HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 22-09
City 00 REPORT TO
' PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PIC COMMITTEE
Report Number: PD 22-09
Date: July 6, 2009
9-0
From: Neil Carroll
Director, Planning & Development
I
Everett Buntsma
Director, Operations & Emergency Services
Subject: City Response to Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Plan and
Master Trails Plan - Final Report, October 2008, prepared by Schollen &
Company Inc. for Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
File: D-1100-054
Recommendation:
1. That Report PD 22-09 of the Director,. Planning & Development, regarding the
Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Plan and Master Trails Plan, Final
Report(SNHSMP & MTP - the Management Plan),. prepared by Schollen &
Company Inc. and Associates, dated Octol*r 2008, be received;
2. That the comments contained in Report PD 22-09 on the SNHSMP & MTP be
endorsed and that Council advise the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing
and Energy and Infrastructure that:
(a) in implementing the Plan;
(i) no costs should be borne by existing City taxpayers for the Natural
Heritage System (NHS) restoration or for the on and off-road trails
in the neighbourhoods, in light of the high standards expected;
(ii) establishment of a separate Heritage Committee for Seaton needs
further review; and,
(iii) since renewable energy facilities are permissible uses within the
NHS, a management strategy should be identified for this purpose
and be reflected in the preparation of restorationlrevegetation plans
for the NHS lands;
(b) the City supports;
(i) use of the Management Plan ps a guide for a sustainable Seaton
NHS as the report is a compr$hensive and well thought-out
prescription to. achieve long-term objectives for the restoration of an
expanded natural heritage system, construction of a trail system in
the NHS and to fulfill cultural heritage objectives in the NHS;
(ii) retention of the NHS lands in ublic ownership over the long-term;
(iii) establishment of a First Nations Interpretive Centre; and,
i
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City Response to Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Page 2
Plan and Master Trails Plan
(iv) continued City involvement in discussions and decisions on a future
management structure, plans and programs for the Seaton natural
heritage system, trails network and cultural heritage programs,
including the role of Heritage Pickering.
3. That Council request the Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Energy
and Infrastructure to expand the range of uses permissible within the NHS to
include recreational uses such as parks and playfields in those lands that buffer
the key natural heritage features; and,
4. Further, that a copy of Report PD 22-09 and Pickering Council's resolution on
this matter be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ontario Realty Corporation, the Region of
Durham, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Heritage Pickering
Advisory Committee, and the Seaton Trail Management Plan Steering
Committee.
Executive Summary: The Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Plan and
Master Trails Plan - Final Report provides an excellent set of prescriptions to restore
the natural heritage area of Seaton, create a complete trail network for walking and
biking and a program to respect the cultural heritage of Seaton.
The Final Report was prepared by Schollen & Coonpany Inc, with other consultants. It is
considered "advice" to the Province to implement the objectives of the Central Pickering
Development Plan. It is one of four studies the Province undertook to advise on
implementing the CPDP, including a water balance study, employment lands study,
transportation study and natural heritage/trails sturdy. The Final Report includes a
recommended implementation strategy to undertajke the physical changes prescribed,
and a monitoring program to assess achievement; over time. It also includes a series of
recommendations about roles and responsibilities I for funding, initial construction,
programming, long-term monitoring and maintenance. As with the other aspects of
planning for the development of Seaton, further work and collaboration is still required
before it can be agreed who does what, when and who pays, but this Report provides a
detailed approach to what needs to be done. As ther planning streams for the
development of Seaton are completed, those final implementation details must be
determined.
Staff recommend that the Seaton NHSMP & MTP The supported as a detailed guide to
achieve a sustainable Seaton NHS consistent. with the objectives of the CPDP. Further,
staff recommends that Council support the principles that the Seaton NHS remain in
public ownership and its implementation costs not!be borne by existing Pickering
taxpayers. The Management Plan's recommendation that a separate Heritage
Committee for Seaton NHS be established needs further review, but the
recommendation that a First Nations Interpretive Centre be established is supported.
