PROGRESS REPORT
2010 20,1110 2010 Diff
f 1 Sur«faat YTQ Actual P.Actual! PAUASI-el-
Expenditures:
Management 327,300, 173,400 329,700 2,,40,0
Structural and Financial Review 104,500 105.900 105,900 1,400
subtotal 431,800 279,300 435 600
Heritage Appneclation,and Visitor Experience 104,600 68,100 68,000 136.600)
Natural Heritage 1 114,400 110,000 154,600 40,200
Projects-
Heritage Committee Current year 206,000 178,000 206,000 0
Heritage Cornmittep Carry forward 32,100 27.100 32,100 0
Support Costs for Contracted Projects 217,000 0 173,000 144,000)
Rouge Park HAVE/Action Plan Projects 2 225,000 113,300 256,800 31,800
Planning 3 155,400 31,200 136:,100 i1q,30,0)
total J,486.300 807,000 1.462 200 24,10P
Sour"of Ji
CanadalWaterfront Regeneration Trust I TRCA 425,000 260,000 425,0010 01
CanadafWRT/TRCA-Carry Forward 69,700 0 69,300 (400)
Municipal•Levies 132,000 132,000 132,000 0
Municipal-Other 232M0 0 205,300 126,700)
interest 5,000 0 5.000 0
Rental revenue 65,,000 0 60,000, (5,000)
Provincial MNR Species At RiskISAR) 0 0 26,900 26,900
Provincial-BHEA grant 0 0 0 0
Provincial-Planning 23,900 23,90,0 23,900 01
Provincial-Structural Review 16,500 16,500 16,500 0
Greenbelt Fdn.lConservatlon Fdrl of Greater Toronto 100,000 0 0 (100,000)
Provincial-Special 2007 Allocation 305,800 306,800 305,80() 0
Transport Canada 15,000 0 2,000 (13,000)
Durharn Land Stewardship Committee 6,000 Cl 6,000 0
Federal-Structural Review 16,500 16,500 16,500 0
Federal-Habitat Stewardship Program 10,000 10,000
Donations and Sundry 0 10,600 35,400 35,400
'lopsol Habitat Berm Creation Project 0 40,,00,0 40,000
total 1 412 4f10 765,300 11,37900 32,8001
Excess of expenditure over revenue (73,900) (41,700) (82,600) (8,700)
Surplus,beginning of the period 93,200 93,200 93,200 0
Surplus,end of the period 19,300 _51,500 10 6x00 (8,7021
Notes:
1 Correction to final budget. $44,000 rather than$88,0,00 frorn Natural Heritage Program is allocated to"staff costs allocated
2 Correction to final budget $44,000 rather than$94,000 frorn HAVE Program is allocated to"staff costs allocated to HAVE
Projects". Volunteer Coordinator salaries,benefits and event expenses,moved to HAVE projects,
3 Defer 50%of the tral plan expense($50,000). New expense for BHMP site prep related to lenanat compensation for sod
($28,000)
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
3. 2011 Preliminary Budget Estimates
KEY ISSUE
Present the 2011 Preliminary Budget Estimates.
MOTION: Moved by: Erin Shapero
Res. #40/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT THE Rouge Park Alliance receive the 2011 Preliminary Budget Estimates.
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BACKGROUND
The Rouge Park Finance Committee has reviewed the 2011 preliminary budget estimates as an exercise to
identify revenue sources for 2011. In response to discussions with the Committee and to move forward with
Rouge Park Projects, being recommended by the Heritage Committee,the Rouge Park Alliance Chair and staff
have put together a preliminary budget. A final budget and work plan will be reviewed by the Finance
Committee,and recommended to the Rouge Park Alliance at its February 4,2011 meeting. Please see the
attached preliminary budget summary.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy&Administration,Rouge Park
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: 2010.09.08
Attachment 1 -2011 Preliminary Budget Summary
Attachment 2 -2011 Preliminary Budget Estimates
Attachment 1:
2011 PRELIMINARY BUDGET SUMMARY
Prepared by Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
and
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
Introduction
The Rouge Park Finance Committee has reviewed the 2011 preliminary budget estimates as an exercise to
identify revenue sources for 2011. In response to discussions with the Committee and to move forward with
Rouge Park Projects, being recommended by the Heritage Committee the Rouge Park Alliance Chair and staff
have put together a preliminary budget. A final budget and work plan will be reviewed by the Finance
Committee on November 3,2010 and recommended to the Rouge Park Alliance at its February 4,2011
meeting.
Budget Highlights:
• The 2011 preliminary budget estimates reflects the function and activities of staff. The 2010 budget has
been restated to be consistent with the 2011 preliminary budget estimates. The total staff is 8 people
(which includes full time and part time staff) in both years and the total salary budgeted in 2010 is
$608,800 compared to $660,100 in 2011. The increase in salaries is due to the assumption that a full-time
General Manager will be in place for 2011.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
• In recent years,approximately $200,000 has been budgeted for these projects. In the preliminary 2011
budget, $180,000 is recommended. In addition to the Rouge Park project funding,an additional $152,000
will be allocated to community groups for plantings in Bob Hunter Memorial Park through the SE Collector
Enhancement project fund. This includes $125,000 to be allocated to Friends of the Rouge Watershed to
plant 15-16 ha,as well as $27,000 to 70,000 Trees for the Rouge to plant 3 ha.
• Increase in the municipal levies. In the original funding formula to sustain the Park,there was a 1/3 model
of funding from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and local municipal governments. TRCA
was tasked with requesting the 1/3 from the municipal governments and recent levies levels through
TRCA are $132,000 (approximately 9% of the budget). These are the only source of municipal funds that
are consistently provided for Rouge Park purposes. Through the Rouge Park Alliance Chair,a request has
been submitted to TRCA to increase that amount to $240,000 in 2011.
• Increase in the revenues from the Town of Markham. In March 4,2008 Markham Council directed that the
ongoing Rouge Park grant of$25,000 be utilized to implement projects in the Little Rouge Corridor, or Bob
Hunter Memorial Park. In 2010,the 2009 and 2010 levels were approved for use towards the Trails Master
Plan with the understanding that a letter of intent be provided in advance of any future funding requests
beyond 2010. In 2011, it is recommended that $75,000 be requested of Markham to go towards the
Rouge North Consolidated Plan.
• $315,000 of the remaining $362,100 Provincial Special funding provided by the Province of Ontario in
2007 is included in this budget.
• No change to current staffing levels. However,the General Manager position is carried out in 2011 by part
time General Manager and part time Manager of Policy and Administration.
• New sources of funds anticipated through Ontario Trillium Foundation application to support key HAVE
plan programs. A three-year funding request will be submitted for the next application deadline in
November.
• Costs associated with Bob Hunter Memorial Park(BHMP) development site management of restoration
projects and interpretive signs recovered from York Region ($88,700).
• New sources from a Topsoil Habitat Berm Creation project in BHMP.
A BALANCED BUDGET WITH INCREASES IN TRADITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES AND USE OF MOST OF THE
REMAINING PROVINCIAL SPECIAL FUNDS.
Attachment 2
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2011 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES
Presented to the Alliance
on
September 24,2010
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
page 1
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2011 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
ESTIMATES
2010 2010 2011
budget year end preliminary
Iprajections budget
notes $ $
Expenditures;
Planning and Coordination
salaries and benefits 1 139,100 139,100 215,200
support costs 51,200 46,500 48,300
planning projects
Structural Review 104,500 105,900
Rol icy Advice. 45,000 52,100 -
Trails Master Plan 2 100,000 50,000 50,000
East Lands Plan 50,000 1,000 -
Consolidated Plan 3 - 50,000 100,000
Reesor Cornell 5,400 5,400 -
sub-total 495,200 45,0,000 413,500
Restoration
salaries and benefits 4 116,200 72,200 71,300
support costs 15,900 13,900 14,700
restoration projects
NGO Heritage Committee Projects 5 206,000 206,000 180,000
NGO York Region BHMP Projects 6 - 150,000
NGQ approved in previous years 7 32,100 32,100 -
NGO project support costs 129,000 129,000 106,700
small grants 10,000 - 10,000
Sod Farm Compensation 8 - 29,700
Sub total 509,200 482,900 532,700
Natural HeFitage Protecbon
salaries and benefits 9 13p,900 174,900 154,100
support Costs 15,900 113,900 14,700
natural heritage projects
Species at Risk inventory - 36,900
Wetiand Assessment 6,000 -
5ub-totall 146,800 231,700 168,800
1 leritage Appreciation Visitor Experience lHAVE)
salaries and benefits 10 222,600 222,600 219,500
support costs 32,000 41,500 24,900
HAVE projects
interpretive Centre 11 - - 60,000
trail association 50,000 7,500
BHMP.signs 20,000 42,000
interpretation 25,000 25,000
signs 6,000 6,000 -
sub-total 335,600 297,6,00 371,400
TOTAL EXPENSES 1,486,800 1,462,200 1,486,400
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
page 2
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2011 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
ESTIMATES
2010 2010 2011
budget year endl preliminary
erojections budget -
notes 5 S $
Source of Funds,
Canada/Waterfront Regeneration Trust/TRCA 425,0100 425,00,0 425,000
Camada/WRT/TRCA Carry Forward 69,700 69,300 -
Municipal Levies 72 132=0 132,,000 240,000
Municipal -YorkRegion/TIRCA 182,000 155,300 88,700
- York RegionlTWCA(inipleffienred by TR(,A) 6 150,000
Munidpal-Markham 3 50,000 50,000 75,000
Interest 5,000 5,0010 2,700
Rental revenue,-net 11 615,000 60,000 60,000
Provincial -Planning 23,900 23,,900
-Special 20,07 Allocation 305,800 305,800 315,000
Structural Review 16,500 16,500 -
MNR Species At Risk(SAR) 2'6,900
SAR/Ourham Land Stewardship Council 6,000 6,000,
Greenbelt I'dm/Conservation Fdn of Greater Toronto 13 1001,000 - -
Trillium Foundation - 50,000
Federal Structural Review 16,500 16,500 -
Habitat Stewardship Program, 10,000
-Transport Canada 15,000 2,000
Donations and Sundry 14 35,400 -
ropsoil Habitat Berm Creation Project 40,000 80,000
„412,40(7 D 1,379,600 1,486,400
Excess of expenditure over revenue (74,400) (82,600) a
Surplus,beginning of year 93,200 93,200 10,600
Surplus,end of year 18,800 10,,600 10,600
Notes
1 2011 salaries and benefits included budget for full-time general manager whereas 2010 was a part time GM.
2 Deferred$50,000 frorn 2010 budget.
3 Proposed request of Markham is$75,000 to go towards the Consolidated Management Plan.
4 Correction to the 20 10 budget is shown in Year End Projections.$44,000 rather than$88,0100 from the Natural Heritage Program is
now allocated to Restoration salaries and benefits,$44,000 rather than$89,000 from the Natural Heritage Program is now allocated
to Restoration salaries and benfits.
5 Adjusted to$180,000 to account fore 10K tree application through YDSS-BHMP NGO funds administered by TRCA.
6 $150,000 iden fified for 8HMP and knpfernented through 7RC4,
7 These projects were not completed in the year approved by the Heritage Committee and are budeted again in the current year,
8 Lands used as part of a sod farm business were required for restoration in Bob Hunter Memorial Park.Therefore the lease was
terminated and the tenant was compensated for the anticipated revenues from the sod,
9 Salaries and wages shown in the 2010 budget and year end projections as'Project Monitoring and Follow-up'Dave been moved to
Natural Heritage Protection,in the 2011 budget($20,000)
10 This inctudes;$40,000 for project site management,$6,666 for wetland planning:,and 60,000 for Archaeology.
I I Reserved for interpretive centre costs.
12 Increase to levies through TRCA.
13 Appiicatian for Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation Funding was not,approved for any funding support in 2010,
14 One time unanticipated revenue opportunities of an unpredictable nature arrive throughout the year. In 2010 they include Ontario
Power Generation,small granting opportunities and individual donations
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
4. 2009 Auditors' Report
KEY ISSUE
Present the 2009 Auditors' Report
MOTION: Moved by: Bonnie Littley
Res. #41/10 Seconded by: Paul Harpley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance adopt the 2009 Auditors'Report.
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BACKGROUND
Horn and Almand, Chartered Accountants, have now completed their audit of the 2009 financial position of
the Rouge Park Alliance. Attached is a copy of this report for consideration.
The important role of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation,Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority and its partners,Town of Markham, City of Toronto,and others who provide resources,time and
enthusiasm to making Rouge Park so successful is recognized and appreciated.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration, Rouge Park
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022-email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: September 8,2010
Attachment
(Auditors'Report/Financial Statement posted on www.rougepark.com)
5. Former Runnymede Property-Recommendation for a Management Plan
KEY ISSUE
Develop a management plan for 6461 Steeles Avenue East, located on the south side of Steeles Avenue
immediately east of Cedar Brae Golf Course,consistent with Rouge Park objectives.
MOTION: Moved by: Erin Shapero
Res. #42/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to prepare a management plan for 6461 Steeles Avenue East,
including consultation with the key stakeholders and report back to the Alliance.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• Staff to take appropriate action.
BACKGROUND
6461 Steeles Avenue East is located on the south side of Steeles Avenue immediately east of Cedar Brae Golf
Course.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authorty (TRCA) acquired 6461 Steeles Avenue East property (former
Runnymede property) in January 2010 for Rouge Park purposes. The property is 27.378 hectares (67.651 acres)
in size and is improved with a two-storey brick farmhouse,a frame barn and metal drive shed. TRCA acquired
the property with a residential tenant and a farm tenant in place. The residential tenancy ended in mid-July
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
and the house is currently vacant. The farm lease extends to the end of 2010. Approximately 50 acres of the
property is farmed.
RATIONALE
6461 Steeles Avenue East is a very strategic property for Rouge Park and it is important that it is developed in
the context of the Park objectives. It is the gateway to the Park travelling east along Steeles Avenue and will
be key to facilitating a trail connection along the main Rouge River corridor between the City of Toronto and
Town of Markham. There are some important restoration opportunities and is adjacent to an agriculture
heritage reserve area of the Park. Approximately 50 acres of the property was never included in the
boundaries for the Rouge Park (1994) and as a result has not been looked at in the context of the larger plan.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Rouge Park and TRCA technical staff will carry out the consultation with the key stakeholders and prepare the
plan.
FUTURE BENEFITS/PROBLEMS
It is important that the property not remain vacant,therefore it is proposed to extend the farm lease for
another year and place a residential tenant for a minimum of one year.
Report prepared by: Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
For information contact: Ron Dewell,905-713-7374,email: rdewell @trca.on.ca
Date: September 3,2010
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
6. Rouge Park Funding Program -2011 Recommended Allocations
KEY ISSUE
The Rouge Park Natural Heritage Project Review Committee has reviewed the 2011 project submissions and
has made recommendations as outlined below.
MOTION: Moved by: Erin Shapero
Res. #43/10 Seconded by: Michael Chong
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the allocation of project funding as recommended by the Rouge
Park Natural Heritage Committee in Table 1;
AND THAT Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to release the letters of confirmation of funding to the
organizations whose projects have been approved for the 2011 project funds;
AND THAT projects approved for funding at the September 24,2010 Rouge Park Alliance meeting be
eligible for release of the initial funding on or after January 1,2011;
AND THAT Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to maintain contact with organizations which are not
recommended for funding to assist with improving their proposals so that they may resubmit for
funding;
AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance funding for each project be subject to the Natural and
Cultural Heritage Funding Policies and Reporting Requirements;the submission of proof of liability
insurance;and any conditions as required by the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Staff to take appropriate action.
- Hon. Pauline Browes requested that Rouge Park pay particular attention to the Anndale
property,as the site is being neglected.
BACKGROUND
2011 Proposals
In June 2010, Rouge Park Alliance (RPA) staff notified potential project proponents that the RPA would be
accepting proposals for the 2011 fiscal year. The process was moved earlier in the year in 2010 after
consultation with past project proponents and the Natural Heritage Committee so that projects could be
approved by the Rouge Park Alliance in time for fall site preparations to occur. The advance scheduling would
allow for timelier field operations and budgeting. Past participants and other groups that had expressed
interest were notified directly and information on the Rouge Park website was updated. Proponents were
asked to use a standardized report form and submit proposals by email. A deadline of August 30, 2010 was
set. Proponents were notified that priority would be given to projects that: 1) Contribute directly to habitat
restoration in the Park;2) Improve habitat in the Rouge River, Little Rouge Creek and their tributaries near the
Park boundaries; and 3) Undertake research that will result in recommendations that directly help staff
manage or restore habitats.
RPA staff received 8 proposals seeking a total of$242,229.35 and ranging from $5,748 to $115,000 (see Table
1) and circulated the proposals to the Natural Heritage Project Review Committee members by email. The
Project Review Committee met on September 8,2010 to review and evaluate the proposals and recommend
funding levels to the RPA. The established process for review, ranking and recommending allocations was
used,as in past years. Each proponent was given 5 minutes per project to outline the proposal and an
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
additional 10 minutes to answer questions. No individuals or agencies that made proposals were involved in
ranking or allocation decisions. Once all proponents had been heard,the Committee met in-camera to discuss
the proposals, rank the projects and make a funding recommendation to the RPA based on a budget of
$180,000.
Of the projects proposed, six ranked high enough to be considered for funding.'
The Committee recommended that the top four ranked proposals receive funding for a total of$180,748
(Table 1). These projects include 27 ha of restoration, 500 m of in-stream rehabilitation and one research
project to deliver habitat management recommendations.
In addition to the Rouge Park project funding,an additional $152,000 will be allocated to community groups
for plantings in Bob Hunter Memorial Park through the SE Collector Enhancement project fund. This includes
$125,000 to be allocated to Friends of the Rouge Watershed to plant 15-16 ha,as well as $27,000 to 10,000 Trees
for the Rouge to plant 3 ha.
Table 1: Projects Proposed for 2011
TOTAL PROJECT RANK RECOMMEND REQUEST
SCORE
1. Habitat Restoration on Priority Rouge Park
255.56 Sites,2011 1 $115,000.00 $115,000.00
Friends of the Rouge Watershed
2. Little Rouge Woodland Restoration Project-
255.56 Phase 2 1 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Rou e Valley Naturalists
3. Little Rouge Creek Rehab and Monitoring
255.56 Initiative 1 5,748.00 $ 5,748.00
Ontario Streams
250.00 4. Restoration, Roads and Wildlife 2 30,000.00 $ 35,000.00
Ontario Road Ecology Group(Toronto Zoo)
5. Rouge Stream and Habitat Monitoring
200.00 Project 3 $ 7,525.35
Citizen Scientists
200.00 6. Boroughed Roots at Rouge Park 3 $ 21,876.00
Individualapplicant
7. Engaging Tenants and Farmers in Habitat
137.50 Restoration for SAR Turtles $ 14,500.00
Adopt-a- and(Toronto Zoo)
8. Rouge Valley Conservation Centre (RVCC) -
133.33 Interpretive Area $ 12,580.00
Rou e Valley Foundation
TOTAL $180,748.00 $242,229.35
Under the project approval process projects that rank 200 or greater are considered priorities for allocation of
funding.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Figure 1: Locations of Projects Proposed for 2011
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Table 2: Funding Allocated in Past 3 Years and Requested for 2011 Projects
Organization Project 2008 K$ 2009 K$ 2010 K$ 2011 K$
(%) (%) (%) Request
Rouge Valley Restoration 28.4 34.2 30 30.0
Naturalists (19) (17) (15)
Turtle Habitat 15.6
Toronto Zoo Research (10) No request No request No request
Ontario Road No request No request 10 35.0
Ecolo y Group (5)
Ado t-a- and No request No request 0 14.5
Friends of the 115.0
(53)
Rouge Restoration 40.0 105.0 (additional to BHMP/SE
Watershed (27) (51) (53 Collector Project)
Seed harvest 5. Erequest No request
Reesor wetland 20.0 No request Project complete
(13)
Stream 6.3 6.4 6.8
Citizen Scientists 7.5
Monitorin (4) (3) (3)
Richmond Hill 12.0 5
Ontario Streams Headwaters None (6) (2.5)
No request
Wetland Creation None No request
Little Rouge
Habitat 10.0 13.6 ( 5.8
Restoration (7) 6)(7) (6)
10000 Trees Restoration 25.0 32.5 29 Funded under BHMP/S
(17) (16) (14.6) Collector Project
Borou hed Roots Urban farming No request No request No request 21.9
Rouge Valley
Interpretive
Conservation display No request No request No request 12.6
Centre
Total 1150.3 1203.7 i 197.7 242.3
Note that the% of total RPA allocation by project is presented in parentheses.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
A. Recommended Projects (in order of priority)
1. Restoration of Priority Rouge Park Sites 2011 - Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW)
FRW proposed reforestation and wetland creation projects at 6 sites including areas in the Little Rouge
Corridor (2 sites) and Toronto (4 sites). All plantings are consistent with the RPA Action Plan and are
consistent with the high quality of work FRW has provided Rouge Park in the past. FRW will work closely
with TRCA and RPA staff in the design and implementation of the wetland elements of the proposal.
Recommend full funding of$115,000.
In addition to the community outreach described in the proposal dated August 30,2010, specific habitat
improvement deliverables include:
a. On the areas comprising 24 ha (60 ac) outlined in the proposal, plant according to the design included
in the proposal:
i. trees and shrubs, native wildflowers, riparian areas, native tree and wildflower seed, native grass
seed
Conditions:
a. Adhere to all conditions required by TRCA,Town of Markham, Region of York,City of Toronto.
b. Provide final species estimates for proposed plantings by site with initial invoice.
c. Variances from approved design require written approval from RPA.
d. Notify Rouge Park(S. Santos)two weeks before commencing implementation activities or media
contacts.
e. Permanent signage must be approved by RPA.
f. All site restoration plans must be developed in conjunction with, and approved by,staff of the RPA
and TRCA.
g. Proposed plans for Woodlands area must be further discussed and approved by Rouge Park staff to
ensure consistency with Visitor Experience plans.
h. Provide maps /coordinates of all habitat structures (bird boxes, raptor poles,etc.) to Rouge Park as
part of the final report.
2. Little Rouge Woodland Restoration and Diversification Project— Rouge Valley Naturalists (RVN)
This project continues the restoration of an approximately 13 ha site that is in the priority restoration zone
within 100 m of the Little Rouge River and where the RVN completed 2 ha of restoration in spring 2010.
RVF has proposed continuation of the same planting plan on an additional 2 ha of the site. All plantings
are integrated with the TRCA plantings and are consistent with the RPA Action Plan. Recommend full
funding of$30,000.
Deliverables include:
a. Plant a mixture of 7500 coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs on approximately 2.9 ha (7 ac.) at
the 14" Avenue site according to the proposal dated August 30,2010.
b. Provide 5-8 days of in-field educational experience for school students.
Conditions:
a. Adhere to all conditions required by TRCA,Town of Markham, Region of York and Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR).
b. Variances from approved design require written approval from RPA.
c. Notify Rouge Park(S. Santos)two weeks before commencing implementation activities or media
contacts.
d. Permanent signage must be approved by RPA.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
e. All site restoration plans must be developed in conjunction with, and approved by,staff of the RPA
and TRCA.
3. Little Rouge Creek Stream Rehab and Monitoring — Ontario Streams
This project proposes to continue the riparian and in-stream habitat restoration that Ontario Streams
performed in sections of Little Rouge Creek near 16"Avenue and just north of Steeles Avenue,and which
follows a rehabilitation plan developed by Ontario Streams with support of the RPA. The proposed work is
consistent with the RPA Action Plan and Rouge Watershed Plan and Rouge Park staff has assurances from
the MNR that actions will be consistent with the pending fisheries management plan. Recommend full
funding of$5,748.
Deliverables consistent with the proposal submitted on August 30,2010 include:
a. Debris clearing and in-stream rehabilitation along 500 m of Little Rouge Creek near Ninth Line and
Donald Cousens Parkway
b. Riparian shrub planting along 500 m of both sides of the Little Rouge Creek near Ninth Line and
Donald Cousens Parkway
c. Planting of 600 native shrubs
d. Placement of 3 log cover and 2 cabled log jam structures in the streams
e. Monitoring of stream temperature and benthos
Conditions:
a. Consult with TRCA fluvio-geomorphologist (R. Ness) for final design of in-stream structures to ensure
no increased erosion or flooding.
b. Consult with TRCA aquatic staff(C.Tu) for final design.
c. Submit final design to Rouge Park for approval before 2011 implementation.
d. Adhere to all conditions required by TRCA and Town of Markham. Ensure appropriate approvals from
MNR and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
e. Variances from approved design require written approval from RPA.
f. Notify Rouge Park(S. Santos)two weeks before commencing implementation activities or media
contacts.
g. Permanent signage must be approved by RPA.
h. Use Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) for monitoring component.
4. Restoration, Roads and Wildlife—Ontario Road Ecology Group (Toronto Zoo).
In 2009,the Ontario Road Ecology Group (OREG) proposed a multi-year project designed to evaluate
numbers and types of wildlife that are killed by motor vehicles at selected sites in Rouge Park. While the
study will provide information related to potential road design,the purpose for the study in Rouge Park is
to provide information about design and placement of habitat provided by RPA's habitat restoration
program. The study will look to see whether there are any relationships between the spatial distribution
or mix of restoration habitats and wildlife mortality caused by motor vehicles providing staff with
information on how to design restoration to minimize collisions. First year results show an array of wildlife
collisions. An issue of particular concern was the number of Milksnake mortalities (a provincially and
federally listed Species at Risk),which OREG plans to address in 2011 with the commencement of a
Milksnake habitat usage study. The three stated objectives of OREG's 2011 project are: 1) expand the
scope of road surveys and identify mortality hotspots and study wildlife /road interactions on roads
bisecting wildlife habitat and land designated for restoration in Rouge Park,2) investigate Milksnake
habitat use in Rouge Park (with observations on other snake species as well), 3) build on existing
partnerships with Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and local golf courses to improve habitat
connectivity in Rouge Park,with information provided by a GIS-based habitat connectivity exercise.
Recommend funding of$30,000.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Deliverables include:
a. Annual report summarizing data collected in 2010 and 2011 and making management
recommendations regarding habitat restoration and road mortality mitigation measures based on
that data. Observations and recommendations related to all wildlife species are to be included.
b. Report summarizing the first-year results of the Milksnake habitat usage study.
c. On-the-ground actions to mitigate road mortality and increase habitat connectivity, including signage
at key locations.
Conditions:
a. Adhere to all conditions, including acquisition of permits required by MNR,TRCA,Town of Markham,
Region of York, City of Toronto.
b. Variances from approved design require written approval from RPA.
c. All data, maps and reports produced are to be provided to RPA staff.
d. Meet with the Natural Heritage Committee before project commencement to discuss objectives and
study methodology.
B. Projects that did not rank high enough for available funding
5. Rouge Stream and Habitat Monitoring —Citizen Scientists
This project is in the 9th year of 10 years and has the same protocol and reporting as past years. The
project proposes to continue the water quality monitoring at the same 7 sites as previous years and data
are made available to agencies for use. The group is composed entirely of volunteers and the Rouge Park
funding provides for equipment, materials and volunteer training and some field support. Reports are
provided to Rouge Park via newsletters,websites and final reports. Staff will work with Citizen Scientists to
help them access other sources of cash and in-kind funding needed to continue the program.
6. Boroughed Roots at Rouge Park— individual applicant
This project, submitted by a new applicant, proposes the establishment of an urban farm at the Anndale
site,envisaging a high level of community engagement and integration of ecological farming practices.
The objectives of this project are a good fit with the RPA's desire to support community-based urban
agriculture in the Park. Rouge Park staff will work with the proponent to refine some elements of the
proposal, including site selection and long-term business planning, and to build partnerships (i.e.City of
Toronto) in order to assist in the long-term success of such an endeavor. The proponent will be invited to
speak to the Natural Heritage Committee to discuss the proposal in greater detail,gather suggestions and
take advantage of potential partnerships.
C. Projects that did not rank high enough to be recommended for funding
7. Engaging Tenants and Farmers in Habitat Restoration for Species at Risk Turtles in Rouge Park—
Toronto Zoo Adopt-a-Pond
This proposal has 3 main objectives:
a. deliver stewardship messaging to farmers that will encourage them to protect and restore turtle
habitat on lands they control at their cost and initiative
b. provide information to Rouge Park regarding turtle habitat requirements
c. restore turtle habitats,especially on sites that Rouge Park and TRCA have already identified as wetland
restorations.
The project includes face to face contacts with farmers, possible tours of restored wetlands and
development of outreach material,as well as participation in the plans for wetland restoration that Rouge
Park and TRCA staff are presently working on.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
8. Rouge Valley Conservation Centre— Interpretive Area
This project proposes participation in the establishment of an interpretive facility on the main floor of the
Rouge Valley Conservation Centre on Meadowvale Road,just east of the Toronto Zoo. The project would
consist of displays, posters, information regarding green energy and ecology of the Rouge River
watershed system that would be periodically and seasonally updated and tended by part-time staff. As
well, a special visitors section would allow the public to post observations, information and photos. Rouge
Park Visitor Experience staff will proceed to engage in more in-depth discussions with the Rouge Valley
Foundation to discuss partnering in this initiative.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308,email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: September 9,2010
7. 14`h Avenue Sound &Visual Attenuation Landform - Bob Hunter Memorial Park
KEY ISSUE
Placement of clean surplus fill/topsoil on the south side of 14"Avenue adjacent to the rail line, Bob Hunter
Memorial Park, in the Town of Markham.
MOTION: Moved by: Ian Buchanan
Res. #44/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct Rouge Park and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA)staff to request proposals for the supply and placement of clean surplus fill on the south side of
14`h Avenue adjacent to the rail line as a means to create an environmental berm/buffer to enhance
natural habitat and visitor functions in Bob Hunter Memorial Park.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• - Rouge Park and TRCA staff to take appropriate action.
BACKGROUND
At Meeting #6/10,July 23,2010,the Authority under Resolution #A126/10 approved the recommendations in
the attached report.
RATIONALE
The subject site is a former sod farm and the area is impacted by the rail line and by the 14"Avenue diversion.
Strategic placement of fill can be used to provide noise and visual attenuation and create some habitat variety
to a flat site.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA and Rouge Park staff are working on a design and will consult with the key stakeholders and will obtain
the necessary approvals.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Administration and operational costs will be offset by fees and the project will produce surplus revenues to be
used for Rouge Park purposes.
Report prepared by: Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
For information contact: Ron Dewell,905-713-7374,email: rdewell @trca.on.ca
Date: September 9,2010
(Attachment)
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Attachment:
TRCA Authority Resolution #A126/10
RES.#A126/10- 14th AVENUE SOUND AND VISUAL ATTENUATION LANDFORM
Placement of clean surplus fill on Toronto and Region Conservation Authority-owned
tablelands located on the south side of 14th Avenue adjacent to Canadian National rail
line in the Town of Markham.
Moved by: Jack Heath
Seconded by: David Barrow
THAT Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) request proposals from
contractors to supply and place clean surplus fill on TRCA-owned lands as a means to
create an environmental berm/buffer to enhance natural habitat and visitor functions in
the future Bob Hunter Memorial Park (Rouge Park),subject to a final design approved by
Rouge Park Alliance,and archaeological and municipal approvals;
THAT the funds received as compensation for receiving the surplus soil be set aside
exclusively for project costs,for future restoration and habitat enhancement of the
property and associated Rouge Park and TRCA purposes;
AND FURTHER THAT the appropriate TRCA officials be authorized and directed to
execute all the necessary documentation required.
CARRIED
BACKGROUND
TRCA staff, in conjunction with the Rouge Park Alliance, have identified a five hectare parcel of tableland that
could be enhanced by importing and strategically placing clean surplus fill.The site is located on the east side
of the CN rail line,south of 14th Avenue in the Town of Markham.This area is in the Bob Hunter Memorial Park
(part of Rouge Park).
TRCA is currently working with its partners to refine a design for a landform to enhance the boundary
between Bob Hunter Memorial Park and the adjacent rail line,the urban developments in the Community of
Box Grove and 14th Avenue to the north.A vegetated berm along the western perimeter of the park will
provide a physical and visual boundary between urban and park lands,and would provide some habitat
variety to a flat site.The landform would reduce noise into the naturalized and public use areas.TRCA staff will
complete a detailed construction implementation design drawing showing how the five hectare parcel of
tableland will be enhanced by importing and strategically placing clean surplus fill.
It is the opinion of staff that the proposed project will provide an opportunity to restore forest cover and
create wetland and interpretive opportunities while creating the foundation for diverse habitat and public
features. Upon completion of the fill placement and grading phase of the project and subject to available
revenues,TRCA staff will implement naturalization and regeneration plantings as part of an overall restoration
plan. Staff view these functions as assets to the future protection of the park and its restored habitats.
TRCA will oversee the construction of the landform and the financial compensation will allow for the
implementation of a restoration plan beneficial to Bob Hunter Memorial Park, Rouge Park and TRCA. TRCA
staff will implement a soils quality control program to ensure and confirm that all soil placed on site meets
Ministry of Environment parkland criteria.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Final design configuration for fill placement will be subject to the findings of a scheduled archaeological
assessment and any recommendations to protect important cultural heritage assets.
RATIONALE
TRCA has completed similar projects in other areas with considerable success. Examples of these successful
projects include:
• the berm on Kortright Centre for Conservation tablelands off Pine Valley Drive;
• Boyd North Pit rehabilitation off Rutherford Road;
• berming along Intermodal Drive and Highway 407 within Claireville Conservation Area;
• berming and wetland complex development at Boyd North (along Islington Avenue north of Rutherford
Road).
Staff sees this regeneration work as a benefit to all involved as the surplus fill, along with the financial
compensation,will allow for the creation of habitat opportunities and public features on the property.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
TRCA will complete a landform design agreeable to TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance.An archaeological
assessment will be completed on the proposed site.TRCA will obtain all municipal and regional approvals and
permits associated with the proposed project.Staff will begin the process of requesting proposals from
qualified contractors to supply and place the required fill.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
TRCA staff anticipates that fill revenue from this project will offset direct project operating and restoration
costs.
Report prepared by: David Hatton,extension 5365;Emails:dhatton @trca.on.ca
For Information contact: David Hatton,extension 5365;Emails:dhatton @trca.on.ca
Date: July 06,2010
8. Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee Report and Minutes
KEY ISSUE
Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee
meetings held on March 24,2010 and June 23,2010.
MOTION: Moved by: Ian Buchanan
Res. #45/10 Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the March 24,and June 23,2010 Rouge Park
Natural Heritage Committee meetings.
BACKGROUND
See minutes attached.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308,email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: September 8,2010
Attachments
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
ROUGE PARK NATURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
MEETING -MINUTES, MARCH 24, 2010
,r I8,.
The Natural Heritage Committee met in the Basement Boardroom,50 Bloomington Road West,Aurora. Ian
Buchanan,Chair,welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Ian Buchanan, Chair, Natural Heritage Committee Karen Boniface,Town of Markham
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Bob Clay,Toronto & Region Cons.Auth.
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Ken Sharpe,City of Toronto
Gail Crossman,Government of Canada Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham
Paul Harpley,Toronto Zoo Emma Followes, Province of Ontario
Gord MacPherson,Toronto & Region Cons.Auth Stephen Ho,Toronto Zoo
Brian Reynolds,York Federation of Agriculture Nory Takata,Town of Markham
Sandra Malcic, Region of York
Learie Miller,Town of Markham
Kathleen Mulroy,Town of Richmond Hill Lynne
Timmy,Transport Canada
Mike Whittamore,Whittamore Farms
Resource Members:
Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Denika Blondin,Co-op Student, FRW
Staff:
Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
ABSENT Absent Members (Continued...)
Members:
James Lane, Region of York John Nemeth,Town of Richmond Hill
John Minor,City of Toronto John Pisapio, Province of Ontario
Linda Irvine,Town of Markham
Resource Members: Absent Resource Members (Continued...)
John Bowen, Hydro One
Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation Linda Sarang, Rouge Valley Foundation
Rick Schofield,Scarborough LACAC
Rob Keen,Trees Ontario
Lorne Smith
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
1. Welcome- Ian Buchanan
2. Previous Meeting Minutes
Action items from the last meeting:
-TRCA to give water quality presentation - DEFERRED
-TRCA and RP to work together to put up wood duck boxes in the Park- DONE
Minutes approved
3. Pending Actions and Rouge Park Alliance Directions
Some changes to the Heritage Project approvals were requested at the Alliance meeting. The Alliance
requested consideration of 2 projects that weren't recommended by the Heritage Committee: The Toronto
Zoo's turtle project and workshop and Ontario Streams' Richmond Hill Headwaters Project. Ontario Streams
will get partial funding for their project and the Zoo's project has been deferred pending further discussions
with staff to address issues with project design.
4. Rouge Park Staff Structure Update
Ron Dewell will be the Acting General Manager to the end of the year. He will work part-time. David Harvey"s
contract has been extended to the end of the year. Bob Clay has been transferred to TRCA where he will
continue to implement Rouge Park restoration projects within TRCA's Restoration Services Department.
5. Governance Review -Consultant's Executive Summary
Alan Wells summarized the recommendations from the Governance Review report. The Alliance received the
report and has been given 60 days to comment. Alan Wells is now presenting it to partner organizations.
Comments will be received by the end of April.
FRW provided a handout with their feedback on the Governance Review Report.
6. Park Planning: Markham Lands
Alan Wells presented the report on revisions to Rouge Park plans in Markham,which went to the Alliance on
March 12, 2010. The Markham East planning process will now be integrated with revised plans for the Little
Rouge Corridor and Bob Hunter Memorial Park. The park plan for Markham is expected to be completed by
the end of the year.
FRW provided a handout with their comments on the revised restoration plans.
7. 2010 Approved Projects
The updates to the projects were provided in Agenda Item #3 above.
8. Update on Bob Hunter Memorial Park Progress
Rouge Park is in the process of working out a MOU with York Region and determining detailed site plans.
Work on the meadows will begin in 2010.
9. Update on Rouge Park Monitoring Program Review
Vicki MacDonald reviewed the draft monitoring framework for the Park. Comments should be received by
next week. The next step is to prioritize suggested monitoring activities and include timelines for monitoring.
How the data will be analyzed and reported on will also be included.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
Comments received indicated that Rouge Park should be the group to co-ordinate monitoring efforts, rather
than perform it all.
10. Update on Stewardship Projects
Maria Papoulias reviewed the stewardship efforts outlined in the agenda that are being undertaken by Rouge
Park this year. Ian Buchanan suggested that we liaise with the Water For Tomorrow group for the native
gardens.
1 I. Presentation: Planning and Prioritization of Restoration on Transport Canada Lands
Gord MacPherson described the methodology used to plan and prioritize restoration efforts on Transport
Canada Lands using hydrological modeling. There is plenty of work that can be done in marginal lands
without impacting agriculture. As part of the project,TRCA assessed culverts to determine potential and
actual fish barriers which need to be removed or repaired. This can be used when municipalities decide to
rebuild roads.
12.Other Business
Gail Crossman will be moving to a new position April 1,2010. Lynne Timmy will sit on the Natural Heritage
Committee for Transport Canada.
Alan Wells responded to the handout from FRW regarding the revised restoration plans. He emphasized the
fact that this is not Rouge Park's position. He outlined that Rouge Park lands were not expropriated for
parklands as stated in FRW's comments and stated that the comments regarding the Markham Farmland
Preserve are not relevant to this report.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.,March 24,2010.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
ROUGE PARK NATURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Ktllklm- MEETING - MINUTES, JUNE 23, 2010
�Rouge I lark
The Natural Heritage Committee met in the 4" Floor Boardroom,50 Bloomington Road West,Aurora. Ian
Buchanan,Chair,welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Ian Buchanan, Chair, Natural Heritage Committee Karen Boniface,Town of Markham
Lynne Timmy,Transport Canada Bob Clay,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Paul Harpley,Toronto Zoo Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham
Gord MacPherson,Toronto & Region C.A. Emma Followes, Province of Ontario
Ruth Rendon,Town of Markham
Resource Members: Kristjan Vitols, City of Toronto
Jim Robb, Friends of Rouge Watershed
Lorne Smith
Staff:
Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Jen Tang, Field Assistant
Sheryl Santos,Stewardship Coordinator
Heidi Brown,Species at Risk Technician
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Paul Dickenson, City of Toronto
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Stephen Ho,Toronto Zoo
James Lane, Region of York Nory Takata,Town of Markham
John Minor,City of Toronto Sandra Malcic, Region of York
John Nemeth,Town of Richmond Hill Kathleen Mulroy,Town of Richmond Hill
Brian Reynolds,York Federation of Agriculture Mike Whittamore,Whittamore Farms
John Pisapio, Province of Ontario
Linda Irvine,Town of Markham
Resource Members:
Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation
Colin O'Neill, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Linda Sarang, Rouge Valley Foundation
Rob Keen,Trees Ontario Foundation
John Bowen, Hydro One
Rick Schofield,Scarborough LACAC
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
1. Welcome- Ian Buchanan
2. Previous Meeting Minutes
TRCA will give a presentation on Water Quality at the next meeting.
Minutes approved
3. Pending Actions and Rouge Park Alliance Directions
The last Alliance meeting was the AGM. The Southeast Collector Enhancements Project was approved,
therefore the money for the build-up of Bob Hunter Memorial Park is now available. The Alliance approved
the draft Terms of Reference for the Rouge North Consolidated Plan. The Trails Master Plan is going forward.
4. Update of Rouge Park North Consolidated Plan
Rouge Park is looking for comments on the draft Terms of Reference. Lilli Duoba's comment is that it sounds
like the intent is to replace the existing Rouge North Management Plan. If that is not the intent,then the
name should be changed to call it a master plan, not a management plan.
5. Update on Rouge Park Trails Master Plan
Diana Smyth gave the update on the Trails Master Plan. The contract has been signed with the consultants
and the first meeting will be soon. The consultant hired is Scholen and Co. Jim Robb commented that Rouge
Park should look into building trails up,with ditches on both sides,since the soils are very wet in the Rouge.
Diana Smyth also gave an update on the guided trails program. 15 volunteer hike leaders have been trained.
Ian Buchanan commented that Rouge Park needs to increase accessibility. Jim Robb commented that Rouge
Park should have off-road wheelchairs available. Lilli Duoba commented that the Town of Markham has hired
an accessibility coordinator and that Rouge Park can use him as a resource.