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City Response to Seaton Natural Heritage Systems Management Page 3
Plan and Master Trails Plan 2
Staff recommends the Management Plan include a management strategy to
accommodate renewable energy facilities in the NHS. Staff also recommends that the
permissible uses in the CPDP for the NHS be expanded to include parks and playfields
in natural heritage buffer areas. Finally, the City of Pickering must continue to be
involved in discussions and decisions on the implementation of the Seaton Natural
Heritage System Management Plan and Master Trails Plan.
Financial Implications: Providing comments on the Seaton NHSMP & MTP has no
financial implications for the City.
Sustainability Implications: The purpose of the Seaton NHSMP & MTP is to
implement the sustainable objectives of the Central Pickering Development Plan to
restore the natural heritage system of Seaton, provide active transportation and
recreational opportunities for the future residents, and respect and celebrate the cultural
heritage of Seaton to achieve a healthier lifestyle in Seaton than in any other Ontario
community. The ecological restoration prescriptions, extensive trail network and
fulsome cultural heritage recommendations contained in this report, if implemented,
provide a strong platform to achieve the objectives.
The Seaton NHSMP does not include management options for NHS lands being used
for permissible renewable energy uses.
Background:
1.0 Introduction:
The purpose of this Report is to provide the City's advice to the Province on the
recently completed Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Plan and
Master Trails Plan (SNHSMP & MTP - the Management Plan), Final Report,
October 2008.
1.1 Mandate for the SNHSMP & MTP
The Central Pickering Development Plan (CPDP) mandated that a Management
Plan be prepared for the Seaton natural heritage system, including a master trails
plan, to expand on the general policies set out in the CPDP. The Province owns
the natural heritage system lands.
1.2 Study Process
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) led the study for the
Province with a Steering Committee consisting of MMAH, Ministry of Natural
Resources, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Region of Durham, City of
Pickering and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff.
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96
In 2006, the Province hired Schollen & Company Inc. (with others) to undertake
the study. Consultation meetings were held with the stakeholder group, the
general public and First Nations. The draft report was released in April 2008 with
a request for comments by the end of May 2008. Due to the limited time
available, City staff provided comments directly to the Ministry.
The Final Report, which was revised to respond to the extensive comments
submitted on the draft report, was released in October 2008, as the consultants'
advice to the Province. Staff provided an initial overview of the Final Report to
the Pickering's Seaton Advisory Committee (SAC) on December 9, 2008. The
consultant, Mark Schollen, presented a summary of the Final Report findings to a
subsequent meeting of the SAC on January 20, 2009.
Copies of the Final Report were provided to the Mayor, the Chair of the Seaton
Advisory Committee and offered to other members of Council, in addition to key
staff members in November 2008. In addition, notification on the City's website
advises the public that copies are available in the Pickering libraries and at the
Planning & Development Department.
1.3 Previous Information to Council
Through notifications and summaries of steering committee, stakeholder, First
Nations and public consultation meetings, presentations to Seaton Advisory
Committee and Chief Administrative Officer! correspondence, (including the
comments on the draft Report), City staff has kept Council members apprised of the
process, consultations and directions of the; Seaton Natural Heritage System
Management Plan and Master Trails Plan study since its commencement in 2006.
2.0 Recommendations of the Seaton Natural Heritage System Management
Plan and Master Trails Plan (Managemint Plan)
The Management Plan provides a framework to achieve the vision of the Seaton
natural heritage system as a forested, robust and sustainable ecological system
consistent with the goals of the CPDP. The Management Plan makes
recommendations to enhance, protect and festore the ecological resources of the
natural heritage system, to guide the detailed design and implementation of the trail
system that will connect urban neighbourhoods and enable people to experience the
unique natural area and to respect its cultural and heritage resources.