6. Update on Progress of 2010 Restoration Projects
Bob Clay presented a map showing the 2010 restoration sites. 10 000 Trees has additional funding to create
wetland which is in the planning stages right now. The native grass has been seeded at the 14`"Avenue site.
A wetland will be built this fall at the restoration site behind the Cedar Grove Community Centre. TRCA is also
working on the design for the wetland planned north of Plug Hat Road.
7. 2011 Restoration Sites and Update on Project Proposal Timing/Approach
Bob Clay presented the possible 2011 restoration sites. TRCA and Rouge Park are in consultation with the
community groups now to determine which sites will be available for planting.
8. Stewardship Activities—Verbal Update
Sheryl Santos gave a presentation on the stewardship activities that Rouge Park held this spring. Vicki
MacDonald mentioned that Rouge Park is looking into a possible event to control the Yellow Iris population
south of Twyn Rivers Drive. Rouge Park is looking for some information from anyone who has some
experience controlling this species.
9. Species at Risk Project—Verbal Update
Heidi Brown gave an update on the species at risk project. Funding has been approved for this project from
Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources. There are 18 target species in this project.
Progress to date includes fencing off the ginseng population in Rouge Park; red-headed woodpecker boxes
will be going up soon;the Toronto Zoo is working on distributing information to the community and blocking
off a nesting area at Beare Road wetlands; and there is a university student monitoring the chimney swift
boxes.
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
10. 16'h Avenue Enhancements Proposal —Verbal Update
Gord MacPherson gave an update on this project. The 16`"Avenue enhancement project sites have been
identified in Rouge Park. The original sites were no longer available for restoration.
11. Presentation — Restoration Challenges,Opportunities and Improvements
Jim Robb handed out a document on the challenges and FRW's recommendations for restoration in the Park.
12.Other Business
The next meeting is the Projects Review Meeting on September 8, 2010.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.,June 23,2010.
Sheryl Santos,Stewardship Coordinator, presented an overview of the stewardship program ongoing in
Rouge Park. She talked about some of the 20 stewardship events that have been held in 2010 and the great
volunteer response. Many partnerships were made with various organizations and community groups to
make these projects successful,e.g.the hoot and howl, and invasive species removal. She also talked about
other projects that she is currently implementing,such as the purple martin house at the Rouge Valley
Conservation Centre, and the native wildflower gardens at the Glen Rouge Campground and Markham
Museum. The amount of volunteers involved in Rouge Park projects and the number of stewardship events
available to the public have more than doubled since 2009.
9. Rouge Park 2010 Monitoring Program Report
KEY ISSUE
An update on Rouge Park 2010 Monitoring Program.
MOTION: Moved by: Erin Shapero
Res. #46/10 Seconded by: Paul Harpley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the Rouge Park 2010 Monitoring Program Report.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Rouge Park 2010 Monitoring Program
Over the past few years, Rouge Park has been working to create a detailed and informative monitoring
program that will collect important information on the Park's habitats,wildlife and plant species in order to
better inform Park decisions and help to achieve the goal to "protect, restore and enhance the natural,scenic
and cultural values of the park in an ecosystem context, and to promote public responsibility, understanding,
appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage."
Since 2003, Rouge Park has diligently monitored restoration projects that were funded through the Rouge
Park's natural heritage funding program as well as other restoration that has occurred within the Park. This
year,a new protocol was developed to monitor the success of restoration sites in Rouge Park, including
monitoring survival, health and succession of the sites into forested habitat. This program helps to make
recommendations on individual site management as well as on overall restoration techniques that will help
Rouge Park achieve the goals of the restoration program.
Wildlife monitoring is an important aspect of the monitoring program. This year was the second year of the
Frog and Toad call monitoring program which aims to identify frog and toad species and abundances and
track long-term changes in populations. This helps Rouge Park to determine the success of our wetland
restorations as well as track the health of our natural wetlands, as amphibians are great indicator species. This
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
program involves community members in monitoring activities to promote awareness of Rouge Park
amphibian populations.
Other important amphibian indicator species are salamanders. This year was the second year of monitoring
salamander boards which were distributed throughout the Park. This program aims to identify red-backed
salamander presence and abundances and track long-term changes in populations.This program helps to
identify the health of the forest ecosystem in Rouge Park. This program involves community groups such as
scouts and citizen scientists to help promote awareness of Rouge Park's amphibian populations and habitat
needs.
Rouge Park has several programs in place to monitor the Park's bird populations. Each program targets a
different habitat or time of the year,which allows Rouge Park to determine how species are using the Park.
The winter bird count has been an important annual event for Rouge Park since 2004. This year's seventh
annual winter bird count was held on January 10,2010. This year,96 volunteers from the community
participated, many of them new to Rouge Park. This program helps to fill gaps in regional winter bird counts
and identify long-term trends in winter bird populations in Rouge Park. The Rouge Park's breeding bird survey
has been ongoing for several years. This program aims to identify and document the number and species of
birds breeding in the Park. This information helps Rouge Park identify certain habitat needs and critical
habitat locations that need to be protected. This year was also the first year of marsh bird monitoring in the
Park. This program follows the Marsh Monitoring Program Protocol and all data is submitted to Bird Studies
Canada. The program helps Rouge Park to determine the success of our wetland restoration activities in
providing habitat for marsh birds,as well as our natural wetlands. This program will help to identify habitat
needs,which will be used to refine restoration plans.
A new program for Rouge Park this year was the Species at Risk(SAR) monitoring. The aim of this program
was to update historical records and identify species at risk locations and needs in the Park. This project
targeted 2 plant species, 5 reptiles and 1 1 bird species. The Park's Ginseng population was monitored to
collect baseline data of the size and distribution of the population;and will be monitored yearly to ensure the
population is not affected by illegal poaching. Snake boards as well as targeted searches were used to track
the SAR snake populations in the Park and to determine where habitat structures were needed. Forest Bird
monitoring was implemented with the help of volunteers to identify locations and habitats of forest SAR bird
species. Short-eared Owl,Yellow Rail and Chimney Swift's were also targeted through specific species
monitoring protocols. As a result of the monitoring activities, habitat was created for SAR such as chimney
swifts and red-headed woodpeckers.
As Rouge Park grows in size and continues restoration activities on a large scale, it is important to make sure
that the habitats that are being created are functioning as natural forests,wetlands and meadows and are
providing habitat to the multitude of wildlife species that live in the Park. It is also important to monitor our
habitats, plants and wildlife for any threats or disturbances that would negatively affect them, as Rouge Park is
home to so many rare and beautiful species.
Report prepared by: Vicki MacDonald,Biologist,Rouge Park
For information contact: Vicki MacDonald,905-713-7729,email:vicki_macdonald @rougepark.com
Date: September 9,2010
11. Correspondence
MOTION: Moved by: Erin Shapero
Res. #47/10 Seconded by: Helena Jaczek
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence:
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MINUTES of Meeting #5/10, September 24, 2010
1. Letter dated May 30, 2010 to Rouge Park,from Mark Ingwersen,Town of Markham, re: Markham's
Trees for Tomorrow Program.
2. Copy of Letter dated July 16,2010 to Carol Salisbury, Ministry of the Environment,from Phil
Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re:Ontario Water Opportunities and Water
Conservation Act,2010, EBR Registry Number 010-9940.
3. Letter dated August 11, 2010 to Gerri-Lynn O'Connor,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,
from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Support for the Rouge Park Heritage Appreciation and
Visitor Experience Program.
4. Letter dated August 24,2010 to Vicki Barron,Waterfront Regeneration Trust,from Alan Wells,
Rouge Park Alliance, re:Waterfront Regeneration Trust Annual Support for Rouge Park.
5. Letter dated September 9, 2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Amy Semenuk,Malvern
Community Resource Centre, re:Signage in Rouge Park.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
Report prepared by: Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
For information contact: Ron Dewell,905-713-7374-email: rdewell @trca.on.ca
Date: September 1,2010
New Business
Pauline Browes passed on a message from the Hon.Tom McMillan, 2010 Rouge Park Award winner, in which
he thanked the Alliance for the award and expressed his disappointment in not being able to attend the
Annual General Meeting.
IN-CAMERA SESSION
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #48/10 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance enter into "In-Camera"session.
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MOTION: Moved by: Helena Jaczek
Res. #50/10 Seconded by: Michael Chong
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance rise from "In-Camera"session and report.
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END OF IN-CAMERA SESSION
Resolution #49/10, as a result of the In-Camera session,will be kept confidential and remain on file at the
Rouge Park Office.
Alan Wells, Chair, reported that the Rouge Park Alliance added another property to the Rouge Park Pool of
Priority Land Acquisition List.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION,the meeting terminated at 11:50 a.m.on September 24,2010.
Alan Wells Ron Dewell
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
0e?%11111111PM- MINUTES - MEETING #1 /11 - February 11, 2011
Rouge lark.
The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells,Chair,
welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair Brian Denney,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Sue Gunton,Toronto Zoo
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker,City of Toronto Debbie Pella Keen, Province of Ontario
Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Gerri Lynn O'Connor,Toronto & Region C.A. Carolyn Woodland,Toronto & Region C.A.
Mayor David Ryan, City of Pickering
Regional Councillor Peter Rodrigues, Region of Durham
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Wayne Arthurs, MPP, Province of Ontario
Hon. Michael Chong, MP,Government of Canada Ian Buchanan, Region of York
Councillor Castro Liu,Town of Richmond Hill Mayor Wayne Emmerson,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Andre Flys, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Adele Freeman,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
John Tracogna,Toronto Zoo Mark Graham,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Councillor Logan Kanapathi,Town of Markham
Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp.
Tom Melymuk,City of Pickering
Roger Saunders, Region of Durham
Tracey Steele,Town of Richmond Hill
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Barb Davies, Manager, Policy&Administration Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Doreen McCarty,Administrative Coordinator Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Observers: Observers (Continued...)
Mike Adler, Metroland (Scarborough Mirror) Marvin Macaraig, U of T, Dept. Of Geography
Renee Afoom-Boateng,TRCA Gord MacPherson,TRCA
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Parks Beth McEwen, City of Toronto PFR, Urban Forestry
Bob Clay,TRCA Andy McKinnon,"Rouge Watch"
Jim Dillane,TRCA Ghazal Mardmomen, Office of Dr. Helena Jaczek
David Harvey,Consultant Kevin O'Connor, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Nancy Lowes,City of Toronto Parks Bobby Stanley, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Evelyn Lurz, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Beth Williston,TRCA
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MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
CHAIR'S REMARKS
Alan Wells, Chair,welcomed everyone and introduced new members, Mayor David Ryan,City of Pickering, and
Regional Councillor Peter Rodrigues, Region of Durham.
Alan Wells informed the Alliance that recently he and The Hon. Pauline Browes met with The Hon. Peter Kent,
federal Minister of the Environment,to present the Alliance's proposal for a national park. He told the Alliance
that the Minister was actively reviewing our proposal.
The Chair also mentioned that in the fall, he and Pauline Browes had met with the Minister of Finance,The
Hon.Jim Flaherty,and they discussed the proposal for a national park.
The Hon. Pauline Browes informed the Alliance that Minister Kent expressed that it was a priority for him to
deal with the proposal for a national park,and that he has had contacts with the Province and Mayors of
Toronto and Markham. Ms Browes also mentioned that Alan Latourelle,CEO, Parks Canada Agency, had taken
a personal tour of Rouge Park,and was very interested in the proposal for a national park.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #1/11 Seconded by: Pauline Browes
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #5/10 held on September 24, 2010.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed,alternate Alliance member for SRVS,declared conflict of interest
under agenda item #2,"Rouge Park 2010 Highlights,2011 Work Plan and Updated Budget".
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS
Gord MacPherson,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Gord MacPherson talked about TRCA's restoration and environmental monitoring programs in Rouge Park,
partnerships with different stakeholders,and the support Rouge Park Alliance and partners has received from
TRCA during the planning, implementation and monitoring of restoration projects.
MOTION: Moved by: David Ryan
Res. #2/11 Seconded by: Sue Gunton
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receives the presentation by Gord MacPherson,Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
1. Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of January 19,2011
KEY ISSUE
Present the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held on January 19, 2011.
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MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #3/11 Seconded by: Bonnie Littley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receives the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held
on January 19,2011.
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BACKGROUND
See attached minutes
Report prepared by: Barb Davies, Manager, Policy and Administration
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: January 31,2011
Attachment
�.. ROUGE PARK FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Rougre Park MINUTES-JANUARY 19, 2011
The Rouge Park Finance Committee met in the B & C Conference Room,Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue,
Scarborough. Sue Gunton,Chair,welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m.
PRESENT
Members:
Sue Gunton, Chair, Rouge Park Finance Committee
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Jim Dillane,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Rocco Sgambelluri,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Staff:
Barb Davies, Rouge Park
ABSENT
Members:
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Staff:
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
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MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
1. Welcome by Sue Gunton
2. Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved
3. Actions from previous Meeting Minutes
All action items were completed.
4. 2011 Work Plan and Updated Budget
a. Work Plan
Staff presented the draft work plan.
Committee members requested edits including the separation of the Agricultural highlights,due
to its importance,and inclusion of the staff positions associated with the sections presented.
ACTION: Staff will revise the work plan accordingly.
b. Budget
Staff provided an update to the budget as presented at the September 24,2010 Rouge Park
Alliance (RPA) meeting.
Committee members' discussions focused on the status of the new revenue sources and how we
might pursue other sources and further petition the requests that have been made.
ACTION:
- Chairman Alan Wells will follow up with the appointed City of Toronto RPA members and attend
a City of Toronto 2011 budget public meeting to emphasis the value of supporting the Park's
HAVE program.
- Staff will initiate a meeting to discuss fundraising ideas.
- Staff will report back to the Finance Committee regarding the rental portfolio expenses and
revenues.
- Staff to bring forward a balanced budget to the Alliance.
c. Salary Detail
Staff provided a breakdown of the allocation of salaries and benefits in the four sections of the
budget. At this point, staff was asked to leave the room so that staffing matters may be discussed.
It was determined that to sustain the Park's presence and profile, maintaining the current staff
complement is important.
5. Finance Committee Membership
New RPA membership has resulted in vacant positions on the Finance Committee.
ACTION: New members will be in place by the next meeting of the Finance Committee.
6. Correspondence
a. Letter dated December 5,2010 to Jim Dillane,TRCA,from Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance, re:
Audit Services Appointment
Correspondence were received and discussed.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
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MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
2. Rouge Park 2010 Highlights,2011 Work Plan and Updated Budget
Rouge Park 2010 Highlights
Alan Wells, Chair, highlighted the Governance,Organization and Finance Review of the Alliance report by the
consultants. He talked about the recommendation in the report of designating Rouge Park as Canada's first
"near urban" national park, in order to resolve the need for land,funding and better governance. He also
talked about the meetings he has had with federal government officials regarding the proposal of a national
park.
Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage,talked about the Park's latest planning initiative,the Rouge North
Consolidated Plan. She highlighted the natural heritage program - habitat restoration (wetlands,
reforestation,etc.), Morningside Creek rehabilitation project (redside dace,aquatic habitat,etc.), and the
species at risk project in 2010/2011.
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience,talked about the Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience
Program, Rouge Park stewardship program,community activities, guided walks, ongoing development of the
Rouge Park Trails Master Plan,trail development in Bob Hunter Memorial Park,2010 Rouge Days,etc.
• - Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested that staff bring back a report on garbage
cleanup ON Rouge Park lands;who is responsible for the cleanup;costs for cleanup and
disposal, etc.
2011 Work Plan and Updated Budget
KEY ISSUE
Present the 2011 recommended work plan and budget.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #4/11 Seconded by: Sue Gunton
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the 2011 Work Plan and Budget.
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BACKGROUND
As an exercise to identify revenue sources and to move forward with the 2011 Rouge Park Project
recommendations, a draft preliminary budget for 2011 was presented and received by the Rouge Park
Alliance at its September 24,2010 meeting. Since that time we have put together a work plan for 2011,
received more accurate cost estimates and received responses to some of the non-traditional funding
requests.
On January 19,2011 the Finance Committee reviewed the budget and proposed changes so that a balanced
budget would be achieved.
Please see the attached work plan and budget highlights and recommended budget report.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration, Rouge Park
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
or Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
905-713-7374,email:rdewell @trca.on.ca
Date: February 2,2011
Attachments (#1 and #2)
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MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
ATTACHMENT#1
ROUGE PARK
2011 RECOMMENDED WORK PLAN AND BUDGET
As of February 2,2011
2011 will be an important year for action towards a more sustainable future for Rouge Park. With our current
staff complement and financial resources,we will continue pursuit of Federal Park status,develop a
sustainable fundraising plan, restore more habitat then ever before, and work to establish a clear presence in
the Park through our Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience (HAVE) program.
The work plan is ambitious,and in order to continue moving forward in the development of the Park,we have
been pursuing non-traditional funding sources to replace revenues that have been depleted. As we receive
responses to those pursuits the work plan will be adjusted appropriately.
In addition to the regular activities of the Park, below is an outline of highlights of activities proposed for 2011.
PLANNING AND COORDINATION
The General Manager is responsible for the overall management of the operations under the direction of the
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,and supported by an Administrative Assistant. Administrative decisions are
reached and acted upon through the management team consisting of the General Manager and Program
Managers. In 2011,the General Manager position is carried out by the part time General Manager and part
time Manager of Policy and Administration until such time as the General Manager's position is filled later on
this year.
In these difficult financial times,we will look to our partners and non-traditional funding sources to support
the 2011 and future budgets. We will coordinate this through the development of a Fundraising Work Plan.
The development of several site plans is proposed, including lands fronting on Finch Avenue following the
west bank of the main Rouge River(Anndale),and on the north side of the entrance to the Rouge Beach area
in Rouge Park. Park staff will also be co-managing with the City of Toronto the development of a master plan
for the former Beare Road Landfill.
Provincial lands both dedicated and owned for Rouge Park purposes in York Region now total 1558 ha (3850
acres). These lands include a portion of the initial land dedication for Rouge Park from 2004 along the Little
Rouge Creek transferred to both the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Town of
Markham (1 17 hectares (289 acres)),the Bob Hunter Memorial Park lands from 2005 and most recently,the
East Lands from 2007. To provide a comprehensive document representing these lands, Rouge Park is
proposing to consolidate our existing plans and coordinate with our member organizations plans. Endorsed
by the Rouge Park Alliance at the June 11,2010 meeting,staff, in coordination with TRCA and Town of
Markham staff,will retain a consultant subject to the securement of funding and completion of a finalized
work plan.
AGRICULTURE
With the introduction of an Agricultural Policy in 2010,we will see new agriculture focused activities in 2011.
These include discussions with the Park tenants regarding best management practices,coordinating with the
Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) group and tenant to implement the restoration of a swamp buffer on
marginal farmland on a tenanted agricultural property in Rouge Park,collaborate with the farm community
and NGOs to implement community-based agricultural projects within Rouge Park,such as Farm Start, and
completing long term leases within the Agricultural Heritage Reserves.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 7 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
RESTORATION
The Restoration Program is led by the Manager of Natural Heritage with support from the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority.
An ambitious restoration program is planned this year, including restoration of approximately 72 hectares,
which includes 33 hectares of Bob Hunter Memorial Park(BHMP) and at least 4 new wetlands and will see the
completion of phase 2 of the BHMP restoration projects,as well as rehabilitation of 500 m of the Little Rouge
Creek. All of this is possible through the coordinated efforts of York Region,TRCA and local community
groups.
Development of new protocols for the restoration and natural areas assessment program will be completed
early in 2011. This will include refinements to the restoration monitoring program that has been ongoing for
a number of years,as well as new wetland assessment protocols,targeted wildlife surveys and monitoring of
species at risk. Surveys and monitoring will be carried out by Rouge Park staff,with some volunteer
assistance,from about April to September,and a report will be available early in 2012.
NATURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION
The Natural Heritage Protection Program is led by the Manager of Natural Heritage and supported by the
Coordinator of Rouge Park Stewardship, and the Biologist.
In 2010,through Provincial and Federal Species at Risk Funding, Rouge Park was able to hire field staff to
investigate the presence of previously reported species at risk. The associated report includes a number of
recommendations for further protection of species that were found and will be implemented this year.
A critical element to management and protection of the natural heritage of the park is to be informed of the
status of its inhabitants in and near the Park. Staff will carry out volunteer-based wildlife monitoring programs
in Rouge Park and on Transport Canada lands, including Frog Watch, salamander board monitoring,winter
bird counts and mammal tracking. These programs engaged 335 volunteers in 2010.
In the southern part of Rouge Park, a significant portion of our neighbours are urban back yards. In 2011, a
new stewardship initiative was designed to reach out to our neighbours interested in 'greening'their
backyards.
The Ontario Road Ecology Group conducted wildlife road mortality surveys within Rouge Park in 2010 and has
prepared recommendations to reduce road mortalities that will be implement in 2011.
HERITAGE APPRECIATION AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE
The Heritage Appreciation and Visitor Experience (HAVE) program is led by the HAVE Manager and supported
by the Coordinator of Rouge Park Stewardship,and the Trail Coordinator.