While the Final Report provides advice p*narily to the Province on how the
vision for the natural heritage system lands (which comprise 53% of Seaton)
should be implemented, it also includes some recommendations for the
developable lands. These recommendations should be taken into account in the
preparation of the Master Environmental Servicing Plan, the Neighbourhood
Plans, the Region's Environmental Asses ment for regional infrastructure and in
the approval process. for the proposed su ;divisions.
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A summary of the findings of the Management Plan is provided in Appendix I
that:
• outlines the ecological management guidelines, neighbourhood interface
recommendations, implementation and monitoring program for the NHS.
Maps 1 and 2 show the current wooded state of the natural heritage system
and the vision of the future state of the natural heritage system (see
Attachments #1 and #2);
• outlines the cultural and archaeological heritage resources management Plan
(CHRMP), including cultural heritage assessment, implementation and
monitoring recommendations, management of archaeological resources and
interpretive opportunities; and,
• summarizes the objectives and principles of the master trails plan, including
the key features. Map 3 - Proposed Master Trails Composite Plan shows the
proposed trail network for all of Seaton, in both the natural heritage system
lands and the rest of Seaton (see Attachment #3).
3.0 Implementation Strategy
The implementation strategy recommended for the Management Plan proposes
to stage restoration of the natural heritage system and construction of the trails.
Management actions are prioritized for the mitigation, preservation and
enhancement of the natural heritage system, trails network and cultural heritage
prescriptions.
The specific management actions are listed and prioritized in a set of tables.
3.1 Influencing Factors and Implementation Priorities
The Management Plan does not include a specific timetable to undertake the
recommended actions in order to respond to the timing of development
approvals, actual development and servicing, the need for additional studies and
assessments, and the availability of funding.
Implementation priorities to be completed before any of the physical changes can
commence include:
• an agreement between the Province, the City and TRCA on roles and
responsibilities;
• securement of funding;
• assembly of resources and equipment; and,
9 a suitable maintenance facility.
i
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3.2 Restoration and Management Priorities
Remediation actions are recommended within 4 to 5 years to remove or mitigate
ATV trails, dump sites, stream slope erosion, fish migration barriers and woody
material from areas intended as-open habitats.
The Management Plan recommends restoration of linkage areas, riparian areas
(currently agricultural lands), and buffers between sensitive features and
development areas be commenced as soon as possible and be completed prior
to initiation of urban development.
3.3 Cultural & Archaeological Heritage Resource Management Priorities
The priority actions recommended include:
• establishing a Seaton NHS Heritage Management Committee to oversee the
Interpretive Plan;
• amendments to City of Pickering and (Region of Durham official plans;
• preparation of a Cultural Heritage Report to document the history and cultural
heritage resources and provide recommendations for restoration or
conservation actions;
• preparation of an Interpretive Plan to elducate the public about the European
and aboriginal heritage of Seaton, and,
• investigating the potential for an Interpretive Centre for cultural heritage,
including a First Nations heritage interpretive centre.
3.4 Master Trails Plan Implementation Priorities
The Management Plan recommends that trails proposed within the natural
heritage system be constructed prior to build-out of adjacent neighbourhoods.
Primary neighbourhood connectors should be constructed first, then secondary
multi-use trails, and finally low impact recreational trails.
The Management Plan recognizes that bike routes proposed within boulevards
or roadways under the jurisdiction of the Region of Durham or the City of
Pickering should be addressed by the ME$P. The primary neighbourhood
connectors were located to avoid sensitive features by means of First Nations'
monitored archaeological assessments, and should not be changed. Exact
locations for other types of bike routes and trails can be finalized following
detailed local assessments.
The timing of implementation of bikeways on road rights-of-way will depend on
the timing of road construction.
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3.5 Subsequent Planning Processes
The Management Plan recognizes that the Seaton Neighbourhood Planning
Program, the MESP and the City of Pickering official plan amendment will have
to take the Management Plan into account. Subsequent environmental
assessments to approve roadways (with bike paths or trails) through the natural
heritage system will be required. Archaeological assessments will be required
prior to soil disturbance for paths and other infrastructure. City Zoning By-laws
should set out permitted uses and standards for the NHS.
Agreements with Hydro One to co-locate paths/trails with infrastructure works on
their lands will also be required.
3.6 Roles and Responsibilities for Implementation
The Management Plan recommends that the Seaton NHS lands be retained in
public ownership by the Province. It recognizes that successful implementation
of the Management Plan will depend on coordinated local, regional and provincial
government effort, along with TRCA.
The Management Plan provides direction to guide the activities of the following
agencies and groups.
3.6.1 Province
The Management Plan recommends that the Province coordinate the
implementation of the Management Plan by coordinating financial resources,
managing provincial land holdings and considering additional lands to add to the
natural heritage system.
3.6.2 Region of Durham
The Region of Durham is encouraged to review its official plan to incorporate,
policies supportive of the Management Plan.
3.6.3 City of Pickering
The Management Plan recommends that the City of Pickering implementation
steps include a comprehensive amendment to the Pickering Official Plan. Some
of the proposed policies should be implemented through the Neighbourhood
Plans and the MESP, some through the development approvals process, and
others would be best implemented by the Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee
or by the City Municipal Operations & Emergency Services Department, the
Region of Durham and some by the Province.
The Management Plan also recommends Pickering adopt zoning amendments to
create a Natural Heritage System Zone to regulate permitted uses in the Seaton
natural heritage system. Further, the Management Plan recommends specific
guidelines be-respected for engagement and consultation with First Nations during
the Regional and other EA processes and the Neighbourhood Planning program.
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Another specific recommendation is that the City of Pickering require the
developers to fence the boundary of the NHS lands (the limit of development)
and landscape the lands within the NHS that are within 15 metres of the limit of
development.
3.6.4 TRCA
The Management Plan recommends that TRCA perform the key role in
implementing the restoration recommendations and constructing some trails,
provided appropriate lease agreements and long-term base funding can be
arranged.
In addition, TRCA can assist the Seaton Natural Heritage System Management
Committee by undertaking the proposed monitoring of the long-term health of the
Seaton natural heritage system, among other actions.
3.6.5 Non-Government Organizations, Stakeholdder Groups and the Community
The Management Plan suggests partnerships between non-governmental and
government partners to participate in monitoring, programs, stewardship,
volunteering, restoration, committee membership, fund raising and generally
supporting the vision for the Seaton natural heritage system. The Management
Plan anticipates that the new residents of Seaton will contribute to these
measures significantly in the future.
3.7 Form Four Committees
3.7.1 Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Committee
The Management Plan recommends establishment of a multi-stakeholder/agency
body to oversee the ecological restoration of the natural heritage system and to
initiate and facilitate implementation of theSeaton NHS Management Plan. It
suggests that a Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Committee could:
• coordinate roles and responsibilities;
• identify funding;
• manage finances;
• initiate stewardship and volunteer programs;
• initiate fund-raising;
• oversee programs and other committees; and,
• oversee monies, report on the implementation status and the success of
restoration and management programs.. "
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3.7.2 Seaton Natural Heritage System Trails Cqmmittee
A Trails Committee is proposed to oversee the post-construction management of
trails and bike routes. Partnerships, community organization and liaison,
promotion of trails use, issue resolution and service/user integration would be
functions of the Trails Committee.
3.7.3 Seaton Natural Heritage System Heritage Committee
A similar Heritage Committee is proposed !to oversee development and
implementation of the interpretive plan to heighten public awareness of natural
and cultural heritage resources of the Seaton NHS. The Management Plan
indicates that Heritage Pickering Advisory iCommittee and the Pickering Historical
Society could serve as resources.