In 2011,we look forward to initiating a visitor experience program for the new day use areas within Bob
Hunter Memorial Park. This program includes raising awareness and promoting exploration of the area,
including website updates, increasing community interest in the area, an opening celebration,signage and
hikes. Signage will be a major component of the 2011 plan, raising profile of the area,orienting visitors,and
sharing insight on Rouge Park,and Bob Hunter's environmental legacy.
2010 was an exciting year for our guided walk program,welcoming nearly 1600 walkers, and certifying 22
well-trained volunteer hike leaders. In the autumn of 2010 we were pleased to form a partnership with
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to celebrate biodiversity. OPG provided necessary funding to grow the walks
program. Having an increased presence in the Park helped increase our profile and share messages of
appropriate park use. We hope to expand this program in 2011 to include volunteer ambassadors who will
greet our visitors, share stories,and assist them to ensure a rewarding visitor experience.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 8 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
We have been approached by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation with a request to host the 2011 Tour
de Greenbelt. This is a substantial project offering an excellent opportunity to both raise park profile as well as
tap into the cycling audience. Provided there is sufficient funding and support,we will welcome this
collaboration.
Rouge Days: We are excited to be taking part in Rouge Days again in 2011,a four-day celebration of the
Rouge River Watershed. Numerous activities for a diverse audience included a fishing derby, a historical tour
of Markham,guided hikes, and a church luncheon were highlights from our 2010 events,and we look forward
to expanding the itinerary in 2011.
Memorial Celebration: There are a handful of Park champions who we wish to honour by recognizing them in
our Celebration Forest. The ceremony will be held late spring.
In the HAVE plan,establishment of community gardens is proposed. Staff will be coordinating with the City of
Toronto to establish at least one location within the Park that will be utilized for community gardens. This is a
chance for us to better connect with the neighbourhoods surrounding the Park,and encourage a diverse
assortment of foods to reflect the multicultural community,and to make connections with new partners.
Rouge Park Stewardship Coordinator focuses on public land stewardship opportunities within the Park. This
program area strives to guide the local community in the implementation of ecological stewardship
restoration projects, provide education,outreach and stewardship opportunities to public landowners and
community groups,and represent Rouge Park at outreach events throughout the year. Once working with
the local stakeholder and environmental NGOs,the program works to build these important partnerships and
operate together to create a memorable experience for Park visitors.
2011 Stewardship Activities:
Greening Backyards— encouraging our park neighbours to make a difference in their own yard by creating
habitat and planting native species.
Working with Wildlife — a workshop to assist park operations staff in managing human-wildlife conflicts,e.g.
removing food temptations from the local coyote population.
Reptile &Amphibian Awareness Days—We will continue with Ontario Nature for our 3rd annual event,
offering insight into the habits of our local frogs,turtles and salamanders,for families and professionals alike.
Planting Events— Earth Day tree plantings, maintaining and expanding our native wildflower garden are great
ways to get volunteers involved in park stewardship.
Turtle Talk-outreach focused on protecting turtles in the Rouge Marshes, in partnership with the Toronto Zoo
Adopt-a-pond program.
Tidying Up —our volunteers are willing to get their hands dirty! We will hold at least two clean up events,one
in partnership with the Rouge Valley Mennonite Church.
Ousting the Invaders—Volunteers will assist in at least two invasive species removals including periwinkle and
Manitoba maple,while learning the importance of protecting native species.
Creating Habitat— Building and installing boxes for Eastern Bluebirds is a simple and successful hands-on
habitat creation project. Volunteers can spot some of these bluebird boxes along our Woodland trail,and if
they're lucky they'll spot a bluebird too!
Our HAVE program is an important tool for building profile and partnerships. In 2011,we will be working
closely with our partners and other organizations to increase the Park's profile,from promoting exciting
events,to aligning us as a tourist destination. We will also create a more robust online presence through
social marketing venues like Facebook and our own website.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 9 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
• The 2011 preliminary budget reflects the function and activities of staff. The 2010 budget has
been restated to be consistent with the 2011 preliminary budget. The total staff is 8 people
(includes full time and part time staff) in both years and the total salary budgeted in 2010 was
$615,000 compared to $655,000 in 2011. The increase in salaries is due to the assumption
that a full-time General Manager will be in place for 2011.
• In recent years, approximately $200,000 has been budgeted for projects. In the preliminary
2011 budget, $180,000 was recommended and continues to be recommended. In addition to
the Rouge Park project funding,an additional $152,000 will be allocated to community
groups for plantings in Bob Hunter Memorial Park through the SE Collector Enhancement
project fund. This includes $125,000 to be allocated to Friends of the Rouge Watershed to plant
15-16 ha,as well as $27,000 to 70,000 Trees for the Rouge to plant 3 ha.
• Increase in the municipal levies. In the original funding formula to sustain the Park there was
a 1/3 model of funding from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and local
municipal governments. TRCA was tasked with requesting the 1/3 from the municipal
governments and recent levies levels through TRCA are $132,000 (approximately 9%of the
budget). These are the only source of municipal funds that are consistently provided for
Rouge Park purposes. Through the RPA Chair, a request has been submitted to TRCA to
increase that amount to $240,000 in 2011.
• Increase in the revenues from the Town of Markham. In March 4, 2008, Markham Council
directed the ongoing Rouge Park grant of$25,000 be utilized to implement projects in the
Little Rouge Corridor, or Bob Hunter Memorial Park. In 2010,the 2009 and 2010 levels were
approved for use towards the Trails Master Plan with the understanding that a letter of intent
be provided in advance of any future funding requests beyond 2010. In 2011, it is
recommended that $50,000 be requested of Markham to go towards the Consolidated
Management Plan. And that Markham supports a request of$25,000 to York Region for this
plan.
• $315,000 of the remaining $362,100 Provincial Special funding provided by the Province of
Ontario in 2007 is included in this budget.
• Costs associated with BHMP development site management of restoration projects and
interpretive signs recovered from York Region ($108,700).
• New sources from a Topsoil Habitat Berm Creation project in BHMP.
ATTACHMENT#2
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
2011 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
February 11,2011
R10-11
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 10 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
___
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ROUGE PARK AL.LiA
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February 1 1,2011
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R11'11
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page l l of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #l/ll February ll 2011
RECOMMENDED BUDCET
201 1 2011
budget Sept Firiance Recommendec
notes :5
1 800 1 1,800
10-Y-Pidi-scil Levies 320001 132,0001 240,000 240,0010 24 0,00O
York Region/1 RCA i 8 1 82000i 155,300 88,700 108,700 108,70D
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Notes
ons
arid wa ge,,shc,wri in the 20 10 hudge�a'jnd yeai ..),,d projeclions a�, Monftori,.cj e3nd P CAL—up'have been rnc�ed lis
norcive to levies through TRCA.
R12-11
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 12 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
MOTION: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
Res. #5/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the 2011 budget allocation for Natural Heritage Committee Projects be maintained at $206,000
and that staff be directed to either increase revenues or adjust expenditures by a corresponding
amount.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... . MOTION NOT VOTED ON
Note:
During discussions, staff was directed to bring forward the matter of the budget allocation for the Natural
Heritage Committee Projects to the Rouge Park Finance Committee for further discussion.
• -Staff to bring forward to the Finance Committee,for further discussion,the matter of
the budget allocation for Natural Heritage Committee Projects.
- Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested that staff bring back a report on all projects
completed in Rouge Park,and how they were funded.
3. Rouge Park Alliance Memorandum of Agreement
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park Alliance Memorandum of Agreement between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA), Rouge Park Alliance,and the Province of Ontario, as represented by the Ministry of Natural Resources
(MNR), dated March 23,2007.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #6/11 Seconded by: David Ryan
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive this report regarding the Memorandum of Agreement between
the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park Alliance,and the Province of
Ontario,as represented by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR),dated March 23,2007.
AMENDMENT: Moved by: Clyde Smith
Res. #6A/11 Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
AND THAT the existing Memorandum of Agreement be extended beyond March 31,2011, until a new
agreement is completed.
AMENDMENT .... ... .. ... ... ...... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED . .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Rouge Park Alliance operates under the terms of an agreement between the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority (TRCA), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR),and the Alliance. A copy of the current
agreement is attached for your information. This agreement was for a three-year period from April 1, 2007 to
March 31,2010,and extended by agreement to March 31,2011.
We are currently having very encouraging discussions with the Government of Canada regarding forming a
Federal Park. The transformation to a Federal Park would take a number of years, meaning that it is still
necessary to develop a new agreement with TRCA and MNR. The Rouge Park Alliance Chair is currently in
discussions with representatives of TRCA and MNR. Those discussions will include the comments,suggestions
and recommendations from our governance review.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 13 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
The Chair will discuss this matter in more detail at the next Alliance meeting on April 1, 2011,after completion
of discussions with Alliance members.
Report prepared by: Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
For information contact: Alan Wells,Chair,Rouge Park Alliance,905-713-7426 (cell:416-460-6706)
-email:awells @rougepark.com
Or Ron Dewell,905-713-7374-email:rdewell @trca.on.ca
Date: January 25,2011
4. Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee Report and Minutes (Sept.8,Oct. 20,& Nov. 24,2010)
KEY ISSUE
Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee
meetings held on September 8, October 20,and November 24,2010.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #7/11 Seconded by: Clyde Smith
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the September 8, October 20,and November 24,
2010 Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee meetings.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• - Pauline Browes requested that staff bring back to the Alliance a report outlining the
makeup of the Natural Heritage Committee.
5. Rouge Park Alliance Meeting Schedule For 2011/2012
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park Alliance Meeting Schedule for 2011/2012.
MOTION: Moved by: Clyde Smith
Res. #8/11 Seconded by: David Ryan
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the following meeting dates for 2011/2012:
Friday,April 1, 2011 .. .... .... . Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough
Friday,May 13,2011 ... ... .... . Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough
*Friday,June 17,2011 . ... ... Cedar Brae Golf&Country Club,6431 Steeles Ave. East,Scarborough
Friday,September 16,2011 . ... Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough
Friday, December 9,2011 . .... . Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough
Friday, February 10,2012 . .... . Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Ave., Scarborough
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
DETAILS
Rouge Park Alliance meetings will commence at 9:00 a.m.,at the locations indicated beside each date.
* On June 17,2011, at 9:00 a.m.,there will be a brief regular Rouge Park Alliance meeting at the Cedar Brae
Golf and Country Club, 6431 Steeles Avenue East,Scarborough. Immediately following (at approximately
10:15 a.m.)the Rouge Park Alliance Annual General Meeting will commence.
Report prepared by: Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
For information contact: Alan Wells,905-713-7426;email:awells @rougepark.com
Date: January 26,2011
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 14 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
Letter (#14)from Glenn De Baeremaeker, President,Save the Rouge Valley System, re:Appointment of SRVS
Representative and Alternates to the Rouge Park Alliance,was added under Correspondence.
6. Correspondence
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park Alliance correspondence.
MOTION: Moved by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
Res. #9/11 Seconded by: Sue Gunton
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence:
1. Letter dated January 11,2011 to The Hon. Peter Kent,Minister of the Environment,from Alan Wells,
Rouge Park Alliance, re: Rouge Park Governance Review and Rouge National Park Proposal.
2. Letter dated January 11,2011 to Hon. Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure,from Alan Wells,
Rouge Park Alliance,and Brian Denney,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, re: Rouge
Park East Lands.
3. Letter dated January 10,2011 to Ron Dewell, Rouge Park Alliance,from Kathy Stranks,Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority, re: Fuel/Oil Spill from Standard Auto Wreckers.
4. Letter dated January 7,2011 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from A. L. Georgieff, Region of
Durham, re: Appointment of Representative to the Rouge Park Alliance.
5. Letter dated December 29,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from P. M. Madill, Region of
Durham, re:Appointment of Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
6. Letter dated December 24,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Karen Ewart,Town of
W hitch urch-Stouffville, re:Appointment of Representative to the Rouge Park Alliance.
7. Letter dated December 23,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Donna L.McLarty,Town
of Richmond Hill, re:Appointment of Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
8. Letter dated December 22,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Debbie Shields,City of
Pickering, re:Appointment of Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
9. Letter dated December 21,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Denis Kelly, Region of
York, re:Appointment of Representative to the Rouge Park Alliance.
10. Letter dated December 8,2010 to Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park Alliance,from Ulli S.Watkiss, City of
Toronto, re:Appointment of Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
11. Copy of Letter dated December 1,2010 to Raj Mohabeer, Sustainability Office,Town of Markham,
from Phil Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re:Town of Markham's Sustainability
Plan ("Green print").
12. Copy of Letter dated October 18,2010 to Provincial Policy Statement Review, Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing,from Phil Goodwin, Don Watershed Regeneration Council, re: Provincial Policy
Statement (2005) Review.
13. Letter dated October 6,2010 to Alan Wells, Rouge Park Alliance,from Vicki Barron,Waterfront
Regeneration Trust, re:2011 Funding Level for Rouge Park.
14. Letter dated February 10,2011 to Chair and Members of the Rouge Park Alliance,from Glenn De
Baeremaeker, President,Save the Rouge Valley System, re:Appointment of Representative and
Alternates for Save the Rouge Valley.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
Correspondence #3 regarding Fuel/Oil Spill from Standard Auto Wreckers was further discussed.
Beth Williston,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,gave an overview and history of the Standard
Auto Wreckers site. She updated the Alliance on the issues regarding the Standard Auto Wreckers fuel/oil spill
in a tributary of the Little Rouge River.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 15 of 15
MINUTES of Meeting #1/11, February 11, 2011
MOTION: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
Res. #10/11 Seconded by: Jim Robb
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance write to the Premier of Ontario,the Department of Fisheries and Oceans,
the Minister of the Environment,the Minister of Natural Resources,and other appropriate elected
officials (MPs, MPPs,and City Councillors) requesting that the encroachments onto public property and
into the floodplain be removed;that all contaminated soils be cleaned;and that the provincial
government reinitiate discussions with Standard Auto Wreckers regarding potential acquisition of the
property and/or relocation of the business.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
-Staff to prepare letters.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #11/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to prepare a letter for the Chair of the Alliance seeking
participant status related to the Hearing of an appeal before the Environmental Review Tribunal
regarding the Standard Auto Wreckers matter;
AND THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,which will also be seeking participant
status at the appeal, be requested to allow its legal representative to serve in the same capacity for the
Rouge Park Alliance.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
-Staff to prepare a letter to the Environmental Review Tribunal.
IN-CAMERA SESSION
MOTION: Moved by: Sue Gunton
Res. #12/11 Seconded by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance enter into "In-Camera"session.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
MOTION: Moved by: Sue Gunton
Res. #14/11 Seconded by: Pauline Browes
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance rise from "In-Camera"session and report.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
END OF IN-CAMERA SESSION
Resolution #13/11, as a result of the In-Camera session,will be kept confidential and remain on file at the
Rouge Park Office.
Alan Wells, Chair, reported that the Rouge Park Alliance formed an Ad Hoc Committee to deal with matters
pertaining to a property.
TERMINATION
ON MOTION,the meeting terminated at 12:30 p.m.on February 11, 2011.
Alan Wells Ron Dewell
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
R16-11
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE
0e?%11111111PM- MINUTES - MEETING #2/11 - May 13, 2011
Rouge la r .
The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells,Chair,welcomed everyone and
called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair Brian Denney,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Sue Gunton,Toronto Zoo
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker,City of Toronto Debbie Pella Keen, Province of Ontario
Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
Mayor David Ryan, City of Pickering Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Regional Councillor Peter Rodrigues, Region of Durham Carolyn Woodland,Toronto & Region C.A.
John Tracogna,Toronto Zoo
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Wayne Arthurs, MPP, Province of Ontario
Hon. Michael Chong, MP,Government of Canada Ian Buchanan, Region of York
Councillor Castro Liu,Town of Richmond Hill Mayor Wayne Emmerson,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Andre Flys, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Adele Freeman,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Mark Graham,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Gerri Lynn O'Connor,Toronto & Region C.A. Councillor Logan Kanapathi,Town of Markham
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp.
Tom Melymuk,City of Pickering
Roger Saunders, Region of Durham
Tracey Steele,Town of Richmond Hill
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Mike Bender, Manager, Rouge Park Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Barb Davies, Manager, Policy&Administration Doreen McCarty,Administrative Coordinator
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Izabela Kalkowski, Nat. Heritage Field Assistant Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Observers: Observers (Continued...)
Mike Adler, Metroland (Scarborough Mirror) Evelyn Kurz, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Cat Beattie, Rouge Watch Marvin Macaraig, U of T, Dept. Of Geography
Bob Clay,TRCA Gord MacPherson,TRCA
Jim Dillane,TRCA Andy McKinnon,"Rouge Watch"
Milli Duoba,Town of Markham Faisal Moola, David Suzuki Foundation
Andrew Farnsworth, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Ruth Rendon,Town of Markham
Lois James, Rouge Valley Foundation Mark Schollen, Schollen & Company Inc.
Michael Jones, BDO Canada Christine Tu,TRCA
Colin Lathe, Public Charlotte Wheldrake, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Sheila Lathe, Public
Nancy Bowes,City of Toronto Parks
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
CHAIR'S REMARKS
Alan Wells, Chair,welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. He announced that Ron Dewell was retiring,
and introduced Mike Bender,the new Acting General Manager of Rouge Park.
Alan Wells talked about the News Release,titled "Rouge Park Alliance Excited By Harper's Campaign Promise"
(which was handed out). He was very pleased with the statement that the Harper Government included in
their election platform: "We will also take action toward the establishmentofa new National Park in the Rouge
Valley,in the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area. In establishing this new National Park, we will work toward
an agreement with provincial,regional,municipal,Aboriginal,and community stakeholders. We will ensure that
the rights and interests of farmers in the region are fully protected. We will also ensure that communities in the
region remain free to address their infrastructure needs." The Chair expressed his thanks and appreciation to all
the board members, community and many groups,for their strong support in working towards this important
progression of the status and function of Rouge Park. He said that the Hon. Michael Chong, our federal board
member, is very pleased that he will be involved in the development of Rouge Valley National Park,and that
the Alliance looks forward to continuing discussions with the Minister of the Environment, and officials from
Parks Canada.
Alan Wells also presented highlights of the Spring plantings in Rouge Park by various organizations and
community groups.
Hon. Pauline Browes expressed thanks to Hon. Michael Chong for moving Rouge national park issue forward
in Ottawa. She told the Alliance that in conversations with Alan Latourelle,CEO, Parks Canada Agency,that he
was looking forward to the opportunity to establish an urban national park. Great news for Rouge Park!
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker also welcomed the good news and reflected on the progression of the
status of Rouge Park,from 20 years ago to the present ("...the establishment of a new National Park in the
Rouge Valley...", per the statement included in the Conservative Government's election platform).
MOTION: Moved by: Brian Denney
Res. #15/11 Seconded by: Debbie Pella Keen
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #11/11 and in-camera session held on
February 11,2011.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed,alternate Alliance member for SRVS,declared conflict of interest
under agenda items #5 and #6:"Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of April 6,2011",and "2011
Revenue Update and Recommended Cost Controls".
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS
Andy McKinnon, Rouge Watch
Andy McKinnon expressed his opinion regarding the Rouge Park Trails Master Plan.
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
Mark Schollen, Schollen & Company Inc.
Mark Schollen gave a presentation on the progress to date on the Rouge Park Trails Master Plan. The
presentation included topics such as:the draft vision for the Rouge Park trail system; Rouge Park goal and
objectives; summaries of findings of the trail assessment and the ecological assessment;significant species,
sensitivity and buffer mapping;framework of the trail system/catalogue of trail types;summary of comments
from stakeholders and the public; process going forward; etc.
1. Update on Draft Rouge Park Trails Master Plan
KEY ISSUE
Update on Draft Rouge Park Trails Master Plan progress with focus on plan status,guiding principles,and plan
objectives.
MOTION: Moved by: David Ryan
Res. #16/11 Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report and presentation by Mark Schollen of Schollen &
Company Inc.;
AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to conduct additional focus group meetings,
including neighbours, user groups,and additional stakeholders,and that we host an additional open
house for further public consultation.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Staff to take appropriate actions,and bring back recommendations on the draft trails
plan to the Alliance.
BACKGROUND
The Need for a Trails Master Plan
While Rouge Park continues to grow new habitats, offer exciting visitor experiences, and protect important
green spaces,the need for a trails master plan has become an increasing priority for the Park. With 7 million
people living within an hour's drive of Rouge Park and with major communities right on the park's
boundaries,we recognize that people will want to enjoy and experience the park's beauty. In order to
accommodate the pressures of the surrounding population,and to protect the natural,cultural and
agricultural assets of the Park,a Trails Master Plan will help strike an important balance between visitors and
the natural surroundings.
The Trails Master Plan will be an essential tool for connecting areas within Rouge Park,and to the surrounding
communities and trail systems. The trail system plays an integral role in providing our visitors with a tangible
nature experience, by allowing them to see the diverse habitats and rich cultural history that Rouge Park
strives to protect.
Study Administration
In autumn of 2009, a trail advisory committee was formed and tasked with developing the Trails Master Plan.
This committee is comprised of Rouge Park Alliance partners and trail stakeholders from the Rouge Park
Alliance, City of Toronto,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,York Region,Town of Markham,
Durham Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,Transport Canada,and the Oak Ridges Trail Association
Specifically,the committee's role in the development of the Trails Master Plan will primarily be to provide
direction and technical guidance,share information and give feedback to the Rouge Park staff and the
consultants. The committee developed a terms of reference, and hired Schollen and Company, Inc. as the lead
consultant for the project.
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Study Process
The Trails Master Plan study will be completed in four phases.
Phase One: Background Review
Assemble and summarize background data on current Rouge Park trails, and neighbouring trail
systems
Provide input to inform potential trail locations through both mapping exercises and ground truthing
Data from various Rouge Park and partner studies and reports were summarized to locate sensitive
areas
Phase Two:Trail Concept, Design and Standards,Communications
Prepare and map preliminary options and concepts of an overall trail system in the Park based on the
goals
Identify trail theme opportunities based on cultural and natural heritage assets
Initiate the public consultation process—twin public consultation meetings were held in October
2010 in Markham and Toronto
Phase Three: Draft Plan and Consultation
Provide detailed location of proposed trails, parking lots and crossings where required
Conduct second public consultation for stakeholder,community and interest group participation
Further consultation with partners including TRCA ecologists, Markham Development Services
Committee, Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee
To Da Presentation to Rouge Park Alliance
Additional focus group meetings, including park tenants, Cedar Grove community, First Nations,and
park user groups
Open house for further public consultation
Phase Four: Review,Submission and Approval
Determine and recommend the most appropriate phased approach to implementation
Prepare detailed cost estimates for the implementation of the trail development plans
Prepare trails master plan, maps and phasing plan based on the recommended trail system
design and standards determined in Phase 2
Review, revise and prepare final Trails Master Plan based on results of Phases 1 to 3
Presentation to Rouge Park Alliance,then affected Municipal and Regional Councils
Submit final Trails Master Plan for official approval by the Rouge Park Alliance
Proposed Draft Vision
The vision for the Rouge Park Trail System is proposed to be as follows:
The Rouge Park trail system will serve as a means to understand and appreciate the unique natural and
cultural attributes of the park through heightened visitor experiences and immersion in the landscape.
The system will offer a range of experiences and recreational opportunities to assist in meeting the needs of
users of all ages and physical abilities.
The trail system will support the protection of the outstanding natural features, agricultural landscapes and
diverse cultural heritage of the park by managing appropriate public access and patterns of use while
providing a rewarding experience of nature.
Trail Master Plan Goals
There are 3 main objectives to the plan:
Protect important natural heritage features
• Protect existing natural heritage features and functions
• Enhance habitat connectivity, diversity and function where possible
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• Avoid fragmentation
• Generally avoid steep slopes and areas prone to flooding or erosion where possible
Provide a continuous north-south and east west linkage to neighbouring trail system
• Provide for a multi-use trail connection from the Waterfront to the Oak Ridges Moraine
• Provide key linkages to connect neighbourhoods adjacent to Rouge Park
• Provide a multi-modal trail network that maximizes accessibility and is integrated with public
transit
Respect and celebrate significant cultural and agricultural heritage resources
• Capitalize on interpretive opportunities
• Avoid sensitive cultural heritage features and landscapes
In addition,the plan is to address the need to close the dozens of kilometres of unofficial trails in the park,
many in sensitive natural areas, (64km of unofficial trails to be closed south of Steeles Avenue). Visitor safety is
key in all trail elements of planning.
Key Objectives for the Trail Network
Ensure public safety
Protect and enhance natural features and functions
Enhance experience of Rouge Park for trail users
Provide access for a range of users of varying abilities
Afford a broad range of user experiences and recreational opportunities
Provide facilities to support trail use, (i.e. parking)
Make the connections to regional trails, bikeways and transit
The Objectives will be achieved by:
Developing a catalogue of trail types
Utilizing the road network/internal neighbourhood street fabric
Linking open spaces
Optimizing walking distances
Utilizing corridors of opportunity, i.e. hydro easements
Trail Types
The trail system will consist of a catalogue of trails comprised of a 'base'trail configuration
with a subset of variants that are intended to address site—specific conditions or the
implications of patterns of use. There will be primarily four types of trails:
Low impact, natural surface rustic trails
Multiuse pathways
On road cycling routes
Accessible trails
Trail Alignment Principles as They Relate to Natural Heritage
Trails will be aligned to:
Minimize disturbance to areas of'high ecological sensitivity'
Allow for the expansion of the natural heritage system
Utilize existing trails where deemed appropriate from an ecological perspective
Minimize fragmentation of existing woodlands and habitats
Minimize interference with:
- Natural hazards:steep slopes,floodplains,wetlands,seepage areas
- Habitats for Species of Concern and Species at Risk
Trail Alignment Principles as They Relate to Recreation
Trails will offer a range of experiences and challenges
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
Trails within the park will be primarily used for hiking, snow-shoeing,cross-country skiing and nature
appreciation
Specific areas within the park may be designated to accommodate cycling
Bicycle routes will be located predominantly along road rights-of-way, unopened road allowances and
utility corridors
Joint use/cycling trails may be designed to link cycling routes and destinations within and outside of
the park
Motorized vehicles will be prohibited on all trails (with the exception of maintenance/service vehicles)
The range and type of recreational use permitted within the park must be consistent with the park
goal and objectives and the carrying capacity of the ecosystem
No recreation activity will be allowed which adversely impacts the health of the park ecosystem and
its special habitats and cultural features
Any recreational park use must not adversely affect residents and local neighbourhoods within or
adjacent to the park
The Trails Master Plan will be an essential tool for connecting areas within Rouge Park,and to the surrounding
communities and trail systems. The trail system plays an integral role in providing our visitors with a tangible
nature experience, by allowing them to see the diverse habitats and rich cultural history that Rouge Park
strives to protect.
Report prepared by: Michelle Holmes, Manager of Visitor Experience, Rouge Park
For information contact: Michelle Holmes,905-713-6021;email: michelle_holmes @rougepark.com
Date: May 4,201 1
2. Ambassador/Park Watch Program
KEY ISSUE
For the protection of ecological integrity and the cultural resources of the Park, it is proposed that a volunteer
based program be implemented that is designed to monitor the Park and coordinate with enforcement
authorities when illegal activities are taking place as well as educate the Park's users regarding safe and
permissible experience.
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
Ron Dewell presented an update on the ambassador/park watch program. He expressed thanks to the
different enforcement agencies involved and Andy McKinnon for the progress made so far. Compared to last
fall/spring,there has been less or no poaching in some areas, because of various actions ongoing, such as:
putting up signs,communicating with the tenants and police,training ambassadors in active areas,education
of volunteers and the public. He identified that Andy McKinnon will be working with Pat Doody,TRCA
Enforcement Officer,and that a manual will be developed outlining policies, procedures and guidelines for
ambassadors of Rouge Park. The manual would also outline the agencies responsibilities,etc.
Andy McKinnon, Rouge Watch (Delegation)
Andy McKinnon said, because of the ambassador/park watch program,that he has noticed a great
improvement in the park,such as, no poaching, no tree stands this fall/spring; however,there still needs to be
more education on these issues and other illegal activities in the park.
Deputy Mayor Jack Heath informed the Alliance that the Town of Markham has funding available for the
enforcement program (i.e.,training,t-shirt,vests, etc.),and that the Alliance/TRCA may apply.
Ron Dewell informed him that TRCA/Rouge Park would apply under the Ambassador/Park Watch Program.
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #17/11 Seconded by: Debbie Pella Keen
THAT a volunteer based Ambassador/Park Watch Program,as outlined in this report, be implemented
as funding permits;
AND FURTHER THAT the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be requested to formalize
its volunteer agreement with Rouge Watch.
AMENDMENT Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #17A/11 Seconded by: Debbie Pella Keen
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to report back to the Alliance in a year on the progress of the
program, including a description of legislated mandates and regulatory options of agencies, e.g.
Trespass to Property Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, municipal by-laws,Conservation
Authorities Act,etc..
AMENDMENT .. ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... .... CARRIED
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED . . .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... CARRIED
• -Staff to take appropriate action (provide training to volunteers;develop protocols with
Rouge Watch; put up more "No Trespassing"and "Prohibited Activities" signs; etc);
-apply to Town of Markham under their enforcement program for funding;
-develop a manual outlining the ambassadors' responsibilities (policies, procedures, etc.),
and report back to the Alliance in a year.
BACKGROUND
At the February 5,2010 Rouge Park Alliance meeting, a delegation, (Andy McKinnon, Rouge Watch),was
received bringing forward concerns with trespassing and wildlife enforcement issues in the Park, and the
concept of a volunteer based crime prevention program. Staff was directed to work with the delegate to
develop a program to involve volunteers in a proactive manner to address education and crime prevention
issues in the Park.
"ROUGE PARKALLIANCE FEBRUARY 8,20 7 0 MEETING
MOTION Moved by: Glenn DeBaeremaeker
Res.#77/70 Seconded by: Jennifer O'Connell
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to work with Andy McKinnon to develop a "Watch Program".
Further to that, at the April 23, 2010 Rouge Park Alliance meeting, staff reported on enforcement in Rouge
Park after having a meeting with enforcement agencies and interested parties on March 23,2010. It was clear
from the meeting and report that it is crucial that there be a strong public education campaign that leaves no
doubt in the public's mind about what is allowed and what is not. It was strongly supported by enforcement
agencies that the Park establishes a small group of trained, managed volunteers who can educate Park users
and report on inappropriate activities in the Park. It was also noted that in the interim the Park's trail leaders
will act as park ambassadors,educating Park visitors on appropriate trail activities, and emphasize the
importance of keeping these lands protected.
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
"ROUGE PARKALLIANCEAPRIL 23,2010 MEETING
MOTION Moved by: Glenn DeBaeremaeker
Res.#23/10 Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park General Manager be the point person responsible for maintaining communications and
relationships with the various enforcement agencies with jurisdictions that cover Rouge Park;
AND THAT the number of signs in the Park informing Park users of permissible activities be increased and
expanded to include the non-public use areas of the Park,
AND THAT Rouge Park staff continue to develop and implement Park watch program, with trained volunteers,
whose focus should be to cooperate with enforcement agencies and provide for observation and citizen patrols,
with particular attention to avoid risks to staff and volunteers;
AND FURTHER THAT Rouge Park staff continue to communicate with the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority(TRCA)staff to ensure that deer related issues in Rouge Park are dealt with consistently with the
developing TRCA policy. "
It was felt that the priority for Rouge Park was to immediately address the ongoing poaching and use of
motorized vehicles (ATVs and snowmobiles) in northeast Scarborough, south of Steeles Avenue, north of
Finch Avenue, between Littles Road and the Pickering/Toronto Townline, identified by Rouge Watch,while
developing the comprehensive volunteer based park watch program. The following activities were carried
out over the past year to address the poaching and motorized vehicle issues:
• increased patrols/presence in the Park by TRCA, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR),Toronto Parks
enforcement and bylaw
• established a direct reporting and communication between Rouge Watch and TRCA enforcement and
property staff and appropriate follow-up
• on TRCA managed lands,TRCA/Rouge Park, in consultation with Rouge Watch installed no trespassing
signs at known access points and areas of the Park frequented by poachers
• on TRCA lands managed by Toronto Parks, Parks installed additional no trespassing signs and no
motorized vehicle signs
• TRCA amended agricultural leases to permit enforcement officials to access the lands without notice
• secured access points
We are pleased to report that through this integrated effort,there was no reported poaching or illegal hunting
activities in this area of Rouge Park in the Fall 2010 or through the winter 2010/2011,and that the ATV activity
has been significantly reduced. However,we did have snowmobiles in the Park again this winter, and this will
need to addressed next season.
We feel the reporting and communication between Rouge Watch and TRCA enforcement and property staff
has been very effective and that this arrangement should be continued and formalized.
Ambassador/Park Watch Program
This program would be an expansion of existing activities and relationships, aimed at protection of the Park's
resources. Over the past year,staff has met and consulted with Rouge Watch (Andy McKinnon and Cat
Beattie),on a number of occasions and with the Park Enforcement Group to discuss the development of a
program which involves volunteers in a proactive manner to address education and prohibited activities. We
reviewed similar programs to this in High Park(Park Watch) and several municipalities in York Region (York
Regional Police Parks Ambassadors Program).
Establishing a presence in all areas of the Park through the program will work towards the goal of protecting
the Park's natural heritage. In some cases,for instance in the tenanted lands,a presence already exists that we
can work with. In other areas such as public use areas and nature reserves,we will need to foster a new
presence. Through relationship building and education,the ambassador program could achieve a higher
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
level of protection for the Park's environs and users.
In an effort to cover the entire Park, it seemed appropriate to separate the implementation techniques into
distinct categories which coincide with the type and level of use as follows:
1. tenanted lands
2. Park users and public use areas of the Park
3. sensitive and remote areas.
Subsequently,we recognized that the solutions to the issues within each category are unique. Drawing on the
circumstances in each category and the jurisdictions of our partner organizations and their associated
enforcement agencies,we are recommending the following solutions.
DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE
Tenanted Lands
In the tenanted areas of the Park, a more neighbourhood watch type approach is recommended. Park staff
would coordinate with the Park tenants and the local Police Community liaison to initiate a watch program.
This program would also function to establish a relationship with the tenants to assist with issues related to
living within a Park of this nature and clearly communicate activities that are and are not permissible. It will be
helpful for tenants of Rouge Park to know who they should contact, be it a bylaw enforcement issue, security
issue or wildlife protection issue. Tenants will also be given the opportunity for making recommendations on
improvements for prevention of illegal and inappropriate activities on and near tenanted lands. If tenants are
interested in becoming involved with the remote area or public use area aspect of this program,they will be
encouraged to do so.
Park Users and Public Use Areas
A more involved recommendation is proposed for the public use areas of the Park. In these locations we are
looking to educate,and communicate the desire to prevent negative impacts on its ecological integrity and
cultural resources and help ensure a positive user experience in the Park.
We propose to establish a team of volunteer ambassadors to create a peer-driven message of respect for the
Park and compliance with the Park's Code of Conduct. They may likely be the first Rouge Park representative a
visitor will meet,and therefore must convey a confident, inviting and informative but firm message.
Trained volunteer ambassadors create a chain of positive reinforcement through teaching, role-modeling and
action. They provide a friendly welcome to Rouge Park,offering ideas for walks, providing trail and visitor area
maps, information on what can be done in our public areas (i.e. canoeing at Rouge Beach) and basic nature
interpretation, as well as share why Rouge Park is such a special place worth protecting and what the best
ways are to enjoy the Park.
While prevention is the primary function of these ambassadors,volunteers will also be asked to observe and
report on any suspect activities in the public use areas of the Park and respond to emergency situations.
These volunteers will not be required to directly engage individuals partaking in suspect activities and will
receive training on how to avoid conflict situations. Ambassadors will also receive first aid training which will
contribute to the first aid response in the Park.
When visitors encounter and converse with an ambassador,they may be more likely to adopt responsible trail
use in an area of conservation and restoration, respect plant and animal life in the Park,embrace Rouge Park's
importance as a unique natural area and become active in stewardship of the Park. All these support the
promotion of sustainable,self-propelled activity in a natural area. Volunteers also increase community
engagement in the Park and improve on Rouge Park presence to enhance a visitor's connection with the Park.
Sensitive and Remote Areas(Focus but not limited to)
When considering the more sensitive and remote areas of the Park, it was determined that the use of
volunteers for this component is best suited as a direct relationship between the individual volunteer and a
partnership organization which maintains enforcement staff and has a direct responsibility for Rouge Park
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MINUTES of Meeting #2/11, May 13,2011
lands. Rouge Park staff is not envisioned to have an enforcement role in the Park other than acting as a liaison
with the enforcement authorities. For this circumstance,we have made an arrangement with TRCA
enforcement staff through the TRCA Volunteer Policy to maintain a supervisory relationship with volunteers
interested in reporting on activities in the more remote areas of the Park that may impact the integrity of the
Park. Park staff will coordinate this relationship and work with both the volunteer(s) and enforcement staff on
a case by case basis. Currently,we are working towards finalizing this arrangement between Rouge Park,
TRCA and members of Rouge Watch. A key component to this is a clear understanding of roles and
responsibilities.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Costs associated with the remote areas volunteers will be addressed through existing budget allocations.
However,the estimated cost to train ambassador volunteers is $250 per volunteer. This cost includes first aid
training, outfitting and volunteer development. The target for 2011 is to train 20 volunteers. Staff is
submitting a proposal for the next deadline for funding applications from Friends of the Environment
Foundation. Implementation of this program will be dependent on fund raising,therefore should not affect
the February 11, 2011 approved Rouge Park Alliance 2011 Budget.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration, Rouge Park
For information contact: Ron Dewell,Acting General Manger,416-661-6600,ext.5245,email: rdewell @trca.on.ca
OR Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email:bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: May 4,201 1
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed (Presentation)
Jim Robb, in his presentation,touched on several topics:tour of the Park with Hon. Pauline Browes and Hon.
Michael Chong;the Conservative Government's election platform of establishing anew National Parkin the
Rouge Valley; 1994 Rouge Park Management Plan;Greenbelt Plan; Section 3.2.6 of the Greenbelt Plan-The
Rouge River Watershed and Park; Markham Environmental Policy Review, May 2009; Rouge North
Management Plan,2001; Fisheries Act and Plan; etc.
MOTION: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
Res. #18/11: Seconded by: Debbie Pella Keen
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation by Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
3. Draft Audited 2010 Financial Statements
Michael Jones, chartered accountant of BDO Canada,and Rouge Park Alliance auditor, briefly addressed the
Alliance on the draft audited 2010 financial statements. He spoke on the auditor's report, including the
management's responsibility for the financial statements,the auditor's responsibility,the procedures involved
in performing the audit, and the auditor's opinion.
At this point,the board lost quorum,and we were not able to proceed with any further motions,and the
meeting was adjourned.
TERMINATION
The meeting terminated at 12:00 p.m. on May 13,2011,due to lack of quorum.
Alan Wells Ron Dewell
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
R26-11
ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES
MEETING #3/11 - JUNE 17, 2011
Rouge fl . ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Rouge Park Alliance met at the Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club,Scarborough. The Chair,Alan Wells,welcomed
everyone,and thanked the Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club management and staff for hosting the meeting. He
called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair Ian Buchanan, Region of York
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Brian Denney,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Tom Melymuk,City of Pickering
Hon. Michael Chong, MP,Government of Canada Debbie Pella Keen, Province of Ontario
Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Dr. Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo J
Councillor Logan Kanapathi,Town of Markham Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Regional Councillor Peter Rodgrigues, Region of Durham
Gerri Lynn O'Connor,TRCA
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker,City of Toronto Councillor Colin Campbell,Town of Markham
Andre Flys, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Mayor Wayne Emmerson,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Councillor Castro Liu,Town of Richmond Hill Adele Freeman,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Mark Graham,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Mayor Dave Ryan,City of Pickering Sue Gunton,Toronto Zoo
John Tracogna,Toronto Zoo Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp.
Tracey Steele, Richmond Hill
Carolyn Woodland,TRCA
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Barb Davies, Manager, Policy&Administration Doreen McCarty,Administrative Coordinator
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Izabela Kalkowski, Nat. Heritage Field Assistant Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Observers: Observers (Continued ...)
Mike Adler, Metroland (Scarborough Mirror) Kailey Chislett, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Peter Bashaw ,Office of Corneliu Chisu, MP Councillor Raymond Cho,City of Toronto
Cat Beattie, Rouge Watch Anne Marie & Ron Christie
Shiloh Bouvette, Environmental Defence Jim Dillane,TRCA
Gary Bowen,TRCA Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham
Brian Buckles Donna Dougan, Milne Park Conservation Association
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
Observers (Continued...) Observers (Continued)
Kim Empringham,York Federation of Agriculture Beth McEwen, City of Toronto
Andrew Farnsworth, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Andy McKinnon, Rouge Watch
Scott Finlayson Faisal Moola, David Suzuki Foundation
David Harvey,Consultant-GreenThink Edith Montgomery, Former City Councillor
Lois James,Green Door Alliance Maryam Nassar,TRCA
Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation Kevin O'Connor, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Cecilia Kutas, Office of Corneliu Chisu, MP Lionel Purcell, Rouge Valley Foundation
Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment Ruth Rendon,Town of Markham
Nancy Lowes,City of Toronto Parks Rocco Sgambelluri,TRCA
Evelyn Lurz, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Matt Setzkorn,Ontario Farmland Trust
Marvin Macaraig, Dept. Of Geography, U. Of T. Brian Shipp, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Owen Macri,Office of Paul Calandra, MP Keith Thirgood, Capstone Communications
Lyn Mariner Duffield Susan Walmer,Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
John P. Mason, Scarborough-Guildwood Conservatives Helen Walter, Capstone Communications
Sandra McElleney, Durham Region Tupper Wheatley, Milne Park Conservation Association
Lewis Yeager, Rouge Park
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
CHAIR'S REMARKS
Alan Wells, Chair,welcomed everyone and advised that the Annual General Meeting would follow
immediately after the Alliance meeting,and that the Hon. Peter Kent is expected to attend the AGM.
MINUTES OF MEETING #23/110, MAY 13,201 1
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #19/11 Seconded by: Brian Denney
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #2/11 held on May 13,2011
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed,alternate Alliance member for SRVS,declared conflict of interest
under agenda items #3 (Rouge Park Finance Committee Report- Minutes of April 6,201 1) and #4 (201 1
Revenue Update & Recommended Cost Controls).