3.7.4 Aboriginal Heritage Interpretation Committee
In addition, a separate Aboriginal Heritages Interpretation Committee is proposed
involving First Nations representatives to commemorate the aboriginal legacy of
the Seaton lands.
3.8 Preliminary Cost Estimates and the Proposed Monitoring Program
Preliminary cost estimates for the restoration of the natural heritage system,
construction of the trails network and other miscellaneous aspects of the
Management Plan have been prepared. In addition, a monitoring program to
monitor long-term achievement of the ecological, cultural heritage and trails
network objectives is proposed.
A summary of the cost estimates and the monitoring program is provided in
Appendix II.
3.9 Final Comment
Whereas the foregoing presents a very generalized summary of the
recommendations contained in the Seaton Natural Heritage System
Management Plan and Master Trails Plan, the actual Management Plan provides
almost 250 pages, including over 50 figures and maps and 10 tables of technical
rationale and methodology detailing how to achieve the objectives for the natural
heritage system, cultural and archaeological heritage resources and the master
trails network. In addition, the Final Report is accompanied by an Appendix
volume of over 200 pages of background information, technical information and
the record of consultation undertaken during the study.
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4.0 Discussion
4.1 The Management Plan provides a comprehensive and detailed strategy for
a sustainable natural heritage system, trails plan and cultural heritage
program in the Seaton NHS
Staff from Planning & Development, the Office of Sustainability, and Operations
& Emergency Services have reviewed the..Seaton Natural Heritage System
Management Plan and Master Trails Plan. With the exceptions of a few
concerns noted in the following sections, overall staff recommends that Council
support the recommendations of the Seaton Natural Heritage System
Management Plan and Master Trails Plan as it applies to the NHS lands.
4.2 The Management Plan provides a sound basis for subsequent discussions
about roles and responsibilities to addrless the technical recommendations
The Management Plan provides a thorough and coherent set of
recommendations of what to do to achieve the objectives of the CPDP in the
natural heritage system. However, decisions are still required about funding,
responsibilities, programming and implementation. While some aspects of
implementation need to be programmed arid scheduled to occur ahead of/or
concurrent with the first stages of development, many decisions about funding
and responsibilities can only be made after the other critical elements of the
planning for Seaton have been completed,'; including:
• the Master Environmental Servicing Pion;
• the City's Neighbourhood Planning Program;
• the Environmental Assessment for Regional infrastructure (sewer, water,
roads); and,
• Fiscal Impact and Development Charges studies for the City of Pickering and
Region of Durham.
While the City can and should provide its advice to the Province on all aspects of
management, implementation and monitoring, it is assumed that the Province will
implement most of the elements and standards proposed for natural heritage,
trails and cultural heritage prescriptions within the natural heritage system lands.
However, the City's direct interest will bet a interface of the natural heritage
system with the developable lands in the neighbourhoods, including:
• opportunities to celebrate/interpret both, built and archaeological cultural
heritage resources outside the natural heritage lands;
• the interface with/and portions of the trails network outside the natural
heritage system; and,
• the interface of the edge of the natural heritage system and the developable
areas of the neighbourhoods.
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Plan and Master Trails Plan
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While regard will be given to the speck standards and elements recommended
in the Management Plan for the developable lands, the City will use the results to
inform the Neighbourhood Plans and the subsequent planning approvals
process. In particular, staff notes that theitrails plan recommends wider road
rights-of-way to accommodate on and off-road trails within the neighbourhoods.
Staff must first review the impact of wider tights-of-way on the broader range of
objectives of the CPDP, including urban design, and determine the appropriate
road rights-of-way to best fulfill the required functions (including trails).
The Management Plan acknowledges that responsibilities have not yet been
allocated and "will require discussion among the City of Pickering, Region of
Durham, TRCA,. MMAH and MNR to determine whose mandate and resources
are best suited to a particular management action".