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS
None
1. Draft Audited 2010 Financial Statements
KEY ISSUE
Present the auditor's report and draft audited 2010 Financial Statements.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #20/11 Seconded by: Clyde Smith
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance adopt the audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
2010.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
BDO Canada LLP,Chartered Accountants, have now completed their audit of the 2010 financial position of the
Rouge Park Alliance. Attached is a copy of this report for consideration.
The important role of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation,the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority,and its partners,the Town of Markham,the City of Toronto,and others who provide resources,time
and enthusiasm to making Rouge Park so successful is recognized and appreciated.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration, Rouge Park
For information contact: Barb Davies, 905-713-6022-email:bdavies @ougepark.com
Date: May 3,2011
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
2. Tour de Greenbelt
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park has been invited to host the 2011 Tour de Greenbelt by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.
MOTION: Moved by: Peter Rodrigues
Res. #21/11 Seconded by: Pauline Browes
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report for Rouge Park's upcoming Tour de Greenbelt.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• - Deputy Mayor Jack Heath said that Markham is a sponsor for this event and that Rouge
Park should apply to Markham for funding.
- Staff to send in request for funding to Markham.
BACKGROUND
The Tour de Greenbelt is a family friendly cycling tour that will wander through Rouge Park's rural landscape.
With a tag line of"on your mark,get set, meander" the tour encourages participants to enjoy a leisurely
exploration of Rouge Park,and explore all the features that characterize Ontario's Greenbelt in this area.
This fourth annual tour will slightly differ from past tours. Rather than a four day event as held in the past,this
year will focus solely on Rouge Park, in September. Rest stops will highlight Rouge Park features, neighbours,
projects and events. Participants can sample Greenbelt foods grown in Rouge Park,stop at a wetland restored
by our partner organizations, and learn about the storied past of this area. The day will end with a celebration,
with plenty of food, music, information and fun.
The tour will offer a number of routes to appeal to a wide audience,from a short,family friendly loop,to a
challenging 100 km route for more experienced riders. In the past,the Tour has welcomed hundreds of
participants to each event,from beginner to elite.
Rouge Park is in the early planning stages, but we are excited to partner with the Friends of the Greenbelt
Foundation to host this event. We are currently negotiating an agreement with the Foundation, but we
anticipate generous support from both the Foundation, and various event sponsors. We are thrilled to host
this event as it lays the groundwork for future cycling and running fundraisers for the park.
Further details will be shared with the Rouge Park Alliance as they become available. Support from the
Alliance to assist in the promotion of this event through member networks is requested; materials will be
available in the coming months.
Report prepared by: Michelle Holmes,Manager of Visitor Experience,Rouge Park
For information contact: Michelle Holmes,905-713-6021;email:michelle_holmes @rougepark.com
Date: May 4,201 1
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
3. Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of April 6,2011
KEY ISSUE
Present the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held on April 6,2011.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #22/11 Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the Rouge Park Finance Committee meeting held
on April 6,2011.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
ATTACHMENT: April 6, 2011 Rouge Park Finance Committee Meeting Minutes.
�°w ROUGE PARK FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES - April 6, 2011
Rc)u ewe Park.
The Finance Committee met in the B& C Conference Room,Toronto Zoo,361 A Old Finch Avenue,
Scarborough. Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at
2:10 p.m.
PRESENT
Members:
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto
Jim Dillane,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Rocco Sgambelluri,Toronto& Region Conservation Authority
Staff:
Ron Dewell, Rouge Park
Barb Davies, Rouge Park
ABSENT
Members:
Sue Gunton, Chair, Rouge Park Finance Committee
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
1. Welcome by Alan Wells
2. Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved.
3. Actions Outstanding from Previous Meeting Minutes
a. Staff to initiate a meeting to discuss fundraising ideas.
4. 2011 Revenue Update and Cost Controls
KEY ISSUE
Provide an update in regard to 2011 projected revenues and present recommendations for cost controls.
ACTION: THAT the 2011 cost control recommendations as presented in the attached report be
accepted;
AND THAT the budget adjustments and updates as presented be implemented;
AND FURTHER THAT this report be presented at the May 13,2011 Rouge Park Alliance
meeting for approval.
5. In-Camera Items
The In-Camera report,will be kept confidential and remain on file at the Rouge Park Office.
Alan Wells, Chair, reported that the Finance Committee will bring forward to the Rouge Park Alliance a
copy of the in-camera report to be discussed in-camera.
6. February 11,2011 RPA Meeting Request to Review Project Allocations
From the draft February 7 7,2077 Rouge Park Alliance Minutes:
ACTION: -Staff to bring forward to the Finance Committee,for further discussion, the matter of the budget
allocation for Natural Heritage Committee Projects.
KEY ISSUE
Review the 2011 budget and finances in consideration of maintaining the project funding at 2010 levels
($206,000),and discuss the declining number of applicants.
ACTION: THAT the Finance Committee receives this report;
AND THAT the project funding levels remain as approved at the February 11,2011
Rouge Park Alliance meeting;
AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance is provided with a copy of this report.
Meeting Adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager,Policy and Administration, Rouge Park
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022-email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: May 3,2011
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
4. 2011 Revenue Update and Recommended Cost Controls
KEY ISSUE
Review the 2011 budget and finances in consideration of maintaining the project funding at 2010 levels
($206,000),as requested at the February 11,2011 Rouge Park Alliance meeting. Provide an update in regard
to 2011 projected revenues and present recommendations for cost controls.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #23/11 Seconded by: Clyde Smith
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the 2011 cost control recommendations as presented in this
report;
AND THAT the Rouge Park Alliance direct staff to implement the budget adjustments and updates as
presented;
AND FURTHER THAT the Rouge Park Alliance maintain the project funding levels as approved at the
February 11,2011 Rouge Park Alliance meeting.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
At the February 11, 2011 Rouge Park Alliance meeting,the following was recorded:
MOTION: Moved by: Glenn De Baeremaeker
Res.#5/77 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the 207 7 budget allocation for Natural Heritage Committee Projects be
maintained at$206,000 and that staff be directed to either increase revenues
or adjust expenditures by a corresponding amount.
MOTION NOT VOTED ON
Note:
During discussions,staff was directed to bring forward the matter of the budget
allocation for the Natural Heritage Committee Projects to the Rouge Park Finance
Committee for further discussion.
ACTION:
- Staff to bring forward to the Finance Committee,for further discussion, the matter of the budget allocation for
Natural Heritage Committee Projects.
- Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested that staff bring back a report on all projects completed in Rouge Park,and
how they were funded.
In response,the 2011 approved budget,2010 unaudited financial statements,and a 2012 budget estimate
were reviewed in the context of increasing the project allocation in 2011. As a result,the Finance Committee
recommends that the project levels remain as they were approved at the February 11,2011 Rouge Park
Alliance meeting.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
The rationale being that:
The two projects ranked high enough to be eligible for funding but not recommended by the
Heritage Committee require further negotiations in order to produce beneficial results for the Park.
In 2011,when combined with the enhancement project funding through York Region, project
funding is higher than any other year ($180,000 +$150,000 = $330,000).
The increase to the municipal levies revenue budgeted for 2011 was not achieved from the City of
Toronto (-$69,000).
After 2011,the Provincial Special funds will have been depleted ($300,000 annual allocation) making
a conservative approach to 2011 important to maintaining project funding levels in 2012.
Moving forward from this in review of projected revenues against the February 11,2011 Rouge Park Alliance
approved budget,the Finance Committee recommends adjustments and updates to that budget in order to
move forward with a balanced budget. Please see the attached budget summary report.
Generally,the operations are within our 2011 approved budget with the following exceptions:
1. Municipal levies revenue line. In the approved budget, $240,000 in revenue were anticipated through
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) from the senior municipalities. Our letter to TRCA
requesting an increase to levies was well received and subsequently TRCA adjusted their submission
to the senior municipalities to account for this increase. The Regions of York and Peel agreed to
support this increase; however,the City of Toronto did not. As a result,we do see an increase in levies
compared to previous years but not to the level we had budgeted. A shortfall of$69,000.
2. 2010 anticipated revenues from topsoil habitat berm creation projects were half of that anticipated.
A more conservative budget figure is proposed in light of this. A shortfall of$77,600.
3. TRCA has offered to provide the Rouge Park Alliance with a part time General Manager for the year at
no cost which will greatly assist with compensating for the revenue shortfall and recommended
increase in expenditures. A savings of$100,000.
4. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has invited the Rouge Park Alliance to host the Tour de
Greenbelt awareness event on a cost sharing basis recovery basis. An increase of$25,900 in
expenses and $53,500 in revenues therefore contributing $27,600 to expenses as they relate to
the approved budget.
5. Other minor staff changes will result in reduced expenditures to further cover the recommended
adjustments. A savings of$19,000.
Report prepared by: Barb Davies,Manager Policy&Administration
For information contact: Barb Davies,905-713-6022,email: bdavies @rougepark.com
Date: May 4,201 1
Attachment
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
5. Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes- March 23 and April 11,2011
KEY ISSUE
Present the actions, recommendations and outcomes of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee
meetings held on March 23 and April 11,2011.
MOTION: Moved by: Jim Robb
Res. #24/11 Seconded by: Tom Melymuk
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the minutes of the March 23 and April 11,2011 Rouge Park
Natural Heritage Committee meetings.
AMENDMENT A ( Re: Item #10-Oil Spill at Standard Auto Wreckers Site",March 23, 2011 Minutes)
MOTION: Moved by: Jim Robb
Res. #24A/11 Seconded by: Pauline Browes
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance reiterate to the Ministry of the Environment that a charge should be laid
against Standard Auto Wreckers because of the damages done to a sensitive environmental area,and
the repeated occurrences by Standard Auto Wreckers.
AMENDMENT B
MOTION: Moved by: Debbie Pella Keen
Res. #2413/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to issue charges under
the Fisheries Act to Standard Auto Wreckers.
AMENDMENT C (Re: Item #10- Invasive Species Control,March 23,2011 Minutes)
MOTION: Moved by: Jim Robb
Res. #24C/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance refer the matter of invasive species control back to the Heritage
Committee and direct staff to develop an implementation strategy and report back to the Alliance.
AMENDMENT A ... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... CARRIED
AMENDMENT B ... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... ..... .... ... CARRIED
AMENDMENT C ... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... CARRIED
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED . . .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... CARRIED
• - Ron Dewell,TRCA, informed the Alliance that an agreement had been reached with
Standard Auto Wreckers,the Ministry of the Environment, and Ontario Realty Corporation
regarding the cleanup, ORC encroachment, etc. Pauline Browes requested a copy of this
agreement and it will be sent to her as soon as a copy is received.
- Pauline Browes requested staff to look at ways to remove Standard Auto Wreckers out of
Rouge Park.
- Jack Heath requested staff to make a presentation on implementation strategy
regarding invasive species control to Markham.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
BACKGROUND (Meeting Minutes Attached)
ROUGE PARK NATURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
MEETING- MINUTES, MARCH 23, 2011
Rouge Par'k.
The Natural Heritage Committee met in the 4" Floor Boardroom,50 Bloomington Road West,Aurora. Maria
Papoulias welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Bob Clay,Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
Ruth Rendon,Town of Markham Kathleen Mulroy,Town of Richmond Hill
Beth McEwen, City of Toronto
Resource Members:
Jim Robb, Friends of Rouge Watershed
Paul Reesor,York Federation of Agriculture
Guests:
Jaap Wensvoort,Toronto Zoo
Staff:
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager
Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Ian Buchanan, Region of York Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham
(Chair, Natural Heritage Committee) Emma Followes, Province of Ontario
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Linda Irvine,Town of Markham
Karen Boniface,Town of Markham Nancy Lowes,City of Toronto
Dave Ireland,Toronto Zoo Sandra Malcic, Region of York
James Lane, Region of York Dr. Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
John Minor,City of Toronto Nory Takata,Town of Markham
John Nemeth,Town of Richmond Hill
Lynne Timmy,Transport Canada
Gord MacPherson,TRCA
John Pisapio, Province of Ontario
Resource Members: Alternates'
Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation Linda Sarang, Rouge Valley Foundation
John Bowen, Hydro One
Rick Schofield,Scarborough LACAC
Lorne Smith
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
1. Welcome — Maria Papoulias
Dave Ireland will be the new Toronto Zoo representative. Bill Rapley will be the alternate.
2. Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved.
3. Pending Actions and Rouge Park Alliance Directions
The Alliance meeting scheduled for April 1,2011 will be cancelled. The next meeting with be May 13,
2011.
4. Rouge Watershed Fisheries Management Plan
The FMP will be posted on the environmental bill of rights for comment. Any questions about the plan
can be sent to John Pisapio or Christine Tu. John Pisapio will give a presentation at the next Heritage
Committee meeting, and it will go to the next Alliance meeting.
5. Available Restoration Areas for 2012
The sites in Bob Hunter Memorial Park will be funded through the SE Collector project. Comments on the
sites were:
Beth McEwen —The City of Toronto would like to be part of the decisions made on the old nursery site.
Jim Robb — I think there has been some grading and dumping of soil on the site north of Finch. It might
need topsoil to be brought in.
Maria Papoulias—We will need some further investigation of sites before prescriptions are finalized.
7. June 29, 2011 Special Meeting Itinerary
At the time of this meeting,the native grass meadow will be flowering, most tree planting will be done
and the Zoo browse site will be planted on April 21,2011. These are options for site visits. The meeting
will start at 9:00 a.m.,we will do site visits,then will book a room at the Zoo or Cedar Grove Community
Centre for the meeting in the afternoon. Beth McEwen suggested a visit to the Beare Hill site.
8. Rouge Park Trails Master Plan — Special Meeting of Natural Heritage Committee
This meeting will be April 11,2011 at 2:00 p.m.,to discuss the Natural Heritage features of the trails plan.
9. Next Regular Meeting, May 18,2011
This meeting will be changed to May 11,2011.
10. Other Business
Jim Robb brought up the subject of invasive species control. He mentioned that he usually removes
invasives around restoration sites, such as buckthorn, Norway maple, Manitoba maple and black locust.
However, he does not have the permission to do this. He would like a protocol to be developed so this
can be allowed. Comments were as follows:
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
Beth McEwen —There is a Ravine By-law in Toronto to prevent tree cutting. City of Toronto has protocols
and notifications in place. If removing buckthorn,the stump needs to be treated with herbicides to
prevent more buckthorn from spreading. The liability of the landowner is a big concern as well.
Bob Clay— No one disagrees with the need for invasive species control, but we need to have protocols and
policies in place.
Beth McEwen — Need to prioritize species and locations as well.
Ron Dewell—This should be part of the prescriptions of the site.
Bob Clay—We will need to commit funding to do this.
Beth McEwen — If the City has notifications of where the work needs to be done,they can go out and do
the work. If a contractor wants to do the work,then we need to go through a bid process.
6. PRESENTATION:Toronto Zoo Browse Planting
The total area of the site is about 1 ha.
Comments on the project were as follows:
Jim Robb —The site should be planted with native species.
Beth McEwen — Cultivars provide ecological benefits as well. We need to think of this project as an agro-
forestry project.
Jim Robb — I don't think it should be in the 300m buffer around the Little Rouge Corridor.
10. Other Business
Jim Robb brought up the issue of the oil spill at the Standard Auto Wreckers site. FRW did water quality
samples on March 1,2011. They found oil,grease and lead downstream. No pesticides or herbicides were
found. He will bring the results to the next Heritage Committee meeting.
Jim Robb would also like to give a presentation on Natural Heritage Systems Strategy at the next meeting.
Maria Papoulias suggested the presentation be done at the special trails meeting as the topic has to do
with fragmentation by trails.
Meeting adjourned at 72:00 p.m.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
ROUGE PARK NATURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
e4w., SPECIAL MEETING -MINUTES,APRIL 11,2011
Rouge I ai - Rouge Park Trails Master Plan Update
The Natural Heritage Committee met in the 4" Floor Boardroom,50 Bloomington Road West,Aurora. Ian
Buchanan welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Ian Buchanan, Region of York Bob Clay,TRCA
(Chair, Natural Heritage Committee) Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham
Karen Boniface,Town of Markham Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
Gord MacPherson,TRCA
Dave Ireland,Toronto Zoo
Ruth Rendon,Town of Markham
Resource Members:
Jim Robb, Friends of Rouge Watershed
Paul Reesor,York Federation of Agriculture
Guests:
Mark Schollen, Schollen & Company, Inc.
Sal Spitale, Schollen &Company, Inc.
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Ron Dewell,Acting General Manager Vicki MacDonald, Biologist
Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Emma Followes, Province of Ontario
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Nory Takata,Town of Markham
John Pisapio, Province of Ontario Nancy Lowes,City of Toronto
Linda Irvine,Town of Markham Sandra Malcic, Region of York
James Lane, Region of York Kathleen Mulroy,Town of Richmond Hill
John Minor,City of Toronto
John Nemeth,Town of Richmond Hill
Lynne Timmy,Transport Canada
Resource Members:
Murray Johnston, Rouge Valley Foundation
Beth McEwen,City of Toronto
Linda Sarang, Rouge Valley Foundation
John Bowen, Hydro One
Rick Schofield,Scarborough LACAC
Lorne Smith
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
1. Welcome — Ian Buchanan
Ian Buchanan introduced the new members from the Toronto Zoo, Dave Ireland and Bill Rapley.
2. Delegation from Andy McKinnon
Andy McKinnon gave comments on the trails plan. The comments were that the proposed trails will
fragment the Park and there was not enough public consultation on the plan. Also,the sensitive species
mapping should have been done before the first open house.
Mark Schollen responded that the SAR info has been incorporated, but the new drawings have not yet
been completed.
3. Background — Michelle Holmes
Michelle Holmes gave some background information for the trails plan. The next stage in the planning
process is to create some smaller focus groups.
4. Context— Rouge Park Management Plans— Maria Papoulias
Maria Papoulias gave some background information to show where the trails plan fits into the goals and
objectives of the Park as outlined in the 1994 Management Plan.
5. Presentation — Schollen and Co.
Mark Schollen gave a presentation on the trails plan. The presentation was included with the meeting
agenda. A comment from Jim Robb was that the goals and objectives from the 1994 management plan
should be used instead of coming up with new ones.
Some of the highlights of the plan include multi-use trails along the roads and low impact hiking trails in
the interior. There will be no bikes on the interior trails and no motorized vehicles in the Park at all. The
trails will use natural rather than built infrastructure whenever possible. Twyn Rivers Drive and Steeles
Avenue pose crossing hazards for the public, so this will be addressed in the plan.
Another comment from Jim Robb was that it might help to narrow down the number of trail types for the
public so that it is easier to understand.
Sal Spitale from the North-South Environmental gave a presentation on the natural heritage aspects of the
planning process. For the sensitive species mapping,they used species that are sensitive to trails,some
are SAR and some are not. They used sensitive areas classified as high, medium and low to determine the
types of trails that would go into the area.
Comments included:
Jim Robb —The Little Rouge Corridor Plan states that there should be a 600m corridor along the Little
Rouge River to create interior forest. This should be taken into account in the mapping.
Mark Schollen —the 600m corridor allows for low-impact trails within it.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
Bob Clay—We need to include Bob Hunter Memorial Park around 14`"Avenue where native grasses have
been planted in the sensitive area mapping.
Gord McPherson —You should look at TRCA's terrestrial natural heritage system.
Bob Clay—There are lots of restoration areas not included on the map,this needs to include future habitat.
Mark Schollen —This is a high level plan and site conditions will need to be verified before detailed site
designs are done. Sensitive species locations will continue to be added going forward.
Bob Clay—What science was used to determine how many and where trails are needed?
Mark Schollen — No exact number exists,we considered connections and different users.
Jim Robb —The spine trail would be better on the west side of the river.
Mark Schollen —The east side is better for connectivity and it will have to cross the railway and 407 on the
east side, not the west.
Gord McPherson —We need to put some sort of trail in the sensitive area or people will find their own way
and they will create a network of trails themselves.
Bill Rapley— Hedgerows make great trail opportunities and experiences.
Bob Clay—What are the next steps? What role will the Heritage Committee play?
Maria Papoulias—We would like the HC to provide updates on sensitive species locations in the next 2-3
weeks.
Michelle Holmes—The next steps are more public consultation in smaller focus groups.
Any comments on the trail plan should be sent to Diana Smyth.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308,email: mariapapoulias @rougepark.com
Date: May 2,2011
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
6. Rouge Park Plantation for the Provision of Browse Silage to the Toronto Zoo
KEY ISSUE
Establishment of a 1 hectare, highly productive shrub plantation intended for harvest by the Toronto Zoo for
animal feed,while restoring habitat and promoting re-vegetation on a former agricultural field within Rouge
Pa rk.
Co-proponent Organizations:
- Toronto Zoo (Conservation programs, Horticulture,Animal Care,Animal Health and Nutrition Department)
- Rouge Park Alliance
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) (Restoration Services Department)
- Natural Resources Canada/Canadian Forest Service (NRCan/CFS)
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #25/11 Seconded by: Gerri Lynn O'Connor
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance request the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)to enter
into an agreement with the Toronto Zoo to permit the establishment, maintenance and harvesting of a
browse plantation,as described in the report below.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Many zoo animal species require browse (leaves and twigs from woody plants) as part of their natural daily
diet. Browse provides unique nutritional values which are currently impossible to obtain through other feed
sources and essential to an animal's physical and psychological wellbeing. Currently,the Toronto Zoo lacks an
adequate amount of browse material, especially during the late fall,winter and early spring seasons. In order
to address this requirement,the Zoo plans to establish plantations on their own grounds to provide fresh
browse to their animals during the summer, and is also seeking a location where additional browse can be
grown and preserved for winter feeding. This location needs to be close enough to the Toronto Zoo to be
economically viable but does not have to be directly on the Zoo grounds as browse can be pressed and
packaged with the Zoo's mobile browse press.
Rouge Park was chosen as an ideal location for the off-site browse plantation,due to its proximity to the Zoo
and the established partnership between Toronto Zoo, Rouge Park,and TRCA. In addition,the cultivation of
browse furthers Rouge Park's objectives for both natural heritage protection and agriculture. It represents a
new form of local, near-urban agriculture which provides greater benefits for wildlife habitat and water quality
than conventional forms of agriculture, and could potentially be a profitable crop for Rouge Park farmers in
the near future. Therefore,staff of Rouge Park and TRCA,with technical support from Natural Resources
Canada/Canadian Forest Service, are working with the Toronto Zoo to establish a browse plantation,with the
objectives of producing this important food for the Zoo animals while enhancing natural vegetative cover in
the Rouge River watershed.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
Site Location
In collaboration with the Toronto Zoo, staff of the TRCA and Rouge Park Alliance selected a former farm field
east of the Little Rouge River as an ideal location for the plantation. The site is located north of 14`"Avenue
and east of Reesor Road,within Rouge Park (Figure 1). This area is owned by the TRCA and managed for
Rouge Park purposes. The site is bordered by TRCA-owned rental properties to the west and south,and by
restoration areas to the north and east. Access to the site for future maintenance and harvesting will be via
the laneway from 14`"Avenue,which is also owned by the TRCA.
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,
6iW�//iY r ' p�//r (r�///��f✓�„ '' ��r r rY !!r uw I', ;,
Figure 1: Proposed Site of Toronto Zoo Browse Plantation. The area is about 1 ha in size, located
north of 14th Avenue and east of Reesor Road, in Markham.
Establishment and Maintenance
The site will be planted in late April of 2011 with fast-growing shrubs suitable for browse harvesting by the
Toronto Zoo, as well as some hardwood and coniferous trees to enhance diversity on the site. It is expected to
take 3 to 5 years to establish a sustainable and productive plantation and that production will be useful for
approximately 10 to 20 years in total. The browse planting will be approximately one hectare in size, and will
contribute to the long-term goal of establishing a 300 metre vegetated buffer on each side of the Little Rouge
Creek.
The tree and shrub species that will be used have been determined through consultation with Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan),and include highly productive species that also meet the Zoo's animal nutrition
targets. The proposed plantings consist of approximately 10,000 hybrid willows and poplars sourced from the
NRCan nursery. These species were chosen for their high productivity, allowing for maximum browse
production in as little area as possible. Furthermore,the hybrid willow and poplar species to be planted have
been bred by NRCan to be sterile. Reproduction of these cultivars,either by seed or vegetative propagation, is
exceedingly rare, and they do not hybridize with native species nor spread to natural areas. Additionally,400
native deciduous and coniferous trees will be planted to increase the long-term biological diversity and
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
ecological health of the site. Trees will be planted in rows allowing space for harvesting pathways. Tree
tending will include use of compost (supplied by Toronto Zoo), mulching,and possibly the planting of clover
in between rows to reduce competition by other species.
The plantation will advance the Rouge Park and TRCA goals of habitat restoration and promotion of diverse
forms of local agriculture. It will also strengthen a partnership with the Toronto Zoo by providing a site for
much needed browse.
To inform Rouge Park visitors and the surrounding community of this partnership initiative,a large
explanatory sign will be incorporated next to the plantation in a visible location. The sign and project will
raise awareness of the restoration successes achieved by Rouge Park and the TRCA,while highlighting
continued collaborative efforts to promote sustainability and innovation while preserving and enhancing the
natural heritage of the Rouge River watershed.
Future Plans
The browse plantation is expected to be productive for approximately 15 years,after which time the Toronto
Zoo will remove the willow and poplar shrubs and the site will be converted to native forest. The 400 native
hardwoods and conifers planted around the border of the plantation will provide seed source for future forest
regeneration, and additional trees will be planted in the interior of the site if required to assist recruitment.
This browse plantation is intended to be a pilot project and demonstration site. Provided the Toronto Zoo can
demonstrate that browse can be harvested efficiently at this site, local farmers may choose to start growing
browse as a profitable crop in the future. Browse plantations on local farms will diversify crop types and will
provide benefits in the form of enhanced wildlife habitat, soil retention and protection of water quality on
Rouge Park farms.
Financial Details
The Toronto Zoo will be assuming all costs related to the development and operations of the Zoo browse
plantation.
Partner Responsibilities
- Toronto Zoo:-provision of plants and plant material, planting,weed control,watering (contingency plan),
harvesting
- Rouge Park Alliance:- land availability
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority:- land availability,site preparation (will be executed as part
of an adjacent project), restoration advice, management of land use agreements
- Natural Resources Canada:- technical advice
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308-email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: April 28,2011
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/1 1,June 17,201 1
7. Rouge Park Restoration Sites Available for 2012
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park staff has identified approximately 43.8 ha of new restoration areas that could be made available
for plantings by NGOs/community groups in 2012.
MOTION: Moved by: Peter Rodrigues
Res. #26/11 Seconded by: Tom Melymuk
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive this report.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Rouge Park staff has identified approximately 43.8 ha of new restoration areas that could be made available
for plantings by NGOs/community groups in 2012, as shown in Figure 1, below. This includes 18 ha in the City
of Toronto and 25.8 ha in the Town of Markham. Of the areas available in Markham, 16.1 ha are within Bob
Hunter Memorial Park, and will be funded through the York Region SE Collector Enhancement Fund.
The available areas shown on Figure 1 include 9.4 ha of vacant land,with 6.8 ha in the old Metro nursery site
west of Sewells Road,and 2.6 ha in a property north of Finch Avenue. The 16.1 ha proposed for 2012
restoration in Bob Hunter Memorial Park were retired from agriculture late in 2010. The remaining 18.3 ha of
restoration areas shown in Figure 1 will be retired from agriculture when crops are harvested late in 2011. The
timing of this restoration was discussed with all farm tenants involved,with formal notification given in 2009.
Staff will proceed to discuss the available restoration areas with all community groups that regularly carry out
restoration projects in Rouge Park (Friends of the Rouge Watershed, 10K Trees for the Rouge, Rouge Valley
Naturalists), as well as any new groups that express an interest. Staff will also begin appropriate preparations
to ensure that these sites are available for groups to plant in 2012 (archaeology, site preparation,tenant
contact,etc.). Areas allocated to groups for 2012 plantings may be limited by the budget available for
restoration work.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage, Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias, 905-713-6308-email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: April 28, 201 1
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 20 of 23
MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
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Figure 1 - Proposed Areas to be Made Available for Restoration in 2012
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
• - Issue needs to be discussed further at Natural Heritage Committee meeting with cost
estimates and be brought back to the Alliance in September.
8. Rouge Park 2010 Annual Report
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park 2010 Annual Report, including an abridged version of the anaudited financial statements.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #27/11 Seconded by: Michael Chong
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the 2010 Annual Report.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
The Rouge Park Annual Report highlights our work in a given year to our partners, stakeholders,and
others, as well as helps us review the work we do to ensure that we are continuously improving
Rouge Park and meeting Park objectives in our management plans. This report includes an abridged
version of our unaudited financial statements.
After the 2010 Annual Report has been approved by the Alliance,the Report will be distributed.
Report prepared by: Mike Bender,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
For information contact: Mike Bender,905-713-7374-email:mbender @trca.on.ca
Date: June 8,2011
Att.
9. Correspondence
MOTION: Moved by: Peter Rodrigues
Res. #28/11 Seconded by: Bill Rapley
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence:
1. Letter dated February 1,2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Denis Kelly,
Regional Clerk, Region of York, re:Appointment of Alternate Representative to the Rouge Park
Alliance.
2. Letter dated February 16,2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from John Tracogna,
Chief Executive Officer,Toronto Zoo, re:Appointment of Member and Alternate
Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
3. Letter dated March 8,2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Amy Semenuk,
Manager,Seniors Centre,Malvern Family Resource Centre, re: Support of Rouge Park's Guided
Walks Program.
4. Letter dated February 28,2011 to the Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario,from Alan
Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, re: Rouge Park-Standard Auto Wreckers Fuel/Oil Spill.
5. Letter dated March 22, 2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Premier Dalton
McGuinty, re: Response to Rouge Park Alliance Letter dated February 28,2011 - Fuel/Oil Spill.
6. Letter dated March 21, 2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Kathy Stranks,
Manager,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, re:TRCA Appointment of Member and
Alternate Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
7. Email dated April 27, 2011 to Alan Wells,from Cat Beattie, re: Rouge Park Trails Master Plan.
8. Letter dated April 28, 2011 to Rouge Park Alliance,from Sherri Lange and Michael Spencley, re:
Rouge Park Trails Master Plan.
9. Letter dated June 3,2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Vicki Barron, Director
of Administration & Regeneration Initiatives,Waterfront Regeneration Trust, re:Appointment
of Member and Alternate Representatives to the Rouge Park Alliance.
Report prepared by: Mike Bender,Acting General Manager,Rouge Park
For information contact: Mike Bender,905-713-7374-email: mbender @trca.on.ca
Date: June 7,2011
NEW BUSINESS
The Hon. Michael Chong, MP, representative on the Rouge Park Alliance for the Government of Canada,gave a
presentation on the federal government's announcement to establish a near urban national park in the Rouge
Valley. He expressed how thrilled he was of the announcement in the Conservative Party's platform in April
and the reaffirmed commitment in the Throne Speech in June. He talked briefly on the discussions and
negotiations that will need to take place with the federal and provincial governments, municipalities and
other stakeholders, boundary considerations, agriculture, etc.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #29/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation by the Hon. Michael Chong.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
TERMINATION
The meeting terminated at 10:40 a.m. on June 17, 2011.
Alan Wells Mike Bender
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Acting General Manager, Rouge Park
The Annual General Meeting commenced immediately after.
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MINUTES of Meeting #3/11,June 17,2011
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Immediately after the Rouge Park Alliance meeting,the Annual General Meeting commenced. Alan Wells,
Chair,welcomed everyone and again thanked the Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club personnel for hosting the
meeting. He announced that the Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, is expected later. He
introduced the Alliance's guest speaker, Dr. Faisal Moola from the David Suzuki Foundation.
Dr. Faisal Moola, David Suzuki Foundation,talked about the intensity of urban development in and around the
Rouge River watershed and greenbelt and the importance and value of protecting nature and agriculture
within and around our major cities.
The Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment,attended our Annual General Meeting and reaffirmed the
Federal Government's commitment to move forward and establish a near urban national park in the Rouge
valley.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE MINUTES
0e411111111PM- MEETING #4/11 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
Rouge la r .
The Rouge Park Alliance met in the Main Boardroom of the Toronto Zoo. Alan Wells,Chair,welcomed everyone and
called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
PRESENT
Members: Alternates:
Alan Wells, Chair Debbie Pella Keen, Province of Ontario
Councillor Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Dr. Bill Rapley,Toronto Zoo
Hon. Pauline Browes,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp. Jim Robb, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
Markham Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Region of York Carolyn Woodland,TRCA
Councillor Castro Liu,Town of Richmond Hill
Regional Councillor Peter Rodrigues, Region of Durham
Councillor Clyde Smith,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
ABSENT
Members: Alternates:
Hon. Michael Chong, MP,Government of Canada Wayne Arthurs, MPP, Province of Ontario
Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker,City of Toronto Ian Buchanan, Region of York
Andre Flys, Save the Rouge Valley System Inc. Councillor Colin Campbell,Town of Markham
Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP, Province of Ontario Brian Denney,TRCA
Councillor Logan Kanapathi,Town of Markham Mayor Wayne Emmerson,Town of Wh itch urch-Stouffville
Gerri Lynn O'Connor,TRCA Adele Freeman,TRCA
Mayor David Ryan, City of Pickering Mark Graham,Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.
John Tracogna,Toronto Zoo Sue Gunton,Toronto Zoo
Keith Laushway,Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corp.
Tom Melymuk,City of Pickering
Roger Saunders, Region of Durham
Tracey Steele,Town of Richmond Hill
Staff: Staff(Continued...)
Mike Bender,Acting General Manager Doreen McCarty,Administrative Coordinator
Michelle Holmes, Manager,Visitor Experience Maria Papoulias, Manager, Natural Heritage
Vicki MacDonald, Biologist Sheryl Santos, Stewardship Coordinator
Diana Smyth,Trail Coordinator
Observers: Observers (Continued...)
Mike Adler, Metroland (Scarborough Mirror) Gord MacPherson,TRCA
Tom Boudreault,City of Toronto Parks Andy McKinnon, Rouge Watch
J-P DeCouvreur, Durham Mountain Biking Assoc. Kevin O'Connor, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Jim Dillane,TRCA Alastair Patterson,Toronto Off-Road Bicycling Assoc.
Lilli Duoba,Town of Markham John Pisapio, Ministry of Natural Resources
Andrew Farnsworth, Friends of the Rouge Watershed Ben Ryzebol, City of Toronto Parks
Sheila Lathe, Public Elizabeth Wimmer,Town of Markham
Jason Murray, International Mountain Biking Assoc. Lora Woolner, IMBA Canada
(IMBA)
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MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
CHAIR'S REMARKS
Alan Wells, Chair,welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. Mr.Wells updated the Alliance on various
matters ongoing with Parks Canada,e.g., meeting with the Alliance on August 30,2011;several tours through
Rouge Park; meetings with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Infrastructure;future meetings
that Parks Canada will be setting up with various partner organizations and stakeholders. He advised that
Parks Canada has not made any official announcements on Rouge Park boundaries.
Mr.Wells also reminded the Alliance of two upcoming events: Rouge Park's first hosting of the Tour de
Greenbelt on September 17,2011;and Tree Planting in Bob Hunter Memorial Park on September 25th with TD
Canada Trust,who contributed $10,000 towards the event.
MINUTES FROM MEETING #3/11,June 17,2011
Regional Councillor Peter Rodrigues noticed that Mayor Dave Ryan's name was omitted from the Rouge Park
Alliance June 17, 2011 meeting (#3/11) minutes. The minutes is amended to show Mayor Dave Ryan as being
absent from the meeting.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #30/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance approve the minutes of Meeting #3/11 held on June 17,2011 (as
amended).
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
None
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS
John Pisapio, Ministry of Natural Resources
John Pisapio presented the Rouge River Fisheries Management Plan (draft 2011),that was prepared in
partnership by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA),with technical input from the Technical Committee (staff of TRCA, MNR, Lake Ontario Assessment Unit,
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO),and Rouge Park Alliance),and consultations with stakeholders and the general
public.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #31/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation regarding the Draft Rouge River Fisheries
Management Plan (2011) by John Pisapio,Ministry of Natural Resources.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
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MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
MOTION: Moved by: Jim Robb
Res. #32/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance Chair writes to the federal Ministers of Environment Canada,and
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO);provincial Ministers of Natural Resources,and the Environment;the
Premier of Ontario;all municipalities in the Rouge River watershed,asking them to utilize their
legislation and policies to give legal force to,and help implement,the Rouge River Fisheries
Management Plan in the interests of clean water and healthy fish and aquatic habitat.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Staff to take appropriate actions.
- Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested staff to report back on mitigation of barriers to fish
passage.
1. Draft Rouge River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan (2011)
KEY ISSUE
An updated Fisheries Management Plan for the Rouge River watershed has been prepared by staff of the
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR),with
technical input from staff of the Rouge Park Alliance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Lake Ontario
Assessment Unit. The final draft of the Rouge River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan (201 1) will be
posted on the Ontario Environmental Registry and comments will be received and incorporated,as
appropriate, prior to the Plan being finalized.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #33/11 Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive this report.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Fisheries Management Plans play an important role in supporting watershed management, including land use
planning, restoration and stewardship activities. They provide background information on the state of
aquatic ecosystems,set management objectives and recommend strategies for protection and enhancement.
An updated Fisheries Management Plan for the Rouge River watershed has been prepared by staff of the
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR),with
technical input from staff of the Rouge Park Alliance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Lake Ontario
Assessment Unit. The final draft of the Rouge River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan (201 1) will be
posted on the Ontario Environmental Registry and comments will be received and incorporated,as
appropriate, prior to the plan being finalized.
The new Rouge River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan will replace the 1992 version, incorporating
important updates on the state of the watershed, new legislation,and current approaches to watershed
management. The new Fisheries Management Plan recognizes the critical linkages between land use changes
in the watershed and impacts on aquatic systems, a concept which is key to managing aquatic resources in a
rapidly urbanizing landscape. As a result,this document takes a much more prescriptive approach to land use
planning. It includes elevated technical coverage of threats and impacts to aquatic habitat and species,as
well as management recommendations to prevent and mitigate these impacts and ultimately improve the
resilience of aquatic systems. Furthermore,the Fisheries Management Plan addresses the failure of"status
quo" measures to maintain flow regimes,water quality and native biodiversity, and makes specific
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MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
recommendations on how to manage these resources more effectively. There is a strong emphasis on
addressing cumulative effects on a watershed and sub-watershed basis, maintaining flow regimes and water
balance pre-to post-development, restoring natural hydrology, increasing the connectivity of natural systems
and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Also new to this Plan is a section specific to Redside Dace management, including guidance on Redside Dace
protection under the Endangered Species Act (2007). Given the high concentration of this endangered
species in the Rouge River watershed, it has been identified as a priority for protection and management in
this Fisheries Management Plan. Most of the extant Redside Dace populations in the Rouge River watershed
are located in the rapidly urbanizing upper and middle reaches and therefore,the Plan includes detailed
technical recommendations for land use planning and construction management to protect existing Redside
Dace habitat. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining thermal targets and controlling cumulative
stormwater contributions in subcatchment areas supporting this species. The Plan also recommends that
stocking of salmonids (primarily Rainbow Trout) be discontinued in reaches that support Redside Dace. The
recommendations for protection of Redside Dace habitat embedded in this Fisheries Management Plan build
upon and overlap with many of the existing stream protection requirements.
The Plan was developed using a sub-watershed approach,with ten Fish Management Zones (FMZs) identified
based on subcatchment drainage areas, hydrologic,geologic and thermal regimes. For each of these Fish
Management Zones,target species and specific management recommendations were developed. This
approach provides a strong basis for protection of the aquatic resources specific to each subcatchment area
and improvements targeted to areas that have been degraded. For each FMZ,the Plan provides a list of
Implementation Project Opportunities (IPOs), intended to provide guidance on types of restoration and
rehabilitation projects that would be beneficial in each area. These Implementation Project Opportunities are
not intended to be an exhaustive list of projects that could be undertaken in the watershed, but rather are
meant to provide a short-list of suggestions to assist groups wishing to undertake beneficial actions.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308;email:maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: September 1,2011
PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS (Continued...)
Jason Murray, International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)
Lora Woolner, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
J-P DeCouvreur, Durham Mountain Biking Association (DMBA)
Alastair Patterson,Toronto Off-Road Bicycling Association (TORBA)
Jason Murray led the presentation and introduced his associates. Lora Woolner spoke about her working
relationship with Parks Canada on mountain biking. Other associates spoke on their specific area of interests.
Mr. Murray talked about the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), its affiliates, members,
partnerships with Parks Canada, municipalities, local communities, businesses,and other stakeholders. He
mentioned the history of mountain biking in Rouge Park since the early 1980s,and said that at the first two
open houses for the Trails Master Plan that he attended,the Plan had included a trail specifically designated
for mountain biking and a bike park on the Beare Road landfill site, but at the third open house, all mention of
this was removed. He discussed some challenges and solutions of mountain biking, namely environmental
impact, unauthorized trails, liability and risk management,and user conflict.
In concluding, Mr. Murray asked that the Alliance consider his organization's requests:"mountain biking be
accepted as a permitted activity in the park on all existing and future trails; political and financial support for a
community bike park on the old Beare Road landfill site; representation for mountain biking as a stakeholder
at the Rouge Alliance".
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 5 of 14
MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
MOTION: Moved by: Paul Ainslie
Res. #34/11 Seconded by: Carolyn Woodland
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the presentation by Jason Murray and his associates from the
International Mountain Bicycling Association.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Jim Robb gave a presentation on the restoration program in Rouge Park and referred to management plans,
policies and objectives,and reports that support restoration of natural forest and wetland habitats in Rouge
Park.