4.3 The Management Plan for the NHS needs a new category added to address
renewable energy facilities
The CPDP permits renewable energy facilities within the NHS. However, the
Management Plan did not recognize this as a land use requiring a unique
management approach. An appropriate management direction for these facilities
is recommended.
4.4 The City should be prepared to collaborate with the Province and the other
partners in implementing the recommendations of the Management Plan
It is expected that the Province will initiate idiscussions with TRCA, the City and
the Region to establish protocols, partnerships and agreements for funding,
decision-making, governance, financial administration, execution of contracts,
maintenance and monitoring of the prescriptions for the Seaton natural heritage
system.
The City of Pickering should insist on being fully involved in the decision-making
on all such matters both during initial natural heritage system implementation and
as it proceeds to completion.
4.5 Costs of Implementing the Management. Plan should not be borne by
existing City taxpayers
The cost of implementing the restoration of the natural heritage system, trails
construction within the natural heritage system and cultural heritage
recommendations should be fully borne by';the Province.
With the exception of bike trails forming part of the Regional network, the City
would be responsible for funding trails on Regional Roads. For cycling lanes and
off-road trails, the City would be responsible for funding the trails, as well as
maintenance. While a portion of these costs are recoverable through
development charges, the level of service anticipated for Seaton is significantly
higher than for South Pickering. Accordingly, the cost for this higher level of trail
provision should be borne by the Province.',
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4.6 The Seaton Natural Heritage System lands should remain in public
ownership
In order to guarantee that the Seaton natural heritage system will provide a long
term resource to the residents of Seaton and will maintain its ecological values, it
is recommended that the Seaton natural heritage system remain in public
ownership. It is recommended that Council support this principle.
4.7 Some aspects of the Cultural and Archaeological Heritage Management
Plan appear to overlap the role of Heritage Pickering
Some recommendations of the Management Plan including the establishment of
a Seaton Natural Heritage Committee appear to overlap with the mandate of the
Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee.
Other recommendations, including the preparation of an Interpretive Plan and
Cultural Heritage Resources Plan, may involve significant work for any
committee and may be more appropriate for City staff.
Further review is required on the relationship between the Heritage Pickering
Advisory Committee, and the establishment of any of the new Committees
recommended by the Management Plan.
4.8 Other recommendations of the Management Plan should inform the Seaton
MESP, the City's Neighbourhood Planning program, and the subsequent
development approval processes
The City should have regard to policy recommendations of the Seaton Natural
Heritage System Management Plan and Master Trails Plan in amending the
Pickering Official Plan to implement the CPDP.
4.9 The Ministers of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Energy and
Infrastructure are requested to reexamine the permissible uses within the
NHS under the CPDP to add play fields and parks
This position was advocated by the City and Regional staff during the preparation
of the CPDP, but was not accepted by the Province. Recently, the Durham
Regional Council reported on the Seaton NIHSMP & MTP and requested that the
uses within the buffer areas adjacent to the key natural features of the NHS be
reconsidered for use as parks and play fields. It is recommended that City
Council also request a review of this matter.
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City Response to Seaton Natural Heritage System Management Page 13
Plan and Master Trails Plan 102
APPENDICES:
Appendix I: Findings of the Management Plan
Appendix II: Preliminary Cost Estimates & Monitoring Program
Attachments:
1. Map 1: Current Wooded State of Natural Heritage System
2. Map 2: Vision of the Future Wooded State of Natural Heritage System
3. Map 3: Proposed Master Trails Composite Plan
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
) retL 14 a.