As part of the presentation, Kevin O'Connor, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, presented the following Draft
Motion:
"Whereas Rouge Park Management Plans,Great Lakes Water Quality objectives,TRCA Rouge Watershed
and Natural Heritage System objectives,Greenbelt Plan objectives, and Environment Canada conservation
science reports, strongly support the restoration of natural forest and wetland habitats in Rouge Park;
Whereas based on the aforementioned laws, plans and policies,and science, RPA motion 18-09, and a
letter from the RPA Chair, FRW has multi-year obligations with its funding partners (e.g.Trillium,
EcoAction,GLSF) and tree suppliers which involve the restoration of 25 to 30 hectares of Rouge Park each
year;
Whereas there are more than 150 hectares of remaining restoration sites south of Steeles, many non-farm
sites north of Steeles,and other sites which could be restored over the next five years;
Therefore, be it resolved that the RPA encourages its staff,TRCA and RPA partners to provide FRW
with reliable,early and multi-year access to 25 to 30 ha of restoration sites each year for at least the
next three years to fully utilize FRW's habitat restoration,community involvement and fundraising
capacity and make progress on the implementation of Rouge Park Management Plan objectives,
Great Lakes Water Quality objectives,TRCA Rouge Watershed and Natural Heritage System
objectives and Greenbelt Plan objectives."
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #35/11: Seconded by: Clyde Smith
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance refer the presentation and draft motion to staff for their review and
report back to the Alliance.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• - Staff to review and make recommendations regarding the 3-5 year plan for restoration
sites in Rouge Park. Consideration needs to include costs,types of restoration and time
lines in order for Rouge Park objectives to be met,and report back to the Alliance. Hon.
Pauline Browes also requested that staff look at the Anndale property and Beare Road
landfill site as part of the review and report back.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 6 of 14
MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
2. Wetland Restoration in Rouge Park-Guiding Principles
KEY ISSUE
A set of principles to guide restoration of wetlands on TRCA-owned lands in Rouge Park has been developed
by Rouge Park staff, under the guidance of the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee and in consultation
with TRCA staff. These guidelines were passed by the Rouge Park Natural Heritage Committee at their June 9,
2009 meeting.
MOTION: Moved by: Peter Rodrigues
Res. #36/11: Seconded by: Paul Ainslie
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance endorse the guiding principles for wetland restoration in Rouge Park.
MOTION.. .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... ... .. . DEFERRED
• - Report to be circulated to NGOs, referred back to the Natural Heritage Committee, as
well as TRCA,and then report back to the Alliance.
BACKGROUND
(Attached Report)
ATTACHMENT
August 15,2011
Wetland Restoration in Rouge Park
Principles to Guide Restoration of Wetlands on TRCA-owned Lands in
Rouge Park
The following guiding principles will ensure that wetland restoration projects in Rouge Park are planned,
designed, implemented and monitored scientifically,and with respect for community values. The guidelines
have been developed under direction of the Rouge Park Alliance Natural Heritage Committee and in
consultation with Rouge Park and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff. TRCA staff was
consulted because of their extensive experience using heavy equipment to restore wetlands under diverse
conditions and their responsibility as landowners of the majority of lands in Rouge Park.
This document provides the rationale for decisions and implementation of wetland projects on TRCA lands in
Rouge Park. This document is not intended to provide detailed design guidelines or prescriptions for
restoration of site specific wetlands. Both landscape-level wetland plans and site-specific wetland design will
be (or are) addressed in Park plans and for individual projects. The wetlands referred to in this document
include both permanent and temporary wetlands of all types, including marshes,swamps and ephemeral
wetlands. Background information and rationale documents "Small wetland management and restoration in
Rouge Park" and "Vernal pool restoration in Rouge Park" developed by the Natural Heritage Committee and
staff are available upon request.
Guiding Principles:
1.0 Wetland Design:
1.1 Wetland restoration projects will be constructed in locations consistent with those identified in
approved Rouge Park Plans.Site specific wetland projects that are not specifically referred to in plans but
are consistent with existing park philosophy will be considered based on ecological merit and whether
wetlands were historically present on the proposed site.
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ROUGE PARK ALLIANCE Page 7 of 14
MINUTES of Meeting #4/11, September 16, 2011
1.2 Projects will focus on the restoration of previously existing wetlands and natural hydrological
patterns. Wetland restoration techniques should mimic,as closely as possible,the natural processes of
wetland formation that historically occurred on the landscape. Wetlands in the Park have historically been
formed by runoff filling depressions, natural sediment deposits that create small dams along intermittent
streams and through activity of beavers. There are no known natural mechanisms that have formed
wetlands through deep excavations in the Rouge Park management area. Pit and mound excavation
intends to mimic the small depressions created when large old-growth trees are uprooted by wind. Such
depressions are not natural in young forest stands and develop naturally as a forest matures.
1.3 Creation of wetlands by excavation where there is no evidence that wetlands once existed will be
undertaken only in exceptional situations where there exist clear,specific wildlife and ecological
management reasons, as determined by Rouge Park and TRCA staff.
1.4 Conversion of one wetland type to another is to be avoided. For example,ephemeral wetlands
will not be converted to permanent wetlands. Exceptions will be where restoration of natural hydrology
(tile drain removal, etc.) allows more permanent wetlands or where water is held on the land with very
low-head dams along field ditches or intermittent streams that mimic natural wetland creation processes.
1.5 Decisions on sites of wetlands, particularly small and ephemeral wetlands for which historical
locations may be difficult to determine, must be addressed within a larger, landscape-level habitat
context.
1.6 All wetland project proposals will include detailed design criteria, including construction
drawings, site plans,survey maps,etc.that account for intended functions and consider the habitat needs
of plants and wildlife. Evaluation measures and a monitoring plan must be in place for all restored
wetlands to ensure that intended functions are being achieved.
1.7 All wetland projects require the approval of Rouge Park(RP),TRCA and other relevant approval
agencies,and will respect federal, provincial, municipal and TRCA regulations.
1.8 Hydrologic and soil assessments must be completed at each proposed wetland site to ensure that
basin soils are wetland appropriate and impermeable.
1.9 All restoration projects must ensure that no harm is done to existing natural systems, native
species, habitats and drainage patterns. No alteration of hydrology that negatively affects existing
swamps will be allowed,given that existing swamps are rare and very sensitive to hydrology.
1.10 All constructed improvements on TRCA lands, regardless of how they are funded,will be owned
by TRCA and their management will be the responsibility of the TRCA and Rouge Park.
2.0 Construction Sites
2.1 All wetland management proposals that require use of heavy equipment to implement must
provide detailed site plans, including topographical surveys, approved by RP,TRCA and all other required
approval agencies.
2.2 All construction sites where heavy equipment is used must be supervised by an experienced site
supervisor approved by TRCA and RP. The Ontario Health and Safety legislation requires employers
(including those contracting for work) to ensure that'competent' supervisors are appointed who are (in
part) 'qualified through knowledge,training and experience'.
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2.3 All construction sites where heavy equipment is used will conform to the applicable TRCA,federal,
provincial and municipal regulations. This includes having in place approved public, operator and
employee safety practices, liability and other insurance coverage appropriate for the work being done,
WSIB certification and such other legislative or regulatory requirements as may apply. It is the
responsibility of the project proponent/contractor to ensure compliance with all construction standards.
2.4 All people attending work sites will wear approved safety equipment and the site supervisor shall
be responsible for ensuring compliance.
2.5 Contracting for heavy equipment shall conform to the procedures and policies of RP and TRCA.
Report prepared by: Maria Papoulias,Manager, Natural Heritage,Rouge Park
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308;email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: September 1,2011
3. Progress Report of Habitat Restoration at Bob Hunter Memorial Park in 2011
KEY ISSUE
Report the progress of habitat restoration at Bob Hunter Memorial Park in 2011.
MOTION: Moved by: Jack Heath
Res. #37/11: Seconded by: Peter Rodrigues
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the progress report of habitat restoration at Bob Hunter
Memorial Park in 2011.
MOTION.. .... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... .... ..... ... ... .. . DEFERRED
• - Staff to bring back complete report on all work done at Bob Hunter Memorial Park.
BACKGROUND
(See attached report)
ATTACHMENT
2011 Habitat Restoration Progress at Bob Hunter Memorial Park
Habitat restoration in Bob Hunter Memorial Park began in the spring of 2010 with the planting of 12 ha of
native grass meadow. Later in the year,woody material, salvaged from development projects near Bob
Hunter Memorial Park(BHMP) was placed throughout the 2010 meadow to create the atmosphere of a large
glade in a woodland setting. By year's end,a 1 ha wetland had been added and site preparations for 2011
work had begun. All the restored habitats showed excellent development by summer 2011.
In 2011,following on this progress,a total of 40.6 ha of habitats was restored. Key accomplishments include:
1. Planting of 23.3 ha of forested habitats in southern parts of BHMP,which have been set aside primarily as
nature reserve areas,occurred with over 3000 volunteers during events organized by 10000 Trees for the
Rouge Valley and Friends of the Rouge Watershed. In addition,300 volunteers worked with Rouge Park
and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff to plant trees in 4.8 ha of riparian area.
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2. Planting 12.5 ha of meadow habitat in June 2011, in areas south of 14`"Avenue,that will accommodate a
future visitor use area. As in 2010,the planting of the meadow was undertaken in cooperation with the
Rural Lambton Stewardship Network who specializes in native meadow planting and who provided
expertise, a specialized seed drill and staff time at no cost. The seed mix included a colourful and diverse
combination of flowering plants and grasses that will provide an attractive setting for visitors and also
provide valuable habitat for species that inhabit grassy meadows. Trees were planted in the small nodes
in the 2010 meadow and riparian areas,as well additional trees will be planted in these areas in 2012 as
well as the 2011 meadow.
3. Construction of small berms that collect and hold runoff in natural depressions, usually in combination
with tile drain decommissioning. One wetland was restored on a drained site in 2011, in the southern
nature reserve area and it was half filled by local runoff despite the dry summer by the end of August. This
site promises to provide an excellent habitat in the context of a young developing forest.Two additional
ephemeral wetlands and natural drainage patterns were restored by the decommissioning of 23 tile
drains located throughout the southern area and adjacent to the meadow. There are two more wetland
restoration projects designed and approved for just south of 14`"Avenue that will be constructed once
the realignment of 14`"Avenue is complete.
Report prepared by: Bob Clay,Project Manager,Rouge Park Natural Heritage Implementation, Restoration
Services Div.,TRCA,416-661-6600,ext.5783, bclay @trca.on.ca
For information contact: Maria Papoulias,905-713-6308;email: maria_papoulias @rougepark.com
Date: September 7,201 1
4. Tour de Greenbelt Update
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park is hosting the 2011 Tour de Greenbelt,to be held on Saturday,September 17,2011.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #38/11: Seconded by: Carolyn Woodland
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report for the 2011 Tour de Greenbelt;
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Rouge Park Alliance be invited to participate in the event,and
enjoy the festivities to follow.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Alliance members invited to participate in the event.
- Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested staff report back with details on how to make this a
yearly event.
BACKGROUND
The Tour de Greenbelt is a family friendly cycling tour that will wander through Rouge Park's rural landscape.
With a tag line of"on your mark,get set, meander,"the tour encourages participants to enjoy a leisurely
exploration of Rouge Park,and explore all the features that characterize Ontario's Greenbelt in this area.
This fourth annual tour will slightly differ from past tours. Rather than a four day event as held in the past,this
year will focus solely on Rouge Park, in September. Rest stops will highlight Rouge Park features, neighbours,
projects and events. Participants can sample Greenbelt foods grown in Rouge Park,stop at a wetland restored
by our partner organizations, and learn about the storied past of this area. The day will end with a celebration,
with plenty of food, music, information and fun.
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As of September 6th,we have approximately 225 participants registered. These participants have the choice
of five different routes: 12km,25km,50km, 75km,and for those who are feeling really ambitious,a 100km
route. There are plenty of exciting stops along the way,from Whittamore's Farm,where participants can
purchase a freshly baked pie for after the race,to a discovery stop at the restoration site on the northeast
corner of Reesor Road and Old Finch Avenue,where riders will discover a thriving wetland habitat,and learn
about some of the wildlife that call the area home.
The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has been a generous sponsor of the event,with a grant of$53,000.
Additionally,we have received financial support from the Town of Markham, and many other partners have
provided in-kind support,specifically,the Toronto Zoo,who has given us one of their overflow lots to hold the
event,and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto who will be assisting with
some of the day's logistics and materials. Also,where we have purchased supplies, many corporations have
offered us generous discounts. Many Registrations of$60 for adults, is bringing in nearly $10,000 to date.
We anticipate that the success of this event will lay the groundwork for future fund raising events in Rouge
Park.
Report prepared by: Michelle Holmes,Manager,Visitor Experience,Rouge Park
For information contact: Michelle Holmes,905-713-6021,email:michelle_holmes @rougepark.com
Date: September 7,2011
5.1 Celebrating Biodiversity with Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
KEY ISSUE
Our partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) who has generously funded a viewing platform,and
our fall series of guided walks.
MOTION: Moved by: Debbie Pella Keen
Res. #39/11: Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report for the Ontario Power Generation partnership update;
AND FURTHER THAT members of the Rouge Park Alliance be invited to attend the opening of the
viewing platform, October 8, 2011.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Alliance members to be invited to opening of the viewing platform.
BACKGROUND
Once again, Rouge Park has partnered with Ontario Power Generation to celebrate biodiversity,and the
International Year of the Forest. OPG has generously provided $50,000 to the Heritage Appreciation and
Visitor Experience program.
Half of these funds are slated for the development of a multi-level viewing deck offering a spectacular valley
view from along our Vista Trail. The location of this trail is particularly important,as it has posed a serious
safety concern with visitors often venturing off trail to the edge of the eroding bluff to capture the breath-
taking scenery. The viewing platform will promote a safe visitor experience, protect the slope,and include
fencing and restoration planting at the site to help stabilize the slope. Join us on Saturday,October 8,2011 to
celebrate the opening of the platform!
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The second half of the funds will be used to host a chapter of the OPG Hikes Series,celebrating the
International Year of Forests. There will be 60 hikes in total,each offering an exciting theme,and often
including a guest expert to share ideas, knowledge and nature appreciation.Some example themes include:
Fall Bird Migration,Archaeology in Rouge Park, and Getting Ready for Winter. Funds will cover project
management, as well as training a new batch of volunteer leaders.Our leaders are Hike Ontario Certified Hike
Leaders and trained by the Canadian Red Cross for Standard First Aid,and all bring their own skills,a generous
spirit,and vast appreciation for the park to the team.
Rouge Park is pleased to partner with Ontario Power Generation in helping to promote nature appreciation
and exciting outdoor adventures,and we are hopeful that this evolves into a long-term partnership.
Report prepared by: Michelle Holmes,Manager of Visitor Experience,Rouge Park
For information contact: Michelle Holmes,Manager of Visitor Experience, Rouge Park
(905)713-6021,email: michelle_holmes @rougepark.com
Date:September 7,2011
6. Rouge Park Trails Master Plan Update& Rouge Park Alliance Workshop on October 21, 2011
KEY ISSUE
As the Rouge Park Trails Master Plan is nearing completion,the Rouge Park Alliance is invited to attend a
workshop to review,comment and provide further direction on the plan on October 21,2011.
MOTION: Moved by: Bill Rapley
Res. #40/11: Seconded by: Carolyn Woodland
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the report for the Rouge Park Trails Master Plan update.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
BACKGROUND
Study Administration:
In autumn of 2009,a Trails Advisory Committee was formed and tasked with developing the Trails Master
Plan. This committee is comprised of Rouge Park Alliance partners and trail stakeholders from the Rouge Park
Alliance, City of Toronto,Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,York Region,Town of Markham,
Durham Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,Transport Canada, and the Oak Ridges Trail
Association.
Specifically,the committee's role in the development of the Trails Master Plan has been to provide direction
and technical guidance,share information and give feedback to the Rouge Park staff and the consultants. The
committee developed a terms of reference, and hired Schollen and Company Inc.as the lead consultant for
the project.
Trails Master Plan Goals:
There are 3 main objectives to the plan:
• Protect important natural heritage features
- Protect existing natural heritage features and functions
- Enhance habitat connectivity, diversity and function where possible
- Avoid fragmentation
- Generally avoid steep slopes and areas prone to flooding or erosion where possible
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• Provide a continuous north-south and east-west linkage to neighbouring trail system
- Provide for a multi-use trail connection from the Waterfront to the Oak Ridges Moraine
- Provide key linkages to connect neighbourhoods adjacent to Rouge Park
- Provide a multi-modal trail network that maximizes accessibility and is integrated with public
transit
• Respect and celebrate significant cultural and agricultural heritage resources
- Capitalize on interpretive opportunities
- Avoid sensitive cultural heritage features and landscapes
In addition,the plan is to address the need to close the dozens of kilometres of unofficial trails in the park,
many in sensitive natural areas. (64km of unofficial trails to be closed south of Steeles Avenue.) Visitor safety
is key in all trail elements of planning.
Study Process:
The project has completed the first three phases of development:
• Phase One: Background Review
• Phase Two:Trail Concept, Design and Standards and Communications
• Phase Three: Draft Plan and Consultation
The fourth and final phase of the project is currently underway:
Phase Four: Review,Submission and Approval
• Determine and recommend the most appropriate phased approach to implementation
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for the implementation of the trail development plans
• Prepare trail master plan, maps and phasing plan based on the recommended trail system design and
standards determined in Phase 2
To Date Review, revise and prepare final Trails Master Plan based on results of Phases 1 to 3
)mp • Presentation to Rouge Park Alliance,then affected Municipal and Regional Councils
• Submit final Trails Master Plan for official approval by the Rouge Park Alliance
Next Steps:
A workshop will be held on October 21,2011,9:00 a.m.to 12:00 noon, Main Boardroom,Toronto Zoo,
361A Old Finch Avenue,Scarborough. Alliance members will have an opportunity to review the Trails
Master Plan in detail, examine a variety of maps,discuss feedback and outcomes from our three
information sessions,and share comments. This workshop will be followed by a 60-day public and
agency review period prior to the report being finalized. A final presentation of the Trails Master Plan
will be presented to the Rouge Park Alliance in early 2012 for approval.
The Trails Master Plan will be an essential tool for connecting areas within Rouge Park,and to the surrounding
communities and trail systems. The trail system plays an integral role in providing our visitors with a tangible
nature experience, by allowing them to see the diverse habitats and rich cultural history that Rouge Park
strives to protect.
Report prepared by: Michelle Holmes,Manager of Visitor Experience,Rouge Park
For information contact: Michelle Holmes,(905) 713-6021,email: michelle_holmes @rougepark.com
Date: September 7,2011
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7. Correspondence
KEY ISSUE
Rouge Park Alliance correspondence.
Correspondence #73 was dealt with separately. Correspondence #7.1; 7.2; 7.4; 7.5; 7.6;and 7.7 were received,
with action requested for correspondence #7.2.
MOTION: Moved by: Debbie Pella Keen
Res. #41/11: Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance receive the following correspondence:
1. Letter dated June 2, 2011 to Alan Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Kimberley Kitteringham,
Clerk,Town of Markham, re:Cornell Secondary Plan - Reesor Road Deferral Area No. 1.
2. Letter dated June 21,2011 to Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from City Clerk's Office,City of Toronto,
re: Parks and Environment Committee Item 4.2 - Regulating of Kite Flying in City Parks.
4. Letter dated June 30,2011 to A.Wells,Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Kimberley Kitteringham,
Clerk,Town of Markham, re:Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer Enhancement Plan-Selection of
Projects.
5. Letter dated July 6,2011 to Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance,from Kathy Stranks, Manager,
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, re: Markham East Lands- Proposed TRCA Agreement
with Ministry of Infrastructure and Town of Markham.
6. Copy of Letter dated July 8,2011 to The Hon. Keith Ashfield,Minister of Fisheries and Oceans,from
Hon.Michael Chong, re:Oil Spill in Rouge River Tributary by Standard Auto Wreckers.
7. Copy of Letter dated July 19,2011 to Dr. Helena Jaczek,MPP,Oak Ridges-Markham,from Hon.
Linda Jeffrey,Minister of Natural Resources, re: Re-appointment of Dr.Jaczek as the Provincial
Representative to the Rouge Park Alliance.
MOTION AS AMENDED. ... .... ... ... ... ... ..... .... ... .... ... ... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... ... CARRIED
• - Correspondence #7.2: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath requested staff to look into the kite
flying strings (length) and report back.
Correspondence #7.3:
3. Copy of Environmental Review Tribunal Decision dated June 29,2011, re:Goldy Metals Inc.
v. Director, Ministry of the Environment.
MOTION: Moved by: Pauline Browes
Res. #42/11: Seconded by: Jim Robb
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance Chair write a letter to the Director,Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
stating that there has been a preliminary hearing by teleconference calls,and that the Alliance has not
received any information on the delineation and remediation plans to address the contamination.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... ... CARRIED
• -Chair to write a letter to MOE.
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New Business
MOTION: Moved by: Clyde Smith
Res. #43/11: Seconded by: Jack Heath
THAT the Rouge Park Alliance Chair write a letter to the City of Toronto Mayor and Members of Council
regarding the role and importance of the Toronto Zoo to the vision for Rouge Park,and that this be
considered in any decision-making by the City of Toronto concerning the future of the Toronto Zoo.
.. .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... ... ..... .... ... ..... .... ... .. ... .... ..... ... .... .... CARRIED
• -Chair to write a letter to the City of Toronto Mayor and Members of Council.
TERMINATION
The meeting terminated at 12:30 p.m. on September 16, 2011.
Alan Wells Mike Bender
Chair, Rouge Park Alliance Acting General Manager, Rouge Park