Steve Gaunt, MCP, RPP Neil Carroll, , RPP
Principal Planner, Policy Director, Planning & Development
Catherine Rose, MCIP, RPP Everett Bun a
Manager, Policy Director, Operations & Emergency Services
SG:ld
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
(Acting) Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City
e . 0
T ma's J. Quinn, D , CMM
Chief Administrative Officer
i
APPENDIX I TO
REPORT PD 22-09
103
FINDINGS OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
i
Natural Heritage System, Cultural & Arcjhaeological Heritage Resources
Management Plans and Master. Trails Plan Summaries 10
1.0 Natural Heritage System Management Plan
1.1 Ecological Management Guidelines
The Management Plan contains recommendations and tables with priority
actions and cost estimates to ensure that natural heritage values are protected in
the long-term and that areas of past human disturbance are restored to natural
habitats for:
• the aquatic system, to improve fish habitat and reintroduce native species;
• the terrestrial system, to leave native vegetation communities alone and
restore farmed lands to create native terrestrial communities. Maps 1 and 2
show the current wooded state of the natural heritage system and the vision
for the future state of the natural heritage system;
• significant sensitive species and areas were avoided in the development of
the trails plan; and,
• invasive plant species are to be controlled.
1.2 Development & Neighbourhood Interface Recommendations
The Management Plan recommends ways to minimize or mitigate impacts of
specific uses and facilities permitted by the CPDP to be located within the natural
heritage system, including:
• combining utility and road crossings;
• stormwater pond design;
• location of services on adjacent roads;;
• underground utilities design; and,
• services within valley corridors.
The Management Plan also provides Neighbourhood Interface Guidelines to:
• establish the natural heritage system as a strong visual focus;
• protect ecologically sensitive areas from, edge encroachments;
• establish a neighbourhood interface zone at the edge of neighbourhoods;
and,
• locate neighbourhood community amenities adjacent to the natural heritage
system.
1.3 Implementation of Natural Heritage System Management Plan
The aim is to restore the Seaton Natural Heritage System to a predominantly
forested landscape, from the current 31% as native woodlands to 78% of the
total natural heritage system area, over a period of decades.
i
1.4 Monitoring Program
105
The Management Plan proposes a monitoring program starting with initial
monitoring prior to any change and annual monitoring of the achievement of
protection and restoration targets for terrestrial, aquatic, ground water,
vegetation, water (surface and ground water) resources and stream morphology.
2.0 Cultural & Archaeological Heritage Resources Management Plan (CHRMP)
The CHRMP seeks to guide the management and interpretation of cultural
heritage features and landscapes within Seaton. It endorses the protection and
restoration of 25 significant heritage properties outside the natural heritage
system by recommending that these properties be included in an interpretive
plan to be developed as part of the neighbourhood planning program for Seaton.
2.1 Cultural Heritage Assessment
Recommended guidelines include:
• restoration and conservation activities conducted to Ministry of Culture and
Ontario Heritage Act standards;
• use of a municipal permit application process to review significant changes to
built resources and cultural landscapes; and,
• recognition of the cultural heritage principles in the CPDP.
2.2 Implementation and Monitoring Recommeodations
The CHRMP includes recommendations to:
1. prepare a comprehensive Interpretive Plan;
2. revise Durham Region and City of Pickering official plans to reflect the
CHRMP;
3. recognize the guidelines during the development planning process for
neighbourhoods;
4. require heritage assessments for features close to trails;
5. where new development is proposed to, replace built heritage resources,
either preserve and display residual pants, mark and display outlines and
recall architecture of former buildings and/or record and archive
archaeological information through drawings or photogrammetry;
6. public agencies consider not undertaking works with negative impacts on
heritage resources;
7. as part of long-term planning;
i) establish a natural heritage system Heritage Committee to develop
interpretive programs, an Interpretive Plan, and establish an Interpretive
Centre;
ii) celebrate former notable inhabitants;in existing or proposed developments
by naming areas, trails, streets or facilities; and,
8. implement a themed plaque/signage program for Seaton.
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2.3 Management of Archaeological Resources 106
A framework is proposed to assess and protect First Nations archaeological
resources during construction of trails within the natural heritage system lands.
2.4 Interpretive Opportunities
An Interpretive Plan should be developed in collaboration with First Nations and
others to celebrate and increase awareness of the history of this area which
should:
• maintain viewsheds and vantage points;
• integrate pedestrian and cycling routes with cultural and interpretive themes
to include the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District;
• utilize an historic residence and local family history to demonstrate historic
themes;
• locate interpretive kiosks along the trail network;
• include public education programs, on-site interpretive facilities, sign panels
and vista boards along with pamphlets land publications; and,
• develop a First Nations Interpretive Facility to demonstrate First Nations
agricultural practices (with First Nations participation).
3.0 Master Trails Plan
3.1 Obiectives and Principles
The Master Trails Plan defines a trail system for both walking and cycling that
achieves the following objectives and design principles:
• promotes linkages between the natural heritage system, urban and
agricultural uses;
• promotes low impact uses and activities that are compatible with protection of
the natural heritage system;
• locates facilities in an environmentally responsible manner;
• creates a safe trail system by encouraging public use;
• avoids significant archaeological resources;
• integrates cultural and built heritage resources; and,
• connects urban neighbourhoods with other destinations within Seaton and to
the regional trial, open space and natural heritage system.
3.2 Key Features
The proposed trail network is shown in Map 3 - Proposed Master Trails
Composite Plan. Key features of the Seaton Master Trails Plan include a trail
hierarchy that provides 122 kilimetres of bike routes, primary connecting asphalt
trails, asphalt recreational trails within the Natural Heritage System and
sensitively designed boardwalk or soft surface trails, 78 trailheads, 47 bridge
crossings and 3 potential rail crossings.
-3-
APPENDIX II TO
REPORT PD 22-09
107
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES MONITORING PROGRAM
Preliminary Cost Estimates for Restoration of the Natural Heritage System,
the Master Trails Plan, other Miscellaneous Items, and 108
the Proposed Monitoring Program
1.0 . Preliminary Cost Estimates
Cost estimates are provided to implement, the Master Trails Plan and the natural
heritage system restoration.
1.1 Restoration of Natural Heritage System
Itemized cost estimates are provided to restore agricultural lands to woodland,
re-establish stream corridors, establish open areas and revitalize woodlands that
range from a total of $95 to $111 million. The work should start prior to urban
development and continue for several decades. Cost estimates do not include
ongoing management, upkeep and monitoring after initial implementation.
1.2 Master Trails Plan Cost Estimates
Cost estimates are broken down for trails within the NHS, trails within road
rights-of-way (which are assumed to be palid by the respective municipality or
agency, perhaps through development charges) and trailheads. Cost estimates
do not include trails associated with stormwater ponds or parks, improvements to
the Seaton hiking trail, costs of on-going maintenance, management or upkeep
of the trail network, or for illumination of trails.
Costs estimated for the trails in the NHS range from $12 to $16 million plus about
$5 million for other recommended features: plus an undefined cost for trail
illumination.
Cost estimates for trailheads (5 regional, with 200 car parking spaces each and
washroom facilities; 12 primary trailheads, with 30 car parking spaces and a
picnic area; and 57 other trailheads) range; up to approximately $8 million.
Cost estimates for recommended bike routes outside the NHS to be borne by
municipalities/developers are approximately $15 million.
Cost estimates for other miscellaneous items are approximately $600,000
(archaeological assessments, invasive spelcies management, First Nations
monitoring, interpretive plan, etc).
2.0 Monitoring Program
A comprehensive monitoring program is recommended to commence tracking
changes as initiatives are implemented. A 1Report Card' should be used to
identify each implemented initiative as changes occur, measure the impacts on
the health of the natural heritage system, trails network and cultural heritage
program, achievement of over-all objectives land suggest modifications to the
program as warranted. Comprehensive review is recommended every five years.
The Seaton Management Plan recommend$ that monitoring should be initiated
by the Province with-a committee of Region of Durham, City of Pickering and
TRCA to develop a work program which should include public notification.
Vol
MAP 1: CURRENT WOODED STATE OF - 109
NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM - - .
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